Before setting off to the clinic for his monthly refill of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), Himena* has a ritual. He removes his ear pins and wears a hoodie to cover his braided hair.
Since the passing of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) last April, Himena, a gay man, has felt increasingly unsafe. Even at a donor-aided clinic that provides HIV/AIDS services and is located at a government hospital.
“I can’t just act freely. I’m scared that I’m easy to spot from the queue,” he told openDemocracy. Last month, as Himena waited in a queue, another queer patient – visibly sporting lip balm and painted nails – was pulled out of the line by a health worker who asked, “What’s wrong with you?” and made them wait away from the reception area. Himena said such homophobic and stigmatising actions by health workers have increased at the clinic since AHA was passed.
