Together always, united in diversity 

At the time we put out this statement, the new Uganda anti-LGBTIQ bill had still not been assented by President Museveni. The Bill has now been signed into law continuing to undermine the fundamental principles around human rights. As Womankind Worldwide, we stand in solidarity with civil society organizations, human rights activists and the LGBTIQ community in Uganda- and affirm our support in pushing for their rights.

As we mark this year’s International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), we are reminded of the vision set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This decree made decades ago, was a commitment towards recognition of human rights, the inherent dignity of all people, all nations, and their freedoms. But in the quest towards creating a free, fair and equal world, many communities are still struggling to live a life of dignity and respect. 

Today, this is a reality that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons cope with; fighting stigma, discrimination, and all forms of violence. While these experiences are nuanced across all parts of the world, the tide in East Africa has taken a new shape with the rise of anti-homophobia laws that will potentially criminalize same-sex relationships and violate human rights.  

Uganda’s passing of a new anti-LGBTQI law outlawing LGBTQI relationships has fueled a new wave of homophobia in the country. Kenya has not been spared too from this wave, as seen from the harmful opposition narratives by politicians and religious leaders following the Supreme Court ruling that affirmed LGBTQI persons’ right to freely associate and register their organisations. In this context, those openly identifying as LGBTIQ face increasing hostility and even legal persecution. Historically, activists in this region have been arrested, attacked, threatened, and even killed just for carrying out their legitimate work advocating for LGBTQI rights.  

Two sides of the same coin 

This harmful trend is not just unique and isolated to LGBTQI rights, as homophobia and sexism are inevitably intertwined. Human rights violations against the LGBTQI communities are deeply rooted in patriarchal structures making room for oppressive laws that justify the discrimination and stigma that have prevented many from enjoying their full human rights. Any rollback on the gains of the LGBTQI movement equally affects women’s rights, reversing decades of considerable progress. 

But while this stark reality signals the unprecedented times we are in, this year’s IDAHOBIT theme: ‘Together always, united in diversity’ is timely in shifting the focus to unity, solidarity, and alliances among the LGBTQI community and activists, feminists and human rights defenders in East Africa. 

Womankind Worldwide has been a fierce and bold supporter of LGBTQI rights since its founding, with feminist values at the core of our pursuit of equality and freedom from discrimination and violence. Put simply, we are committed to dismantling all systems of oppression that would prevent women, girls and people of all genders and in their diversities from enjoying their rights and taking up their rightful seat in creating just and fair societies. 

To power and strength 

We stand in solidarity with our friends, allies and partners in East Africa and celebrate their power, boldness, allyship and commitment to staying true to their diversities, particularly in the face of adversity. We condemn all forms of oppression, violence and discrimination against LGBTQI persons, which have been more heightened in the last several months. 

Despite the challenges at hand, today we celebrate the convictions of the millions of LGBTQI persons celebrating IDAHOBIT around the world, who continue to advocate for the rights and freedoms of their communities despite the significant risks. By doing so, we continue to champion a strong feminist agenda, something which is critical in pushing for a world that recognizes everyone in all their unique diversities, strengths, and abilities. Aluta continua!