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Ethio Zegas’ uncertain future

  28 Aug 2012 

 ‘Out with the old, in with the new’ … part of a series of chants sang and

 hollered as part of the age old tradition of new year’s eve camp fire on September 10^th every year. I vividly recall the euphoria and  cheery optimism that seemed to take hold of every one that gathers round on those special nights every year’ to celebrate the end of the rainy season as well as the last of thirteen months according to Ethiopia’s unique  Geez calendar. a crucial part of the ceremony would involve briefly taking a fiery torch in doors and as dangerous as it might sound, it was invariably performed as a kind of symbolic renewal of the household, doing away with all that is old and drab and ushering in all that is new and good for the New Year.

  And with New Year being perhaps the one holiday that is celebrated up and down the nation and across religious divide; it truly brings Ethiopians together in an unreserved optimism for a brand new future.

This year though, it seems this season of change and of looking in to the future will be exceptionally crucial in respect of the entirely unprecedented events that occurred in the last couple of weeks. The sudden passing of PM Meles and the Patriarch of the Ethiopian orthodox church, Abune Paulos. These individuals had been at the helm of the highest positions in the two most prominent institutions of the nation as a whole for the best part of the last two decades.

Their passing has left many wandering how the drastic change will shape the future of the country and its ninety million inhabitants.

 At this stage, I guess we can only wonder how these inevitable changes will affect the society as a whole as well as individuals with in. As I have tried to make out one to many times, I am all for ‘change’!  in just about every aspect of life since I strongly believe that dynamism is the main constituent of liveliness of humanity in general. Hence,despite these not being overnight, I think it will not be long before our nation begins to experience change in laws & policies which have been rather monotonous, since the last change of leadership over two decades ago. Thus, and though not oblivious of the unpleasant possibilities, I am certain that these changes will most probably affect our community too, in one way or another.  This Comment from the 20^th of August,seems to ponder this inevitablitity in a similar manner;

Who will replace Ethiopian Church’s anti-gay patriarch?

Activists in Ethiopia are hoping the country will become less hostile to LGBTI people after a replacement is chosen for Abune Paulos, the homophobic patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church who died last week at age 76.LGBTI advocates know, however, that an equally anti-gay religious leader might be installed in his place.

Abune Paulos, who once termed homosexuality “the pinnacle of immorality,” joined with the anti-gay advocacy group United for Life Ethiopia a few years ago, seeking a constitutional amendment against homosexuality.

Under Ethiopian law, homosexual activities can be punished with prison sentences of one to 10 years, and up to 15 years for “aggravated” same-sex practices.Abune Paulos and United for Life Ethiopia led a campaign that urged the government to impose stricter sentences, up to life imprisonment and the death penalty.

He was president of the World Council of Churches and served as an honorary president of Religions for Peace, the world’s largest multi-religious coalition advancing common action among the world’s religious communities for peace.

Some members of Ethiopia’s LGBT community believe that the death of Abune Paulos will weaken the anti-homosexuality movement, especially if the next patriarch is a relatively open bishop about homosexuality,  at least willing to discuss on how to address the HIV vulnerability of LGBTs in Ethiopia.

But some believe that the next patriarch will be Abune Samuel, an extremely homophobic bishop who wrote a book in 2009 decrying the evils of homosexuality.Along the same lines, Abune Paulos told reporters in 2008, referring to homosexuality, “For people to act in this manner, they have to be dumb, stupid like animals.” “We strongly condemn this behavior. They have to be disciplined and their acts discriminated against. They have to be given a lesson,” he said.

He also said, “Homosexuality is an unnatural act and we call on international bodies to repent from their sponsorship of legalizing what is a wrong and harmful as well as requesting foreign body to refrain from attempting to subvert the sacred traditions of the Ethiopian people by threats and political pressure.”

In any case, rest in peace, our patriarch!

  Source; 76crimes.com

                                                                                                                                                                               Selam(ሰላም )

Related Links>>>

Human-Rights Progress Unlikely in Ethiopia

Death of an autocrat: What comes next for Ethiopia?

Africa's last empire shaken by death of Meles Zenawi

Meles Zenawi's death leaves a ticking time-bomb

Ethiopian church patriarch Abune Paulos dies

AMSHER in Addis; blessing in disguise or a

Grave menace, to Gay (ዜጋ) Ethiopians?

Dec7th,2011

  The beautiful, truly diverse and vibrant city of Addis is without a doubt the sole claimant to the title of ‘Capital’ not only of Ethiopia, but continental Africa as a whole. It has been a hub and host to the head offices of major international organizations from the likes of the now disbanded OAU, to its current successor AU (African Union) and many others...  Addis has been a centre of choice not only for its geographical location or relative peace, but mainly because it is a home of   unconditionally welcoming and hospitable people. Yes a white man will be stared at for standing out, but is never from the eyes of a face without a’ heart-warming smile’ and yes a ‘’ strange haired’’ individual might be shouted at, random ‘hellos and the like… but after all, what would better welcome one to a foreign place, than these small yet heart felt gestures of kind acceptance.

     And despite unsuccessful competition from other far more developed African nations over the years, the city with an  Amharic name
 meaning ‘New flower’ and is also literally in the process of blossoming, continues to be the choice of centre and a hub of the African continent.

 Hence, it came as no surprise when Addis Ababa was chosen to host the 16^th International Conference on Aids and STI’s, Dec 4-8^th, 2011.with up to 10,000 thousand delegates expected to fly in to Addis, it would be the biggest conference the city has ever hosted, but it should not be much of a challenge at all for Addis is the city of truly convivial and hospitable people…

ICASA

 The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) is one of the major international AIDS conferences happening in Africa. ICASA provides a forum for exchange of scientific knowledge, experiences and best practices in Africa and around the globe in all dimensions of HIV/AIDS and STIs. Most importantly, ICASA serves as a platform for sharing of progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in the continent.

The conference attracts leaders, high level policy makers, scientists, and people living with HIV/AIDS, community and opinion leaders and UN agencies, among others. 

  The first ICASA was held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1986 with the theme, "AIDS in Africa," and Senegal hosted the 15th ICASA," in 2008.  Its current biennial hosting alternates between the Anglophone and Francophone African countries.

  Following the 14th ICASA conference held in Nigeria, Abuja under the theme

HIV/AIDS AND THE FAMILY, a regional coalition of MSM/LGBT led and other organizations was formed. Aiming to work to address issues ranging from vulnerability of gay and bisexual men, Male-to-female transgender women and other MSM, to HIV 

 AMSHER 

    African Men for Sexual Health and Rights was formally established following the International Aids Society (IAS) Conference2008 in Mexico and a consensus workshop to define and agree on the objectives, held in Cape Town on March 16th and 17th, 2009.

  AMSHER’s official website states that;

‘’ As a coalition of African -based and -led MSM organizations, AMSHeR provides a platform for exchange and learning among grassroots MSM organizations, HIV services and advocacy organizations, human rights organizations and other agencies working with and/or for MSM communities. In addition to its work to bring about visibility and address MSM and HIV issues, AMSHeR advocates for greater resources for MSM work in Africa; it works to strengthen and develop community structures to address issues such as societal discrimination and stigma, and advocate for positive and inclusive policies and effective interventions. AMSHeR strives to increase the visibility of MSM issues across various levels such as policy, legislation, communities and service delivery, and strengthen capacities of national agencies and individuals working to improve policy, legislation and programming related to MSM sexual & reproductive health’’

  The organization’s motives are described as having arisen from the failure of most African nations to deal with Sexual health and other issues faced by MSM and similar sexual minorities as part of the fight against HIV aids.

Further on, it states that “Despite global and local evidence in Africa about the higher vulnerability of men who have sex with men (MSM) to HIV infection, only a few African nations have attempted to put adequate responses in place. Too much time has elapsed to ensure that MSM are considered within national HIV programmes. Africa continues to be the worst performer in the global community's efforts to stem the impact of HIV amongst MSM. The reasons for this state of affairs can be attributed to a variety of factors, which explain the current weak response the HIV related needs of MSM on the continent:

 ■There is a lack of visibility and voice of African MSM

 ■There is very little resourcing for MSM self-organized groups and programmes

 As a coalition we feel that there is an urgent need to have a common understanding of and clarity on the real issues ourselves (as MSM advocates). We are conscious of the need for African based structures to join the energies of emerging self-organized groups and organizations working to promote the health and rights of gay men and other MSM in the continent...”

  Though the issues mentioned above and the need to address them’ dire, in most African nations, Ethiopia is probably where the work of such an organisation be most desperately sought. Since there has never existed a single NGO, local or national organisation to deal with the issue and include MSM and other sexual minorities with in the current strategy to fight AIDS and other STI’s.

  Well, no surprise there, in all honesty, It is perhaps too big a ‘ask, and a dream too far-fetched. For me to hope to be helped and saved by the same people, society and state ‘that wish and strive for the entire non-existence of me and the likes of me…..

 Despite all, I was delighted to learn that AMSHER would be hosting a three-day workshop to build the skills of member representatives between November 30- December 2 and  a one-day pre-conference session dubbed ‘Claim, Scale-up, and Sustain’ with over 200 participants on December 3, 2011, in Addis Ababa - Ethiopia, prior to the main ICASA conference.

    The aim of this pre- conference gathering was set out as;

“To increase attention on MSM/LGBTI and HIV related issues in Africa, to reflect on the state of the response in MSM communities on the continent, and to identify ways forward for scaling up MSM and HIV interventions. AMSHER has partnered with its members, several community and donor organizations, as well as UN institutions to offer a range of topics that highlight a wide array of the most pressing health and human rights issues facing sexual minorities today, including the criminalization of consensual same-sex practices, new biomedical approaches to HIV prevention, the AU African Commission’s Committee for the Protection of the rights of PLHIV and those most at risk, the Global Fund’s Equity Assessment, and the recently adopted Political Declaration on AIDS”.

  I was optimistic for it might be a mile-stone and the start of a new era for the health and well-being of fellow Zegas @home yet also apprehensive in that it might lead to and bring about unwanted attention and a new wave of hostility towards the gay community in Addis and across the nation…As was the case following the Dec, 2008 gathering of nearly a dozen religious leaders in Addis who called for a clear constitutional ban and death penalty for the crime of homosexuality... ''
  
 Monday Nov 28,the AMSHeR team arrive at the pre-booked Jupiter hotel only to be informed by the management that they had double booked their conference facilities and that they would need to seek alternative arrangements to host their meetings. Amidst claims that the hotel was on the receiving end of accusations from the conservative Ethiopian elements about hosting a ‘homosexual meeting’ and that there were threats of violence. In the face of this hostile homophobic environment, the hotel opted to cancel its obligation to AMSHeR.The  management suggested some alternative venues, but informed the organisers that it would take up to a week to transfer their deposit to the new hotel. cumulative of which, made it virtually impossible for AMSHeR to host their workshop and pre-conference as previously scheduled.
  At long last,the UN  stepped in to offer a venue for AMSHeR to host the workshop and pre-conference. And despite day one of the workshop having to be  cancelled as almost a full day was spent getting the participants security clearance to enter the ECA building located in the  UN compound in Addis, a shorter version of workshop and meeting took place.
  
