In partnership with Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LeGaBiBo), Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and the Gay and the Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK), Envisioning is conducting research and documentation in Botswana, Uganda and Kenya on the lives and experiences of LGBT people, human rights violations affecting LGBT people, and the work of human rights defenders and LGBT organizations seeking to advance LGBT rights. In each of these countries the Penal Code criminalizes same-sex conduct, and work is being done to challenge criminalization and advance LGBT human rights.
For more information on the work Envisioning partners in Africa, see the Africa Research Team partners' websites. The links can be found in the "Research Team" tab on the Home Page.
BOTSWANA
Botho - LGBT Lives in Botswana
2013, 12 min | Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LeGaBiBo) & Envisioning Global LGBT Human Rights
Founder and director of Ditshwanelo, a human rights organization in Botswana, Alice Mogwe refers to "botho" a traditional concept in Tswana culture that means, 'I am human because you are human, and what I do to de-humanize you effectively de-humanizes me'." Botho stands in stark contradiction to the Penal Code, imposed by the British, and the continued human rights violations experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. Participants in the video discuss gender, sexuality, culture, tradition and family, as well as work to challenge the Penal Code criminalization of same sex conduct on constitutioal grounds.
UGANDA
2013, 15 min | Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) & Envisioning Global LGBT Human Rights
Sexual Minorities Uganda director, Frank Mugisha talks about the impact of the 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill' introducted in October 2009 in Uganda, a bill which calls for penalties for the so-called 'promotion of homosexuality' and calls for the death penalty. Stoshi Mugisha, a trans man, and Didi Baks, a lesbian, share stories of discrimination by family, employers and society. They speak of the importance of building community, now and for the future. Frank Mugisha: "Our visibility now is going to serve us. Now any person who talks about human rights has to talk about LGBTI rights."
2013, 7.5 min | Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), Voices of the Abbasiyassi Creating Allies & Envisioning Global LGBT Human Rights
Created for the International Day Against Homophobia in Uganda, the video explores homophobia in the media, such as the headline, "Hang them, they are after our children!" This video was made in partnership with Voices of the Abbasiyassi, Sexual Minorities Uganda and Envisioning. Pepe Onziema explains that their goal is to connect with Ugandan communities, professionals, and families. Kasha Jacqueline discusses the lesbian organization FARUG. The voice of Harvey Milk is heard, with footage of Uganda's first Gay Pride: "I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without hope life is not worth living."
KENYA
May 17, 2012: 8 min | Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) & Envisioning Global LGBT Human Rights
Speakers and performers from the International Day Against Homophobia in 2012, are seen sharing thoughts about what it means to be LGBT in Kenya. Eric Gitari of HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya speaks about the rainbow as a symbol of hope and the diversity of the LGBT community. Monda Kareithi and Astango Chesoni, of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, elaborate on changing social and mental constructs as a means to eliminate ignorance, achieving equality by way of the law, and a constitution that should protect the rights and freedoms of all. With short clips of performances including dance, spoken word, and song, LGBT Kenyans share their experience and express love, equality, and acceptance.
Speakers and performers from the International Day Against Homophobia in 2012, are seen sharing thoughts about what it means to be LGBT in Kenya. Eric Gitari of HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya speaks about the rainbow as a symbol of hope and the diversity of the LGBT community. Monda Kareithi and Astango Chesoni, of the Kenya Human Rights Commission, elaborate on changing social and mental constructs as a means to eliminate ignorance, achieving equality by way of the law, and a constitution that should protect the rights and freedoms of all. With short clips of performances including dance, spoken word, and song, LGBT Kenyans share their experience and express love, equality, and acceptance.
2013, 15 min | Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) & Envisioning GLobal LGBT Human Rights
Anthony Oluoch explains GALCK's decriminalization strategy, which started with a conference in 2011. "We had invited activists from around the world, people from India, who have already decriminalized same-sex conduct, people from South Africa, just to get best practices." Two gay men and two lesbians share their stories, using Swahili and English. The story of a mother calling the police to jail her gay son stands in sharp contrast to a young lesbian mother's story: "I'm someone [of whom] you can say 'she has made it'."