Dear friends –
My name is Kiara and I'm a queer activist from the Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania.
Last year, the governor of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's most populous city, launched a "witch hunt" against people suspected of being LGBT+.
As a result, many of us had to flee our homes without anywhere to go.
Then something beautiful happened. All Out members from around the world came together and donated enough to enable Eagle Wings to open a permanent shelter, where we provide safe housing and legal support for LGBT+ people in danger.
This was literally a lifesaver. It inspired us and gave us hope, and I am so proud to be part of this project.
But there's still a long way to go. My country was recently ranked the fifth-worst place for LGBT+ safety in the world and so many people in my community are still living in daily fear of violence.
It's a crime to be gay in Tanzania and 33 other countries across Africa. The criminalization of queer lives leads to constant violence, fear and intimidation.
Like in Uganda, where just last month, the police raided a gay-friendly bar and arrested over 130 people on trumped-up charges. Or in Kenya, where earlier this year, the hopes of a new generation of LGBT+ people were cruelly dashed when the High Court reaffirmed that same-sex love would remain a crime.
With all the bad news, I often have to remind myself that campaigning and pressure can also lead to positive developments: in the past year, Angola and Botswana have removed their anti-gay laws. This gives me hope that one day we will also be truly free in Tanzania.
Thanks for going All Out,
Kiara
Activist at Eagle Wings
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