BOMBASTIC

COVER PHOTO FEMALE TO MALE TRANSGENDER

Our Voices, Our Stories, Our Lives

© 2015 Having our goals and vision clearly embedded at the back of our minds has been one of the factors FROM THE EDITOR that has kept us strong to continue with this work even amidst Uganda’s hostile environment. We will not stop until we have reached each Ugandan and spread the right information regarding LGBTI persons as it is not fair for them to have one sided information that is not even close to the truth. I would wholeheartedly like to thank all the people that have worked tirelessly to have this issue out on time. The people who so generously donated their money for the development and printing of the magazine, we are forever indebted to you. The Kuchu Times team that spent sleepless nights to make sure the magazine was up to standard, thank you very much and of course all the readers, followers Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and supporters of Kuchu Times and Bombastic, we would not be able to do this without you. Greetings our esteemed readers, This Edition of Bombastic covers different topics from Transgender, religion, human rights, parenting Mbalamusizza nnyo mwenna mu biti byammwe to sports among many others. We hope everyone It is with great excitement and pride that I present to can find a piece to relate to; one that will give them you the second edition of Bombastic Magazine. The enormous hope to hang on in spite of what they articles carried herein are not fictional- they are the might be dealing with. Times are quickly changing and we must help our societies change with them; I lives of several Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender believe that everyone should have a right to be who and Intersex Ugandans. People, like you and I, who they are and not be judged for it and hopefully with have been stigmatized for so long are now opening this magazine, more people will adapt this belief up and sharing their lives with the world like never too. The online version can be accessed from our before. online media platform which also has a television The first issue of Bombastic, published and and Radio. Join the more than 2million viewers to distributed in December 2014 and more copies given keep updated about our work. out in July 2015 evoked emotions and responses we I wish you all great reading and do not forget to get never even dreamed of. People reached out to us to back to us with your reactions and comments avail them with more information on LGBTI issues and noted that most were anti LGBTI simply because FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY all the information handed down to them made our Aluta Continua community out to be nothing but immoral and out to get their children. We had parents asking us how best they could mend their relationships with their LGBTI identifying children and others inquiring how they could help their children cope with the stigma that comes with Editor In Chief being a sexual and gender minority in Uganda. On the whole, we achieved what we set out to do and Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera attitudes are changing gradually. Communications Director On the downside, we experienced a number of obstacles especially during the distribution of the Jannet Lisa magazine. The Minister of Ethics and Integrity Fr. [email protected] Simon Lokodo on several occasions threatened to have us arrested and even said he would have all the Administration Director published copies burnt. Some of our field volunteers Muganzi Ruth were also apprehended and others intimidated but none of that stopped them from resiliently going [email protected] ahead with the task at hand. Programs Director Chanel [email protected] TRANSGENDER TRANSGENDER

realized the oddity of our family. But it was I WON’T APOLOGISE FOR my family. It was the family that accepted BEING ME my own oddity. I was a very girly By Cleo Kambugu kid growing up I remember my When I was approached by the not lack but learnt from an early it came to me. mother being called Bombastic magazine team to be age to appreciate the fact that to my kindergarten However my mother made sure the main feature of this year’s money was a visitor and ought because I refused to clearly translate my father’s edition, I was flabbergasted to be respected when he came to play with toy cars sentiments into physical terms. and torn to pieces about what I by. We were constantly reminded like other boys and She was a woman of the whip. would have to say to the readers that the world owed us nothing was scrambling for She did not speak much because or where I would get the time to and anything good that would dolls. That evening words served no purpose. Her write. You see, I haven’t written in come out of our lives would be she bought me a sentiments could only be a long time, and that can leave out of hard work not because we Barbie doll with transcribed into painful lashes. anyone pretty rusty. And for me, were born with a silver spoon in golden long hair and She did not have a designated writing is not something that I can our mouths. We were taught that pink dresses. Very area to apply her strokes; it will at my pleasure, it comes to life would be full of many ups and soon I would start to was all over the body. Keeping me and the words come crushing down, and the test of our maturity emulate my choice quiet as she administered her onto the page like a wave. That’s and resilience would be how we of clothes with medicine meant defiance and why I have been procrastinating dealt with the deserts because my dolls’ clothes. stubbornness, the more you doing my autobiography for the they would come in legion. Oddly enough, I do turned the more she whipped, longest time; the time and the not remember any We were taught to value and so you had to scream, yell, and determination to see it through one questioning respect the people we met on beg for forgiveness. It was only have just never come. my choice of our way up because we would then that she would understand clothes, and my very I have been scratching my head, meet them on our way down. But that you felt remorseful and feminine demeanor. trying to look for the words-so most of all, our father valued and understood your fault. It was the Every so often, I that they can come out right, so he gave us an education. We did only way for her to understand was complemented that my message could make an not go to the best of schools, and that you felt the pain you caused about my legs impact. When someone puts me were not able to afford all the her. and beauty and on a pedestal then all of a sudden niceties that some kids could but compared with I fall into this perfectionist mode we were able to go to school. I was a hard headed kid growing my sister. I also where nothing I want to say up; they used to call me Dennis remember that they seems right or good enough. But It was not an option, whether you the menace. I would often find used to call me girl’s I will tell the story of my life … wanted to go to school or not. myself in some sort of mischief, here here here here Phototext text text text By Your Your Your Your Eddie Mokaya None on Recnrd name. It wasn’t out of ridicule; my life! At the end of every school term, and she made sure to remind we would queue up to give him me of my flaws. But she was a they really likened me to a girl. kids who are glued to the silver were divided. I guess it is at this I was born in a small Kampala our reports. It was a ceremony loving mother, and I have come In Primary school, I was called screen. But the games we played moment that I remember my suburb called Bakuli, in a marked with tears and laughter to appreciate her even more as an a boy girl and had the weirdest were played by both boys and world crushing and I felt lost. polygamous family of twelve depending of course on what adult. I now know that her canes of relationships with my friends girls alike. The world asked me to choose. It children. Though my father had your report card had. My father were not because she hated us. My who were boys. They were not wasn’t much of an option really, sired children from different was not a violent man so he mother had three kids- me being sexual but they were always oddly as it asked me to conform more women, it was his wish that all never whipped or spanked us at the middle born, my older sister protective of me, and I loved it. I There was no wrong in a boy to boyhood, a gender I didn’t his children grew up together school or at home. He however and younger brother. Though did not have so many friends who playing salamia or skipping the really relate with. Though I still in one home, and knew each made you appreciate and ponder we weren’t many, I guess it was were boys though. I relished in rope. When we played mommy wanted to play my salamia and other. Now that I have grown up hard about your performance. He the vagaries of a polygamous the company of girls, I found them and daddy I was always mommy, round games, all of a sudden I and heard about other people’s was good with his word; they marriage, and the lack that easier to relate or talk to. Football and looking back I do not was considered weird and quaky experiences, I respect him for his caressed as gently as a lover turned her into a bitter woman. was not my greatest forte, in fact remember it coming up even whenever did. decision, and for leaving up to his when he was pleased, and hit as Being married now, I cannot even none of the traditionally boyish once or even being questioned responsibilities. painful as a leather whip when fathom how she was able to go But I was a defiant kid; not hobbies really were. I loved about having to always take up he wasn’t. I guess it is from him, through her youth sharing her defiant for defiance’s sake, but playing hide and seek, salamia, the female role. We did not have much growing genetically or out of nurture that husband and home with another because I knew I wasn’t what the up; my father who had had a round game, seven stones among I learnt to wield the power of the woman. But this other woman, my But then we grew up and it world was telling me to conform very successful run as a boxing other girly games. We never had a tongue. We are both painfully step mother loved us and steps became distinct what roles to- I could not really put a finger promoter and travelled widely lot of digital TV growing up so we frank people, cut out of the same or not, our family had a bond like and games girls and boys were to it, but I knew I was different. At had hit a snug. But he still had a myriad of games to play to cloth. I guess the apple did not no other. I personally think that supposed to play, things became the age of 12 while my brothers provided the best he could. We did occupy our selves, not like today’s fall far away from the tree when it is after growing up that we all sexual and tense, and our worlds asked and scattered for separate

4 5 TRANSGENDER TRANSGENDER male lodging, I refused to move for some reason, unlike other make sure not to talk or sit or and propose to me openly and persons, our troubles start from the labels that I thought I was and remained in the girls’ lodging boys, meant a huger butt and touch what I touched; to them not keep me as a terrible secret not having a language to define were wrong to society. and it was not contested. I now budding boobs. I was a very odd thing and they between the sheets in a dark one’s self to disprove the abuse wonder if it was because my did not know how to relate with empty frigid room in the wee and questions we face both from You’re never given a template, parents thought that there was I was a late bloomer and would me. But those two types I could hours of the night. within and from without. While as a trans person, that explains less harm that would come to me, not develop facial hair until stand up to. It was the third kind I most people deal with identity how to define yourself, what your if I stayed in the girl’s lodging, my second year in university. cringed from. The third kind that But what I appreciate about my crises, it is usually about as trivial gender is or what a relationship or if they merely struggled Nevertheless it was not harmful- ridiculed me in public and made painful youth was that it helped as a choice of career, or what to and sex might look like. It wasn’t with raising a queer kid whose this scrutiny and I was used to comments, yet they would come me grow. I always say I was forged wear. But for us, it is from who until I was 23 and stumbled into queerness they understood, and it, I was always the object of into my bed at night and sexually in fire and blood. Through all my you are from within and how a queer bar in Kampala that I had to constantly be reminded amazement, the whole school, abuse me. This kind knew no one experiences, I grew layer upon that is incongruent with what began to find a community of of- you know, that it was wrong, teachers and students alike knew would believe me if I told anyone, layer, like an onion, of resilience, society tells you to be or what people who were like me- it was and that the world would be hard about the girl boy who was I. But because they always uttered the confidence and self esteem. And your pubertal body is sprouting so liberating. I had good grades, was never when I finally put my foot down for me because of that. most offensive homophobic slurs into. Without a blue print to People ask me about when I found evolved in any mischief, and was at and they were also sought to the world, and said it was refer to, to define one’s self and In high school, I still kept female an exemplary student, save for over, it really was. I was not to out I was transgender. I know that after by a legion of girls, some my with no support system to lean they are trying to be respectful friends for company;, it was hard my flaw- my mismatched gender. girl friends. allow any more abuse from any on, or to love and support you to go to the loos as the boys and that they are ignorant, My father had a hostel, and earlier unconditionally, several often but I find it a very ridiculous would either not let me in or They knew I would not tell, lose confidence and self esteem struggle to undress me to check while all my brothers had moved because if I did, I would be question. But I entertain their into the male lodging I had stayed and recede into a painful lonely ridiculousness, by asking them if I was male or female. I opted blamed for bringing harm to solitude. As a teenager, though to only ease myself when I went in the girl’s. But it was not until myself because of my girliness, when they realized they were form 3, that I was actually asked I exuded a pseudo confidence boys. One does not choose to be back home in the evening or and I would instead be blamed for protection, I suffered with between lessons. High school was to move to the boy’s lodging. for luring them. So I endured the trans, it is not a life choice. There I guess for me that is when my identity crisis and self esteem, I is no moment that one can tick hard, the boys were mean but it pain and did not tell a soul. My did not know who I was and did was only verbal. I was thankfully problems started and I guess naivety was stripped from me at and say this is when I realized I they thought it would harden me not like what the whole world am a boy. I guess the realization hard headed and still stuck to my such a tender age and it was not was struggling to tell me I was or guns. I was also a class prefect into manhood; that I would learn by a lover, but through abuse- is that you are not what everyone more about being a boy if they should be because I knew I was expects you to be and for me that and would always be required to abuse that went on and on and neither. But I did not have the take books to the teachers’ staff weaned me off the company of on without ceasing. In a very was my puberty. girls, and moved me to the boys’ language or knowledge to know room for marking; there, I can pathological way, I always talk where to put the mark. But my identity growing up and never forget the look on teachers’ lodging. Since my girly phase about how this abuse was the did not seem to be lifting, they to this day was not and is not faces whenever I walked in. I was only intimacy I knew and came to As infants, we were free to delimited to a box I can tick to an androgynous kid tending to thought that it would help if they live with. In the oddest of ways, unapologetically express weaned me off the hard way. validate and assert my position the girly side and teachers would it affirmed my femininity and my ourselves the way we wanted. in the diversity of humanity. I’m always make comments, some in What they did not know, is the allure to the male kind. But like The lines between the genders just me, a complexity of the many awe, some in amazements and abuse I suffered while in that I always say it was not gay men one, I would not expect any less was blurred, I can’t tell if it is different ingredients that define others just questioning and not boys’ lodging-those were four from the west who made me or any more respect than the because kids are not sexualized me, none more important than understanding. painful years. It was hard enough queer, or defiled me into gayness. next person, you did not have to or because kids’ minds at that the other and if ever I choose to that I had to endure verbal It was straight boys, sons of the understand me to treat me nicely, age were not yet corrupted by a elevate any over the other it is I vividly remember this one time land. Boys who have grown into and I was not to shrink to make system that over emphasizes and when I went to the staff room in homophobic abuse at school but for completely political reason at least I could go home to my married men with wives and other people feel good about moralizes labels. But as we grow, to educate people that nature is my sportswear, and after handing kids and have since risen to high themselves. The same privilege we are in constant conversation the math teacher the books, God sweet haven, but now I had to live not as simplistic as they put it, with them. We were incompatible- respectable echelons in society. life accorded other people, I with society, it telling us how we and cannot be reduced to over rest her soul, I was literally asked These men would never lay a demanded for myself. I went to should or should not eat, talk, to stand in the middle of the room boys, and I; they had no notion of simplified superficial identifiers. I hygiene and organisation, and the finger on me now because they Makerere University and stayed behave, what jobs we should also tell people that labels do not and slowly turn around for them know I know. in the most patriarchal of male choose, what religions we should to look at me and try to figure whole hostel, reeked of a mélange define my fate; my fate lies in my of putrid, pungent horrifying halls - Livingstone Hall. It had an opt for, and what we should not. palms. I am not any less labeled out if I was male or female. They I guess to them, I was a piece age old patriarchal male legacy I guess for me it is at that point all concluded that I was female, smells-you could have thought of their sexual adventure; an than the next cisgender person something had died in there. But about it, but the four years I was that I realized that the labels and loathe being treated as a apart from my math teacher who exploration of their sexuality a resident there I asserted my full that defined me were wrong, tried to convince them that I was that was to be the least of my and perhaps an opportunity of a crippled charity case. Victimhood worries. There were three types queerness unapologetically with and immoral, alien and aberrant. is not a color that goes well male because she had my student release and test drive, but for me reckless abandon. It is at that point that I receded registration details. However, all of boys that abused me. There it was abuse. Abuse I for a long with my skin. I learnt this from was the type that was completely into my shell and knew that who a tender age. I grew up in a her convincing fell on dumb ears time could not talk about. It was But it flawed me, my upbringing I was would put me in harm’s and it did not help that I had the repulsed by my sight, and always not that their defilement made I mean, I struggled to just exist, family of 15 and suffered a lot asked my girl friends why they way. Whenever that conversation of abuse and struggle for me to softest voice ever, and when other me start liking men, no. I loved happiness eluded me, and I came up, I tried my level best to boys’ voices’ broke, mine just hung out with me and scolded men, I was attracted to men, I did not really know who I was know that I was not born with a them for spoiling me. There were shield myself from it, because silver spoon in my mouth and the refused. It did not help matters just did not act on it, and in my and where I fitted in. In all this neither had the language nor the that I had the most feminine the passive aggressive ones, who fantasy world I dreamt of a time I asserted myself. Unlike most world owes me nothing, and that wouldn’t say anything but would confidence to come out and say the world detests and tramples curves and that for me puberty when someone would love me cis gendered or transgender that this is who I was- for even

6 7 TRANSGENDER on weakness. I do acknowledge to clarify my sexuality, and I guess feet and answering them will WHY CAN’T YOU SEE ME? Memoirs that my ‘transness’ and blackness it was then that I felt the pressure shake them up into realizing that make me less privileged than to choose my identity, and be there is no wrong in being me By Nshimi Grimmon of a the next cisgender person, but more clear about what that was. that I should feel any less and at to reduce myself to mediocrity least they leave with a morsel of What did I ever do to you? At some point, I thought mine lesbian love because of that, I guess for me knowledge about trans people That you hate my guts you want to boil my blood that would be where I draw the were sexuality issues, and so and would never ridicule another line. thought I was gay. But later on trans person. So I speak, I talk and Am I really that bad to see? By Elle when I was able to interact with I question myself, to help people When you fuck a bitch and betray your wife I like to imagine love can pull What I learnt from my life the gay community in Uganda I unlearn, learn and relearn what experiences is that we let felt that, that label did not feel And I'm just kissing the love of my life one’s essence like a red sun at was socialised in them by default. dusk people discriminate and think right and there on started my Why am I not good enough for you? less of us when we choose to journey to self realisation and I enlighten them, for me it is that Strange!!!! HUH but true…. so think less of our selves. We give determination, from developing so many things are not discussed real and beautiful I wish I could their defamatory statements the the urgency and confidence to in my continent and are relegated When I live my life why do you have to have sudden control? show you power to break us down, when define myself. to the realm of controversy as an I'm still the same me I’m a radical African lesbian we choose to not deserve to be excuse and justification for them feminist, she said But once my sexuality is out you back stab me Me too…….. From and on the Am I really no good? outside Am I good to belong in the trash with the verbal by pass? I remembered once when I was Do I even belong? overthrowing my thoughts They say we are but we must follow one law for doubts she said, I don’t do one night stands, it’s got to be spiritual before it graduates to A piece of me is dead by living a life of lies physical Saying I love girls when the other team is more cute In that instant, my sense of urgency was lost to time I lost all my faith in you creatures Lost in a web of feelings so I can't call you people indescribably strong Discussion panel during Pride transday 2015 Cause people care for each other they don't slaughter We did it over the sound of a television. a part of the fold. The question In Uganda, there is a lose not being discussed while many You choke me like death Surrounded by grave quiet we we should always strive to ask dichotomy between sexual people continue to suffer and could almost hear our gazes ourselves is do they deserve you? orientation and gender identity. die in silence scared to talk about You hold my breath Most trans people in my country them. For me it is that so many their radiation so real……..so Though I knew I was not gay, I are pre op, and hence are just seen technocrats, politician’s people You're stabbing me with a phobic picture of me passionate………..soIntense also knew I was not your ordinary as very fabulous, unapologetic we trust with our countries are Am I too slutty for you even though I've never been with someone? As we practiced an art girl loving cis gender male boy. daring effeminate gay men scared to ask some questions very ancient, intimate, I knew I was not comfortable in or butch lesbians and are not because they will be judged and Siamese…………………………… my bones and mahood or what tolerated and targeted for abuse. called perverts and incompetent. My leader once said burn all the gays Wonderful in the present yet society suggested I ought to do It is only now that some of our law A lot of information is relegated Are we really that bad that we must be burnt at the stakes? forever greater in memory. or not to do as an African male. makers, I guess as a result of the into common sense when it Growing up, my peculiar gender I thought we are supposed to love The reality, so sad, I may never long AHA battle that did not go actually isn’t, and what that see her again expression was mostly comicised, well, came to the understanding means is that people who do Not hate one another I was often referred to as boy girl, of the difference between not have the information will But I still cling to my last ray of nyabo and other several female sexual minorities and trans not ask for it for fear of being hope because I know titles. people. There is now a law that called incompetent or ignorant But I have finally seen different sexual phobias I soared like a bird every time I felt her presence, But these were only stale jokes criminalises trans people who or perverts for asking such simple A world without peace fighting everyday used by friends, family, and bullies seek medical surgery whenever things. With chains that are grey Our breaths mingling, taking alike. The pressure only became they seek their citizenship to be turns to out recognised for example when As such our country, or system Why can't you see me? more real as I approached my is managed by ignorant people and from the core of her heart, I puberty and was expected to trying to get travel documents or I'm just not good enough for your world of normal creatures to be. drew pivotal life lessons. just identity documents. who are too scared to ask they subscribe to gender and its roles would rather legislate based on Inspiration, a passionate that were distinct to masculinity, I understand that while some ignorance rather than ask for fear satisfying feeling of Eternity. and that also meant separate people ask me questions to of being ridiculed themselves. I will not stop here, evening. I lodging, dressing, game and ridicule and offend me, my hope I’ll see her sport. It even became more real confidence in standing up on my when I was confronted by family in the morning.

