The concept of 'community' has been used to describe different groups within society, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) people. According to sociologist David Knox Knox, D. (2016), the term community refers to a group of people who share common characteristics, beliefs, values, behaviors, experiences, aspirations, interests, goals, and ways of life. In Africa, where homosexuality is illegal in most countries, LGBT communities have faced difficulties because they do not conform to social norms that privilege heteronormativity.
There are some cultural contexts and religious traditions that support same-sex practices, such as among certain tribes and sects of Islam. The post-colonial context also plays a role in shaping public attitudes towards LGBT people due to colonialism's impact on African sexualities and gender identities.
Cultural Contexts
In many traditional African cultures, sexuality was fluid, and same-sex relationships were celebrated, particularly among royalty.
In Zimbabwe, the Shona culture practiced "ngoma" ceremonies involving cross-dressing, which helped young men transition into adulthood by marrying other males before being allowed to wed women later in life. Similarly, the Buganda tribe had male-male marriage customs until British colonialists criminalized them in the late 19th century. Some African countries still practice rituals that honor gay sex, but these rituals are often misunderstood or misrepresented.
Religious Contexts
The majority of Africans identify as Christian or Muslim. Both religions prohibit same-sex relations, although interpretations vary between denominations and sects.
Some branches of Islam allow for polygamy (marrying multiple spouses) while others condemn it. Among Christians, the belief in the Bible's anti-homosexual teachings has influenced many individuals' views on LGBT communities. Many Africans have used religion to justify their hostility toward homosexuality, saying that it is unnatural or sinful.
There are groups within both religions who support LGBT rights and argue against discrimination based on faith.
Post-Colonial Context
After European colonization, Christian missionaries spread homophobic messages throughout Africa and made homosexuality taboo. They demonized same-sex practices and encouraged conversion therapy or even imprisonment for those who engaged in such acts. Colonialism also introduced new legal systems that criminalized homosexuality, with penalties ranging from fines to death sentences. Today, many people believe that colonial laws should be repealed because they were imposed without consideration for local contexts.
Colonialism caused a loss of traditional values and identity, leading some Africans to reject Western norms altogether.
African cultural, religious, and post-colonial contexts shape public attitudes towards LGBT communities through their influence on social norms, religious beliefs, and legal systems. Some cultures celebrate gay sex while others oppose it; some religions accept it while others denounce it; some countries criminalize it while others decriminalize it. The impact of these factors cannot be overlooked when understanding why African societies view sexual orientation differently than other regions worldwide.
How do African cultural, religious, and post-colonial contexts shape public attitudes toward LGBT communities?
Researchers have found that African cultural norms play an important role in shaping public attitudes towards LGBT individuals. Many African cultures view same-sex relationships as taboo and unacceptable. This is often based on traditional beliefs about gender roles and sexuality that view homosexuality as contrary to natural order of things.