The project is based in western uganda and our aim is to establish a long term shelter , nutritional support , hygienic supplies and utilities for rural transgender youth and gender diverse youth in western Uganda during these difficult times as the Anti homosexuality bill 2023 is forcing landlords who have been tolerating transgender and gender diverse persons to evict them from their premises for fear of getting arrested if the bill becomes becomes law.
Uganda's parliament passed the Anti homosexuality bill 2023 which currently seeks to among others criminalize consensual same-sex relations and provide for the penalty of life imprisonment as well as death penalty for aggravated homosexuality. It also seeks to impose reporting obligations on anyone who knows or reasonably suspects to be engaged in or about to commit homosexuality and failure to report results into six months in prison. This has resulted into violence , arrests and evictions.
By creating a safe housing specifically designed for needs of homeless transgender youth and gender individuals will not only provide shelter but also will provide supportive services which include counseling healthcare access as well as providing nutritional support.
Homeless transgender youth and gender individuals are at higher risk for mental health issues such as anxiety depression and suicidal ideation. safe housing will provide stability and safety , which will improve mental health outcomes in the long term. Safe housing will also provide a stable base from which to access necessary healthcare which will improve long term physical health conditions as well as reducing the risk violence by providing a secure and safe housing.