8 9 TRANSGENDER TRANSGENDER BE GREATNESS, to respect myself and stay true to who I am. I dressed in my to travel to South Africa at normal clothes (like a man) and BECOME about the same time. When he off I went. I will never forget the (the journalist) got into ouch stress and almost silent whispers to set a time for the interview, I that followed me during my days CHANGE SCARRED apologized and asked for us to do in the village. I waited for people it after my return. to attack me but none gathered the courage I guess. Finally my By Rev.Patrick Leuben Mukajanga and Roberto As if the weeks before hadn’t been mother, tired of all the questions enough torture, the journalist people were bombarding her Malini went ahead to publish a story with about my sexuality, told the that insinuated I had travelled crowd to address me in person as BUT... to South Africa for a sex change she was as dumbfounded as they Be greatness, become change, operation; he even promised to were. Be peace, become compassion, publish pictures of the ‘new’ me upon my return. My family was Only my stepfather had the Be progress, become truth. determined to rise very angry that I could give such courage to ask what had become ac Illakut is my name and I identify as a transman. I was one of information to the media and of me and I simply told him I was those people that were very skeptical to join the community let who I was and there was nothing drag their reputation through the Be a shield against the organized violence Malone come out. However, while in my Senior Four vacation, I mud. I even received phone calls anybody could do to change me. was very involved in football; a space that helped me meet some LGBTI warning me that the elders in While some people have since of governments. activists. I vividly remember Nikki, encouraging us (LGBTI identifying Teso were planning to capture me accepted my sexuality, a greater youths that were in the closet) to start participating in community and take me back home, to teach part of my family still resents me Become mist and surround the persecuted events. me how to be a ‘proper woman’. but I have also made peace with the whole situation. fleeing their oppressors. I held back till I was in my senior six vacation and it was at this point Unfortunately, a few months after that I slowly started taking part in community activities. I joined this incident I lost a sister and had I have since grown as a person Freedom and Roam Uganda as a member and later got a job with the to go back home for the funeral. I and activist and one of the Be soul and instill your thoughts same organization. In2011, one of my breasts started hurting; it got made the very difficult decision things I have dedicated myself so bad that even a mere fabric brushing against it made me want to to is easing the health care Everywhere, in front of the soulless machine scream out in pain. When I went in to see the system for transmen. I have been doctor I described my ailment but would not working closely with Most At Risk That destroys hope. let him examine me. Populations Initiative (MARPI) to sensitive medics on the I could not bear the thought of anyone seeing challenges of transmen and it is Become hope and embrace me, a man, with breasts! Eventually he decided amazing how well most of them to give me a painkiller and little known to me have received this information Those who are now desperate. was the fact that he had given me a sedative. and appreciated it as well. He examined me after I had passed out and later, told me to see a counselor since he Also, I am trying to raise awareness believed I had gender dysphoria. I went to of the transition process since it Be greatness, become change, the see the said counselor who unfortunately is more cumbersome than most quizzed me about why I didn’t realize what I people realise. Finding doctors, Be peace, become compassion, was doing was against human regularity. That psychologists and surgeons Be progress, become truth. was the first and last time I went in to see who are willing to help people them. transition is not an easy fete but like everything else in this Fast forward, my sexuality being revealed to struggle, I know we are breaking Inspired by Mahatma Ghandi my family through the media is probably one walls, even if it is one at a time. I of the hardest experiences I have had to deal am planning to undergo my first with. I took part in a media conference that sex change surgery sometime was held in Mbale and before I knew what was this year and I hope my journey happening, my name and picture were making and struggle can help inspire rounds in tabloids. someone who is struggling to One of the journalists scheduled a one on one remain true to themselves. interview where I intended to tell my side of Aluta Continua. the story without having anyone quote me out of context; unfortunately, I was scheduled

10 11 TRANSGENDER TRANSGENDER Binding: A Transman’s Reality Gender By Early Bird he term “binding” refers to the process of flattening one’s breast tissue in order to create amale- Affirming Top appearing chest. The type of materials and methods used for successful binding will vary depending on Tthe size of one’s chest and the overall build of one’s body. Surgery in There is no “one-size-fits all” binding method because everyone is shaped differently, and we all have different levels of comfort with our bodies. Some trans guys don’t bind at all. Some slump or hunch over to hide their chests (which can be very effective but can also cause posture problems over time). Some use different methods of layering clothing to help hide their chests. Some bind only on certain occasions; some bind all FTMs the time. By Early Bird In this piece, we use pictures to vividly explain how most transmen in our community bind. How to Chest Bind Safely The first step in learning how to bind safely is finding out what’s not safe to do. Don’t use Ace bandages or duct tape—they aren’t meant for binding and can cause physical harm. They can seriously restrict breathing, cause fluid build-up in your lungs and other serious injuries, such as broken ribs. Even with the right binder product it’s still possible to bind unsafely. Despite what you may have been told, don’t buy a binder that’s too small for you. Wearing an ill-fitting binder puts you at risk of the same problems as those who bind with duct tape. Also, give your body a break: don’t bind 24/7. In fact, don’t bind for more than 8-12 hours at a time. Use the times that you’re not binding to wash and air dry your binder, which will help make it last longer.

emale-to-Male (FTM) Chest Recontouring is an extensive version of a standard breast Freduction, and can be performed for patients seeking to undergo affirmation. Usually trans-men have undergone counseling for gender dysphoria for months or years before seeking to undergo the more significant step of (relatively irreversible) surgery, to enable them to fully function in the male identity. Top Surgery involves breast removal (Subcutaneous Mastectomy) and male chest contouring, and can also include free nipple grafts, or nipple/areola resizing and repositioning. There are a few other surgical variations used for chest reconstruction, including the “inverted T” incision, the “pie wedge” method, and other combinations of incisions that a surgeon may see as the best approach for the patient. These methods are not covered in great detail here, as they are not nearly as common as the above two approaches, and because they are similar to the other approaches except for the resultant scarring. The surgical method chosen will depend on the body type of the patient and the skills/preferences of the surgeon.

12 13 TRANSGENDER PERSONAL The Pain of Passing FORCED TO By SK ABANDON MY ‘Passing’ is one of the most important things in a CHILDREN I AM trans person’s life especially in a country where peo- By LL ple label anyone with breasts but dressed in men’s WHO clothes as a lesbian, or anyone with a beard dressed am a 32 year old Uganda female and can no in feminine clothes as gay. longer deny that I am a lesbian. It took me a while to accept myself but I am now comfortable, I AM As trans men, we normally bind to pass as the men I proud and see no reason to run away from myself we know we are. This is my story. because society dictates so. By Shanan Shalom Navaro Powerzv I have been binding for the past three years. All was well because it at least got me closer to physically It is now 5years down the road, I have been rejected appearing as the person I truly am. I started binding by my family and public at large and this has really out of fear of being mobbed or hurled insults at for been unbearable. It got so bad that I was forced I work with you being ‘omusiyazi’ after I got a job in Kawempe, a to escape, leaving my children including my then You work with me Kampala suburb. eight months old baby, behind. We discuss politics, education, laws of the For me binding was a fulfillment to ‘pass’ if I was going to live as a man. I had never seen a binder My ordeal started after my mother walked in on land and our children me making out with my girlfriend; disappointed, before and did not know what binding was let We sleep over at each other’s houses alone how to go about the whole process. However, she informed my uncle and a quick marriage was I had mates who were binding so I decided to do arranged. I stayed in that marriage for ten years We broke bread together it the way they did. I went to a pharmacy looking enduring both physical and emotional abuse. There We were fine until I told you.. for the biggest and widest bandage they had. To my was absolutely no affection but I walked out with I was gay disappointment the biggest was very expensive so, I opted for two small sizes. I was sure they would do four of the greatest blessings I have in my life; my the job. All I really cared for was a flat chest because three bys and little girl. I never inappropriately approached you I had to ‘pass’. During this time, I secretly kept in touch with my “By the way.. You’re not my type.” My first day experience with bandages wrapped girlfriend and she is the only person who knew Why so much hatred around my chest was the worst. At one point, I almost the real extent of my suffering. Having heard I am that same person you kept company suffocated. I remember running to the bathroom and rumors about my sexuality, my husband plotted and ripping my chest bare while grasping for breath. I Why must you distance yourself from me? eventually caught me ‘in the act’ with my lover. I am wondered what I was doing wrong or if my mates like my chest was about to burst open. The second Look at me were going through the same. bandage came off with a sticky feel and the pain thankful that I did not lose my life that very day; intensified. he beat me u so badly leaving me bedridden for a I am still your friend After a few minutes of catching some air, I wrapped longtime. Scared that he would be imprisoned if I Why must our friendship end Because I spoke up again. I had to ‘pass’ and was ready to endure I quickly looked to see what was happening under died, he took his own life. those moments. Little did I know it was just the my right arm. As I raised my hand, I saw pink flesh. my truth? beginning of the great pain I was yet to bear My bandages had betrayed me. It was a wound. One caused by every move I made, every breath I took, the My in-laws rejected our children claiming they were This has gone on for three years now. I got used to bandages had sliced deep into my skin. a disgrace based on my sexuality and would have I am who I am the tight grip that the bandages hugged me with; nothing to do with them. My mother became an There are many of us in the closet I wished it was a choice like they say it is. I would and spending long hours in their tight embrace did outcast for searing a sexually ‘deformed’ daughter not have chosen to be in such pain. I wished I did I will no longer hide my identity not really matter. It was something I had to do on a and for her own peace of mind and security, had to daily basis if I was going to be the man I am in the not have to ‘pass’. I wished I could throw away my I must stand for something leave our village and start all over again at her old eyes of society. bandages and live freely; but they now define my I own up to my identity world and life as a man in Uganda. age. But on this particular day, I spent the day in pain that I am still that person you trusted I cannot dare describe in these lines. It was pain I I went to bed and waited to feel my pain all over I spent almost 3 years in hiding until I escaped to I accepted you as you are had never felt before. It was getting to my brain but again the next day. After all I have to pass at all costs. Norway where I am still seeking for asylum. I have Not the pain, the bruised ribcage or the suffocation “Why?” I asked, can’t you accept Me I still had to keep calm and get through my work day. fears of being deported but I remain hopeful that can stop me. I will ‘pass’ in pain with my bandages as I am who I am I got home that evening, tore off the shirt and started my horrible companions. all will be okay. unwrapping. As I rolled the first bandage away it felt

14 15 PERSONAL CRIES OF A TRANSMAN LOVE AFTER THE STORM By PN The liquid poured into my underwear; the fluid that reincarnates my memories Memories of my pre transition The fluid like a valley stream flew through my “for men” labeled boxers To my gentle trousers I felt wet My eyes couldn’t cry because I am a man I acted a gentle man who buys sanitary ware for his woman Deep inside me I yelled……shall this ever stop?

Last night, as we shared a farewell hug with the woman I woman I want to convince to accepting me as her man The piece of bandage that hugs my breasts to binding fell out The woman passed her fingers through my shirt I didn’t feel her caress My worry was to the my piece of “binder” I cried deeply; she took my tears for joy I saw her grip me tighter

Twice or thrice, at the doctor’s desk I am questioned about the history that hurts By ALP The history that sets me a blaze We desire to meet that one person, fall madly in love with them and live happily ever after. However the story No health provider will understand my transition completely changes when you realize the person you fell in love with has different sides to themselves. It They slice deep into my wounds when they ask starts to feel like there are three of you in the relationship. These people are charming, manipulative, and quite So are you male or female? frequently, absolutely fantastic in bed. Sociopaths exist—and if you're anything like me, you may have had a relationship with one in the past. I have grown to learn that if someone isn’t true to themselves, then there's sure no way will they be true to you. The woman of my dreams left me the other night Her last note emphasized how my game didn’t meet her exceptions Persons with this kind of personality may not always come out swinging an axe while No man will stand to not being man enough dressed in a raincoat to avoid dirtying their well-tailored suits with your blood, but you may have found But how man must I be to prove to you that I am the man you were yourself neck deep in a web of lies and risky behavior that, once on the other side, left you seriously wondering looking for? what you were thinking in the first place. I am the man I ought to be When they leave your life, they take away a piece of you. Your trust for the next perfect love of your life dwindles down. Your want and desire become inconceivable standards and for many unmatchable. But yet one has to I have missed a handful of opportunities pick oneself up and move on. In life, one should learn to live-on and love-on. Losing a one two faced psycho My names don’t sound rhythmical with my academic certificates only makes u learn to love yourself better and set the bar higher because you want and desire the best in life. I am not an impersonator though I am simply a seasoned transitioned man Yes even after Love, stand up and believe in love again. What doesn't kill you only tends to make you stronger. I have picked up my own, learnt to love my own and live for my own. Someday the best part of my own will I know I am the man I ought to have been join me and I will love them better. The world can take forever to know it I have also noted that love is the most overly used word in the English language. Most people use it when But I am a man they want/need something; but what really blinds us is that sometimes, we choose what we want to see and Even when my body never forgets to remind me of my womanhood hear instead of the facts at hand. To a wrong person, you will have any worth but to the right one, you mean everything.

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relate to this ordeal and understand the mental like it is the former’s fault. I have shard my story trauma. It opened my eyes to the need for centres because I have had friends who have been in this that address such issues for position; fellow activists as minorities’ to be set up. People well as family that do not need safe spaces where they I was verbally abused and understand exactly why I can openly address the trauma was attacked. I hope it also inflicted on them and there is ashamed; an emotional encourages other persons to also an even more urgent need share their ordeals and such for people to stop hiding and efforts will see hate crimes create awareness within this attack that never goes become a thing of the past. community. away. I hid it as best as I It is still hard to talk about Take for instance a person the details of my attack as being attacked and they stay could but emotionally, I the wounds are still fresh. away from work or even resort What I do know however to leaving the country as a was struggling. is that violence has never healing mechanism. Would this solved a problem; if a person person be compared in any way dresses different, smells to one who stays rooted and seeks help from within a different, looks different, or walks different, that does group of people that have dealt with the same issue? not give anyone the right to harm them physically or HATE CRIMES; Why should we run from our country because we emotionally. are mentally traumatized, I therefore urge whoever reads my story to join the SOMETHING MUST BE DONE! due to the struggle and talk about these issues because it is not only affecting LGBTI persons but also cuts across to y name is Diane Bakuraira Sydney and I A quick example, I was a member of most rugby clubs physical or anyone that is in any way different. This explains the have come out to talk about the verbal and in the different schools I attended. Like any normal verbal attacks never ending bullying in schools. Mphysical attacks towards LGBTI persons in person who loves sport, enjoys going out mixing and from the Uganda. As a person who has grown up in a Christian mingling with different people in the society, I was people in our I share with you two sets of pictures and hopefully family and gone to Christian schools, I feel awful that active in rugby gatherings but was seen as an outcast society? they will paint the bigger picture of how intense and these kinds of injustices are happening. among friends and people within the scope of the As an traumatizing hate attacks can be. The scars remain sport that I loved. not only on the face but also in my mind and soul; the Being from a humble background, one would normally individual, I healing process is a journey and I will conquer mine. not expect certain things to happen especially when I was verbally abused and ashamed; an emotional believe it is dealing with peace, love, politeness; generally things attack that never goes away. I hid it as best as I could my duty to that the Bible instructs us to uphold in order to live but emotionally, I was struggling. I never thought all stand in the in a society that is well respected and for unity’s sake. these attacks would graduate to a physical level but gap and try The reason I chose this topic is because I recently how wrong I was. I have seen friends who have been to bridge it. I experienced a very bad attack but I would rather beaten but never imagined it would be me. have taken it share previous related experiences. upon different friends that work in Police to try and I strongly address this because as much as one tries find ways to work out a procedure in order to safe As an LGBTI person, I have endured both physical and to hide their inner feelings and deal with physical guard our environment, the homesteads we live in verbal attacks from schoolmates, passers-by and the assault in ‘their own way’, it is trauma that will and even alternatives ways for easy authority access. community in general. This leaves one with many never leave you. You could seek the assistance of We are now talking of setting up helplines where mixed emotions but I had everything I could to brush professional counselors and therapists but even that people can reach the authorities if they need help. it off and struggle with the emotional trauma silently. will not take away the scars or memories such attacks However, as one grows, they begin the journey of leave behind. Once you are physically attacked, your mental health self-discovery, trying to learn and re-learn everything is dismantled and your thinking process interrupted. about them; they are also dealing with external forces I try to put up a front for my friends, family, workmates You will pay more attention to every insult hurled of abuse of which all these factors create conflicts in and close associates and most have bought the idea your way and the beatings you have experienced will their body, mind and soul. that I am coping well but the truth is I am struggling. become a part of you; it is difficult for someone in this Like most LGBTI individuals, I have mastered the art position to erase these memories or thought train. It is therefore a common occurrence to find of putting up a strong front but it is a very different mechanisms of dealing with such issues especially if story behind the scenes. Most LGBTI persons don’t talk about these issues they are coming from one’s close friends and people because we feel we are not supported and for the that are actually supposed to be a support system. I know there are many people out there who might few who do society will most times make it seem

