Watch Call Me Kuchu

Call Me Kuchu is a powerful and moving documentary that follows the struggles of Uganda's LGBTQ activist community as they fight against a government that has criminalized homosexuality. The documentary is directed by Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall and was released in 2012. The film focuses primarily on the life and work of David Kato, an openly gay man and prominent Ugandan LGBTQ activist. Kato was the first openly gay man in Uganda, and his advocacy work helped to bring global attention to the plight of LGBTQ people in the country. Despite the constant threats and intimidation he faced, Kato remained steadfast in his commitment to advocating for the rights of his community. Throughout the documentary, we see Kato and other activists speaking out against the Ugandan government's proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which would make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment or even death. The activists face a great deal of opposition and hostility from both the government and the general public, but they refuse to be silenced. One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Kato is brutally murdered in his home. His death serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those fighting for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. Despite this devastating loss, the remaining activists continue to push forward, determined to keep fighting for their community. While much of the film is focused on the activists' advocacy work, it also offers a glimpse into their personal lives. We see Kato at home with his partner, enjoying the simple pleasure of cooking a meal together. We also see other LGBTQ Ugandans struggling to find a place in a society that is deeply hostile to their existence. Call Me Kuchu is a powerful piece of filmmaking that sheds light on a deeply important issue. Through its intimate portrayal of the lives of Uganda's LGBTQ activists, the film humanizes a community that is often demonized and ignored. It also serves as a powerful call to action, urging audiences to join the fight for LGBTQ rights around the world. The film's title, "Call Me Kuchu," is a nod to the slang term used in Uganda to refer to LGBTQ people. While the word kuchu is often used as a slur, the activists in the film have reclaimed it as a term of empowerment, proudly declaring "call me kuchu" as a way of asserting their identity and their right to exist. Overall, Call Me Kuchu is a deeply moving and important documentary that is essential viewing for anyone interested in issues of LGBTQ rights and social justice. It offers a powerful reminder of the bravery and resilience of those fighting for justice in the face of overwhelming odds, and is sure to inspire viewers to take action in their own communities.