FORWARD-THINKING FAITH LEADERS Homophobia is a severe problem in many African churches, but not all Christian leaders are infected by it, as Kuchu Times points out. At that Ugandan publication, human rights activist Barigye Ambrose recently profiled several religious leaders who preach a gospel of acceptance and love. These are some excerpts: Continue reading
Prominent Ugandan straight ally Bishop Christopher Senyonjo (Ssenyonjo) delivered an introductory message to urge people to attend screenings at the Queer Kampala International Film Festival. The event, scheduled for Dec. 9-11, will be East Africa’s first LGBTQ film festival, aims at bringing together the Ugandan gay community, potential allies, and film enthusiasts from abroad. In … Continue reading
The London Pride 2016 march was led by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Muslim; Matthew Barzun, U.S. ambassador to the U.K.; and other dignitaries and celebrities. A group of African gay people living in the United Kingdom marched in London Pride yesterday to call on people of religion to unite against persecution of gay people … Continue reading
“I know God listens to me wherever I am and wherever He is. If He didn’t love me or didn’t like my sexuality, I wouldn’t have been created.” So says an East African lesbian, as quoted in a new compilation of stories of Christians, both gay and straight, who are supportive of LGBTI people. The … Continue reading
A progressive U.S.-based church has voted to promote fair treatment for LGBTI people in Africa, especially in countries with strong anti-gay Anglican churches such as Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya. The LGBTI-friendly Episcopal Church, which approved same-sex wedding ceremonies earlier this week, passed a resolution today that instructed church officials to “work in partnership with African … Continue reading
Press release, modestly edited: London Pride 2015 The African LGBTI organisation Out and Proud Diamond Group celebrated African LGBTI Heroes during London Pride 2015. The group honored people who have stood up against anti-gay environments and regimes in Africa. Some of these heroes lost their lives during the struggle to liberate us and others against … Continue reading
On the same day when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that all states must recognize same-sex marriages, the progressive U.S.-based Episcopal Church is considering whether to extend its work for justice to LGBT people in Africa. The church’s General Convention, now under way in Salt Lake City, Utah, will decide whether to authorize not only … Continue reading
Here’s a distressing look into the sort of violently anti-gay thinking that leads people to imprison, abuse and kill LGBTI people, especially in the world’s most homophobic countries. Don’t read much further if you want to be spared from abusive language. This exchange with Val Ep, a self-described Christian from Uganda, is far beyond what … Continue reading
The St. Paul’s Foundation for International Reconciliation, which supports local LGBTI rights groups in many countries with anti-gay laws, is preparing to open a new office on the East Coast of the United States. The move will occur as the foundation’s president and founder, the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, leaves California after 32 years of … Continue reading
Denis LeBlanc, Editor A new emergency fund is seeking contributions to help LGBT people and allies flee from “immediate threats of arrest, attacks, violence and persecution in countries where harsh laws have fostered a climate of extreme homophobia.” This global, United States-based fund joins several existing Uganda-based funds that are assisting LGBT people during the … Continue reading
