QUEER SAFETY APP

The Queer Safety App is an application that was transformed from the Stall App. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Let’s Walk Uganda developed an application to enable LGBTQ+ people to sell and buy goods at ease with less movement, due to the fact that movement was highly restricted in Uganda at the time. The Stall app acted basically as a medium where LGBTQ+ members could sell goods and also buy goods. In 2023, Let’s Walk Uganda saw the need to expand and develop the application further, not only facilitating buying and selling but also creating and adding more essential tools to benefit the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. Therefore, this resulted in the transformation of the Stall App into the Queer Safety App.

The Queer Safety App is a new and very innovative technological tool that is tailored to bring LGBTQ+ service and service providers closer to each other through the mobile phone app. The application is designed to offer support and information to the queer user, including access to queer friendly legal services or organizations, friendly health services, shelters, and other key services that can be accessed and contacted through the application. The application can facilitate real-time communication with specialists from different fields and sectors. The application is geo-supported, meaning that the user can access information about the facilities and services they want from the nearest service. The application also mentioned the possibility of the buying and selling of goods by community members. The application has a lot of potential to serve the community and even further development. The Application is expected to support community members, especially those who stand at risk of violence from public because of their sexuality.

TARGET:

Our target is to develop the tool as far as technology can allow and to make the lives of LGBTQ+ and other marginalsed people simple. This mean that gradual development of the application will go on and improvements made from time to time through community consultations, the Application will be developed to meet the needs of the community. Design a visionary statement from the above.

VISION:

Our vision is to create a cutting-edge technological solution that revolutionizes the way LGBTQ+ individuals access essential services and support. The Queer Safety App serves as a glimmer of empowerment and inclusivity, bringing together a diverse range of service providers and community members through a user-friendly mobile platform. By leveraging real-time communication and google location features, our application seamlessly connects users with queer-friendly services, and other vital resources in their immediate vicinity. Furthermore, the app fosters a sense of community by facilitating the exchange of goods among members, contributing to economic empowerment and solidarity. As we continue to evolve and enhance the application, we are committed to actively engaging with the community to ensure that it remains responsive to their needs. Our ultimate goal is to provide a lifeline of support for those at risk of violence or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, making their lives safer and more navigable in an often challenging world.

BACKGROUND

The Queer Safety App is a groundbreaking mobile application developed by Let’s Walk Uganda to address the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. Originally conceived as the Stall App during the Covid-19 pandemic, it served as a vital platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to safely buy and sell goods in a time of restricted movement and heightened safety concerns.

However, recognizing the need for broader support and empowerment, Let’s Walk Uganda undertook a significant expansion and transformation of the app, resulting in the birth of the Queer Safety App in 2023.

The Queer Safety App goes beyond facilitating commerce; it is a multifaceted tool designed to enhance the safety, well-being, and opportunities of LGBTQ+ individuals across Uganda. By incorporating essential features and resources, the app aims to provide a comprehensive support system, offering access to critical services, community connections, and vital information. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and secure environment for the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda.

As the first of its kind in the region, the Queer Safety App represents a powerful step forward in harnessing technology to address the specific needs and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Through this transformative platform, Let’s Walk Uganda seeks to empower and uplift the community, promoting safety, resilience, and equality for all. The Queer Safety App stands as a beacon of progress and hope, driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive society for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda

HOW IT WORKS

The Queer Safety App is a outstanding technological solution that aims to connect LGBTQ+ individuals with a range of supportive services and service providers through a user-friendly mobile application. The app provides a comprehensive platform for accessing a variety of essential resources including LGBTQ+ friendly legal services, health services, shelters, and other key support facilities. Users can easily locate and connect with these services in real-time through the google location feature, which displays the nearest available options based on the user’s location.

Furthermore, the application facilitates direct communication with specialists across different sectors, enabling users to seek immediate assistance and advice as needed. In addition to accessing vital services, the app also provides a platform for community members to engage in the buying and selling of goods, fostering economic empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Queer Safety App is designed to create a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who face the risk of violence or discrimination due to their sexuality.
With its innovative features and potential for further development, the application is poised to be a valuable tool in supporting and empowering the LGBTQ+ community.