I know you are saddened, anxious, and furious even that another country has, in the 21st Century, passed a law that makes it illegal to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
Yes, Museveni signed the bill. The renowned 'Kill the Gays Bill' is now an actual thing. It is a sad day in our history. It must be terribly frightening for LGBT people, their family, friends and loved ones right now. Especially those who are known and/or open about their sexual orientation. We can only imagine.
However, despite your angst, and your wanting to stand in solidarity with LGBT Ugandans as a global community, remember you must be tactful in whatever you do and say. Diplomacy is crucial in these situation. Respect Uganda's sovereignty as an independent nation. Yes, it is important.
Every person, every organisation, every country do not need to send a make a statement. I know you feel compelled to respond but you don't need to call Museveni an awful leader/person. Be respectful. He is still loved and remembered for his strong leadership in years gone when he promoted nationalism. Many still believe he is doing a fantastic job. Do not be bitter in your approach.
As you act, remember the very people whose safety and security you are concerned about still reside and will have to stay in Uganda. Unless it is that you plan to provide every LGBT person safe passage to North America and friendly countries in Europe. Besides asylum largely benefits the middle class when you look at it.
Let your approach be guided by thoughtfulness. Let it be informed by people in Uganda; by those who, despite being a difficult thing to do at this time, will be calm and reasoned. Not those who want extremist tactics. Your approach must be mindful that this very law was strongly encouraged (read sponsored) by evangelicals in North America; that we were aware when this process began several years ago and we watched silently as they played on the ignorance and fears of Ugandans and their leaders. We pretty much did nothing and still have not done anything about the fear mongering that is being exported to our countries.
Yes, Museveni signed the bill. The renowned 'Kill the Gays Bill' is now an actual thing. It is a sad day in our history. It must be terribly frightening for LGBT people, their family, friends and loved ones right now. Especially those who are known and/or open about their sexual orientation. We can only imagine.
However, despite your angst, and your wanting to stand in solidarity with LGBT Ugandans as a global community, remember you must be tactful in whatever you do and say. Diplomacy is crucial in these situation. Respect Uganda's sovereignty as an independent nation. Yes, it is important.
Every person, every organisation, every country do not need to send a make a statement. I know you feel compelled to respond but you don't need to call Museveni an awful leader/person. Be respectful. He is still loved and remembered for his strong leadership in years gone when he promoted nationalism. Many still believe he is doing a fantastic job. Do not be bitter in your approach.
As you act, remember the very people whose safety and security you are concerned about still reside and will have to stay in Uganda. Unless it is that you plan to provide every LGBT person safe passage to North America and friendly countries in Europe. Besides asylum largely benefits the middle class when you look at it.
Let your approach be guided by thoughtfulness. Let it be informed by people in Uganda; by those who, despite being a difficult thing to do at this time, will be calm and reasoned. Not those who want extremist tactics. Your approach must be mindful that this very law was strongly encouraged (read sponsored) by evangelicals in North America; that we were aware when this process began several years ago and we watched silently as they played on the ignorance and fears of Ugandans and their leaders. We pretty much did nothing and still have not done anything about the fear mongering that is being exported to our countries.
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