 

 Religious leaders convene

 Addis Ababa conference hall. Tuesday, 29 November 2011.

Religious leaders of all the major religions gather spear headed by Abune Paulos, leader of the Ethiopian orthodox Christian church  for a press conference called to denounce the upcoming MSM and HIV  themed event  to be hosted by AMSHER, prior to the opening of the much anticipated ICASA.

 The leaders briefly faced journalists before being interrupted by the health minister Tewodros Adhanom for an hour long meeting behind closed doors. Subsequently, the conference was called off and the leaders left without revealing what was discussed with the minister while a swarm of federal police officers forced the awaiting journalists to delete pictures taken in the conference room.

 It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the dodgy measures taken by the government officials were to cover up and bluntly deny what took place. And it is even more so obvious that, it was only to make sure the main event took place without a glitch there by avoiding embracement for the very deceitful & Image conscious administration. After all, it is the exact same hypocritical leadership that facilitated the gathering in 2008 and allowed the same religious fundamentalists to publicly incite hatred!

Now, since there have been no further publications on this pre-conference event hence I am not aware of the specific details. But I have no doubt that it would be of invaluable lesson and experience for the Rainbow Ethiopia members, health professionals and other Ethiopians who took part!

  But at the same time, I can’t help but wonder If this gathering which was the first of its kind in Ethiopia will be a blessing in disguise’ once the current spate of negative hype and attack dies out, or whether if will be a fire starter and a grave demise to the future of  gay Ethiopians? I guess only time will tell…

Word out

  Meanwhile, it didn’t take long for the news of the planned meeting organized by AMSHER and subsequent gathering of the religious leaders in Addis to reach the public. Mainly curtsey of online and print publications devoid of basic journalistic standards of impartiality and neutrality. Which was promptly followed unsurprisingly, by a flood of homophobic and hatred ridden messages on countless forums and chat rooms. Facebook posts entertained and reflected up on the sole topic of conversation for Ethiopians at home and abroad; Homosexuality.

By the time a few exchanges had taken place, it would no longer be about the meeting itself but all about homosexuality and the Ethiopian perspective.

  Yes it was excruciatingly painful at times for, if I ever forgot’ It did remind me the extremeness of homophobia with in the Ethiopian society and the mind set of many many individuals. But it was also strangely pleasing in that, Even if for all the wrong reasons; it did acknowledge my very existence. And to my surprise, there in between the insult and the curse were some truly remarkable views by Habeshas. Altruistic Ethiopians who don’t necessarily identify as queer themselves, but are not only aware of, and acknowledge the very fact that gay rights are basic human rights, but also brave enough  to freely express their views.

   On the other hand ,I was also astounded of the number of people who actually were not in favour of gay rights ‘as such and would never consider personally  associating with a homosexual but still went on to emphasize the fundamental need to raise and have a civilised discussion on the issue, regardless of the outcome. 

  Here is one such excerpt from a series of comments by an individual named ‘Benji Fortu’ which truly enthralled me;

“First of (just to make it clear) i believe in individual rights. No one should tell me what to do in my life as i don't want to order you in yours. And if u don't believe in individual right, stop reading my comment, you might find it offending to your thoughts.
So if you believe in individual right, no one forced you to be Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, atheist etc... No one forced you to follow EPRDF, CDU...., and similarly no one should force you to be homo, bi and hetero, as it is totally your right to exercise your choice and beliefs.
I have not seen, read or heard any tangible argument from anti-homo individuals that is not associated with religion, culture or just plain hatred. The religion reasoning only works for believers, how about for Atheist's? What is your argument for someone who is not in the circle of believing in God?
The culture reason only holds so long as the culture is stagnant. However, every culture in human history is evolving and changing through time. I don't think you still believe that women should not dress up shorts (which was literally our culture awhile back). It might not be our culture to support the idea of being homo or bi, but that argument could not hold long, it will eventually change. Some things which were considered as morally unethical just 10 years ago, are just normal those days.
After all we have to understand that life is a matter of choice and doing your best to achieve those choices while respecting others' choices.
But one thing that i would like to point out is that, if a homo person knock on my door and tried to persuade me in to his world (just like what the Jehovah witness individuals do), i wouldn't tolerate such action on my property and that would be enough for me to take some further measures. That's why i respect anyone's decision, so long as they respect mine” 

   what captivated me most reading Benji’s comment is  how he made a very apparent  yet absolutely imperative  observation of the fact that just about every single one of the homophobic comments and arguments  were based on religious beliefs. Hence he went on to ascertain to all self centered and ignorant homophobes to ‘think out of the box ‘for a change!

   It’s not wether which religious teachings say what, and which ones are right or not….for religion itself is a choice and that no one should be expected to have one let alone agree to and abide by a certain specific text and paragraph.

On another note, the very nature of the AMSHER gathering and the fact that it was part of the perhaps the biggest international Aids conference, was more than excuse enough to be used by  inconsiderate stirrers and scaremongers to justify their reasoning that homosexuality is the major source of HIV infections, and that even AIDS itself originated from gays. Some went on to name homosexuality,the ugly sister of  the once  infamous  group of  individuals known as ‘Shamo’   who were rumoured to have  set out to purposely and in an organized manner ,spread HIV .

 Similarly and very sadly, various articles were published as a supposed insight in to Ethiopian homosexual life style. A good example of which, is an Amharic article titled (የግብረሰዶማውያኑ ስብሰባ የፈጠረው ትኩሳት)   which entertained scaremongering & utter bullshitery of truly colossal magnitude. Extensive and detailed but entirely ludicrous fibs of how the alarming spread of homosexuality is on the brink of destroying the nation of Ethiopia, how gays  in their ever expanding organization either use sweets, chocolate and  Khat to lure innocent men and do their deeds, or violently rape using force.

 I am truly disappointed most of all at how some individuals are not only  against our community, but actually  go out of their way to mislead others using completely fabricated facts. While also, bullying anyone who might be pro-human right into fear of being ostracised ‘by painting a false picture of overall nationwide consensus. Nevertheless, I can’t even begin to imagine trying to retaliate for I wouldn’t wish to stoop to their low….

  But can’t help but at least, poke a gaping hole in a couple of ill-informed logics up on which, the majority of discussions taking place are based on.

Here is to all Ignorant homophobe Ethiopians; a hole in your own logic
  1, if as you all seem to deduce, we (gays) are to AIDS what mosquitos are to malaria, then how come Ethiopia has amongst the highest rates of infection in the world? Wouldn’t that assumption subsequently infer that ‘either the majority of 85 million inhabitants are gay, or that the very few minority Habesha homosexuals have somehow managed to have unprotected sex with and spread the disease to the majority?  Wrong!

   Homosexuality is not the major cause of AIDS, and gay sex, by no means an STI lottery.  Unprotected sexual intercourse of any kind is!

   Now, I am not oblivious to the numerous researches and statistics that has over the years revealed that there is a relatively higher rate of all STI infections among MSM worldwide. But this is a direct result of complete lack of safe sex education and campaigns specifically designed for this and similar sexual minority groups. Socio-cultural stigma also plays a major role in forcing homo sexual relationships underground there by rendering the chances of establishing a stable and monogamous relationship, impossible.                                                                                                        
 Both of the aforementioned facts are substantiated by the decreasing rate of HIV and other STI infections with in these communities in  many western nations who have decriminalized homosexuality and put in a great deal of work and as much resource to safe sex education, campaigns and specialised medical support to the MSM, LGBT and all sexual minority communities as a whole.
  All of which should have in fact been, more than a reason enough for Addis to gladly welcome and  host AMSHER with open arms and, more than a mere motive for Ethiopians to acknowledge the need to establish, nurture and develop such organizations and events!!!
 
2, It was not at all a new phenomenon to see just about every single Anti-homosexuality view expressed to have been based on religious principles and mainly, those of orthodox Christianity.
 Time and again, I  simply ignore such arguments for it would most certainly be time wasted in vain. But, born and raised in a family of strict Orthodox Christians myself and having done my fair share of bible study, I am very aware that the  bible (leaving aside the matter of weather I or any one for that matter should believe in it) does forbid homosexuality, mainly’ in the old testament . In same way the same bible and the same Old Testament calls for an adulterous woman to be stoned and a misbehaving child put to death….
Well, if this is the case and if you (holly people) despise us (gays) for the book tells you to do so, then should you not give your disloyal women to be stoned to death and your boisterous children be killed’ before you ?

 3, On the other side are arguments, purely from a cultural point of view. Stressing on the fact that Ethiopia is a country never colonized. Of pure, long-standing culture that has been passed down for generations and that it continue to be so. These stand points go on to not only claim that homosexuality has never existed in Ethiopia, and that no child of Habesha blood would grow up to be gay, but also that if there ever occurred an instance of  homosexuality in today Ethiopia, It is a result and one pitfall among many, of, globalization…. As ridiculous as it may seem, the idea of homosexuality having  been literally imported in , courtesy  of vectors in the form of tourists, merchants, and Ethiopians returning back  after living in the west, is not just a mere speculation but a firm stand point for most Habesha-Homophobes. 
  Wrong again dear friends!!
    I personally detest these arguments most of all for undoubtedly it will have a major vilifying effect and would greatly sway people who don’t have any understanding of   homosexuality at all ,in to believing that homosexuality is not the result and making of nature but a habit acquired or learned. Hence the probability it might have been brought to Ethiopia from the foreign land of the White man.
Now here is why I think this theory is absolute baloney,
 i, Substantial Historical evidence tells that the “Agaw people” who are ancestors of present day “Amhara” and “Tigre” tribes of Ethiopia and Eritrea practiced same sex marriages up until the 17th century. I guess that by itself should put an end to the whole “globalization” theory once and for all ‘If for any thing, since it happened a bit earlier than the year New York legalized same sex marriages or the century Britain decriminalized homosexuality…
   On another note, a recent research on sexual health of male sex workers in the streets of Addis Ababa, by a Norwegian NGO has coincidentally found that most of the men interviewed were born and raised in the country side and did engage in gay relationships before coming to Addis and if ever at all, meeting a foreigner or someone who has been outside Ethiopia.
  ii, Almost all of the still functioning anti-gay laws in most African nations are colonial era laws which were forced up on these nations by colonial powers mainly Britain. Which ironically shows that if ever, the white man had anything to do with homosexuality in Africa, it is forming the basis of state sponsored homophobia and persecution of the sexual minority.  A trend still carried on to the present day Africa by numerous white evangelical churches and scaremongering NGOs like “United for life”.
   iii, Yes Ethiopia is a nation of rich history dating back as far as 3000 years.  Home to countless, traditions and cultural practices…. But if we are proud of and treasure history of the previous generation and the ones before that, then we need to also believe in making our own history; of today, for future generations. By building on what the positives passed down to us and by modifying the unsuitable for our present day and age. Whether we like it or not the dynamic nature of culture will take its course and we will need to acknowledge it.
  Evident in, the countless harmful & inhumane cultural practices which were a must a few years back, but are utterly unthinkable in today’s    Ethiopia, a very good example of which is’ Female genital mutilation(FGM).

