Dear friends,
For the longest time, I didn't know that other people like me existed. I was told I was an abomination. Because lesbians "don't exist in Uganda."
Uganda's LGBT community does exist and we're growing stronger. We're sick of hiding in the shadows, terrified of being arrested or violently beaten, because of who we are or who we love.
That's why I'm so determined to help make Pride Uganda happen this year. Our annual Pride march is the most powerful tool we have to show our country that LGBT people exist and we deserve the same safety and dignity as anyone else. This is why we march.
But Pride Uganda might not happen this year. We're dangerously low on funds and have zero support from anywhere in our country. Our only option is to turn to people like you, Luc.
Shortly after my journey into activism began, our community was shaken to the core. David Kato – one of the more influential voices of LGBT rights here in Uganda – was beaten to death by a mob in his own neighbourhood.
Then the notorious "Kill the Gays" bill was passed, legalising the death penalty for anyone engaged in "same-sex sexual activity." I was terrified of "mob justice." I shut down my social media. We never met in big numbers. My friends were being hunted down and beaten.
I still have to constantly lie to landlords for fear of being kicked out. I have to move nearly every year because they eventually find out I'm a lesbian. My former girlfriend was fired for being a lesbian and I've been blackmailed into quitting a job.
The list goes on and on. But I'm done being a silent victim. I know fighting for LGBT rights means risking arrest, or worse, but that's a risk I'm willing to take. Because if we stay silent, nothing will change. And my friends and I just can't continue to live like this.
Last year's Pride Uganda was funded entirely by All Out members. And for that, I am so grateful. With enough support, Pride Uganda will happen again!
Thanks for going All Out,
Qwin Mbabazi F.
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