Childhood Trauma and its Effects among Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Ugandan Refugees Living in Nairobi, Kenya

This study focused on childhood trauma experienced by Ugandan refugees living in Nairobi, Kenya who identify as lesbians, gays and bisexual. It keyed on the forms of childhood trauma; effects of childhood trauma; the challenges of living as a lesbian, gay and bisexual and the extent to consultation with other. Data were collected utilizing a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics especially frequencies and relative frequencies. The results revealed that physical trauma (beating, pushing. slapping and even bruising), psychological trauma (such as witnessing or learning of a traumatic event at home or in the neighborhood) and sexual trauma were high among the respondents. The study also showed that effects of trauma included neuro-physio-biological ailments as well as psychological and behavioral effects. Those interviewed were found to face multiple challenge, including traumatic sexual experiences, being victims of non-sexual violence and feelings of worthless, extreme sadness and guilt, among others. Ugandan lesbian, gay and bisexual refugees living in Nairobi. Kenya, highly confided in others during distressing experiences. Among the conclusions emanating from the results of this study were that Ugandan lesbian, gay and bisexual refugees living in Nairobi, Kenya experience the forms of mamma documented in the literature and that childhood trauma has multiple effects on individuals taking forms such as neurophysiological, psychological and emotional. In addition, it was concluded that Ugandan lesbians, gays and bisexual refugees put up with a large compliment of challenges, including sexual and non-sexual violence. Among other, the study recommended that there is need for public to be educated on the rights of existence of minority populations and to intensify the provision of social support for individuals who identify as lesbians, gays and bisexuals.