Gay, Ugandan; Aren't I an African? Aren't I a Ugandan?

 

My identity as an African, as a Ugandan is constantly under attack by those who believe that homosexuality is ‘foreign’. So, aren’t I African?

It is a potent attack on our psyche.
How can we be African when we apparently identify with a ‘foreign’ vice. [To the ignorant, homosexuality is always a ‘foreign vice’. It is foreign everywhere.]

For strength, I will post again the words of Sojourner Truth.

She was black. An actual former slave. A black woman former slave.
 In her time [1851], she was the lowest of the low.
At a meeting of women advocating for women's right to vote in the US, she embraced her various identities, and articulated why, in spite of the apparent lowliness on the social statum, she still counted.

“Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the Negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?

That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man – when I could get it – and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?

Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, “intellect”] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or Negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?

Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ‘cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.

If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. The men better let them”

Potent and powerful, that speech resonates with me, an African man, in Africa, Uganda today, intent on a basic human right to life and liberty and happiness.

Aren’t I an African?

Aren’t I a Ugandan?

Yes, haters [indeed, haters in Uganda, and in much of Africa]; haters will bring a million reasons why I am not equal to them. And seek to deny who I am because of my sexuality.
I assert that I am. We gay, queer, LGBTQ, kuchu Africans assert that we are AFRICAN.

 

gug

 

That Interview!

Recurrent theme in questions to me.

while watching CNN this morning i saw the back story coverage of the rolling stone outing. they interviewed you anonymously but that was a silly move coz anybody who knows you can tell that its you and they did show your lower face.

The CNN interview. It was supposed to be anonymous. Unfortunately, it was not as anonymous as I wanted. No, I was not ready, just yet, for my mug to be associated with this blog..... !

But, (touch wood), done is done. Yes, I have learnt to take life as it is thrown at me. I am gay, a Ugandan, in Uganda. Sometimes, many times I affirm that. It is a reminder to myself that I have gone through the fire, and I am still alive. I have come out kicking, alive to write another word. And, since that is still happening, I will not rail at life's unfairness.

Another thing which I am considering a lot is the fact that I am fairly out. Very out, relative to most Ugandans. That is why I kind of tend to feature in all the 'outings' (seems my celebrity status in Uganda's rugs doesnt wear off). Result of that is the fact that, most of my significant others do know that I am gay. Do know my partner. And, those who have not rejected me, they are still with me.

[These days, seems as if I am more amazed at who knows, rather than who doesn't. Like a colleague at work who discreetly made me to understand that she knew I was gay. Was kind of funny... I was just too surprised to have a more confortable discussion after the revelation!]

But, that underscores the fact that, in my immediate environment, people who matter to me know that I am gay. And, they are not expressing overt hostility. [If they do, I hope I can shrug it off]

Of course, that is no protection from anonymous violence. But, what is?

Yes, it can, and does rile some people. Including, my elder brother, who sent me an e-mail that simply had to be answered. My revelation that I am gay, the fact that I am not shy about it, the fact that I continue to talk about it in forums that are open and not disguising me... Come to think of it, he must have watched the interview and recognised me.

What am I trying to say?

That the interview I did was not anonymous enough. That, even if I am gay in Uganda, and gayuganda, I am trying to rationalise away any possible negative effects, including outing myself and showing major enemies who I am.

I am trying to say that it matters. But, it is a waterfall in the course of the river of life which I had to get to. I hoped to get there later, it has happened sooner.

To the likes of Maazi who I met on another blog and gave me this advice-

Please do not flatter yourself. Enjoy the limelight while it lasts. It is good you are playing fiddle to your western fans. In the future, you will certainly need their help to relocate overseas when the sodomy laws are strengthened to take care of gay militancy.

Be assured that, my life is on the line, I know it, and am angry enough to put it on line. You may think that chasing me out of my country is your solution. Or, you may cheer on the mobs with the hangman's noose.

Well, I am saying, it is worth my life. Being what I am. It is worth it. I take enough pride in being who I am, and what I am, not to be shut up.

I am gay. I am a Ugandan. I am an African. And, you will not change any of those, my identities.

Enough said.

gug

They are only Words

Why do words hurt? Why do they hurt so much?

Words, I mean, like those of anti-gay rhetoric.

They hurt because they are supposed to; to demean, de-humanize, insult, and hold up to shame. They hurt, and do hurt bad.

I am a gay Ugandan. Means I have, perforce to grow a thick skin, crocodile hide. Cant be what I am without developing that. A necessity. Yet, they do still hurt.

In Uganda, we are kind of used to it. I mean, Pastor Ssempa and his 'eat da poo poo' tirades. That is not worth much comment in Uganda. Outside Uganda, well, it is a bit more of a problem.

Saw this note about the guy who had unleashed a homophobic rant on Facebook. American school district official, who believed that it was an insult for him to be urged to put on a Purple ribbon in rememberance of teenage suicides. He was offended, because the teenagers were queers. And, he thought it good that they had died. Because they were queers. And, he thought it quite good that queers give each other HIV during sex.

The posts were made, according to The Advocate, in response to a bullying awareness campaign sponsored by GLAAD, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The "Spirit Day" campaign aimed to foster recognition of bullying directed at gays and the effects it can have on young people through a series of events held on October 20.

One aspect of the campaign encouraged people to wear purple to honor those who had committed suicide after experiencing anti-gay bullying, and to show solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth who face the same pressures.

According to the screen grab obtained by The Advocate, McCance wrote the following about the event: "Seriously they want me to wear purple because five queers committed suicide. The only way im wearin it for them is if they all commit suicide. I cant believe the people of this world have gotten this stupid. We are honoring the fact that they sinned and killed therselves because of their sin."

