Anonymous, Uganda
It’s quite challenging being bi-sexual or LGBTQ in general in Uganda. I find that nobody knows anything about what it means to be bisexual or transgender. They really only know about the terms “gay” and “lesbian,” and even though they know about it, it’s still completely unacceptable. You cannot openly come out and express yourself freely. If you do, you’ll be beaten or tortured. Even if you go to the police, they’ll arrest and torture you and not protect you. It’s very challenging to survive there as an LGBTQ person and you have to hide as much as you can.
I discovered I was bi-sexual in high school when I noticed I was getting attracted to boys more than girls. One of my friends introduced me to an underground LGBTQ bar and I really felt at home. I felt like I found people I could connect with.Years later, I began working for an underground LGBTQ human rights organization when a lesbian woman was beaten and tortured by members of the community. We went to rescue her when we were approached by the police and eventually arrested and charged with the allegation that we were promoting homosexuality. We were beaten and tortured. The next day, they changed the charge to inciting political violence.
It reached a point where I began fearing for my life and knew I had to leave Uganda. My relationship with my family was strained. Rumours also began to swirl that the LGBTQ community began sponsoring and funding the political opposition and many in our community were targeted and had their computers confiscated.
When I left, I wanted to go to the US but with Trump being unfriendly to the LGBTQ community, I decided to come to Canada. I arrived in 2018. I’ve applied for my refugee status and I’m awaiting my future hearing. I now live in Toronto where I feel free and safe.
2020 Update:
As an update, I am now working and since my work is deemed essential, I have worked all through the lockdown. I have been rendering support in the BLM campaigns around the current protests. I am yet to have my hearing as it was postponed due to the Coronavirus.
PhotoGRAPHED by
Lavdrim is currently attending George Brown College to obtain a degree in Graphic Design. He believes becoming a graphic designer will immensely help him as he tries to make his passion, photography, a career. He is currently trying to find a purpose with his photography.