Over 100 people attended Uganda’s second annual Gay Pride Parade held on a beach in the southern city of Entebbe on Saturday.
According to Voice of America, police broke up last year’s parade. But activists said they viewed the overall event as a success.
“The success gave us confidence that we can do it,” gay rights activist Kelly Mukwano said. “We are getting more confident as time goes by.”
The march was held about 20 miles from Kampala, the largest city and capital of Uganda.
“Today, we are here, miles away from Kampala,” said one marcher. “Baby steps. Soon we shall be on Kampala Road.”
Uganda attracted worldwide condemnation in 2009 with the introduction of an anti-gay bill which proposed the death penalty against gay men and lesbians found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” or multiple violations. The controversial bill has yet to be debated by lawmakers.
Beyondy, a transsexual, said that she relished this year’s march after what happened last year.
“Last year, I was one of the people who were beaten up by the police,” said Beyondy. “So today I’m happy that we are free. No one is staring and stopping our marching.”
by On Top Magazine Staff
Source – On Top Magazine