Those words, well, they are tame in contrast to what Ssempa says on an average day.

I thought of Anderson Cooper of CNN interviewing the guy. Another of the queers that he privately railed against. And, one who had lost a brother by suicide. [Wonder, what did Cooper feel, talking to this guy? Throw off the poker anchor face, what did he really feel?]

Words, they are only words.

And, I have to learn to discount them. Because, words, unlike stones, or a rope around my neck, they don't hurt much, in retrospect.

But, words do hurt. And, they hurt real bad.

Here are the words of Giles Muhame. The 'Rolling Stone' editor. I am afraid Uganda does have its share of fools, especially in the homophobe category. Just like dear Ssempa, Nsaba-Buturo, Bahati, he has embraced, very gladly, his fifteen minutes of fame. And, he is going around talking about what he has done, and what he hopes to do.

Of course, he is not hurting people. Homosexuals are not people. People like Stosh Mugisha don't matter. Of course they are lying...! Of course we are lying. I have wondered how coolly they throw off concerns about us hurting. And, Muhame does me proud.

Think of Pastor Martin Ssempa, of 'eat da poo poo' fame. Think of him pontificating on a Sunday at his Makerere Community Church. His 'mission' is to youths. His charisma turns them on.

Of course, when he is talking, most of the people who listen are heterosexual. Most don't understand a gay person's dilema of faith and sexuality.

Think of a gay youth listening with rapt attention to Pastor Ssempa.

Truly, something to make one up and suicide oneself.

And, no. I am not advocating for that.

It does get better, when we can put people like Ssempa in perspective. But, at that particular time, for those people, for those gay teens and near teens... It is something terrible.

Words do matter. Words do hurt. Lots.

gug 

Long day

Has been a long day.

Woke up in my love's hands. Nothing is as good as that....

Out of the house, walk to work, day bright. But, pregnant grey skies later in the day.

Was a heavy day at work. Sometimes it is busier than others. And, came home to pumping a bit more adrenaline.

The things that I do for activism.... we do, actually. Partner included.

What motivates us? Why are we courageous?

Because, we are human beings. Because, deep inside us, we cannot find it in ourselves to condemn ourselves just because we differ from our neighbours. I was asked, are you proud that you are gay?

I felt a pause in my mind, and asked myself, am I proud that I am a human being? I am gay, and African. I am gay, and Ugandan. It is just part of my identity. And, even if I am hanged, or sentenced to die, or held up to ridicule in the village square, I will not shade the pride in what I am. I am gay, I am African, I am Ugandan. That is what I am.

It is not pride. It is a simple statement of being. That is what I am. That is what we are.

And, as for those who feel that we transgress because we do say what we are, because we don't have the same scornful shame for who and what we are?

It is not my problem. My problem is realising what I am, and holding my pride aloft.

Yes, I know. There are many who will crucify me, shame me for what I am. That will not change me. I am proud of being who and what I am.

Of my detractors. Some do it for personal gain. Like Pastor 'eat da poo poo' Ssempa. But, he is proving toxic to friends of his.

I must not take credit for the guy's monumental ego. And, the toxicity that he spreads to friends and enemies alike is something that comes deep from the midden heap of his heart.  Here are some friends of his feeling the heat. But these guys repudiated him and his push for the 'Kill the Gays Bill'. They are being crucified for past association.

I write a lot about religion on this blog. Why?

I mean, I am not religious. Matter of fact, I insist on my right not to identify with any religion. But, in Uganda, not being religious is something funny. Just read this article in Time. Debating God in a God-Fearing Country.

When it comes to poverty, disease, corruption, issues of sexuality and tribal tensions, most Ugandans believe they need God's help. Even during the weekday lunch hour, they can be found filing into the capital's churches, lifting their hands to the heavens and swaying in time to Christian rock bands and dapper pastors promising salvation. A study by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life found that 97% of Ugandans are believers, and the fact that professions of atheism are invariably met with incredulity has prompted most of Uganda's freethinkers to keep their skepticism in the closet.

And, I talk a lot about religion here, because it is the most cruel reason that people, fellow Ugandans use to persecute me. They want to kill me because it is in the Public Interest. And, the religious leaders agree.

I have not been to those heady discussions.... don't know why. Maybe I should? One of these days, when am bored enough!

But, seriously, I do have to engage, and know about religion in Uganda. Because, I have to be able to confront those who challenge me on that. Because, even as a non-believer, I have to stand up to my right to life.

Amazing. And, increadibly necessary.

My love has brought dinner to the table. I am still in the computer... no. Will have to stop here.

Hope your day is good.

gug

Hate Speech in Uganda, and elsewhere.

Does it matter?

Once I was seated at home, our living room. There is a group of our neighbours who meet at a shop nearby in the evenings, enjoying the local gossip, alcohol and company. And, for some reason they were loudly discussing homosexuality. Yeah, I know that some of them know that I am gay.

One of them, in a raised voice (alcohol laced, I am sure) cursed gay people loudly. They should all be killed, he said. Yes, I did hear him, and of course listened harder to the conversation which was not exactly private.

No, I didnt rush out to defend gay people.

Ugandans are in a bind. There are few countries in the world where it is politically correct to gay bash. Okay, they are many. But, Uganda may be one of the concrete leaders. The political leadership. Social, and religious leadership of course. It is an 'incontrovertible truth' that to be gay is to be evil.

So, does such a high level of prejudices and bigotry matter?

It is funny that, the very people who say those things are the ones who think that they don't matter.