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events that I met my boyfriend, Apako Williams and we have been Rising Above the Hurdles of a Hard together for nearly four years. At first, we were friends and the STAY TRUE Knock Life relationship gradually grew into y name is Hajarah Ssanyu The doctor could only do a D&C She and I are building a strong something more serious. Batte, I am a sex worker and induce. That meant I had to bond and we are friends above Balancing my relationship and Stay true to yourself just like you are Moody, volatile, Mby profession. I identify as go home with my dead child; all else; we talk about everything work is not the easiest thing in exaggerated a bisexual woman and currently, something I could not bring and I am open when it comes to the world and my boyfriend does I am in a relationship with a myself to do. sex and men. I believe my life not like that I do what I do. He Cause one day you will collect the flowers grown from transman. took the turn it did because my is human and time and again we the seeds you planted Finally I went into labour and parents and elders never openly I was born in a middle class gave birth to a baby girl. With have fought about this but I am discussed some of these issues also grateful that he understands Stay true to yourself and do not bend down for the religious family but things took nowhere to take the child and with us and I will do everything transitory winds a bad turn when I was fifteen. I barely any sources to cater to her and is committed to walking this I can to make sure my daughter journey with me. was raped and impregnated by needs, I took her to my mother has all the right information from You are wind yourself and fire and heat and water and a relative. My father was very and embarked on my journey as the right source. Many times, I am asked if I regret depth combined a strict moslem man and on a sex worker. I was lucky to get my life choices and my answer finding out I was pregnant, called high end clients and travelled Many times, I am asked is always a firm NO! I have built You are your land, the ground of your own emotions a meeting with the man’s family many countries to meet various if I regret my life choic- my capacity as a human rights and together the two families customers. activist, travelled many countries Let go in front of them agreed that I should get married es and my answer is I was initially based in Nairobi and empowered my fellow sex to this man who already had two always a firm NO! worker. I have also enrolled at And you will find that wind slowly becoming a normal wives. The only other option I but eventually settled in Namibia. Due to my past with men, I Cavendish University because breath inside your body was given was to leave home and On return, I also decided to one of my life goals was to be never return. Long story short, I could not bring myself to have continue with my sex work. My a ‘normal’ relationship; whatever a Bachelors degree holder but was forced to drop out of school travels had exposed me to many above all, being able to take and try to find means to fend for interaction or relations I had with problems within the sex work Stay true to yourself men were based on a monetary care of my child tops my list of myself at the tender age of fifteen industry like HIV, assault, and many accomplishments. With all these since I could not subject myself arrangement. At the time, I was others. I had no idea there were Even if you are both fact and fiction not even aware I was engaging in achievements, I do not think to being a third wife to someone organizations for sex workers in it would be fair to regret the I barely knew. sex work parse, for me it was just a Uganda but over time, I was made You plant imaginary seeds but you can grow real means of survival and I expected decisions that have provided all aware of many of these that were these platforms. flowers I even attempted to have an money or gifts in exchange. advocating for the rights of my abortion but my pregnancy was Fortunately, after settling down kind. I joined Lady Mermaid’s However, I must admit that I have Think about love as a balance in it seventh month at the time. in my sex trade, I started sending Bureau, an organization I still faced a few challenges along the money back serve to this day. Providentially, way. The sex workers community The love to the world that you give and the need to home to due to my travel experience is not availed with information feel loved help with my and my exposure, I was availed that is vital for their lives and daughters many opportunities and I quickly this is something I would love The need for heat and depth grounding your body to needs. became a peer educator. to see change. I hope we can the wind devise means to curb the rape, When I I have also worked closely with That is the life that you are breathing returned to assault and unlawful arrests that the LGBTI community since continue to affect the industry. Uganda in some of them are also involved 2009, I got in sex work. I noticed that My biggest dream for this industry my daughter some of these people were in is to see sex workers represented Stay true to yourself and one day you will climb stairs back to try and stable relationships yet they still on all forums including create a bond engaged in sex work; initially the parliament. It would make a big With the most elastic style of walking with her. I whole concept was intriguing to difference if minorities were You did not think you are capable of missed her first me. For a long time, I had sex on all levels of policy making steps, and most with no feelings attached but to speak about their own needs You might be even climbing stars on a sunny day that of the major soon, I started getting attracted instead of having people who milestones to transmen. The very first two do not understand what they comes after all the lunatic visions in her life transmen I remember being want making plans for them. You are both sun and moon since she has attracted to were Pepe and Nikki; Hopefully, in about ten years, we lived with my everything about their lifestyle will have moved on to such levels And this is what staying true to yourself is about. mother and and demeanor seemed amazing. of legislation and like we always sister for the say, ‘NOTHING FOR US WITHOUT greater part. It was through community based US!”

20 21 PERSONAL Raped at 13 and Forced into Prostitution at 15 When Poverty comes Second to Nature It is no secret that Uganda’s LGBTI community is greatly characterized by poverty. The majority of the affected are youth who have been forced to drop out of school and find it nearly impossible to get a job let alone hold down one. One od the people who lives in abject poverty and has resorted to sex work to put a roof over her head Rihanna, a transgender female shares what life is like for her.

Her Story

y life had not always been was hard in the beginning, I have this way; there was a time come to accept my reality and MI had a job and could do whatever I can to not further easily meet my needs. However, I complicate my situation. y name is FA, I am a rape and to see her make fun of it always appreciated the nature was outed in one of the tabloids and soon my boss and workmates Sex work is not the easiest Nigerian currently staying further depressed me. of a woman. I felt a very strong career to have but I have to do in the Netherlands. I am attraction to the other girls who started throwing mean and M hurtful comments here and there. what I must. For one, it is almost She constantly reminded me that 27 years old. I grew up with my worked in the brothel but my self impossible to have a stable stepmother-a malicious woman I would soon join my dead mother esteem was terribly damaged. It was impossible to concentrate if ever I thought of coming close on a job with the people around relationship and still be able who made my childhood a living to work on a daily basis. Your hell. to another woman again. me pointing fingers and going to great lengths to stay away partner will, at some point, get I first became aware of my feelings Soon, I realized that I was from me. I could not take the jealous or refuse to put up with for women when I was 13. I fell in pregnant; my step mother took I first became psychological torture and sharing you with other people let love with a 16 year old girl and me to a traditional doctor who aware of my decided to quit. alone strangers. For example my at the time, her love changed my maliciously pulled out the fetus. last partner and I had to end our life. Unfortunately our whirlwind The process was painful and life feelings for women The outing came after my relationship because he failed to romance did not last long; we threatening, but I was determined neighbours attacked my then make peace with my work and were caught by my step mother not to have a child out of rape. when I was 13. boyfriend and I. We were asked besides, we were both in the making love. She was so furious to leave the village where we same financial situation which Shockingly, one of the men renting and our property was further strained our relationship. that she grabbed me and took me who raped me came home and back to our house, locked me in God finally heard my prayers thrown out. We spent three sympathised with my suffering. and sent rescue. One lucky day, months in jail on grounds of Currently, I live off handouts from the guest room and called three He promised to help me escape friends to help top up on what I strange men. the police raided the brothel practicing homosexuality but and relocate; he promised to help and we were rescued. I was able luckily, the magistrate threw the make. Like everyone else, I have They raped me to cure me of my get me job and proper living. I to tell my story and expressed case out for lack of sufficient hopes for the future and I am immorality and claimed to be hated him but staying with my my fear of returning to Nigeria evidence. certain my life will not remain teaching me exactly what a real terrible step mother was worse, to continue being treated like this. I hope to get a little woman should do. From that this was a simpler option. inhumanly and forcing me into Returning to society without a capital to set up a business to at job and with nowhere to live was least be able to meet my basic day on, I felt a lot of resentment I accepted the offer, but little having relationships with men. towards myself and my step terrifying. I quickly resorted to sex needs. This would also help me did I realize I was being lured The government gave me work to make ends meet since all quit sex work and set up proper mother. I attempted to commit into prostitution. I was brought suicide several times but nothing sanctuary and here I have all my attempts at getting formal roots with a stable relationship to Netherlands straight into a the freedom to love who I love. employment were futile. I got and who knows, maybe start a seemed to work. It got so bad brothel. I was 15 at the time and that my stepmother started I hope my story can encourage a house where I pay Shs70,000 family of my own! once again, I was subjected to someone to hold on, even when per month but still raising this taunting me; she applauded the having sex with much older men. I way I walked and said now I had times seem a bit too rough. The amount on top of all my other prayed for God to take my life but tides will calm down and the sun needs is a scuffle. Sometimes I turned into a proper woman. the universe clearly had different My sauntering was due to the will shine upon you again. have to go without food to save plans. Amidst all these horrible the little money I make. While it bruises I had attained during the forceful encounters with men, I

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disappointments and unknowns. on?” Maybe it was the fact that he took the time to understand that at 17 I definitely did not have a Anyway, fast forward the mean classmate continued choice on what my body was going through or that WHERE LOVE HEALS! to harass me with the, “you are a homosexual” talk way before I understood or could come out to myself, before I ever understood, accepted or even started hate had defined me and pulled me out of my sexual to learnwhho I was . This story is not about the mean identity “closet”. But a 10 hour conversation later, my By Blackqueen classmate, this story is about my disciplinarian father, I remember the long conversation I heard with I am the 7th last in a family of 18 children, big as my dad told me, “You need to understand that there is the longest conversation on sexuality I ever had and nothing you can do about who your body says you my late father about my sexuality, longest talk of family is we all grew up loved and well provided for how he came to my life. My heart pumping so hard I could hear it thanks to my father who made it a point to always are, right now you should focus on your education 17 years old understand, accept who you are to become lies with you regardless of in my ears, my hands sweating uncontrollably and see to it that we were. My siblings and I attended and encourage me I was so scared of his reaction, his disappointment traditional schools and unless you wanted to get your sexuality… And I went on to earn a second class depressed to overcome the upper degree in environmental science! and mostly his anger. See I was raised by a single allocated the most chores during holidays, we all prior hate speech father and he was your typical muganda man. It was always came home with very good reports least out of my about my sexuality 10 years later I am thankful to this typical Muganda always preached in my family that while education you incur father’s wrath for poor performance. I and get over the single father who did not go with hate, fear and is important it was expected and a sign of great personally only joined a boarding school in my high mind and depression that prejudice but chose to go outside of his tradition achievement for a girl to present a husband. I school and as it happened I went to same sex girl’s came with it. and seek counseling on dealing with a subject he remember my paternal aunties always saying, we school. I hear the judgments “this is where she must scared about had never had to deal with- human sexuality. Out expect a degree and a husband the same day you have learnt the habit”, but understand sexuality is So, the “you are of love he chose understanding. Out of love we graduate from university. This was always told to my not a habit you can learn or pick up from your peers, defending a lesbian talk conquered misunderstanding and hate. There is the bigger sisters every holiday when my aunties came so, no I did not learn it there. because you look sister who though she did not understand what I home to visit. like lesbians” was going through she always held my hand and In my senior 5, I was 16 very shy and not much myself of continued and of a social person, I spent most of my time with said “ITS OKAY”. My beautiful mother that continues teachers joined to hunger for knowledge on sexuality so she can a book as it allowed me keep to myself without something I the torment. My having to engage in small talk with peers .I didn’t understand me and my beautiful partner who has male teachers patiently let me outgrow the effects of hate speech. date or experiment with the adolescence phase too was not were always cool mostly because boys where more of my friends than with me maybe The lessons I learnt, people who love you will always anything else. When my mind escaped into the Mills sure about because I always love you but you have to give them a chance to come and Boons romance novels I spent my time with, passed their to terms with what you bring to them. Let them take my prince charming was always Princess charming! subjects highly so even outside class they were all the time they need. In the end, love heals. Ooh how I dreamt and pictured her carrying me off usually the ones to alert me “today we had a staff and living happily ever after. But after the dreaming meeting about you and your lesbian friends.” Huh..!!! Poem by Men of the Night for the I would always come back to question what my International Condom Day attraction and longing for “princess charming was 00My female teachers always retaliated with Thin, light, Tiny Little Rubber saved at it with doubt about”. See I grew up in a setting that said sexuality ensuring that I get belittled in class. I served time because I had been told it takes away the pleasure and sex itself were topics we should never discuss. for a crime I did not do. But I refuse to empower hate Those were grown up conversations. I first learnt by holding on to their story and how it affected me. But James! James held it with care, the word lesbian from news papers, and didn’t know Instead I choose to celebrate the people who chose what it meant at 17 but hell I was very intrigued and to understand and stand by me while I discovered, And ripped it open from its wrapping with yearning, interested in understanding what and who a lesbian understood and accepted myself. wore it with desire. was and where she existed. How do I know if I am I longed for this thin light tiny Rubber on that hard one and why? I had all these questions and no one My strict father stepped out of his anger and dark rod of this man James to ask and Google did not come by easy those days. disappointment the day I was expelled from school, 6 weeks to my final UACE exams ,17 years On the Love we made was finer than wine In the period of my questioning, I don’t know the old depressed out of my mind and scared about exact moment it happened but during my first term defending myself of something I too was not sure Wrapped in the wrappings of safety of Senior six when I came back to school after the what it was or meant. I remember my father’s long holiday, two weeks into that term I remember footsteps from the moment he came home, I was Locked in the care of protection; James and I some loud classmate pointing me out as a lesbian, so scared of what he would do, how he would react Did it with the knowledge when I asked why, she answered “don’t you see your to this, I had been the first child in a family of 18 clothes, the ill fitting pants, the haircuts you wear,” children to get expelled from school and here I was That life is precious. she retorted. (by the way, I still dress like this but expelled on grounds of homosexuality, a subject I am not a lesbian, am sexually queer and gender never heard of or discussed in this family. We are men, but with all the temptations fluid). I guess love always wins in the end. We spent a In this God forsaken judgmental world I was left feeling cornered and more confused about night discussing what it was, the most profound myself. I was a questioning 17 year old not aware of question my father asked was “tell me what’s going It gets reckless at times who I was ,why I felt how I did and most times very on?, I have taken the time to consult psychologists James might be forced into bed with Ruth or he frightened by these feelings and scard about what and am told sexuality varies but here I am, your might be doing John, may be Stella or Dick and my strict disciplinarian father might do with such father you are my daughter talk to me, what is going Duncan

24 25 PERSONAL

From the Outside Looking In WHAT By Early Bird DOES IT recall the day I walked into the Kuchu Times A friend of mine has always asked, I quote, why offices like it was just yesterday. For the first time then do LGBTI persons make so much noise about Iin my life, I was not sure what awaited me but THEIR rights? I don’t believe this struggle has ever MEAN TO what I was certain about was the fact that I had been about gay rights, it is a struggle to have the started a journey that would not only change me same rights as everyone else. Many governments but also shape my outlook on life. This was the first criminalise homosexuality and all they would love time I would be working with sexual and gender to see is these laws and any other which might be BE minorities on a permanent basis. getting in the way of their human rights dropped. Let us let them live their lives because I can’t even Fast forward, I am very grateful that I made the begin to imagine if I had to hide all my differences INTERSEX? decision to join the Kuchu Times team because it is simply because I could lose my life if people found almost impossible to put into words all the things I out about them. have learnt along the way. I have been challenged, I have watched myself tread fields I never thought The donor money has always come into question as By DC Strachan I would, I have grown in both my personal life and well and it has taken this job to understand what career but most of all, I get to witness firsthand what that is all about. You can all rest assured that this How do you define male and female many Ugandans probably never will - I get to watch money is not here to be given out to your children to sexual anatomies? How many of bravery and courage of a marginalized group at work become homosexuals or even to spread homosexual us actually know what their sex each day as well as demystify all the theories the propaganda. For people who can barely access When I was 13, I chromosomes are? Do you have government and anti gay propaganda are selling the medical care, have been forced to leave school or the standard 23 chromosomal pairs very gullible world. left homeless, there is A LOT to do to rectify this. They knew I was different of 46-XX for females or 46-XY for need economic empowerment to be able to sustain males? Would it be important for One, who says that gender and sexual minorities them; this is not to mean that money is handed out you to know? Most intersex people are after your children or want to recruit them into to such individuals, they are rather given skills that from others my age homosexuality? How would such a task even be can help them survive in this harsh economy. This are born with sexual anatomies accomplished? What would the strategies be or what money is also used to provide a better health care and wondered why that are between the stereotypical normal thinking human being would even harbor system. male and female body types. We such thoughts? I like to believe that the general used to be called hermaphrodites society is very fixated on this notion because they I often find myself in awe at all the free medical they were always so and depending on where we have believe they can turn LGBTI persons heterosexual. workshops and tests that community organizations lived throughout history we were Therefore in their minds, if this can be done, then put together for the people- how I wish the horny. By age fifteen, either shunned or revered. Intersex surely there must be a way for heterosexuals to turn government could adopt some of these measures. homosexual. If medical officials were not so discriminative and people do not legally exist and are were more open to handling the problems of the I grew very tall (205 seen by medical doctors as a ‘social While this is a very broad topic that would require LGBTI community, there would be absolutely no emergency’ that needs fixing. Society more than month to expound on, we all must try to need for the community organizations to try and fill cm), my energy was needs to change to accommodate our self educate when it comes to gender and sexuality. the gap. Why then do we hate the very people who differences. Look at the intersex for example, a man born with a are trying to help our brothers and sisters better low and I was a shy, uterus or a woman born with so much testosterone their lives? In my opinion, these donors should be There are over 30 intersex variations. she starts to develop male features, you honestly applauded because it is scary to think about the Some women have androgen think someone struggling to come to terms with such number of people we could have lost without their awkward, emotional, insensitivity syndrome (AIS), XY a situation needs more ridicule and stigmatisation? intervention. sex chromosomes and un-descended self-conscious and a testes that are often removed, thinking We are who we are and no amount of cajoling or We could all easily live in peace and harmony; there corrective therapies can change that. People so is no need for the hate. At the very least, if you can that they could lead to cancer. These often put up a front that they have been cured of not quite grasp what sexuality and gender are, you sensitive feminine kid. women cannot bear children since homosexuality but this is only to make the torture could learn to respect them afterall, isn’t that what they don’t have ovaries or a uterus of these corrective therapies to stop. Pushing people humanity is all about- respect for diversity? (ovaries and testes are made from the back into the closet is not helping anyone. Sexual same structures as are the penis and minorities are very much a part of our community; NOTE: The wrter is a heterosexual woman and ally clitoris). Humans can have XXX, the sooner we realized that they have more to offer working with Kuchus. XYY, XXYY, XXXY, XO, XY/XXY than we give them credit for, I believe, the sooner we will be on the road to finding joint solutions for and other variations and mosaicisms problems like HIV and poverty. of sex chromosomes. INTERSEX INTERSEX

