Toronto Holds Benefit Concert

Big shout out to Lauryn Kronick and Jacqie Lucas for organising a benefit concert to raise funds for Ugandan LGBTI rights campaigners.

A Luta Continua, isn’t just a way to raise money for LGBT safe-house programs in Uganda—it’s also a way for Toronto’s queer community to show solidarity with one half a world away. The proceeds will benefit Gender Equality and Health Organization Uganda, a group that provides safe houses for gay Ugandans who have been driven out of their communities.

LGBT people in Uganda face extreme discrimination. Homosexuality is punishable by life in jail, and violence is a constant threat.

“GEHO provides a place for about 180 LGBT Ugandans who’ve been kicked out of their homes and communities for their sexual orientation,” says Kronick. “Lately, they’ve been getting requests for more and more help. They run three safe houses, and they’re going to be holding pride celebrations later on this month.”

GEHO was started by Andrew Waiswa, a gay refugee from Uganda who lived in Toronto for several years before returning to his homeland to help his fellow Ugandans fight for their rights.

Some of the money will also go to help a GEHO Uganda volunteer who was attacked for her work earlier this year and now faces steep medical bills.

You can find out more about GEHO Uganda on their website.

If you'd like to do something to raise awareness, you might also like to consider holding a screening of Call Me Kuchu.