MP David Bahati wrote the Anti-homosexuality bill, and he is convinced that he loves gay people. In the bill, he advocated for death and life imprisonment for gay people. He is a born again Christian, and he says he wrote the bill in defence of country and family.

MP Odonga Otto says he would kill a son or daughter of his who is gay. Simply because they are gay. Ssempa jumps up and down, and uses his considerable charisma to charm and tell people how we are impossible, 'eat da poo poo' and thus in defence of the laws of 'nature, god, and culture' he would love to have us in prison and dead. The bishops of the Church of Uganda, and Seventh Day Adventists were happy with the bill, the only thing which irked them was that the death penalty was too final. At least life imprisonment would allow for 'healing...'!

As the one at the other end of that stick, to me it is hate speech. But, those guys believe that it is not. And, they are merely being morally upright and courageous.

Ssempa's moslem friends believe that the Holy Quaran's Sharia law should be applied to us sinful homosexuals. Death by stoning. It is a fact that, in all the times that I have heard them say those things, advocating for the death penalty and stoning for us, I have not heard Ssempa as a Christian try to rein in his Moslem brothers. Not when they were advocating for anti-gay vigilante groups. And, yes, I have heard that they were actually drawing up 'lists' of gay-friendly activists. In case the bill doesnt become law....!

Does hate speech matter?

Of course it does. From the rhetoric of Nazi Germany against the jews and homosexuals, to the anti-Tutsi rhetoric and exhortation to 'go and kill the cochroaches', hate speech does matter. When MP Benson Ogwal calls me a gay pervert 'because the Bible calls me so'- me pushing it into his mouth only makes him realise that it actually does matter.

Of course it matters. But, will a 'good and upright' Ugandan Christian, set on 'loving the sinner but hating the sin' ever have this ability to differentiate the stones dropping from their mouths? Not really. Because their thoughts are in a rut. Gay is evil, for the bible says so. And, is there anybody who can challenge a 'scriptural' truth? Certainly not a gay person. Nor a gay-friendly person. Because one is the sinner, and the other loves sinners. Quite apt, don't you think?

If you are a real Christian, that is the point when you will draw out the bible and point out that Jesus ate with sinners, and the Pharisees did castigate him for that.

Shows that things are not always clear cut, are they?

Gug

PS. What started this whole hate speech post was the reports of an LGBT advocate who was recently beheaded. In this post, I was careful to note that I could not confirm the motivation behind he death. I mean, the gruesome facts were on NTV. The beheaded remains of a man were found a few weeks after his disappearance. Was he an LGBT activist? Was he kuchu? Was he killed because he was kuchu? I don't know.

BUT, at the same time, I am very careful to note that it is almost impossible in Uganda to confirm the motive behind a murder. Because, relatives will deny that the dead person was gay. Hey, it is not good to talk bad of the dead. So, it may be 'rumoured' etc. But never officially confirmed.

Yet I have to remind all kuchus that we have to be vigilant.

And, as a mere statistical note, I would like to ask you, if you are a kuchu in Uganda, how many suspicious deaths of kuchus have you heard of in the last 6-9 months? I don't know whether I am being paranoid, or sensational, so I do have to hang lots of cautionary marks around these, my observations. These are the deaths that I remember in that time span.

• 
  
  Indian guy who used to cross dress and hang out at Rock Garden. Was reported found dead in a room in 'Tourist Hotel, Kampala' Report was in the red rug.
• 
  
  An expatriate mzungu found murdered in his house in Bunga. Was a teacher or administrator.
• 
  
  One guy, a student, Kenyan (?) found stabbed to death in his rental room, I believe that was in Ntinda suburb, though I might be mistaken.
• 
  
  Woman in Gulu, burnt in house in Dec 2009

Again, I have to be cautious. Play devils advocate. I am not sure what the motivation in these deaths or actions might have been. I may simply be paranoid- and in that case, I am not sorry. I live in Uganda- adequate paranoia for a kuchu is a survival skill. We have no place where we collect and document all these incidents. Most of the time we might here of them and dismiss them out of hand. But, we do live in a dangerous society. Whether we accept it or not.

Constant Vigilance, Kuchus.

gug

Odd thoughts.

Say a man is a homosexual like me. Then, because of religious conviction, he or she becomes a gay basher, like Ssempa and Bahati et al. Now, supposing I find out that this guy is a homosexual, and, me being me, in my outrage at that person’s gay bashing, I ‘out’ that person…

The scenario is not uncommon. The most rabid gay bashers turn out to be gay.- having gay sex on the side, or ‘struggling with same-sex-attraction’ (the politically correct term), etc, etc. I am talking about the Ted Haggard and Larry Craigs of this world. And many others. So, should we, or should we not ‘out’ them?

A question of philosophy, for many. Here are two articles on the same case, a gay bashing Christian pastor who was found to be attending a ‘gay therapy’ self help group and here too.  What may be most interesting are the comments, as different people weigh in. Should it, or shouldn’t it be done?

In the hypothetical case of Ssempa or Bahati being found in a compromising position, I am afraid the world I live in is a harsh reality. I would have no compaction exposing his hypocrisy, in the same way that I have exposed the lies that Ssempa tells in the name of his god.

---

Scandinavian countries, in truth, have a huge history of tolerance. Its just ‘not cool’ to be intolerant. And, so what if one is gay, or another loves cross-dressing? So what if the Prime Minister is openly gay and marries her long term partner?

Beyond cool, that is MY reaction. But, many don’t think so. But, the Prime Minister of Iceland did take the step and tied the note. Yes, she did. And, know who is incensed at that little detail and cant help commenting? Why, someone in Uganda. Here is the quote.

