SALO Regional Workshop: LGBTQIA+ Rights in Africa: Realising LGBTQIA+ rights as human rights.

The Southern African Liaison Office hosted a virtual public workshop on the topic of LGBTQIA+ Rights in Africa: Realising LGBTQIA+ rights as human rights in September 2023.

See full workshop here: https://fb.watch/njVo9SfFAY/

Homophobia continues to be a growing concern globally and specifically in Africa. Many African countries continue to perpetuate the homophobic laws and practices inherited from colonialism, with regressive anti-LGBTIQ+ legislation being passed recently in countries such as Uganda, Kenya and Ghana. In countries where the legislation is progressive in protecting the rights of sexual and gender minorities, social attitudes often lead to violence and discrimination against queer people. 

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed in May this year in Uganda has resulted in increased violence and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people and has led to a number of arrests. The Bill created a new category called “aggravated homosexuality” – which carries the death penalty.  According to Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s regional director (East and Southern Africa) “Charging this individual with an offense that carries the death penalty based solely on his perceived sexual orientation is a flagrant violation of international law.” A fundamental principle of democracy is to ensure the rights of all human beings regardless of race, class, gender identity or any other social categorisation. These homophobic laws that are being passed stand in stark contrast to values of democracy.

The aim of this event we to bring together a diverse group of experts, activists, and civil society actors from various countries across Africa.

Panellists Included: 

 Edward Ssemambo – Director, Center on Law and Marginalisation at HRAPF – Uganda.
Jeffery O’Malley – Senior Advisor – LGBTI Inclusion, UNDP – Africa
Papa De Kwagala  – Ugandan Queer Photographer and Activist
Thato Dladla – SOGIE Practitioner- Zimbabwe
Virginia Magwaza  – Deputy Director: LGBTIQ+ Directorate- Gauteng Provincial Government 
Diana Zeca –  Matabicho Feminista – Mozambique
Shika Fleischer – Executive Director, Courageous Sisters Ghana
Closing remarks will be given by Bishop Rubin Phillip

By fostering an inclusive and engaging platform, we aspire to build greater solidarity regionally and continentally in relation to LGBTQIA+ rights. The workshop was a thought-provoking and productive session that helped to shed light on the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in Africa and explore avenues for further progress.