Last week we reported on The Pearl of Africa, a groundbreaking documentary series focusing on Ugandan transgender rights activist Cleopatra Kambugu and her decision to transition openly despite rising anti-LGBTQI sentiment in the East African nation. The first installment of the seven-part series has surfaced online this week, offering viewers a firsthand look into the highs and lows of Cleo's life over an 18 month period as captured by Swedish director Jonny von Wallström. The inaugural episode, which clocks in at just over five minutes, introduces us to Cleo and her boyfriend Nelson. The episode also details the changes that have occurred in Cleo's life in the wake of her public outing in Ugandan tabloid Red Pepper and proposed anti-gay legislation from the Ugandan government. There are six more episodes planned for the series, which we'll be posting as they're made available each week. Stay tuned for our continuing coverage and watch first episode of The Pearl of Africa below.

>>>Read: Ugandan Transgender Rights Take Center Stage In Documentary Film The Pearl of Africa