Ugandans were shocked to hear of Sigurdardottir's marriage to her partner with whom she had been in a registered relationship since 2002. The partnership was converted into a marriage on Sunday, when a new law legalizing same-sex marriage went into force.

"Their society is finished, they have no morals," said Uganda's ruling-party spokeswoman, Mary Karooro Okurutu, described the marriage as "disgusting."

The East African nation frowns on homosexuality and is considering proposed legislation that would impose the death penalty for some gays. The bill has sparked protests in London, New York and Washington.

My reaction is bemusement at the 'Ugandan' reaction. I have gotten way past the thinking that the world thinks like I do, or that it MUST think like I do. I don’t have to force my world into squares or circles. That leads to madness. And, I don’t have to condemn another person because I believe in my morality above their morality.

Sigh..., Ugandans will always be asked for their point of view with regards to homosexuality. Wonder why the reporters didn’t ask dear Pastor Ssempa? I am just curious about the wordage that he would have used, the sentiments that he would express is beyond doubt condemnation.

And, check out some of the contrasting points of view relative to gay issues and gay nuptials.

In Europe, the situation varies.

Several top-level politicians are openly gay, including Sweden's Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren and Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, considered a possible contender for the 2012 presidential elections.

But a gay head of government would be impossible in strong Catholic nations.

"We will never see a gay prime minister in Italy. The power of the Catholic Church is too strong," said Giuseppina Massallo, 60, from Sicily who lives in Rome. "We have institutions that make us believe that ... being homosexual is simply not the right thing to do."

The 32-year-old Federley occasionally swaps his parliamentary suit and tie for heavy makeup and revealing dresses as drag queen Ursula. Federley has been openly gay for nine years and his sexual identity has never been an issue in politics.

His cross-dressing only hit the headlines when critics in February questioned which Federley accepted an alleged media junket to the Canary Islands: Fredrik the lawmaker or Ursula the drag queen?

Gays in politics would be inconceivable in Africa, where 37 countries have anti-gay laws and where Zimbabwe's leader Robert Mugabe has described same-sex partners as "lower than dogs and pigs."

Know what my gay agenda is?

No. It is not defined by those who think me less than human.

It is simply to be taken as human as my straight neighbour. Equality. That will suffice.

gug

Got to the President.

I think we did. Get to him that is. I dont think these remarks were random. Though Museveni tends to wander in remarks.

“I hear European homosexuals are recruiting in Africa,” said Mr Museveni on Saturday, to an audience of mainly youth at the Kampala Serena Hotel that homosexuality is un-natural.


European Homosexuals? No, I dont think that Museveni would mistake all the 'outside' for Europe. So, why European homosexuals, and not American homosexuals?
But, the subtext is clear. It is not from Africa. And, the 'recruitment' drive is something that is happening. Even the head of state believes that nonsense! It is a foreign thing. And, of course it is un-natural.

“We used to have very few homosexuals traditionally. They were not persecuted but were not encouraged either because it was clear that is not how God arranged things to be.”
So says President Museveni. He is a history buff. History written as he desires it to be. So, maybe I should not be suprised.

My history, (and Ssempa concurs) says that homosexuality was accepted at the Buganda Court before Christianity was accepted. Oh, I have remembered, Museveni at the moment does not like the 'Mengo establishment'....!

We used to have very few homosexuals traditionally? Why, seems the impression from His Excellency is that the recruitment drive has been hugely succesful! So, homosexuals in Uganda are 'increasing'. As his Minister for Ethics says, Uganda is 'under attack'. And, we need to be defensive about it?

And, they were not persecuted....! I wonder whether his government is going to try and reverse that historical oversight.
Yet it is true. Homosexuality in Africa was more than benignly accepted. Why, because nobody seemed to think it any threat to anything. Why would it be a threat, to any rightly thinking person? Actually, many people argue that homophobia, which came with Christianity, was the actual western import. Not homosexuality.

At least, Museveni at last accepts that homosexuality is not 'un-African'. Sigh, the myths that we have to debunk are kind of myriad.
If I was not so convinced of my Africannnes, and my Ugandanness, I would surely believe that my black skin is white. And that I am not what I am. Why does everyone around me believe in myths about me? Sincerely, it is a bit puzzling, not just galling!

But, is this enough?

Please note, very carefully, that His Excellency came out strongly and firmly as a gay basher.

“You should discourage your colleagues [involved in homosexuality] because God was not foolish to do the way he arranged,” said Mr Museveni, adding, “Mr and Mrs, but now you have to say Mr and Mr? What is that now?” 

International protest and revulsion over the bill has been a lot. At least 3 western governments have expressed 'concern' overtly and diplomatically. Even from Nsaba-Buturo's statements, others are expressing their reservations in private. 'Diplomatically'

Christian organisations, and Christians, are coming out with strong statements. The very defense that the bill is a pro-christian thing is indefensible. Which makes proponents unconfortable. So much so that, the anglican Church of Uganda has found itself to have no 'official position'.... Funny diplomatese... from churchmen.
Others like the Catholic Church are actually damned by their very silence. The Ssempas do not need much rope to hang themselves, in their zeal for their god. And, they are furiously wrapping it round their bloody necks.

Human rights groups were the first and most prominent to come out against this bill. Which, incidentally, was tabled almost exactly one month ago. But the Nsaba-Buturo snear is the best answer to what Ugandans officially think of pressure from that point. 'Anal sex has no rights'. Period.

So, is it working?

Speaking from outside, it would seem as if there is no way that this bill could pass.

