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Paper short abstract:

This paper offers an ethnographic account of spaces in Nairobi that queer women and non-binary folk create for themselves, with particular focus on the political possibilities of cultivating queer joy as a form of resistance

Paper long abstract:

"When entering the space, I want it to feel like a whole another universe where anything is possible - like escaping the Matrix.", an organizer of a women-only party described her vision for the event she was planning. This paper offers an ethnographic account of spaces in Nairobi that queer women and non-binary folk create for themselves, with particular focus on the political possibilities of cultivating queer joy as a form of resistance - a recurrent theme during my 12-month fieldwork in Nairobi (over the years 2019-2022). Various Nairobian queer groups, collectives and individuals engage in creating informal queer spaces that focus on cultivating joy, including parties, picnics, artistic performances and hangouts. These spaces are temporary in nature and take place in varying locations and venues. The boundaries of queer spaces are not fixed, but are constantly negotiated through different understandings of inclusivity, safety and target audiences within the queer communities, as well as in relation to the wider society.

The importance of having spaces for celebration, joy and "breathing freely" (Ahmed 2010) is highlighted, as the recent cases homophobic violence remind of the vulnerability and risk associated to living queerly in Kenya. Joyful moments offer, not only a momentary escape from homophobia and hetero-centric norms, but also an opportunity to imagine full, fleshy and fun queer lives, that can thrive despite the obstacles, and refuse "miserable fates", often associated to queer lives. Spaces organized by and for queer people represent hope by allowing the exploration of possibilities for a queer future.