Voices of Solidarity Podcast

In this episode of Voices of Solidarity, Hans Senfuma, an online activist and campaigner from Uganda, delivers his presentation from the ILGA Pan-African Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.Speaking from lived experience, Hans describes what it means to advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights in a country where existence itself is criminalized, digital expression is surveilled, and visibility carries real and immediate risk. His presentation traces the legal landscape shaped by Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, the increasing dangers faced by online activists, and the emotional toll of sustained digital harassment, doxxing, and state-enabled hostility.This episode is not an interview. It is a witness — a clear, courageous articulation of the realities facing queer Ugandans today, and a call for international solidarity, accountability, and sustained support.What You’ll Hear in This Episode* The criminalization of LGBTIQ+ identity and expression in Uganda* How digital platforms have become both lifelines and danger zones* Platform suppression, shadow-banning, and content removal targeting queer advocates* The mental health cost of constant surveillance and harassment* Why activists persist — even when isolated* A call to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act and support grassroots resistanceContent NoteThis episode includes discussion of criminalization, state violence, online harassment, and mental health impacts related to LGBTIQ+ persecution.Call to Action* Share this episode to amplify Hans’s voice* Support grassroots LGBTIQ+ organizations in Uganda* Advocate for accountability from governments and tech platforms* Stand in solidarity — transform one voice into a chorusAbout the SpeakerHans Senfuma is a Ugandan online activist and human rights campaigner whose work focuses on digital advocacy, visibility, and protection for LGBTIQ+ communities living under criminalization. His activism centers the lived realities of queer Ugandans navigating hostile legal, political, and digital environments.About This PodcastVoices of Solidarity is a mission-driven audio podcast produced by Rainbow Advocacy.The series centers lived experience as expertise, amplifying voices from communities most affected by injustice, displacement, and systemic harm.These are not conversations for performance — they are acts of listening, documentation, and solidarity.Content NoteThis episode includes discussion of criminalization, state violence, online harassment, and mental health impacts related to LGBTIQ+ persecution. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest partner organization, the international Charter for Compassion, featured an interview with author Willie Edward Taylor Carter, Jr. in their Global Reads series hosted by Felipe Zurita Quintana.Months after being named 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. made a heartbreaking choice—he walked away from the classroom.I can’t stop thinking about his story. Willie spent more than a decade teaching high school English, giving everything he had to his students. But the same courage that made him a great teacher also made him a target.Early in his career, an administrator told him flat-out: “Don’t talk about being gay. No one will protect you—including me.” For a while, a new administration gave him some breathing room. But eventually, that first warning came true. School officials looked the other way as LGBTQ+ students were harassed. They looked the other way when Willie himself was harassed.He testified before Congress to shine a light on what’s happening in our schools, but by then the damage was done. He loved teaching—but no one should have to teach under threat just for being who they are.Willie’s response? He didn’t go silent. Instead, he wrote Gay Poems for Red States—a book that’s part memoir, part love letter to Appalachia, and entirely full of hope. It’s not just poetry. It’s a reminder that even in hostile places, beauty and pride can take root.Reading his story, I feel a mix of anger and admiration. Anger that we’re still here, fighting the same old battles. Admiration because Willie refuses to let hate define him—or his students. His words are a lifeline to every LGBTQ+ kid who’s searching for a home in a place that doesn’t always welcome them.This isn’t just his story. It’s all of ours.Check it out on Amazon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

