I remember Jacobus as if it was just yesterday that we saw each other. Just thinking about him brings so much joy and so much sadness in me. But Jacobus was like sister, brother, friend and a close family. He was not a big person but had a huge heart. He was a lion with a gentle heart.
November 2016
WONETHA strives to improve socioeconomic opportunities for sex workers and to empower them to organize and advocate for equitable access to health care, legal and social protection services. Established in 2008 to address rampant discrimination in health care systems, social stigma and as well as to advocate against punitive and restrictive legislation and policies that encourage violations of sex workers’ rights, the organization has since grown into a registered membership of over 800 members and thousands of beneficiaries.
As an openly gay and HIV positive man, George has spoken out against the discrimination and stigma inflicted on gender and sexual minorities. He also founded Out in Kenya, an organization that actively advocated for the equality of LGBT persons and is Kuchu Times’ correspondent in Kenya.
During the 16 days, we will not only raise awareness about the prevalence and devastating impact of gender violence, but also celebrate victories gained by the Women’s Rights Movement, challenge policy and practice that allow women to be targeted for acts of violence and demand that violence against women be recognized as an abuse of human rights.
Over 850 NGOs from around the world called on the General Assembly’s Third Committee, which includes all member countries, to take a principled stand that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights are human rights.
To celebrate the 2016 Transgender Day of Remembrance, we share what was our lead story for the second edition of Bombastic Magazine. The piece shared by the courageous and beautiful Cleo Kambugu, explores her journey of discovery and transition.
Every life matters and Cleo, by standing against the odds continues to use her story to encourage and inspire many transpersons across the globe. We remember those who have lost their lives to violence, transphobia and hate.
Richard Lusimbo was born on 11th November and is currently serving as the Research and Documentation Officer at Sexual Minorities Uganda. He was the Coordinator of Pride 2015, and directed the documentary ‘And Still we Rise’.
Four years down the road, their vision has come to life with the establishment expanding to a bigger space and more client numbers registered. The new clinic space has a fully stocked dispensary, laboratory, consultation and nurses’ rooms. They have also increased the number of examination/resting beds to allow for more clients to access services.
According to the SMUG Executive Director, Dr Frank Mugisha, the case against Scott Lively is not about what he said but rather what he did. He explains that on top of Lively’s actions which included leaving the US to export hatred to Uganda, the preacher’s involvement in the hate propaganda against Uganda’s sexual and gender minorities resulted into grave implications like media outings and further discrimination
After sharing our fateful story with many of our friends and partners within and outside Uganda, our joy was restored when the International HIV/AIDS Alliance listened to our cries and helped to relocate us. A big thank you to SMUG, Hrapf, Spectrum, ERWEO, Kuchu Times and Chapter Four, who were really there for RUMI in terms of encouraging us and providing referrals. Our new address is;Plot 13, Bugwe road, Maluku, MBALE district.