This brief article considers the role of LGBTIQ+ refugee led community based organisations in Nairobi, Kenya, and the reasons humanitarian agencies should partner with such organisations. The article argues that LGBTIQ+ refugee led CBOs are uniquely placed to meet the livelihoods, psycho-social, community health and legal protection needs of LGBTIQ+ refugees; and that these organisations are already undertaking this work. By partnering with these organisations, humanitarian agencies can strengthen their protection capabilities for LGBTIQ+ refugees in Nairobi.
The article provides specific examples of leaders of LGBTIQ+ refugee led CBOs calling for humanitarian agency support and partnership; importantly, such partnerships could increase the safety and acceptance of LGBTIQ+ refugees in the wider refugee community.