Uganda Gays Face New Wave of Fear Under Anti-Gay Bill

[DonViejo]

With President Yoweri Museveni poised to sign a draconian new anti-homosexuality bill, Kampala’s openly gay members report an uptick in harassment and violence.

Dressed in the traditional ‘gomesi’, a tailored, brightly patterned skirt and blouse worn by Ugandan women, Frank K. used to sing and perform at weddings in Kampala while guests clapped and cheered, oblivious that he was a gay man in drag.

Now, at a bustling lunch spot downtown in the Ugandan capital, the slight man is dressed in a tight shirt and jeans. He speaks of how singing gospel was his true passion, and as a devoted born-again Christian, performing with his local church choir is where he feels truly accepted.

While many gay and transgender people he knows have been chased out of church and cursed for their sexuality, after confessing to his pastor about being gay, she told him Jesus would love him the way he is.

“Regardless of my sexuality, I know God loves me,” says Frank, who comes from a staunchly Catholic family in a country where homosexuality is widely vilified as abnormal, ungodly and an attack on Ugandan culture.

“Gospel singing helped me, I searched for God because no one else helped me, even the people I thought were good friends put me out of their home—I just talked to God.”

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http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2014/02/24/uganda-gays-face-new-wave-of-fear-under-anti-gay-bill.html

[RKP5637]

1. I do wonder what the response of the US and Great Britain will be to this. Supposedly they

provide the majority of the aid to Uganda. Toothless warnings and business as usual? This is a form of genocide. Makes the American Taliban proud!

[shenmue]

2. So sad

It's going to get ugly over there - I have a feeling.

[msongs]

3. amazing how so man glbts will delude themselves into being christians ntr