Home is a Closet OR Gay in Nairobi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._N._Taber

I rarely visit gay bars these days, not least because I am 73 now and having to deal with various age-related health issues, arthritis and prostate cancer among them. Even so, I have always made a point of looking on the bright side of life and that will never change.  I have always enjoyed the convivial atmosphere of a gay bar, and felt safer there too. so am saddened that so many across London have closed in recent years.

Last summer, I happened to be in Soho and could not resist calling in at Comptons, one of London’s oldest gay bars. If you’re on your own and looking for a chat (or whatever) it’s not so easy to make eye contact with anyone these days as most people are glued to their mobile phones.  However, I did get chatting with two guys who were on holiday from Nairobi, and dreading their return given that  gay couples risk 5 to 10 years imprisonment in Kenya.

Kenya does not recognise LGBT rights so neither guy had dared confide in either their families or even many old friends. One mentioned that his mother was always saying ‘There’s no place like home’ adding ‘and don’t we know it!’ with such feeling, and a meaningful glance at his companion, that it brought tears to all our eyes. I asked if they had considered seeking asylum in a gay-friendly country, but both shook their heads and said they could not bear to leave their families behind in spite of everything.

International Conference Centre, Nairobi (Wikipedia)

African buffalo in Kenya (Wikipedia)

The poem is a villanelle.

HOME IS A CLOSET or GAY IN NAIROBI

Nairobi City, fine capital of Kenya

a thriving hub of business and culture,

no place for the gay or transgender

Brave vision of one, Jomo Kenyatta

(breaking free of colonialism forever)

Nairobi City, fine capital of Kenya

For all its bold, progressive agenda,

a success tale flowing on like its river,

no place for the gay or transgender

A feel for the pulse of all Africa,

the sightseer’s dream trip like no other,

Nairobi City, fine capital of Kenya

A National Park, hymn to nature,

diverse wildlife famous the world over;

no place for the gay or transgender

On the face of it, all one could desire,

growing population, heart beating faster;

Nairobi City, fine capital of Kenya,

No place for the gay or transgender

Copyright R N Taber, 2019