All over the world, we’re witnessing an alarming coordinated rise of far-right politics and policies that are using the LGBTQI+ community to gain political power and as scapegoats for their social, and economic failings. As these anti-rights movements grow in both power and impact, they have been co-opting both human rights and feminist discourse to further their agenda of demonizing gender and sexual minorities. The momentum behind anti-gender actors is having a clear impact on the lives of LGBTQI+ people and in particular, those who are at the margins and occupying intersecting identities, as they face increased threats to their safety, well-being, and lives.
Still, queer and trans people, particularly youth, are invoking legacies of resistance by occupying the frontlines and fighting to actualize the feminist future that they deserve.
Today May 17, International Day of Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), 2024 is being commemorated under the theme “No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom and Justice for All”. As a feminist movement, we must ask ourselves who is being left behind in this moment of polycrisis and how we can do better to close those gaps. Over the past few years, FRIDA has committed to deepening and strengthening our work in building the capacity of young LGBTIQ+ people to push back against the anti-gender movements encroaching on their freedoms. Through our Trans Strategy, we recommit ourselves to providing more and better resources towards trans liberation, and through the Young Feminist Leadership Toolkit, we double down on strengthening the transformative capacity of African LGBTQ+ youth.
Now more than ever, feminist communities must harness our collective power to build transnational solidarity, ensuring organizers have the resources and support to move, build, and thrive beyond these attacks on their humanity. An essential part of creating this solidarity is listening to and meeting the demands of those who are at the heart of mobilizing and so, in commemoration of IDAHOBIT 2024, we are amplifying the voices of young LGBTQI+ members of the FRIDA community from contexts that are current hotbeds of the anti-rights movement and its tactics such as Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, and Georgia.
image credit: FRIDA advisor, Nigeria
IDAHOBIT 2024: Voices of LGBTQI+ Youth from the FRIDA Community
Moyomade, FRIDA Advisor, Nigeria
“The rights of LGBTQ+ persons are being rolled back daily across the African continent and it is of utmost priority that governments are made to understand that people who are queer exist and deserve freedom and safety in their homes as well as in society. It is no longer a matter that can be pushed back, it is of extreme urgency because anti-queerness is killing innocent people.”
FRIDA Grantee Partner, Uganda
“We urgently appeal to our feminist allies and funders to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda in the face of escalating threats to their rights and safety following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexual Act 2023. As feminists committed to social justice and equality, we must collectively denounce discriminatory laws and policies that target marginalized communities based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. We call for increased support and resources to organizations like ours that are working tirelessly to defend the rights and dignity of LGBTQI+ individuals. Together, let us amplify their voices, challenge oppressive systems, and advocate for meaningful change that ensures equality, justice, and safety for all.”
Kedi, FRIDA Staff Member, Kenya
“Be flexible in your solidarity and stop imposing non-nuanced ‘solutions’ to on-the-ground grassroots organizers.”
FRIDA Advisor, Uganda
“As feminists, it is our duty to challenge all forms of oppression and discrimination, including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We can’t ignore the brutal realities faced by Uganda’s LGBTIQ community – forced anal medical examinations, eviction, and violence. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
History reminds us – the fight for women’s suffrage was spearheaded by lesbians. We would not be where we are today had it not been for their role in building this movement. Now, it’s our turn to stand with the LGBTIQ community in Uganda. Here’s how feminists and supporters can help:
1. Providing financial support to grassroots organizations and activists working to advance LGBTIQ rights and provide support to LGBTIQ communities.
2. Amplifying the voices of LGBTIQ activists and organizations, both locally and internationally, to raise awareness about the challenges they face.”
Lesbian Resistance*, FRIDA Grantee Partner, Georgia
“The Georgian government has reintroduced the Foreign Agent law which is a Russian analogue and poses a significant threat to civil society. Apart from this, they have announced sweeping amendments to the constitution that would outlaw what it terms LGBTI ‘propaganda’, including banning public demonstrations or publications that it deemed to ‘popularise same-sex family or intimate relations’. The proposed changes would also ban gender transitioning.
Amidst the political crisis, queer people are facing increased threats to physical, mental and cyber security. The situation will only escalate as we get closer to the elections, that is in October 2024. We urge our international friends to keep an eye on the ongoing situation in Georgia, share the news, and donate to queer people, who are resisting the repressions. Your support is crucial at these difficult times!”
Mariam, FRIDA Advisor, Georgia
“After the Georgian state adopted the so-called foreign agent law targeting activists and initiated “anti-LGBT propaganda” legislation, the LGBTIQ+ community is facing increasing hostility and danger. The pressure and violence are escalating daily. Our only power against the oppressive system is resistance, and to resist, we need unity, solidarity, and resources from those around us.
We must amplify LGBTIQ voices, stand together, and use our platforms to spread awareness about our struggles. In these challenging times, only our collective action and unwavering support can bring meaningful changes.”
