Imagine dreaming of starting a family, only to find that the world around you is closing in with fear, hatred, and laws designed to break your spirit. For many LGBTQ+ folks across the globe, this isn’t fiction—it’s a daily battle. In 2023, Uganda passed one of the most brutal anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and human rights organizations like HRW have been sounding the alarm about escalating violence and discrimination (read the explosive details here) that continue to tear communities apart. It’s a harsh reminder that in many places, simply loving who you love or choosing to build a family your way is an act of courage—and sometimes, even defiance.