German Parliamentarian Sends Heartfelt Message of Encouragement to Bombastic Magazine Team

By Editor

As the struggle for equality and veneration for human rights around the world continues, several world leaders have had to publicly make a stand on the LGBTI issue. While some have fervently decried homosexuality and the struggles that come with it, others have taken a firm stance and continue to show their support for this struggle in more ways than one.

Such is Dagmar G. Woehrl, MP and former Parliamentary State Secretary who also currently sits as the Chairwoman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development at the German Bundestag.

In an act of solidarity, the German Member of Parliament penned a letter to encourage the team that so thoughtfully put together the recently published Bombastic Magazine. She applauded the team for not only their courage but also selflessness in trying to positively impact the LGBTI community.

Woehrl also emphasized German’s undisputable support for the work being done in not Uganda but also around the globe, to defend the rights of sexual minorities. Below is the epistle as penned by the Woehrl.

 

 

Berlin, March 2015

Dear Editors, Writers and Readers of “Bombastic”,

I would like to thank you all for your courageous commitment to the struggle for human rights and for making the voices of the LGBTI community heard around the globe. Your efforts give hope and confidence to many people in Uganda and beyond – a kind of hope for a life in peace and with equal rights for every human being, no matter whom they fall in love with and how they choose to live their life.

As somebody who has worked in development politics for many years, I know that a country can only develop and prosper sustainably if equality prevails, and human rights and freedom are being safeguarded every day. It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to make this world a better place where nobody advocating the rights of minority groups must fear punishment. This magazine is an important step towards speaking out and reaching these goals.

Germany is a strong and dedicated partner of Uganda and the LGBTI community there. In our daily work with representatives of government, private sector and civil society from your country, we strongly emphasize that our bilateral development cooperation ends where discrimination is on the rise. My continued support for Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera through the program “Parliamentarians Protect Parliamentarians” of the German Bundestag and the fact that she was awarded the International Nuremberg Human Rights Award, are our way of showing leaders and decision makers that they cannot put an end to the legitimate fight of the LGBTI community in Uganda and elsewhere. Kasha’s admirable dedication to ending hate and persecution has brought international attention to Uganda and I guarantee you all that we will not look the other way when human rights violations happen.

I wish you every success and good luck with this magazine and I am sending my very best wishes from Berlin,

Dagmar G. Woehrl, MP

Former Parliamentary State Secretary

Chairwoman of the Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development at the German Bundestag