Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

LGBTIQ+ rights in Africa: the state in the entire continent now

29/05/2023

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
LINK: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/lgbtqia/lgbtiq-rights-in-afric...
See more stories from thesouthafrican

More from The South African

03/10/2023

Top 5 moments from the Real Housewives of Lagos' season 2 premiere

Top 5 moments from the Real Housewives of Lagos' season 2 premiereThe queens from Lagos are back and they did not fail to deliver on all that we expect fro...

03/10/2023

Streaming Today: Make Me Scream on Prime Video - 3 October 2023

Streaming Today: Make Me Scream on Prime Video - 3 October 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your fa...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Umkhokha: The Curse | The Gumedes are in turmoil after Difa's fall out with MaMzobe

Tonight on Umkhokha: The Curse | The Gumedes are in turmoil after Difa's fal...

03/10/2023

Tonight on The River: Veronica embarks on a journey to secure her future

Tonight on The River: Veronica embarks on a journey to secure her futureWatch tonight's episode of The River and catch the latest episode every weekday at 2...

03/10/2023

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola switches on the charm and changes his mind about breaking up with Zanele

Tonight on House of Zwide: Zola switches on the charm and changes his mind about...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Gqeberha: Things worsen between a couple on the run

Tonight on Gqeberha: Things worsen between a couple on the runDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest episode on Mzan...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Muvhango: Rendani seeks an alliance with Mpho

Tonight on Muvhango: Rendani seeks an alliance with MphoDon't miss out on the latest drama in Muvhango! Muvhango episodes airs on SABC2 from Mondays to Frid...

03/10/2023

Tonight on 7de Laan: Alexa is inconsolable

Tonight on 7de Laan: Alexa is inconsolableDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of 7de Laan and Catch the latest episode every wee...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Uzalo: Wizard's desperation for money increases

Tonight on Uzalo: Wizard's desperation for money increasesDon't get left behind, catch up on Uzalo now! Episodes of Uzalo air on SABC1 from Mondays to F...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Generations: The newly discovered dead body has created a stir

Tonight on Generations: The newly discovered dead body has created a stirKeen to know what's happening on the latest episode of Generations: The Legacy?. Ge...

03/10/2023

Tonight on Scandal: Tebello makes questionable choices to help a friend in trouble

Tonight on Scandal: Tebello makes questionable choices to help a friend in troub...

03/10/2023

Prison journalism: The use of power in behind bars

Prison journalism: The use of power in behind barsDean Mashimbwe, a Zimbabwean migrant residing in Cape Town, was incarcerated at Pollsmoor Correctional Centre ...

03/10/2023

Prison journalism: Tales from the harsh reality of life behind bars

Prison journalism: Tales from the harsh reality of life behind barsJonno Knowles was incarcerated in Pollsmoor Prison and participated in restorative justice wh...

03/10/2023

African Proverb of the day: 03 October 2023

African Proverb of the day: 03 October 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, bel...

03/10/2023

SASSA Twitter/X account remains quiet for years

SASSA Twitter/X account remains quiet for yearsSASSA's Twitter/X account has remained quiet for several years. Here's what they last Tweeted about, and ...

03/10/2023

Africa Fact of the Day: Country with the lowest inflation rate - 3 October 2023

Africa Fact of the Day: Country with the lowest inflation rate - 3 October 2023Africa Fact of the Day features the most wonderful and weird facts about the hist...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Umkhokha: The Curse | MaZungu fears for Nokubonga's life

Tonight on Umkhokha: The Curse | MaZungu fears for Nokubonga's lifeDiscover what's in store for tonight's episode! Umkhokha: The Curse airs on Mza...

02/10/2023

Tonight on The River: Veronica hatches a million rand plan

Tonight on The River: Veronica hatches a million rand planWatch tonight's episode of The River and catch the latest episode every weekday at 20:00 on 1 Magi...

02/10/2023

Tonight on House of Zwide: Ona is left even more wounded

Tonight on House of Zwide: Ona is left even more woundedDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of House of Zwide and Catch the late...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Francois asks Chef Kgosi the impossible

Tonight on Skeem Saam: Francois asks Chef Kgosi the impossibleFind out what's going on tonight on Skeem Saam!. Skeem Saam episodes airs on SABC1 Mondays to ...

02/10/2023

7de Laan live updates: Lesedi is upset and ignores Aggie's calls

7de Laan live updates: Lesedi is upset and ignores Aggie's callsWhat's new on 7de Laan? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favo...

02/10/2023

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]

SKEEM SAAM: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Skeem Saam? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Skeem Saam soapie right h...

02/10/2023

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]

HOUSE OF ZWIDE: Episode for 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of House of Zwide? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of House of Zwide soapie right ...

02/10/2023

Skeem Saam live updates: Francois asks Chef Kgosi the impossible

Skeem Saam live updates: Francois asks Chef Kgosi the impossibleWhat's new on Skeem Saam? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favori...

02/10/2023

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]

SCANDAL: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Scandal ? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Scandal soapie right here. Don...