Speaking from inside Uganda, I think there is no way that it can be stopped. Why? Because, Ugandans believe they are in a position of 'leadership' of the world. With this law their stamp of authority! Maybe they were wavering, under the build up of international pressure.

But, that small speech from the President shows where the winds are blowing. He knew that this bill was coming. He is a homophobe. Rumour is, the international pressure was expected, and the government, for 'deniability' wanted the bill as a private members bill. It was all part of the strategy. How many times over the year has Nsaba-Buturo been coming out with threats about the new bill? It was becoming so common for him to mention it that some actually thought it was a joke. All bark and no bite.

Well, the fangs were revealed.

The president has taken note. And, he wants to stiffen the resolve of the front line troops. That is how I am taking that statement.

Matter of fact, homosexuality is below the radar in the list of sins of Ugandans that are 'seen' by gods. Corruption is much bigger, actually threatening the omniscient ruling party. That is why we are more visible, defenseless us. That is why we are being demonised, and, that is why the 'moral leadership' of Uganda needs to be emphasized.

Sigh, this happens only in novels I thought! Works of fantasy, not real life.

So, is it so hopeless that we should stop?

No. It is our lives. It is a question of OUR lives, and we simply cannot stop. That has always been the strength behind the gay movement. The perceived threat by the majority is a myth which most people cannot actually believe. They may, when preachers like Ssempa are at the pulpit. But they dont, not with their day to day experiences of life.
But for us gay people, that transient hostility to a minority is a life threatening stumbling block. It is our lives on line. That I know, more now than ever. And I will not close my eyes to it.

No. We will not give up. Because we cannot give up. Unless we are ready to go to the concentration camps. Literally.


gug

Pushing Boundaries

Maybe this is why some people are afraid of us, feel threatened. We do push against ‘traditional’ borders and restrictions. What do you think of this?

THE GRADE 11 PUPIL EXPELLED IN MARCH BECAUSE HE IS “GAY” WILL SOON GO BACK TO SCHOOL      

Last Updated: August 28, 2009

Source: Abram Mashego (Sowetan)

SOUTH AFRICA - 28 August 2009: Given Seoketsi, 18, a pupil at the Kwena Molapo Comprehensive Farm School in Lion Park, was expelled for wearing a dress to school.

Seoketsi said the school principal Michael Madikane asked if he was a boy or a girl. H e replied that he was “a gay” and the principal told him to bring his mother with him when school reopened to discuss his sexual orientation.

His mother Neisi Seoketsi said the principal said that her child had to choose to be either a boy or a girl because the school only had classes for boys and girls.

Neisi said she told the principal that her son was born like that.

“My son did not like playing with boys and preferred girls . He wanted dresses though we tried to force him to wear trousers.”

The Department of Education has intervened.

Department spokesperson Nanagolo Leopeng said they were doing everything in their power to ensure that he returns to school immediately.

Circumcision Politics

Came across this article. Gosh, man is a political animal.

Not yet sure whether circumcision protects gay men from HIV. Seems as if the scientific consensus on that is not formed. But, it is a political issue.

Article is worth a read.

The Latest Fight Over the Foreskin

Gay, and Christian

A beautiful morning.

Remember the rain yesterday? It washed the air of dust. Kind of wiped it from the leaves, so the banana frond sails are firm, turgid, greener than they have been in a long while. There is dust, here and there, brown, but for the moment it is dampened, tied down. More than likely, the sun will out later in the day, bake the soil, and release clouds of the infamous brown red cloud which seems to be such a permanent addition to Kampala these days.

It is cool. Overcast, dull compared to the bright sunny days of last week. It might clear.

Sunday morning.

Church time for many people. Not me. Well, I don’t believe…!

But some do, many believe, and I have to defend their right to a faith of their own.

Have a friend, close. He is kuchu. Accepts that, one of those who couldn’t hide it way back when he was in school. Came out naturally- a flaming queen, would be the parlance.

He is conflicted. His faith, his sexuality.

He believes. Deeply. And he is also gay. Without question.

My compromise, my faithlessness bothers him. Enough. Yet he finds it hard to challenge me in light of the hostility of those people of faith to him. It seems as if he is the hypocrite, being both gay and a Christian. And I, who rejects religion and faith and am proud of my sexuality, enough to throw it into detractors faces, am not.

His is a conflict I lived, for a while, and bowed out of. My decision, my compromise. Or my non compromise.

But knowing him, I have suddenly realized that to him, faith is so important a part of him that it should not be destroyed. He lives, he believes, and he is. A part of him. He tells me all his large extended family is a family of believers. He believes, but because he is gay, he sees himself living a hypocritical kind of life. His sexuality versus his faith. A false choice.

Faith is a part of him. And my ruthless example is not something that he can follow. Nor should he.

Funny. I saw him yesterday and I realized that we don’t really talk about faith. Or faith issues. I know it is bothering him, enough to cause problems with the expression of his sexuality. And with expression of his faith too. I don’t know whether he realizes that.

But he is a strong character. I wish him the best.

I know his is a conflict many gay people face. And the way we resolve it affects us greatly. I mean, what if it is true that Pastor Kayanja and Father Musaala are really gay? They must have faced that kind of conflict. And resolved it, as well as they could. But unsatisfactorily, at least…

Well, those demons can come back to haunt us.

Have a good Sunday. Go to church or your worship house. And remember those who are gay and believers.

