Homosexual acts were already illegal in Uganda, but a new law has criminalised it even further.
Hi John,
There’s still time to add your name and message of support to LGBTQI+ activists facing increased hostility in Uganda.
Homosexual acts were already illegal in Uganda, but a new law has criminalised it even further. The legislation decrees a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality and calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Pride and resistance
People of all sexual orientations will come together this month to celebrate LGBTQI+ rights, achievements, and pride. In countries where sexual diversities are more accepted, celebrations can be loud and proud. In other countries where violence and persecution persist, celebrations may be more discrete.
But even in the face of great adversity, we can be sure that people will come together to celebrate who they are.
Pride has its roots in resistance and protest. On this day in 1969, the New York City Police stormed The Stonewall Inn, a queer bar in New York, sparking the six days of protest and resistance by the LGBTQI+ community. News coverage brought the issue of violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQI+ community to the mainstream. In 1970, on the year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, the first Pride parade was held in New York City.
Annual Pride celebrations are now held in cities, towns, and villages across the globe as well as decades of organising, mobilising, and movement building to achieve LGBTQI+ rights and freedoms.
Stepping up as an ally
We stand in solidarity with our friends, allies, and partners in East Africa and celebrate their power, allyship, and commitment to staying true to themselves, particularly in the face of adversity.
Please join us in countering the homophobia faced by the Ugandan LGBTQI+ community by sharing a message of solidarity, care, and support. Simply add your name and/or include a message below.
We will share these messages with LGBTQI+ activists in Uganda in the hope they might find encouragement from messages of support from around the world.
With best wishes,
Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team Womankind Worldwide
Header image: royalty-free stock photo by Anete Lusina for Pexels.
