LGBTIQ rights in Africa: the state in the entire continent nowMuch is spoken by different people from many parts of the world regarding LGBTIQ people. However, this is its state across the continent.
by Agence France-Presse
29-05-2023 16:59
in Culture
The state of LGBTIQ Rights across Africa.
Image: pexels.com
In recent years several African countries have decriminalised same-sex relationships. But they're not representative of the continent. In fact, queer rights at times appear to be eroding in much of the continent, with Kenya and Uganda most recently in the news for harsh laws and violence against members of the LGBTIQ community. We asked sociologist and queer studies scholar Zethu Matebeni five questions.
--
How would you describe the state of LGBTIQ rights? The state of LGBTIQ rights on the continent could be described as being on a continuum of seven possible stages, as suggested by US legal scholar Adam Kretz. These move from total marginalisation to cultural integration. The position in the continuum is determined by a country's laws and its political, social and cultural conditions.
ALSO READ: Eswatini Supreme Court hears LGBTIQ group's registration case
There are countries - such as Nigeria, Mauritania, Sudan, and Somalia - that impose bans, lengthy jail terms, ostracism, or a death penalty on anyone displaying same-sex affection and lesbian, gay or transgender identity or existence. Most countries - such as Algeria, The Gambia, Malawi, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe - remain in the second stage of the continuum, maintaining criminalisation of LGBTIQ persons.
--
There are also a number of African countries - such as Angola, Cape Verde, Gabon, Cote d'Ivoire, Lesotho, Rwanda, to name a few - that have reached the third stage of decriminalisation of non-heterosexual sexuality. This makes it possible for LGBTIQ persons to attain rights and work towards changing societal attitudes.
ALSO READ: Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill wants to rehabilitate' LGBTIQ people Only a handful of countries - such as Mauritius, Botswana, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa - have codified their laws to make sure that LGBTIQ people are protected against discrimination. Although no African country has reached the end of the continuum - cultural integration - there are some that are trying to establish positive rights and full legal equality. Non-heterosexual acts have always been part of the African fabric and ways of being. Colonial laws have ensured they are considered un-African, against the order of nature and criminal.
Where is it safest to live as a LGBTIQ person - on paper? Queer people are everywhere and try to create safe spaces for themselves wherever they are. Safety is not only about what rights exist on paper. It's also about social conditions and attitudes of others about LGBTIQ people in that society.
--
Take South Africa as an example. It might be easy to say it's safer, on paper, to live there because of its laws and the rights given to LGBTIQ persons. But the reality may be different. Racial discrimination, economic insecurity, being considered a foreigner, sexual violence and many other factors contribute to making a place unsafe.
ALSO READ: Uganda anti-LGBTIQ bill protests for Pretoria and Cape Town
The country's high rates of femicide and sexual violence against women, girls and queer persons make it an unsafe place to live as a black and African queer person. Similarly, while South Africa may be ahead of others in the continent because of laws which allow a person to change their sex, these laws still carry certain conditions. These make it difficult for many transgender and intersex persons to live their full lives.
Where is it least safe? In over 30 countries in Africa LGBTIQ people would face imprisonment. It is difficult to live in a place where you are not wanted and constantly face arrest, violence, torture and persecution. Uganda has just signed into law the most extreme legislation against the LGBTIQ community, the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. This imposes the death penalty, life imprisonment or between 10 and 20 years in prison for attempted homosexuality and promotion of homosexuality .
ALSO READ: World condemns Uganda's anti-LGBTIQ bill
Why do these rights matter? LGBTIQ rights matter because they are fundamental human rights that ensure that every person is treated with dignity and respect regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Ensuring that LGBTIQ individuals have access to basic human rights such as the right to freedom of expression, assembly, and association promotes democracy, heterogeneity, social justice and equality.
LGBTIQ rights matter because they recognise that everyone has the right to live their lives without fear of harassment, violence or persecution. With these rights it would be possible to fight discrimination, inequality and injustice in many societies while ensuring that everyone benefits from full access to rights.
ALSO READ: Court victory for LGBTIQ community in Kenya
What needs to be done about it? Legal, cultural, social, political and economic barriers would need to be lifted to advance LGBTIQ rights and promote greater inclusion. For many countries that are still in the first and second stage of the continuum, legal reform would need to be prioritised. Cultural and social factors to be addressed would include educating the public about diversity and difference.
Activists are already doing a lot, some with limited or no resources. Support of activist initiatives and organisations working on LGBTIQ issues, health issues, gender equity, advocacy for equality and social justice would need to be strengthened. This would ensure that these activities speak directly to policy issues.
ALSO READ: Uganda passes horror
Africa Stories
24/12/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is calling for applications from South African film and television filmmakers to be part of the NFVF's delegat...
06/12/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the cl...
30/11/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is pleased to announce that the ca...
16/11/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation, an agency of the Department of Sport, Ar...
