Africans fleeing anti-LGBT violence head to Kenya

A wave of anti-LGBT violence and murders in countries including Uganda, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have forced gay and transgender Africans to seek the safety of anonymity in Nairobi, Kenya, according to this article. 

Some want to go to Western countries such as the U.S., but the head of one organization hoping to facilitate the asylum seekers says humanitarian organizations are slow to consider the cases of LGBT Africans.

U.S. preachers stoking homophobia in Africa?

A wave of sometimes violent anti-gay sentiment is sweeping much of Africa, in part fueled by conservative American missionaries preaching homophobia. 

"Here, homosexuality is like you have killed someone," said Sheila Hope Mugisha, a Ugandan activist who was targeted after an anti-gay newspaper article was published.

Statements on the pardoning of gay Malawi couple

Good news this weekend as the gay Malawi couple who had been sentenced to 14 years of hard labor were pardoned.

Following are statements by the White House and HRC's Joe Solmonese:

The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika's pardon of
Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and
their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the
persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We
hope that President Mutharika's pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue
which reflects the country's history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian,
gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.

"It is reprehensible to imprison anyone for who they are or who they love. We salute the leaders who have spoken up for Steven and Tiwonge, particularly members of Congress and State Department officials. This is welcomed news that we hope will reverberate around the world in places -- including our own country -- where LGBT people are targeted for harassment and discrimination."

HRC Religion & Faith Program Director Harry Knox said: "We are grateful for the voices of faith leaders from diverse traditions around the globe who spoke out for compassion and fairness for Tiwonge and Steven. HRC's Religion and Faith Program salutes the coalition of religious and secular organizations in the US that called for the couple's release, and also honors the courage of African faith leaders who have called for true justice in Malawi."

Anti-gay laws spreading in Africa?

Some advocates are concerned that Uganda's proposed legislation to outlaw homosexuality is already having a ripple effect in Africa, where Rwanda is debating a similar measure and 37 nations have criminal laws governing same-sex relations. However, if the passage of such laws results in the cutoff of international aid, countries might think twice about taking Uganda's lead, Katie Paul writes in a recent post for Newsweek.

AIDS, schmaids?

Are we doing too much to stop the spread of AIDS?

Or not enough?

Different groups have different ideas, and some say that if we reduce AIDS funding, we can treat other diseases that are killing children and destroying families as well.

Funding for AIDS research and treatment was a long time coming, and became crucial in the U.S. only when it became clear that this wasn't just a "gay disease."

But many parts of Africa are now ravaged by AIDS.

Is Africa expendable?

No way.

We need to continue to fund AIDS research and treatment as well as treatment for other diseases. Where will the money come from?

Maybe we stop spending so much to kill people in the Middle East and use the money we save to save more lives instead.

You can make a small difference here at home--get tested. Many organizations are offering free rapid-results testing on World AIDS Day. Check out your local AIDS or public health organization. We might not be able to solve the global crisis, but we can stem the spread here in Colorado, one person at a time.