Ugandans celebrate Pride in secret, despite anti-gay laws

[theHandpuppet]

Wow, now that takes courage.

Ugandans celebrate Pride in secret, despite anti-gay laws
As LGBTI pride was celebrated all over the world, a small group of Ugandans gathered together in secret to avoid police attention
05 July 2014
By Liam Johnson

Over 100 LGBTI people in Uganda gathered together in secret to celebrate pride, despite the harsh anti-gay laws currently in place in the east African country.

Last week (28 June), 100 people gathered on a Ugandan beach to celebrate LGBTI pride.

The event was organized in secret to avoid attracting the attention of the police. Homophobic laws currently in place in Uganda sees life imprisonment for anyone caught having gay sex, and up to seven years in prison for anyone who ‘aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality.'

The event was called Kuchus’ Day Out, ‘kuchu’ is a slang term for gay people which the LGBTI community have reclaimed as their own.

- See more at: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ugandans-celebrate-pride-secret-despite-anti-gay-laws050714#sthash.KAAnPWRN.dpuf

[theHandpuppet]

1. Related article

Culture, Law & Policy
Pride and Prejudice: Life Under Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill
By Jonathan Cunningham · On July 1, 2014

(excerpts)
But in Uganda, it’s the exact opposite. These days, being gay in Uganda can cost you your freedom, your property, your right to vote — even your life...

...For those unfamiliar with the law, the AHA punishes first-time offenders caught engaging in acts of homosexuality with 14 years in jail. It also sets life imprisonment as the penalty for acts of “aggravated homosexuality,” including sex with a minor or while HIV-positive...

...People who identify in the LGBT community are certainly afraid. Several people who had previously agreed to speak with me on the record changed their mind once the law passed. People are now going underground for fear of being arrested and some have fled to neighboring countries like Kenya and Rwanda where being gay doesn’t equate to a legally handed out death sentence...

...But last month, two Ugandans (Kim Mukisa and Jackson Mukasa) became the first couple ordered to stand trial for engaging in “acts against the order of nature.” They were arrested in January after fleeing a lynch mob — but instead of being recognized as victims, they were detained and are now ordered to stand trial....

MORE at http://flipthemedia.com/2014/07/pride-prejudice-life-ugandas-kill-gays-bill/