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COC Netherlands, Pan Africa ILGA, and ILGA Asia launched a new guide in June 2025:
“Allyship for the Queer Movement(s): Nurturing Courageous & Difficult Conversations”
Part of the Power of Pride programme, this publication gathers stories and strategies from local partners across Asia and Africa on what meaningful allyship looks like in practice.
Around the world, LGBTQI+ rights face increasing pressure. Yet, bold and creative grassroots efforts are rising to meet these challenges – through advocacy, dialogue, and bridge-building. This guide highlights these efforts: from opening up difficult conversations to creating safer communities, even in the most polarized environments.
With insights from countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Rwanda, and Uganda, this guide showcases what is possible when allies step up, listen, and act.
Kenyan activist Andrea Odiek (she/her) shares her powerful insights on what allyship means to her. In this interview, she reflects on the importance of solidarity, love, and support within communities—especially in the face of growing challenges.
What does the notion of ally mean to you?
Allyship to me means the unconditional presence in solidarity with each other in all spheres of life, expressing love, understanding, respect, and humanity.
Why do you think allyship research is important today?
Research on allyship is important to reflect and recognize all fonts of allies and the roles they have had to play in our lives because I believe they have all played and solved certain integral parts of our existences that have been targeted by anti-rights/movement groups.
Can you tell us about a moment when you had an experience as an ally that deeply marked or inspired you?
Absolutely! In 2023, I experienced allyship through neighbours, both chosen and blood family, and the community at large through the random check-ins and affirmation I received that I am worthy of love, respect, prosperity, growth, and living despite the hate that was moving around for the community. Since then, I unapologetically lived and thrived in my truth and reality. The universe has vibrated a positive aura as well.
What did you learn from the research on the ally?
We have love and support within us that we can tap into for our existence amidst the recent rise of anti-rights and anti-gender movements. This will leave us rejuvenated each time we experience inadequacy for us to keep on fighting.
What did you learn from participating in this ally research?
We have different interpretations of who and how allyship has played roles in our different lives from different socio-economic and political environments, and it’s warming to the heart for the different lived experiences of allyship.
How do you think research can have a positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community?
I believe the research can positively impact the LGBTQIA+ community by flowering us with love, compassion, understanding, healing, and peace.
And what would be the best use of it?
Understand the different lived experiences and domesticate what are the pick-up lessons to how best they fit our different contexts.
Photos by: Micklin Korsuize she/her
