From here and there

Clouds, and the promise of rain over Kampala.

Seems as if the sun of the last few weeks is soon giving into rain. No problem. Like it all. But rain is one of those things which can be a blessing and curse. For some people. Everything is anyway, so why grumble??!

My internet connection is apparently getting slower and slower. [Tired of complaining to the ISP again. Lightning speeds are always promised, never delivered. But, I am one of the few with this access, so maybe even partial access is a very good thing.]

Going through the world press, just wondered about how intrusive the state or society should be. We are a gossipy lot, us humans. Why, why, why do we have to know what happens in the beds of a couple of people who have decided to commit to one another? It is kind of ridiculous, given the fact that we all tend to do things which would surprise everyone else in the privacy of our bedrooms. But, we tend to have this hypocritical attitude. We write into law what should be done in bed, when we have sex. Anyway, this case is in Pakistan.

Peshawar, Pakistan (CNN) -- Malik Muhammad Iqbal is a man. Rani was born a man but lives as a woman.

Both are locked up in a northwest Pakistani jail awaiting trial because police say they tried to get married.

In Pakistan, that's a crime.

"Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal," says the country's penal code, "shall be punished with imprisonment. "

Eighteen-year-old Rani says Iqbal, a 42-year-old fertilizer dealer, is a friend - not a lover.

"We were only celebrating my birthday," Rani said.

But prosecutors say it was a marriage that was taking place. Police smashed their way in, broke up the party, arrested 43 dancing guests, Rani and Iqbal.

Iqbal says he was just another guest at the party.

"This was not a gay marriage," he said. "These are just false allegations."

Peshawar police Chief Shoukat Ali disagrees. Officials say they have photographs and a wedding dress to prove it.

Come closer to Africa, in Zimbabwe, the politicians looked around for a talking point, and, in lieu of corruption, etc, etc, they remembered the ‘homosexual plague’. So, the President condemned them again, and blamed the opposition. The opposition also went ahead and condemned them. No politician wants to be seen as outdone on the condemnation bit. But, when they are really looking for something to stir up the population, politicians want a bit more than condemnation and a few words in the print. It seems it didn’t work. So, a couple of Zimbabwean gay activists are arrested. Oh, forget the fact that GALZ has been up and running in Zimbabwe for years. They swoop in and arrest a couple of people that they find in the office on that day, and also raid another officers home. Now, just in case no one noticed, the ‘Veterans’ are weighing in. A new revolution. Against homosexuality of course. 

Zimbabwe’s ageing liberation fighters have made a vow : “there will be no room for gays in Zimbabwe". They say it is against what they fought for during the liberation struggle.

"You cannot change the direction of a struggle, but only improve the road. Do you think those who died for the liberation of the country died for gay marriages?", asked Jabulani Sibanda, the veterans leader.

He added, “Imagine being a father receiving a letter from your son informing you that he will be bringing his husband home to meet you. It’s really shocking. We are not going to accept that. We will defend the revolution."

His comments came barely a week after state security agents stormed offices of a gay rights group Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe and arrested two workers.

Ellen Chademana and Ignatius Muhambi where charged for ‘insulting the office of the President’ and for allegedly possessing ‘pornographic material’.

---

The catholic church, in the bid to weed out gays from the priesthood, may be glad about this. We gay people may actually have gaydar, a special sixth sense. Now, how useful is that? Problem for me is that I find it completely useless…! We tend to hide too well, in Uganda, or my gaydar is underdeveloped, I don’t know.

A report from South Africa about the endemic violence there. 

Tumi Mkhuma is showing me her photo album in the small room she rents in a tough neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts of Johannesburg. "That's me when I was 11 - wearing trousers of course," she says. "I knew I was gay even as a young child."

Tumi has only had sex with a man once. That was last year, when she was dragged from a bar, beaten unconscious, and then raped. "A month later I got morning sickness - that's how I found out he raped me," she says.

To be poor, and black, and a lesbian in South Africa is to live in danger. "Corrective rapes", beatings and murders are disturbingly common in conservative communities where homophobia remains deeply entrenched.

I first watched it on BBC. There is something inherently perverse in a person who thinks that rape can be ‘corrective’. Glad that the girls have formed a self support group. Sometimes we kind of think that it is easier in South Africa. But, well, it is not that much easier, inspite of the better legislative atmosphere.

----

I will end with a comment on Pastor Martin Ssempa, PhD's fight for anti-gay rights.

A Bizarre Window Into Uganda’s Gay Hate

Not safe for work, or life, really… But perhaps an important thing to understand in terms of just how fucked up the gay rights advances are in certain parts of the world: A bizarre look at a anti-gay rally in Uganda, where the speaker spools out ridiculous ignorance to a degree that’s almost hilarious if the horrifying state of gay rights in Uganda wasn’t so very real.  As my friend who send me this video noted, “His argument that the modern gay agenda is to eat the poo poo of Ugandan children is particularly compelling.”

Wanna have a look at the video? Its here.

Have a good day.

gug

Contrasts in Love

Now, here is the Statement of the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Anglican Province in Uganda.

CHURCH OF UGANDA’S POSITION ON THE ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY BILL 2009

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Church of Uganda associates itself with the concerns expressed in the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009. However, instead of a completely new Bill, the Church recommends a Bill that amends the Penal Code Act (Cap.120) addressing loopholes, in particular:

• protecting the vulnerabilities of the boy child 1

• proportionality in sentencing

• and, ensuring that sexual orientation is excluded as a protected human right.

Further, we recommend involvement of all stakeholders in the preparation of such a Bill in order to uphold Uganda’s values as they relate to human sexuality.2

Church of Uganda’s position on Homosexuality

The Church of Uganda derives her mandate and authority from the canonical scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as the ultimate rule and standard of faith, given by inspiration of God and containing all things necessary from salvation.2 Her mission is to “fulfil Christ’s mission through holistic teaching, evangelism, discipleship and healing for healthy and godly nations3.”

The Church’s position on human sexuality is consistent with its basis of faith and doctrine, and has been stated very clearly over the years as reflected in various documents. i ii iii [Footnotes in the original: i Resolution 1.10 of the Lambeth Conference of Bishops [Anglican Communion] held in 1998; ii The Church of Uganda’s Position Paper on Scripture, Authority and Human Sexuality May 2005; iii Press Statement of February 21, 2007 by Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi on the Primates’ Meeting held in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.]