Greetings comrades from where you are watching this from.Well, today we all know globally that the LGBTQ plus rights are being debated about in many different countries. And this has also led to many different countries to stop their pride events.But well today, I'm just here to put out a stark reminder to all of you who are out there.Human rights are non-negotiable.The LGBTQ plus human rights are rights and they are human rights and they will go nowhere. We are here and we are to be here.I want to talk about human rights.Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that everyone deserves, no matter who they are. These include the right to live freely, to live from violence, to speak your mind, to get an education, and to be treated fairly.But in Uganda once an LGBTQI + child is discovered in school, he or she is strictly forbidden in that school and the school administrators will say that this child will recruit others into homosexuality.We still have cases of LGBTQI +individuals being evicted by their landlords from their houses simply because they’re only males or females that are more than one living under the same roof. All these actions that affect LGBTQI + individuals in Uganda are circled with an excuse of culture, religion and how will the society see that you’re dating man and you’re a man.And forgetting that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, says that all people are born free and equal. However, people like me who were born gay in Uganda, don’t enjoy these rights and keep on hiding what we’re in order to be safe from violence and being discriminated.But in reality, our job as people globally is to make sure that these rights become a reality for everyone. This means that everyone needs to stand up for people like me who are treated unfairly and work together to create a world where everyone's rights are respected no matter who I love or who I am. When we protect the rights of others, we make our own communities stronger and more just.Human rights are connected, and an injustice anywhere affects us all. By respecting and fighting for the LGBTQI + rights, we help build a better, more compassionate world. let's commit to upholding human rights for all people.Let's work hard to ensure everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where justice and Equality thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

Voices of Solidarity / OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest is a WorldPride 2025 Partner Event Matt Beard, the Executive Director of All Out, discusses the organization's mission to promote LGBTQ+ rights globally and their approach to supporting frontline organizations and activists. He highlighted current challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community, including significant funding cuts and their impact on HIV/AIDS services and activism. Matt emphasizes the importance of resilience, inclusive activism, and innovative funding strategies in the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality and liberation. Felipe Zurita Quintana of the Charter for Compassion interviews Matt about his international organization working for love and equality. Matt explains All Out's mission to create a world where everyone can enjoy their rights to family, freedom, safety, and dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love. He described their approach of linking supporters with frontline organizations, conducting campaigns, and providing crowdfunding and training for young queer activists in Africa and Latin America. LGBTQ+ Activism and Community Resilience Matt discusses the current challenges facing the global LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the need for resilience and the importance of calling people in rather than just out. He highlighs the necessity of renewing a more inclusive approach to activism, avoiding puritanical attitudes that may alienate potential allies. Matt also touches on the importance of funding and the impact of recent cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, while expressing optimism about the community's ability to overcome adversity. LGBTQ+ Activism Funding Crisis Impact Matt discusses the significant impact of funding cuts on global LGBTQ+ activism, highlighting that 45% of staff in partner organizations had already been dismissed or left, and 75% reported having to reduce or end life-saving services. He estimates that between $100-150 million had been removed from the LGBT activism system, with a recent study in South Africa projecting an additional 500,000 excess deaths from HIV/AIDS over the next decade due to these cuts. Matt emphasizes the need for innovative and strategic approaches to address the underfunding, acknowledging that there is no simple solution. LGBTQ+ Equality and Community Resilience Felipe and Matt discuss the importance of power, resilience, and funding in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Matt emphasizes that achieving true liberation and equality will require continued community effort despite differences, and expresses confidence in the eventual success of the movement. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

LIVE SCREENING + Q&A with filmmaker Kat SchmitzTuesday, June 31pm CET (Central European Time / 7am USA EST) Can't join live? Catch it on the REPLAY! http://ourpride.orgOfficial WorldPride Partner Event FREE REGISTRATIONOUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest 2025“Translucent” tells the perspective of gender-diverse athletes inspired by the real life example of tennis player Renée Richards. Produced within 48 hours, this film looks back on Renées vibrant career in competitive sport and her search for belonging through the eyes of her older self. It raises the most pressing question in the sports world right now onto the tennis court: Where do trans athletes belong in the sports principles of fairness?WATCH FREE at online at ourpride.org* Screenings in the Voices of Solidarity Global Gatherings This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

Felipe Zurita of the Charter for Compassion is joined by InterPride Co-President Rahul Upadhyay to launch Voices of Solidarity and the OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest, a WorldPride 2025 Official Partner Event.FREE REGISTRATION: Register HereDETAILS: OurPride.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

FEATURE DOCUMENTARY (1 hr 40 min)ARE YOU PROUD? covers the history of the LGBTQ+ movement in the 50 years since the Stonewall Riots. Reflecting upon prominent issues within the LGBTQ+ community like AIDs and hate crimes, the film also shows how the movement has supported people from all walks of life.WATCH FREE at ourpride.orgScreenings in the Voices of Solidarity Global Gatherings This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

