In commemoration of #PrideMonth2019, Freedom and Roam Uganda organised the first ever Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women Directors' Forum. Supported by Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa (OSIEA), the two-day convention took place at an undisclosed location.
The event was attended by various Executive Directors and Programs Directors from several LBQ organizations cutting across different regions in Uganda. These included KuchuTimes, FEM-Alliance, Kakyo Projects, Health and Rights Initiative, Eastern Region Women's Empowerment Organization (ERWEO), Rights4Her, RELLA Uganda, HER Internet and Rainbow Voices Mbarara.
As one of its aims, the convening focused on fostering personal development of LBQ women leaders by taking them through a journey of self-mastery. This session was to enable each participant create a personal 3-year strategic plan. It also saw representatives of the LBQ movement reflect on what direction they would love to see the movement grow.
The Programs Director of FARUG, Gloria Dh El said, "We embraced a new phenomenon of using our own stories to create quotes for history instead of always quoting other people in their sessions and work. We artistically drew the kind of movement that we want to see."
The participants agreed that one of the most important ways to become great leaders is by being role models in spheres of influence and not shut down the space for interrogation which can only happen through self-reflection.
In a comment to KuchuTimes, the Executive Director of FARUG, Warry Senfuka said that in togetherness as LBQ Leaders, we can find a collective voice that is coherent for the issues that challenge LBQ organizing in Uganda.
In the reactions of rejuvenation and empowerment that were shared in some tweets on FARUG's twitter handle, one of the participants said, "I have learnt so much from your stories." @musiimee "Thank you so much for sharing a part of yourself with us for these last two days."
Another participant remarked, "Wow what a beautiful two days! Sharing our life stories. Occupying our space. Celebrating our achievements and failures. Empowering each other. Our hearts are full."
