Gay Kenya's Statement on Ugandan Beheading of LGBT Activist

Immediate Press Release

It is with sadness and utter shock we received the news of the atrocious killing of Paskikali Kashusbe in Uganda, an LGBT volunteer with Integrity Uganda Paskikali and his partner Abbey were youth workers with Integrity Uganda charged with the responsibility of mobilising young LGBT people in activities which build community capacity to face up to the challenge of homophobia, especially in the area of attitude change and care through drama and sports activities. Pasikali emphasized the promotion of the concept of care across the continuum through the formation of voluntary home care groups for young LGBTIs who continue to live in fear.

His sudden death brings to light the prevalent religious sponsored and state instigated homophobia in Uganda and shows the extremes of violence that people can go to do ‘get rid’ of homosexuals.  Recent events in Uganda (against homosexuals) – a Draconian Bill, anti-gay protests, and negative publicity - have led to violence and now murder is being carried out against homosexuals. Indeed it takes just a small spark to start a fire!

We cannot reiterate further the importance of protection and safety of each person, homosexual or heterosexual. It’s the fundamental right to live in a safe, secure and peaceful environment. Murder is a crime and one that should be punishable by law regardless of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

We strongly urge the police and the Ugandan government to ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are caught and prosecuted. Paskikali Kashusbe has lost his life simply because he was gay. The government should ensure the safety of all Ugandans and use this incident as a wakeup call of what incitement against a people, and more so a minority group, can achieve. Shall it keep quite when others like Paskikali Kashusbe are killed?

We likewise wish to reiterate our commitment and full support to our Ugandan brothers and sisters who face countless challenges living as homosexuals and who have lost a comrade. We as Kenyan gay activists view his death as a martyrdom; he was born a homosexual, lived as a homosexual and he died as a homosexual. He never wavered in his convictions and death would not stop him from being who he was - a homosexual! It encourages us who are left behind to keep on with our work. His death shall not make us fear, it shall not send us back to the catacombs of secrecy and the caves of shame. Rather than that, we shall now be more visible, more open and more outspoken.

We assure the family, friends and relatives of Paskikali Kashusbe our support during this trying and difficult time.  We shall be holding a memorial to commemorate his life and work. We ask all to pray for his soul and pray that we can have the courage to go on.

We shall push on forward. We shall not live in fear. We shall overcome.

Denis Nzioka

Gay Kenya

 

Author's Note SMUG in Uganda have issued press statement saying that the Ugandan who was beheaded was not an LGBT activist. The Press Statement can be found on this link. http://www.gaykenya.com/news/3730.html

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg