This article explores why the LGBTQ+ community in Sudan has not organized into a social and political movement, even after the 2019 revolution in the country which provided a window of opportunity to demand liberal political goals like freedom, dignity and rights. The article claims that it is a ‘pre-movement’ for social and political change where the first and necessary step is to create circles of social acceptance and empowerment within the community itself, before it can engage in identity politics and mobilize as a collective group. The work of the pre-movement should not be underestimated as apolitical as it is an informed strategy that aims to empower LGBTQ+ persons to embrace their sexual and gender identity, disclose experiences of discrimination and homophobia and ultimately empower them to speak out and demand respect and rights. The pre-movement work therefore signals an important arena of LGBTQ+ intentionality and of projects of empowerment and identity.