Ishmael started his human rights work in 2004 when he initiated a kitty for LGBTI individuals from where they could access funds to assist each other when they were faced with challenges. This initiative led to the birth of Mombasa Brotherhood in 2006 that later grew into the current PEMA Kenya in 2008, a local organization that deals with the rights of LGBTI persons in the coastal region of Kenya.

His inspiration to join the human rights work was the numerous attacks of LGBTI persons in the area and his personal experiences.His greatest achievement is the establishment of an LGBTI movement in that works with religious leaders to champion for rights of the LGBTI community and to help Queer Muslims reconcile their Islam and sexual identities. He has also taken many budding HRDs under his wing offering them mentorship.

He was recently awarded the best Community Mobilizer for the Muslim Community by The Inner Circle, A Muslim Human Rights Organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa.Advocating for LGBTI rights in the Coast region, predominantly Muslim and highly homophobic community, has left him vulnerable to threats and forced evictions. His courage, determination, passion and hope have enabled him to overcome these challenges.

“It is my joy whenever I see the little drops of
my effort creating a ripple in the still waters of the ocean,” Ishamel