Kasha Nabagesera, Founder and former Executive Director of Farug, discussed the importance of networked support at the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum and its influence on the global struggle.
When Kasha Nabagesera landed the cover of TIME magazine’s Europe edition in June, she viewed it not only as a personal achievement, but as a way to garner attention for LGBT rights. “It feels great and incredible, but also for me it’s more than just me being on the cover,” she said. “It’s more of putting the visibility of the LGBT struggle around the world or the movement, because as much as they said it’s out of Africa, it carries stories from very many people around the world.”
The activist had been joining the meetings of the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum since 2013 and shared her perspectives in many of the conversations at the third gathering of the Forum in June 2015. In November 2015, Kasha received Sweden's Right Livelihood Award, the “Alternative Nobel Prize” which recognizes those who do inspiring or courageous work to combat social issues. Since its inception 35 years ago, there have been 162 recipients from 67 countries.
Throughout the last decade, Kasha has used the judicial system to fight institutionalized homophobia and discriminatory laws in Uganda. She has also used the media, co-founding Uganda’s first LGBT publication and initiating media campaigns about LGBT issues.
Of the Global LGBT Forum, Kasha Nabagesera said that learning best practices from other activists around the globe going through the same struggles has been very inspirational for her struggle. “Even just knowing that people around the world are following your struggle and they're supportive is also something that really motivates me,” she said.
To see the full interview, check out the clip below.
The Salzburg Global program Strengthening Communities: LGBT Rights & Social Cohesion is part of the Salzburg Global LGBT Forum. The list of our partners for Session 551 can be found here. For more information, please visit: www.salzburgglobal.org/go/551