JOIN THE MOVEMENT – ALL OUT

A picture is worth a thousand words, but a collection of pictures in motion says much more…

Take a look at this:

a collection of pictures in motion

That is All Out! Impressive huh?

In short, All Out is about Building the global movement for LGBT Community. Launched on 8^th December2010, All Out will run creative Campaigns from early 2011 to change culture­-and policy-so that LGBT people everywhere can lead lives   of dignity and share fully in the community life.

Coincidentally, this is about that time when we all sit back and evaluate our failures and achievements during the year which is a bad news, good news situation.

Its bad news because unfortunately, the year is gone nothing can be done about that; good news because we have what you can call a ‘fresh start’. A new year begins in a few days. It’s the time for making new resolutions for the New Year. And while you are out there thinking of New Year resolutions…consider this:

 "When a marginalized and scapegoated group decides to join together and demand the change they want to see in their nation and in the world, powerful social movements can arise.  That time has come for the diverse and expansive global LGBT community. All Out is giving each of us a platform to step up and speak out to make certain that this change comes sooner, not later." Julian Bond, former Chair of the NAACP.

The powerful social movements spoken about by Julian Bond needs me,you and all the friends that you and I can rally to join All Out. If there is something out there worth fighting for, worth achieving, this is it. Your right to live and love freely.

Join the movement at www.allout.org and spread the word to everyone willing to listen!

“ANYTHING WORTH HAVING IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR”

Sweetp

Furor at FIFA chief's Qatar 2022 gay sex comments

Now, why did that decision give me the shivers…

World cup 2022 in Qatar!!

Well it didn’t take too long.

The FIFA chief was in Africa again…South Africa. When I first saw this on BBC I thought that first statement was rather off…check out HERE

You have to be very keen to get the first part of the video...Mr.Chief says “Then I should say they should refrain from any sexual activity... (laugh).” That struck me as...ummh...' he didn't just say that, did he?' 

So I  made a post of it to one of the internal sites here(We keep it on the down low...this is ME after all). Pardon me for not naming the site. Anyways, I decide to go take a bath and contemplate what this means? The whole World cup in Qatar 2022 thingi; what does this mean if they do accept everybody for that one month? What if they don't? How is this going to play? Will Qatar 2022 be the key for us to the Middle East door?

Less than half an hour and I come across this from CNN

Check out

I guess it has just begun but there will be more on this am sure.

Now this is something...

Is it just me or someone opened the proverbial Pandora’s Box?

Sweetp

Educate and recruit Afican LGBT Activists

I have taken to reading the electronic media on the advances made by african activists in line with progressing the fight for LGBT rights. Since I accepted myself as who I am, I have tried to read any possible article on LGBTI issues in Africa and East Africa (Kenya in particular). I’m trying to educate myself on the progress of LGBTI issues across the world. I have had the opportunity to read stories from across the continent of Africa from the North to South; East to West. There are brilliant men and women out there risking their lives everyday for the rest of us.

Lately, I watched MP David Bahati of Uganda in an interview on the Rachel Maddow Show.  See here. David Bahati  known for the infamous Anti-Homosexual bill that has got many Ugandan gays living in fear daily was in the US to a ttend a conference (he wa not allowed into the conference..hehehe). Well, what struck me most in the interview is Mr. Bahati’s insistance that children were being recruited into “gayism” in schools. Even though he found himself hard pressed to explain the nature of recruitment involved; it all got me thinking…

Recruiting…maybe the LGBT Activism needs some recruitment. There are thousands of LGBT people of age and I mean over 18years old willing to join the ranks however with no idea of where to start.  The door should be openned for those willing to participate in the LGBTI freedom fight. We not only need to recruit but we also need to train our personnel adequately on strategy and methodology. Put our best foot forward not just any foot.

David Kuria in his article LGBTI RIGHTS IN AFRICA - DIVERSE STRATEGIES?  has highlighted a very critical issue for LGBTI in Africa. My two cents worth and please note that i am no expert in LGBTI issues and therefore this is not a critique of the article...  Althought Skill based migration may seem as a good option for most, it may end up eroding the work force that is currently the backbone of LGBT activism in Africa. Perhaps the focus should shift to educating the LGBTI community and recruiting more activists.  The LGBTI community all over the world has received increased media coverage and visibility. What we need are trained individuals to help progress the fight in the grassroots level.  If scholarships geared towards training of LGBTi individuals in key professional skills from financial to  healthcare with a requirement to serve a certain period of time in progressing the LGBTI Cause in their countries of origin; a major step forward would be made.

We may have many willing to join activism in any form; however, do they bring with them any expertise?

I for one would love to join in the fight. But the lack of knowledge on the first thing about activism let alone LGBTI activism tells me I need some sort of training. I could just join in to chants of “we want freedom now” with the best of them  but I believe there is more to the fight than this.

Do you have an idea on any such scholarships or internships? Are there any sites or groups offering such training for African LGBTI?

Well I grew up being told Education is Key…I say, just show me the door…

Sweetp.

Good Anger?

Am angry…am angy at everything…

Am angry at the society that is so bigoted, discriminative,hateful and prejudiced. Am angry at myself for being so understanding of those who don’t care to understand me. I am angry at the distance that keeps me and the one that I love from each other. And mostly am angry that even if we were at the same place at the same time, we would still be hiding what we feel about each other unless ofcourse that place happens to be an accepting one.

The good thing about this anger is that I do not feel like punching something on the face, maybe its because generally am not a violent person, but it make me want to change something. I want to change how they look at me when they realize that am a lesbian. I want to change how they feel about me being a lesbian. I want to change how they react when they find out that someone they have known for most of their lives actually aint straight.

There are so many people out there fighting for people like me to be more accepted in this society. They risk life and limb to ensure that I am treated differently by the next person I meet. To these people, I may not know you personally and may not know where you are…but I would like you to know that I am forever thankful and greatful for the work you are doing.

While I have been sitting on the sidelines watching these great men and women fight, secretly hoping that no one spots me in the arena, my self and I have agreed that the passive stance is of no consequence. I yearn to join the army. There is no satisfaction in sitting still. Even if courage eludes me, am sure one voice added to the throng will make a difference however small. Am sure courage will meet me half way. There is satisfaction in fighting for a worthy cause…and the worth of this cause is my life.

For some the struggle continues…For me, it has just begun...

Is this good anger or what?

Sweetp