Tuesday, June 30, 2015

July 11-12: Chicago Welcomes Ugandan LGBT Activist Pepe-Julian Onziema


Legacy Project
5th Anniversary
Celebration Kick-off

Welcoming internationally acclaimed 
Ugandan LGBT activist

Pepe-Julian Onziema

A two-part celebration

Part I
Saturday, July 11, 2015
1:00-3:00 p.m.
Welcoming Reception
Side Track Roof Top
$30 per person*
(includes 2 drink tickets)


Part II
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Remembering David Kato
"Facing the Future"
Center on Halsted, Leppen Theatre
(Suggested donation $5*)

*all proceeds benefit the Legacy Project Education Initiative

See: legacyprojectchicago.org/Onziema_Reception.html

Event Host Committee

Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches
St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square
Planting Peace / Equality House
Heartland Alliance National Immigrant Justice Center
Gay Liberation Network
Truth Wins Out
Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program (CLASP)
LGBT Freedom & Asylum Network (LGBT-FAN)
Center for Integration and Courateous Living
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)


Friday, June 5, 2015

GLN: SUPPORT Refugees'/Asylees' & Immigrant Rights at Chicago PRIDE 2015

PRIDE 2014: Open the Borders!


GLN: Chicago-Area 
LGBTQA Liberation Network:

Parade contingent assembles
Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 11:30am
4466 N. Broadway Avenue, Chicago, IL


A record number of immigrants -- 2 million+ -- have been deported by President Obama, and even half-hearted attempts to reform the U.S.'s immigration and refugee laws have been met with racist, anti-immigrant filth by Republicans.

Support by both Democrats and Republicans for endless wars and drone bombings abroad, and brutal, sectarian governments, has created a refugee crisis across scores of countries. LGBTQs and others are forced to flee from governments armed by the U.S., the world's largest arms exporter with troops in over 130 nations around the world.

Help us send the message to the 1 million + who watch the Pride Parade that we must demand REAL immigration reform from the President and Congress. We must STOP the U.S. support for dictators and wars that create millions of refugees.

Our contingent is jointly initiated by the Gay Liberation Network, the Center for Integration and Courageous Living, and CLASP (Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program). We invite other organizations to endorse and participate by emailing LGBTliberation@aol.com

++++++

Here is how you can join the "We SUPPORT Refugee & Immigrant Rights!!" contingent –

Meet us at 11:30 AM SHARP in front of the Target in Uptown -- 4466 N. Broadway – just look for the Pride flags on the corner. The best way to get there is to take the Red Line to the "Wilson" el stop, then walk two long blocks south on Broadway to the address. From there, we will then walk to the contingent location. Day-of cell phone contact is 773.209.1187

Want to help out more? We can use your help in setting up beginning at 9 AM at the contingent location. Please email the Gay Liberation Network at LGBTliberation@aol.com if you can help out earlier in the day, or if you just need more information.

Thank you!

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

African Faith Leaders' "KwaZulu Natal Declaration" in Support of LGBT Equality on the Continent

(Reposted from Mambaonline)


Participants from nine African countries at the historic
gathering in KwaZulu Natal last month


More than 30 African scholars, theologians, faith leaders, activists and students have issued a powerful declaration in support of LGBT equality on the continent.

The leaders from nine African countries gathered in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, between 28 to 31 August.

They met for an “historic consultation on human sexuality, religion and equality,” wrote Dr Michael Adee, Director of the Global Faith & Justice Project.

The event was organised by Adee, who is also an elder in the US Presbyterian Church, and Kapya Kaoma, a Zambian Anglican priest, from Political Research Associates.

The countries represented included Cameroon, Lesotho, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

On the final day of the consultation, the group met to discuss the way forward which “included the drafting of a call to reflection and action for the African continent,” which was dubbed The KwaZulu Natal Declaration.

The declaration expresses deep concern for the ongoing oppression of LGBT people on the continent and calls for acceptance of and support for sexual minorities by African churches, African governments, African scholars and African people.

Homosexuality is illegal in 38 African countries. Those found guilty can face severe penalties, including in some cases life imprisonment and even the death penalty.

Below is the declaration in full.

