News
Published in 2026
The West African LGBTQI movement has remained remarkably resilient and vocal on issues of social justice and sexual rights, even in the face of backlash. Despite the rise of cultural and religious fundamentalist movements, activists from LGBTQI movements continue to organize in creative and unconventional ways, remaining dedicated to sustaining their advocacy and strengthening the movement.
Since its creation in 2021, ISDAO’s Asanka Creative Initiatives Fund has been supporting activists and organizations in implementing creative and innovative advocacy projects aimed at strengthening the LGBTQI movement in West Africa.
To learn from the experiences of the first cohort of partners funded by the pilot fund, ISDAO commissioned a case study to assess the challenges encountered, the impact of the projects, and the recommendations emerging from their work.
The report titled “Creativity in Action, the Movement in Motion!” highlights the initiatives that received grants during the fund’s first cycle and assesses the experiences of the grantees.
It also explores their lessons learned, areas for improvement, and their recommendations for the future of the fund, to strengthen its impact on the broader LGBTQI movement in the subregion.
We are also pleased to launch the Asanka Microsite, a dedicated repository of resources and projects produced by Asanka grantee-partners.
Over four cycles, the fund has supported a diverse range of queer storytelling and creative advocacy initiatives, including films, podcasts, documentaries, film festivals, music production, visual art, and the creation of safe artistic spaces.
In a bid to champion the bold work of LGBTQI activists and organizers and support the visibility of their projects, this platform features works we hope will inspire and empower the movement, serving as a source of motivation, a space for sharing queer stories, and a toolkit for advocacy within LGBTQI movements in West Africa and beyond.
