LGBTQ+ Activist Steven Kabuye Wins Rev. Troy Perry Medal of Pride 2024

Steven Kabuye, a prominent Ugandan activist, was honored with the Rev. Troy Perry Medal of Pride 2024. The award was presented by Latoya Nugent, Head of Engagement at Rainbow Railroad, on behalf of Our Pride Organization. This prestigious accolade celebrates Kabuye’s resilience, courage, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, symbolizing valor, strength, and heroism.

Kabuye, deeply honored by this recognition, expressed his gratitude and commitment to continue his fight for human rights despite the ongoing challenges in Uganda. His advocacy is particularly significant given the current climate of fear and persecution in his home country, where the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 has legalized homophobia and endangered countless lives.

The scar on Steven Kabuye’s right arm, extending over a foot long, and a puncture wound at the base of his torso are permanent reminders of the violence he has endured. “Marks that will never leave my body,” he captions one of his Instagram posts, highlighting how the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 has intensified homophobia in Uganda.

Kabuye’s ordeal began in January when he was attacked by two men on his way to work in Kampala. The incident, captured in a viral video, brought international attention to the widespread violence against the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. According to United Nations estimates, over 600 LGBTQ+ Ugandans have faced human rights violations and abuses since the law’s enactment.

Kabuye’s escape to Toronto, Canada, was facilitated by Rainbow Railroad, a nonprofit organization that aids LGBTQ+ individuals at immediate risk of violence. From his new home, Kabuye continues to run Coloured Voices Media Foundation – Truth to LGBTQ Uganda, a grassroots social justice organization he founded to combat misinformation and support the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda.

Despite the distance, Kabuye remains a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the urgent need for voices like his in Uganda. His journey to activism began at 18 when he came out in high school. While he initially faced questions and bullying, he found support among his classmates. However, the real challenges began in 2021 when a friend was rendered homeless due to their sexual orientation, exposing the inadequacies of local support organizations.

In response, Kabuye and his friends established Coloured Voices Media Foundation, aiming to provide accurate information and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization became a crucial resource when the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 was introduced, a law that imposed severe penalties on LGBTQ+ individuals, including a 20-year prison sentence for “promoting homosexuality” and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

The passage of the law resulted in increased violence and threats against LGBTQ+ activists. Kabuye himself faced death threats and a near-fatal attack in January. Despite the danger, he continued his activism, organizing educational workshops, social events, and mental health support activities for the community.

Following the attack, Kabuye sought refuge in Nairobi, Kenya, before ultimately relocating to Canada with Rainbow Railroad’s assistance. His arrival in Toronto marked a new chapter in his life, one where he hopes to continue his activism in a safer environment.

Kabuye’s story underscores the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ Ugandans. Despite the support he has received, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda remains fraught with danger. The constitutional court’s recent decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act further entrenches discrimination and violence against the community.

As Kabuye settles into his new life in Toronto, he continues to advocate for change, both in Uganda and globally. His courage and determination serve as an inspiration to many, embodying the spirit of resilience that the Rev. Troy Perry Medal of Pride represents.