Dear friends,
On August 4, police violently raided a Pride Uganda event.
Hundreds of us were detained. We were humiliated and beaten. One young man was so frightened, he jumped out of a 4th floor window and was badly hurt.
16 of us were arrested. Police sexually assaulted my transgender friends. It was a traumatic night. But the next day, I woke up more inspired to fight for our rights than I had ever been.
Why? Because I knew that I’m not alone. I have a community in Uganda growing larger every day. And I have the support of All Out members who are with us every step of the way; who raised enough funds in 24 hours to cover emergency medical and safe housing costs after the raid.
Luc, this year hasn’t been easy for so many reasons – but I’m not giving up.
Your gift will help cover costs to campaign for love and equality in Uganda and around the world in 2017. All Out needs 3,000 donors before midnight on December 31.
This year we’ve seen some of the world’s biggest bigots rise to power. But their power is fragile and supported by hate. Our power is ultimately stronger, supported by an unshakeable belief that everyone deserves to live safely and with dignity, no matter who they are or who they love.
Before the raid, there were three successful LGBT Pride events – fully funded by 2,547 All Out members. Those events meant the world to us; the incredibly rare chance to come out of the shadows and celebrate our beautiful community.
After the raid, Uganda’s Minister Simon Lokodo threatened to send mobs to beat up anyone who took part in the Pride Parade. People like Lokodo will only feel justified by the discrimination they see in Europe and the U.S. in the coming year. We need a global movement.
That’s where All Out comes in. All Out has a huge global membership. And people like you make an incredible difference in the fight of activists like me on the ground. But this work can’t continue if All Out doesn’t have enough funding.
Right now, it feels like those who want to hurt our community are rising to power in so many places. But even after all we’ve been through here, I know that it can’t last. If we stick together, I believe love will win once again – in Uganda and around the world.
In solidarity,
Isaac Mugisha
Pride Uganda