Have a beautiful Sunday.

gug

Interesting Country, Kenya

Sex Workers’ Rights in Kenya: "It's Better to Be a Thief Than Gay in Kenya"
Written by Siena Anstis
Thursday, 06 August 2009

John Mathenke was once arrested for being gay but, after failing to pay the customary bribe, was forced to have sex with the policeman. He had an orgy with a priest who publicly excoriates homosexuality, along with five other Masaai boys. And his Arab trader clients curse him during the day, but come back looking for sex at night. Such is the life of a homosexual prostitute in Nairobi, Kenya.
"It's better to be a thief than gay in Kenya," Mathenke says. Both are often punished by death, but being the latter means never revealing yourself to the public and remaining perpetually closeted. It means dealing with homophobes at day and pleasuring them at night.

In Kenya, statutes dating from the colonial period dictate prison sentences of up to 14 years for male homosexuality (there are no laws targeting lesbians). These laws are further influenced by powerful Christian and Muslim religious leaders who publicly condemn homosexuality. In turn, homophobia towards the LGBT community in Kenya is widespread, and as calls to decriminalize homosexuality grow, the backlash is strong. In late April, one woman was hit outside a bar with a bottle for being a lesbian.

Born into a poor household in Kenya's central province, Mathenke never finished primary school. In 2002, after spending several years as a houseboy, he was influenced by other dream-chasers moving to Nairobi, and left to the capital city. He paid a barber $30 to be trained as a haircutter. His perfect English eventually landed him a job selling textbooks in a lavish Westlands shopping center. This was the scene of his first homosexual experience. While, subconsciously, he knew it was a part of him - he says he used to wear long shirts when he was small and tied a rope around his waist to pretend it was a dress - it had yet to be experienced.

A Frenchman would come in, day after day, he says. He would open thick African history books and look at pictures of naked men. He bought many books; some that Mathenke would help him carry to the car. He never thought much of this flirtation, until the man took him out for dinner. Inebriated, they went back to the Frenchman's home and had sex. The man took him home almost every night after that. In the same store, Mathenke encountered the priest with whom he had a five-person orgy.

At this time, Mathenke was discovering his homosexual identity and decide to move to Mombasa, an area rumored friendlier to homosexuals. $700 in his pocket, he put himself up in a hotel. Eventually the money dried out and he was left desperate. He went to Mercury, a local bar, and was offered money for sex with an older European.

"When you've had sex with someone once, they don't want you again," explained Mathenke. Customers became few and far between and he continued to sleep on park benches, washing in the seawater in the morning. He also faced continued stigma: "Arab traders would insult us at day, and come looking for sex at night." A lot of his clients were - and are - popular religious leaders who would curse homosexuals in public and find pleasure in paid homosexual company in private.

Mathenke eventually returned to Nairobi, where he settled in with a new boyfriend. He continued to see clients from the big hotels: the Hilton, the Serena, the Intercontinental. He would hang out in the gay hot spots with his friends, some who continued to sleep on benches, in Uhuru park for example, near the Hilton. He had yet to use a condom.

Community outreach by Sex Workers Outreach Program (SWOP) in Nairobi eventually led him to his "second-home." Three weeks ago, after being provided with free health services and counseling, he tested positive for HIV/AIDS. So did his partner. He tells me, matter of fact, "Now that we know this, we are talking more and confiding in each other." He has also started using protection with his clients.

In SWOP, he found inspiration and acceptance. Gloria Gakaki, a social worker at SWOP, explains that "it is not the general population that needs to be addressed. It's easier to empower the individual, make them feel as human beings, giving people a safe place."

Supported by the organization, Mathenke has started bringing together groups of young homosexual prostitutes and helping them form a community based organization, Health Option for Young Men on HIV/AIDS. Since he can't register a homosexual organization with the government, he has to use the name as a cover. He is teaching these young men - some only 12 years old - about using condoms and lubricant when having sex with men.

According to the BBC, gay men in Africa have 10 times higher HIV rates because of homophobia. In Kenya, the situation is no different: "People think you have been cursed," Mathenke explains, "It's painful, we wish we had freedom." Being a prostitute and gay is a double negative explains Gakaki, "It is a hidden population."

Since many stigmatized homosexuals in Kenya marry and have children as an identity cover, unless they are reached by HIV/AIDS education, the HIV rate will continue to increase, not only within the homosexual population, but also across Kenya.

While the government has long been reluctant to address the role of homosexuality in increasing HIV/AIDS rates, there have been some positive changes over the years. Gakaki highlights the brave role of Dr. Nicholas Maraguri, Head of the National AIDS and STD Control Program (NASCOP), who is pushing the government to address the link between HIV, homosexuality and homophobia. Maraguri has also been meeting directly with the male sex worker population to get a more in-depth idea of where the problems lie.

For further information on SWOP or to donate to Mathenke's new organization, please contact Gloria Gakaki at Ggakii@csrtkenya.org.

Websites with further information include: the National AIDS and STD Control Program (NASCOP) at http://www.aidskenya.org/ and Behind the Mask at http://www.mask.org.za/index.php?page=Kenya.

History in the Making

Yeah, there is a sense of history in the making.

Not in the OutGames ongoing in Copenhagen. The Gay Games. What an opportunity for meeting and discussing gay issues! Oh yes, and promoting the world wide homosexual agenda of course. It is interesting that, in countries which, once upon a time there was a persecution of gay people, now the opposite is shown. Gay sexuality is celebrated. How far we have come.

But the history in the making has been in Uganda.

Was talking to someone a couple of days back who was interested in my country’s infamous gay bashing. We have the reputation. Of gay bashing, worldwide. Seems as if we are re-known for Idi Amin in the ‘70s, HIV/AIDS in the 80’s and ‘90s, and gay bashing in the first decade of this century.

