What are we about?
BNA is the brainchild of Chris ‘Makena’ Murithi a former BBC journalist who resigned their job in 2021 to make this their life work. This was after they were outed publicly in the media and the ugly aftermath that followed but instead of cowering to the humiliation this experience fueled their spirit to stand boldly in their truth.
In 2021 they knew then that they wanted to form a movement that could help so many other queer people in Africa and having a journalistic background, Chris choose to do this through storytelling, music and art and training.
How we do it?
Storytelling:
We use film and documentaries to tell powerful, real-life stories of the queer community in Africa to the world. Our aim is to inspire and educate society in a bid to end discrimination and aid in social-economic justice.
Training:
We offer training to organizations across Africa to help make the environments where queer people work to be more inclusive, friendly and respectful. We help eliminate bullying at the workplace due to one’s sexual orientation. We challenge different organizations to start championing inclusive marketing campaigns to represent their gay consumers. We encourage firms to employ more LGBTQ people in their teams and boards.
Music & Arts:
Music and Art is so personal and subjective, just like one’s sexual orientation. We support the continent’s creatives as they work to tell African stories through music, art and fashion, with sentiment and depth. We use music art to educate and change the different societal norms.
Why Bold?
BOLD is an acronym for Brave, Odd, Loud, and Different. Exactly everything we are about! We are Bold to inspire change and end discrimination of the LGBTQNC+ community.
Our focus is to demystify stereotypes and encourage acceptance in the continent and around the world.
Our mission is to advocate for inclusivity and laws that will protect the queer community through the impactful stories we tell.
Our vision is to have a BOLD and free Africa where the queer community is treated as an equal in every aspect of life!
Why we are doing it?
“I don’t only do it for me; I do it for those who came before me who were abused and mistreated, those who have had to live a quiet life all their life like their own shadow. I do it for those in my generation who have gone through so much pain constantly introducing yourself as a lie so that society can accept you, those like me who have had to turn their pain into power and be BOLD. I do it for those who will come after me who should never have to go through shame and isolation, I do it for this generation who need to grow in love and acceptance for who they are! So every time you wonder why I am doing it this is exactly why. It matters to me so I will keep on doing it!”
~Chris ‘Makena’ Murithi, CEO & Founder at Bold Network Africa
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