“I was born and raised in Uganda, I am in my twenties and I am gay. Contrary to religious, cultural and traditional beliefs, I do not believe that being gay is a taboo. I did not just wake up one morning and decided: voila! I am gay.

Ever since I can remember, I have been sexually attracted to men. Trust me, I acknowledge that women are attractive, with their hips, lips, hair, the way they walk, the way they talk, the way they dance. Women are attractive. I just am not attracted to women.

I tried hanging out with heterosexual guys, and when they are having conversation about women being hot, sexy and all that, I concur but I realised I was not sexually attracted to women.

That feeling that gets men sexually attracted to women and wanting to be with them, I just don’t have it. I cannot be defensive, I cannot give excuses, I am not being slow nor am I being a rebel or an evil being. I am not a bad person, I don’t cause anyone pain deliberately. I have many friends, and I am not a thief, I am not a killer. I don’t believe I am the devil or possessed with evil.

I find men attractive and I am drawn to them physically, emotionally, spiritually and sexually. I have nothing against people who are attracted to women in the same manner. I would never kill, force, hate or hurt those who do not feel the same way I feel. For many to sit down discuss, plan and pass laws against the way I feel and imprison me, is utterly ridiculous. Why should someone else’s private life offend you and drive you to such anger and hatred?

For all we know the gay or lesbian person could be your brother, sister, child, mother or father. As Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people we live in fear, we cannot even talk to our parents. Who then is supposed to give us advice on relationships, guide and protects us? It is really hard living with a secret and in constant fear of family or society finding out. It can be very paralysing both physically and mentally.

Leaders should promote peace and unity because LGBT people have a lot to offer to society too. I am Ugandan. Ugandan blood runs in my veins. What ever happened to the most important bible teaching: love your neighbour as you love yourself.”

K. Meiko’s story was original published on Kuchu Times – Bombastic Magazine

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