From a plain reading of Scripture, from a careful reading of Scripture, and from a critical reading of Scripture, homosexual practice has no place in God’s design of creation, the continuation of the human race through procreation, or His plan of redemption. Even natural law reveals that the very act of sexual intercourse is an experience of embracing the sexual “other”. The Church of Uganda, therefore, believes that “Homosexual practice is incompatible with Scripture” (Resolution 1.10, 1998 Lambeth Conference). At the same time, the Church of Uganda is committed at all levels to offer counseling, healing and prayer for people with homosexual disorientation, especially in our schools and other institutions of learning. The Church is a safe place for individuals, who are confused about their sexuality or struggling with sexual brokenness, to seek help and healing.

The Objective of the Bill

The Church of Uganda appreciates the spirit of the Bill’s objective of protecting the family, especially in light of a growing propaganda to influence younger people to accept homosexuality as a legitimate way of expressing human sexuality.

We particularly appreciate the objectives of the Bill which seek to:

a) provide for marriage in Uganda as contracted only between a man and woman;

b) prohibit and penalize homosexual behaviour and related practices in Uganda as they constitute a threat to the traditional family;

c) prohibit ratification of any internationla treaties, conventions, protocols, agreements and declarations which are contrary or inconsistent with teh provisions of the Act;

d) prohibit the licensing of organizations which promote homosexuality.

The need for a Bill that amends existing legislation

We affirm the need for a Bill in light of the existing loopholes in the current legislation, specifically sections 145-148 of the Penal Code Act (Cap 120), which do not explicitly address the other issues associated with homosexual practice such as procurement, recruitment and dissemination of literature. That notwithstanding, the ideal situation would be one where necessary amendment is made to existing legislation to also enumerate other sexual offences such as lesbianism and bestiality. This would not require a fresh bill on homosexuality per se but rather an amendment to the existing provisions which would also change the title to something like “The Penal Code Unnatural Offences Amendment Bill.”

Recommendation

As Parliament considers streamlining the existing legislation, we recommend that the following issues be taken into consideration:

1. Ensure that the law protects the confidentiality of medical, pastoral and counseling relationships, including those that disclose homosexual practice in accordance with the relevant professional codes of ethics.

2. Language that strengthens the existing Penal Code to protect the boy child, especially from homosexual exploitation; to prohibit lesbianism, bestiality, and other sexual perversions; and to prohibit procurement of material and promotion of homosexuality as normal or as an alternative lifestyle, be adopted.

3. Ensure that homosexual practice or the promotion of homosexual relations is not adopted as a human right.

4. Existing and future Educational materials and programmes on gender identity and sex education are in compliance with the values and the laws of Uganda.

5. The involvement of additional stakeholders in the evaluation of the gaps in the existing legislation, including, but not limited to, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its Department of Immigration and other relevant departments.

6. The undertaking of a comprehensive legislative and literature review of all the laws and literature related to the subject at hand in order to identify the actual gaps in the existing legislations.

Conclusion

As a Church, we affirm the necessity of appropriate amendments within the existing legislation and corresponding Penal Code sections. The Church of Uganda, being a part of the Anglican Communion, reiterates her position on human sexuality and her desire to uphold the pastoral position of providing love and care for all God’s people caught up in any sin and remaining consistent with Holy Scriptures of the Christian Church.

The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi

Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda and Bishop of Kampala Diocese

Notes

1. Cf. The discrepancy between Penal Code sections 128 and 147. Cf. also Section 129 which has no corresponding section for the boy child.

2 Article 2- Doctrine and Worship, Church of The Province of Uganda- Provincial Constitution 1972 as amended (1994).

3. Mission statement, Church of the Province of Uganda

i Resolution 1.10 of the Lambeth Conference of Bishops [Anglican Communion] held in 1998 ii The Church of Uganda’s Position Paper on Scripture, Authority and Human Sexuality May 2005 iii Press Statement of February 21, 2007 by Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi on the Primates’ Meeting held in Dar‐es‐ Salaam, Tanzania

 And, here is the statement from the Bishops of South Africa.

We, the Bishops of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa, meeting at Thokoza Conference Centre, Swaziland, from 8 to 11 February 2010, are disturbed by the debate among Ugandan law-makers of a draft bill that seek to criminalize homosexuality and to prosecute gay people. It even proposes imposing the death penalty, which we regard as a breach of God’s commandment, “You shall not murder,” given in Exodus 20:13. We also deplore the statement, attributed to our fellow Bishop, describing those who are opposed to this legislation as “lovers of evil”. Though there are a breadth of theological views among us on matters of human sexuality, we see this Bill as a gross violation of human rights and we therefore strongly condemn such attitudes and behaviour towards other human beings. We emphasize the teachings of the Scriptures that all human beings are created in the image of God and therefore must be treated with respect and accorded human dignity.

We are therefore also deeply concerned about the violent language used against the gay community across Sub-Saharan Africa. We thus appeal to law-makers to defend the rights of these minorities. As Bishops we believe that it is immoral to permit or support oppression of, or discrimination against, people on the grounds of their sexual orientation, and contrary to the teaching of the gospel; particularly Jesus’ command that we should love one another as he has loved us, without distinction (John 13:34-35). We commit ourselves to teach, preach and act against any laws that undermine human dignity and oppress any and all minorities, even as we call for Christians and all people to uphold the standards of holiness of life.

We call on all Christians to stand up against this Bill so that its provisions do not become law in Uganda or anywhere else in the world. We also call on our President and Law-makers to engage in dialogue with their counterparts on the rights of minorities.

The Most Revd Thabo Makgoba is the Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.

Now, Judge you oh Man, and Woman, which of those churches move in the Love of Christ?

from a non believing, but gay Human Being.

gug 

Thoughtful, gay, Ugandan

One way that we as gay people manage to fight on is being what we are.

And also marshalling our passions, our talents, to the fight for equality. We are not fighting for any 'rights'. That is a misnomer, which our enemies- and, many are truly that, enemies- many of them use the term 'rights' to say we are asking for something more.

We fight, we petition, we agitate for one thing only. To be equal to other human beings.

We ask the state and states to consider what we are, to be on par with others as human beings. We demand that, in matters of state, we are equal, not a minority that is persecuted where the others are given advantages over us in all realms of life and living. We know we are different. We assert that, though different, we are equal. Human beings.

It is better than Iran, at the moment. There, 346 Iranians were executed for being gay in 2008 alone. Better than Iran, which many Ugandans see as a bad thing. We also want to kill our homos. Period. And, we dont want the world to interfere with us in this holy cause. The Gospel according to Hate. Increadibly, David Bahati, who is a born again Christian, believes that this is not a hate bill. These are the scenes that he is looking forwards to. Below, in the run up to a Homosexuality free Uganda. Images from Kaos Blogspot

This argument is harder to advance with religion.
Because, even the most enlightened of human beings, the most intelligent, are very willing to hide behind religion. The Bible says, so it is. The Quaran says, so it is. And, in most of those texts, the interpretation is that we are worth of death.
I have been following an assertion by a Moslem chaplain for death to homosexuals. Because Islam says so, and, he cannot think past it. Similarly, Bahati argues like so. In defence of the 'traditional family'.

