Can LGBT rights ever be part of African values?

When it comes to gay rights on the continent, Africans are conflicted. In Nigeria, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and many other countries, it’s illegal. But in South Africa, Cape Verde, Angola, Gabon, being gay is not a crime.

Many think that being gay is un-African. In this episode we asked our guests the question: Can LGBT rights ever be part of African values?

Kat Kai Kol-Kes is a performance artist, musician, writer and activist. She is known for being the first public figure from Botswana to openly identify as a trans. 

Va-Bene Fiatsi is a trans performance artist from Ghana who explores gender fluidity. Right now, the Ghanaian parliament is considering enacting anti-gay legislation which could lead to up to 10 years in jail. As an activist, Fiatsi is on the frontlines actively opposing it.

Sheba Akpokli from Togo works as a lawyer in Canada and is a strong advocate for LGBTIAQ+ people.

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Please listen to a previous episode: How I told them: Three stories about coming out in Africa