This paper centers the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals seeking refuge in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. It examines how the humanitarian aid system – designed to provide protection and assistance – addresses, or often fails to address, their unique needs and the risks they face in a context where same-sex relations are criminalized and societal stigma is pervasive. Utilizing a theoretical framework grounded in situated knowledge and relational agency, this research delves into how queer individuals in Kakuma experience the humanitarian aid system, the significant risks they face, and the mechanisms they employ to navigate this challenging environment. Findings reveal that the heteronormative orientation inscribed within the humanitarian response often leads to the neglect and denial of essential assistance and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals. This manifests as discrimination, exclusion, harassment, and the ever-present threat of structural and physical violence, thereby intensifying fears and vulnerabilities in exile in a space constructed to offer sanctuary for those forced to flee. However, the research also highlights the resilience of LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite these challenges, they actively forge spaces of safety – both physical and emotional – foster networks of exchange and mutual support, and demonstrate agency through diverse individual and, crucially, collective strategies.
