Two years after Uganda passed one of the harshest anti-homosexuality laws in the world, LGBTQ individuals in the country have had to find new ways to practice their faith and build supportive communities. With the law punishing same-sex intimacy with penalties as severe as life imprisonment and even the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” the challenges faced by LGBTQ Ugandans are greater than ever. However, some have managed to carve out safe spaces where they can continue to practice their faith and advocate for inclusivity, all while navigating the hostile environment that has followed the law’s implementation.

The Impact of the Anti-Homosexuality Law

In May 2023, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed a comprehensive anti-homosexuality bill into law, a move that has sparked international outrage and condemnation from human rights organizations. The law criminalizes same-sex intimacy, including “aggravated homosexuality” which targets individuals living with HIV, minors, or those involved in repeated offenses, with the penalty of death. It also extends to activities such as promoting homosexuality, distributing LGBTQ-affirming materials, or offering medical care, with sentences reaching up to 20 years in prison.

For LGBTQ Ugandans, this law has led to an increase in fear, discrimination, and human rights violations. In some cases, the law has emboldened hatred toward the queer community, making it even harder for LGBTQ individuals to live freely and safely. Many are now forced into hiding, but despite the challenges, some have found ways to stay connected to their faith and continue to advocate for inclusivity.

Faith and Resilience: The Role of LGBTQ Religious Communities

Agy, a transgender woman and pastor in Uganda, is one such individual who has managed to build a queer-affirming spiritual space despite the oppressive environment. Agy leads the Young Prophets Collective, an online church community that supports LGBTQ Ugandans. Her faith, identity, and resilience are intertwined, and she has remained deeply committed to showing that God’s love includes queer and trans people. “It’s made me even more committed to showing that God’s love includes queer and trans people, and to creating spiritual spaces where they can feel safe, valued, and fully seen,” Agy shared.

Since the law passed, Agy and her congregation have resorted to holding services online, with 10 to 25 participants joining through Facebook livestreams. The online platform provides a safe space where LGBTQ Ugandans can worship and connect without fear of being targeted. For Agy, the law has only deepened her resolve to create safe, inclusive spaces for queer individuals to practice their faith.

Agy’s story highlights a broader trend among LGBTQ Ugandans seeking spiritual spaces in the face of the law. With about 88% of Uganda’s population identifying as Christian and 11% as Muslim, LGBTQ individuals have historically found themselves excluded from mainstream religious communities. Yet, through online communities and smaller, private gatherings, these individuals continue to find a way to keep their faith alive.

The Struggles and Risks of Religious LGBTQ Ugandans

Hans Senfuma, a Muslim LGBTQ+ activist, also shared his experiences navigating the intersection of his faith and his sexual orientation. Before the law passed, Hans said that human rights violations against LGBTQ people were already occurring in broad daylight. The new law, however, has made these acts even more dangerous and criminalized. “The law simply gave a green light to more hatred and more criminalization,” Hans said, noting the fear he feels daily due to his activism.

Like many other LGBTQ Ugandans, Hans has been forced to move several times due to evictions by landlords who fear prosecution for renting to LGBTQ individuals. He described how even basic activities like applying for a visa for a human-rights conference in Canada were fraught with challenges. Despite the ever-present danger, Hans remains dedicated to advocating for his rights and those of his community, finding strength in his Muslim faith.

The constant threat of violence, criminalization, and social isolation has created an environment where many LGBTQ Ugandans fear for their lives. Some have even experienced blackmail or extortion, often after meeting people on dating apps, leading to an increased sense of vulnerability. This sense of fear is compounded by the societal stigma that continues to label LGBTQ individuals as “demons” or “outsiders.”

Creating Safe Spaces: The Role of Faith-Based Organizations

In response to the increasing marginalization of LGBTQ people in Uganda, several organizations have emerged to provide spiritual support and advocacy. Women of Faith in Action, co-founded by Diane Sydney Bakuraira, is one such organization. The group aims to empower women spiritually and advocate for the inclusion of queer women in mainstream religious communities. “As someone who once aspired to be a reverend, I wanted to create a platform that pushed liberation and inclusion,” said Bakuraira, who co-founded the organization with a Muslim friend.

While these organizations have been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ inclusion within religious communities, they face significant challenges in operating openly. Bakuraira’s group, which also works with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, has had to scale down its activities due to the dangers posed by the law. Instead of holding large gatherings, the group now hosts small house fellowships and online meetings to minimize the risk of being targeted by authorities.

Despite the challenges, Bakuraira has found that her faith has grown stronger through her work. “When the law passed, I leaned on my foundation,” she said, referring to her Christian beliefs and her commitment to advocating for those marginalized by society. Through perseverance and faith, Bakuraira continues to support LGBTQ Ugandans who struggle to reconcile their spiritual beliefs with their identities.

The Ongoing Fight for Faith and Identity

The experiences of Agy, Hans, and Bakuraira demonstrate the resilience of LGBTQ Ugandans in the face of adversity. Despite the government’s efforts to criminalize their identities, these individuals are finding ways to build faith communities that affirm their worth and provide support in an increasingly hostile environment. Through online services, smaller fellowships, and grassroots advocacy, LGBTQ Ugandans are creating spiritual spaces where they can worship and grow in their faith, free from the fear of persecution.

As Uganda’s laws continue to push LGBTQ individuals into the shadows, these faith-based organizations offer a lifeline to those seeking spiritual fulfillment while also fighting for their rights. The struggle for recognition, acceptance, and safety continues, but for many, faith remains an essential part of their journey toward liberation and self-empowerment.