Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights in Africa

Dear Supporters,

Intersectionality. A theory which explains the complexity of a person consisting of several characteristics which provides unique circumstances for every one of us. Some to their advantage, and some to their disadvantage. It is easy to generalise when discussing the LGBT+ community in the developing world, in particular Africa. By generalising and believing that people face the same issues, or same opportunities across borders and across intersectionalities is Covid-19 has taken us all by surprise. We have suddenly woken up in a new world where nothing is the same. Suddenly we risk losing all the things we once fought for. And as always, vulnerable people are always those worst affected, including the LGBT+ community. 

Africa is a huge continent and highly diverse in landscape, culture, religion, traditions and acceptance of the LGBT+ community. But it is not simply the borders and the national legislation which separates the experiences of the LGBT+ community, there are also other intersectional variables which influence people's experience. This can be anything from their gender, status, city of residence, education, families background as well as income. The experience of a lesbian woman in urban Cape Town’s lived experiences are highly different from those of a transvestite in rural Uganda. And these are things that cannot be forgotten when advocating for LGBT+ rights and for when designing support systems for those facing oppression and discrimination.

What is further essential to note is that the experiences lived, the poverty and inequality faced by LGBT+ individuals is consistent with a vicious cycle, difficult to break through from. Being bullied in school often causes lower academic performance, which results in consequences within the household, fewer job opportunities and ultimately lower salaries. By tackling the root causes, and realising that there is great diversity within the LGBT+ communities is key to implementing effective measures to stop discrimination and oppression.

COVID-19 has demonstrated several flaws within our societies, including the vulnerability of LGBT+ individuals and how they have disproportionately been negatively effected by the virus, especially those who are living with other 

disadvantaged intersectional characteristics. LGBT+ people of colour or those living in poverty are one of the most vulnerable in our society hence those which emergency support is urgently needed. 

Regardless of where in Africa you live, regardless of identity, sexuality, income, colour or age people are experience discrimination. However, this is not to say that everyone is experiencing discrimination in the same way, or able to address it in a similar manner, nor that they have the same laws by their side. It is therefore that we are developing greater diversity in programs to address the diverse needs faced by the LGBT+ communities.

We appreciate all the donation and support we have received from you over the last year and we hope that this will continue as we enter into the unknown future!

With Gratitude,

Africa LGBTQ