Choosing Not To Be Intimidated

You have to hand it to the gay Ugandans: they opened an LGBT-friendly health centre and had their first gay pride all in one year. This is in the midst of serious persecution that is sanctioned by the government. Gay people all over Africa have been weighing in and interestingly a lot of the comments I have heard are not supportive. Yes, it was a bold thing to do and it could (and did) get people arrested. Some blamed western governments for pushing the idea of pride and saying that celebrations of this kind are “not African”. Others said that presenting cross-dressers and people without any high standing in society presents the gay Ugandan in a bad light. If the gay men and women think this way then I wonder what straight people must be saying. I wish all of the naysayers would read Val Kalende’s article

No one will give you your freedom: you have to fight for it. The Stonewall Inn which was the site of the famous riot and lead to first ever gay pride was not an upscale club and its regular patrons certainly not high-income earners .

I’m really happy that people on this continent are not sitting on the fence but demanding for their rights, the same rights given to the rest of the population.

The Anonymous hack was just icing on the cake

 

 

 

Queens Pride 2012 (or Culture Shock 2.0)

I had the singular pleasure of attending the Queens Pride a few weeks ago. Not being a fan of outdoor events (I have never been to a concert) I wasn’t thrilled initially but curiosity won hands down over initial reluctance. Do I regret going? NO WAY. Going to a new country and experiencing their way of life is one thing, but going to experience and see a whole new side to being gay is an opportunity not to be missed!