“When home becomes a battlefield, survival itself becomes an act of defiance.”
My name is Kasisi Abraham Junior, a proud LGBTQIA+ representative and leader. I survived Uganda, fled persecution in 2021, lived through the horrors of Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, and now reside in South Sudan as an onward mover. This journey is not unique—thousands like me are trapped in a cycle of violence and displacement simply because of who they are.
This article is a testimony, a cry for justice, and a call to action. It tells the real stories of LGBTQIA+ refugees across East Africa—especially those from Uganda—and the vital role humanist solidarity has played in keeping hope alive where the world has failed.
I speak not from research papers, but from lived experience. Every word here is rooted in the voices of LGBTQIA+ refugees I’ve walked beside, cried with, and buried. Their stories aren’t just statistics. They are memories of people who once dreamed of safety. People whose only “crime” was to live authentically.
The Ugandan Nightmare: Where Identity Is a Crime
Across Africa, 31 countries still criminalize homosexuality, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to death. These laws, often rooted in colonial-era statutes, continue to endanger and oppress millions of LGBTQ+ individuals across the continent.
Uganda remains one of the most hostile places in the world for LGBTQIA+ people. State-sponsored homophobia has normalized unspeakable violence:
– Women and lesbians face collective rape under the guise of “correction.”
– Transgender individuals are burned alive, lynched, or forced into hiding.
– Nonbinary and bisexual people are subjected to constant threats, including blackmail and arrest.
To be openly LGBTQIA+ in Uganda is to carry a target on your back. For many, the only option is escape.
Kenya’s Broken Refuge: When Safety Is a Lie
Kenya’s refugee camps, like Kakuma, are marketed as safe havens—but for LGBTQIA+ refugees, they are often sites of renewed trauma. In Kakuma:
– Queer refugees are harassed by both other refugees and host communities.
– Physical and sexual assaults are common and rarely addressed.
– Jobs are virtually non-existent for LGBTQIA+ individuals due to stigma.
I witnessed the murder of queer refugees and lived in fear daily. For some, the only path forward was to flee again, often to South Sudan—where life is unstable but offers a flicker of visibility.
The Role of Humanist Mutual Aid: Hope in the Shadows
Amidst this suffering, one truth stands tall: solidarity saves lives. Humanists have been instrumental in rallying international solidarity and raising awareness about the plight of LGBTQ+ communities in Africa. Humanist mutual aid networks, led by people like Mr. Hank, Paul, and generous allies like Bob, have been a beacon of hope. Their support has made the difference between life and death for many of us.
They don’t just give handouts—they listen, they respond, and they organize:
– Mr. Hank uses his vast international network to provide food, medical assistance, and emotional support, sustainable initiatives/projects (Community store and Solar Charging Station). “Thank you HuMAN”.
– Bob is a vital donor, helping funding LGBTQ+ humanists. “Thank you Bob”.
– Paul lends unwavering moral and practical support, funding safe house for LGBTQ+ refugees, food and giving many of us a voice we didn’t have.
Their mutual aid model goes beyond charity—it’s about dignity and empowerment. In these grassroots circles, queer refugees support each other with whatever little they have. That’s what makes it revolutionary: it’s survival with solidarity.
The Cruelty of Exile: A New Chapter of Oppression
Refugees are supposed to find protection after fleeing persecution. But for queer people, exile itself becomes another chapter of trauma:
– Hostile immigration policies delay or deny asylum.
– Inadequate housing forces people into dangerous areas.
– Lack of medical care, especially for HIV-positive and trans individuals, causes deep suffering.
It’s not just that the system is broken—it was never built for us in the first place.
Looking Ahead: Reclaiming Our Future
Our aim is clear – LGBTQI+ advocates fight to decriminalize same-sex relationships while challenging societal mindsets. We want to create a world where everyone can live without fear or prejudice. We encourage friends, family, communities and leaders to be vocal in their support of LGBTQIA+ rights.
In the face of unimaginable hardship, LGBTQIA+ refugees are organizing. From building underground shelters to forming self-led support groups, we are finding strength in each other. With the help of humanist mutual aid, we are not only surviving—we are reclaiming our right to exist.
The global humanist community must continue to amplify these efforts. Because no one should have to cross a border just to stay alive.
A Call to the World: Stand With Us
What we need is not pity—we need action.
– Advocate for inclusive refugee policies that protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
– Fund grassroots organizations led by refugees themselves.
– Support the tireless work of humanists like Mr. Hank, Paul, and Bob.
We must stop treating LGBTQIA+ refugees as disposable. We deserve to live, thrive, and love—just like anyone else.
As we stand together, this call to action is clear: “Let’s make this a cross-cutting movement. Stand for LGBTQIA+ rights, women’s rights, and equality everywhere. Together, we can dismantle hatred and build a world where everyone lives authentically.”
If you’ve read this far, you’re already part of the change. Now, take it further. Share. Support. Stand up.
By Kasisi Abraham Junior
