The event was organised to draw attention to the millions of people around the world who suffer from discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation.  This years event theme was “Join the Action, Support LGBTI Youth: Fight for Visibility, Respect, and Equality”. This theme was expressed through a performance and visual arts competition resulting in six awardees in each category.

Other sheep Rwanda is grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the IDAHOT with more than 60 members of the LGBT community in Rwanda and Burundi. The event was successful and achieved the goal of providing a space  for the LGBT people to express their desire for equal rights within their local and national communities.

Information from Other Sheep – Rwanda website.

Other Sheep – Rwanda was founded in 2008, by young Christian LGBTI people, from the Eastern Provice, in Rubavu district. Today the organisation conducts advocacy and support to LGBTI people on both sides of the boarders between Rwandan and DRC. Other Sheep – Rwanda is one of the leading LGBTI NGOs and which has initiated the idea of a coalition for all LGBTI organisations operating in Rwanda called the Isange coalition. Moreover, Other Sheep – Rwanda has entered into partnership with the Coalition of Affirming Africans; an American based NGO, that seeks to foster relations with LGBTI organizations across the continent.

Participants of My Right Association advise that different events were held to mark Friday May 17, including people coming together to eat a rainbow cake in the morning. In the evening, a cocktail evening was also held to mark the Day, with state and international NGO actors present.