Breaking the Silence: How Homophobia, Racism, and Mental Health Affect the Black Community in Africa and the West
The long and complicated history of homosexuality in Africa has been shaped by many different cultural, social, and religious forces. Before Abrahamic religions like Christianity and Islam came to Africa, same-sex relationships were common and even respected. In some African societies, members of the LGBTQ+ community are celebrated and recognised; in others, those who do not comply with traditional gender norms have a distinct role. But when Christianity and Islam spread across the continent, people’s perspectives on LGBTQ+ identities changed.
To impose their own culture and values on African communities, European colonisers and Arab traders who brought Islam to Africa utilised religion as a tool. They spread Christian and Muslim views that homosexuality is evil and dangerous to society. Many LGBTQ+ identities and modes of existence were lost as a result, and heteronormative and patriarchal norms, which persist to this day, swept over Africa.
It is not true that all of Africa’s LGBTQ+ people have been negatively affected by the spread of Abrahamic religions. While some communities have found methods to reconcile their faith with their sexuality, others reject LGBTQ+ identities. But the legacy of colonialism and the adoption of Western ideas continue to impact how African countries view and treat LGBTQ+ individuals today.
Many LGBTQ+ Africans also deal with the double whammy of racism and mental health stigma, exacerbated by the continent’s religious climate. It can be especially challenging for people of colour who identify as LGBTQ+ to negotiate the intersection of their identities. White supremacy and institutionalised racism fuel heteronormativity and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments in many African communities. When people in the black LGBTQ+ community encounter these kinds of views, it can be challenging for them to feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported.
Furthermore, the black community in Africa and the West face a widespread problem with stigmatisation related to mental health. Black LGBTQ+ people may have a harder time getting the help they need due to the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Mood disorders like melancholy and anxiety can become more difficult to manage due to social exclusion, stigma, and hopelessness.
As a black, British, and gay individual, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating the intersection of my identities in a society that is both systemically racist and heteronormative. My Christian upbringing made things even more complicated. I was taught that being gay was a sin and that God didn’t want people to be gay. Because of these conflicting messages, I often felt isolated and disconnected from the black and Christian communities. I did not fit into their prescribed moulds of being a “good” black person or a “faithful” Christian.
The stress, anxiety, and depression I experienced during this ordeal seriously impaired my mental health. I had to do much soul-searching and get an education before I could rid myself of the negative ideas and perspectives planted in me from infancy. I’ve come to appreciate the facets that make me who I am, including being black, British, and queer. My path to self-acceptance has been long and winding, but I’ve come to embrace myself more and find inner peace.
In Africa, LGBTQ+ persons face complex challenges that must be considered. People who identify with more than one marginalised group, such as people of colour or people living in poverty, may face additional challenges in gaining acceptance and inclusion in their communities. Learning from the convoluted history of homosexuality in Africa can help us develop more accepting societies for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Untold Stories: Celebrating Africa’s Pre-Existing LGBTQ+ Identities and Cultures Hidden from Abrahamic Religion’s Condemnation and Erasure
The intersectional struggles of LGBTQ+ people in Africa must be recognised and acknowledged to understand this community’s lived realities fully. Those members of other oppressed groups, such as persons of colour or those living in poverty, may face even larger obstacles to acceptance and inclusion, making this a particularly pressing issue.
Recognising the rich and diverse LGBTQ+ histories and cultures that existed in Africa before the entrance of Abrahamic religions is essential to comprehending the present issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals on the continent. Ancient African societies either actively supported or accepted the full range of human sexuality.
A thorough investigation has revealed that same-sex relationships were tolerated in ancient Egyptian society and traditional African communities. The existence of pre-existing LGBTQ+ identities and cultures hidden from Abrahamic religion’s condemnation and erasure has been demonstrated by the discovery of evidence of their acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities and practises in several civilisations that lack a recorded history.
It is crucial to share these previously unknown experiences of LGBTQ+ identities and cultures in Africa to create more tolerant and welcoming communities. To create a society that recognises and celebrates the rich diversity of Africa’s LGBTQ+ population, it is important first to recognise and embrace the presence of distinct LGBTQ+ identities and cultures.
Before the entrance of Abrahamic religions, many African civilisations and societies had already recognised or allowed LGBTQ+ identities and practises, as shown by the following examples.
1. Ashanti culture — The Ashanti people of Ghana have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “man-women,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
2. Ewe culture — The Ewe people of Togo and Ghana have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “trudople,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
3. Hausa culture — The Hausa people of West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Northern Ghana, have historically recognised gender-nonconforming individuals, known as dan daudu, as a third gender.
4. Ancient Egypt — Ancient Egyptian society had a complex view of gender and sexuality, with depictions of same-sex relationships and gender-nonconforming individuals appearing in art and literature.
5. The Kingdom of Dahomey was a pre-colonial kingdom in present-day Benin. The empire gained widespread recognition for its all-female military unit, the Dahomey Amazons. The Amazons were a fearsome fighting force and were known to have included women who identified as lesbian or bisexual. Their inclusion in the military was a significant departure from traditional gender roles and challenged prevailing societal norms. The portrayal of the Dahomey Amazons in recent media, such as the movie “The woman king,” has brought renewed attention to this fascinating piece of history.
6. Ndebele culture — The Ndebele people of Zimbabwe and South Africa have a long history of recognising and celebrating people who do not conform to traditional gender roles, known as isithembu.
7. Zande culture — The Zande people of Central Africa have a tradition of same-sex relationships among men, known as mboro-mandu.
8. Bantu culture — Some Bantu peoples of Central and Southern Africa have traditions of same-sex relationships, including the Swazi and Zulu people of South Africa.