I cannot, and will not argue that gay people should have no faith. That is a personal decision. And, it is suprising how deeply spiritual most gay people are. It is part of what we are. And it shall continue like so. I think it is in our 'gay genes'!
It is a personal decision. Each of us has a right, and it is a right, to faith. Or its rejection. Sadly, our religions see it as mandatory, and deeply religious to reject us. You think I am lying? Ask the religious leaders in Uganda. Catholics, Moslems, Pentecostals, Anglicans. Ask them, and listen to their words, their thoughts.

But, it is in the logic of thought that we can bring out the hate, fear, ignorance that characterises some of our fellow men.

David Bahati says “Homosexuality has become a huge issue in this country we know that it is not our values, it” not Ugandan, it’s a threat to our traditional family and the children of Uganda…”

But, I am Ugandan. Yes I am. And, because, by my very presence I challenge his assertion of what I am, he wants me in prison for life. Or, dead, by hanging.
And, the state of fear which threatens many activists, and is pushing them into hiding like Pepe Julian here is justified, according to Bahati. I listened to him wondering how David Kato had been able to go to the Ministry of Foreign affairs here. Stronger laws are necessary to make sure that David is arrested. Not because he is a Ugandan. No. Because he is gay, and affirms his sexuality.

What can we do in face of this kind of hate? Overwhelming, malignant, willing to take us as a class, a level apart because we are different?
Hitler and Nazi Germany took it to the logical conclusion. Cleansing the Master Race of the impurities, which at that time meant homosexuality too. So does Bahati, writing a genocidal bill. For the homosexual Ugandan, there are only two things envisaged by the legislator from Ndorwa West. Death by hanging, and life imprisonment. That is what a homosexual Ugandan deserves.

So, what can we do?
We, as gay Ugandans, have no option but to fight. And to fight with all our whiles. Sadly, many of us dont even realise that we are at war. And that we are the pawns in this war, the foot soldiers, cannon fodder. And, true, we shall fall victim, prey, casualty to this unrelenting war. It is to the death, for many of us.

We ask for help.
And many people, inside and outside Uganda have responded magnificently. And, we still realise that the fight is far from over. Because it is not. Even our friends realise the vagaries, the flimsiness of the worlds attention. And, we do know how we have to do the fighting ourselves. They will help, but it is us who will have to do the actual, in the trench, lifting and pushing. And us who will die. The Leader Post puts it so-

The disaster in Haiti is essentially uncomplicated--a natural disaster has stripped people of basic needs, and money, food, and water are easy enough to supply. Coming to the aid of someone whose basic humanity is being attacked is much more complex. You cannot simply donate $10 to stop a gay Ugandan from being executed for his or her lifestyle, and Reese Witherspoon will not be waiting on the other end of a helpline to congratulate you for doing so. These complex issues are just as deserving of media and international attention, even if the solution is far more elusive.

 Even the help we receive is demonised.
They want to kill us. With HIV, with ignorance, with lack of information. We cannot defend ourselves in the country. We cannot go out and say that they are telling lies. But, the lies continue, unabated.

Ssempa held a second press conference to discuss an element of the bill which for him is key, the criminalization of alleged homosexual recruitment and propaganda. He introduced two speakers, self-proclaimed former homosexuals, who were there to testify against the Dutch-funded gay and lesbian recruitment they both experienced. Paul Kagaba, who claimed he was a former "spokesperson" for SMUG, noted how he and his organization used to recruit and seduce people using money, cameras and laptops. Sandra Baggotte, until just recently an admitted lesbian, now has a one-month old baby and confirmed Kagaba's lurid tales. European-funded homosexuals live in swanky pads in Ntinda where their day-to-day life involves waking up and then immediately "drinking and messing yourself up". There is no work because the Europeans fund their decadent lifestyles. If you want to go on a date, these shadowy groups will give you up to sh500,000 in order to "recruit" others to homosexuality. Spurious conferences on reproductive health are actually just covert recruitment opportunities where lesbians will encourage you to take hormonal injections to reduce breast size and deepen their voices.

 And, of course we cannot be believed, us gays, because we are gay. [Wry shake of the head]
Paul Kagaba says he was once spokesperson for GayUganda... Lie, lie, lie. Seems he did read that on this blog. Now, he is spokesperson for SMUG? Am glad Pepe could laugh that off.

Oh, Kagaba also claims as 'proof' of his conversion and healing from homosexuality, his ex-gay credentials the fact that he has a child. A son. Like Sandra above.
Has anyone dared to ask Kagaba, and Sandra whether we homosexuals are sterile? Seems like that is such a 'fact' that .... Myths, myths, propagated by people who know that they are telling lies. And, I know for a fact that Paul Kagaba, at least for the time that I knew of him in the kuchu community, his behaviour was bisexual. I doubt he advertises that!

But, what is more ridiculous is the gullible lies told in the name of our 'funding'. Remember the 20 Million USD that Nsaba Buturo told the monitor I am supposed to be sharing? I am afraid that the bank says it is not there. Maybe the accounts transfer was held up somehow or other. 500,000 UGX for conferences? Only the ruling party has that kind of clout. Ha, of course also the recruiting homosexuals. Paid by recruiters from America and Europe, of course.

In an interview with The Independent, Pepe Julian Onziema Programme coordinator for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) refuted Kagaba's claims that he was ever a spokesperson for her organization nor had she even heard of Sandra. She explained that SMUG was formed in 2004 to advocate for gay rights especially in the health sector, where HIV/AIDS counseling was nonexistent. Problems like "corrective rape" and police apathy and even downright hostility towards homosexuals, led Onziema and others to form a group to specifically address the rights issues plaguing the gay and lesbian population in Uganda. She admits that SMUG's funding does come in part from American and European human rights organizations, the same funders who provide funds for government projects; but notes that the amount is miniscule as SMUG is not a registered charity. She notes wryly that the amount it would cost for the hormonal therapy Kagaba claimed was being forced on many a young woman for just one person is equivalent to about two years worth of SMUG's funding. In response to Sandra's allegation that Onziema herself handed out sums of up to sh500,000 for recruitment dates, her denial was unequivocal, "I'm shocked because first of all my rent is hanging over my head. So why wouldn't I take care of myself first, before I take care of other people, people I don't even know. It's purely false."

