Filipino Advocates Voice Solidarity as Uganda Faces Anti-LGBT Violence

Darlings, today marks a somber anniversary that has our global queer family clutching pearls and raising fists in solidarity. It’s been exactly two years since Uganda enacted one of the world’s most draconian anti-LGBT laws, and honey, the situation is giving us nothing but heartbreak.

Human Rights Watch dropped a devastating report today revealing how Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act has unleashed unprecedented levels of discrimination and violence against our LGBT siblings. The 69-page document, with the gut-punching title “‘They’re Putting Our Lives at Risk’: How Uganda’s Anti-LGBT Climate Unleashes Abuse,” paints a horrifying picture of institutionalized homophobia.

A Climate of Fear and Persecution

The legislation, which President Yoweri Museveni signed on May 26, 2023, has turned already-difficult lives into nightmares. We’re talking life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and, clutch those pearls tighter, potential death penalties for “aggravated homosexuality”.

According to researcher Oyem Nyeko, “LGBT people, LGBT rights organizations, are basically living in a climate of fear because there’s a law that justifies people taking out violence against them.” In the most chilling assessment, Nyeko adds, “The law made homophobia legitimate. It institutionalized it”.

The stories emerging would make even the most composed queen lose her composure. Police harassment, extortion, arbitrary arrests, it’s a veritable witch hunt. One heartbreaking testimony reveals the psychological terrorism: “People would keep on calling you saying: ‘We know where you stay. We know what you do’”.

Filipino Solidarity Rising

Here in the Philippines, our own community is watching with horror but responding with fierce solidarity. And darlings, if there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s stand fabulous in the face of adversity.

Filipino LGBT rights organizations are mobilizing support networks, with digital campaigns and fundraising efforts specifically targeting emergency assistance for Ugandan activists and community members. Our local drag performers are incorporating awareness segments into their shows, proving once again that art and activism make the most gorgeous couple.

The parallels to our own struggles haven’t gone unnoticed. While we’ve made progress here in the Pearl of the Orient, many of our kababayan remember times when living authentically meant living dangerously.

Global Queer Resistance

As we mark Pride season approaching, this anniversary reminds us that our celebrations are also protests. The rainbow flag flies not just for joy but for justice, from Kampala to Quezon City.

In the immortal words that guide our movement: we’re not free until we’re all free. And darlings, the fight continues, sequins and all.