The KwaZulu Natal Declaration

We, African religious leaders, scholars, and members of civil society are highly concerned with the well-being of our beloved continent and with the demonization and criminalization of sexual minorities on the continent,

We, African religious leaders, scholars, and members of civil society met for a consultation in KwaZulu Natal on August 28-31, 2014, in response to the recent contentious debates regarding human sexuality on the continent. Recognizing that we are part of the global community, we met in South Africa, a country with a constitution that recognizes and protects the rights of sexual minorities,

Aware of the traditional leadership roles that academics, religious institutions, and churches in Africa have played in promoting social justice and human dignity,

Troubled by the misuse of religion to further marginalize and exclude sexual minorities from society and faith communities,

Noting the recommendations on human sexuality from the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly to the Central Committee, and the subsequent approval of the Terms of Reference for the Human Sexuality Reference Group to walk together in a pilgrimage of Justice and Peace from 2014-2021,

Observing the resolution on violence and other human rights violations based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in Africa issued in April 2014 by the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights,

Acknowledging the deaths and threats of death, the violence, discrimination, that sexual minorities, women, and children face on the continent,

We call on all religious institutions, especially Christian Churches
  • To care for the least amongst us as Christ has done,
  • To create safe spaces for encounter with the sexual diversity within the body of Christ,
  • To talk openly about sexual diversities and adversities in human sexuality,
  • To break out of the vicious cycle of shame, secrecy, violence, and silence that demeans, demonizes and kills,
  • To openly condemn violence against sexual minorities.
We call on all African scholars and academic institutions
  • To take full responsibility to reflect and produce credible scholarship on human sexuality,
  • To conduct research that gives momentum to African local institutions, the Church, and indigenous knowledge and practices to further the understanding of human sexuality,
  • To incorporate issues regarding human sexuality in the development of knowledge,
  • To guide the public in understanding sexual diversity.
We call on all our governments in Africa
  • To take seriously the mission of the state to protect all citizens, including those with disabilities, and all communities affected by, and living with HIV and AIDS,
  • To seek legislative and social reforms that further the protection of and improvement of the livelihoods of sexual minorities,
  • To dialogue with African local traditional, political and religious institutions to promote human dignity,
  • To eliminate colonial sodomy laws and to oppose attempts to further criminalized sexual minorities.
We call on all Africans on the continent and in the diaspora
  • To respect the human rights of all people including sexual minorities,
  • To oppose and desist from violence directed toward sexual minorities, and to support families and communities of sexual minorities.
We call on the international community and partners
  • To respect while supporting Africa’s journey and processes towards a better understanding of human sexuality and socio-economic, political and religious inclusion of sexual minorities,
  • To denounce all misleading information on issues of human sexuality.
  • To support our commitment to produce and disseminate scholarly and general publications throughout Africa and beyond.
We, African religious leaders, scholars, and members of Civil Society assembled in this KwaZulu Natal consultative gathering commit to uphold these recommendations. We also commit to share this vision with all partners and Africans across the continent and the diaspora and to be inclusive in our journey toward a better understanding and respect of the diversity of human sexuality through research, advocacy, publications and consultations.


Related posts

The Network for People of all Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions (GIN-SSOGIE) was founded following our first annual conference, held in South Africa in January 2014. The idea for a global network of activists engaged in faith work around issues of sex, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions germinated at the 2012 International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (ILGA) World Conference in Stockholm. GIN recognizes an urgent need to eradicate the religion-based violence, criminalization and persecution of our community.

(See Introducing: the Global Interfaith Network for People of all Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions (GIN-SSOGIE) )


RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan Chicago Synod stand in solidarity with those in our companion synod and throughout Africa who are experiencing and resisting the rising tide of hatred and harsh anti-lbgti legislation in many African countries, and be it further  . . .

(See the full resolution at Resolution of the Metro Chicago Synod of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) for solidarity with those experiencing and resisting harsh anti-LGBTI legislation across Africa )




"Tell people at your synod assembly: in the African context, what the Church does is so important, it has so much influence . . . . " he said.

(See What Happens When People Talk With Each Other (My Graeme Reid Moment) on the Scarry Thoughts blog.)

Monday, August 11, 2014

SAVE THE DATE: "Call Me Kuchu" Screening and Discussion - September 12

Friday, September 12, 2014
6:30 p.m. 

Broadway United Methodist Church 
3338 N. Broadway, Chicago

Join on Facebook and invite others!

Sponsors: Gay Liberation Network and others TBA

In many parts of the world it is increasingly dangerous to be LGBT.