Indeed, we are, and will continue to be Fugitives in our own Country. For, bottom line we are Ugandans. And so we shall remain. Whether they condemn us and put us to death, or not. We are Ugandans. A fact that irks them a lot. Prison, life imprisonment, or death. Or, some 'conversion therapy.'

Other friends are disturbed by overt and covert support by their countries for Bahati anti-homosexuality bill. Like South Africa.
You know why we gay people continue to know and understand one another despite the great differences in our different cultures? Why gay Americans will come out to support gay Iranians, and gay Spaniards be disenchated with what is happening in Malawi? Because we know what it is to be gay. We know, first hand, the deep hostility, the shame heaped on us. The naked hate that our country people justify everywhere in the name of 'family', or nation, or anything. As long as it is something against gay people.

The South Africans are up in arms. South African gay people. Because their government is sending an envoy who is a known homophobe to Uganda as ambassador. The issue is not only a Ugandan one. It is concerns us all, they state.

Yes indeed. Thought is an important process.

And, writing things down helps to clarify the thought.

Last night, I was wild on the town. But, I did need, and I am listening, and I know that I am not invulnerable to the hate that is out touching me.

gug

Frothing.

I am guilty too of not being able to understand my enemies, and friends.

And, I am not ruthless enough to try not to understand them. An enemy should be an enemy, so, you should not understand him. You should just, err, do the necessary enemy things. Not so?

But, it is true that knowing an enemy can help you outmaneuvre him. Or her.

But, not being able to have a chat with a potential friend can sort of hold you in anger land. Eh, what am I talking about?
I am trying to figure out the geeky connections in a potential friend's brain circuits 27th Comrade. Hey, I know it is a love hate relationship. Those are the most valuable. He is not gay (hey, I have teased him about that, sometime ago. I was kind of trying to hit on him, and, suprisingly for a Ugandan, he was not too unfazed!) And, the friendship has been cyber, mostly.
What infuriates me is the bloody idealism...  He tells me that he is defending his right to kill me, and also my right to life. Go figure....! I do think it is a developing conversation. He is that persistent. Just follow the comment thread to this post.

So, big brother South Africa appoints a homophobe as ambassador to Uganda. At this day and at this time. Someone asks me what I think about that....!
Maybe the answer is too clear. Maybe I just need to follow the line. Africa has 52 countries. Most of them have Ambassadors or reps from SA. For the govt of SA to come out and decide to appoint a known homophobe to Uganda at this time as an Ambassador to Uganda is a very clear message. So, I will not parse words by trying to explain it.
Check out the Truth Wins Out article here. Fact is, it is expressed better than I ever could. Me, I would just be frothing with the need to pour out the words. And, they would be incomprehensible.

Some Ugandan muslims will form Anti-gay vigilante squads to help Ssempa to wipe out homosexuality from Uganda. Oh, it is nothing new. They have stated that intention before. Now, the good Christian Pastor Ssempa is getting extra-legal muscle to his anti-gay efforts in Uganda. Just in case the bill does not become law. Have you read the bill? Text is here. The aim is to wipe out homosexuality from Uganda. And, it goes a fair way, in a legal way.
Oh, before you ask, Ssempa did hear the statement. Far as I know, he has not talked to a crucial member of his Coalition to wipe out Homosexuality from Uganda. Most likely those activities will be necessary. See, Ssempa's Christian credentials go only as far as the need to achieve that grand objective goes. Anything goes, according to Ssempa. Oh yes, just read the bill that he supports. Killing, jailing, anything goes for Christian Pastor Ssempa, as long as the human being it is done to is a Homosexual.

Frothing can only go so far. Of course there are plenty of people who dont share my point of view about my sexuality. But, since it is my sexuality, I would rather that they leave me alone instead of threatening me with prison and death.
But, there are others who plain dont see the sense of killing me because I am homosexual. And, they are standing up and voicing their point of view, to hell with the sovereign arguments of Uganda. UK lawmakers did so. Which I thank them for. I dont know whether their Ugandan counter parts will listen to them. You see, if any advice is to do with giving Uganda money, the politicians will say, thanks, with a very wide smile. Give some advice on corruption, the smile will go, but, they will listen. Give any advice on not killing or jailing homosexuals. The smile is replaced by a snarl, and you are infringing on the sovereignty of Uganda. Donor, shut up. (27th, read, understand that, do you?)

Hey, the British parliamentarians are not going to be duped by Ssempa's lies. They have read the bill. They cite it. Pretty accurately. Why Ssempa and Bahati lie when the bill text is public is something I do not understand. But, they do. I am aware that Bahati is no longer lying about the text as strongly as Ssempa. But,....! Here is what the UK MPs say.

The EDM, drafted by east London Labour MP Harry Cohen, urges the Ugandan government  to “uphold international humanitarian law by abandoning the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, decriminalizing same-sex acts between consenting adults in private, and outlawing discrimination against gay people.”

British MPs are especially appalled that the Bill proposes the death penalty for “serial offenders” --people who commit homosexual acts more than once-- and life imprisonment for merely touching another person with homosexual intent.

Pretty interesting document that, the bill that Bahati drafted. One needs to read it to really understand how heinous, how terrible it is. Because it is. No hyperbole, no shading of it. You do need to read it.

And, another thing which the 'sovereignty' argument doesnt wash with, Uganda is part of the international community, and does have to live by the International agreements it has signed. (the bill wants to nullify all of them. In the interests of keeping Uganda as a Homosexuality Free Zone.)

Pretty Hitlerish. All those things of a Master Race and a Master people. Cleansing. Problem is, even Bahati is shocked when he is compared to Hitler. No, he says, that is not the aim of the bill. It is not a death, or hate bill.

The UNAIDS chief says legislation like this just makes closets more cosy for us homosexuals. So, despite Bahati and Ssempa believing that the bill is an HIV prevention measure (I am NOT joking), it will help the virus spread. Here is the article.

[They] are going underground; they are hiding themselves and continuing to fuel the epidemic," UNAIDS executive director Michél Sidibé told IRIN/PlusNews recently. "We need to make sure these vulnerable groups have the same rights everyone enjoys: access to information, care and prevention for them and their families."

Some group called amFar, the Foundation for AIDS Research weighs in on that here.

 “This bill is a violation of human rights.  If enacted, it would force LGBT Ugandans further underground, undermining the efforts of local organizations to provide essential HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment education and services,” said Kent Klindera, manager of amfAR’s MSM Initiative, which provides support to grassroots MSM organizations around the world—including a group in Uganda whose work would be outlawed under the terms of the proposed legislation and whose members would be imprisoned.