Some people have XY/XX sex - thanks to psychologist Dr. the standard of care for treating diagnosed - I was very happy gave testimony of chromosomes in different parts John Money of John Hopkins intersex babies to make them with the androgynous body I was their experiences of their bodies called chimeras. University Hospital in Baltimore, invisible. Medical books say born into but my endocrinologist from the negative Some intersex people are born Maryland. Money was a that it is easier to dig a hole was not. He prescribed 300 mg medicalization of with ova-testes while others professor of pediatrics and than to build a pole. Money was of synthetic testosterone to be their different bodies. have one testis and one ovary. medical psychology from 1951 eventually discredited, thanks injected every two weeks (in a The Intersex Report When I was 29, I found out until his death in 2006. He to the investigative work of Dr. glute or thigh muscle) for the rest was published in that mine were 47-XXY called asserted that gender was neutral Milton Diamond. of my life. He never told me what 2005, and called Klinefelter’s syndrome. I couldn’t at birth. There are many males was going to happen, offered – A Human Rights have children because my gonads with micro-phalluses who were Doctors use a phallo-meter to me no counseling, and told me Investigation didn’t develop after my birth. traditionally turned into females measure the size of the phallus to consult a medical journal for into the Medical They stayed tiny and were up and given vaginoplasties (part of to determine if the child should more information. “Normalization” inside of me, not producing much their colon is reconstructed into a be female or male. If a clitoris of Intersex People testosterone and no sperm. vagina and needs to be kept open is deemed too big it was cut off After several injections, for the ith Findings and with a wedging device). or trimmed down to look normal; first time in my life, I felt horny Recommendations. I have often wondered why my which causes much sexual and went through a masculinizing Creator made me this way – and Parents who chose this for their dysfunction when the person puberty in my 30’s. My once LGBTI people belong I like to believe it is tomaybe children had to insert the wedge grows up. This is partly due to smooth and hairless skin started to many communities help educate others about the ‘I’ to dilate and keep the vagina homophobia, trans-phobia, and to push out hair follicles all over and we are all in the LGBTI lineage. Not all of from closing up; something many the fear of difference and the me – much to my disgust. I never different. Some of us were created to populate the didn’t know they would need to assumption that males with was given the chance to give my us feel, by our 2 sex planet (into extinction) as some do for their ‘different’ child. (This adequate phalluses are made only informed consent since in those and 2 genders binary religions would have us believe. is the same surgery that male to have vaginal sex. Personally, I days doctors were treated like addicted cultures, to wrong when they assume LGBTI Many of us are biblical eunuchs. to female transsexuals want think doctors project their own gods. I had always felt caught conform while corporations make means gay or same-sex. It is One’s anatomical sex (what’s but have to pay for it since it is inadequacies on the anatomies between the sexes and genders lots of money reinforcing it. I want three separate issues. We need between your legs) is different considered cosmetic surgery.) If of intersex children’s differences. without knowing why. to be part of a healthy and caring to educate everyone that there is from one’s gender identity (what one is under the age of legal I wish religious institutions were community that sees difference For many years I was filled much diversity in the human and your brain dictates that you are). consent, parents can have their more tolerant, too. as an attribute not a detriment. animal/plant realms. Both are different from one’s health insurance pay for it. with shame and a sense of I hope Uganda and other African sexual orientation (who we are When I was 13, I knew I was freakishness. To help me deal nations will embrace intersex attracted to). Kristi, the star in XXXY, had such different from others my age and with this issue, I wrote Chapter person’s differences. LGBT people Disclaimer: The cover picture of an experience but came out later wondered why they were always 8 in Intersex in the Age of need to embrace intersex persons Many males identify as men while in life as a man who didn’t choose so horny. By age fifteen, I grew Ethics, edited by Alice Dreger, this story is of Julius Kaggwa, a since many of us are LGBT while Ugandan intersex activist. most females identify as woman. the body he was given but had to very tall (205 cm), my energy was PhD. An interview with Carlos some intersex persons identify When a child is born there is live with the results. Dr. Money’s low and I was a shy, awkward, Motta: http://gendertalents.info/ as heterosexual. The religions the doctor’s diagnosis of who is experiment with two twin boys; emotional, self-conscious and portrait/david-iris-cameron-san- that discriminate against us get it ‘male’ and who is ‘female.’ When one having had his penis burned sensitive feminine kid. I had francisco/, shows me reading from intersex babies are born they are off during a circumcision accident breast development, large nipples that chapter and the two (before often surgically and hormonally was surgically reassigned and when I got older was offered and after) pictures of my upper fixed to fit the 2 standard boxes. female. Money reported in the breast reduction surgery and body. It is difficult to realize that What if the doctor gets the gender medical journals that the gender testicular implants - but I refused. the second one is actually me. assignment wrong? assignment had worked but in (This is what many female to reality it hadn’t and eventually male transgender people choose In 1995, I learned that I actually This documentary, Intersexion that twin re-identified as a man. to have done to their bodies had an intersex condition and film was originally made for New along with male sex hormones.) a variation of sex development Zealand television and was later Unfortunately, he committed (VSD). I volunteered for the reformatted into a film festival suicide when he was 38; not Intersex variations are between 1 Intersex Society of North America, version having been shown all being able to cope with the in 150 and 1 in 2000 live births, joined their board of directors over the world since 2012. There trauma Money had dumped upon depending on the definition. and became a member of the are 20 intersex people featured him. The book, As Nature Made With Klinefelter’s syndrome, San Francisco Human Rights in the film and I am one of them. Him was written about his life it’s about 1 in 660. USA and Commission’s LGBT Advisory by author John Colapinto. Sadly, European babies are often Committee. We had an Intersex Intersex people have been Money’s surgical remedy had aborted when it is discovered that taskforce that created a 3 ½ suffering for decades from the been taught to doctors all over they don’t possess the 2 standard hour public hearing at City Hall treatment they have received the world and it had become sex chromosomes. When I was in 2004. Many intersex persons

28 29 BISEXUALITY BISEXUALTIY

who were once told they were in it for money and so have other people’s appreciation of the levels BISEXUALITY: Why Labels Continue to be the took offence were now dishing out the same notion of maturity expressed by the activists. There has to bisexuals. The same fate was suffered if a bisexual however been growing opposition that has come Movement’s Greatest Enemy identifying man started to date women, they were with the break- through we have had. The opposition judged as gay men camouflaging as straight. While has become wider and exists in much larger spaces ’m Denis Wamala, the Director of Programs Take a football team for example, we cannot identify this still happens, society is starting to open up and than when we started. Therefore as Ugandan LGBTI at Ice Breakers Uganda. If there is one thing each player to special skills, we simply use the become more accepting of all identities. With this, movement we need to redesign our working/ II have noticed, it’s the fact that people don’t entire team to ensure success. So many years ago we believe that once society comes to a space of advocating tactics to match the opposition we are want to understand bisexuality and it’s not before the identity boxes were in place or known acceptance for all LGBTI persons the open minded facing. only the heterosexual identifying persons but to us, many trans-men used to identify themselves beings shall be the ones to help even the LGBTI homosexuals too. People want to believe and as lesbians and most trans- women identified as persons to understand themselves and accept all I also think Uganda is one of the most successful know things that they already know, they shut out gay men. People had to first exist in groups given identities. movements in the world despite the fact that anything that they don’t understand or already the space and then grow to discover and identify everyone seems to think we are moving slowly. But know. I hear so many people say , “This is who I themselves. So instead of sexual / gender labeling, My dream is a society where all people are merely given the resistance, working conditions and the am attracted to ,this is who I am , it’s my right,” we need to continue to exist in free spaces before people without boxes, I dream of a conversation support we have been able to garner all over the in regards to sexuality and attraction yet this we can discover and identify who we are. that goes “Hi my name is Denis, lets socialize,” world, we are definitely one of the most successful is the same rule that applies to bisexuality, you without questions like are you gay, lesbian, bisexual, LGBTI movements in the world. We should also don’t choose or plan who you are attracted to at a The biggest challenge we have faced h o w e v e transgender, Ugandan, Christian or Muslim; these always remember that this movement was started by time. I am a free spirited man and do what I want, r has been in the health sector mainly disclosure. boxes exist to further separate five very young disorganized when and how I want. I have always been against Most bisexual people don’t know they are bisexual; us. On a personal level, my We should also always unknown Ugandans that ‘boxing’ myself as well as other persons. Sexuality most are l e s b i a n identifying w o m e n who biggest challenge has been have moved on to shake is fluid in my understanding so I just flow with it. have to date men for societal approval , or gay men the overload of expectations the world. Today, we married to women for the same reasons. This has from the community I serve. remember that this must appreciate that as a I would like to specify that they don’t have posed several health risks where one has an STI/ We have created an overload movement. We have ensured special needs; our needs cut across all groups STD as it becomes difficult to open up to one’s of demands with very few movement was that people do stop, listen and identities. All our needs and challenges are partners about how you got such the infection. This resources at our disposal. and know who we are and only special in the sense that each human being is what has caused many bisexuals to shy away from We have a lot of important started by five very that we are here. At least has special unique needs- from health to psycho- seeking proper treatment. work that needs to be done every Ugandan has had a with very few resources one minute conversation Stigma and young disorganized which creates a toll on the on gender and sexual fear also leaders and frustration or minorities or homosexuality create a unknown Ugandans misunderstanding from the and from the denial of our situation wider community. existence to a nationwide where one that have moved on debate on homosexuality, we may want to The LGBTI community itself should pat ourselves on the seek medical has excessive demands and to shake the world. shoulders and appreciate attention expectations on its leaders the job well done. with all without understanding the work that goes into what their sexual we do. Little appreciation is expressed yet much partners and more expectations are put forward. This has pushed can afford to so many activists to abandon the movement and cut but it’s not ties with the same community and movement they easy to walk fought for and helped bring together. into a doctor’s EDITOR’S NOTE office with The greatest challenge for the Ugandan LGBTI more than movement as a whole is the fact movement was • Visit our website www.kuchutimes.com and one sexual started by very young people in an African setting check out our forums where we have discussions partner more that dictates that respect is first and mostly accorded on different topics and issues that affect the African so outside to older persons. We have fought so much for a LGBTI community. o f the gender break -through that allowed for people in positions and sexual of power to listen to us. Even when we spoke from • The site also has a TV and radio where you can normative. positions of being really informed on what we were watch and listen to documentaries, news, talk shows There is also a advocating for, they didn’t want to listen because and other informative and educative programmes. problem of we were considered children. It was the same with • You can also contribute to our talk shows, people not knowing where they fall. The difficulty religious spaces, policy makers, family settings, social needs. The existence of boxes is the one articles and other programmes by sending an email with this you are bound to fall out completely. Back health care spaces; commanding respect was a very problem that remains and hinders the growth of to [email protected] or editor@kuchutimes. then when someone came out and said they were big challenge. LGBTI persons in Uganda; we cannot have specific com bisexual, it was assumed they were in it for money. programs to cater for each group. That’s not how This has however changed in the past few years, unity and growth of a movement are fostered. Unfortunately, this was also the perception within gay spaces, where the very same gay identifying men people are starting to listen. As the movement grew,

30 31 PRIDE 2015 HEALTH HEALTH IS AN HIV FREE GENERATION A Why Demanding for Accountability is REALISTIC DREAM? the Way Forward

Moses Kimbugwe

take this opportunity to funding partners accountable. It’s salute the Ministry of Health, the responsibility of every one IUganda AIDS Commission, my to play a part in revisiting our colleagues, LGBTI organizations, country health programmes and civil society organizations and the re-assessing our performances. media fraternity for highlighting the slow but sure involvement of On June 25, 2015 Uganda signed sexual minorities in the health five global fund grants worth programming in Uganda. USD 226,241, 454 million. The By SM funds are for among other The dialogue and engagements purposes managing HIV/AIDS and iving at the peak of one’s adult life calls for and lack of respect for our lives. Little did I know of key population groups tuberculosis and health systems a number of life plan adjustments, changes that I was bridging the spread of HIV between the particularly in decision making strengthening. The removal of L and commitments for the future and a good lesbians and the married heterosexual couples! is very fundamental. The election policy and legal barriers and zero health plan is one of them! Among other things, of key population representatives tolerance to discrimination in I held my breath as I got pricked; considering the an HIV test is almost compulsory. Before I queued onto the Country Coordinating access to the right to health is discrimination we still harbor in the health sector, to taking the test, I remembered the homophobic Mechanism must be welcomed one of the interventions. where gaymen, transgenders and lesbians don’t in this era. The CCM oversees Pastor Sempa emphasizing that HIV is spread most access health care services with ease especially programs and makes key among homosexuals; yes his sentiment holds some decisions about requests for those in regard to their ways of conjugation. This is the time to demand grain of truth and this gave me more reason to funding from the Global Fund for accountability not only to stick to my commitment. From a practical point of view; there is a gap which to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and be served but to also have Malaria and finances many of must be filled- incorporating the LGBTI community meaningful participation in As a lesbian, my mind first run to how many Uganda’s anti-AIDS efforts. Those The and the sex workers into the health care system is changing the health sector in women I had undressed, whose vaginas I had licked of us who know where we started Uganda. This is the only way to a back log that still hinders the development that participation causing them to sing melodies of excitement and bear witness to this tremendous attain a non discrimination free works to viewing an HIV free generation in place. success. how many times I had been less careful not to of sexual health environment for all. contract HIV. Have I been keen enough not to have These groups of people are a conduit to the spread The participation of sexual minorities in For God and my country the live and bare engagement that predisposes me of HIV to the major sexual groups. For as long minorities in key decision making processes will improve the policy key decision to HIV infection? as we must achieve the dream, we must claim and health environment for responsibility of our sins and actions! We must talk making I remembered the series of one night stands the delivery of HIV services to STATS about homosexuality however remote it sounds; sexual minorities at all levels. I seldom enjoyed, the short scheduled kind of processes yes it exists among us and it affects us in more What is needed is to establish 2015-2017 Global fund grant relationships I entangled myself into. I wondered a baseline of the current sexual will improve ways than we realize or care to admit. to Uganda if my multiple sex partners were as ‘playerful’ as minority health services in the policy I am. The hit and runs, all sorts of sex encounters Efforts to cut down the new infections will keep Uganda to increase capacity to HIV Grant $17,617,922 that made me susceptible to contracting the virus, futile if the law makers don’t incorporate the collect data, analyze and demand and health the fun and sweetness I derived from rubbing accountabilities. sex workers and LGBTI persons into the health environment MoFPED HSS Grant $14,96,562 and thrusting my labia unto my partners’ clitoris care systems. Free and non discriminative health It is high time, that as a country, we for the invoked carelessness; my pleasure could be the services must be uniformly distributed to persons work towards building systems TASO HSS Grant $7,163,636 conduit to my acquiring the dreaded virus! for the world to achieve the dream of aN HIV free aimed at structural intervention that allow everyone the right to delivery of generation. MoFPED TB Grant $21,703221 My memories run fresh to the number of women access treatment without fear or HIV services (married unhappily to men) who used me as their We can hide from the truth but not forever; discrimination. Sexual minority groups should work around to sexual TASO HIV-TB Grant $6,804,113 sexual satisfaction tool. I foolishly enjoyed the homosexuality is a reality and we must come to institutional capacity building and minorities at warmth of their thighs forgetting their husbands terms with it! Devising means to include the sex invest in systems strengthening; Total Grant $226,241,55 too did the same with other young girls. The chain workers and LGBTI persons into the health care eventually making it possible to all levels. of our immorality stemmed from our unfaithfulness systems must be made a priority. hold government, civil society and

34 35 TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN HEROES THE KUCHU TIMES PRESENTS YOUR FREE COPY OF Over the years, the African LGBTI movement has lost gallant activists to natural causes and hate crimes. This THE AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY issue of Bombastic pays tribute to some of the people who dedicated their lives to bettering the African LGBTI community, although they might not have lived long enough to share in the many achievements achieved by the latter. We salute you for your selflessness and continue to pray that you rest in power.

JOEL GUSTAVE NANA THAPELO MAKUTLE ERIC OHENA LEMBEMBE “The hardest work is done by local activists like those you will see in this film. To them I want to say: You are an inspiration to me... I am proud to join in this great human rights cause.”

Joël Gustave Nana Ngongang Thapleo Makutle, a 23 year Eric Ohena Lembembe was a -United Nations Secretary (1982-2015), better known as Joel old gay and transgender South Cameroonian activist for human Nana, was a leading African LGBT African who volunteered for gay rights, regular contributor to General Ban Ki-moon human rights advocate and HIV/ group LEGBO was killed on 8th the NGO Human Rights Watch AIDS activist. Nana's career as a June 2012. He was attacked and and active in the defense of human rights advocate spanned had his throat slit by two men for LGBT rights. He was tortured numerous African countries, his sexuality, which accprding to and murdered in July 20131in including Nigeria, Senegal and close friends, he was never afraid Yaounde at the age of 33, South Africa as well as his native to show. causing outrage and concern Cameroon. of his comrades as well as the Makutle participated in the international community. He was the Chief Executive Kimberley Out In Africa Gay and Officer of Partners for Rights and Lesbian Festival as a drag queen According to witnesses who Development (Paridev) a boutique under the stage name Queen discovered his body, Eric’s neck consulting firm on human rights, Bling and also wore the crown and feet appeared to have been development and health in Africa for Miss Gay Kuruman. No arrests broken and his face, hands, at the time of his death. Prior to were ever made although it was and feet burned with an iron. that position, he was the founding clear the murder was a hate At his time of death, Eric was Executive Director of the African crime. the Executive Director of the Men for Sexual Health and Rights Cameroonian Foundation for (AMSHeR)an African thought AIDS. and led coalition of LGBT/MSM organizations working to address the vulnerability of MSM to HIV. Mr Nana worked in various national and international organizations, including the Africa Research and Policy Associate at the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission(IGLHRC), as a Fellow at Behind the Mask, a Johannesburg based non profitmedia organisation publishing a news website concerning LGBTI affairs in Africa. Want to screen the film and lead a discussion about LGBTQI He wrote on numerous topics in the area of African LGBT and HIV/ rights with your community? Download the FREE discussion AIDS issues and was a frequent guide at media commentator. Nana on www.callmekuchu.com/discussionguide died on October 15, 2015 after a brief illness. 36 37 HEALTH HEALTH

minorities. We have also connected the LGBTI its own. Clearly, it is very difficult and d sex work organization to to fundraise for LGBTI rights and The Right to Health is Inalienable- I have actually seen this story the main stream health advocacy even if the business or political developing from denial that movement; this has made service communities were willing to we didn’t have LGBTI people delivery faster and more reliable. help, not many would want to be IT CANNOT WAIT! in Uganda to where we are associated with gender and sexual now. Some people think the On the downside of what minorities. Therefore, if funders environment has always been this is happening currently, the could change their strategies to conducive for minorities but it community is undergoing tough set upself sustenance plans, we wasn’t, a lot of work and advocacy times as funders experience will be able to stay strong all by was put in to get us where we are donor fatigue and think they ourselves. We should also have now and I must say, we are proud have achieved a vibrant and a deliberate affirmative action that we have created the change. strong movement that can stand to identify spaces where our on its own. While we must realize Currently, I have realized that people can be placed to make a they are also facing the global livelihood. there is a false sense of security economic crisis, we cannot ignore and people have become very lax. the fact that they seem to have The movement also needs to pay However, people must realize that had the notion that the Anti gay more attention to wellness; most anything can happen at any time. bill was the only problem that of the community members are The rumours of re-tabling the bill the community needed help with. depressed and this is one of the are not coming from nowhere; worst human conditions anyone that smoke is being sparked by a The East African movement is can ever go through. It cuts at fire. somehere still very fragile and could easily your soul and eats you up; years slip back to where we came back. HEALTH of continued abuse, stigma and I think funders need to start deprivation has exposed people The right to heath is inalienable, helping the movement to develop to chronic depression. it cannot wait. We might continue sustainability programmes. This having the discussion as a nation way, even when they do pull out, This is something that needs to be on whether we want minorities the movement will still stand on addressed because it is the root to be part of the social fabric but cause of most of the problems that is not as important as the in the community. People drop health issues faced by these same Minorities out of school, quit their jobs and people. Minorities or not, they literally give up on life because need to access health services or not, of this; steps must therefore be and our job is to make sure they taken to counter this problem. y name is Kikonyongo keep a low profile and thought of the Anti Homosexuality Act are included in the policies and they need If we want to move forward, we Kivumbi and I’m a human ways to lessen the discrimination picked and the only way we could service delivery plans of the must go back and look at the country. to access Mrights defender for LGBTI and stigma surrounding make an impact was to come causes of our problems. If we people and sex workers; my work minorities; together with my together. To make this work, we In all my years of working for and start from there, sooner than mainly focuses on the right to queer colleagues in the media had to register our association/ with sexual and gender minorities, health later we will have this movement health as a platform for a wider fraternity, we decided to focus on organization but we could not the greatest achievement I have move way further than we ever bill of rights for these minority international issues in the hope do that under the name Go registered is the discussion from services and dreamed. groups. I’m also the Executive of influencing the local audience Gay Uganda so we opted for denial to public health policy Director of Uganda Health by availing them with knowledge Uganda Health and Science Press and law. In almost every public our job is to and Science Press Association on what was transpiring amongst Association; this was a very safe discussion, LGBTI and sex workers and serve in various spaces gay people out of Uganda and name that would pass with the are now a part of the discussion; make sure representing the key populations Africa as a whole. registrar. it was unprecedented for Uganda with a special niche on LGBTI and AIDS Commission, Parliament and they are sex workers. In 2008, I became the editor in With our certificate of registration chief of the Guardian Newspaper; in hand, we immediately got to Ministry of Health among others included in I’m a queer person and for quite this gave us a big lee way work; our main goal was to use to mention by name LGBTI, in the some time till self discovery I because one, it was a born again our niche in the media to bring services that they were offering. the policies didn’t know where to belong. I publication and two; I had the into public discourse the rights They now even invite us to talk to am a journalist that has served power to determine what would of gender and sexual minorities, them and having them listen to and service in many publications and in run. I used this opportunity to which we managed to do. Most us and plan for us based on our 2006, while at New Vision I could publish pro LGBTI articles and of the information then was not realities is a great achievement. delivery no longer hide my identity and during that time, we built a great very positive but we knew people The current climate, though it there was also a lot of hullabaloo network as queer journalists. were thinking about it and it remains unfavorable, is a win for plans of the about my sexuality. I tried to opened doors for discussions on the minority community. That same year, rumours about country.

