In Uganda, where homosexuality is harshly criminalized, some courageous mothers are defying societal and legal pressures to support their LGBTQ+ children. Despite facing threats and stigma, they choose love over fear, challenging the belief that queerness is un-African and quietly leading a movement of acceptance and resistance.

In Uganda, where being gay can lead to life imprisonment and “aggravated homosexuality” carries the death penalty, some parents are defying both the law and social norms to support their LGBTQ+ children. Instead of punishment, these families offer love and protection.

Mama Joseph, a mother from central Uganda, stood by her son when he came out. Despite threats from relatives and being shunned by neighbors, she proudly affirms her son's identity. “People say queerness is un-African, but I raised my son right here—very African—and he is very queer,” she said.

Her stance confronts the widespread belief that homosexuality is a Western import. Like Mama Joseph, other parents—such as Mama Arthur—are learning to understand and embrace their children’s identities. “At first, it was hard,” Mama Arthur admitted, “but over time, I got to know my child better. People often judge queer children harshly, but they miss the goodness in them.”

These acts of love are often quiet but courageous. Despite legal threats and community backlash, these mothers continue to support their children in private and sometimes in public forums.

In South Africa, where LGBTQ+ rights are protected by law, stigma and violence still exist. Advocates like Mama Thandi support queer youth rejected by their families. “We have people being disowned, raped, even killed,” she said. “Churches pray against evil but promote hate through homophobia.”

Some Ugandan mothers—Mama Rihanna, Mama Joshua, and Mama Hajjat—faced intense public backlash when their children were arrested. One sold her only cow to pay legal fees. Another went into hiding. Still, they remain resolute. “Sexuality doesn’t matter,” said Mama Hajjat, while Mama Joshua believes the government targets LGBTQ+ people to distract from its failures.

These mothers, supported by networks like Human Rights Watch and PFLAG-Uganda, continue to speak out. While international bodies call for the repeal of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ law, the government remains defiant, claiming it protects “African values.”

But for mothers like Mama Joseph, the real value lies in standing by their children. “I won’t bury my child because of shame,” she said. “We’ve buried too many already.”

Their quiet defiance is not a public revolution—but a revolution of mothers, changing Uganda one act of love at a time.