We can now confirm that we’ll be donating 5% of ticket sales for all of Satomi and Lukas Zpira's upcoming workshops to Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).
Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) is an umbrella non-governmental organization based in Kampala, Uganda. SMUG advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ugandans.
Formed in 2004, SMUG now comprises of a network of 18 LGBTI organizations all working to advocate for rights of LGBTI. The umbrella entity SMUG is entrusted the responsibility of advocacy for policy reforms as Member Organizations offer services on economic empowerment, health, counselling and guidance and other services to the LGBTI community. SMUG works closely with indigenous, regional and international human rights organizations and persons to end discrimination and injustices towards LGBTI persons in Uganda.
We were moved to donate to this cause after we saw a moving documentary called “God Loves Uganda”. The documentary explores the role of the American evangelical movement in Uganda, where American missionaries have been credited with both creating schools and hospitals and promoting dangerous religious bigotry. The film follows evangelical leaders in America and Uganda along with politicians and missionaries as they attempt the task of eliminating “sexual sin” and converting Ugandans to fundamentalist Christianity.
“As an American-influenced bill to make homosexuality punishable by death wins widespread support, tension in Uganda mounts and an atmosphere of murderous hatred takes hold. The film reveals the conflicting motives of faith and greed, ecstasy and egotism, among Ugandan ministers, American evangelical leaders and the foot soldiers of a theology that sees Uganda as ground zero in a battle for billions of souls.” -From the filmaker
For more information, check out Sexual Minorities Uganda and God Loves Uganda. Soon we'll announce which local LGBTQI charity we'll be donating an additional 5% of ticket sales to as well.