The online opinion piece published on AfricanLiberty.org confronts a long‑standing misconception across the continent: the idea that LGBTQI+ identities are foreign, immoral or inherently “un‑African.” The article positions this assumption as both historically inaccurate and deeply harmful. It argues that homophobia, criminalisation and exclusion stem not from indigenous traditions but from colonial laws and imported moral systems imposed by European powers. These laws, still active in many countries, continue to shape public attitudes, fuel stigma, and deny millions of Africans their basic human rights.
The work challenges this contradiction by revisiting precolonial African values rooted in ubuntu—community, dignity, interdependence, and mutual respect. These values stand in stark contrast to the hostility many LGBTQI+ people face today in the form of discrimination, harassment, silence, and structural violence. The article makes clear that reclaiming these inclusive traditions is critical to restoring justice, affirming human diversity and rebuilding a society in which everyone belongs.
Drawing from lived experiences, human‑rights analysis and historical context, the article highlights how criminalisation forces many LGBTQI+ people into secrecy, pushing them out of workplaces, educational institutions, healthcare systems and public life. For queer youth, rejection by families remains one of the deepest sources of isolation and emotional harm. Trans and gender‑diverse communities often face the harshest violence. People living with HIV experience layered stigma that affects access to care and survival.
The op‑ed adopts a rights‑based, compassionate and ethical tone, deliberately avoiding sensationalism while centring dignity. To ensure safety, contributors remain anonymous and examples are generalised to avoid exposure. The piece positions inclusion not simply as a legal matter but as a moral imperative rooted in African philosophies that celebrate community.
The work also reached wider audiences through follow‑up radio interviews in different regions of Africa. These engagements expanded the conversation, enabling the author to connect ubuntu principles with present‑day struggles for equality. Listeners heard survivor testimonies and reflections on colonial legal legacies, sparking real‑time debate, introspection and empathy.
The article generated widespread online attention, triggering debates on social media in countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria. While some reactions included hostility, backlash also amplified visibility. Many LGBTQI+ people privately expressed gratitude, sharing how the piece affirmed their humanity and restored their sense of belonging. The work created momentum for conversations around decriminalisation, dignity and safety.
The article was later picked up by Mamba Online, a leading LGBTQ+ news outlet in South Africa, increasing its regional impact and helping elevate the conversation beyond mainstream media limitations.
The story concludes with a call for comprehensive change—including decriminalisation, public education, policy reform, and the revival of ubuntu‑driven inclusion—to create African societies where everyone is safe, valued and free.
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