Final Reflections

 Well, In all honesty, I was literally lost for words witnessing what I forethought would be a moment of triumph and a step in the right direction.It had always been my passion & a personal mission to do my best to help start a conversation in our society regarding the ever taboo concept of homosexuality.In the hope that it would open society’s eyes and acknowledge the existence of me and fellow LGBT Ethiopians. And what follows, time would tell.

But in hind sight, I wonder if I actually realized the scale and gravity of the consequences.

  Beyond all,events that made homosexuality a topic of discussion among ordinary Ethiopians ,and the exchanges I witnessed mainly in online discussion forums  has made me realize the Cold truth;   In 21st century Ethiopia, the conceptual momentum  of  Gay rights  being  recognised as  basic human right ‘ is Not a case of  ‘back to square one’,but  rather ‘one that never left square one, in the first place.

   It’s plain to see that, almost every single one of the views expressed by Anti-gay individuals originated from among gazillion other reasons, a basic and fundamental misunderstanding of homosexuality in its entirety.

Being gay, from an Ethiopian perspective is solely depicted and understood as; a man’s   choice, desire and act of having penetrative anal sex with some one of the same sex. And no more. Exemplification of this being the societal trend easily visible in just about every argument concerning the issue in that, female homosexuality is hardly ever mentioned.

 Now, that being the case, I would like to raise a few points ‘from my own

Perspective. In the hope that other fellow LGBT Ethiopians would also do their bit to help bring about change in attitude. For if even one oblivious mind-set is learned, Ethiopia and consequently the world would have one less homophobe …

  It’s utterly ridiculous to assume that being gay is only about anal sex.first and foremost, it is a no-brainer that anal sex is not for gays only! And besides, as unbelievable as it may seem, a man can be of homosexual orientation and have just as fulfilling sexual relations despite having never engaged in penetrative anal sex. Fact!

 Now, what baffles me on the other  hand is the fact that , not only Ethiopians but just about every homophobe regardless of their origin tend to associate the  mere word  or  phrase  describing a person  of sexual Identity/Orientation other than what is of the majority( man,woman/ straight)  with lust & carnal  engagement. And assume such a person to be wild and interested in sex only. That being the case, Habesha homophobes possesses perhaps the worst form of this basic misconception. Hence, I do not think I could stress enough; being gay is not only about anal sex as being straight is not just about vaginal sexual intercourse. Being gay is a sexual orientation innate (inborn) not a choice, vice, illness or addiction.

  I despise stereotyping for I believe that every single human on earth is a universe away from being exactly alike with another, despite whatever two individuals may have incommon.But I as a proud gay man and a proud Ethiopian, tell you this. Which perhaps most Habesha or otherwise’ individuals of my sexual orientation would agree to;

 We (Zegas) are just as human as you (straights) are. We have a life and a lot more than just being gay. We have hopes and ambitions to better ourselves and our nation as you do… and our relationships are by no means less loving, we do experience just about every facet of  a heterosexual relationship; love and  romance attraction and rejection, jealousy and compassion and so on….

  For me, my sexuality is not only  lived/ expressed by my human and very natural  desire to engage in physical sex with another human of mutual feeling but  also in just about every aspect of  life which from early child hood made me different , and mostly Better!

Yes, our sexuality does influence to an extent and is reflected in’ the music our soul dances to our interests ,attitudes, ways and choices….but it is In exactly the same way that heterosexuality  does for straight individuals.

  Now, a very crucial face of the coin is also the fact that, our sexuality/being gay is   not at all our sole makeup, but rather a crucial part and constituent of our whole being. Keeping in mind that, this is not because of what our sexuality is, but because that is what human sexuality itself is.

                        Here is the best, short definition of sexuality I ever come across;

 “Sexuality  is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles,sexual orientation,eroticism,pleasure,intimacy and reproduction.Sexuality is  experienced  and expressed thoughts, fantasies,  desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced   or expressed.Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of  biological, psychological, social, economic , cultural, ethical ,legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.”

   Now, If this does serve its purpose of imparting to the reader, the inimitable importance of ‘sexuality’ and the role it plays in every individual’s being as an adult human ‘regardless of gender or sexual orientation, there should never arise a doubt that a gay man/womans sexuality is no more or less strange and unconventional than that of a straight one.  If ever our life style is  portrayed as being eccentric and abnormal, It is because you straights  agree on and defined’ what is of your own’ as being  normal and ordinary….

Personally, I am very aware of how people might react if a gay habitat’s sexuality came to light. But, in all honesty, I don’t harbour hatred towards  homophobe Ethiopians for most of all, I know that these very  people who would not batter an eyelid to wish the direst of perils to my person would do so not because they hated me, but because they actually  never knew me.

  Homophobe habeshas know nothing of what being gay is ‘not only because they despise and condemn it so much and don’t even want to spare a second trying to understand it but also because

i, They are completely and utterly confined to a culture of ‘take what your father told you to be the truth and the only truth and pass it on to your child’ without ever analysing and examining with one’s own God /nature given judgement.

ii, Adherence to  erroneous  and  ‘As and when it fits’  interpretations and teachings  of religion without ever having the  audacity to even begin to think about  self-analysis and  investigation.

iii, Our (queer Ethiopians) lack of courage, freedom and initiative to stand up and have our say. Show our true colors and reason our argument. Neither individually with in our families nor collectively with in our community.

   Surely, safety comes first and foolhardy battles are nothing but a recipe for disaster. But we also have to acknowledge that no
success comes without sacrifice.Racial segregation was not always considered immoral and Apartheid, inhumane. But with time, struggle and the unrelenting will of the minority, the oppressed and the marginalized have brought about the realization of equality and human rights for all in our world today.

Hence why we should perhaps seize the moment to stand together and rise up,Hence why we should shout’ If need be, to be heard…and stand by our word!

If anything, for we yearn to simply be accepted and not demonized for being gay.

   For we are a son and a daughter, a brother and a sister, and even a mother and a father….and most of all, a proud Ethiopian.
    
                                                                                                                                                                                       Selam(ሰላም)

International Coming out Day
11 Oct 2011

Today is international coming out day. Coming out and

 gaining some form of acceptance is a huge step in an LGBT individual's journey towards living a true and fulfilled life but is dependent to a large extent on personal & cultural circumstances.

It would not come as a surprise that our,Ethiopian culture does not entertain any concept remotely related to Homosexuality and LGBT life,Hence why this crucial step in the life of most queer habesha always seems a step too far.Personally,I would not have dreamed of or even tried to assume what would happen if i cameout while i was back home.But after living in diaspora and realizing that my family's beliefs would never realy change that much' I decided that it was now or never. Braced my self for the worst but had an ever mounting fear with in me that I might be left with out any family in this world.

 I didn't know what to expect at all for i had no frame of reference.

  When i finally went ahead and and did it, i felt like a huge load i carried on my back every single minute of every day ,was lifted.It was one of the most precious moments in life'even though very much bitter sweet.

Unsurprisingly,My mom's response though was not any one of the countless scenarios I'd gone through in my mind in the days and weeks leading up to my Coming out; She accepted me for she loved her baby son nomatter what,but  she didn't waste a second before she tried to enlighted me with  her habesha Motherly wisdom, the real  reason why she accepted the 'Gay me' now.  She said it was only because she knows this is a result of living away from family,church and Ethiopian way of raising and that   I was going through a phase,or perhaps took up a bad habit which I  will very soon grow out of with the help of relentless prayers,a bit of holly water and most of all,once he avoids those bad friends who mislead me...

  Now, I can't even begin to comprehend what the consequenses of my Coming out would have been like had it not been for the fact that my family live in the west and had perhaps come to realize that people that are Gay and Lesbian do exist and that they are not the monstrous,un-godly creatures the bible portrays them to be.(partly due to the fact that My  mom's  most favorite Telly continues to be'' Ellen Degeneres show''' despite knowing the hosts sexuality...lol)

Living away from them also plays a big part in the absense of emotional and physical peace i enjoy after revealing my sexuality to my loved ones. But i would be none the wiser to assume every one's circumstances will be the same and encourage all Queer Ethiopians to do the same based on blind bravado...But to take time and realize the consequences,to read and learn from others successfull Coming out stories.I strongly believe that we should not shun the entire idea of coming out for the sole reason of culture for as i have said time and again,culture is a reflection of us the individuals with in 'and what we make of it strongly depending on the time we live in. If we can change the culture with in our families,then nothing can hold us back from changing culture at societal levels.

 With that in mind ,I hope the few stories and related materials would help my fellow LGBT Ethiopians and allies be familiar with the concept of Coming out, and draw from it what can help change our lives and the likes of us.

                                                                                                                                 Selam(ሰላም)

Coming Out support

Telling people about your sexuality is called coming out.

You don't have to tell anyone you're lesbian, gay or bisexual if you don't want to. It's up to you who you tell, but you might feel happier if you can be honest about who you really are.

A good idea is to start by telling someone you really trust, and who you know will be supportive. It might also be helpful to get an idea about people's attitudes towards sexuality before you talk to them.

Lots of people that you tell will be really positive and will be proud of you for telling them, they might even be flattered that you trust them enough to tell them. Sadly, not everyone will be so positive and supportive. You should be prepared for some negative reactions and understand that this may be a difficult thing for some people to understand or come to terms with.

Once you have come out to one person the process does not end there, throughout your life you will find yourself in situations and around people where you feel the need or desire to disclose your sexual orientation.Ultimately there is no right or wrong way to come out, do it the way you want to and the way you feel comfortable.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone, there are lesbian, gay and bisexual support organisations across the world who are there to offer a helping hand, a friendly ear, and who have vast experience of helping people just like you.

