I only want to Love and be Loved.
The ‘right’ to Love doesn’t appear in any known legal document—national, regional or global, there is however no question that love is a universal human conviction. To deny...
What does Equality Mean to Us? LGBTI Ugandans Speak out for Equality
You are here
The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda provides for equality and non-discrimination for each and every Ugandan. But for some Ugandans, particularly those that identify as Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI)-this concept remains a mirage. Unequal protection and persecution against this minority community is pervasive and is caused by deeply rooted homophobic and transphobic attitudes. These factors expose many LGBTI persons in Uganda to discrimination in the education system, labor market, justice system, at health centers and other social services. This inequality further extends to unfair treatment or mistreatment within their family units and constant exposure to physical and emotional abuse including sexual assault, torture, and other forms of harassment.
Despite these difficulties, the Ugandan LGBTI community is known for her resilience, pride and tenacity.
During Uganda’s Annual Gay Pride Parade on 9th August 2015, Clare Byarugaba, the Equality and Non Discriminaiton program Coordinator at Chapter Four Uganda went on a fact-finding mission to understand what 'Equality' Means to the LGBTI community in Uganda. While interacting with the attendees who included members of the LGBTI community, Sex workers and allies- we discovered that there was a basic understanding of the principles of Human Rights among the community members. They however conteded that this knowledge did not always protect them from violations. We emphasised the need to continue speaking out for their rights despite the risk involved.
Exploring the concept of Equality and what it means in their respective local languages was quiet an experience, and after understanding the importance of ownership of these rights and the importance of making these rights visible-they wrote them down.
Their written interpretations are simple, but powerful. We were reminded of something we already knew, something we all have in common as LGBT Ugandans, that is that we are not asking for too much- Simply that the rights already enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution are practically applied to us without discrimination. Ugandan Institutions and political leaders need to stop picking and choosing which human rights to protect.
LGBTI rights are Human Rights and Ugandan LGBTI individuals are entitled to equal protection in all spheres of life.
Photography by @Darlyne Komukama http://darlkomphotography.tumblr.com
Here are the Stories under this Theme
Free Self Expression in all Spheres of Life
This individual did not want their face shown, because he said that someone might associate them with the Gay Pride parade and in his words- ‘God knows what...
As a Muslim, homosexuality is a Reality.
Religion has always been used to suppress the rights of LGBT individuals worldwide. In some countries in the middle East like Yemen, Iran and Mauritiana etc.., the Act...
As a Straight Woman, I want All People to be Equal
In one way or another, each and every one of us have experienced some level of discrimination in their lives, some however more than others, be...
As a Sex Worker to be Free from Discrimination
At the end of the day, all we need is freedom from discrimination. We need our work to be respected; we need laws that protect our workers...
Equality: Freedom of Self Expression.
I wish I would be able be able to freely express myself, in all sheres of life- I sometimes feel like a prisoner in my own country, I don’t think that my freedom of...
Equality: Freedom from Discrimination and Stigma
In Uganda, LGBT people face discrimination in schools, workplaces, housing, in law enforcement and the judicial system, medical care, and public...
Equality: The Right to Work
The right to work is provided for in the Ugandan Constitution as follows; “...Parliament shall enact laws to provide for the rights of persons to work under satisfactory, safe and healthy...
Equality: Freedom of Expression
In Uganda as in most countries in the world can transgender people freely express their true gender identity without having to face extreme violations of their human rights. There...
Equality: Pride and Acceptance
I believe that we are born free and equal in dignity and rights regardless of our sexual orientation and gender identity.
If people can learn to hate,...
End Anti-Gay Laws
The Anti- Homosexuality Law that was tabled in 2009 and later signed into law in 2014 was one of the most draconian laws the world has ever seen in the 21st Century. The law was UnAfrican, Un...
Access to Social Services
By the virtue of being Human beings, LGBT people are inherently entitled to enjoying full access to human rights.
...
Access to Justice
Human Rights standards and the constitution of Uganda provide for equality under the law- the right to be heard, a fair trial, and access to justice. The Justice system in Uganda, while seemingly structured...
Living In Peace, Freedom From Homophobia, Violence
Living in peace is about living harmoniously with yourself and with others. LGBT people have often argued that as long as they are in a consensual...
Celebrate our Differences
As Human beings, we are created different, with different tastes, desires, and with individual choices and conscience. It is therefore absurd that LGBT people are expected and in most...
Respect
For some people, It is a privilege not have to worry about how your sexuality and gender identity shall be perceived, Its important that we make a conscious effort to be respectful of an individual who doesn’t have that...
Let me Speak - Listen
Your Silence will not protect you.
Audre Lorde.
Freedom of speech is considered to be one of humanity’s basic right, and yet governments’ seek to...