In addition to providing emotional support for Uganda's transgender community, LGBT-rights group Rainbow Mirrors is now attempting to provide some economic support as well with a surprising new venture: a winery and farm.

Abdul Jamal, the group’s executive director, says the situation for transgender Ugandans is “complicated” because they are not legally recognized by the nation’s government. This makes it nearly impossible to find employment, with many trans individuals turning to sex work to make ends meet.

Moreover, though both gay and transgender citizens suffer under Ugandan laws that punish same-sex activity with life imprisonment, most gay individuals choose to live their lives in the closet, leaving transgender people to be the visible face of the LGBT community.

"The hardship is more than you can imagine," LGBTI activist and pastor Jide Macaulay told Gay Star News. "As a community visible not just by choice, it makes violence towards them real."

"I witnessed police brutality of trans people in the week I was in Uganda," he continued. "They are treated worse than criminals. Police specifically target all trans people—if you don’t look heteronormative, you are arrested."

In response to the incredible violence and economic hardship faced by the trans community, Rainbow Mirrors decided to get into the business of making and selling wine.

Though it remains a small-scale project, the group has already produced over 50 bottles of wine, which they've been selling at LGBT events around the capital city of Kampala. Rainbow Mirrors hoped to make a big push of the wine at this year's Pride march, but it was canceled by police.

The group has also taken on a small plot of farming land, which they are using to grow coffee.

"The farm has six acres of land and we are growing grapes for wine production, and we also have agricultural projects—such as coffee—to try and generate income," Jamal said.

"We have around 25 members who work on the farm at the moment on weekends. The land was acquired by me from my family, who understand about my gender and identity."

While production is slow because of Uganda's dry climate, Rainbow Mirrors is trying to raise funds for a bore hole and proper irrigation system to make the winery full functional.

h/t: Gay Star News