Is current theorising on same-sex sexuality relevant to the African context?
Whereas much of the work in the West has assisted African same-sex sexualities in providing visibility to same-sex desire, the theorising has not sufficiently provided for a contextual understanding of phenomenon – that of unpacking deeply entrenched ideas of fundamentalist conceptions of religion and patriarchy, and of untangling a psychological colonization resultant from a colonial past.
This paper argues that sociological theory relating to issues of same-sex sexuality, in taking its location in the West for granted, fails by being insufficiently inclusive. Specifically, it fails to take the contextual realities, history and conditions of Africa into account, and to explore how Africans have understood same-sex desire. The African context is one in which political leadership campaigns against same-sex desire have found centre-stage and where virulent media campaigns against same-sex desire are normalised. It is contended that this results from psychological colonisation. The argument is that Western theories on same-sex desire are inadequate in addressing the concerns of those marginalised in African contexts. The paper moves on to call for greater voices from Africa in theorising sexuality – a terrain long ignored in African scholarship.
Sex in Africa is More Diverse Than Gay-or-Straight
Same-sex practices are common throughout the African continent; it is the claiming of homosexual identity that remains widely forbidden. The question of what constitutes “sex” in Africa, and in particular same-sex sex, is still something of a blind spot.MORE
Gay Bans in Africa Are About Control, Not Culture
The war on gay rights is waged on the battleground of culture and identity. Its most committed troops regularly declare that theirs is a fight to defend African values from the encroachment of western attitudes. But the rhetoric of a culture clash masks an effort to own and define what it means to be a human being in Africa.MORE
This report documents the pervasiveness of sexual violence against women throughout the country and also highlights the important work being done by survivors and activists to combat the crisis.download
Violence Based on Perceived or Real Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Africa
This report argues not for special protection for sexual minorities deserve, but that they are entitled to the rights all other citizens have.
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