Sexuality and Social Justice in Africa Rethinking Homophobia and Forging Resistance

The persecution of people in Africa on the basis of their assumed or perceived homosexual orientation has received considerable coverage in the popular media in recent years. Gay-bashing by high political and religious figures in Zimbabwe and Gambia; draconian new laws against lesbians and gays and their supporters in Malawi, Nigeria, Uganda; the imprisonment and extortion of gay men in Senegal and Cameroon; and so-called corrective rapes of lesbians in South Africa have all rightly sparked international condemnation. However, much of the analysis thus far has been highly critical of African leadership and culture without considering local nuances, historical factors and external influences that are contributing to the problem. Such commentary also overlooks grounds for optimism in the struggle for sexual rights and justice in Africa, not just for sexual minorities but for the majority population as well.

Based on pioneering research on the history of homosexualities and engagement with current lgbti and HIV/AIDS activism, Mark Epprecht provides a sympathetic overview of the issues at play, and a hopeful outlook on the potential of sexual rights for all.

Marc Epprecht is a Professor in the Department of Global Development Studies at Queen's University, Canada. Marc has also taught at the University of Zimbabwe. He has consulted and published extensively on the history of gender and sexuality in Africa.

1. The problem and some definitions
2. Preliminary worries, partially addressed
3. Faiths
4. Sex and the State
5. Strategies and Struggles
6. Conclusion
Notes