What happened after that?
The film was banned for seven days and a court ruling unbanned it so we could be eligible for the Oscars. We sold out every single screening in every single theatre. In fact, they accommodated all the people outside who were refusing to leave until they’d watched the film. They had to open more cinema halls. Once people watched the film, my goodness, the response was out of this world. Kenyans really loved and appreciated the film. We had a lot of LGBTQI organisations buy out entire theatres for anyone in the queer community who wanted to watch the film but didn’t have means to pay for a ticket or who couldn’t get caught being at the film.
Growing up, did you know any LGBTQI people?
I used to have a very close friend, and we were kids, so I didn’t really understand much, but he was fabulous, for lack of a better word. There were these little things about him that I thought were very different to other boys and I think I loved him more because of that.
Why was it important for you to take this role?
I am able to offer a positive voice when it comes to queer life, queer art and literally just fighting for LGBTQI rights everywhere. I get stopped and people are like, “You did such a beautiful job. Thank you so much.” I’m so grateful I get to also speak about the film, because it goes with the positivity and tenderness shown in the film itself.
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