38 39 OPINION OPINION

IF YOU CAN’T LOVE US, out to be these human beings who are out to turn everyone we come in contact with. TOLERATE & RESPECT US. Reproduction: Giving birth is a choice and when one chooses to pass on their genes, nature and By SM science allows for it to occur in the most humanly any a time, society has misunderstood us, no shame in being who you are. We cannot apologize acceptable ways. The fusion of the male and female attached evil to our existence and twisted for how we feel. gametes must not necessarily occur in the female our stories but we too have our side of the reproductive organ through copulation; yes it must M Recruitment into homosexuality: No one is not only occur in the vagina! Not everyone has the story; only if you could understand these: recruited into homosexuality. Sex is an emotional privilege of getting to that moment, precious they Homosexuality is NOT learnt: It is a action that stems from the brain; the choice of who call it. It is human error to call homosexuals anti misconception for one to consider gets you to that pleasure is made by children. Several children have been born and raised someone’s sexual orientation, the brain. To call homosexuals hired to gay and lesbian parents. They haven’t lost their attraction and expression as a and recruited people is correlating breath because they have grown up with parents of learned habit. Whether genetics them to prostitution. People need the same sex. Besides it is getting trendy to be raised explains it or fails, whether it to understand the dynamics of by single parents, so how about being raised by two is scientific or not, it is justly recruitment; for example it is fathers or two mothers. The homosexuals too can the homophobic societies that marginalize them. important to follow the growth rude to call a Transgender reproduce if they choose they want to be parents Despite the hatred, LGBTI persons have maneuvered pattern of the homosexuals man who goes through the and it is unfair to take this gift of parenthood away through the threats of homophobia to express their around us. Sexual expression, pain of binding his breasts from them. identity and orientation are to pass for a man a paid abilities. Life is not limited to sex but to ability. It growth processes that stem recruited mercenary. We LGBTI person are not a disgrace to God; Believers is rude to undermine and disregard homosexuals from childhood. have heard a number need to understand the fundamentals of our faiths! because of their sexual identity. I won’t tell the story of people claiming To use religion as a tool to spread hate is sheer of the CEO of apple, during my high school times; People are born with a they are homosexuals blasphemy; why then don’t you stop affiliating the girl who had never scored less than 80% in every sexuality they identify for either financial yourselves to God whose greatest commandment exam we sat for was a lesbian! We can all point out with; they might more assistance, asylum is love! Whoever disregards a homosexual on the the people of potential among our communities, who often than not shield it or as a means to basis of faith and belief in God has lost track of what are homosexuals plus those who are bread winners from their expressions merely get ahead in God requires of us. Homosexuals are God’s creation for their families. Why then do such people deserve because they worry how life; these beings and many of them visit the church and meet all the to die merely for who they prefer in their beds? society will perceive other requirements of the church of God. We are all taint the images of We must understand that coming to terms with them especially. sinners and we sin in different ways, if homosexuality homosexuals but if one’s sexuality is a transitional process, before you Some schools have is one of the ways we sin, then homosexuals are not your child claims decide on calling all the homosexuals to death, been labeled with red the only sinners neither do they sin most that they they were recruited, worry if your child is not having physical, emotional tapes for spreading deserve hate and death. The LGBTI deserve to be it’s because they and sexual attractions to peers of the same sex. We homosexuality. “The tolerated too! Have we lost our faith because we want to escape deserve to be loved, if we can’t be loved, then just single sex schools spread have tolerated sinners? The same Bible calls for homophobia. simply tolerate us. homosexuality”, they say! If your execution of women who marry while they are not my daughter is born a lesbian, e v e n If there are people virgins (Deut 22:13-21), how come girls who are not if born and raised around the opposite sex, who are sponsoring homosexual virgins are not killed? • 96% of Ugandan residents believe that she will eventually grow up to who she. Not even relationships in young students, then that is a homosexuality is a way of life. curative rape will reverse her identity. She may fear disgrace because anyone who accepts to be gay Being a homosexual doesn’t make one less to come out and chances are you might never even against their normal sexuality is insane, anyone who human; The potential of man is not measured by • A poll conducted in 2010, however, know about it but normally, such people live secret can accept to sponsor or get sponsored to be gay who they love or who they love to have sex with. Many revealed that 4% of Ugandans viewed lives where they feel free to express the sexuality. is ill. No school curriculum has homosexuality as more attributes define a man. It is a total disgrace homosexual behavior as being morally part of their learning expectations but rather every to regard a human being worthless because they acceptable. The only ‘crime’ the LGBTI community has committed school needs to include acceptance and tolerance love people different from the norm. Homosexuals in this respect is teaching people, both those living STATS • An estimate of 500 gay and lesbian as part of the learning expectations. Homosexuality have the brains to think, the energy to work and the in the closet and the general population that there is Ugandans are seeking asylum in Kenya. comes naturally and the world must stop making us power to change the world; they are only limited by

40 41 OPINION OPINION MAKING PEACE WITH MY PAST Challenging the Being silent about HIV and the structural issues that stop us gay Africans By Shivan Pavin Misconceptions about from accessing HIV programs means a silent, invisible death. Nearly five years ago, I had a responsibility for exporting the the shadows. From Senegal, like gay men have been son and he quickly became the USA’s Support of Gay US culture wars. Nigeria, Uganda and Malawi, the proportionately much smaller. reason I hated life. backlash has been notable. As we The US’s newly found support It’s true. Our visibility, coming again and again noted that there for our communities is essential. His birth made me think I Rights out of the shadows, standing up was a problem with HIV amongst The yields down the line in HIV had lost my pride as a sexual to be counted, was what we had the gay men on the continent, research and programming and minority woman, I cried day to do—and it was not without again and again the reaction was ultimately beating this virus are and night blaming God for ith reference to the article silence because my countrymates consequences. David Kato lost that these ‘evil, foreign’ entities only possible because of it. letting all my suicide attempts “U.S. Support of Gay believed that I was evil. his life. And I am living in South are put into prison or killed. go to waste. Rights in Africa May Have W Africa in part because of the price Because we were supposedly From a very personal point of Because, silence is death for HIV. Done More Harm Than Good” by of that visibility. view, my visibility was a small I had tried to have abortions A lesson that many, many gay men ‘unAfrican’. NORIMITSU ONISHIDEC. 20, 2015. price to pay to stand up and be several times during my have lived in the west, in Europe I found the article disappointing But that price we paid fades But, to date, in part because of counted as a human being. To pregnancy, when that did not and the States. Being silent about and a misrepresentation of the in comparison to what was lots of lobbying and demands acknowledge to myself that work, I tried taking my own life HIV and the structural issues situation and struggles of gay happening: when we had no that the money follows the clear loving a man was not such a bad but still, death eluded me. It that stop us gay Africans from Africans on the continent. Our research amongst gay Africans, lines of the HIV epidemic, we are thing. That it was normal, that I was so bad that the day I gave accessing HIV programs means a overseas allies are a lifeline, not when we were regularly at last getting HIV programming need not hide it. That I could birth, I gave him out to the first silent, invisible death. a liability. demonized and blamed for the and research. Even where we actually stand up proud and be person I could think of and In 2008 we held a small silent continent’s ills. Gay men were were pariahs for governments myself. That I need not hide. only went to check on him two I am a gay Ugandan, an HIV and protestbefore an international HIV arrested after the international to tackle, we are winning a little years later. It has taken me gay activist as termed by some. meeting—theHIV Implementors’ ICASA meeting in 2008 in Senegal space to do the programming Of course, I will not be feted close to four years to accept I have personally lived through Meeting in Kampala, Uganda. because they dared come out and ourselves. This is a fantastic amongst my country-mates. Fair my son and the road has not the times that the article tries to We were harassed, arrested, and assert that they were present achievement, unimaginable just enough. But I continue to push been an easy one. I had to go describe, and it is wholly off. it was only by the efforts of the in Senegal. We had absolutely ten years ago. for a change that I believe is through counseling and do In the early years of the HIV international community that the no HIV programming—just very necessary for me and my people, some self discovery to finally epidemic—the years of President court case against our ‘trespass’ intense country mates intent on The US spent billions on the for a continent that I love with all come to terms with the fact Bush—when Uganda was lauded was dropped. quashing us as human beings ‘Abstinence and Being Faithfull’ my heart. Happy to have the US that my anger and frustration for its ‘moral’ engagement of HIV, with laws that mandated death Campaigns in Africa. Evaluation of as partner. was misdirected. I was one of the people that were The anti-homosexuality bill of to us, to me and my partners, as those showed little had actually 2009, which decreed death for ‘serial offenders’. been achieved. The amounts Paul Ssemugoma is a Ugandan The devil I once assume my incensed that we couldn’t tell ‘aggravated homosexuality’ and spent on highly HIV-burdened physician, living in exile in South son was has now turned into other gay Ugandans they were at imprisonment for ‘promotion We could not have fought from and underserved populations Africa the joy of my life. He is the risk of HIV. No one would touch of homosexuality’ like in HIV reason I wake up every day us, no one would acknowledge us. prevention messaging for gay determined to work out hard To the authorities we didn’t exist. men—is all real, lived history. and become a better person. A review of the literature from the continent then had lots about And, we fought that with the At the age of 23, I am proud ‘abstinence and being faithful’ help of our allies, in the west, in that I can support my little and nothing about gay men at Europe and in the US. boy, and we have embarked risk of HIV on the continent of on a journey where we shall Africa. We were few daring to come out, hopefully create many amazing disorganized, under-funded. We and lasting memories. And, there existed in Uganda an were desperate, and we sought anti-gay movement, loudly led help wherever we could get it. I hope one day, he can forgive by the feverish Pastor Martin That gay people in the west could me for the pain I put him Ssempa—against an opposition understand and join hands with trough and also understand that was non-existent, at least us was no miracle. Because the that I was in a bad place at the not visibly so. very discrimination that we were time. When, in 2007, we gay Ugandans living in Uganda had actually decided to hold a press conference been ‘exported’ from Christian and come out as gay, we wore teaching in the US and by the masks. I was there. I remember, previous century’s colonizers. and I was wholly in favour of My lived reality strongly refutes coming out, even if somewhat the article’s implication that the veiled, rather than dying of HIV in US LGBTQ community has any

42 43 KENYATTA VS OBAMA WAS IT MERELY A WAR OF WORDS TO ALL AFRICANS ost Africans applauded, praised and venerated One case in point is the uncodified dress attire. With Kenyatta. As usual, insults were hurled directly reactionary situations producing mob sanctioning of Dear brothers and sisters, M at the LGBTI and their allies. The infamous dress codes deemed too revealing and noncultural. Mugabe line was repeatedly advanced -’Unless he (Obama) In the name of humanity, I am perturbed by In most instances, meting out justice has happened in leaves his wife and marries another man’. Traditionally, the continued segregation of minorities be it public spaces, which are notoriously inhabited by less marriage is between a woman and a man and is supposed due to their difference in gender orientation, educated, unemployed, politically manipulated and to support the majority’s claim of marriage for procreation race, religion, ethnicity or any other human misinformed youths. This scene has been replayed in and social affirmation for upholding a culture. aspect. The human race possesses different many places in Africa including Zambia, Uganda and diversities and there is need to appreciate The message was simply misunderstood. It wasn’t an Kenya. Hence, we have to continuously question why and protect these differences. option. It wasn’t a directive either. By all intents, it was a African leaders at times take a back bench and remain plea to change the mindset and embrace non-violent and mute. These are the voices of ‘integrity’ that are urgently There must be tolerance for one another; wanton discrimination of mentally ‘healthy’ and sound required during mob justice frenzies in the name of remember lack of it leads to massive violation have borders that are too narrow. African LGBTI persons. It was a plea to move beyond defending a culture and religious beliefs. Parallels can of human rights, people’s liberties and institutionalized homophobia; a reminder that a human be drawn on issues of intra-extended family incest and freedoms. Tolerance is so essential in human Whenever we uphold our differences in nature, being is a human being. rape, and the now hotter topic of the decriminalisation of life; it encompasses harmony with one another we start to acknowledge whoever might seem same-sex activities - thus discussions are prohibited. and acceptance of the different diversities different as rivals or a nuisance, and this Furthermore, it was an emphatic reminder that our of human nature. We all have different leads to marginalization, social exclusion, differences are so many; from individual to continental Consequently, taboo subjects should never be questioned individualities and as a society, there is need aggression and then violence shall be the tool level. A call to remember that differences are usually by the West- they are just what they are. Raising such or space where each one of us can live in of operation. This sequence eventually leads misunderstood, taken for granteAd, especially when the issues in public attracts legal and religious backlash. In one accord irrespective of how different they to a chain of hate and wars with inevitable West appears to support the harmless minorities that may the end, even the most virulent speeches and statements might be. We need to forego small matters of consequences of tearing us further and demand social inclusion. Each human being is born with have been carefully packaged to squash impending in-group egoism that consider other groups fu rther a pa rt. dignity - that’s one of the underpinnings of human rights cultural imperialism as seen in the Obama vs Kenyatta inferior or less human. and a basis on which Obama tried to engage with the press conference to the aApplause of the disengaged It is therefore my humble prayer that each Kenyans and the rest of Africa. public. Other African presidents famed for such stances Majority of people still think in terms of their one of us cultivates the virtue of tolerance. have been heralded as safeguarding African cultures and own group belonging and forget the human Martin Niemoller noted that; “First they True, we are born into cultures that vary temporally and economic interests. African leaders are known for tirelessly race is basically non differential whether a came for the communists, and I did not spatially. We have learnt over time that each culture, if ranting anti-gay speeches. From political rallies to UN person is straight, gay, an albino, a Christian, speak out - because I was not a communist; harmless and advancing human dignity and progress, Assembly addressing, they have earned a name. Is this a monk, American, Arab, African; it does not Then they came for the socialists, and I did is worth accepting and perpetuating for healthy revealing of modern culture differences and popularity? matter, if put in one room all you will see are not speak out - because I was not a socialist; socioeconomic reasons. Some traditions which have been people before subcategorizing them. Then they came for the trade unionists, and assimilated into our cultures have rightly been forgotten The topic of social inclusion as indicative of civil liberties I did not speak out - because I was not a or discarded, as society began to differentiate the good and progress, has garnered heavily contested and yet This world belongs to all of us, we all share one trade unionist; Then they came for the Jews, and bad traditions. skewed debate, with religious backup being sort to win commonality- our humanity. It is essential to and I did not speak out - because I was not but a predetermined debate, on what is African (as if try to find a way of treating each other as a Jew; Then they came for me - and there However, some traditions have remained controversial. Africa is a homogeneous grouping of human beings). human beings first as well as acknowledge was no one left to speak out for me.” Simultaneously, new traditions are cropping up and each other as possessors of equal rights and assimilated into our dynamic cultures. It is on this view This is an important and further reminder and caution bearers of duties in order to respect each other’s We might stay silent on so many issues that Obama and Kenyatta appeared to differ. Of all cultures - we are born different i.e. with different phenotypes, rights. We must try to educate ourselves in because we are personally affected BUT that present in the world, which ones should we lay claim as genomes, capabilities and capacities. Unless we leave understanding others, to live in empathy and very silence when others are suffering is, in legitimate parts of the African language and identity? behind ‘majoritism’ and populism for political score endeavor to enlarge as much as possible the a way, to permit and contribute to their Kenyatta advanced a common line that Africa be left to seeking, our minds remain lazy at best, to research, understanding and appreciation of the sphere suffering. the majority to decide, I guess as a passive referendum- engage, dialogue and tap on the vast talent possessed of whatever groups we feel akin to. style. This means, what Africa considers taboo and sinful, by the LGBTI. Thus the majority will blindly fall victims to should be respected as such. real time propaganda press conferences and speeches. It Being human means belonging together and Yours Sincerely, is clearly evident, that Obama and Kenyatta sought their it is from this notion that we must be open Semakula Samuel The confusion has always come in, when (Western) understanding of their popularity and different cultures to to appreciating the inviolability of all human Founder Tolerance Campaign Initiative cultures have been loosely described as socially ill appeal to their constituencies and inadvertently encroach beings no matter their differences, consciously lifestyles and vice versa, denigrating to human dignity. appreciating that our common home does not and challenge others. By JB