02/10/2023

GOMORA: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]

GOMORA: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of Gomora? No problem! Watch all the latest episodes of Gomora soapie right here,don'...

02/10/2023

House of Zwide live updates: Ona is left even more wounded

House of Zwide live updates: Ona is left even more woundedWhat's new on House of Zwide? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite...

02/10/2023

Gomora live updates: Teddy transforms his car but still has to sleep in it

Gomora live updates: Teddy transforms his car but still has to sleep in itWhat's new on Gomora? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your ...

02/10/2023

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]

UZALO: Tonight's episode, 2 October 2023 [VIDEO]Missed an episode of uzalo? No problem! Just watch all the latest episodes of uzalo soapie right here, don&#...

02/10/2023

Scandal live updates: Motshabi brings The Guide a treasured gift

Scandal live updates: Motshabi brings The Guide a treasured giftWhat's new on Scandal? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorite ...

02/10/2023

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Mrekza warns his wife not to interfere but will she listen?

Generations - The Legacy live updates: Mrekza warns his wife not to interfere bu...

02/10/2023

Muvhango live updates: Khumo is humiliated in a very public fashion

Muvhango live updates: Khumo is humiliated in a very public fashionWhat's new on Muvhango? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favor...

02/10/2023

Uzalo live updates: Sbu unwittingly pushes Sibongiseni towards Hlelo

Uzalo live updates: Sbu unwittingly pushes Sibongiseni towards HleloWhat's new on Uzalo? Find out HERE! Stay informed on what's trending on your favorit...

02/10/2023

SAFTAs snub SABC soapies Uzalo', Skeem Saam', Generations'

SAFTAs snub SABC soapies Uzalo', Skeem Saam', Generations'No SAFTA wins for SABC soapies Uzalo', Skeem Saam', The Estate', Genera...

02/10/2023

Next BLUE SUPERMOON for 2024

Next BLUE SUPERMOON for 2024The next BLUE SUPERMOON you can see in the skies will only be in 2024! Here's when to spot this rare sky event. by Alex Coyne ...

02/10/2023

Streaming Today: Us on Netflix - 2 October 2023

Streaming Today: Us on Netflix - 2 October 2023Looking for something to watch tonight? Check out all the new streaming releases from all your favourite platform...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Thandiswa shares her deepest, darkest secret with the father of her child

Tonight on Smoke and Mirrors: Thandiswa shares her deepest, darkest secret with ...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Gomora: Teddy transforms his car but still has to sleep in it

Tonight on Gomora: Teddy transforms his car but still has to sleep in itDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of Gomora, and watch...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Scandal: Motshabi brings The Guide a treasured gift

Tonight on Scandal: Motshabi brings The Guide a treasured giftGet to know what's happening on tonight's episode!. Scandal episodes airs on e.tv Mondays ...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Generations: Mrekza warns his wife not to interfere but will she listen?

Tonight on Generations: Mrekza warns his wife not to interfere but will she list...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Uzalo: Sbu unwittingly pushes Sibongiseni towards Hlelo

Tonight on Uzalo: Sbu unwittingly pushes Sibongiseni towards HleloDon't get left behind, catch up on Uzalo now! Episodes of Uzalo air on SABC1 from Mondays ...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Gqeberha: Msimelelo buckles under the weight of his costly secret

Tonight on Gqeberha: Msimelelo buckles under the weight of his costly secretDon't miss tonight's episode of Gqeberha: The Empire, and watch the latest e...

02/10/2023

Tonight on 7de Laan: Lesedi is upset and ignores Aggie's calls

Tonight on 7de Laan: Lesedi is upset and ignores Aggie's callsDon't miss out on what's happening on tonight's episode of 7de Laan and Catch the ...

02/10/2023

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo is humiliated in a very public fashion

Tonight on Muvhango: Khumo is humiliated in a very public fashionDon't miss out on the latest drama in Muvhango! Muvhango episodes airs on SABC2 from Monday...

02/10/2023

Calling all daredevils: Streak through the streets in a Speedo!

Calling all daredevils: Streak through the streets in a Speedo!Here's an opportunity for guys from across South Africa to create a spectacle by running in a...

02/10/2023

African Proverb of the day: 02 October 2023

African Proverb of the day: 02 October 2023An African proverb reflects and reveals a community's culture that provides a glimpse into its value systems, bel...

02/10/2023

Africa Fact of the Day: African countries that changed their names - 2 October 2023

Africa Fact of the Day: African countries that changed their names - 2 October 2...

01/10/2023

Beat the heat! Johannesburg's coolest swimming spots

Beat the heat! Johannesburg's coolest swimming spotsJohannesburg has ushered in warmer weather, which is just perfect for swimming. Here are some of the cit...

01/10/2023

It's down to six contestants on Idols SA'

It's down to six contestants on Idols SA'It was an electrifying night at Mosa ek Teatro as the Idols SA' contenders revisited opening auditions an...

01/10/2023

Umkhokha: The Curse Teasers - October 2023

Umkhokha: The Curse Teasers - October 2023Get ready for an exciting month ahead! Catch the episodes of Umkhokha: The Curse airing on Mzansi Magic every Monday...