Ugandan LGBT rights activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has won this year’s Alternative Nobel Prize, the award’s foundation announced.
The Society for the Right Livelihood Award honored the former accountant "for her courage and persistence, despite violence and intimidation, in working for the right of LGBTI people to a life free from prejudice and persecution",
Nabagesera is known as the founding mother of the Ugandan LGBTI rights movement and one of the only activists in the East African country to challenge homophobia through the judiciary.
When a Ugandan tabloid published the names and photos of LGBTI people, she was one of three plaintiffs who took the newspaper to court and won.
"Despite being arrested, attacked and subjected to harassment, Nabagesera persists with her advocacy", a press release for the award states.
"As a result of harsh reprisals, most Ugandan LGBTI activists have been killed or have fled, leaving Nabagesera as one of very few prominent members of the Ugandan LGBTI movement still living in the country".
The award will be presented at a ceremony in the Swedish parliament on 30 November
Congratulations!
Mrs. Nabagesera with Derek Jacobi (left) and Ian McKellen
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