The prospect of coming out is a scary one for many, and there are lots of concerns around being rejected and left in isolation. In all situations there will be positive and negative effects of coming out, and when looking at the best way to do it, it’s almost impossible for anyone to give a perfect guide to the event. But, here are a few ideas on the do’s & don’ts of Coming Out:Do 1) Contact The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Helpline for support and guidance 0845 3 30 30 30 6-10pm every night of the week. A quarter of all of our calls are about issues related to Coming Out. Our Helpliners are all individuals who are used to dealing with many issues and if they can’t help you straight away they’ll know someone who can.2) Use a trusted friendship to ask for support. Test the water by talking about subjects relating to sexuality before your ready to pour your heart out. Sometimes people don’t always react the way you think they will.

3) Ask a teacher / LGBT worker for support and advocacy, there are many people out there who can help; they're not just their to find you accommodation or tell you about the drama club.

4) Be yourself - be honest and respectful to your feelings and the feelings of your family and friends. When you're finding out about fabulous new friends and surrounding yourself with all kinds of gay influences to make up for lost time - don't forget about those who have always been there for you.

5) Ask yourself why is now the best time to come out? If you’ve got other stresses going on in your life; exams, flatmates, work, school, friends, family etc, now may not be the best time. What do you hope people’s reaction will be? If people aren’t as supportive as you’d like, do you really need the added pressure of their baggage while your getting to grips with what you want to say?

Don't

1) Own the reactions and feelings of others. You need to be sure of what’s right for you and that can change. It’s easy to be influenced when you’re feeling unsure or insecure about something, but you know deep down what’s right for you, regardless of what someone else says.

2) Stand in the closet until someone opens the door. There’s always an opportunity where someone will lead the way into a conversation. It’s up to you if you want to jump in or out. Many people have outed themselves unwittingly or without planning to just because they get sick and tired of keeping it to themselves or listening to homophobia.

3) Do not be frightened about coming out there’s lots of support available. If you can’t find any support where you are ring the LGF helpline 0845 3 30 30 30 6pm-10pm daily.

4) If you are having a tough time with Coming Out or if you are already out but need someone to talk to, you can call the helpline or come to the LGF's Face 2 Face counselling sessions.

*Contacts and Counselling services accesible with in the UK      

    Happy coming out day....

POWER OF STANDING TOGETHER
03 Oct,2011

“Are you finding many queer people who think it should continue to be criminalized? Also , it is only criminalized

in the penal code, the Ethiopian constitution protects all of its citizens regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

In fact when all of the religious groups banned together a few years ago under the push/ financing of a western

NGO (forgot the name) it was to change the constitution. Is decriminalizing same gender sexual acts in Ethiopia

something thatqueer Ethiopians in Ethiopia find important? I'm not sure it is for the majority of queer Ethiopians

... at least from what I saw it seems that living in the closet goes hand in hand with Ethiopian culture.
What do you think?’’

Like I said, at that very instance’ I didn’t foresee this and my reply was nothing but a mere peeved reprisal. A typical Habesha’s unreasoned ‘whatever’ sort of retaliation. But over the days and weeks to this very moment it lingered in my conscience for I feared deep inside that I might have been absurdly irrational. That I was wrong to ask and hope that someday, in the near future, gays and straights would be equal in the eyes of the law and the Ethiopian society.
How dare I!
I don’t want to go on about the painful emotional conflict I endured and the Immeasurable inner arguments I entertained with in me for none of it matters. All that matters is that, that was then and now is now. And now, I am unreservedly abashed but also whole-heartedly learnt. Not just because I nearly and easily conceded my greatest battle of all but purely because I now realize that I was shallower than a puddle in  that I didn’t think of leaving a space in my conscience for a ‘none of the above’ reply to the  multiple choice query of my partiality.
Auspiciously, ‘time lost is not necessarily time wasted’ in this instance, for I believe that I have today travelled in time to answer the question I could not, then…For I now realize that it was not weather Ethiopian culture could change, that I should have wondered but, whether we Ethiopians acknowledge the crucial fact that' culture is Dynamic,the actuality of culture as consiousness  of the  majority  with in a society along with common  and protected interest of that of the minority,Minority in number'but  those equally righteous in every way!   Yes,realization of this very fact is what can  truly bring about compromise among us all and change in attitude,awareness and change in way of thinking for us all. On a different note,the fact that this comment was from someone who I'd have thought to have  lots in common regarding the whole issue,and specially the fact that it is an individual who actively involved in organizing has answered a very crucial question I had failed to figure out. And that is the question as to why Ethiopian LGBT activism never takes off the ground let alone form a real movement that gets our voices heard.The voice of every queer habesha wallowing in self pity,guilt and eternal pain.

  Yes the Ethiopian constitution does claim to uphold human rights of every one,regardless of age,sex,religion and so  on,but this stops well short of mentioning sexual minority of any kind. It might well be that it is  because not all instances of life and not every regulation in the land  has to be spelled out in the constitution it self,but  set out in other laws and regulations which are all drawn up on and in accordance with the constitution.Now,if that is the case,then where do we find any laws mentioning us queer Habeshas.After all,in a land of over 80 million, there is bound to be a few of us...and we are a son and a daughter ,a sister and brother ,too.

 The Penal code of all laws is where the state acknowledges us for once with a clear criminalizing of all instances of homosexuality(Male and Female) with up to 10 years of imprisonment. Severe a  punishment for a loving relationship between two consenting  adults. It might seem every bit preposterous in every way but the reality is ,this law is actually  the least of our worries as an LGBT of a habesha heritage. Coming to terms with my sexuality as a teenager,going to prison for being gay never worried my little mind for not even once do I recall hearing about a gay man/woman being tried and sentenced offence but one of  being mercilessly beaten up and stoned to death not just by strangers and haters,but by close family  members and loved once.

And if there ever did take place such a trial and appropriate punishment in the eyes of the law,we all know for a fact that there is not a chance in a billion that this would be reported by the media.

 Now this and countless thoughts baffle me as to why some one let alone an actual  LGBT habesha would say that decriminalization of Homosexuality is not relevant to our 'Ethiopian culture.perhaps this very person has no consideration for others and for the cause what so ever because they reside in a foreign land and is afforded all the protection in the world.But what if they never left,what if they had to wake up every single day with the fear wether today might be the day someone or they them selves end their life.,would they still  have the same selfish opinion?I seriously doubt it...

That said,I can't help but wonder if with this quote and with in the words,is a fundamental cause of failure in us all. Fear!

For nothing more could ever explain our failure to stand up and challenge.hope,wish and strive for a better future.for a life free of prejudice and discrimination.

Gay or not,It comes as no surprise that just about every Ethiopian is raised with countless fundamentally flawed principles.Among which is the importance of a behavioral aspect made up of two very diffrent phenomenons.Fear and respect. what better way to create subjects and loyals rather than equals than to create a society with no clear distinction of the two. we were told from day one that we have to fear and respect our elders and parents,our teachers and leaders.To follow the rules and principles,thoughts and attitudes set out by them and the generation before them until the day when we are old enough to be feared and respected so that we may also be revered and heard with absolute authority.Until the day we pass on the culture and tradition passed down to us in its entirety.

  This 'fear' instilled in us from early child hood is what has made us Ethiopians trully obedient and a subject of what we were told is superior.

This fear is what closed our eyes and our minds,never to question but to accept what is given to us.

 This fear is what rendered us incapable of standing up and holding our own.

This fear is the reason why we say this is my culture and this is our culture and this is Ethiopian culture with out ever questioning what culture itself is.with out ever wondering if we could change it and make it our own suited for our own  individual ways and the likes of us.Only with the realization of this imperative fact can we answer all the questions regarding homosexuality and the Ethiopian Culture.We,every single Ethiopians of today 'make Ethiopian culture of the day! black or white,male or female,young or  old, gay or straight,Amhara or Oromo....

  I guess ,history has all the lesson we would ever need,if we are to awaken.The fact that slavery was a common practice in america a few decades ago does not at all allow racial segregation today.Renaissance Europe executed witches and Nazi Germany persecuted Jews....culture never frowned up on not long ago but utterly condemned in our world to day.

Well now,the question remains,Should 21st century Ethiopia stigmatize Homosexuals?

Bestowed in me at the very moment when I watched this documentary for the second time (mainly because Brian insisted we do so) was a couple of points which I hope are worth sharing.

I had previously touched on the common belief(misconception)  among many Ethiopians of Homosexuality being a foreign practice brought in by those who lived over seas and most of all one among many pitfalls of Globalization. Only  to go on to  poke a huge hole in this logic using a  none but our own history which tells us that the 'The Cushitic speaking Agaw people of  Ethiopia and Eritrea practiced Homosexual marriages as early as the  17th century.

 There followed numerous accusations of blasphemy and tampering with Ethiopian history;Silly retaliation from the unreasoned minds of the morally oblivion...what was perhaps  common ground in all messages was that I is never Ethiopia,but the west and mainly America,is where  Homosexuality has always been nurtured for generations... Hence why I thought it is absolutely empirical that every one sees and learns some among many truths which we live in denial of,through the documentary Stonewall Uprisings.

I itch to share with you all, this film not because I favourably or otherwise’ assume 1969 New york to be the equivalent of present day Addis, but because I, from a purely Habesha point of view, see a stark similarity between how gays then and there were surprisingly viewed from just about the same perspective as zega and Lez’s like you and me’ of our time.
The first half of the documentary is what intrigued me most as it entertained a similar perspective to that of the average Ethiopian, towards the issue of homosexuality and sexual identity from one that is in any way different than what the mainstream accept to be normal.

Yes . I rest my case. All who argued of homosexuality having always been accepted in other cultures ,shall hopefully learn once and for all ,the actual truth.That even the most democratic state on earth persecuted and tortured gays in the hope of a cure.

Argue with me if you will for I am not oblivious to the very fact that New york then is might not have a singe common similarity with Addis now and that America  and its culture  is a every bit different from our Habesha culture.But, the degradation those individuals felt is no different from what I feel now. The Isolation and need to hide is no different than what we experience on a daily basis whether we live in Ethiopia or not.

Now, I am well aware that I have been accused of going on and on at times but I’d like to convey this wee message to my fellow LGBT Ethiopians.
‘Please have the heart to spare a couple of hours off your busy lives to watch this documentary for it has thought me that we are not some whimsical, possessed characters that most fellow Habesha’s prefer to portray us as, but a brain behind the ‘face’ and person and an ‘individual’ beyond the label.
I visit on all of you to hear every testimony in this movie and draw up on it all and realize that you are not alone and that by standing up with others’ your brethren and sistren LGBT’s ‘,we can achieve what most Ethiopians think is inconceivable.
And most of all, I urge you all to mind that our history of being people of the only African nation never colonized is a result of 5 years of semi-occupied martyrdom and that,as an ethiopian, if we truly believe in being free,we should stand up and fight for the truth and never give in,no matter what.