Sigh, I dont need to go searching over the web for the number of times that Ssempa, and Bahati, have asserted that the Bill is an HIV prevention measure. Actually, Ssempa on Premier (?) Christian Radio of the UK actually blamed South Africa's epidemic on SA's advancement of gay marriage. We dont want another source of infection, he claimed.
So, will they listen to the experts? I doubt it!

Frothing is a word. It does mean something. Frothing at the mouth does mean something too.

I was commenting on my state of anger which seems to be kind of perpetual. I cannot imagine that I am fighting for my right to be alive, because my countrymates believe they have a right to kill me.
No, it is no abstract thing for me.
Which is why I will never take 27th theorising and jokes lightly. They are not jokes.

Have a great day.


gug

Going through the news

South Africa is sending an ambassador to Uganda. A High Commissioner, as us former British colonies call those officials. And, wonder of wonders, the guy is a homophobe! Yeah, that is what our big brother to the South believes is the kind of person who should represent them here….!

Oh, our big brothers have failed to lead in Africa. Since the days of Mandela, they have failed to capitalize on the power of that name, the reverence we hold it in, and other things like their economic and military might. Look at Zimbabwe. Of course, I am a cynic politician. And, maybe the guy is no homophobe. But, apparently the SA Equality Court has some outstanding charges against him. For being a gay basher.

Apparently he is also a racist. Sighhhhhhhh!

In Malawi, the government will not intervene in the courts of law on behalf of the gay couple who were arrested and charged for having a gay wedding. They see it as ‘indipendence of the judiciary and courts’ and ‘national sovereignty.’ We do love that card. And, by the way, the Constitution of Malawi states that there will be no discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. Fantastic!!!!!

Mauya Msuku, the couple’s lawyer, said the laws under which Monjeza and Chimbalanga were charged were archaic and unconstitutional.

“The penal code criminalizes homosexuality or same-sex marriages but under the Bill of Rights in the new Constitution it is clearly stated that no one should be discriminated against on the basis of – among other things – sexual orientation,” he said.

Anyway, the two love birds are still in prison. And, the country is having a media frenzy. One of them is actually sick, one of the couple. When I see this, I remember the case of Brian Pande, in Uganda. He was just like these guys, in one of our eastern towns called Mbale. Arrested with his mate, jailed, released on bail after some days, and he died soon. From supposedly a meningitis.  He was 20 years of age.

This gay hate and devilry thing is nothing new, in the US. 

Someone in an opinion piece examines the fact that gay hate speech is actually tolerated in the states. It is expected of the gay bashers. What is amazing is the fact that some people like Bahati will take it to the logical conclusion. If gay people are such a bad and evil part of humanity, why then don’t we eliminate them, wipe homosexuality out of Uganda? That, is the stated aim of Pastor Martin Ssempa.

In the US, there are people who, increadibly, speak like them. They call it freedom of speech. And, they accept it. Look at the whole article here. [Well, in Uganda, they do hold some interesting press conferences, so maybe we are not that very different!]

In Australia, should Uganda, the Kill gay bill, become an election issue? Eh? Even I don’t think myself that important. To myself, of course. To others, ehhhh!

The Mail and Guardian of South Africa has a thoughtful article to ‘Beware the Gay Bashing Evangelicals’. Is it a breed of people, that thing to beware of?

I do love for once being the centre of attention and debate.

I know, it is pretty expensive. I don’t want it to be about debating my life and liberty. Thank you very much, I would rather it was errr, someone else’s life and liberty. But, it seems like it is mine at the moment. [sighhhhhh!!!!]

Gay Bashing Evangelicals. We have them everywhere in Uganda. Homosexuality is the whole of the Seven Deadly Sins.

But, the thing is, looking at this bill, (text here) as an isolated, Ugandan issue, you fail to grasp the obvious. Like my gay brothers and sister have shown before, it is something that touches each and all of us. And, the rest of the world because we are also HUMAN. It is a simple issue of human dignity. Human equality. Even the word rights is a misnomer. We are talking about EQUALITY for people, even when they are also kuchu, gay.

It is actually a hilarious, funny and serious article. Though provoking. Do read it.

I am informed that David Bahati is not attending the International Prayer Breakfast as he said he would be. Yes, here is the link of someone who did the research. 

Now, I know I have up a petition to ask that he doesn’t go to America, to which I am referring people, here.   I am sending him a letter to ask him to confirm or deny whether he is going to America. I don’t think it is too much for me to contact a legislator who is in Uganda’s Parliament, and, I am a Ugandan. You think it is bad?

So, I am sending him a letter, copying it to the Monitor, which published the news article. Will update you if he replies. He has never ever replied my many thoughtful, thought provoking letters.

Mass Murderers for Breakfast.

Ugh! No, no, no. The term is not mine. No, it isn’t. I have just picked it up here. A person who has a story remarkably like mine. About being gay, and being Christian. He is remarkably forgiving. I am still working out the bitterness, even now. Realising that the Mass Murderers who advocate death to gay people are not the only Christians, and not really Christian, that is having lots of therapeutic effect on me.

Just have a peek at my life as it was… through the eyes of a total stranger. Another gay man. 

When I was 22, I experienced a born again conversion and spent the next seven years seeking to change my sexuality.

I’m not here to dive into the minutiae of the “cure the gay” movement or debunk its imbecilic philosophies. Suffice it to say that in my quest for straightness, I did everything I was told. I read Christian self-help books and studied the Bible for hours. I entered counseling and attended men’s group meetings. I prayed. I prayed for hours every single day, on my knees and sitting in my room and alone in my car. My sexuality did not change one iota. If anything, it became more undeniable as I worked out other lifelong issues

---

I certainly agree with this conclusion of his... Not about me having religion, certainly.

But I’m certainly not here to say no one should be a Christian, or even an evangelical. I believe in the value of religious practice, and that nearly any path that gets you there is valid.

What is not valid, obviously, is to criminalize anyone’s sexuality. My adventures in the world of super-conservative religion had a happy ending. Not so for our brothers and sisters in Uganda.

I seem to see myself in the lives of many people out there. Like this one again. A look at what the US was like, 30-40 years ago. And, the parallels with Uganda. Sigh, I wish Bahati did read history. I do wish it. But, this article is kind of instructive. What is happening in Uganda is not unique, nor is Uganda as holy as it thinks it is, trying to lead the world…!

A high school in the US has brought me to tears.

Yet this blog post is becoming way too long. But, the unsought for kindness of strangers is one of the many blessings, silver linings that I am seeing in this fracas and debate about my life and liberty.