9. Igbo culture — The Igbo people of Nigeria have a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as omu nwa.
10. Igbo culture — The Igbo people of Nigeria have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “ogbanje” or “nneka,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
11. The Igbo people of Nigeria also had a tradition of male same-sex relationships, known as “mmiri-igwe,” which were accepted and respected in their society.
12. Bugis culture — The Bugis people of Indonesia, who have roots in the Sulawesi region, is known for recognising five genders, including bissu, considered divine intermediaries and often involved in same-sex relationships.
13. Khoi culture — The Khoi people of Southern Africa have a tradition of gender-diverse individuals, known as the “two-spirit” or “hekta” people, who were respected members of their communities and were believed to have special spiritual powers.
14. Somali culture — There is a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “siwaax” or “musuqmaasuq,” which were generally tolerated or celebrated in some communities.
15. Mende culture — The Mende people of Sierra Leone have a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “gbani,” which were often celebrated in their society.
16. Nupe culture — The Nupe people of Nigeria have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “yan daudu,” who were respected
17. Xhosa culture — The Xhosa people of South Africa have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “inkotshane” or “isithembu,” who were respected members of their communities and were often involved in same-sex relationships.
18. Kikuyu culture — The Kikuyu people of Kenya have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “mukhweya,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
19. Sotho-Tswana culture — The Sotho-Tswana people of Southern Africa have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “majaarane” or “sekgabe,” who were respected members of their communities and were often involved in same-sex relationships.
20. Fon culture — The Fon people of Benin have a tradition of same-sex relationships among men, known as “yossi,” which were tolerated in their society.
21. Bariba culture — The Bariba people of Benin have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “Oro,” who were respected members of their communities and often had a special role in religious ceremonies.
22. Gikuyu culture — The Gikuyu people of Kenya have a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “ngwiko,” which were generally tolerated in their society.
23. Zande culture — The Zande people of Central Africa have a tradition of same-sex relationships among men, known as “akuanduba,” which were often celebrated in their society.
24. The Luba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo recognised and respected the existence of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “dinganga,” who were believed to have spiritual powers and played important roles in their society.
25. The Baganda people of Uganda had a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “mubisi,” who were believed to have special spiritual abilities and were respected members of their community.
26. Shona culture — The Shona people of Zimbabwe have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “mapadza” or “chibadi,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
27. Swahili culture — The Swahili people of East Africa have a tradition of same-sex relationships among men, known as “mashoga,” which were tolerated in their society.
28. Amhara culture — The Amhara people of Ethiopia have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “sewak,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
29. Wolof culture — The Wolof people of Senegal have a tradition of same-sex relationships among men, known as “gor-digen,” which were often celebrated in their society.
30. Bemba culture — The Bemba people of have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “chikwambo” or “muchembere,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
31. Bemba culture — The Bemba people of Zambia also have a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “kachashi,” which were generally accepted in their society.
32. Berber culture — The Berber people of North Africa have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “koutrache,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
33. Nyaneka-Nkumbi culture — The Nyaneka-Nkumbi people of Angola and Namibia have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “chibadi,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
34. Tiv culture — The Tiv people of Nigeria have a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “mimi,” which were generally accepted in their society.
35. Lesotho culture — In Lesotho, there is a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “skesana,” who are biologically male but assume feminine roles and may engage in same-sex relationships.
36. Yoruba culture — The Yoruba people of Nigeria have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “alárìnjo,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
37. Khoikhoi culture — The Khoikhoi people of South Africa have a tradition of gender-diverse individuals, known as the “two-spirit” or “hekta” people, believed to have special spiritual powers and were respected members of their communities.
38. Zulu culture — The Zulu people of South Africa have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “inkotshana,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
39. Malawi culture — In Malawi, there is a tradition of same-sex relationships among women, known as “ankule” or “chinamwali,” which are often celebrated in certain communities.
40. Himba culture — The Himba people of Namibia have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “muxê,” who were often involved in same-sex relationships and were respected members of their communities.
41. Xitsonga culture — The Xitsonga people of South Africa and Mozambique have a tradition of gender-nonconforming individuals, known as “rakgadi,” who were respected members of their communities and were often involved in same-sex relationships.
For far too long, dominant cultural and religious narratives in pre-colonial Africa have ignored the existence of the rich and diverse LGBTQ+ identities and cultures that existed there. However, as these previously unknown histories are uncovered, the terrible effects of the entrance of Abrahamic religions on Black people and LGBTQ+ individuals and communities across the continent and diaspora become painfully clear.
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are at the centre of global discourse, it is more important than ever to acknowledge the diverse cultural settings in which LGBTQ+ identities and communities thrive. Before the entrance of Abrahamic religions, Africa was home to a wide range of gender and sexuality perspectives. As a society, we must address the damage done to Black people and the LGBTQ+ community under the guise of morality and religion.
Embracing a culturally conscious and socially responsible stance allows us to recognise and appreciate Black LGBTQ+ identities and cultures from Africa and the diaspora. To encourage greater understanding and acceptance of varied identities and experiences, we can challenge the dominant narratives that seek to erase or condemn them. We can fight toward a future where everyone is treated with decency, respect, and equality, regardless of colour, sexual orientation, or gender identity, by solidarity with Black and LGBTQ+ persons and communities in Africa and the diaspora.
As we work towards a more inclusive and accepting world, it’s important to remember that we can all play a role in promoting understanding and respect for diverse LGBTQ+ cultures and identities. Suppose you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to sexuality or gender identity. In that case, I encourage you to seek support and guidance from a professional. At Bempong Talking Therapy, we offer culturally sensitive and LGBTQ+-affirming therapy services to help you navigate these complex issues and achieve greater well-being. Visit our website at www.bempongtalkingtherapy.com to learn more about our services and how we can assist you on your journey towards healing.
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