"But for me, James Kabengwa, and many other Africans who have made the UK their home, Brighton Pride is something more profound. It is a jubilant declaration of freedom. Back home, our lives are in danger. Our very existence is criminalized. We live in fear, in the shadows, constantly looking over our shoulders."
BY JAMES KABENGWA LONDON. Amid a sea of rainbow flags and roaring chants, East African voices rose today at London Pride—not just in celebration, but in defiance. For many, this was more than a march; it was a reclaiming of identity, a powerful statement against the silence and persecution faced back home. In a world where queerness is criminalized across much of East Africa, London became a sanctuary—a place where love was not just seen, but loudly affirmed. Today, East African LGBTQ+ individuals didn’t just attend Pride; they owned it, transforming the streets into a battleground for visibility, freedom, and unapologetic existence. London Pride, one of the world’s most prominent LGBTQ+ celebrations, is more than a colorful parade—it’s a symbol of resistance, inclusion, and visibility. For East African communities like my own Uganda, particularly those from countries where LGBTQ+ identities […]
