Abstract
This paper examines the intersection of religion, spirituality, and legal frameworks within Kenya’s patriarchal society to explore the resilience and vulnerability of LGBTQIA+ communities. Using an Afro-feminist hermeneutical lens, the study situates these communities as central to discussions of justice and mercy, highlighting their lived realities in the face of systemic oppression. The critique focuses on the Kenya Family Protection Bill (2023), interrogating its implications for marginalized groups and assessing its alignment with the ethical imperatives of Micah 6:1-8. The calling of Micah 6:8 for justice, mercy, and humility serves as a theological foundation for re-imagining societal and legal structures. This paper argues that while African religious and spiritual contexts often reinforce patriarchal norms and marginalization, they also hold the potential to foster resilience and dismantle oppressive systems when interpreted through liberative perspectives. Engaging the dual themes of vulnerability and resilience enables one to see how biblical justice and mercy can inform more equitable societal and legal practices. An Afro-feminist lens amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, challenging exclusionary interpretations of religion and law. Ultimately, this paper calls for safe, inclusive dialogues to re-imagine African realities where advocacy for the vulnerable, particularly LGBTQIA+ individuals, becomes integral to the pursuit of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Presenters
Dorcas Chebet JumaOrdained Minister and Senior Lecturer, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Pwani University, Coast, Kenya
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Resilience Vulnerability Justice Afro-feminist Lens LGBTQIA+ Kenya Family Protection Bill
