Skip to content

Okong’o Kinyanjui

A deep skin toned Black man is smiling with his mouth closed. He is wearing a dark t-shirt. He has short Twisted hair and a full mustache and beard. The photo is black and white and the background features two colored circles, one which is orange and the other pink .

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Queer African Network

Kenya

Okong’o Kinyanjui is the co-founder and executive director of the Queer African Network (QAN), a social and professional networking platform for LGBTQ+ persons of African heritage. QAN’s membership has expanded to 2,500 members in 18 countries. The organization continues to co-design and build its platform with its members to ensure they can make safe connections, access opportunities, and exchange resources. In 2022, Okong’o gave a TED Talk about QAN, which has received over 1 million views, and he has also presented his work before the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Okong’o values interdisciplinary approaches to problems and believes that for projects to be successful, we must recognize the deep interconnectedness across all issue areas.

Your support turns hope into action

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

More Leaders Africa

More about the Leaders Program

A headshot of a young woman smiling at the camera. The young woman has olive skin and brown eyes. She has dark curly hair that hits her shoulders and is wearing a blue denim shirt.

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

Learn more