Uganda's Most Wanted

Victor Mukasa crossed a line in his home country. He came out -- once as a lesbian, once as trans -- and decided not to stay silent about it. Now he fears the worst.

By Chris Jai Centeno

Victor Mukasa may be one of the most wanted men in Uganda.

His crimes? Being involved with initiating a Trans Declaration in 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as having conducted workshops in various parts of Africa that have sparked trans activism.

Mukasa has been in a self-imposed exile for a year from his home country of Uganda after facing years of oppression. He is currently residing in South Africa, working as a program associate with the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

The 33-year-old transgender activist was recognized for his human rights efforts as he was named the international grand marshal of Toronto's Pride festivities last month. Mukasa has been working to bring trans issues to the forefront -- something that has rarely ever been in the country's, let alone the region's, list of concerns.

"That signified a lot. Right from the trans march to the Pride parade, there were issues that were being tackled and unity was being included," Mukasa said in a Toronto hotel. "This is a beginning of a new phase of collaboration, cooperation, and the new relationship of the human rights movement of Canada and Africa, which is definitely going to lead us very far."

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Name: mary njoki
Date posted: 7/16/2009 6:34:00 AM
Hometown: kenya

Comment:
great article mukasa...we need more of you to fight for our rights but we are behind you all the way
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Name: Stonewaller
Date posted: 7/12/2009 12:51:00 PM
Hometown: Washington

Comment:
I am lifelong human rights activist who has participated in many struggles including Black Civil Rights Movement before 1963 March on Washington for Peace, Jobs and Freedom and "3 Days of Rage" following the Stonewall Reb. For what it is worth, I am a White Gay Male. First, "Victor" was a female who came out as a lesbian. Second, Victor was female who transitioned to male. Just as it is not unusual for people to go from hetero to bisexual to Lesbian or Gay identity, it is not unusual for transgender people of varying sexual orientations to identify first as Gay or Lesbian. Some of the above comments indicate not only ignorance about transgender people but to a not uncommon hostitility toward inclusion of transgenders in so-called LGB"T" Movemt.
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Name: C.J. Atkins
Date posted: 7/10/2009 10:55:00 AM
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Comment:
Excellent article. Mukasa's reminder to those of us LGBT people who now live a relatively privileged existence here in North America that none of us are free until all of us are free is much appreciated. I hope The Advocate will bring us more stories such as this one.
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Name: Alison Davison
Date posted: 7/8/2009 7:17:00 PM
Hometown: Tucson

Comment:
Clearly we still have lots of education to do. If the Advocate's readers are not informed on trans identities, much more work lies ahead for those of us who are trans advocates and educators. Yes, one can come out as lesbian while struggling with gender identity and then transition to male. Conversely, one can live for many years identified as straight or gay male and, after struggling though all of the complexities of knowing you are trans and redefine your orientation because the world now sees you differently. - and I agree, I'd rather see Victor on your cover than Perez
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Name: Lali Mohamed
Date posted: 7/8/2009 5:11:00 PM
Hometown: Toronto

Comment:
What a well-written article! Thank you so much for sharing such an important issue about a man who has done such courageous and amazing work in his community. Goodluck to Victor and thank you Chris Jai Centeno for bringing to light such a brave man and all the work that he does!
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Name: Kate
Date posted: 7/8/2009 3:40:00 PM
Hometown: Iowa

Comment:
Incredible article. We need more articles about topics like this and less about pseudo-celebs and partying.
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Name: Sarah
Date posted: 7/8/2009 3:02:00 PM
Hometown: Staffs

Comment:
That's so sad. He has done great work by trying to support others yet is being hunted down like a terrorist. It's so wrong.
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Name: Steph B.
Date posted: 7/8/2009 11:04:00 AM
Hometown: Ottawa

Comment:
Great Article, thanks for including it!!
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Name: joe bussell
Date posted: 7/8/2009 9:36:00 AM
Hometown: rosedale

Comment:
I actually learned something by reading the Advocate today. I'm gob smacked!
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Name: Josh
Date posted: 7/8/2009 8:05:00 AM
Hometown: Camp Victory, Iraq

Comment:
This is a great story about an important individual trying to improve the lives of millions of oppressed LGBT folks in Africa. To the Advocate editors: Why in the world is Mr Mukasa not smiling on the cover of your print magazine, instead of Perez, who is not particularly deserving? Relegating Mr Mukasa to your web-only edition demonstrates your priorities. This paid subscriber is taking note....

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