INVISIBLE ACTIVISM AND OPTIMISM, THE STORY OF THE ETHIOPIAN LGBT MOVEMENT
(Excerpts from my interview with Behind the mask's 'Melissa wainaina)
10 Sept,2011

Ethiopia has a diverse population upwards 80 million and has been under the same leadership for over two decades. There is an absence of a significant human rights movement of any kind.

Systematic and divisive repression seems to have taken root planting immense fear among society at large. Civil societies are continually monitored and intimidated while almost every form of media government controlled. This does not allow for much of a human rights movement in Ethiopia.

But surely human rights abuses in Ethiopia will be exposed eventually despite the restrictions and intimidation tactics?

The global west seems to somehow favour stability over democracy. This is evident when there is continued support for the dictatorial leadership that oppresses human rights and this is rather hypocritical in my opinion.

If laws of western nations vow to uphold the values of basic human rights and condemn all kinds of discrimination based on age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex and sexuality, then they shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the situation of millions of people in nations like Ethiopia whose leadership they have close ties with.

Currently the right to basic human rights in Ethiopia continues to be unattainable and endeavouring to raise awareness of the issue or organize some sort of human rights movement seems impossible.

So where does this leave the LGBTI Movement in Ethiopia?

The mere concept of the LGBTI community as a minority of any kind is non-existent in Ethiopia.

A few months ago, I tried desperately to get a hold of the latest Amharic-English dictionary just to see if at last there had been an entry for any of the constituting LGBTI terminology but to no avail.

The nation’s most used language which is thought to be one of the oldest in Africa simply doesn’t recognize our existence.

The strong bond between state and church (mainly Orthodox Christianity) has meant that religious beliefs greatly influence every aspect of laws and practices of the government and society at large. Hence homosexuality is viewed entirely from a biblical perspective.

Absurd as it may seem, the unchallengeable consensus here is that there is no existence of homosexuality in Ethiopia and that the fact that it is recognized elsewhere is a clear indication or a premonition that ‘the world coming to an end’ as predicted in the Bible.

It is unthinkable for an LGBT person to come out as the consequences would be catastrophic. Suspicions or less have lead beatings or killings even by close family members.

In my early teens, I recall my trembling fear when I heard about the incidents of individuals being violently punished after discovered to be gay in prisons and detention centres. Seeking help or protection of any kind from the state is inconceivable as both male and female homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

There is not even a single LGBTI organization that has managed to come up and to bring about the much needed change in the attitude and provide support of any kind to LGBT individuals.

Ethiopia has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world. A great deal of work is being carried out by several national and international organizations in terms of STI awareness, both in prevention and treatment.

But none of it is directed to the people who perhaps need it most, LGBTI individuals.

‘Yesedom Nefsa,’ is a book by Fares (pen name) about a HIV positive former gay sex worker. Among other things the book touched on how medical professionals would refuse to treat patients who they suspect to be gay. On the other hand, there were also shocking details of how such professionals would use their authority to take advantage of vulnerable individuals.

Considering this position, it is clear that the LGBT are a vulnerable group in the fight of HIV/Aids and other STI’s.

Any help the civil society and NGO’s could attempt to extend to the LGBT, would be denied the necessary permits by government. It is extremely cautious of such organization’s capability to educate people and raise awareness of human rights issues.

But it is also clearly evident that no significant measure has been taken to try and get the necessary approvals by such organizations. The only NGO that had interest in the issue was ‘United for Life’ an Organization that was the major force behind a gathering in 2008 of religious leaders from across the nation to urge the government for a clear constitutional mention and tougher punishment against homosexuality.

Therefore these limitations have so far made it impossible to establish a tangible and coherent LGBTI movement in Ethiopia. The only visible activism if any is internet based as it is the best means by which opinions can be shared with anonymity.

This being said, internet accessibility is still quite low and very limited as evident in the various LGBTI chat rooms and forums that die out before any real community as such is established. Currently, the only significant, interacting online communities at the moment are ‘Gayethiopians’ and ‘Ethiopian_lesbians’ yahoo messenger groups with members in hundreds. Almost all of the members live in Diaspora like me with relative freedom of speech and accessibility.

Unfortunately, the Internet is strictly censored and monitored with in Ethiopia. Websites disapproved by the government are blocked which has made it impossible to access information as a community and work to bring about tangible changes.

Is there hope for an LGBT individual in Ethiopia?

Despite progress being painfully slow, I believe change is apparent as seen in the number cases where individuals are motivated enough to have their say and express their own life experiences which usually lead to the beginning of more open conversations and discussions around sexuality.

I set up and launched a website ethiolgbt.com and with the help of close friends and other LGBT Ethiopians mainly in Diaspora, there has been an awakening and unprecedented amounts of conversations and exchange of ideas on the issue of homosexuality and other issues around LGBT taking place.

But what is truly overwhelming is the support from Ethiopians who do not necessarily identify as LGBTI individuals. They seem to clearly understand the value of human rights and equality and have a strong belief that the Ethiopian LGBT community should be acknowledged and afforded the same level protection as a minority of one form or another in Ethiopia.

I quote a recent comment from a straight Ethiopian girl living in Addis Ababa,

“Lately things happening in my life are making me rethink my decision to be indifferent and turn a blind eye to what is going on around me as long as it didn’t affect me directly. I don’t think that kinda life is just for me (sic) not when there is this much injustice around me! So added to my list of latest happenings that inspired me to live a true life is that today I read your stories on your website which brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for standing up, coming out and shading a little light on what it is like to live as a gay person in Ethiopia. I am not gay and I can’t imagine how it is like to live here in Ethiopia where people think you are shameful or just a victim of popular western belief and in crisis. I think I am now more aware and no longer ignorant about homosexual life in Addis and open to understand more about it instead of judging without wanting to understand.” – Meti

- http://www.ethiolgbt.com/Guestbook.php)

What is the way forward in terms to the LGBT Movement for Ethiopian nationals?

As Ethiopian LGBT nationals we are all aware of the amount work that needs to be done and the countless challenges that lie ahead but hope to overcome and someday be able to live life freely in our great nation.

We also hope that other nations who claim to uphold a uniform standard of human rights but seem oblivious to the horrendous human right violations in Ethiopia would take up initiatives to perhaps change in foreign policy regarding leadership standards.

Ultimately, it is up to us LGBT Ethiopians to come together, and try to get our voices heard, work to bring about the necessary change in attitude at individual and societal levels. And most of all endeavour to have homosexuality decriminalized in Ethiopia.

*Selam is a pseudonym.

By Melissa Wainaina

Until now, Le Gateau Chocolat has performed three-minute spots in cabaret show such as La Clique and La Soiree, where the emphasis has been on shock value. For his Fringe debut, he will sing for an entire hour with accompaniment on piano and cello. It’ s a daunting and thrilling evolution. ‘You’re going to see a much softer, more real and honest Le Gateau Chocolat,`he promises.’Here,you get to meet who I realy am.Before all of the Lycra,before the frills, make-up the tutu and lashes, I’m a person and I have these stories to tell.

Le Gateau Chocolat on Paul O'Grady show

‘I think the themes in my show are universal, from falling in love to wanting your parents to be proud of you, ‘he continues. ‘My show transcends the fact that we are not the same and deals with the humanity in all of us. There are moments I struggle to fit in- Being big, being black, and being gay. If you add up all those things, I am a minority in more ways than one so I have two choices: play the victim, or look at the positives and celebrate the fact I’m alive.’

On stage at least, he has celebrated in eye catching ways including a Christmas performance at the Roundhouse in London, where he was hoisted from the ceiling clad in an enormous white tulle snowball. He has personally dragged 80 kilos of retina-sneering Lycra to Edinburgh. ‘I came up by coach, ‘he sighs,`It was an eight-hour overnighter, which is an experience you should have once in your life… but never again. ‘He lets out a deep ,rumbling laugh then adds, I never intended to be a performer, I was going to be a lawyer. I haven’t run away with the circus, I feel like the circus has run away with me.It’s snowballing out of control but I’m really enjoying the ride.

Selam(ሰላም)

NYC Gay Ethiopians get together
Tue 21 June,2011

 

Selam(ሰላም)

Justin ‘Comes out’ dancing 

Mon 20 June,2011

Overall, "Hello Goodbye" did wrap up each of the beloved characters’ lives in a nice pretty bow, but how bummed was I  that there wasn't even a kiss between Daniel and Betty!? They literally waited until the last 40 seconds to show him go to London for her!

  C’mon! Surely everyone wanted MORE!I hoped for a dramatically romantic ending where Daniel sweeps Betty off of her feet professing his love to her in front of all her new British friends and giving her a kiss that gives hope to all the ugly Betties of the world that you can get the dream guy. That would have made the show.

Although, I acknowledge it was much more of a realistic ending. Especially since Betty would/could not believe that Daniel had feelings for her. It was funny to see her look at Claire with such surprise. Hello Blondie! Get on with the program, right?!I know I should have probably expected it, but I was happily surprised by Connor's return. He really loves Wilhelmina and the spoilers were right - Wilhelmina did have a dream ending. She got everything she always longed for - love and being the main editor of Mode.

   But I think I can safely say Justin had the best ending of all really. I’d been looking forward to the day when his sexuality eventually comes up and how people around him might react. Yes he’s got a cool mom a wonderful granddad and of course the funkiest auntie one could ever wish for. Still, the unpredictable nature of the drama makes it almost impossible to imagine how it would all unfold. I couldn’t help but wonder if Justin would take the leap himself or be reassured by a loving family perhaps before he is ready to accept himself and learn to be ok with how others perception of him might change because of his sexuality.

Oh my, was it worth the wait!

Justin didn’t need a word to tell the world all… He just had to dance, pretty awesome.

 For the average habesha turning the pages of a local newspaper or browsing online with the aim of learning the day’s news and current affairs so as to be just as informed as colleagues and friends, this title is very much more than peculiar. ’Yesedom Nefsat’’ literal translation meaning ’sodomite souls’. I was advised to have a look by an acquaintance who thought it might be of interest after stumbling up on a review on a prominent Ethiopian website.

  After reading repeatedly what seemed shockingly grippinga title for any article as such, I went on to go through the paragraphs that followed only to end up looking for some more and more again so as to make sure that I clearly understood what lay before me. Apparently, a book had been published by a gay /ዜጋ(zega) Habesha revealing his experiences as a gay man, giving readers shock of their lives! Most reviewers describing it as the most outrageous and vivid description of homosexual life in Addis and the whole of Ethiopia. It surely came as a shock to me as well as no books of such content have ever been published to date. And all of a sudden, I was to believe that a gay Habesha had written and managed to legally publish a book in Addis. And though some sites like Ezega.com published a well-informed review that seemed to be considerate of journalistic standards in terms of impartiality. I was still left with so many unanswered questions and it seemed like nothing would give me the closure I craved except to try and get a hold of the actual Amharic publication.

