How I told them: Three stories about coming out in Africa

It is incredibly brave to admit to yourself and others that you aren’t straight. Especially in parts of Africa where religion, tradition and attitudes can mean coming out as gay, bi or trans has serious consequences.

For this episode, Claude speaks to three young Africans who explain when they realised they were not necessarily straight and when they decided to tell their parents, friends and colleagues (and in which order).

Kat Kai Kol-Kes is known for being the first public figure from Botswana to openly identify as a transgender person. She’s come out many a time – to herself, to her family and to the entire world at the age of 24.

Va-Bene Fiatsi is a performance artist from Ghana who explores gender fluidity. She is confident and uncompromising when she performs and speaks but was she always like that? Or is it something she has learnt?

Sheba Akpokli from Togo is an amazing advocate for LGBTIAQ+ people as a practising lawyer. She’s also Catholic and discusses coming out to family and one’s religious community.

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