44 45 OPINION OPINION

communities and homes; from acquaintances, from to the cheap affordable generic cream that the family members, from trusted individuals and from dermatologist recommended is becoming more The Ten Faces of strangers alike. It is a face we see both in times of and more difficult in the face of international peace and in situations of conflict. This face is the intellectual property protections. As if that’s not ultimate persona of gender domination and it is a bad enough, last year, the Ugandan government face acutely aware of infringements of the rights passed the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Sexuality to sexual autonomy and bodily integrity. Currently, Act (HAPCA), criminalising the sexual life and the Ugandan laws that would potentially save its activities of this face. The irony is that such a By Dr. Syliva Tamale face would be attractive if the rules were confined life are ineffective as they are coded through a law that purports to be based on human rights to punishing those who inflict harm through patriarchal, phallocentric culture. Sadly, a bill that principles in fact tramples human rights. The sexual exploitation, assault and violence. But they was devised to improve the situation has been socio-economic and cultural sides of this face go beyond that—sometimes being patronising, collecting dust in the corridors of power since the clearly expose the complex dynamics between at others controlling and at other points, even year 2000. gender, human rights and HIV. Not only does sexist. In the process, these restrictions step on HAPCA contravene the Constitution and national our rights to privacy, non-discrimination, autonomy, 5. The Cultural Face policies on HIV/AIDS but it also violates several integrity and dignity. Examples of such laws The cultural persona of sexuality is also double rights enshrined in international human rights abound, including those on prostitution, criminal faced, exhibiting both positive and negative treaties that the country has committed to. adultery, homosexuality, marital rape, pornography aspects. The positive side shows African traditional 8. The Political Face and abortion. But, like a double edged sword, values that enhance sexual pleasure while the this face cuts on both sides and often its other negative side exhibits practices geared to the The contours of the political face of sexuality face has been deployed by marginalized groups control of women’s sexuality. In that sense this serve a specific socio-political purpose of outlining in Uganda to challenge its restrictive twin face. face both enhances and violates human rights. In the criteria of sexual citizenship. It is tinged Through strategic litigation, some of the stubbles Uganda the traditional institution of Ssenga among with hypocritical rhetoric that wears the mask of and freckles on the restrictive legal face have the Baganda, for instance, plays a significant role in “preserving traditional family values” “protecting been rendered unconstitutional. For example, in a promoting the right to sexual pleasure on the one our children” and “maintaining morality.” It has the case filed by an NGO called Law and Advocacy for hand, but on the other, despite the outlawing of the tendency to press panic buttons, to ahistoricize and Women in Uganda (LAW-U), criminal adultery that cultural practice of female genital mutilation, it is otherize faces of other sexualities and to appeal Introduction targeted wives and not husbands was declared still practiced by some communities in the country. to populist sentiments. For example, the Anti- unconstitutional in 2010. Pornography Act that was passed by the Ugandan As most of us know, Sexuality is one of the most 6. The Heteronormative Face 3. The Reproductive Face government in 2014 emboldened vigilante groups complex and politicized issues on the African and abusive government officials alike to maltreat continent. If Sexuality were to look in the mirror, The heteronormative face of sexuality has big This brings me to the next face of sexuality, whose beautiful eyes that are deceptive because they hide women, including publicly undressing them. In she would see numerous faces. In these brief notes, forehead wears the script of the roles of women short, this face instrumentalizes sexuality for I map out ten different “faces” of sexuality as they a serious disability, that is, the fact that their central and men in the continuity of life. That is the face vision is exclusively binary. This visual impairment political ends and in the process, disenfranchises have been manifested in Uganda, analyzing their of reproduction which speaks both the language and inflicts untold damage to diverse minority intersections with human rights plus the de jure means that she tends to categorize people in of health and the language of human rights. The absolute terms as either heterosexual male or groups in Uganda. The political face, which is a and de facto rules and norms that mould and paint forehead is creased by restrictive abortion laws, close ally of the religious and cultural faces, usually their features. heterosexual female. When the optometrist and the mouth is contorted with practices which prescribed human rights lenses that would enable rears its ugly head covered in partisan feuds, 1. The Erotic Face proscribe contraception. The well-being of this this face to clearly see diversity, the legal, cultural sectarian hatred, ageism, neoliberalism, patriarchy face is further affected by underdevelopment and and religious faces conspired to conceal the and militarism. Wearing the shroud of silence and mystery, the the lack of political commitment to its agenda. prescription from her. In Uganda, not only do these 9. The Religious Face face of Sexuality that most of us wish to focus on In Uganda, the eyes of the reproductive face conspiratorial faces possess powerful platforms to is the one that exhibits erotic desire and pleasure. are generally closed most of the time or at best promote the heteronormative ideal, stoking hatred Closely resembling the political face is the religious Most Ugandans would wish—if not openly, at squinted. While therapeutic abortion is legally and violence at every turn with homophobic and one. The message on this face tells us that sex that least secretly in their deepest fantasies—that permitted, the access to such a procedure remains transphobic rhetoric; they also attempt to obliterate is non-genital, non-procreative, outside marriage, they were free to express their sexuality freely a huge challenge, rendered more confusing by the rich diversity of Ugandan faces, particularly and between same-sex individuals, is sinful. Its and derive maximum pleasure from it—provided government policies that are more accommodating the homosexual and bisexual ones. The draconian personality is heavily influenced by the Natural those expressions and activities involve willing than the law. Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was invalidated by Law moral principle that makes it particularly adult participants. Alas, there is the legal face 4. The Violent Face the Constitutional Court in 2014, was the latest attractive to the legal face. But sexual morality that squints at the erotic one, with significant attempt to reinforce legal support for this face. is deployed based on double standards for men implications for our right to desire, our right to The violent face of sexuality is angry and has a and women. Examples of such laws include laws pleasure, and of course, our right to love… permanent snarl. It is smeared with thick layers 7. The HIV Face that govern criminal adultery and prostitution. In 2. The Legal Face of damage and often recoils in utter stigmatised From a distance, you can only see the Uganda, for instance, the offence of prostitution shame. The violent face is typically feminine, epidemiological side of the HIV face. However, on criminalizes sellers of sex (majority being women) The powerful legal face of sexuality wears bold with a lingering look of sadness that stems closer scrutiny you will notice the unmistakable without touching the buyers (most of whom are rules, restrictions, regulations and prohibitions on from loathing control. It cannot escape the hurt gender and power wrinkle marks as well as men). Legal positivism and feminist jurisprudence how, where and with whom we “do” sexuality. The in public or private spaces; in offices, schools, the oppressive furrows of social class. Access have heavily criticised this face for its moral-

46 47 OPINION REFUGEES based sexual laws in favour of rights-based laws. In Uganda, this face is personified by Reverend Father Simon Lokodo, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity, who polices women’s sexualities with an iron hand. This face is also in constant political struggle with the next THE FORGOTTEN REFUGEES one… he influx of refugees from within their own community. wish to leave their country and 10. The Subversive the Middle East, Asia and People fleeing their homes to family without a genuine reason. Face TAfrica has caused a lot save their lives and hope for a of debate in the EU on how to better future, a common ground The West has a responsibility The subversive handle the crises as they call should be place for all refugees to consider African refugees, face of sexuality it. Due to the huge numbers of irrespective of where you come when history reminds us that we wears a permanent refugees arriving day by day, some from, the religion you belong to, were once used as slaves, our wink! It carries European countries closed their your ethnic background or your grandfathers were taken away an undercurrent borders and others introduced sexual orientation and gender from Africa to fight in wars that of rebellious, unrestrained the most visible side of this face challenge is a daunting one. The firm measures on refugees identity. they have no idea about, we were sexuality. Often characterised by in Uganda, although the whole fresh, reconstructed face must crossing into their territories. colonies for the longest period of great creative skills, subversive alphabet movement of sexual not be viewed as the end of African refugees are fleeing time, our rights were denied, our sexuality consciously breaks minorities (LGBTI), and of sex the struggle; rather, as only one The debate continues on how away from prosecution, war and wealth taken away and today we sexual taboos and crosses bright workers is really at the forefront battle that will have to be joined to stop ISIS and other human dictatorship; a continent that are called illegal immigrants in red lines. It ignores norms and in leading the way in this regard. by many kin, neighbors and atrocities in the world, while heavy has a long history of instability, the streets of Europe. throws prejudice to the winds; acquaintances of sexuality. weapons that are meant to kill where crimes against humanity I call on the international it is not afraid to use four- Conclusion and displace millions of people and atrocities are carried out community to do more in letter words and to relish in the are on the sale daily; eventually so often by rebels and some The diagnosis is simple: supporting African refugees that embarrassment that it causes, The face of Sexuality the poor and the weak bear the political leaders. Boko Haram in Sexuality suffers from a chronic are fleeing to save their lives, while knowing that what it is must burden side of it. Common Nigeria killing and kidnapping case of schizophrenia! The in every generation the life of doing is exposing the innate that most of us wish sense can dictate that you cannot young girls day by day, using prognosis is not good. Most of people evolves. hypocrisies of human beings: be in peace when your neighbor’s them on suicide missions in the the time her condition inflicts to focus on is the one house is being torn apart. streets of Nigeria, their threats “F-them!” it tells the world, and huge human rights costs. It One wonders how African leaders knows that secretly, the world continued out of the border causes profound disruption The refugees that are fleeing could sleep in their mansions actually agrees. that exhibits erotic to Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. not only in her life but also Africa and the Balkan countries to while their country men, women, Alshabab continues to threaten young and old are dying in This face organizes and plots in in the lives of Ugandans who save their lives are now becoming desire and pleasure. the instability of Somalia. the Mediterranean Sea, when radical ways, constructs counter- come face to face with her. The the FORGOTTEN REFUGEES, their own people are suffering “truths” about its realities, in prescription for stabilizing when priorities are given to one Countless trouble in the streets from bad rules of engagement, an attempt to topple the lies sexuality is to place her in a About the Author particular sect than others. The of DRC the list goes on, I could putting people under pressure peddled about its persona. But state of induced comatosia last time I checked, a refugee was not understand why priorities to flee their country. Don’t they the subversive face does all this before undergoing major surgery Sylvia Tamale is a Ugandan someone who has been forced to are not given to such people realize these are crimes against at a huge price of swift and fierce that will provide her with a academic and the first woman flee his or her country because when they all fleeing for death. humanity? How would you wish backlash from the legal, political, completely fresh and clean dean in the Law Faculty at of persecution, war, or violence. I don’t see why much priority is to be remembered? religious, heteronormative and face. The new face will be Makerere University. She A refugee has a well-founded given to others than a young girl constructed from unblemished is the recipient of the Ford violent faces. These faces gang fear of persecution for reasons of from Senegal fleeing her country I call on all Africans leaving in diverse threads of human Foundation Fellowship, up against her to squash all her race, religion, nationality, political to avoid genital mutilation the west to stand up in support rights and social solidarity that Fulbright-MacArthur Scholarship, sexual rights. In fact they are opinion or membership in a which if done will have severe of our brothers and sisters that weave a complex web of justice, University of Minnesota Award not satisfied with simply plotting, particular social group. consequences. I don’t see are denied their right of asylum. but try to completely efface her tolerance, equality, integrity, for International Distinguished why priority is not given to a Today many European countries image. And the tools used range dignity, liberty and autonomy, Leadership and the Akina Moroccan young boy fleeing from Written by Tijan Kandeh have listed the Balkans countries from acid to the sharp knife of safety, free choice, access Mmama Wa Afrika Award for prosecution and death due to as safe haven while Human Rights the traditional genital surgeon. to health services and most human rights activism in Uganda. his sexual orientation or gender A Gambian Human Right and Watch reports’ on LGBTQI people Established in October 2009, the importantly to pleasure. It will identity. A democratic continent LGBTQI activist. and ethnic minorities are harass Civil Society Coalition on Human reflect the true complex social has to continue inspiring others and denied their basic rights Rights and Constitutional Law is nature of sexuality. But the to follow suit and no one will

48 49 REFUGEES REFUGEES

Analysis of LGBTI Immigrant Dilemma Aderonke Apata: The Ugly Truth in Nairobi vs. UNHCR’s Role about Gay Rights in the West two others, homosexuality is the Home Office has refused to punishable by the death penalty, recognise her sexuality, arguing while a further 70 imprison that she cannot be classified as a citizens because of their sexual lesbian because she has children orientation. One of these from a previous heterosexual countries is Nigeria where the relationship. To quote the Home maximum punishment for same- Secretary’s barrister Andrew Bird: sex sexual activity is death by “You can’t be a heterosexual one Youth Health and Psychosocial Support Programs, generally ambiguous as more immigrants arrive for stoning. Nigeria’s anti-gay law day and a lesbian the next day. YHEPP earlier this year released a seventeen page protection; some LGBT immigrant youth reported is so radical that it includes a Just as you can’t change your document titled Victims of a Created Suffering. that when they called and identified themselves as provision for a 10-year prison race.” term for anyone who “administers, The document analyses the role of the United of Ugandan origin, they noticed a change of attitude Nations’ High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and tough talk from the receiver’s end –with an witnesses, abets or aids” a same- and the native LGBTQ community in addressing key expression cynicism. sex marriage or civil union LGBT asylum seekers challenges affecting the forced LGBTI migrants in ceremony. Nairobi. Under international and UK law, Imagine being born in a country people who fear prosecution According to Emmanue Odhimabo, the Youth Worthy of noting however is the fact that LGBT that treats you like a criminal for on the basis of their sexual Coordinator YHEPP, one of the main objectives of immigrant youths from Uganda have been more being gay. Imagine growing up orientation can claim asylum in the project was to ensure that the Nairobi based outspoken about their challenges. Generally and being forced to marry a man the UK. But in order to be eligible speaking, the Ugandan immigrant community is to hide a long-term relationship LGBTI youth aged between 18 and 27 were socially During the last century, gay for asylum, they must prove alright and had the right mindset to face the socio- relatively more informed on the asylum system, with your girlfriend. Imagine that they are gay. Certainly, this fluent in English and outgoing. It is therefore easier rights seemed to have gained getting arrested, tortured and economic challenges fueled by today’s homophobic momentum worldwide. There has is not an easy task. It demands society. to understand them and respond to their challenges extorted by the police simply extensive interrogations that even faster. But, Uganda is not the only country been an increasing trend towards because you are gay. the decriminalisation of same- end up invading those people’s The released document stats that Kenya is host where LGBT immigrant youth come from. Others privacy as they are required to to over half a million forced immigrants. A large include Somali, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, sex relationships particularly Imagine being forced to endure escalating in the 1960s and the murder of your family reveal their deepest and most number of these immigrants live in the Dadaab and South Sudan among others. Of all these, the intimate memories. refugee camp in the North, while a relatively smaller Congolese LGBT youth stand out as relatively shy, 1970s. In fact, LGBT rights are members and girlfriend because population has preferred to stay in the urban center with their main language being French among other currently protected by various you are gay. Imagine being Ms Apata has provided the of Nairobi for personal safety, among other reasons. native languages like banyamulenge. The practice legal instruments. For example, sentenced to death by stoning government with evidence that Among them are forced lesbian, gay, bisexual and of these two languages in Nairobi neighborhoods in the European Union, LGBT because you are gay. Imagine her former girlfriend, brother and transgender immigrants from Democratic Republic is rare and so, LGBT youth of Congolese origin have rights are guaranteed by both having to flee your country for three-year-old son were killed of Congo and Uganda –a substantial number are limited access to information and live a systemically the Treaty on the Functioning fear of your life. This is not a in vigilante violence relating to youth who receive partial psychosocial support challenged social life. of the European Union and the fictional story; it is the story of her homosexuality. She has also from the UNHCR –Nairobi mission and some of her Charter of Fundamental Rights. Aderonke Apata. explained to the Home Office that It should also be realized that the asylum regime in Homosexuality is legal in all friends. Like several other African countries, same- her previous marriage to a man sex conduct remains criminalized in Kenya despite Nairobi led by the UNHCR has done a lot to protect EU member states and there is was a sham intended to cover up being party to constitutional and international asylum seekers and refugees who; are fleeing a growing acceptance of same- Apata’s asylum claim the fact that she was a lesbian. agreements that stand for non-discrimination and persecution on grounds of sexual orientation and sex marriage. As of March 2015, In a desperate move to prove equality. gender identity. It is also true, that there has been an same-sex marriage is legal in all Ms Apata moved to the UK from her sexual orientation, she even influx of those seeking protection on this ground(s). parts of the UK except Northern Nigeria in 2004 and, in 2012, submitted photos and videos It however also notes that Nairobi, is not the safest This has destabilized parts of the protection system Ireland and same-sex couples after being caught with a false documenting her sex life with of cities in the region as there are attacks (organized and both sides (the asylum protection system in the UK may apply to adopt visa, she tried to apply for asylum. her current fiancée, Happiness and random) against native LGBT youth. There is a and a section of the LGBT immigrants) live in a children. Following two failed asylum Agboro. Despite this, the Home substantial level of lawlessness that feeds abuse situation where, they do not know what comes claims, she has now sought a Office has refused to change its of rights by authorities; where LGBT youth, and next. We have seen and experienced this during judicial review. The reason she decision. those perceived to be, are often arbitrarily arrested, arrests, demonstrations, through open protest LGBT rights in Nigeria is challenging the government’s extorted and locked up beyond constitutional time. letters, warning letters and systemic adjustments. decision not to grant her asylum For too long the UNHCR and some of her allies On the other side of the coin, is because she rightly fears that In a detailed section of the document is what YHEPP have reiterated that most of the most outspoken there are millions of people who deportation to Nigeria would As reported by http://www. has termed as Ugandaphobia- which is a fear or immigrants are; either not realistic, too much or continue to live in places that compromise her safety. After legalscribbler.com/ dislike fro LGBTI immigrants from Uganda. Today, not appreciating the privileges that come with their outlaw same-sex relationships. all, she has been sentenced to many LGBT immigrant youth still have issues with the protection needs. In five countries and in parts of death in Nigeria. Nonetheless, emergency response lines. The system still remains

50 51 HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS STANDING UP FOR OURSELVES: REWRITING THE HUMAN RIGHTS- The SMUG Vs SCOT LIVELY CASE ORIENTED BILLS By SM y nation is in labour; her is on the underside of his penis president of Uganda appointed waters just broke! But a rather than at the tip! All these to make an exclusive report M while ago, she nursed a and many more disorders of sex about homosexuality forgot to miscarriage; the underdeveloped development are limitations to document! Ideally these scientists and immature “kill the gay bill” the binary model of sex. This is committed treason; for their was brought to table before it evidenced in the anatomy of sex ignorance of basic science costed met the full nine months of anti development between five and the nation not just a handful body nourishment by the mother, six weeks of embryo development of dollars but also innocent consequently, it was aborted! where the embryo has the Ugandans who by the passing of potential to form both male and the “Kill the gay bill” were most The same uninformed people female anatomical plans. affected. It is ironical that, the (undernourished mothers) would be most informed sect of have passed yet another bill Trying to upload the science into people turn out to be ignorant of which is mimicking under the the faces of the uninformed , I am what seems quite obvious! The MUG v. Lively is a federal lawsuit on behalf of between the parties on various issues regarding shelter “regulating the activities sure the vibrant parliamentarian understanding and adoption of a non-profit umbrella organization for LGBTI each party’s evidence. Throughout the entire process, of the Non Governmental Doctor, Medard Bitekyerezo the spectrum of sex rather than Sadvocacy groups in Uganda against Scott one of SMUG’s primary concerns has been, and will Organizations (NGOs)”. This bill will find this true, at the end the binary model of sex should Lively, a U.S.-based anti-gay extremist, for his role continue to be, ensuring the security, safety and is indirectly targeting the few of the second trimester of be the genesis of acceptance of in the persecution of LGBTI people in Uganda, in protection of the community in Uganda as well as existing organizations which pregnancy, the gonad switches the intersex, understanding the particular his active participation in the conspiracy allies and supporters, as it pursues this case. have sought to address the on the developmental pathway transgender persons and for the to strip away their fundamental rights. issues of the sexual minorities to become an ovary or a testis. most obvious reasons, the gays and the key populations with In situations where the testis and the lesbians. Claire Ainsworth Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) filed the listening and understanding ears; develops, it secretes testosterone, lawsuit in 2012 against Scott Lively, a U.S.-based The Ssempa subpoena a warm blanket for the LGBTIs. which supports the development anti-gay extremist, alleging that his work with In early 2015, it was learned that Martin Ssempa is There is no form of knowledge, of the male ducts. It also makes For so long a time, other key anti-gay leaders in Uganda to deprive a U.S. citizen which means he is subject to the U.S. however, that has been sought other hormones that force the LGBTI community of fundamental rights court’s jurisdiction. In May, SMUG requested that the by the misinformed statesmen the presumptive uterus and LGBTI activists have constitutes persecution, a crime against humanity in court issue a subpoena, which whose judicial positions give Fallopian tubes to shrink away. international law. SMUG brought the case to a U.S. them the mandate to draft a bill If the gonad becomes an ovary, tried to create an court in the state of Massachusetts is a command by a court for a non-party witness to that convicts innocent people it makes oestrogen, and the understanding about give testimony and produce documents relevant to to life time imprisonment. The lack of testosterone causes the where Lively lives. In 2013, the court denied Lively’s the issues in the case. With this subpoena, SMUG arguments based on culture, male plumbing to wither. These sexual orientation request to have the case dismissed and affirmed seeks to question Ssempa under oath concerning religion and western influence hormones too play a critical that persecution on the basis of sexual orientation his work with Lively and his involvement in the are rather too raw and inhuman role in the development of the and gender and gender identity is a crime against humanity. persecution of the LGBTI community. It is important with uninformed thinking. If external genitalia, and climax just summarizes it all “if you want That decision allowed the case to proceed to the to emphasize that Ssempa is not a party to this case. the following sentiments are their action at puberty, triggering to know whether someone is discovery stage. “Discovery,” in U.S. law, is the phase He is not himself being sued; SMUG is only seeking understood, I doubt my nation the development of secondary male or female, it may be best where the parties exchange their evidence, including his testimony. shall find these bills relevant: sexual characteristics such as just to ask”. documents and testimony through depositions, in breasts or facial hair. Changes to The court updated the case schedule with the next The binary model of sex: For so any of these processes can have The genetics of same sex which witnesses are questioned by the other party’s major court date being 14 September 2016, for a long a time, LGBTI activists have lawyers outside of court. dramatic effects on an individual’s behavior: It isn’t far away from hearing on a motion for summary judgment, which tried to create an understanding sex. Gene mutations affecting yesterday when the gallant Since that important ruling in 2013, SMUG and will determine whether the case should proceed to about sexual orientation and gonad development can result in parliamentarians were gifted Lively have exchanged thousands of documents and a full trial before a jury or will be decided by the gender, although society is still a person with XY chromosomes with I pads! I want to be sure taken the testimony of the parties as well as some judge without a trial. Before then, however, there will centered to defining someone’s developing typically female they are in adhesion with witnesses. For example, members of SMUG’s staff be a lot happening: Lively must produce his expert sex by male or female; conforming characteristics, whereas the recent developments in and board gave testimony in full-day depositions, reports by 15 March 2016; and all depositions of to the anatomical tests rather than alterations in hormone signaling science. To begin with, whereas where they were questioned by both parties’ experts must be taken by 15 April the hormonal tests. The spectrum can cause XX individuals to this may seem unreal just like 2016. Between May and July, the parties will be of sexuality exists, however, for develop along male lines. Credit homosexuality seems too many! Lively’s attorneys. submitting their written arguments on the question example; when a child is born to Claire Ainsworth The fly Drosophila Melanogaster of summary judgment, which will serve as the basis with both the male and female is a potent animal model in the Lively was also deposed by SMUG’s attorneys over for the arguments that will be presented at the court anatomical features (intersex); To put it more politely, some men modern science based research the course of nearly two days. During this process, hearing in September. do they confer to being called have vaginas while some women but most importantly the study numerous filings were submitted to the court by male or female! In addition, in have penises. This is the gap of genetics. Whereas the genetics both SMUG and Lively to address disputes that arose some men the urethral opening that the team of scientists the

