An African gay
rights group has won a global sexual health award for helping to eliminate the
stigma attached to HIV.
Abbey Kiwanuka,
the chief executive of the African LGBTI Out and Proud Diamond Group, took home
the award at the event hosted by NAZ in London.
Tortured in
Uganda, Abby fled to the UK and chose to dedicate his life to campaigning
against homophobic laws and the persecution and discrimination of LGBTI people.
He has helped
set up a campaign, Let’s Talk! Stop UK, that works with black and minority
ethnic groups in the LGBTI community.
‘I come from a
continent where LGBTI people in most countries are denied access to sexual
health in the mainstream medical centers,’ Abbey said in his acceptance speech.
‘This is
because of the prevailing anti-gay laws and the stigma attached to HIV and
LGBTI community. We have also seen government like Uganda closing closing some
HIV centers. alleging that they are promoting homosexuality. Other medical
professionals fear to offer sexual health services to LGBTI people in fear of
being labelled as promoters of homosexuality.’
He added there
has been some changes, with more people of African origin feeling more capable
of going to go get tested.
‘I dedicate
this award to all those LGBTI people living in countries in communities which
outlaws homosexuality and also those facing the stigma attached to HIV and
LGBTI people. My message is be strong: change is coming.’
Congratulation to Mr. Kiwanuka for both his courage and initiative. This is indeed good news! Thank you, my blogging brother, for promoting this! Much love and many naked hugs!
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