16/11/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites emerging female producers ...
16/11/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites current masters students t...
30/10/2024
Johannesburg, 26 October 2024 - The 18th Annual South African Film and Televisio...
30/10/2024
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND DOCUMENTARY
!Aitsa
Practitioner: Simon Kohler
Production House: MED CINE
BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN EDITING DOCUMENTARY
Rise: The Si...
24/10/2024
In accordance with Section 6 (2) (c) of the National Film and Video Foundation A...
19/10/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) invites postgraduate students to s...
15/10/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (herein referred to as NFVF) is a statutory body set up by the government to grow and develop the South African Film and ...
11/10/2024
10 October 2024 Johannesburg, South Africa - The National Film and Video Found...
09/10/2024
Sportel stand number: Ravel Hall G06/07 After a summer filled with intense sport emotions in Paris, France and beyond, Globecast will be happy to welcome you...
04/10/2024
SAFTAs 18 Announces Date and Theme: Honouring Excellence in South African Film and Television with the theme Back to Basics . Johannesburg, South Africa Wedn...
04/10/2024
Johannesburg, South Africa Wednesday, 2 October 2024 The South African Film ...
01/10/2024
Johannesburg, South Africa - Monday, 30 September 2024 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (...
24/09/2024
Every little girl out there who has felt different because they are not what soc...
09/09/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (herein referred to as NFVF) is a statutory body set up by the government to grow and develop the South African Film and ...
06/09/2024
Johannesburg, 05 September 2024 - The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF),...
09/08/2024
Johannesburg, 8 August 2024 - It is with profound sadness that the National Film...
01/08/2024
Globecast to Showcase the Broadcast Industry's Most Advanced Connectivity and Hybrid Cloud Solutions at IBC 2024
PARIS, 1 August 2024 Globecast, the lead...
16/07/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
13/07/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sp...
09/07/2024
The NFVF, an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture that is created...
02/07/2024
Arabsat, ASBU and Globecast are commemorating 20 years with a renewed multi-year deal for Global Arabic Bouquet (GAB) services, providing a wide range of DTH di...
11/06/2024
Tuesday 11 June 2024, Johannesburg. The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF...
31/05/2024
The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), the custodians of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), has learned of the allegations of ill-tr...
22/05/2024
Judge blocks auction of Elvis Presley's Graceland estateA judge in Tennessee has temporarily halted a foreclosure sale of Graceland, the historic home of El...
22/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Wednesday's episode, 22 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African so...
22/05/2024
Tonight's Scandal: Jojo draws a line in the sand and Phaka must make a decis...
22/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: A costly request from Adani and Keletso, breaking the...
22/05/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Dikeledi's death at the hands of Mthetho leave...
22/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Tuesday's episode, 21 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soap...
22/05/2024
Shaka ILembe': Mzansi Magic denies food poisoning incident, confirms deathMzansi Magic has responded following reports that two Shaka ILembe' season tw...
22/05/2024
Bridgerton's third season sizzles with record-breaking viewership Bridgerton' Season 3 Part 1 shattered records with a staggering 45.1 million views wit...
22/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: The Maputlas find out about Ntswaki's liesDon't miss Wednesday, 22 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Skeem Saam ...
21/05/2024
WATCH: Tonight's Scandal teaser - 21 May 2024Don't miss Tuesday, 21 May's riveting episode of South African soapie Scandal! on e.tv on DStv channel ...
21/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Sthoko and Babeile's reunion puzzles and shatters the...
21/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka is forced to lie after Mampho catches him prepar...
21/05/2024
Skeem Saam: Monday's episode, 20 May 2024 [video]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch the latest episode of your favourite South African soapi...
21/05/2024
Popular children's TV shows you may have forgottenSouth African television channels have entertained us over the years. Here is looking back at some popular...
21/05/2024
Actor Dumisani Dlamini discusses his role in Isitha: The Enemy'Legendary actor Dumisani Dlamini has landed the character of Nsimbi in e.tv's popular te...
21/05/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: General's romantic gesture to Lulu meets with ...
20/05/2024
Tonight on Skeem Saam: Ntswaki sneaks Toby into the house but sadly for her, Lee...
20/05/2024
Tonight on House of Zwide: Soka decides to explore things with Ona while still s...
20/05/2024
Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Jaxon and Caesar fail in their attempt to corrupt ...
20/05/2024
Tonight on Scandal: Dintle's work life suffers as she struggles to hold it a...
20/05/2024
RIP: Two deaths' on Shaka ILembe' productionTwo people, who are part of the Shaka Ilembe' production set to return for a second season, have repo...
20/05/2024
Gangsterism in movies and television: Wees geskool'Gangsterism has been portrayed in movies and television: but have you ever seen these films and televisi...
LGBTIQ rights in Africa: the state in the entire continent nowMuch is spoken by different people from many parts of the world regarding LGBTIQ people. However, this is its state across the continent.
