Sexual minorities, human rights and public health strategies in Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Sexual minorities, human rights and public health strategies in Africa
Author:	Epprecht, Marc
Year:	2012
Periodical:	African Affairs: The Journal of the Royal African Society (ISSN 1468-2621)
Volume:	111
Issue:	443
Pages:	223-243
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	LGBT human rights public health AIDS homosexuality
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/41494486
Abstract:	Remarkable progress has been made towards the recognition of sexual minority rights in Africa. At the same time, a marked increase in attacks, rhetorical abuse, and restrictive legislation against sexual minorities or homosexuality makes activism for sexual rights a risky endeavour in many African countries. Campaigns for sexual rights and 'coming out' are frequently perceived as a form of Western cultural imperialism, leading to an exportation of Western gay identities and provoking a patriotic defensiveness. Cultures of quiet acceptance of same-sex relationships or secretive bisexuality are meanwhile also problematic given the high rate of HIV prevalence on much of the continent. This article examines specific initiatives that are using subtle, somewhat covert means to negotiate a path between rights activism and secretive bisexuality. It argues that strategies primarily focused on health concerns that simultaneously yet discreetly promote sexual rights are having some success in challenging prevalent homophobic or 'silencing' cultures and discourses. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]