The situation is getting tougher for LGBT people in East Africa. Uganda is about to pass a bill that would put in place some of the strictest legislation in the world. “Homosexual behavior” is already criminalized. Anything considered the “promotion” of homosexuality would become illegal. And repeat offenders could face the death penalty. The law has yet to be enacted, but the country has already seen a rise in homophobia in recent months. Some queer people are trying to find refuge in Kenya. But their safety is not guaranteed either.
With our correspondent in Nairobi, Albane Thirouard
In this cafe in downtown Nairobi, Andrew tells his story without shame. And with a smile despite the difficulties encountered. Attracted by men, he fled his country, Uganda, three months ago, when those around him discovered his sexual orientation.
” In Uganda, LGBT people are not tolerated at all. Everyone started to hate me, I will never forget those few days. I felt so ashamed, I was humiliated, I was insulted…I can’t go back to my country anymore. Some people there are convinced that as queer people we are going to try to supposedly “recruit” their children, they want to get rid of us, I know some who have been killed like that! There is such injustice… Why are my rights not being respected? Am I not human? Yet I am! »
As an asylum seeker in Kenya, Andrew was referred to Kakuma refugee camp. But he refuses to go there, in part because he fears for his safety. Amnesty International and a Kenyan NGO have just published a report in which they qualify ” extremely dangerous life in this camp for LGBT refugees. The two associations denounce homophobic acts against them. They point the finger in particular at harassment and physical attacks.
Instead, Andrew hopes to find refuge in a country where he can “ be himself. Because even if convictions are rare, in Kenya sexual relations between two men are still considered a crime in the penal code.