52 53 HUMAN RIGHTS

of same sex behavior in humans or fecundity. This suggests that rubbishes the idea that individuals is not understood fully, genetic genes associated with SSB could have adopted homosexuality models of co dominance and be persisting in the population because of Western influences. sexual antagonism have proved because they actually confer a It states: “There is no basis for to bring light at the end of the fitness advantage in females, the view that homosexuality is tunnel. despite being reproductively ‘un-African’ either in the sense “Researchers may have just found harmful to males”. Credit to I of it being a ‘colonial import’, or a benefit conferred by homosex- fuckinglovescience. on the basis that prevalence of people with same-sex or bisexual ual sex that could offer an expla- This trails in at a point when nation as to why this behavior has orientations is any different in studies on cannabis sativa have African countries compared to persevered, at least in one species. confirmed that it cures a number countries on any other continent.” According to a new study in fruit of health hazards, needless to This serves in interest of the LGBTI flies, not only does same-sex say factual science seems to be persons whose love is considered sexual behavior seem to be her- an antagonist to ordinary socio- illegal (against canon law of itable, but females with a genetic cultural beliefs. 0ver 15,000 nature). The myth of considering makeup associated with this trait species of animals exhibit same homosexuality as western attire actually display higher reproduc- sex behavior, therefore, it is not out forced on Africans was recently of western influence or the world tive rates, which is an evolution- elevated by the UN which called coming to an end (most believers ary advantage. These fascinating for the decriminalization of say), that we have sexuality wars homosexuality. findings have been published in but it is a humanity value that has Proceedings of the Royal Society existed since the Biblical times. But it’s the UN which reminded B. I predict that if similar studies us that women need to be lifted were done in humans, then the up; they are no longer secondary If a certain trait or behavior is scientific evidence would be citizens like they used to be detrimental to the reproductive more relevant but it still stands nowadays, the disabled too have success, or fitness, of an organism, that homosexuality is a form of rights now, people living with you wouldn’t expect it to persist sexuality that exists in animals HIV too today have rights but in the population as natural (humans belong to kingdom when they remind us to give selection should get rid of it. After animalia too) and could actually the LBTI persons rights we call all, the aim of the reproductive have an evolutionary advantage. it impersonification. We must game is to keep your genes realize that most of the trendy going. Why, then, do members Homosexuality and Africa: developments especially about BOMBASTIC of the same sex cop off with New studies by the influential the human rights have always DISTRIBUTION 2014 each other in so many species? Academy of Science of South been backed by the western world. The scientists concluded that Africa (ASSAf) – on the science We have simply not understood To view the video for the distribution o f the first issue of BOMBASTIC, please visit Males (fruit flies) with a genetic of human sexual diversity have our culture and beliefs and that’s https://www.kuchutimes.com/2015/08/kuchu-times-1-million-our-tremendous-8-months-journey/ makeup associated with high found out that there is “no why we celebrate the Uganda To contribute to the work of BOMBASTIC and Kuchu Times, please use levels of SSB (same sex behavior) evidence that orientation can be Martyrs with heavy smiles. produced female offspring with altered by therapy or that being [email protected] higher rates of reproduction, gay is contagious.” The report also

54 55 HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS

information in any material The decision to delete the ANALYSIS OF UGANDA’S NGO BILL particulars. This provision was provision was good as it leaves passed in accordance with 4. Dual liability of the organization organisations protected from Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) the recommendations of the and its directors having their permits revoked on Committee. Under Clause 31(11), the Bill the basis of undefined ‘public he Parliament of the Republic of Uganda passed In summary, the Bill as passed addresses most of interest. into law, The Non Governmental Organisations the concerns that HRAPF had raised. However, three creates dual criminal liability for TBill, 2015 in November of the same year. The thorny issues remain which concern: the refusal of an organization and its officers Bill now only awaits Presidential assent to become registration of organisation on the basis that that The provision as passed takes when the organization commits an Act of Parliament. the objectives are ‘in contravention of the law’; the away the arbitrariness of the an offence.This provision is 6. General Powers of the NGO provisions on ‘special obligations of NGOs’; and earlier provision. It now means contrary to the principle of Board to inspect organization ‘grounds for dissolution by court.’ that the Bureau has to consider corporate personality, which is to premises the objectives and if they do not the effect that an organisation is The memorandum hows that the need for the Bill contravene the law, or there are separate from its members and Under Clause 37 of the Bill, an is due to gaps in the existing law. It therefore seeks no misleading statements and directors, save in circumstances officer appointed by the board to streamline NGOs and their activities to ensure 1. Mandatory registration of NGOs the application is in line with the of fraud. It would give lee-way is given discretion to make an that they work within the precincts of the law. While Act, then the organisation must for the arbitrary arrest and unannounced inspection of the the Bill has noble intentions, it also had some very Under Clause 31(1), ‘An organisation shall not operate premises of an organisation, and in Uganda unless it has been duly registered by the be registered. The only concern prosecution of directors and controversial provisions that if passed into law, is about ‘where the objectives officers of organisations that to ask for any information that would violate the rights to freedom of conscience, NGO Board.’ Mandatory registration would require appears to be necessary for the all organisations to register, but this is a limitation are in contravention of the law’ are deemed to commit offences, expression, movement, assembly and association for and the interpretation this will simply because they engage purpose of giving effect to the both organisations and individuals. on the right to freedom of association, which covers Bill, and also gives them the unregistered entities. be given as regards objectives in work that involves issues for organisations working on relating to persons whose acts power to prosecute any person issues concerning criminalised are criminalized. This provision for an offence alleged to be HRAPF at that time published an analysis on how conduct like sex work and same was deleted. Provision is not committed under the Bill. Such the provisions of the Bill; would if passed into law For those organizations working on issues sex relations. The denial of part of the Act. The decision to unannounced investigations disproportionately affect organisations working on concerning marginalised and criminalised persons, registration to Sexual Minorities delete the provision was good as would be a violation of the right socially blacklisted issues concerning marginalised the requirement for mandatory registration with Uganda (SMUG) on the basis of it leaves organisations protected to privacy for organisations. groups. These organisations include those working the NGO Board would make it difficult for them to the term ‘sexual minorities’ by from criminal liability arising out on: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex operate at all, since they have to reserve a name the URSB gives an indication of of undefined contraventions of (LGBTI) rights and issues; sex worker rights and which may be rejected due to the criminal laws, and how Ugandan institutions may the law. This clause was proposed to issues; access to safe abortion issues; those the objectives may also be rejected leading to the interpret ‘in contravention of the be amended by: designating protecting religious minorities; and those working organisation being denied registration law.’ inspectors from the NGO Bureau with persons charged with terrorism and other 5. Revocation of an organisation’s whose names shall be gazetted; serious crimes. permit requiring notice of at least seven The Act partly does away with the requirement for 3. Broad and Undefined offences days stating the time and purpose mandatory registration for a person or group of According to Clause 33(1) (d) of of the inspection; reasonable After the First Reading, the Bill was forwarded persons or those entities that do not want to get Clause 3(10) (a) of the bill the bill, an organisation’s permit time was defined as the hours to the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee of incorporated as organisations. This would therefore stipulates that any organisation shall be revoked if in the opinion of 8:00am to 5:00pm; and by Parliament, which invited civil society organisations allow entities working on issues that are socially which contravenes any provision of the board, it is in the public creating offences for obstruction and the general public to give their views. This was blacklisted to continue doing their work even when of the Bill commits an offence. interest to do so. This threatens of an inspector, presenting false done and the Committee came up with a report they cannot be registered. This is a broad and undefined the right to freedom of association documents or making false that was largely reflective of civil society positions. offence that unfairly makes of organisations dealing with statements; or failing to comply At the second reading, the Committee Report was organisations dealing with issues issues that are unpopular among with reasonable orders or that are disapproved of by the members of the public, since directions of the inspector which discussed and most of its provisions adopted, and 2. Registration and Incorporation of organisations the Bill was passed into law. general public susceptible to the board has the discretion to shall be punishable by a fine not According to clause 31(4), an organisation will not be criminal liability, since the Bill arbitrarily revoke their operating exceeding 24 currency points or registered where its objectives are in contravention organizational activities that are permits on the premise of it being imprisonment note exceeding of the law, or where it is in public interest not to prejudicial to ‘public interest’. This in ‘public interest’ to do so. one year. Though most of the amendments suggested by register it or for any other reason that the Board may provision was recommended for the Committee were taken into consideration, the find relevant. deletion. Provision is not part of final Bill as passed still has issues that are going the Act. to disproportionately affect groups working with The term ‘public interest’ is The Committee recommendations marginalised groups. HRAPF has therefore put The decision to delete the not defined in the Bill and it is were generally followed but the together this commentary, which shows how the The Bureau can refuse to register where: ‘the provision was good as it leaves therefore subjective and subject notice period was reduced from issues raised initially as regards organization objectives of the organisation as specified in its organisations protected from to abuse. This provision was seven to three days The provision working on issues of marginalised groups were Constitution are in contravention of the laws of criminal liability arising out of recommended for deletion by the as adopted is okay except that addressed in the passed Bill. Uganda; where the application for registration undefined contraventions of the Committee. it gives the inspectors a lot of discretion by giving them powers does not comply with the requirements of the Act; law. The provision was not adopted. where the applicant has given false or misleading to ask for any information that

56 57 HUMAN RIGHTS RELIGION TURNING THEIR HATE INTO FAITH Where Love is they deem ‘necessary for purposes of giving effect assembly for members and officers of organisations Illegal to the Act.’ dealing with socially unpopular issues, since they By Waza can easily be wound up in pursuit of ‘public interest.’ am a 31 year bisexual man drain us spiritually; we ought My eyes bled to her sight that comes from a very to keep our faith despite these The rupture of emotions took strong religious background demoralizing sermons always I scene The committee proposed to amend this clause by (Roman Catholicism). In Africa, thrown at us. most religious leaders have With our compatibility worn on divesting the power of dissolution of an organisation If you’re an LGBTI identifying our fore heads from the board, and vesting it in the court on taken the mantle to advocate against homosexulity saying it is moslem, keep your faith in Allah, We were too young to take specified grounds which include: ‘threatening if you are a christian, no one has national security’, and ‘gross violations of the laws unafrican and a threat towards cover family values. the right to crucify you. These of Uganda’ both of which concepts are not defined. religious elders, especially the We were in love However, the provision on threatening national As both a father and advocate priests grooming us into strong security is left undefined, and due to the connection for LGBTI rights in a country like Christians never say that specific of national security with ‘serving foreign interests’ With our hands too far away Uganda, I know how hard it is sacraments are for heterosexual from the sight of our touch it may be prejudicial to the smooth operation of for one to maintain the passion people yet we do receive these organisations dealing with issues that are related for his/her religion because all sacraments together as the body Our memories still shaped our to criminalized conduct. religious leaders have nothing of Christ. I do believ that even hearts but venomous messages to among those who admonish us The space between our pass on about LGBTI issues. are some who are LGBTI but don’t hearts narrowed steadily as 9. Appeals to be made to the minister and powers This makes it hard for LGBTI come out. we grew too different of the minister identifying persons to go to places of worship due to fear of No one can separate me from The timing of our desires Clause 45 of the Bill makes the Minister of Internal being the focus of each oration; the love of Jesus Christ, no mere didn’t change Affairs the only forum before which an appeal from in essence this has reduced the man can dictate on who I have We loved each other a decision of the Board can be presented. It implies number of community members to worhip. I believe that some of that if the Minister is interested in a particular those preaching such gospels of 7. Special Obligations of organisations that have kept their devotion to At the mountain top, our fore organization being denied a permit or being their religious beliefs. hate against the LGBTI people Under Clause 40(d) and (f) of the Bill, organizations closed down, he can direct the Board to do so, and have more skeletons in their fathers laid their hands onto are prohibited from engaging in any yet appeals have to go to him/her The committee Despite such challenges, I have closets. I don’t think a mature our milk pots proposed to amend the clause and to introduce a never thought of abandoning my man consenting with a fellow But the rains eroded the activities that are prejudicial to the security faith or throwing away my rosary man is a sin. What people don’t new section 46. These proposals were to introduce painting interests and laws of Uganda, as well as the dignity a hierarchical mechanism of appeal, from the Sub- just because religious leaders realize is the fact that LGBTI of the people of Uganda. These obligations expose County Non-governmental Organisation Monitoring target me and my colleagues in persons do not support acts that Down to the valley where the organizations working on criminalized conduct Committee(SNMC) to the District Non Governmental their sermons that preach how deviate from biblical teachings white man planted his God to arbitrary prosecution due to their work being Organisations Monitoring Committee (DNMC); and unworthy we are to be at the such pedophilia, rape, murder or The God whose dogs bark regarded as causing insecurity as they are regarded from the DNMC to the Bureau. altar. I believe Jesus’ gospel runs any other acts that bring harm to and tear apart our existence as ‘foreign agents’. on the core doctrine of Love and others. the Bible further emphasizes this. Our love isn’t served to His Those who nurture us spiritually We are God loving people who diner alas the table is evacu- The clauses on appeals were passed as per the have many times diverted from don’t need any diversionary ated when our guests arrive Since these terms are undefined, these organised are committee’s recommendations. These provisions likely to fall foul of them. These sub clauses were the main course by spreading gospel but what we need is a guarantee the right to a fair hearing since they gospel of hope and comfort, proposed to be deleted. These clauses were included messages of hate with intent Our wombs are bare provide for an appeal mechanism right from the to push members of the LGBTI especially considering the social in the final draft of the bill that was passed. This SNMC to the High Court. The only concern is that provision makes it hard for organizations dealing community away from serving climate in which we live. My call Thick and fertile but our for appeals from the Bureau, a representative of the their faith since according to to my fellow brothers and sisters minds never collide with our with issues that are considered by the majority of Bureau also sits on the Adjudication Committee. the general public to be detrimental to national them, they do not deserve God’s in the community is simple; don’t bodies security and cultural identity of Uganda to operate sanctity. I do however believe that let anyone interfere with your faith and beliefs, we are all created We chase to love than to smoothly as it subjects them to warnings and even God created us all and if He really reproduce criminal prosecutions. didn’t want a certain category of in the image of God and we are people to exist because of their all masters of God’s creation left We fight to have our meal sexual orientation or gender with the sole responsibility of served but we won’t be at the identity then he wouldn’t have caring for God’s creation not any table 8. Dissolution of organisations created hem in the first place. I’m other deviant role. Keep your faith in the almighty God/Allah The table where love is Clause 44(3) (d) gives the NGO Board power to one of those members of the LGBTI served community who believes that this and your life will have a strong dissolve an organisation for any reason that the foundation of faith and hope; We love yet our love is illegal board considers to be in public interest. This provision hateful propaganda being spread by anti-gay crusaders shouldn’t after all, salvation and faith are threatens the right to freedom of association and individual virtues.

