Dear Friend, Ally, Supporter...

Pride Uganda Alliance International (PUAI) is having a dinner fundraiser for 23 February 2010 from 6-10pm at the Bright Pearl. The reason for the fundraiser, Pride Uganda Alliance International has already received requests from 105 individuals in Uganda who identify as LGBT requiring refugee status. As a result to that need, we are trying to raise funds to help these individuals. I have also written a letter to the PM with endorsements from a coalition of supporters.

The Bill imposes the following:

• The death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality' (which includes HIV status) and 'serial' homosexual acts.
• Life imprisonment for all same-sex behaviour.
• Life imprisonment for contracting a same-sex marriage
• Seven years imprisonment for ‘aiding and abating' homosexuality
• Five to seven years imprisonment for supporting homosexuality or publishing material ‘promoting' homosexuality.
• Three years imprisonment for not reporting any offence covered by the bill, within 24 hours.

Under Uganda's existing laws, the police arbitrarily arrest and detain men and women accused of engaging in consensual sex with someone of the same sex. Human rights organisations have documented cases of torture against lesbians and gay men in detention because of their sexual orientation. The new bill will further criminalise the work of activists and organisations working for the defence and promotion of human rights in Uganda; and create major barriers to effective HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.

We had a successful vigil on 18th December 2009 at the 519. That Friday's vigil was an indicator of a lot of interest out there, which we are to turning into active involvement. How can you help towards this event? Any help is welcome.

I have also got tickets. Each ticket is for $100.00 - a portion is tax receipt-able as a way to provide a tax receipt to people who purchase tickets as this maybe important to some people. Pride Uganda Alliance International does not have charitable status but we partnered with APAA as an agency with charitable status that could issue a tax receipt, to hold the raised money in trust for Pride Uganda. I know some are in a much better position than others to purchase the ticket at $100.00. If you want to support the event but cannot attend/or do not want to attend, you could sponsor someone by purchasing tickets. That ticket would be given to community members who cannot afford the ticket cost. You could also attend and purchase an extra ticket for this purpose.

Pride Uganda Alliance International would be honoured by your presence to attend a Dinner Reception & Fundraiser for the benefit of LGBT Ugandans at risk requiring refugee status into Canada

Tuesday, February 23rd, 6 - 10pm
Bright Pearl
346 Spadina Avenue

(Major Intersection: Spadina & College)

There will be dinner, silent auction and Uganda African dance performances with music

You can also visit us on our facebook page.

I really appreciate your support if any; thank you!

George Ssemukuutu
Chairman, PUAI
647-869-7232

To purchase tickets online, click on the yellow Donate button in the top navigation on www.pridetoronto.com and make your payment to Pride Toronto, then email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to notify us of your payment. Tickets can be collected at Pride Toronto's offices at 14 Dundonald Street, Toronto. All proceeds from ticket sales will be paid over to Pride Uganda Alliance International.