15 years ago I had lost a vision for my life.After a life-altering cancer journey, in 2010 I thought I likely didn’t have more than a few more years to live. I set out on a new path to develop a nonprofit, first called getavision.org, now Rainbow Advocacy. Six years later, we created the Troy Perry Legacy Awards program and a short film program which is now the OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest.Please join me in the launch of Voices of Solidarity with our WorldPride 2025 Partner Event: Voices of Solidarity Global Gatherings, along with the OUR PRIDE 2025 Shorts & Arts Fest. http://ourpride.orgAs a WorldPride 2025 Partner Event, we are introducing Voices of Solidarity: “A global arts experience sharing stories of resilience & weaving our community together as threads in an expanding tapestry.”Throughout the month of June, beginning with WorldPride, June 1-9, we are bringing together artists and advocates around the world in our first “Global Gatherings” events, with interactive networking features for community building.The 2025 Global Gatherings is a FREE virtual event with the OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Festival. Participants will engage in an assortment of more than 50 online sessions, presentations, performances, panel discussions, exhibitions and community networking to inspire, educate, and galvanize meaningful impact for the global LGBTQIA+ community. In partnership with the Charter for Compassion, the Gatherings serve as a platform for sharing missions, insights, and actionable ideas to foster a more compassionate and equitable world.Our 8th annual OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Fest includes 170+ films from 25+ countries available throughout Pride Month on AppleTV, Roku, the web and eoFlix. All Access Pass is $15.And we will be announcing our 2025 Troy Perry Legacy Awards + Community Impact Award honorees.I’m grateful for having survived these 15 years and having the opportunity to connect with hundreds of artists and advocates around the world to develop and launch Voices of Solidarity. Please join us in this FREE event and let me know your ideas on how to expand and improve on this new undertaking during these most stressful times for our global LGBTQIA+ community and world.With love and gratitude, John Boz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

