My Name is Moses: Surviving homophobia and coming out as an antiracist

I speak to Moses Kushaba, a LGBTQI activist who immigrated to the U.S. from Uganda to escape persecution during a time when the government was escalating anti-gay policies, leading to violence, imprisonment, and death of many accused of being homosexual. Moses was born during a civil war in Uganda and his name comes from a dramatic moment as a newborn when floods forced his mother to flee on foot. Baby Moses was placed in a wicker basket and pushed along as his family escaped. Both of his parents later died from AIDS, a pandemic that literally wiped out a generation of people in particularly hard-hit African countries. After immigrating, Moses served in Iraq as an Army medic and later studied social work and psychology. Immigrating to the U.S. and doing a tour of duty in Iraq were a godsend for Moses. “People ask me about my service in Iraq and I think, maybe, that was the best experience of my life.” When Moses was publicly outed as a young person in Uganda his life was in danger. Yet he found a way out of exile. His life and career as a Healer is an inspiration to anyone that’s experienced homophobia and adversity because of their sexual orientation. We talk about Ibram X. Kendi’s bestselling book How to Be An Antiracist, a book the New York Times called “The most courageous book to date on the problem of race in the Western mind.” We’re not experts in antiracism but we are experts in how to change behaviors and heal the mind. We discuss the vulnerability of being anti-racist and break down what it means to live in an anti-racist way, confessing "I have this racist thought" instead of denying our human instinct to make up stories about others. I want this episode to be a challenge for you if you are White. Even if you think you are an accepting, non-biased person with persons of color you may count as your your friends, colleagues, or spouses, it is time to roll up our sleeves and begin observing, naming, and releasing racist thoughts. I practice coming out as an antiracist, with Moses. Oh, and I almost forgot, we talk about reparations and Watchmen. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulOfLifeShow​ or Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoulofLifeShow​ Want to book Keith as a guest on your podcast? Contact him at [email protected]. ***7-Week Stress Reduction & Relationship Growth Course*** If you and your significant other are looking for ways to improve communication and strengthen your partnership, there is still time to enroll in my upcoming live 7-Week Mindfulness and IFS course, called Mindful Marriage. Partners of any kind are welcome. It's a one-of-a-kind offering that can truly transform how you show up in intimacy. For more information visit: https://community.souloflifeshow.com/