KAMPALA, Uganda – Parliament remains up to its ears in debate over a controversial oil bill, meaning that the MPs have not yet turned their attention to the “Kill The Gays” bill that is ranked as the next priority.

Activists and concerned citizens say they are hoping that the session will run out on Dec. 14 without a vote on the draconian “Kill The Gays” bill, formally known as the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Many of us who survived the early years of the AIDS epidemic in the USA will reflect on how difficult it was to walk through the cloud of stigma and discrimination as we reflect on World AIDS Day this weekend.

We lost many brave friends who taught us how to love fearlessly and safely. Straight allies and health care professionals began to understand LGBT more than before and that our love was good. How we cared for our partners and friends and created organizations that were open to everyone is an enduring tribute to the indomitable spirit of that difficult chapter of our lives.

SAN DIEGO – Uganda’s draconian “Kill The Gays” bill is very much alive and well in Parliament, warns two top LGBT activists from that landlocked African nation.

All Out hosted an international conference call today featuring Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, and Kasha Jacqueline, executive director of Freedom and Roam Uganda.

SAN DIEGO -- SDGLN is not often thought of as an international publication even though it is read in 175 countries. For many of our readers abroad -- the news and information about all the fun things we do here, our struggles and challenges and how we connect with the rest of the world, our publication represents a lifeline. It also gives them a hope that one day they too can have free association and a free press, civil rights, access to HIV information and health care as well as business opportunities.