African Sexualities: A Reader

by Sylvia Tamale (Editor)

A groundbreaking book, accessible but scholarly, by African activists. It uses research, life stories, and artistic expression—including essays, case studies, poetry, news clips, songs, fiction, memoirs, letters, interviews, short film scripts, and photographs—to examine dominant and deviant sexualities and investigate the intersections between sex, power, masculinities, and femininities. It also opens a space, particularly for young people, to think about African sexualities in different ways.

Genres: Sexuality, Africa, Nonfiction, Queer, Feminism, African Literature, Gender

672 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mwanafunzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

To date, and by some distance, this is the best scholarly book on queer life in Africa that I have encountered (tragically, there are few such books, the causes and consequences of which receive sustained and unflinching treatment in the editor's introductory chapters).

I would urge anyone involved in work on gender, sexuality, human rights, queer history, legal history, anti-colonialism, feminism, sex positivity, public health, etc. to read Tamale's framing chapters as well as individual contributions that spark your interest.

[Sidney Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading and now researching about African sexualities when I read an article about Malidoma Somé (http://www.menweb.org/somegay.htm) that revolutionized my ignorance about sex and gender in indigenous African culture and society. This book unlike other research studies is written from the point of view of Africans themselves. It represents an internal indigenous voice. This is "cutting edge" HOT off the Pambazuka Press (June 1, 2011).

[Emmaline Soken-Huberty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only "textbook" I have ever encountered that did not read like a textbook. Dr. Sylvia Tamale is brilliant in selecting pieces for this reader; I actually had the pleasure of attending a lecture given by her and having her in my class. I challenge everyone and anyone to read this - it turns everything you think you know about Africa and sexuality (if you've even ever thought of those two together) on its head and even challenges what you know about your own culture and sexuality.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was privileged to hear Dr. Tamale speak about sexuality and gender rights, and I am excited to jump into this book. It holds the line, mostly, to being accessible to non-academic folks, while remaining honest about the complexities of the subjects it discusses.

[Firoze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundbreaking. Restores the humanity of African people

[Emanuele Dalla Longa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an anthology, and I haven't read all the papers. However it's a very good quality and well assorted collection of accounts from African academics. Recommended read for those who are interested in the topic.

[Mills College Library]

306.7096 A2585 2011

[M. Ainomugisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful assemblage of writings from radical thinkers all over the African continent. My heart is full. So full. (might edit to offer a thorough review)

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I'm reading as part of my research into Black sexuality. It'll be a long while before I'm actually done with it.