This episode highlights WorldPride 2025 from May 17 to June 8, 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the city of Washington, DC.The official theme, "The Fabric of Freedom," emphasizes the strength and unity derived from the LGBTQIA+ community's diverse cultures, identities, and backgrounds in the ongoing fight for equality. Several key initiatives are associated with WorldPride 2025, most notably the OUR PRIDE 2025 Shorts Fest and the Voices of Solidarity global arts and advocacy program. The OUR PRIDE Shorts Fest will showcase a diverse range of LGBTQIA+ films and content, including youth and teen productions, while Voices of Solidarity, spearheaded by Namibian artist Shishani, uses art and media to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ human rights and support related nonprofits. The Youth Media Challenge further engages young people in expressing their perspectives through digital media. These interconnected programs aim to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, foster global solidarity, and advocate for continued progress towards equality.Main Themes and Important Ideas/Facts:1. WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C.:* Dates: May 17 – June 8, 2025* Significance: Marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, D.C. The Capital Pride Alliance is hosting the event, expecting to welcome international visitors.* Theme: "The Fabric of Freedom." * The use of rich cultures, diverse identities, and backgrounds as a source of strength for the LGBTQ+ community.* The importance of shared humanity and unshakeable unity in defining the community's strength.* The community being bound by love and acceptance, struggle and resilience.* The concept of an ever-evolving community working towards freedom.* "Every one of us, new threads woven together, strengthen the fabric of our community and of this global movement."* The idea that "it's the fabric of our community... that will guide us forward towards a better future."2. OUR PRIDE 2025 Shorts Fest:* Creatives: A "global LGBTQIA+ festival for filmmakers, content creators, artists, young adults, and teen students" and an Official Event of WorldPride 2025.* Dates: May 22 - June 30, 2025* Content: Features "Short & Feature Films," "150+ Short Films and Videos from 25+ countries," including productions by "young adult and teen student" creators.* Categories: Includes "Drama . Comedy . Romance . Documentary . Animation . Experimental . Poetry & more!"* Additional Features: "BEHIND THE SCENES: Panels / Q&A / Special Programs."* Beneficiary: The festival will benefit "Uganda's Coloured Voices Media Foundation & their Liberation DesignsYouth Economic Empowerment Project."* Access: Hosted by eoFlix Entertainment Oxygen and available for free on various platforms.* Call for Entries: "2025 ENTRIES NOW OPEN. GET A FREE 2025 ALL ACCESS PASS WITH ENTRY."3. Voices of Solidarity:* 5 Year Program Plan: A "global music and arts social justice, educational and fundraising program" launching with WorldPride 2025.* Creator: Amsterdam-based, Namibia-born musical artist and activist Shishani.* Mission: To "raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ human rights issues and raise funds for nonprofit organizations, using arts and media as a platform for social action and advocacy."* Methodology: "weaves together a tapestry of stories of resilience through the arts, from poetry and short stories to music, short films & videos, paintings, photography, digital creations and more."* Africa Pride: One of the key focuses is on the African LGBTQIA+ community, which remains one of the most challenging continents for LGBTQIA+ rights, with over 30 countries criminalizing same-sex relationships.* Program Features: Includes Art, Video, Music, Social Media, Short Films, Feature Films, Youth Media Challenge, History & Educational Resources, Story Maps & Global Maps, WeVideo Collaborative Video Editing Network, Crowdfunding Campaign & Auction.* Podcast: Voices of Solidarity Podcast will take a "'deep dive' into the Voices of Solidarity program and its mission to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues through art, media, and social action."* Theme Song: The lyrics of the theme song by Shishani, “Forget to Remember,,” highlights global injustices and discrimination against marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community: "And my queer and trans community / It's a war zone chronically."4. Youth Media Challenge:* Youth 13-29: Invites youth from ages 13 to 29 years to explore how they see themselves, their world, and their future by creating and publishing original audio, video and images in LGBTQIA+ solidarity.* Collaboration: A collaboration between "OUR PRIDE / KQED Youth Media Challenge."* Age Groups:Teen Challenge (Ages 13-18): Submissions published on the "KQED Challenge Showcase" and in "OUR PRIDE's World Pride 2025 Shorts & Arts Fest."* 18+ Challenge (Ages 18-29): Participate independently or through educational programs using platforms like StoryMaps.com.* Categories for Teen Challenge: "Commentary, Informational, Personal Narrative."* Goal: Uplifting and amplifying the voices of youth around the world through the Youth Media Challenge.5. Historical Milestones and Commemorations:* 50th Anniversary of DC Pride (2025)* 40th Anniversary of the AIDS Quilt (2025): Aims to "share our stories of the lives taken by AIDS."* 80th Anniversary of WWII Pink Triangle Liberation (2025): Aims to "share our stories of the cloth Pink Triangles placed on homosexuals in the Nazi holocaust, and the liberation of the survivors of concentration camps."* 50th Anniversary of the Rainbow Flag (2028): Year 3 of the program includes WorldPride 2028 in Cape Town and the 50th Anniversary of the flag’s creation in San Francisco with Lynn Segerblom (aka Faerie Argyle Rainbow), the “Mother of the Rainbow Flag” who is highlighted as one of the main artist who brought the rainbow flag to life.* Gilbert Baker, the Rainbow Flag co-creator, is quoted: "The thread that runs through every gay / LGBT person's life is that we all have a moment in our lives that we come out to ourselves. All of a sudden, you're true to yourself. And that's the thread of the flag. That single moment that a person claims their own truth and power."* 30th Anniversary: Trans Pride Flag (2029)* 10th Anniversary: People of Color Pride (Philly Pride) Flag (2027)* 10th Anniversary: Progress Pride Flag (2028)* 60th Anniversary: Spiritual Activism (2028): Commemorating Rev. Troy D. Perry and the founding of Metropolitan Community Churches. Rev. Perry is quoted: "There are times when you have to fight for what is right, and you have to fight in their face. I say that over and over again. We can't back away from being who we are. Spirituality is so important to all of us, not religion always, but spirituality."6. Global Collaboration and Reach:* WorldPride 2025 is positioned as a global event, with Washington, D.C., being a significant location due to its international presence and diplomatic missions.* Voices of Solidarity is a "worldwide collaborative, interactive arts & advocacy project" accessible in "40+ languages."* The Youth Media Challenge encourages "Global Student Submissions."* WorldPride 2025 is collaborating with EuroPride Lisboa 2025.7. Rainbow Advocacy:* The umbrella organization behind many of these initiatives, is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit.* Its mission includes "Advancing the Global Pride Movement."Conclusion:WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., under the theme "The Fabric of Freedom," promises to be a significant global event. It will not only celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pride in the US capital but also serve as a crucial platform for advocating for LGBTQIA+ human rights through the diverse and interconnected initiatives of the OUR PRIDE 2025 Shorts Fest, Voices of Solidarity, and the Youth Media Challenge. The emphasis on resilience, unity, and the power of artistic expression underscores the enduring spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community and the ongoing commitment to achieving full equality worldwide. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