58 59 HUMAN RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS Adequate Language to Farther MY KIND OF GIRL LGBTI Narratives Can No Longer Be To repeat the By SM powerful timeless I don't want a 'pure' girl Overlooked words of Arundati I don't want a girl that the world wants By Cleo Kambugu Roy “There is I don't want a girl that’s fake ne cannot underestimate not just for defiance’s sake but queer identities. Currently the the power of media, for the plain fact that to retain language that is used to define no such thing I don't want a girl who's anything but herself Oand what it unleashes the authenticity and untainted queer people is one that strops as the voiceless when people and communities wholesomeness of their narrative; them of the multiplicity of their start talking. There is power they ought to be at the fore front identifiers and reduces them minorities, I want a girl who is careless, gypsy, crazy, adventurous or rebellious in communities speaking for in making these decision on how to trivialized, sexualized, and themselves. It is however their lived realities are portrayed. pathologised versions of their there is only the I want to love her, trust her, set her free, fuck her, look into her eyes arguable that this new found genders and sexuality. The cuddle her, caress her body and love her attention over queer people has Currently, it doesn’t help that current narrative has served to “deliberately” been more of a blessing than a the wide spread ignorance moralise discussion in effect silenced, I want to get drunk, travel the world, do crazy things and share my curse. about queer people has been reducing queer person to sexual educated by a biased uniformed pariahs and oddities of nature pain with her While a lot could be said about narratives that are rather and at best sexual fantasies to be That's the kind of girl I am after the newly garnered media invasive and intrusive, and only policed, or victims to be pitied. frenzy over queer persons and serve to further the policing validate their existence or have how it has gone several leaps and dissecting of queer lives It is language or the lack and the confidence to negate these narratives. in filling a huge information wit reckless abandon leaving misuse of that that has served but My girl is someone who is not afraid to tell the truth void and creating a new found them damaged, delegitimized, to misconstrue, and distort queer Owing to the fact that most visibility about a community invalidated, misrepresented, narrative. Often queer narratives queer persons are socialized She is a fighter whose existence had for long exploited, abused and further are first rated and validated into an exclusionary sexist She is always ready to take on the world time, been but shrouded in myths ostracized. against their heteronormativecis and patriarchal system, with and mystery, it is still arguable equivalents. It doesn’t help things Whether by ally or foe, this kind selectively rigid boundaries of She dreams big dreams that this new found visibility of course that queer persons normalcy- one that sees queer has been a blessing other than of recklessness to be called themselves often lack the She believes in herself out should not matter; leaving people are nothing more than a curse. While the potential of language to define and validate deviants, queer people are often such voiced nuzzled and muted She laughs out loud media in terms spurring debates, them selves locked into an apologetic stance, and shaping public discourse has only served but to further where they seek to normalize She would wear denim jeans for a wedding and attitudes cannot be ignored, violence against queer people. A It is language or the lack there lot could be said about language of that robs queer people of the their existence and identities a lot currently still remains She will have her mood swings and its centrality in defining urgency to define themselves and by perpetuating and imposing wanting if this visibility is ever upon them selves the language to translate into some sort of of a system that alienates them. She is cute but not stupid tangible attitudinal dynamism Indeed there are several fissures She feels but she is not an emotional fool and societal acceptance. of heteronormativity in the To repeat the powerful timeless language used to explore queer She is an inspiration identities and lived realities that words of Arundati Roy “There is And that's my kind of girl. no such thing as the voiceless have become common place. minorities, there is only the It is therefore important to call out “deliberately” silenced, the the subtleties in which language “preferably” unheard, and the or the lack there of affects queer “selectively” heard and portrayed narratives, and how in reclaiming minority”. the queer narrative it is of utmost A lot still remains wanting importance to explore language in terms of who owns queer and identities as it is and as it narratives and who dictates over ought to be. if and how queer people have their narratives and identities are portrayed. It is true there ought to be nothing about queer people without queer people themselves

60 61 SPORTS SPORTS

female yet the men will also not SPORTS: Standing Up To The Bigotry allow me to play on their teams. For now, I have been forced to Towards Minorities take part in the ladies groups but Adebayor Chris is most known in Uganda’s Lesbian Gay Transgender As a sportsman, Adebayor’s I am hopeful that soon or later, Bisexual and Intersex community as the 2015 winner of the Mr. Pride greatest challenge has been I will participate in the category Contest. Having spent an afternoon with the recent graduate, I walked deciding which teams to identify that I truly belong to,” Adebayor away with the impression that this young man was destined for with. While he has won most of reckons. greatness; his humility, love for service and selflessness all stood out his accolades in the women’s’ as he talked to the Kuchu Times team about his plans for his tenure and categories, he says he dreams of He reminisces about a time he life as a transgender man in Uganda. a day when he can participate in was participating in a swimming the men’s categories without any competition and after taking his Adebayor recently graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelors interruptions. position on the board, the MC Degree in Sports Science and dreams of starting a sports academy that pointed at him and shouted for focuses on LGBTI individuals. His collection of various medals and “It is very hard for me. I am all and sunders to hear that a trophies is aligned before us as he explains his love and passion for shunned by organizers when I man was trying to sneak into the UPCOMING EVENTS Sports. He has been awarded in several sports fields including soccer, play on women’s teams because women’s category. Adebayor says pool, volleyball and swimming. Adebayor says that right from a young they are not sure if I am male or he has faced many days like those age, he knew he was ordained to be but has learnt to hold his head up a sportsman. He further explains and keep focused. that his talent In sport has been a God send; ie went through most He also explains that he has not of his higher education on merit of thought about going through 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) this, something that took a great full transition because he is deal of financial strain off his comfortable in his skin although Durban, South Africa | July 18-22, 2016 parent’s shoulders. nothing is off the table for the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) future. Being a Transman http://www.aids2016.org Winning Mr Pride “I guess I figured out my gender identity and sexual orientation at Adebayor decided to take part in a very tender age. At five years old, the 2015 Mr. Pride contest after I was attracted to my cousin sister realizing that it was dominated by the G and B of the community. and I never really understood why. 13th AWID International Forum: Feminist Futures: Building Collective “Transmen were not very well I also did not like wearing girly Power for Rights and Justice clothes like most children my age’ represented and I went into the instead I would steal my older contest to make a mark for the 5 May 2016 to 8 May 2016 brothers’ clothes and I honestly transmen,” he explains. felt more comfortable in those,” Location: Costa do Sauípe, Bahia – Brazil Adebayor says of how and when During his tenure, Adebayor See more at: http://www.awid.org/get-involved/13th-awid- he discovered his identity. hopes to influence the community through sports. One of his biggest international-forum-feminist-futures-building-collective-power- His sister started suspecting dreams is to start a football rights-and#sthash.JnVqchma.dpuf he was queer and out rightly league within the community, he questioned him about it. Although also hopes to influence the youth tough, Adebayor was truthful and to start self help projects to curb explained his identity to her. This the problem of unemployment. incident encouraged him to come out to his brothers and shockingly, Like all positions of power and they were more embracing and prestige, being Mr. Pride has come supportive than he had anticipated. with its perks and downsides. The girls have been flocking him ILGA is an umbrella organisation of more than 1100 member However, he says he has still not and in his own words, he is yet to organisations presented in six different regions including: Pan Africa come out to his parents although pick one. While he is in no rush to Ilga, Ilga-Asia, Ilga-Europe, Ilga-LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean), they have heard rumors and get into a relationship, Adebayor Ilga North-America andIlga-Oceania (Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia questioned him several times. says he hopes to find a beautiful and Pacific Islands). He says he plans to tell them the down to earth girl who will be ILGA announces world conference truth after he has attained full supportive of his dreams. independence and is supportive of The event will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, between November 28th himself. and December 2nd, 2016

62 63 ADVOCACY ADVOCACY

suffering and life of the other to court to seek a court order as regards communication, UNDERSTANDING THE THEORY OF members of the group. stopping the landlord from writing and documentation. It evicting him/her. Once this is also makes one more confident. Again, legal outcomes may not done, the landlord has no option ADVOCACY necessarily be in the form that but to comply. There is usually Building networks and allies: the group wants or understands no room for negotiation. Advocacy is key in building By Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and Moses Kimbugwe them. networks and creating allies. One One of the advantages of using meets many people and groups Introduction necessary have. Again, people marginalised group. formal strategies is that they during the course of advocacy. who do self-advocacy seem to This chapter introduces the However, such people may not Advocacy Strategies send a serious message and they These groups greatly expand be more committed and more are usually backed up by force of one’s networks and allies, who basics of advocacy. It defines willing to exert themselves to deeply understand the issues Advocacy strategies can be law. Another advantage is that may come in handy for other advocacy, discusses the benefits achieve their aims than those especially where they are not divided into two: informal and these procedures give someone causes. of advocacy and the nature of who are simply advocating on experts, and where they deeply advocacy. understand the issues, they formal advocacy strategies. who was not involved in the behalf of others. Self-advocacy dispute of the issue a chance also empowers the members might not be very easily believed Definition of advocacy since they have not experienced to investigate and decide on Disadvantages of advocacy of the particular group who are the issue and come up with an involved in the advocacy, for the issues themselves. Informal advocacy strategies In simple terms advocacy is unbiased opinion. Advocacy has many benefits; when someone or a group of it builds their confidence and These are those that involve however it also comes with a people speak out, act or support fosters their understanding and The disadvantages are that direct engagement with the few disadvantages especially a particular cause either on their articulation of the issues. Systems advocacy these procedures are usually decision makers. One directly to the individuals involved. behalf or on behalf of some technical, need more investment reaches out to the decision In this regard LGBTI advocacy other person or group of persons. The downside of self-advocacy This is about taking action to in terms of money and/or time. makers and engages them on is notable for a number of is the possibility of one being influence systems. The systems They are also adversarial and the particular issues. Sometimes disadvantages due to the high As regards LGBTI issues, too emotional to the point of may be social, political, or tend to permanently damage the it can be surprising how much levels of homophobia. Most of advocacy means acting, or being overwhelmed. This is due economic systems. The impact relationship between the parties, informal strategies may create these disadvantages accrue speaking out on issues affecting to the fact that the issue affects of such advocacy is usually where the issue is interpersonal. LGBTI people. This can be done them directly. This may lead to a structural changes, and it affects change. For example if a to individual activists. As such by LGBTI people themselves or failure to properly articulate the large groups of people. landlord tries to evict you on the The benefits of Advocacy LGBTI persons have to be their allies. issues, or a feeling that the other basis of your sexual orientation careful before deciding to get party simply ought to understand Whereas it leads to broad or gender identity, making an There are many benefits that involved in advocacy work. These Advocacy is not adversarial; it is the issue. As such there is little structural changes, systems appointment to meet him/her accrue out of advocacy. The main disadvantages are: more of a cooperative strategy room for objectivity during self- advocacy may do little to and explain your point of view ones are Risk of bodily and emotional where someone engages firmly advocacy. change the life of the individual may go a long way in making on the issues without necessarily members of the group. him/her change her mind. Putting issues on the agenda: harm: Advocacy work usually fighting the person whom one Nevertheless, self-advocacy is Informal advocacy mainly works When an issue is raised through comes with risks of personal wants to influence. the best way of doing advocacy Legal advocacy for less serious problems. advocacy, the status of such an harm. Issue like LGBTI rights because that way one speaks issue is raised and it becomes greatly polarise and LGBTI for one’s self and one is fully in This is advocacy that is done The advantage of these one of the discussion issues. For activists are at risk of getting charge of the outcome. through lawyers. Lawyers have strategies is that they are less example it was LGBTI activists’ physically or emotionally Types of Advocacy the mandate to legally represent technical, require less time and decision to stand up for their attacked or hurt. people who are affected by There are many different types money. The disadvantage is that rights that brought the current legal issues. Lawyers are usually they may not provide lasting and discussion on homosexuality to Long-term results: Advocacy of advocacy but the most Peer advocacy specialised in a particular area durable solutions. the forefront. sometime takes a long time for common ones are and therefore have the expertise its impact to be realised. Usually This is the opposite of self- to present the issues in a legal Increased visibility: It is only a person with a challenging advocacy. It involves taking way. when one takes action that one issue needs an immediate action to represent the rights Self-advocacy Formal advocacy strategies is noticed. Advocacy thus helps solution which advocacy may not and interests of someone other The advantage of this type of to ensure visibility for hitherto be able to provide. These are typically those that This is when one takes action than oneself. Such persons may advocacy is that the lawyers unseen groups. to advance one’s own interests. be simply persons interested in speak the same language as the involve third party interventions, Conclusion In the context of LGBTI rights, the plight of a particular group, judges or the people sought to usually in the form of a lawyer, a Promotes understanding: Most this would mean LGBTI people or experts who have studied the be influenced. They can thus court or an arbitrator. These are people are ignorant about what Advocacy is simply about taking speaking out or taking other particular issues. easily articulate the issues and preferred where the problem is is unfamiliar. As such bring action to create change. Any action on their one behalf. cause the desired goal. serious or urgent. Examples of out the issues makes people one can engage in advocacy. Peer advocacy brings on board these strategies are: following to understand more about the Strategies and options depend The advantage of self advocacy skills and expertise that may The downside of it is that in grievance procedures, taking issues and perhaps change their on situation. LGBTI persons are is that one speaks and acts be lacking within the group. It most cases the lawyers are not court action or arbitration. attitudes. encouraged to carry out self from a point of knowledge and also brings on board people members of the community that Using the example above, if advocacy and also to recognise experience which someone who with experience and power to they represent, and even if they the landlord insists on evicting Skills acquisition: Involving in the role of peer advocacy in is not part of the group may not access areas that may not be were, they would usually be very the person, the person can go advocacy makes one acquire order to create the desired easily accessed by members of a detached from the day to day many more new skills especially change.

64 65 PARENTING Parenting in all aspects of life is a Frank Opinion on Same Sex themselves and the family to the challenge that is faced by both het- homophobic society that they live in. erosexual and same sex marriages. Parenting For every occurrence, we need to support same sex marriages. welfare of the family. Therefore, it be proactive and find solutions Losing a child has emotional is best if each one gets to know as soon as possible. We are not effects on a parent and the child their stand in the relationship BM: Briefly tell our readers about more interaction with him. They might have changed slightly or worried about these for now, for too. Children born through donor hence responsibilities. yourself believe me and my partner are significantly if I openly came out. insemination start wondering at just close friends. Apart from that, instance we have agreed that when he comes of age we will some age who their fathers are. As LGBTI identifying parents RA: I am Reeney, a 34 year old all seems well to me though we BM: As a Parent, how open are you we are faced with conflict of Ugandan. I am happily married to your children especially with tell him about his donor father’s In our case, we chose not to get can’t read people’s minds. None the details of the donor. However, exercising conjugal rights freely to the one person who loves me has ever posed the question; the issues concerning sex, gender origin. May be this will help him fit in the community easily. we know the donor’s Nationality. once the children are involved. so dearly and unconditionally. usual questions asked are about and sexuality? This is worse in a state like ours We have a one and half year old when I intend to get married RA: Ours is still a young family. Adolescence/puberty also has so where we are not recognized in son. I am pretty much a person of since am the only sibling who is many effects on children; they that caution has to be exercised in so many genres; corporate, self- Like the old adage goes, “We will still single. cross the bridge once we get start wondering how their peers all we do around children and all employed and a lover of soccer perceive their same sex families. other members of the society we and music. Lifestyle to it.” But this has not stopped us from preparing for that time Their peers from heterosexual relate with. At times you are forced BM: When did you first explore By my standards, my lifestyle has and therefore this would be my families will usually make the to live in separate rooms just for your sexuality? never changed and this might view; openness with children situation tricky. As an LGBTI the sake of the children. This kills be a different story if I decided about sex, gender and sexuality parent, you start worrying intimacy between partners since RA: I always felt different from to come out openly, may be then can only be proper once they about your child’s welfare while they have to sacrifice lots to make childhood i.e. from my choice would I experience that impact. come of age or unless they get interacting with the outside sure they raise their children as of games and association. The Secondly, I think my job might be discriminated against, teased due community. upright citizens and so as not to games were pretty much boyish influence their sexuality choices. an active factor towards this too; to their family orientation that is On a personal level, same sex though most times we innocently I really don’t have much time to same sex family. thought of this as merely a part of BM: What has been most families face prejudice i.e. the lack BM: What would your advice to a engage with the outside world of support groups, services and parent with an LGBTI identifying the growing up process. Normally, since it takes up most of my time; BM: Do you worry that your challenging for you as an LGBTI I just had crushes on people but children will be discriminated identifying parent? legislation. The non-biological child be? one has to hustle hard to make parents always feel they don’t get never acted on it and eventually ends meet. What is left of my time against because of your sexuality? RA: My advice might not be so RA: Parenting in all aspects of enough recognition as being “the the feelings would fade. is what I use to bond with my transparent and or objective but RA: We try to live a straight life as life is a challenge that is faced other parent.” Bullying, teasing family and then engage with the I would say as parents we should However, when I joined campus much as possible. With the arrival by both heterosexual and same and singling out of children by community when the need arises. not influence the choices our the story changed; I felt more of our son, extremism is avoided sex marriages. One of the biggest their teachers and or peers. There children make most especially confident and my first move was ie there are no cozy or intimate challenges we face is the lack of are those traditional aspects in Work concerning sexual orientation. on a complete stranger; I gave moments in the presence of the legal recognition as a same sex our African culture that worry Acceptance is usually a hard pill to her my number and as fate would The organization that I work for child as they tend to imitate relationship. Things like being me. First, a boy child belongs to swallow but exercising patience have it she did call me. I believed recognizes the rights of LGBTI everything that they see or hear on the same Medicare card, his paternal lineage; we worry with a child so as to understand this worked out on the resonation identifying people i.e. they have once they get to some age. We small things that people take about what will happen the day and know them better would be a principle; being able to identify the diversity and inclusion value wouldn’t want to innocently for granted. If they could legally he comes of age and requests better way for them. my own kind. Fortunately, she that seeks to support my kind from decide our child’s sexuality, we recognize our marriage and child to know his father. Secondly, a was very knowledgeable about discrimination at workplaces. wish to allow him make his within the relationship, things son will need a place he calls Treat your children equally minorities and was already in choices independently. Creating would be much simpler. home or where he can start off Secondly, the position that I regardless of sexuality. An LGBTI the community into which she an ideal family environment for his family from. Plans have to be identifying child is not possessed, hold could be another reason I The society we live in is introduced me. our son is paramount but he is made to soothe the future such mental and or running kukus have never had any challenges homophobic. People find aware he has two mummies at that he won’t be left wandering as most people would love to BM: How has your sexuality relating with colleagues. It might difference a challenge and this the moment. about and feeling abandoned. believe; they are born not made. affected your life i.e. immediate be an intimidating factor for my bars us from openly coming out. Help your child to explore his/her family, lifestyle and work? workmates to start asking if they Worries about discrimination However, involment with the Segregation of duties in same sex sexuality. ever had such questions. Thirdly, I only come about when we community is active. marriages can also be a challenge RA: Immediate family don’t really discuss my private life expose the children to the truth if not handled properly from We should learn to live with all There are situations where one at work apart from two colleagues at a very early stage. Most times, the onset of the relationship. members of the society. I ask One thing that must be noted partner walks into the same sex whom I felt I could trust with children are hit so hard by such This might look a trivial matter people not to segregate against here is the fact that I have not affair with a child from a previous my real story. They have been news and they end up looking for but you know the human mind the minority groups but rather really come out to the public heterosexual marriage. In such a supportive, non-discriminative a shoulder to lean on. In so doing, betrays us at times for instance in live in harmony with them. We are about my sexuality. Therefore, situation one stands to lose the and never stigmatized me. Our they innocently end up opening a lesbian relationship both feel just human like any other human my immediate family has been child to the heterosexual parent relationship has been a normal up to the society through a they are women and should get being. Judge not for you won’t be as close as ever more so with simply because the society doesn’t the arrival of our son, they want one. I however believe all these teacher or peer end up exposing to do chores and contribute to the judged.

66 67 EVENTS EVENTS

BEACH IDAHOT IDAHOT FREEDOM AND ROAM UGANDA

CAMPING SEXUAL MINORITIES UGANDA(SMUG) GALA

68 69 THERE IS HOPE The KUCHU Anthem Waliyo esubi LGBT I x4 Mugume eeehhh aaahhh What are we x12 Waliwo esubi Yeah We are moving slow coz of society We are the Children of the Rainbow F lag Everyone is pinning the wrong man We are KUCHUS around and Proud Little do they know we are a family No one is gonna stop us And nothing can stop us right now We are here to stay We are the Kuchus of the Rainbow F lag

Dear brothers and sisters, We are moving Forward Discrimination should stop Moving On and On Let’s come together Never Never going back x2 Coz in the end we will win We keep fighting CHORUS Fight Fighting On and on Never never gonna stop x2 There is hope x2 LGBT I x4 Don’t despair coz there is hope We shall overcome x2 We are freedom fighters All the hate towards us Fighting for the rights If we come together and fight for our rights The rights of the children We shall overcome coz there is hope The children of the rainbow flag What are we fighting for? My dear comrades We are fighting for our rights x2 Never give up the fight Tell me what are we fighting for? Coz there is hope in what you do Fighting for our rights Fight and fight for what belongs to you Fighting for our rights to be Aluta Continua LGBT I They will realize we are here to stay We are here to stay x3 And never going back And we’re never going anywhere We are going stronger with every moment The children of the rainbow flag We are proud to be x3 CHORUS RAP: Listen to me now coz you know I gat hope LGBTI*4 See what I do, I’m never gon stop We are the Children of the Rainbow F lag We are KUCHUS around and Proud I let nobody pull me with the rope No one is gonna stop us If you try to put me down I say NO We are here to stay I believe in myself i don’t let myself own We are the Kuchus of the Rainbow F lag Let me be me, that’s who I am I stand strong the journey is too long We are moving forward I keep moving coz I gat hope Moving On and On Never Never going back x2 We keep fighting CHORUS Fight Fighting On and on There is hope Never never gonna stop x2 Mugume x 12 LGBT I x4 What are we x12 -Brayo Brians and TUK band -Brayo Brians and TUK band

70 71 KUCHU TIMES CONTACTS: WEBSITE: kuchutimes.com Email: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: +256 (0) 778830168 TWITTER: @kuchutimes FACEBOOK: Kuchu Tiimes © 2015