Introducing African Voices on Religion, Ubuntu and Sexual Diversity In May 2014, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) broke the African silence around homophobia and transphobia when it vividly condemned ‘acts of violence, discrimination and other human rights violations’ directed on sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, LGBTI) at […]
Introduction
To Tell the Truth
For many years, I was forced, to sit quietly by, and be subjected to the hateful words and acts of self-righteous, religious bigots. Imagine feeling out-numbered, overwhelmed, alone, outcast, and separated from God, all because you knew that you were different. Imagine hiding who and what you are, your friendships, your relationships, and who you […]
The History of this Special Issue: A Journey of Solidarity
An Invitation In late 2012, at the Desmond Tutu Center in New York City during a summit on global religions and human sexuality, I was in conversation with Dr. Kapya Kaoma about the wave of anti-homosexuality laws and the rising violence against sexual minorities in Africa. Kaoma said, “We need to change the narrative in […]
The KwaZulu-Natal Declaration
The KwaZulu-Natal Declaration of the First African Scholars’ Consultation on Human Sexuality, Religion and Equality, August 31, 2014 We, African religious leaders, scholars and members of civil society are highly concerned with the well-being of our beloved continent and with the demonization and criminalization of sexual minorities on the continent.