“Homosexuality is not only about sex, it is also about love.” Inside the Moi Sports Complex in Nairobi [1], dozens of activists from organizations that defend homosexual rights protest with banners and shout slogans. For five days, the African lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, often harassed, tortured, and even sentenced to death, had the chance to speak out for the right to live in dignity. Like Pauline Kimani, president of the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya , they all hope that after the World Social Forum, the opinion of Kenyans and all Africans will evolve and that they will begin to see homosexuality differently.

Protecting Gay Rights is Urgent! 

Stop discrimination! Like a cry for help, N. Jacqueline Kasha, one of the founders of the Freedom And Roam Uganda organization (FAR-UG), sums up the organization’s goal. During the closing speech at the World Social Forum, she didn’t hesitate to speak out against the appalling and unacceptable situation that homosexuals face everyday on the continent. She even got down on her knees to make her plea: “I beg of you, please accept us.” In Uganda, where she lives, homosexuality is considered to be against nature, and is punishable by lifetime imprisonment. As she spoke publicly, Jacqueline showed her great courage. The struggle led by her organization is not just a struggle to establish gays’ rights to social equality, but a struggle to defend the rights of all human beings everywhere.
FAR-UG, founded in July 2003, also works with Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an umbrella organization for Ugandan gay rights groups, within which it holds an important position, being the only organization made up entirely of women. They all share the same vision of a peaceful society without discrimination, where the rights of LGBTs are upheld, and where they have economic, political, and social opportunities.

	© FDH / Tens and tens of activists demonstrate in Nairobi to defend gay rights

A Long, Drawn-Out Struggle 

The LGBT community is aware that when they step out of the shadows and become more open in their struggle, they leave themselves exposed to attack. One Freedom and Roam Uganda’s activist recounts, “I know we all expect that some women will lose all that they own: job, house, family and friends.” They also know that their names, especially those of the most outspoken leaders, could be blacklisted. Nevertheless, they do not give up. For the president of SMUG, homosexuals in Uganda are determined to defend themselves and they will not be intimidated by insults, harassment, and abuse. 
In July 2006, they had a petition signed and had the opportunity to pose question’s to the UN Economic and Social Council, to stop the discriminatory policies of the NGO Committee. NGOs that defend gay rights want to be granted a consultative status, which would allow them to be heard and to defend their rights. At the same time, members of LGBT associations increasingly speak out on the radio. These struggles have begun to bear fruit.

For example, Freedom and Roam Uganda has obtained consultative status within IHEYO, an internationally recognized network. Today, their mission is clear: to speak out against any kind of discrimination based on sexual orientation. As they explain, “We do our part so that everyone can have a better life and enjoy the same rights. The freedom to marry the person of our choice is one of those rights.”

Notes :

[1]  Named for Daniel Arap Moi, former president of Kenya