This episode explores the life of Reverend Troy Perry, the founding of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), and his pivotal role in the early LGBTQ+ rights movement, particularly the creation of the first Pride parade.Main Themes:* Rev. Troy Perry: A Pioneering Figure in LGBTQ+ Rights: Troy Perry has been a historic, visionary, and trailblazing figure, often referred to as a "founding father of the LGBTQ Rights Movement" and the "Moses of the LGBTQ Human Rights Movement." His personal journey of reconciling his faith with his sexual orientation became the driving force behind his activism.* The Founding and Growth of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC): Established in 1968, MCC was the first church to explicitly minister to the needs of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Starting with just twelve individuals in Perry's living room, MCC grew into a global denomination with thousands of members and hundreds of churches worldwide, offering a welcoming spiritual home to those rejected by traditional religious institutions.* The Birth of the First Gay Pride Parade: Perry, along with Morris Kight and Rev. Bob Humphries, co-founded Christopher Street West in 1970, leading to the first permitted LGBTQ+ pride parade in Hollywood. This event, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, is recognized as the oldest gay pride parade in the world and served as a catalyst for similar events globally.* Activism and Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Equality: Perry has been a lifelong activist, engaging in protests, fasts (like the 16-day fast against the Briggs Initiative), and political advocacy. He was the first openly gay person to serve on the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and was invited to the White House by Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama to discuss LGBTQ+ rights and issues like hate crimes and AIDS. He also spearheaded early efforts for marriage equality, performing the first public same-sex wedding in the U.S. in 1969 and filing the first lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages in 1970.* Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: The sources highlight the numerous challenges faced by Perry and the MCC, including fire bombings of sanctuaries and the murders of clergy. Despite this adversity, Perry's leadership and unwavering faith propelled the movement forward, embodying a spirit of resilience and the declaration, "We're Not Afraid Anymore."* Intergenerational Perspectives on Pride and Activism: A later panel discussion included in the sources reveals diverse perspectives on the evolution of Pride, from its roots as a protest and act of defiance against societal oppression to its current form, sometimes characterized by corporate involvement and large-scale celebrations. The discussion also emphasizes the ongoing need for intergenerational dialogue and continued activism in the face of persistent inequalities and global challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals.Most Important Ideas and Facts:* The genesis of MCC: Perry's personal struggle and the arrest of a friend at a gay bar ("When Troy returned to Los Angeles after a two-year stint in the U.S. Army, he was set on the historical course his life was to take...It was following a close friend's arrest that Troy realized that 'God cares,' precipitating the birth of MCC in Los Angeles...") were pivotal in his decision to found MCC. His own divine revelation ("‘don’t tell me what I can do. I love you, Troy, and I don't have any stepsons or stepdaughters. Reread my Word.’ And reread God's word I did.") provided the theological grounding for a welcoming church.* MCC as a revolutionary act: The founding of MCC in 1968, a year before Stonewall, is described as "a revolution within a revolution" and "historic: the first church to recognize the need to minister to the needs of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people."* The founding of the first Pride: Perry, Morris Kight, and Rev. Bob Humphries founded Christopher Street West on June 28, 1970, "to hold an annual Pride Parade. It is the oldest gay pride parade in the world." Their persistence in the face of opposition from the Los Angeles Police Commission ("They persisted against Los Angeles Police Commission, which attempted to deny the event, and eventually obtained a permit for the parade.") was crucial. Perry recounts the significant hurdles, including demands for exorbitant bonds, which were eventually overcome with the help of the ACLU.* Perry's early activism for marriage equality: Even in its early years, Perry and MCC were at the forefront of the fight for marriage equality ("In December 1968 he performed the first public same-sex wedding in the U.S., and in 1970 he filed the first-ever lawsuit seeking legal recognition for same-gender marriages.").* Recognition and impact: Perry's work has garnered national and international recognition, including invitations to the White House and honorary doctorates. The Smithsonian Institution now houses a collection of his personal items and MCC historical items, recognizing his significance as both a religious and human rights leader.* The ongoing global struggle: The "Voices of Solidarity" project highlights the continuing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide, particularly in countries where same-sex relationships are criminalized.Quotes:* "Rev. Troy Perry created a revolution within a revolution a year before Stonewall when he began to save countless LGBTQ+ lives by building them a welcoming place for their spiritually homeless souls."* "MCC was the first church to recognize the need to minister to the needs of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons throughout the world."* "On June 28, 1970, Hollywood Boulevard swelled with one thousand gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender activists who announced their presence with signs, laughter, and chants. Today, we’re all familiar with Pride parades. In 1970, however, Los Angeles had never witnessed a gathering such as the Christopher Street West Parade."* Perry reflecting on the challenges of obtaining a parade permit: "if you're gonna let these PE I prefer having thieves and burglars March down Hollywood Bar Boulevard than to have this group..." and the eventual victory: "...these people don't have to put up any kind of bonds they're citizens of this city they pay taxes like everybody else I don't don't care if you have to call out the National Guard you're going to protect these people."* Perry's hope for his legacy: "“I believe we can change the world... So, for me, my legacy, I hope, will be inside and outside of my community... He was faithful and he was fearless."This briefing underscores the profound and lasting impact of Rev. Troy Perry's vision, courage, and unwavering commitment to creating a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are both loved by God and treated with dignity and equality. His work laid the foundation for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and continues to inspire activism today. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