But, in this short time, quite a lot has happened.

There were no gay groups a scant few years ago. Ssempa was doing his gay bashing, but he learnt it in America, and came here and suddenly found that there was no bashing to do. Just wasn’t popular. So he decided to make it popular. The power of charisma.

I think I have blogged about people trying to ‘prove’ that there were some ‘gay ugandans’. Seems like that was years and years ago.

Now, Nsaba-Buturo, Ssempa and the government are so convinced that gay Ugandans exist and present a clear and present danger to the wellbeing of Ugandans that a new law is soon to be tabled in Parliament. The MPs seat Tue through Thursday, and it is usually so boring that one cannot follow it on the live streaming on TV, but certainly when Buturo tables the bill (might have done as I write), he will see to it that it hits the airwaves. He seems to crave that publicity!

History in the making.

Seems as if we are kind of reversing what history should be, in Uganda. But we are also making some fancy history. Be it gay history, or anti-gay history. And know what, I think I am a very unassuming person, (f**ck the red rug), but it is kind of funny to be in the middle of all this hullabaloo. Just because I am gay, wow!


gug

Housing? No right for Homosexuals

Gambia: Action Alert - Condemn Attacks on the Right to Housing

Picked this from IGLHRC

President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh of the Gambia has called on citizens of this West African nation to deny housing to "homosexuals," making LGBT people targets for discrimination and violence yet again. IGLHRC believes that his statements violate the rights to freedom from discrimination, to adequate housing, to dignity, and to security.

Denial of Housing to LGBT People in the Gambia

On May 23, 2009, President Jammeh urged party members of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), who represent the majority in the country's National Assembly, not to rent or allow homosexuals to stay in their compounds. The statement was made at a monument commemorating the 1994 coup that brought Jammeh, a former lieutenant in the Gambian army, into power.

Last year, President Jammeh publicly denounced homosexuality and gave LGBT people in Gambia an ultimatum to leave the country by stating that he would "cut of the head" of anyone believed to be homosexual discovered in Gambia. He also warned Gambian hotel owners not to rent rooms to homosexuals.

The right to adequate housing is guaranteed under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and articulated in the Yogyakarta Principles on the application of international human rights law in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the rights to dignity and security, components of the right to adequate housing, are guaranteed under the Gambian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. States may not permit forced evictions and must ensure nondiscrimination in access to adequate housing for all of its citizens.

Ahhhh!

Same old, same old. See, we gay people are considered pariahs, non people. So those who are gay feel happy that they can in self righteousness deny us simple things which other 'people' have a right to.

In Uganda, if you are a known homosexual, dont be suprised if no landlord will have you... Or again, you may find one who is ok. And doesnt mind.

But this shouldnt worry you. Our world is one of thorns and rose flowers. One thing that those who dont like us are gifted with is the gift of prejudice. We cannot be human beings, we cannot be normal, so because we are normal, we hide right under their noses...!

It is a beautiful day. The country is in a drought state. People in the east and north are literally dying of hunger. Bad deal there. Our institutions have been ravaged by lots of bad governance. Course, we are a moral people so we have to continue pouring much energy in the pursuit of sin and immorality and homosexuality.

But last night, it rained. Drizzled, more or less. Dampened the ubiquitous dust. And the air is cool, nice and still. Overcast. A relief from the bright sun and heat of most of the days of this week. Possibly the rains are near. Have to keep praying hard. That it rains, that less people suffer from the hunger. I hear seed is being eaten, so we might be getting into a cycle of hunger. Or we shall wake up and do something about food security!

But it is a beautiful day, I am alive, and know it....

gug

Two Arrested

I was out, with my man, Thursday evening. Nearly missed the news of the day, but happened to glance up at a public TV.

Dreaded headlines. Apparently, two guys in Mbale were arrested for being gay.

For some reason, I couldn’t concentrate on the news. Asked my lover later, he confirmed it.

We went past KPC. A celebration of the Easter holiday ongoing. A huge mass of kids overflowing from the auditorium, dancing, happy, a cheerful mood. Elsewhere the streets of Kampala were not too full, despite the fact that Friday is a public holiday.

We went to our favourite bar. Not as well attended as usual in the middle of the week. But guys and girls were there. And there was beautiful music. Local, and African. And I was with my lover.

I love the guy. Simply cant keep my hands off him when we are together. A graze of the hand, face, nape, now and then. I stare, till he asks me, what..! Conforting, now and again, to reach out, touch him.

It is a small thing, yet a big thing.

What happened in Mbale? I got this cautionary e-mail from one of our friends.

 

Two men Brian Padde and Fred Wasukira suspected to be gay have been arrested and held at Mbale Police station on allegations of public immorality and homosexuality.

The two were witnessed kissing and cuddling in a bar at Namakweki in Mbale. From the bar they moved to their house where they were followed by residents, who alerted area local councils and Police.  They were caught kissing and cuddling at their house. Police and area local councils picked them up and took them to Mbale Police station.

On phone with the district police officer, he said this is not a big case because they were not caught in the act having sex. However, the fear remains the area residents, are so hostile at this moment and if these people are realized they may be attacked by the mob.

Caution, watch your back this Easter season. Celebrate wisely.

 

I could not help wondering, what did Brian and Paddy do wrong? I could see me and my lover in them. Our love overflowing, noticeable enough for some good patriotic friends to follow us home, to break into our house, hoping they will find us making love. This is what Stephen Langa has been advocating on fm radios. Arrests. Convictions. Because our love is corrupt, and an afront to the community.

