No changes to planned Ugandan pride celebrations

Despite simmering hostilities against its LGBT community, this weekend the annual Uganda gay pride celebrations are planned to continue as scheduled.

Taking place on Saturday 8 August, the event holds extra significance given the 12-month anniversary since the country’s government scrapped discriminatory anti-gay laws.

CNN reports the inaugural Ugandan gay pride march of 2012, held in the city of Entebbe some 20 miles south of the capital Kampala, was seen at the time as an “act of defiance” in light of an anti-homosexuality bill tabled in parliament.

Three years later, the legislation may have been abolished but cultural shifts towards tolerance and acceptance are yet to fully catch up.

The selection of “We are Family” as a thematic motif by the Pride Uganda Committee hopes to recognise the efforts of allies and human rights activists who have worked to shift social attitudes around diversity in the African nation.

Pride Uganda Committee head Richard Lusimbo, who is also a research manager at NGO Sexual Minorities Uganda, told CNN this year’s parade also included three days of events in the lead up, and would reflect the toll the anti-gay bill has had on the LGBT community.

“It’s a very big task with lots of organising to do,” he said.

“There is a new team of 25 people – individuals from different organizations – and we have taken up new initiatives to raise local support for Pride and get a cross-section of individuals involved.”

Lusimbo said Pride was an opportunity for families to come out and actively demonstrate their support of the LGBT community, with events including fashion shows, documentary screenings and health awareness information sessions.

But for security reasons, the location of this year’s parade remains publicly under wraps.

In wake of the stabbings during Jerusalem’s gay pride in Jerusalem, Lusimbo said his team is taking no risks.

“[The possibility of violence] is a concern we don’t take lightly,” he told CNN.

“We have been raising awareness through membership organizations and through social media, reminding our members of the political and social climate.

“Within the penal code, the act of homosexuality is still criminalised. Socially, we can’t say that anyone won’t be throwing stones or homophobic insults.”

Words by TROY NANKERVIS.