Southridge High School is staging a march against the bill. Here is what they are doing. My heart, my thanks are with you people. Thanks again.

From a grateful, happy gay Ugandan.

Hey, some people want to kill me. Or imprison me. But, what is more cool is that some people that I know nothing about are ready to rally on my behalf. In the name of a common humanity.

Thanks again!

gug

Rights Criticism

It seems I had not noticed. I was so involved in crying to myself, but there has been a storm of criticism from Human Rights Organisation... especially outside the country.


Maybe that is what prodded those from within the country? I am just thinking... But, it is a good thing.


And they seem to have several bones to chew over in the Bahati Bill. Here is some from that den of iniquity, South Africa.
---------

Statement by the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria

Ugandan Anti Homosexuality Bill should not be adopted 

The Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria, has taken note of the introduction into the Ugandan Parliament of the ‘Anti Homosexuality Bill, 2009’. We are of the very strong view that this Bill should not be adopted. It not only violates the Ugandan Constitution and Uganda’s international human rights obligations, but also stifles debate, undermines civil society and demeans the common citizenship of all Ugandans. 

The offence of homosexuality

The Bill criminalises certain acts as ‘offences of homosexuality’, and allows for the imposition of life imprisonment (clause 2). The fact is: Uganda's Penal Code, in article 145(a) already criminalizes ‘carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature’ - a charge used to prosecute, persecute and blackmail LGBT people with the threat of life imprisonment. In so far as the Bill merely restates the existing law, it is redundant and contradicts the principle that laws should only be adopted to address a “nuisance” that has previously not been legislated upon. 

The Bill however goes further than the existing law by criminalising, with a potential life imprisonment, ‘touch[ing] another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality’. The punishment of life imprisonment is clearly disproportionate with such an offence. In any event, it would be almost impossible to establish such an ‘intention’, making the application of this part of then Bill arbitrary and open to abuse. The existing law has already been employed in an arbitrary way, and the Bill will just exacerbate that effect. Over the recent months increased campaigns of violence have continued uncontrolled. The violence directed at homosexual Ugandans has resulted in the unwarranted arrests of many people; there are eight ongoing cases in various courts all over Uganda of which four accused persons are unable to meet the harsh bail conditions set against them.  These acts of violence have now resulted in the deaths of several homosexual people, such as Brian Pande at Mbale Hospital as he awaited trial. 

The conclusion one arrives at in respect of this aspect of the Bill is that its only purpose is to further stigmatise and demonise activities that are already criminalised under Ugandan law. 

The offence of aggravated homosexuality

The Bill goes further than existing law by making punishable with death ‘aggravated homosexuality’, including activity by ‘serial offenders’ or those who are HIV positive (clause 3). The death penalty is a disproportionate sentence for an offence that is essentially only directed at upholding the moral sentiments of part of the population. Only a very small number of states world-wide, such as Iran and Saoudi Arabia, make such offences punishable with death.

The Bill also requires compulsory HIV testing for a person charged under the relevant section. The aggravated offence relates to a person who ‘is living with HIV’. In order for HIV status to be an aggravating factor, it is contended, the person should have been aware of his or her status at the time the offence was committed. The fact that HIV status is determined after the fact does not seem to constitute a rational requirement, related to the moral blameworthiness of the accused person. In this respect, the Bill will undermine efforts at HIV prevention, as it will serve to inhibit testing for HIV.  In fact, the whole design of the Bill will have a negative impact on HIV prevention among Men who have Sex with men (MSM).  This proposed legislation is a huge step backwards for HIV prevention, treatment and care initiatives in Uganda.  By significantly expanding criminal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people – with penalties going as far as the death sentence in some cases - this bill drives sexual minorities underground and away from vital information and services, further fuelling HIV transmission in the Uganda. 

Criminalisation of purporting to contract same sex marriage

The Bill makes it an offence for anyone to ‘purport to contract’ a same-sex marriage, and sets life imprisonment as the sentence (clause 12). This is essentially an unnecessary provision, given that same sex marriages are illegal, as already stated in the Ugandan Constitution. The punishment is yet again a disproportionate sentence for an act that does not have legal consequences. 

The offence of promoting homosexuality

The Bill further criminalizes "promotion of homosexuality" in the form of funding and sponsoring LGBT organizations and broadcasting, publishing, or marketing materials on homosexuality and punishes these acts with a steep fine, 5-7 years of imprisonment, or both (clause 13). The Bill effectively bans any kind of community or political organizing around non-heteronormative sexuality. This part of the Bill is a clear violation of the right to freedoms of speech, expression, association, and assembly (Article 29) of the Ugandan Constitution, and which is also contained in a number of international treaties ratified by Uganda (such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter). The fact that this offence would set a fixed minimum sentence of five years imprisonment is also outrageously disproportionate to the offence, given particularly the broad ambit and scope of the offence. 

The offence of failure to report homosexuality

The Bill also sets up a system of civilian surveillance, compelling citizens to report each others’ conduct (clause 14). According to the Bill, any person in authority who fails to report known violations of the law within 24 hours will also be subject to a significant fine and up to 3 years in prison - even when this means turning in their colleagues, family, or friends. More shocking, the Bill claims jurisdiction over Ugandans who violate its provisions while outside of the country. This aspect of the Bill is overbroad and makes potential criminals of all Ugandans. By intruding into the private sphere, the Bill violates the right to privacy.

Nullification of international law agreements

In one sweep, the Bill further proposes to expunge the effect of international law obligations already undertaken by Uganda. In the Bill, clause 18 stipulates that any international agreement contrary to the Act will be ‘null and void’. This is a step unprecedented in international law, and flies in the face of the principles of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. The Bill's revocation of international law commitments would also seriously undermine the country's reputation and credibility in the international arena.

Conclusion

The Anti Homosexuality Bill is ill-conceived and in many ways redundant. It is not clear how it will achieve its stated aim, namely to protect the ‘traditional family’ (Preamble). There is no evidence that the institution of marriage in Uganda is so fragile that its survival depends on the draconian measures proposed in the Bill. The Bill does little more than to entrench stigma and prejudice, which will polarise the Ugandan society further and undermine public health efforts to combat the spread of HIV. It places a total ban on public discussion of an issue whose existence cannot be wished away. The Bill is an unprecedented attempt to drive a wedge between members of sexual minorities and their friends and family. It exemplifies the approach of a totalitarian regime in its broad scope and disproportionate prescribed punishment, including the death penalty. It is an example of ostrich politics, in that it aims to legislate way part of social reality. If the Bill is adopted, it will make Uganda a pariah in the international community. We therefore urge the Ugandan Parliament to reject this Bill in its entirety.

