Despite increased security concerns following the tragic attack and murder of 49 people at Orlando’s gay club Pulse earlier this month, activists in Uganda have decided to stand in solidarity and move forward with Pride Uganda this August. The event will only go on if they are able to secure $20,000 in funding. Hundreds of people from around the world are helping make that happen, contributing more than half the amount needed so far.
“As a gay man living in a country where my love is illegal, it’s so crucial to me that we don’t let hate keep us down. My friends and I will continue to fight for the right to love. We will continue to stand together. We will show our Pride louder than ever before,” said Isaac Mugisha, an organizer of Pride Uganda.
LGBT Ugandans face some of the world’s worst hate crimes and discrimination. Pride Uganda is one of the rare chances for LGBT Ugandans to express their identities publicly and safely. A Pew study from 2013 showed that 96 percent of Ugandans do not think their society should accept homosexuality. Same-sex activity has been illegal in Uganda between men since 1894, and between women since 2000, and it is technically punishable by execution.
The campaign is made possible through All Out, a global movement for the rights of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.
Donation form with up-to-date donor count is here: go.allout.org/en/a/pride-uganda/
