Maintaining a united front is essential to keeping some LGBTI people alive. Queer Ugandan activist Clare Byarugaba, the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law co-coordinator, has learned that the hard way.
"Solidarity is important," Byarugaba said. "It's what keeps us safe." Uganda-based Civil Society Coalition is A human-rights organization.
As a lesbian, Byarugaba said she is no longer able to walk as freely as she once did. She is afraid to use public transportation or work in her office. Byarugaba could be arrested for doing her work and sentenced to seven years in prison. Or, she could be arrested and charged with being a lesbian and face life in prison.
Byarugaba shared a slice of her life before participating in an Amnesty International USA national conference panel, "LGBT Rights Are Human Rights," at the Marriott Hotel in Chicago April 6.
"I don't feel safe in my own country," Byarugaba said. "Our leaders have sanctioned homophobia and intolerance of the LGBT community. [Our] leaders are calling for prosecution rather than protection."
Other panelists on the "LGBT Rights are Human Rights: Getting to Know the Movement" plenary were All Out co-founder Andre Banks and Chicago transgender educator Trian Alexander. The moderator was Donnie Bierer.
Alexander credited South Side-based Affinity Community Services with providing him with support. Affinity Executive Director Kim L. Hunt stressed what she hoped came from participating in the panel discussion and supporting Amnesty International.
"I hope this is a great beginning to a relationship with Amnesty International," Hunt said. "As we look beyond marriage equality, Amnesty International is one of the organizations that LGBTI groups should look as a model for bringing together diverse groups."
Alexander, a transgender male, shared challenges that he's faced. "I've been struggling with homelessness and finding employment," he said.
Revealing his true self has cost him job opportunities, he said. Everyday interactions with people inspire anxiety.
Although Alexander initially felt safe navigating Boystown as a transgender male, racism affects how he's received. Alexander noted a heavy police presence near the Belmont "L" stop and law enforcement's propensity to harass LGBTI youth. But that anxiety stalks Alexander throughout the city.
"There's always a fear of being hurt," he said. "It's one of the things that I struggle [with]."
Alexander said Affinity has given him support and "helped me navigate the things I want to do." For instance, it allows Alexander to be an advocate and to represent the organization at places like the Amnesty conference.
He took the opportunity to help people become better transgender allies. Alexander encouraged the audience to learn more about transgender issues and practice inclusivity. This includes, for example, using a transgender person's preferred pronoun. He also encouraged allies to press LGBT organizations to move beyond marriage equality and deal with other issues.
Religious influence, particularly the U.S brand of conservative Christianity, has created and exacerbated issues facing LGBTI people in the United States and abroad, which Byarugaba and Alexander have learned from experience.
"I'm uncomfortable in those spaces," Alexander said. "I'm not sure how I'll be perceived."
Their experience has made religious institutions suspect to them. Byarugaba said only one Ugandan clergy has shown support for LGBTI people.
"We don't have enough visible faces," she said. "We're not after your children. We just want to hold hands with our partners."
All Out, which Banks helped found, is an LGBT human-rights organization with a worldwide focus and commitment to using social media to create solidarity. As of April 6, according to Banks and All out's website, the organization has 1,926,101 members throughout the world.
"No one should have to sacrifice their dignity or their family," Banks said.
The organization's activities included launching a successful campaign to relocate 12 LGBTI ( or perceived LGBTI ) men from Iraq. All Out members quickly raised the $60,000 necessary. Banks noted that included a $1,000 donation from Swedish citizen, who essentially donated a week's salary.
"It's really not about us," he said.
It's about people like Alexander and Byarugaba. Byarugaba remains defiant in the face of a crackdown on the work she does. Ugandan authorities raided a U.S.-funded AIDS clinic, which offers services to gay people.
"I'm not a victim," Byarugaba said. "I refuse to call myself a victim."
She encouraged those in attendance to keep making their voices heard, particularly through petitions. Byarugaba said keeping the pressure on the Ugandan government is essential.
"My president [Yoweri Museveni] knows the world is watching, but we need to remind him," she said. "We feel like Ugandans are out for blood … literally."
The passage of Uganda's anti-gay bill, Byarugaba said, has essentially allowed fellow citizens to declare it open season on Ugandan GLBTI people. "Increased vigilance," including public outings, became the norm. Byarugaba was among those outed.
"I hope, one day, my country will recognize gay rights as human rights," she said.
At the end of the panel discussion, Amnesty made a call to action to push for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act ( ENDA ) in Congress, and urged members to lobby in their home congressional districts for the bill.
Videos by Tracy Baim
Windy City Times: Amnesty International LGBT Rights panel 4-6-2014, 1 of 3 at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Amnesty International LGBT Rights panel 4-6-2014, 2 of 3 at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
Windy City Times: Amnesty International LGBT Rights panel 4-6-2014, 3 of 3 at the link: www.youtube.com/watch .