Being Intersex....!

Source Jillo Kadida (Mail&Guardian)

KENYA – 21 September 2009: An intersexed Kenyan has applied to Kenya’s constitutional court to be released from Nairobi’s Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on the grounds that he belongs in neither a jail for men nor women.

Richard Mwanzia Muasya, who was convicted and jailed for robbery with violence, says he is subjected to continuous human- and constitutional- rights violations at the prison, which is for men only.

He claims to suffer inhuman and degrading treatment at the hands of male convicts, prison warders and the public.

Muasya was born with both male and female sex organs, but regards himself as a man.

He has asked the court to release him because, he says, he is neither man nor woman and there is no special prison for people like him. He argues that if he is transferred to a female prison he will suffer the same fate.

The second leg of his case challenges Kenyan law for discriminating against him. He argues that the law recognises only the two sexes, male and female, and should be changed.

The fact that Kenyan law does not recognise intersexuality makes it difficult for him to acquire vital documents, including the national identity card, Muasya says in papers filed in court. This is because he does not know whether to complete application forms as a

man or a woman.

The birth and death registration law also does not provide for intersexuality, making it impossible for him to acquire a birth certificate.

Muasya was arrested with three other suspects in February 2005 after a robbery during which a woman was gang-raped.

However, the rape charge against him was dropped after medical reports confirmed that he is intersexed. The medical examination determined that none of his sex organs was fully developed and that it was unlikely that he could commit rape.

Muasya and other intersexed people in Kenya suffer ridicule and discrimination. In some instances they are kept out of the public eye because people are ashamed of them. The problem facing Kenya’s constitutional court is that he has been convicted of an offence, yet the country has no separate facility for holding intersexed offenders.

In addition, the Kenyan constitution does not recognise the unique rights of intersexed citizens. Under South African law, the intersexed are recognised and their

rights are protected.

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.

HIV; No joke amongst Gay African men

High HIV infection rate among Soweto Township gays

New research from UCSF examining HIV among men who have sex with men in the township of Soweto in South Africa has found that a third of gay-identified men are infected with HIV

New research from UCSF examining HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the township of Soweto in South Africa has found that a third of gay-identified men are infected with HIV.

The study's authors were the first to examine HIV and the community of men who have sex with men in the Soweto Township, an area on the periphery of Johannesburg reserved for black South Africans during apartheid.

The researchers found that Soweto MSM identified themselves as straight, bisexual or gay, with the highest HIV rate among gay identified men, at 33.9 percent. The researchers estimated the rate of HIV infection for bisexual MSM in Soweto to be 6.4 percent and 10 percent for straight identified MSM.

"Our findings clearly indicate that targeted prevention and treatment for men who have sex with men in townships are urgently needed. We also found that, despite South Africa's legal advances in gay rights, stigma and de facto segregation are reflected in the disproportionate rates of HIV infection," said the study's principal investigator, Tim Lane, PhD, MPH, assistant professor at the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies

The findings are now available in the online edition of the journal AIDS and Behavior and are scheduled for publication in an upcoming print issue.

Of the study's 378 participants, 34.1 percent identified as gay, 30.4 percent as bisexual and 31.7 percent as straight. All but one of the participants were black South Africans and all of South Africa's black African ethnic groups were represented in the sample.

The study showed that MSM's sexual identities predicted their sexual behavior with other men.

Gay identity was highly correlated with the exclusive practice of receptive anal intercourse and straight and bisexual self-identification was highly correlated with the exclusive practice of insertive anal intercourse with male partners.

"With the correlation of sexual identity and sexual practice, control of condom use in same-sex partnerships tends to be in the hands of bisexual and straight MSM. This finding demonstrates the pressing need to promote condom use among bisexual and straight-MSM for same-sex as well as heterosexual relationships," said Lane.

The authors also looked at other risk factors and found that HIV infection was also associated with being older than 25, lower incomes, purchasing alcohol or drugs for a male partner in exchange for sex, having receptive anal intercourse and having any unprotected anal intercourse with a man.

HIV infection was significantly less likely among men who have sex with men who were circumcised, smoked marijuana, had a regular female partner or reported unprotected vaginal intercourse with women.

"The circumcision findings clearly suggest that for this population of MSM, circumcision could be protective and that MSM should not be excluded from circumcision programs," said Lane.

###

Co-authors of the study include H. Fisher Raymond and Willi McFarland from the San Francisco Department of Public Health; Sibongile Dladla, Joseph Rasethe, Helen Struthers and James McIntyre from the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Funding for this research was provided by the National Institute of Mental Health and the Peninsula Community Foundation's Hurlbut-Johnson Fund. Medical care for HIV-positive participants at PHRU was funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through USAID-South Africa.

Established in 1986, the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies conducts domestic and international research to prevent the acquisition of HIV and to optimize health outcomes among HIV-infected individuals.

The UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies is affiliated with the AIDS Research Institute (ARI) at UCSF. UCSF ARI houses hundreds of scientists and dozens of programs throughout UCSF and affiliated labs and institutions, making ARI one of the largest AIDS research entities in the world.

UCSF is a leading university dedicated to defining health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate level education in the life sciences and health professions and excellence in patient care.

South Africa and Gay Christians

Following the lead of the Americans, other churches are stepping up on the challenge of gay laity.


I am aware that the Methodists did not want a gay related measure, but the Episcopalians have led the way, and the Lutherans have also gone their way. Despite the opposition from within the congregations. Yeah, for the methodists, you cannot be Gay and Christian. Or Methodist. What would Christ say about that???


But, and a big but, here is something that is happening in South Africa. Part of the Anglican Communion, this in Africa, is starting to do something about gay sheep. The other sheep, indeed!


Here is the article

Church makes key decision on gay couples

August 23 2009 at 10:52PM

By Staff Reporter

The Anglican Church in the southern part of Africa has taken a small step towards accepting gay people in "faithful, committed relationships" - although civil marriage between same sexes is not legal in any of these countries other than South Africa.

The Anglican Diocese of Cape Town, which includes Anglican bishops from South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Namibia, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Angola, passed a resolution at the weekend asking the church's bishops to provide pastoral guidelines for gay parishioners living in "covenanted partnerships".

The resolution was proposed by St George's Cathedral clergy, as they said the parish had come to be seen as a "safe space" for gay Christians in Cape Town.

The Cathedral needed guidelines to help it provide pastoral care to gay parishioners in same-sex relationships.