Vicious new anti-gay laws have passed in Uganda, Nigeria, Russia and India, provoking violence in each country. While the Ugandan law has recently been tossed on a technicality, it could come back at any time, and nearby countries are copying it. The laws fan the flames of existing social prejudice, making LGBT life ever more frightening.

U.S. evangelicals have gone on tours of Jamaica, Uganda, and Russia promoting these anti-gay laws, helping spur violence, and yet their passports have not been pulled by the State Department.

Meanwhile, President Obama and Bush before him have made it more difficult for LGBTs and others fleeing violence and discrimination abroad to seek refuge in the U.S. In April, President Obama became the "deporter-in-chief" — deporting 2 million people — the president who has deported more people than any other in U.S. history.

Please join us for a film and discussion exploring the effects of anti-gay agitation in Uganda, and the resulting murder of that country's leading LGBT rights activist, David Kato:

"Call Me Kuchu" -- an official selection for the Berlin film festival. "Kuchus" is a Ugandan term for LGBTs.

"Inspiring" --New York Times
"Heart Wrenching" --LA Weekly
"Impassioned" --Entertainment Weekly
"Excellent" --NPR

A fundraiser for Chicago LGBT Asylum Project (CLASP). Free will offering -- no one turned away for lack of funds.



About Call Me Kuchu:

David Kato, Uganda’s first openly gay man, is one of the few who dare to publicly protest state-sanctioned homophobia. Working with an idiosyncratic clan of fellow activists, David fights Uganda’s government and tabloids in the courts, on television, and at the United Nations. Because, he insists, “if we keep on hiding, they will say we’re not here.” With unprecedented access, CALL ME KUCHU depicts the last year in the life of a courageous, quick-witted and steadfast man whose wisdom and achievements were not fully recognized until after his death, and whose memory has inspired a new generation of human rights advocates. (More at callmekuchu.com )




SAVE THE DATE!
More details of this event coming soon. 

Join on Facebook and invite others!

Monday, June 30, 2014

LGBTI People in Africa: Chicago Stands in Solidarity



Sunday, June 29, was the Chicago PRIDE Parade and the culmination of weeks of activities focusing on the situation of LGBTI people in Africa.  Chicago stands in solidarity . . . .


From Facebook: "Happy Pride week. This is how my church celebrates:
programs and meetings all week long inviting our GLBT sisters and
brothers to come worship with us or other reconciling ministries.
Supporting the Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program, helping LGBT
people seeking safety in Chicago, www.lgtb-fan.org/community-support,
contact Dennis Ojiyoma, dennygyus@gmail.com, supporting marriage
equality in Illinois and putting on our marching shoes."
(Photo and post by Paula Roderick)


Gay Liberation Network (GLN) featured huge banners in support of African
and other LGBTI people seeking in asylum in the U.S. as the avoid
violence in their home countries. (Photo proudly posted by Chicago
political candidate Denice Davis.)


GLN Placards:
"Open the borders
to LGBTs & others fleeing violence abroad!
STOP Deportations!"


Putting the whole picture together . . . .
(Photo by Roger Beltrami - see full album)




Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Chicago - More PRIDE Events in Solidarity with LGBTI People in Africa

Please join us for these additional activities in support of LGBTI people in Africa during PRIDE month in Chicago:


Sunday, June 22: Ecumenical PRIDE Worship

Solidarity: Standing on the Side of Love. At this Second Annual Ecumenical Pride Worship Service, we'll celebrate the sustaining power of solidarity in all justice gained. Joyous and justice-affirming, we'll lift up thanksgiving for progress made and invoke spirit for depth of engagement yet needed. Mission offering will support Chicago LGBT Asylum Support Program (CLASP).

Reception: 5pm; Worship: 6pm followed by more reception.
University Church Chicago
5655 S University Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60637
Ample street parking and nearby garage on 55th.

Join the Facebook event and invite others!


Sunday, June 29: PRIDE Parade

Open the Borders! Immigrant solidarity contingent in this year's Pride Parade. The Gay Liberation Network invites all who support immigrant and refugee rights to join a contingent to help spread that message in this year's Pride Parade! Hundreds of thousands will see it! 11 AM SHARP - meet at the corner of Broadway and Sunnyside (in front of the Target). Day-of cell phone contact: 773.209.1187