covid-19 measures isolate us!

BY STELLA NYANZI (PHD)

---

Verse 1: 

Beyond the individualism of present-day Uganda, 

Past the selfishness of COVID-19 safety measures, 

Transcending the egoism of neo-liberal capitalism, 

My sick body yearns for evasive love. 

My diseased soul longs in vain for warm embrace. 

My isolated self desires a community of care. 

Aaaaaah, how COVID-19 measures isolate us! 

I am poor, queer, homeless, HIV-infected, and positive with COVID-19. 

Verse 2: 

“Go home!” The dictator ordered us sternly. 

And then shortly thereafter the police raided our queer shelter. “Stay home, stay home!” The ministers ordered us. 

And then the Local Council leaders closed our only safe space. What are homeless queers to do in this pandemic of loneliness? Where are unloved queers to sleep in this lockdown? 

Aaaaaah, how COVID-19 measures isolate us! 

I am poor, queer, homeless, HIV-infected, and positive with COVID-19. 

Verse 3: 

“We’ll distribute food to the vulnerable poor,” the government promised. And my peptic ulcers escalated due to the growing hunger epidemic. “Private vehicles and public transport were prohibited. 

And yet I was due to refill my anti-retroviral therapies two months ago. Strict curfew was imposed, closing off the night economy. 

My sex work business came to a standstill… I am alone, scared and confused. Aaaaaah, how COVID-19 measures isolate us! 

I am poor, queer, homeless, HIV-infected, and positive with COVID-19.

 “THE END”