  Within minutes, I was filling out purchase forms off a website based in Addis with items on offer as diverse as a live sheep holiday gift to best-selling novels and what have you. But this was my very first order from a site based in Sheger and sceptical as I was, I couldn’t resist the urge to get on with it and just hope for the best and to my surprise the punt paid off right away. In just a matter of days, I had the book before me. Rather tiny, nothing like I expected but then again I did not know what to expect.The grimmest of titles along with a man facing backwards, sat on a chair with a semi hand cuff dangling down and an ‘over 18s only ‘warning made the cover reassuring me of a worthy deed in trying to get my hands on it as I realized that no Ethiopian browsing a book of shelves would ever by pass this one without the need to flick through.

The story of Abiye(Eliana)–first person narration by writer ’Fares’

I went ahead and flicked a page;(Begebresedomawi hiwot lemisekayu hulu) To all suffering in homosexual life’Well, I did pose for a moment now and asked myself if perhaps what I had in my hands was for me for after all, even though I have always been gay as far as I could remember, I have never suffered from it. Nor ever thought of a possibility that one could…But then again, who am I kidding? I know very well that no matter how mediocre I predicted what lay in front of to be, I would still be itching to lick a finger and turn a page, and so I did.

The story detailed the life of a gay Habesha from child hood, early teens and then on to adult life from his birth place Negele-borenato Awassa, from Kulukonta to Piazza in Addis Ababa, from the warmth of Harar to the deserts of Yemen and Saudi Arabia... Born in the late 60s in the southern rural part of Ethiopia, Abiy’s extraordinary story tells unfortunate life of a child born in an uneducated & extremely conservative family and raised in a society that seemed to unconditionally reject him for what he his.A difficult child hood described as one filled with days almost entirely of suffering, anguish, torment and sorrow followed by a life of pure and utter misery. Well in all honesty; this alone by no means would have made his life so eccentric as to be worthy of a print to be read by millions, for a life of hardship is not at all scarce for an Ethiopian. But, along with the ups and downs of Abiy’s difficultchildhood, he described how he discovered his homosexuality at an early age which according to him shaped literally every aspect of his lifeto the present day,2003(EC)

Even though his sexuality was never known by his parents as such, it still by no means guaranteed him a good safeupbringing .His own words suggest that his family seemed to continually punish him not just for the usual mishaps a child might get a stick or two, but for being what he was. For being different!He reckons that being gay was the cause of a wretched life for perpetuity. He talks of having to run away from his parents who cruelly tortured and maltreated him for every menial excuse and most of all to rid him of the evil fixation (homosexuality) he had developed over the years. But despite all the optimism to restarting a new,’ clean life’,it was not long before as he says ‘he found himself serving his evil master, engaging in gay sex and even worse engaged in the business of prostitution.Further on, the later chapter of his life takes a turn for the worst as he is diagnosed with HIV and loses all hope. He reaffirms once again that his sexuality /zegarescindable punishment for life. Hoping to cleanse himself of it once and for all, yet again he embarks on a journey away from his old life only to be back where he set out from in no time.Well I was not surprised for no matter how unwise i am,i had long ago learnt one crucial lesson in life quite a while ago…One can never alter or run away from themselves no matter what!

My o my … One true page turner story got me glued on to this tiny book thingy like no other till the very last page. Busy digesting thoughts and analysing what I took in while at the same time construing through. Normally, I would try and envisage some form of ending for a story I am reading which would delight me if it turns out to have some form of resemblance to what I would be left with after reading through to the very last page. But in this case, I had no prior reference to compare to. hence did not have any clue what to expect let alone predict a plausible conclusion
     In my first read, once turning page 244 of what felt like 50, after about two and a half hours and Three cups of tea, and realizing that it was actually all over, my mind went numb for a while and I can safely say that there was literally not a trickle of thought impulse taking place in me what so ever.I Put on my coat and went out for a smoke not daring to be the one to have to trigger a spark of notion in my little yet always busy brain which rarely resembles a thought vacuum.What was I expecting, When I went ahead and placed an order for a book titled ‘’Yesedom Nefsat’’ and waited for what seemed like an eternity to get my hands on it, running to the door every time I heard the letter box flap. What was I expecting when I laid my eyes on a picture of a red bloodied eye close-up alongside a Semi cuffed man with hands dangling out as if lifeless? What was I expecting when I read the message for the likes of me, supposedly suffering in the agony of homosexuality…? I have no idea and yet I seemed to have gotten the shock of my life that my system was somehow rendered inert ‘incapable of entertaining even the tiniest of thoughts.

    Short fag walk turned to a trip to the pub and it was not before a pint that I kind of came around and realized what just happened, but it’s a Thursday, a week day. I had broken one of my most sacred self-set out rules; I should never drink on a week day even if it was my birthday! Deary me… I got up but kept my head down and headed to the door
  Once settling down, I realized that the book had achieved his objective in gripping readers tight with the grimmest of tells. Maybe it was the writer/publisher. Whoever actually wrote and compiled the book had accomplished whatever it was that they set out to attain. I could only wonder might bear ultimate responsibility of the entire contents of the book. But at the end of the day, Abiye’ (Eliana) was the one who evoked such indescribable distress in me. I didn’t for a moment up on reading through presume that it may all be lie and I still don’t. For, some very personal parts especially during Abiy’s child hood, I myself could relate to in a way. But then again no matter how long and hard I tried, I could not come up with a plausible explanation as to why someone would want tonegate their own principles, repudiate their own words and disprove their theories as I could clearly see Abiy do.
  Why did Abiy; a gay man who’d be best suited to argue the realities of gay nature and the fact that it is never a choice & addiction but an inborn nature or perhaps even raise just about every issue faced by an individual like himself, choose to use the gripping power of his life experience to advance the ill-informed dogma retained by the millions of homophobe Ethiopians who inadvertently, unintentionally or deliberately claim that homosexuality is a wicked vice onechoses to engage in.
    Absolute baloney! Being gay/zega is by no means a choice neither is it immoral. It is a phenomenon innate feature that can never be washed off or escaped from’ not that one might ever want and need to.Why then did a homosexual who due to very unfortunate circumstances in life engage in prostitution and contracted a deadly virus decide to blame his sexuality as the source of what he believes is a ‘punishment’ brought up on him?
   Why on earth did he go to the extreme of alarming the nation of Ethiopia against threat to the society of an impending homo invasion of some sort?

    Well to my surprise, after a few hours of deliberation & careful analysis, I guess everything kind of started to make sense and I was finally able to take a break and weigh up the circumstances especially after trying to place myself in his shoes.I needed to try and imagine the level of pain and suffering he endured, physical and emotional agony he went through to this very day due to unfortunate family background and circumstances that followed. He was done injustice all his life and abandoned to deal with the it all’ alone. I guess it is just natural for him to deduce that ’what he is’ which he was made to believe was ’the mother of wrongs’ all his life; might be the ultimate cause of his suffering. And given his health status which obviously is the result of his prior sexual encounters, unprotected once to be precise. It all kind of ads up.

   Now all the pieces get shape and make even more sense when considering the fact that at the end of the day, when he thought he’d reached the very end, there had to be hands put forward to help him get on his feet and those hands while helping him a great deal also used him to serve their purpose& advance their wicked ideologies.once again, I have no doubt that every bit of Aby’s story in the book is true, but I am just as sure that the organizations who helped him publish this book made sure that they told their own story And passed a stern message/warning to whoever might get their hands on it: ‘homosexuality is evil & Un-Ethiopian’’.Clear evidence of this being a detailed description of ‘United for life’s work in the last 2-3 years campaigning frantically for a clear constitutional ban and harsher punishment of those convicted of Homosexual offences in Ethiopia.In a move widely welcomed, United for life had organized a gathering of all major religious sects in the nation who witnessed among other presentations, an utterly horrid DVD made almost entirely of fabricated facts & statistics prepared by the same organization describing in detail countless reasons why homosexuality should be unconditionally denounced and condemned. The outcome was a unanimous decision and a statement from the panel urging the government for a constitutional ban in addition to the already existing mention in the criminal code.
    Well, no matter how much I tried to see where he’s coming from’ so to say and come to terms with all of it, It just never happened. For a part of me knew I had to do something for my conscious sake,

Hence I decided to have my say perhaps with a brief…

Message to አብይ (ኤሊያና)

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your initiative and unparalleled bravery in going the extra mile to share your story. I am aware of all the worries and fear of reprisals you mentioned once the book gets published and word gets around. To come over all your apprehensions and as you said ‘Risk your life for a worthy cause’ is indeed inspirational.

  Well, once again I would have thought you to be very best suited to argue that this is absolutely impossible taking in to account how many times you mentioned of Zega friends falling ill & even taking their own lives unable to come to terms with themselves. And also considering the fact that you have lived all your life trying to literally run away from yourself, abstain from earthly deeds and even live in a monastery on a daily dose of holly water in the hope of being healed only to realize that it was all in vain. It didn’t work for what it was not achievable in the first place. Nature is perfect and so are all its creations. Including us; Black or white, tall or short, straight or gay…we are all what we are and we are all perfect, just the way we are!
 Truly gobsmacked I was to read the final chapters of your book entertaining homophobia from a very different perspective. A rather ludicrous one to be honest. You mentioned that ‘In the past, Homosexuality was listed as a mental illness in international medical standards and laws but was later excluded from such classification due to development of human rights. Which you said has led to many gays confidently citing this fact as justification of the virtuousness of their lifestyle.I guess now is when I actually run out of words. I thought, What if one was to actually set out to list such laws, rules, standards, classifications, etiquettes, protocols and the likethat were at some point in the past considered appropriate but were later in time annulled. Be it due to social evolution, advancement of basic human rights or as a result of fundamental common sense & realismprevailing. I cannot even begin to imagine where the list would end. Now, in all honesty, never in my existence have I encountered reasoning where an argument is based on the fact that something was deemed immoral at some point in history.Yet you or the publishers somehow thought it might be worth mentioning along with countless other inane & shallow viewpoints.

Well Abiye, I guess I could go on infinitely for I was truly disappointed after reading your book. It is against me and all my values regarding my sexuality. I am a proud Zega and I dream of an Ethiopia free of discrimination and prejudice. I endeavour in every means possible to help bring about a change of attitude in our society so that someday we, LGBT individuals from across the nation can live freely and be accepted for who we are. I do not expect a reply but you are more than welcome if you want to get in touch. I hope that you read my message and realize that you personally or who ever used your name to advance their principles have caused a great deal of emotional distress in me and probably many, many brethren Zegas …best of luck

Is Homosexuality un-African? 
Fri 1 April,2011
In the past, Various viewpoints based on the fact that Colonial era followed by globalization brought numerous cultures, language, attitude, life style and the like... to Africa have been put forward to class certain features of the current African way of life as foreign, imposed up on our fathers and us whether beneficial to society at large or not. And even though this by no means takes in to account the fact that Culture is dynamic and ever changing by itself, it also lacks plausible reasoning and tangible evidence to pinpoint the actual transfer in time of this certain aspect of culture that otherwise never existed in its entirety prior to that very period in history.