This episode highlights the persecution of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Africa, particularly in Uganda, and the activist responses to this crisis. Voices of Solidarity is a global arts and advocacy initiative using various creative mediums to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQIA+ human rights, exemplified by Shishani's music and related projects like a virtual choir. The Africa Pride Initiative outlines a strategic plan to advance LGBTQIA+ recognition, advocacy, and empowerment across the continent through various thematic areas and approaches. Rev. Troy Perry's call to action condemns the influence of North American religious extremism in promoting anti-LGBTQIA+ laws in Africa and urges global solidarity. Personal accounts from activists like Hans Senfuma and Steven Kabuye vividly illustrate the dangers faced and their unwavering fight for equality, further emphasizing the urgent need for global support. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com

In this episode, we will take a "deep dive" into the Voices of Solidarity program and its mission to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues through art, media, and social action.It’s a quick discussion of the elements of Voices of Solidarity, the global arts & advocacy experience, which is an official event of WorldPride 2025 through the OUR PRIDE Shorts & Arts Festival.The "Fabric of Freedom" theme: Voices of Solidarity launched in 2025 with the WorldPride theme "The Fabric of Freedom".The Voices of Solidarity: Africa initiative: Which focuses on supporting and amplifying African queer voices through media and digital storytelling.The Youth Media Challenge: Which encourages young people to express their perspectives on LGBTQIA+ issues through various media.The Program Features: Including art, video, music, social media, short films, feature films, history and educational resources, story maps and global maps, WeVideo collaborative video editing network, and crowdfunding campaigns.The organization's strategies: Such as the creation of queer-centric media content, engagement with journalists and influencers, social media campaigns, and the development of an online LGBTQIA+ resource hub.The fundraising campaigns: Voices of Solidarity uses crowdfunding and auctions to support its programs, with a specific focus on initiatives in African countries such as Namibia, Uganda, and Tanzania.The voices of musical artists: Such as Shishani and Angel Maxine. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ourpride.substack.com