They found them ‘cuddling and kissing’, in their own house. And they will spend the Easter holiday in a cell, because of that. Detained-, the police in the Victor case used the same argument. That they were detained to save them from the mob. But then, why did the police allow TV cameras, and the guys to be filmed? Didn’t they make it more likely that when the guys are released, they will be unsafe? National TV?

Will it be like that for me and my partner, one of these days? Followed home, because someone notices we were too close? The door broken down in the hope that we are caught making love?

 

gug

A Well Organised Campaign

Not ours. We are not organised. It is the anti-gay campaign in Uganda I am talking about.

Seated, shirtless, at home. It is warm, the warm of the rainy season, the sun very bright, the skies very blue, and rain a threat of the afternoon.

I am relaxed,

and it is with the lifting of some of the tension that I have realized how stressed I have been. For the second day of the week, I have not seen any adverse headlines in the New Vision. Government paper- it seems to have taken up the anti-gay cause, these last few days.

No adverse headlines.

Seems like a dream. Nobody outed over the weekend. Seems as if the press is moving on. It was yesterdays news? The outings. The accusals of ‘recruitment’, the speculations on who is and who is not a homosexual.

By the way, the Observer had a very interesting article. In this day and time of Gay Witch hunts, how to recognize a gay or lesbian Ugandan. It was in the public interest. It is very important that you recognize those who are gay and lesbians. Don’t let them near your children. Chase them from jobs, etc, etc. It is here.

And today in the morning, I heard, on Beat fm, one guy protecting Father Musaala. Seems the only way we will get some airing is when we admit fawningly that we are ‘ex-gay’, so the guy didn’t disappoint. He is ex-gay (like it is a new fashion shirt that he is putting on), and he was counseled by Father Musaala until he became ex-gay. So, he is making the rounds of the fm stations, shoring up the good Father’s name. Unfortunately, the presenter was not very respectful of the guys 'ex-gay' credentials. Poor guy, he 'looked gay'!

AfroGay has an analysis of the politics behind the ‘outing’ of Father Musaala. I continue to be leery of that particular outing. Too convenient, too much that the ‘outers’, Pastor Ssempa will gain from the demise of their pastoral rival. But, again, I have to admit to being extremely biased against the Ssempas of Uganda; professional anti-gay activists as they are, and very politically adept. I just have to be careful about what I say, just don’t want my own prejudices to cloud my judgement.

I wanted to comment about the anti-gay campaign in Uganda.

It has been very well organized. (I do wish we gay people had the money and the ability to organize like these guys have accused us of being. I mean, it would just be fair, you know!)

Past years, there were so many homophobic, and frankly un-Christian statements from the likes of Ssempa, Nsaba-Buturo, and others. Many of them are on this blog.

But, during that time, there was a hint of disorganization. They prepared the ground, but were too hate filled, too extreme. I mean, why reject an HIV prevention programme? I remember Ssempa's statement to that effect… But I digress.

Come this year, entered Stephen Langa onto the scene. He has been working a lot, but underground, or so he seems to have. Good connections to the American right, in particular those who are obsessed with homosexuality as a problem.

A coup, he landed them an invitation to a 3 day conference.

Jan, and Feb, he advertised.

I was very amused when one of his e-mails landed into my e-box. He was using the mobilizing power of the churches here, and why not the mega one, Kampala Pentecostal Church? He did a few press conferences and statements. Seems as if only UG Pulse was biting most of the time. Why? I can only speculate.

Then came the conference itself. I have catalogued some of that, err, (shit) here.

Apart from me writing about it, and a small article in the Monitor newspaper, (the second largest circulating daily), the press didn’t bite, for some reason.

Post conference, he was not deterred. He has been continuing with organization. Formed an anti-gay task force. Meetings every Sunday at Hotel Triangle. Setting up objectives, aims, and what to do.

And fundraising…

While he accuses us of all this shit (the same that he is doing.) Why not? We are homosexuals. Bad, by definition. Very bad. For him, of course he does it in the name of God and Country.

George Oundo lit on the scene. And the New Vision took up the campaign. Sensational headlines. ‘Recruiting’. Outing, as sensationally as possible. Front page. With commentary from Ssempas and Langa. And, last Saturday, the triumphant nailing of UNICEF for ‘promoting homosexuality’. The enemy is defined, both inside and outside the country.

Inside the country, gays are reeling from the juggernaut. Had not foreseen the sundering of our closets. We have turned, and presented another cheek for the mighty Christian moral anger. (Maybe if we act more Christian than the Christians, they will let us off the hook. Maybe.) Oh, we shall survive. Despite the ongoing crusade. That is a given.

What next?

They tied the new ‘Pornographic bill’ to recruitment of gays. Apparently, we didn’t exist in the days when there was no ‘pornography’ in Uganda. A severe, punishing bill has been introduced in parliament. It targets pornography. For a doubter, it also aims to curb homosexuality. The things Ugandans believe!

And, a new bill to outlaw homosexuality and being gay in Uganda has been in the offing for a long, long time. Minister Nsaba Buturo has been taking his time, don’t know why. So, with the excitement of the population, and the fact that there is going to be a mass rally, and ongoing are anti-gay seminars and the gathering of signatures, this will be introduced.

Stephen Langa plans to speak to the president. As a concerned parent of course. About the ‘international organisations’ spreading homosexuality in Uganda. Nsaba Buturo has already talked to Uganda’s UN ambassador (remember, we are on the Security Council this year, and the next. Clout, huh!)

Soon, very soon, will be the bill. And it will sail through parliament. Who dares oppose this will of the people?

A well organized campaign indeed.

 

gug