Globally, the Anglican Church does not accept same-sex marriages. The Anglican Consultative Council, which represents Anglican Churches around the world, has put a moratorium on the "authorisation of public rites of blessing for same-sex unions".

On Sunday, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said the synod's resolution might be seen as tame, but he saw it as "an important first step to saying: 'Lord, how do we do ministry in this context?'"

"I'm a developmental person. I don't believe in big bangs. If you throw a little pebble into water, it sends out concentric circles and hopefully that way change comes from that," he said.

He said the issue of same-sex partnerships has led to a schism in the Anglican Church in the United States. He wanted to avoid the issue becoming a source of division in the Anglican Church in southern Africa.

"In South Africa we have laws that approve a civil union in this context, but not in the other countries within our province. In central Africa and north Africa, both the Anglican Church and the state say 'no'.

'I am not one for numbers'

"The reason for this resolution was because we have these parishioners, and the law provides for them to be in that state, so how do we pastorally respond to that?" Makgoba said.

Asked how close the voting was, Makgoba replied: "I am not one for numbers, but for the quality of the debate."

Raped and killed for being a lesbian: South Africa ignores 'corrective' attacks

Many times, one cannot comment on some of the things that happen in our beautiful world. One of the things the anti-gay agenda has reminded me is the fact that homophobia is not isolated.

You may just want to 'heal' us, or send us to prison, or make the law tougher, or take away our sense of pride and dignity. You may compare us to Nazis, blame us for the Rwanda genocide, and in the same breath swear vehemently that you do love us.

It is all the same thing. You hate us. As much as those men in South Africa who are putting us at risk. Who are raping, and killing, and defiling us.

You hate us. Same emotion. Same justification. Because we are gay.

Duh, the camoflage of religious, Christian, etc does hang thin and too transparent.

gug

• Women living in fear of brutal assaults by male gangs

• Country's 'macho politics' lead to lack of action

Annie Kelly guardian.co.uk, Thursday 12 March 2009 17.49 GMT

The partially clothed body of Eudy Simelane, former star of South Africa's acclaimed Banyana Banyana national female football squad, was found in a creek in a park in Kwa Thema, on the outskirts of Johannesburg. Simelane had been gang-raped and brutally beaten before being stabbed 25 times in the face, chest and legs. As well as being one of South Africa's best-known female footballers, Simelane was a voracious equality rights campaigner and one of the first women to live openly as a lesbian in Kwa Thema.

Her brutal murder took place last April, and since then a tide of violence against lesbians in South Africa has continued to rise. Human rights campaigners say it is characterised by what they call "corrective rape" committed by men behind the guise of trying to "cure" lesbians of their sexual orientation.

Now, a report by the international NGO ActionAid, backed by the South African Human Rights Commission, condemns the culture of impunity around these crimes, which it says are going unrecognised by the state and unpunished by the legal system.

The report calls for South Africa's criminal justice system to recognise hate crimes, including corrective rape, as a separate crime category. It argues this will force police to take action over the rising violence and ensure the resources and support is provided to those trying to bring perpetrators to justice.

The ferocity and brutality of Simelane's murder sent shockwaves through Kwa Thema, where she was much known and loved for bringing sports fame to the sprawling township.

Her mother, Mally Simelane, said she always feared for her daughter's safety but never imagined her life would be taken in such a way.

"I'm scared of these people that they are going to come and kill me too because I don't know what happened," she said. "Why did they do this horrible thing? Because of who she was? She was a sweet lady, she never fought with anyone, but why would they kill her like this? She was stabbed, 25 holes in her. The whole body, even under the feet."

The Guardian talked to lesbians in townships in Johannesburg and Cape Town who said they were being deliberately targeted for rape and that the threat of violence had become an everyday ordeal.

"Every day I am told that they are going to kill me, that they are going to rape me and after they rape me I'll become a girl," said Zakhe Sowello from Soweto, Johannesburg. "When you are raped you have a lot of evidence on your body. But when we try and report these crimes nothing happens, and then you see the boys who raped you walking free on the street."

Research released last year by Triangle, a leading South African gay rights organisation, revealed that a staggering 86% of black lesbians from the Western Cape said they lived in fear of sexual assault. The group says it is dealing with up to 10 new cases of "corrective rape" every week.

"What we're seeing is a spike in the numbers of women coming to us having been raped and who have been told throughout the attack that being a lesbian was to blame for what was happening to them," said Vanessa Ludwig, the chief executive at Triangle.

Support groups claim an increasingly aggressive and macho political environment is contributing to the inaction of the police over attacks on lesbians and is part of a growing cultural lethargy towards the high levels of gender-based violence in South Africa.

"When asking why lesbian women are being targeted you have to look at why all women are being raped and murdered in such high numbers in South Africa," said Carrie Shelver, of women's rights group Powa, a South African NGO. "So you have to look at the increasingly macho culture, which seeks to oppress women and sees them as merely sexual beings. So when there is a lesbian woman she is an absolute affront to this kind of masculinity."

A statement released by South Africa's national prosecuting authority said: "While hate crimes – especially of a sexual nature – are rife, it is not something that the South African government has prioritised as a specific project."

The failure of police to follow up eyewitness statements and continue their investigation into another brutal double rape and murder of lesbian couple Sizakele Sigasa and Salome Massooa in July 2007 has led to the formation of the 07-07-07 campaign, a coalition of human rights and equality groups calling for justice for women targeted in these attacks.

Sigasa and Massooa were tortured, gang raped and shot near their homes in Meadowland, Soweto in July 2007, shortly after being verbally abused outside a bar.

Human rights and equality campaigners are hoping that the public outrage and disgust at Simelane's death and the July trial of the three men accused of her rape and murder will help put an end to the spiralling violence increasingly faced by lesbians across South Africa.

Despite more than 30 reported murders of lesbians in the last decade, Simelane's trial has produced the first conviction, when one man who pleaded guilty to her rape and murder was jailed last month.

On sentencing, the judge said that Simelane's sexual orientation had "no significance" in her killing. The trial of a further three men pleading not guilty to rape, burglary and murder will start in July.

In Soweto and Kwa Thema, women seem unconvinced that Simelane's case will change anything for the better.

Phumla talks of her experience of being taught a "classic lesson" by a group of men who abducted and raped her when she was returning from football training in 2003. She says that "practically every" lesbian in her community has suffered some form of violence in the past year and that it will take more than one trial to stop this happening.

"Every day you feel like its a time bomb waiting to go off," she said. "You don't have freedom of movement, you don't have space to do as you please. You are always scared and your life always feels restricted. As women and as lesbians we need to be very aware that it is a fact of life that we are always in danger."