Among others ,homosexuality and the issue of it being part of African culture has been a dividing topic in almost every nation throughout the continent but almost never raised until very recently when human rights organizations and various pro-gay groups gathered pace and pressed for an end to criminalization of homosexual relationships and also better protection to LGBT individuals continually at risk even in countries like south Africa that allege to have put forward laws to do so.

In the aftermath of the cold blooded murder of Uganda’s prominent gay rights activist David Kato, the world’s media seemed to have awoken to the plight of LGBT individuals up and down the continent who are stripped of their basic human right, prosecuted and punished for their very nature. All mainly because homosexuality is thought to be purely western. A life style by choice and not in the nature of an African.

A few documentaries helped shed light on the issue mostly as seen in the eyes of westerners who travelled to have first-hand experience only to be even more perplexed as to why people would be persecuted and even killed for something that is very easily taken for granted in the west. Well known gay Radio DJ scot mils’ trip to Uganda saw him get the shock of his life witnessing an indescribably harsh existence LGBT individuals have to endure and even faced the risk of being arrested himself after revealing his sexuality mid interview to Ugandan MP David Bahati who is behind the country’s proposed Anti-gay bill.

In my opinion, though such programs would undoubtedly help shed light on the issue to outsiders, they don’t do much in the form of getting Actual Africans themselves to raise the issue in civilized discussions and perhaps in paving the way for laws to be made and implemented with better consideration. But much to the amazement of many, the BBC world service in Johannesburg hosted an interesting debate on the issue not like anything seen in the past.

The short debate had a very narrow panel representation despite a title ‘Is homosexuality African’, a subject with largely very extreme points of view in different cultures of different nations. And I would also have like it to be much longer than what felt like the shortest hour on telly due to the very interesting and at times hard to believe views on the issue witnessed. Rather Mediocre ones from supposedly educated people like MP Bahati who claimed Homosexuality is threatening Africa’s population growth to enlightening and inspiring thoughts from Eusbius Kaiser, a Writer and Philosophy lecturer at Wits University in South Africa who is also gay. I went back over and over his closing statement which among other things pointed out the fact that Homosexual relationships are by no means a perverted deviant interaction among two individuals of the same sex as is thought to be by many but rather an intertwining of two humanly souls in love prone to the same trials and tribulations faced by hetero sexual relationships.

What I thought was a truly crucial point despite all was also that almost everyone who tried to argue that homosexuality is un- African tried to get their points across by raising the fact that a standard family consisting children would not be attainable and that they themselves who have so many children would not have had any’ had they been in such relationships. A baseless argument in its entirety in that it deduces homosexuals as being unable to procreate at all and also oblivious to a very important fact which is that the question of is homosexuality African or not is by no means is to say as should every African be one or not! There have been for generations and will always be heterosexuals most probably in many folds majority as there will be homosexuals.

Here is a link to the full debate divided in four parts.

Part1

Part2

Part3

Part4

  In october 1999 the bbc published a report titled ''Homosexuality;Is it un-African?''

which saw overwhelming reactions from africans at home and in the west condemning homosexuality and asserting the fact that it is not and never will be African.almost a decade on,I wander how much'If any has changed in peoples attitudes interms of realizing equality and accepting one's sexual orientation/identity with out prejudice.

                                                                                  By Selam(ሰላም) & B.T

Who is your Hero...Can you/me  be one also? 
Tues 29 March 2011

Special  thanks to Joe Bell of Southwark LGBT Forum
Selam    













                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Un-Healed? 
Saturday 26 Feb,2011
The one and only activity i engage in  almost at all times' be it for work,study  or entertainment being reading,I spend hours and hours almost every day ; On the move or stationary even while sat  on the throne answering the call of nature...i strive to satisfy my insatiable craving for knowledge in the form of words,sentences and pages.Every time i come across something interesting and  read it; repeatedly if necessary,i get some kind of  indescribable  kick and a surge of satisfaction quickly replaced by a desire to read further ' discover even more...A never ending yet never tiring cycle takes me through time,to places I'd never get to see, and in to the minds of  great people I'd not have the honor of meeting otherwise.

Usually,  at the end of along day I put my book away and tend to  retire with a cup of  tea and a  DVD i would have picked up earlier.And my favorite genres almost unchanged  since childhood being the likes of   Epics,Sci Fi,drama,romance and true stories,i seldom need to look hard to find some thing good...until now that is.

  I was  recently  recommended a  television film by Russel Mulcahy an Aussie director well known for his Elton john video clips.After reading an enticing review and witnessing  lengthy discussions on a few gay forums,I decided to give it a try but unfortunately, even though i scoured every store in and  around my home city ,not many people  seemed to have even  heard of it.frustrated but too stubborn to give in,I looked for  the title that sounded too personal to ignore' at every window of opportunity. My determination paid off at last  and i was able  to get my hands on a blue ray copy  at a small LGBT library/centre and couldn't wait  till evening to snuggle up and see if it was all worth the trouble.

Prayers for Bobby
Ryan Kelly( Heart stoppingly gorgeous ) plays Bobby Griffith in Prayers for Bobby, true story of  a young gay man driven to suicide mainly due to his mothers religious intolerance.

  To describe this story as Gripping and extremely saddening would be an out right understatement.Let me put this way; i have watched some really moving emotional stories and perhaps even been covered with  goose bumps all over quite a few times but never experienced such an intense sublime feeling bubbling with in me not just immediately after wards but surprisingly almost every time i think of it' to this very day. I would not want to be a spoiler and tell the whole movie from start to finish which I would have been delighted to, but will rather mention few bits in the  hope that  readers watch and have their own take on it.

  Bobby Griffith grew up as the innocent, happy and intelligent all-American boy with an obedient and gentle spirit. But as he grew into adolescence he discovered that he was attracted to other teenage boys his age or older and not girls. And because Bobby was raised as a devout Christian and was taught that being gay was one of the worst sins imaginable, he believed that he was defective, that he was going to burn in hell for eternity and that he was unworthy of God’s love. He was very aware of his church’s teachings because he was active in his local church along with his brother, 2 sisters and mother, Mary, who taught Sunday school.

    The movie begins at a stage where bobby was growing in to adolescence but just before his outing. A happy and close 'very typical christian family. Things are completely changed though as bobby comes out to his brother and once the whole family became aware ,every single day became a living hell for the young man who was never to be accepted for what he is but despised,ridiculed and scorned... administered a cleansing regime to rid him of his ailment. His mother ,Mary blinded by the teachings of hate and discrimination  was convinced that this was just a 'thing' he came across guided by the devil and would not leave a single stone unturned before her son was healed. She set about trying to save her son of the punishment he might face in the after life  in part but also her self of the shame and hate her family would probably have to endure.her absolute dedication to religious teachings of the bible mattered to an extent that she would try to change her son's sexuality weather it made or broke him. But despite all, she didn't succeed and  saw her son move away to another city to live life as he was meant to be.

    Even though a it seemed the right decision to get away from it all, the damage had been done long before .. Bobby was hated and rejected by almost every one he loved most and abandoned to deal with unbearable stress by him self. He was literally pushed over the edge for what he knew was not something he learned or became but  was what he was created as.

 The pure and innocent young man that many would later realize was a kind,loving soul who would never hurt any one;was hurt beyond repair and forced to take his own life.

  As is the case most of the time,the funeral ceremony was lead by an inconsiderate homophobe who was supposedly 'man of god',yet went on preaching hate and misinterpreting religious teachings ,manipulating verses in his own favor to prove his point that homosexuality is the greatest sin of sins.unbelievable as it may seem.almost every one sat silently as the minister blamed an ungodly life style bobby followed which lead him to lose his life.

     It did not take very long for most who knew bobby though  to open their eyes and realize that it was others and not him that had a problem with what he was' and his mother was no exception. Infact she  knew him very much  better than any body else in his short lived life and conceded she was wrong in thinking he learned what he became.Assisted by a minister at an LGBT centre, she began realizing the fact that the bible was written by mortal human beings  and interpretations were almost entirely reflections of the the time in which they lived . ''Blind faith is just as dangerous as none at all'' as he put it beautifully. he helped her realize that questioning faith is not at all blasphemes but probably the best means of finding a deeper one.

   Up on reading a number of passages in the old testament,she realized that many actions of various of individuals  in society that are seldom thought of as a problem at  present would have resulted in severe punishment during earlier times.she breaks down unable to fatom what level of pain her son must have endured to an extent that he ceased going  to church for he thought he was not worthy of God.

  Finally ,Mary succumbed to the very fact that she had been oblivious to' since the beginning and said in her own words;''My son was different,his difference began in conception,I knew that ,I felt it  ...I know now why god didn't heal Bobby,he didn't heal him because there was nothing wrong with him!!!'

  Mary Griffith finally comes to terms with her loss and goes on to become an iconic gay rights activist and a active meember of the national association PFLAG,(parents and friends of lesbians and gays) urging parents to understand and accept their children's homosexuality.In all honesty,her  extraordinary conversion touched me as deeply as the tale of Bobby's tragic death. What enabled her to transcend her background and perform what could only be described as acts of courage.    Distant as is may seem to many,I and probably almost every Lesbian or Gay Ethiopian could see a stark similarity of the immense loneliness we must must have experienced with that of Bobby's ,at one stage or another.Most of us being from a very religious household and surrounding means that we have to go through the same level of emotional distress and intense internal conflict but,stories like this give us the strength to hang on, the will power to keep going and not give up on love.
      I urge every one to watch the full movie in the hope that  it might help shed light on a few  among many intriguing questions one may have,regarding the issue of homosexuality & religion from varying perspectives. 
Selam(ሰላም)

Rest in Peace David Kato...a TRUE HERO! 
Friday 29 Jan,2011

On a sunny Friday afternoon  in the village of Nakawala in Mukono district, 40km (about 25 miles) from Kampala,hundreds of people - friends, family, colleagues and diplomats gathered to attend the funeral of a fallen hero.Courageous,brave and possibly Uganda's most out spoken gay rights activist to date-David Kato.He was savagely bludgeoned  to death with a hammer on Wednesday at his residence in Kampala.

  Mr kato who is openly homosexual  first came to media attention after a local news paper'Rolling stone' published his picture on the front page along with full names and addresses of up to a 100 gay & lesbian  individuals in Uganda and called for them to be hanged' in October last year.

