Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), on Saturday 22nd May 2021, launched two projects; BaQueer Twogeere podcast and a publication titled ‘Queering SRHR: A Guide for LBQ Women in Kampala’. The event was graced by partners and allies in Uganda's women's movement, friendly KP health facilities, and several FARUG members.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Director, Ms Senfuka Joanita Warry called for LGBTQ leaders to remember the passion that steered them towards activism, focus on serving community members and shove side their own selfish interests. She also urged them to mentor new community leaders which will ensure sustainability of the movement.
Introducing BaQueer Twogeere podcast, Ms Senfuka said that the platform was started as a safe space to allow LBQ Women to document and freely express themselves, share their realities as well as celebrate their contributions in society despite the shrinking spaces. She emphasized the purpose for society to appreciate the history and work by Ugandan LBQ Women.
Ms Gloriah Mutyaba, the Deputy Executive Director at FARUG appreciated the story telling and social media teams who volunteered with passion and zeal on the project that sought to debunk myths and negative narratives that surround the lives of LBQ Women in Uganda.
Some reactions in an audience interaction to give feedback on the BaQueer Twogeere podcast:
Richard Lusimbo: "I am really so humbled and happy to be here and see that we are growing our documentation processes. This year alone, there have been efforts across the spectrum to see that our community is steering towards documentation. There is power in documentation and when we write our stories, we are building a foundation on which other people can rely on to know where we come from and where we are going."
Solome Nakaweesi: "I really value the work that FARUG does because I have seen her grow. I am so excited that we are in this point of our journey as FARUG because the story of our lives are better listened to when they come from us. I am so happy that finally our voices are being heard."
Krest Lear: "I think the podcast will surely disrupt the different myths that surround LBQ Women and KP communities in general. I really would like to thank FARUG for this great initiative."
Ms Flavia Kyomukama, the Consultant on the publication "Queering SRHR: A guide for LBQ women" shared that the journey on developing the book was intriguing as it aspired in development of an SRHR guide and information specific to LBQ Women. She further noted that the book also looked to appreciate SRHR issues and needs as well as provide recommendations for LBQ women in Uganda in addition to other challenges such as GBV, IPV and mental health especially at a crucial time as this when the Sexual Offences Bill has been recently passed by parliament. She stressed the urgency to embrace integration as an important recommendation to ensure support and easy accessibility for LBQ Women when it comes to SRHR and other services
The BaQueer Twogere podcast and Queering SRHR: A guide for LBQ women book were officially launched by Jacqueline Asiimwe, Executive Director at CivSource Africa and Dr Frank Mugisha respectively. The event was crowned with a luncheon and cocktails for the guests.
To read or download the guide, please click HERE.
