From Wales to Uganda, here are some of the most important headlines affecting queer people right now
BY CAMILLE BAVERA, IMAGE BY PIXABAY
In a world of changing migration laws and visa requirements, queer people have been placed under constant stress about their safety and security recently. There are enough hardships and global crises currently in motion without the added fear of repression for gender or sexual expression. However, in at least three countries this week, LGBTQIA residents have reason to be worried about there.
Wales
After five years in office, the Welsh first minister has resigned his role, and by doing so leaving the position open to a politician or party who might be a less great ally to the LGBTQIA community.
Mark Drakensberg was elected in 2018, and in his campaign promised five years of service to constituents of the Labour Party, throughout the years, has made abundantly clear his stance on transgender rights in particular.
Last year, in a hotly contested debate about female sports, Drakensberg joined UK Minister Penny Mordaunt on the side of “transgender women are women” as the starting point of the conversation, and continued to act in the best faith throughout his last year as minister.
Another instance came this past February when the Welsh Government published their LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales under the Drakensberg administration in the hopes that Wales might soon become the most friendly and welcoming LGBTQIA nation in the world.
Now that Drakensberg has abdicated his position, there is reason to believe that the next first minister will not be as committed to LGBTQIA rights as the former minister, who was one of a kind. At this year’s November gala hosted by Trans In the City, Drakensberg spoke on behalf of the Welsh government to say that “trans men are men, and trans women are women, and non-binary identities are valid.”
Rwanda
A new treaty was crafted between the UK Government and Rwanda at the beginning of December under James Cleverly, that will deport asylum seekers who have come into the UK illegally to Rwanda.
There was a good deal of initial controversy surrounding the agreement, as it didn’t protect immigrants from being transferred from Rwanda back to the country from which they were originally fleeing.
For some, this would pose dangerous repercussions and the bill was deemed illegal under international law. Cleverly has since assured the public that if the situation is unsafe, the asylum seekers will be allowed to remain in Rwanda.
However, for some members of the LGBTQIA community, they feel that Rwanda is not safe to begin with, and are not comfortable residing in the country with orient. The UK Government even advises travellers of the potential dangers of visiting the country if they identify in a way other than heterosexual.
According to Micro Rainbow, an LGBTQIA charity organisation, their users are “terrified” at the prospect of being sent to Rwanda.
Uganda
Uganda is home to the most severe anti-homosexuality act in the world, with certain sexual acts falling under the death penalty.
A full hearing is set to take place later this month after an activist group appealed to overturn the law, which was passed in March of this year. In the coming days, various civil groups will meet with the Ugandan courts to finalise their petition and set a date for the hearing.
Whilst the law received wide acclaim from MPs in the UK Government, it has come under international scrutiny, with the US Government even going as far as to restrict the visas of persons and families involved in the ratification and stand by the Ugandan people’s freedom just last week.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken recommitted the United States to aiding the people of Uganda, and said “The United States stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health and mutual prosperity.”
Although the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, was quick to dismiss the States-imposed sanctions against certain Ugandan politicians, there is hope that the overarching international support for the people of Uganda, coupled with local activist groups, will work to overturn the law.
DIVA magazine will celebrate 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