Since then,In spite of countless death threats ,David had managed to win a case against the paper at the high court and further publishing was banned.This was a truly  remarkable achievement for the LGBT community there and would have been a step forward in changing the colonial time laws in the country which still criminalize homosexuality there by inciting the general public at large to discriminate and even physically attack gays.But unfortunately that was not the case and homophobia still remains a very natural  practice in Uganda to this very day. 

        I was extremely saddened up on hearing the news at first on a midnight world news report  and spent the whole night drifting from one thought to another, trying to fathom the level of courage and personal strength David must have possessed to have kept going..fighting for what he believed in. After tossing and turning unable to get a shut eye i decided to get out of bed before the crack of dawn and follow up on the news.Naturally,I wanted the assailant to face justice  but most of all i really wanted to hear what measures would be taken against the publishers of the Rolling stone who undoubtedly  played a major role in David's death.

   In for a Shock....

 When questioned by the media about the apparent murder,Rolling Stone editor Giles Muhame said,

''I condemn the murder and our paper had not wanted gays to be attacked.There has been a lot of crime, it may not be because he is gay,". he also added ''we want gays and people who promote  homosexuality not to be attacked or killed but to be hanged."  Mind you,these are the exact words of a supposedly educated journalist running a free medium of information reaching millions across the country.

The sad truth is that such statements are by no means out of the ordinary in a nation whose law makers come up with unbelievably inhumane proposals to prosecute gays and lesbians.In an interview with the BBC just over a year ago about LGBT life  in the country ,David him self had told how he was repeatedly assaulted leaving him with many scars. He  also said ''people are not attacking us because they want to but because the policy makers incite them''. The policy makers,who are given the power to rule by the people choose to  raise some against others' instead of protecting the vulnerable ,they  facilitate discrimination and preach hate!

 If any thing is to be done about the situation in Uganda or any African nation for that matter, it should begin by changing  the out dated colonial era laws and the views of brainwashed homophobic leaders.

western nations should exert at most pressure to bring about change and unconditional human right for all rather than just providing refugee protection to the very few who are fortunate enough to have escaped alive.

 Among many,U.S secretary of state Hillary Clinton's statement outlined similar notes but i strongly believe that almost nothing has been done by developed nations around the world to protect  the  very human rights of LGBT individual across Africa and prevent the loss of  lives of  treasured souls like David ,in vain.

       David Kato who was described by  one member of his Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug) group  as ''a teacher and a friend'' died doing what he believed in and no matter how troubled his life had been he will remain a hero in the hearts of many which was evident at the unforeseen turn out  of the Ugandan LGBT  individuals and supporters  at his funeral.  And even though most came along to celebrate his remarkable life and mourn his death some had other ideas among which was the Pasteur 'bestowed with the task of leading the ceremony. To the shock of many, the ''man of god''   lashed out at homosexuality and advised all gays to repent provoking a strong reaction from friends of Kato who stormed the pulpit and grabbed the microphone unable to sit and watch their beloved friend  be insulted  rather than praised for his remarkable achievements.  The pastor shouted 'it's ungodly'' while being ushered away. ''only god can judge us'' was a response from a female activist who shouted out loud courageously.Never mind his personal believes and wrong interpretations of the holly word but,had he been a true follower  the lord,he would not have dared to judge for if any one was to judge then it would be only the creator.

 here is a link to the disrupted burial ceremony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruT1zswRVAU.

 MR Kato's cold blooded murder surely helped raise awareness about the extremely difficult conditions LGBT individuals live through in Uganda but the harsh truth is that the situation is similar,if not worse in many nations up and down the continent. The strength and Unity of Ugandan lesbians helped the story get world wide media coverage but in many countries like Ethiopia,such matters would never get any' given  the government  unconditionally controls and sensors flow of information  at all times.It was not long ago that after a campaign started by Benin,representatives of 79 nations around the world voted in favor of an

amendment to remove sexual orientation from the resolution on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions at the UN gathering only for the bill to be reinstated after a U-turn vote from some following a considerable pressure mainly from the US.

 Here is the full list dominated by supposedly democratic African and few Arab nations who originally voted and nearly succeeded in removing a crucial UN resolution for human right.

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brunei Dar-Sala, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Comoros, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

 No one really knows how many such lives have been taken  and will continue to be in all these places ...but the truth  ,it would  be just  another statistics

 One way or another ,No life should be lost unnecessarily no matter what.

   After all,If a human being dies ,it's a tragedy...but if a million die,then its just a number!!

David Kato- interview on the bill proposed  by members of parliament of  Uganda regarding criminalization of homosexuality

selam(ሰላም).

Love me for me 
 Frid 21Jan,2011
 A couple of weeks back' Gareth Thomas,a former welsh rugby star told how he persistently prayed  to be come straight while on Elen DeGeneres show.Currently divorced, he came out about a  year ago and still remains the only out gay professional rugby player.

  He told what lengths he went to to hide his homosexuality and lead what others perceive to be a'' normal life''.
“I became the master of playing the straight bat,” he told DeGeneres. “I would go to bars with the boys, I would always be the one to start a fight, to be outrageous and drink the most.“I even went to the extreme of marrying the perfect woman for me.“I remember I used to go to the church we were due to get married in and I would sit there in the graveyard and look up to the steeple..clench my hands and close my eyes as tight as I could and pray to be straight.”
   After  realising his true and unalterable nature he came out ,first to his wife and then his parents.one can only imagine the intensity of  internal conflict,pain and utter misery he must have endured over the years.And the truth is,this is almost exactly what most if not all LGBT individuals like my self go through.needless to say some even don't live to a peace full ending but unable to with stand the pressure ,choose to end it all.

  I always wondered what life would be like to come out freely and never have to worry about repercussions and most of all , be accepted for who i am by all those i love and treasure.Most would assume that it would be better kept a secret than to tell ones sexuality and hurt family and friends. But true love is never conditional, and who ever loves me  for who i am should never have a second thought for my sexual preference is not necessarily the same as theirs.

 I did pray to be straight every night before i went to bed and just like Gareth,i did all the things a straight male would normally be associated with.I loved fights for i thought i would be less of a man other wise.I took part in every sport i possibly could and to my surprise i almost always turned out to do way  better than most ; the macho & manly straight ones. And even though all that probably reassured people of my sexuality  whom might have , from my general appearance ,had doubts ' it became among many things a lesson in life,for me.

A lesson to be learned the hard way..I was no less of a man(male) and  my sexuality is nothing but just another trait i was born with among many..many...I was drawn and could relate to Gareth's story in way and  felt there is a lesson to be learnt for others who might be going through a similar situation.

  Here is the full video of Gareth's appearance on Ellen DeGeneres show-courtesy Pink news 

  Selam(ሰላም)

80 Languages,200 dialects ..yet no place for a bit of Polari.. 
Monday,6 Dec 2010

Polari was name given to  a gay slang derivative language mainly used by the underground gay community in the 1960s britain.As implied by the past form,its is no longer in use and no actual data is available to estimate its survival mainly due to decline in the need for a secret subculture code  with the legalization of adult homosexual relationships in England and Wales in 1967.Polari was used in London fish markets, the theatre, and fairgrounds and circuses, hence the many borrowings from Romany. As many gay men worked in theatrical entertainment it was also used amongst the gay subculture, at a time when homosexual acts were illegal, to disguise homosexual activity from hostile outsiders and undercover policemen. It was also used extensively in the Navy, where many gay men joined cruise ships as waiters, stewards and entertainers.On one hand, it would be used as a means of cover, to allow gay subjects to be discussed aloud without being understood; on the other hand, it was also used by some, particularly the most visibly camp  and effeminate, as a further way of asserting their identity.

The almost identical parlyaree has been spoken in fairgrounds since at least the 17th century and continues to be used by show travellers in England and Scotland. As theatrical booths, circus acts and menageries were once a common part of European fairs it is likely that the roots of Polari/Parlyaree lie in the period before both theatre and circus became independent of the fairgrounds. The Parlyaree spoken on fairgrounds tends to borrow much more from Romany, as well as other languages spoken by travelling people, such as cant and back slang.

Polari itself was never clearly defined: an ever-changing collection of slang from various sources including Italian, English (backwards slang, rhyming slang), circus slang, canal-speak, Yiddish and Gypsy languages. It is impossible to tell which slang words are real Polari.   Click here for a list of words and their translation.
  I was truly  mesmerized by what i think was an incredible survival instinct possed by the Gay men and women of the time which lead them to put together and universalize to a scale, a means of communication so as to still be  part of a rather conservative society and while maintaining their innate identity.I can imagine that it would have been very gradual and ever changing like any that requires strict exclusivity but I did not at all think it would have been very demanding though.

 After all ,who'd better than us gays gets a real kick by playing with words ,and twisting and turing phrases to our liking..and  who better to learn a language in a snap.personal experience has learned me that excellent verbal skill is one of the many perks of being queer and  I so..luv it(my favorite past time being inventing Nikies( nick names).

  In all seriousness,I thought this would be  one cool stuff to learn but  most importantly,to draw up on for us gay and lesbian ethiopians.Our societies attitudes to wards homosexuality being what it is, and with the unchangeable fact of our existance being ever so unacceptable to the regular abebe and  alemitu ,this kind of means could really come in handy. but even though we all know the odd one or two phrases we mumble at times, a real communication is literally impossible.And i say it's about time we did something about it.
 On the other hand,en route trying to see if there's any recent slangs that might have surfaced since i left Addis.. i also realized a shocking fact that's always been.I searched but absolutely to no avail meanings for the words Lesbian  or Gay  or any term depicting LGBT in Amharic or any of the major languages. i looked up Merit and all major amharic -english dictionaries  both on and of line yet nothing seems to exist.
Surely am aware of the B word but is that it? is that it....That was when i was truly surprised.
Ethiopia has hundreds of languages and countless dialects.Ok,take the case of Amharic;hundreds if not thousand years old and truly complex to learn with over 350 individual alphabets.words as many as the stars in the sky,countless ways and possibilities to describe , that being the case ,it would come as a shock to any fair minded individual to learn that there are  none other than one or two despicable derogatory terms for  us ethiopian lgbts.I am not at all a language expert but as a native of sheger born and raised right in the center of it,my new word discovery ages are long gone.hence why i am continually puzzled as to how the amharic vocabulary progressed to such degree of complexity and yet it seems to sort of die of when it comes to even the simplest of words that have any thing to do with sexuality and homosexuality in particular.
 For me a proud  ethiopian.Not so often do i detest so intensely having this so called language for a mother toungue which seems bluntly oblivious of  my very existance ! (;-(
    Selam(ሰላም)