The Uganda Connection
Logo of Uganda's Civil Society on Human Rights and Constitional Law.
Photo: Voice of America
By Anna Totta
Five people from Uganda arrived in Long Beach this past year as refugees fleeing repression because they were gay or lesbian. Their very lives endangered, they escaped through Kenya and came to the United States through World Relief. St. Luke’s Episcopal in Long Beach became a major sponsor of these five persons, helping them with housing, medical care, and food stamps. Currently all five are employed and adjusting to this very new world. Comunidad members have assisted and supported St. Luke volunteers in their efforts.
Still, in Uganda their friends are subject to life in prison, and serious repression by village elders and evangelical and other religions which have lead oppression against these minorities. Scott Lively, a Massachusetts–based pastor and president of the hate group Abiding Truth Ministries, was one of the main advocates of these repressive actions. He presented his virulent views about homosexuality at a 2009 anti-gay conference in Uganda that is widely believed to have played a role in drafting of Uganda’s notorious “kill the gays” bill.
Meanwhile, outrage from the international community is helping stem this tyranny and cruelty. Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) was formed in March 2004 as a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) non-governmental network to address Human Rights emerging issues based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This organization is a network of 18 organizations that advocate for rights, economic empowerment, health, counseling, and guidance in Uganda, protecting LGBTI members and their friends and relatives. Currently, many who are deemed criminals including even those who harbor knowledge of LGBTQI persons are subject to penalties and incarceration
Of those who have immigrated here, some cannot even stay in touch with their families for fear of their safety.
