Dear friends,
My name is Alicia Houston and I'm a 22-year-old transgender woman from Uganda.
I'm a proud member of Rainbow Riots – a group of queer people in Uganda using music to protest transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia.
Last year, after Pride Uganda was banned by a Government Minister, Rainbow Riots pulled off a secret pride celebration anyway. It was such a rare moment of music, freedom, and joy.
Music changes hearts and minds and we want to continue this powerful protest. But right now, we don't have anywhere safe to go. That's where you come in!
We recently released our first album and Petter Wallenberg – Swedish artist, songwriter, producer and the founding director of Rainbow Riots – is gifting a FREE album download to anyone who donates today!
Growing up transgender in Uganda wasn't easy. I was constantly bullied and had to leave school. When I came out to my family, my father kicked me out and said that I deserved to be in hell.
My only option for survival was to leave home and become a sex worker.
Quite often, I have to dress like a man in public, even though I'm a woman. If I didn't, I could be harassed, beaten, or arrested.
But whenever I get together with my Rainbow Riots family to sing, dance, and perform, I am free to express my true identity. It feels so amazing to finally be myself. I'm so proud of who I am.
This community centre will offer a safe space for us to practice and perform music, hold events and workshops, screen films, create art, and mobilise against discrimination.
Thanks for going All Out,
Alicia Houston
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