This week’s blog moves our focus to sub-Saharan Africa and the specific challenges associated with being trans and non-binary within a context of misunderstanding and hostility – as much from within the community . ReportOUT Human Rights Researcher, Lovemore Mupanta, takes up the story.
The LGBTQI+ community in Africa has made significant strides in the face of prejudice, homophobia, and discrimination. Despite the challenges posed by punitive laws and conservative cultures, there are efforts to support and mobilise LGBTQI+ youth activists on the continent. However, the community continues to face setbacks, with instances of violence and marginalisation being reported in various African countries. For instance, in South Africa, a country with strong legal protections, violence against LGBT people remains a pressing issue, with at least 24 reported murders in bias-motivated attacks in 2021 (3).
The struggle for the recognition of LGBTQI+ rights in Africa is often hindered by paradoxical claims and the continued criminalization of same-sex sexuality and gender diversity in many African states (4).
The Paradox of Rights For All
Despite these challenges, there are efforts to advance LGBTQI+ equality globally, including engaging the private sector to help advance LGBTQI+ livelihoods. The private sector's role in respecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is being recognized, with initiatives such as robust business due diligence and human rights-based data collection being promoted to track progress toward LGBTQI+ economic empowerment (5).
In the midst of these efforts, it is important to acknowledge the specific challenges faced by Trans people and non-binary individuals within the LGBTQI+ community in Africa. While some have found supportive communities, they often experience Micro-aggressions and discrimination within these spaces. It is crucial to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the LGBTQI+ community in Africa.
Misgendering, Deadnaming, Marginalising
Trans people and non-binary identifying individuals in the LGBTQI+ community face Micro- aggressions from both within and outside the community. Micro-aggressions against Trans people and non-binary individuals can take various forms, including misgendering, deadnaming, and invalidating their gender identity. These Microaggressions can be particularly harmful and contribute to feelings of marginalization, distress, and invalidation. Research has shown that gender minority youth experience more familial Microaggressions, invalidation of LGBTQ identity, and threatening behaviours (Arijis Q. et. Al. 2023).
In social settings within the LGBTQI+ community, Micro-aggressions can manifest as assumptions about a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, or the perpetuation of stereotypes about gender identity.
For instance, assuming that all individuals present as either male or female and failing to recognize non-binary or genderqueer identities can be a form of Micro-aggression. Additionally, making comments that link an Individual's LGBTQI+ identity with illness or pathology, or expressing surprise when someone's sexual orientation or gender identity is revealed, can also be harmful Micro-aggressions (6).
Prejudice From Within
Our community also often faces ridicule and a lack of understanding within the LGBTQI+ community. This can lead to them being pressured to identify as gay, despite their gender identity. Microaggressions such as misgendering and deadnaming are common, which can be psychologically abusive and contribute to a hostile environment for Trans and non- binary individuals (Arijis Q et.al. 2023).
The lack of recognition and acceptance of non-binary identities within the broader LGBTQI+ community can lead to feelings of isolation and invalidation.
Trans and non-binary individuals often navigate the pressure to conform to gender norms within the LGBTQI+ community. They may face challenges such as being lumped under the LGBTQ umbrella, which can render the "T" silent and perpetuate the marginalization and invisibility of non-binary individuals1. Additionally, there is a lack of understanding regarding transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people among professionals and the general public, which can contribute to the pressure to conform to traditional gender norms.
The HRC Foundation has highlighted the mental health challenges faced by transgender and non-binary individuals due to societal discrimination, with a significant percentage reporting sustained periods of poor mental or physical health1. Additionally, the lack of understanding of non-binary identities is evident in the limited focus of research on Micro-aggressions, which has been primarily centred on binary Trans and LGB individuals (Arijis Q et.al. 2023).
It is crucial to address these issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Trans and non-binary individuals within the LGBTQI+ community. This can be achieved through education, awareness-raising, and the promotion of respect for diverse gender identities. It is essential to recognize and validate the experiences of Trans and non- binary individuals, and to advocate for their full inclusion and acceptance within the broader LGBTQI+ community.
References
LGBTI Rights in Africa: Progress, Strategies, and the Way Forward: https://chrgj.org/event/lgbti-rights-in-africa-progress-strategies-and-the-way-forward/
About Us https://aqyi.org/about-us/
Progress and Setbacks on LGBT Rights in Africa — An Overview of the Last Year: https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/06/22/progress-and-setbacks-lgbt-rights-africa- overview-last-year
Nothing new under the sun: LGBTQI+ rights as human rights: https://africanlegalstudies.blog/2022/07/29/nothing-new-under-the-sun-lgbtqi-rights- as-human-rights/
Engaging the Private Sector to Help Advance LGBTQI+ Livelihoods: https://www.marketlinks.org/blogs/engaging-private-sector-help-advance-lgbtqi-livelihoods
How Microaggressions Affect the LGBTQ+ Community:https://healthmatters.nyp.org/how-microaggressions-affect-the-lgbtq-community/
Arijs Q, Burgwal A, Van Wiele J, Motmans J. The Price to Pay for Being Yourself: Experiences of Microaggressions among Non-Binary and Genderqueer (NBGQ) Youth. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Mar 3;11(5):742. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11050742. PMID: 36900746; PMCID: PMC10000855.