Sexuality and Social Justice in Africa: Rethinking Homophobia and Forging Resistance

by Marc Epprecht, Alcinda Honwana (Series Editor), Alex de Waal (Series Editor)

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.

Genres: Queer, Nonfiction, Africa, Politics, History, Sexuality, Gender Studies

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Josh Ridgway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing detail and information about homosexuality in Africa and how Europeans and westerners continue to intervene in African politics and thought processes.

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've used this book as the core resource for my University thesis on homophobia in Africa. It's a masterpiece on the subject. Well structured, detailed, clearly explained, I've read it with growing curiosity and pleasure. Epprecht is a fantastic writer and an excellent scholar of African cultures and sexualities. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding these phenomena and subjects.