Will African Accept Homosexuality?
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Africa has been known for maintaining its century old cultures. The cultures that has been raising eye brows and causing friction between the western cultures.These cultures have been gradually introduced by the media and the social technological advancements that leads to erosion of moral values. As a result the traditions and myths find their way to the next clinch generation. Among the cultures that have been carried on from generation to generation include, marriage customs, burial rites and naming. Anything less is at best considered a creation of the west.
Having many wives like the famous Akuku Danger is considered African and
there is no problem with it. Its non African being gay often stoned or scorned
to death in many parts of Africa. According to an Anglican evangelist based in
Zambia, “the issues of discrimination and hatred spread at best at the
inception of the statement that our culture as Africans, in regardless of our
beliefs does not accept homosexuality”
He adds “the point is well supported by the fact in African languages did not have a name for the act of homosexuality as they have from time to time claimed it’s a creation of the e west culture”
Young boys and girls often find themselves in trouble when they realize that they are not normal in terms of sexual orientation. Some even develop psychological problems as they fear to come out. Homosexuality is brought by behavioral change catalyst by the hormonal imbalance that can be corrected at the early stages of development.
Lisa who is a psychological counselor in the city describes all people to have been homosexual only the degree of homosexuality varies. The changes in perception may not change after the hormone balancing as many choose to be asexual and neglect the new feeling imposed on them.
In Kenya homosexual form only a small margin of 6% that puts the activity endangered by the greater population of the heterosexual counterparts who have been imposing violence.
not through rape, murder or violence but through psychological counseling that should be done at the early childhood level address is The topic about homosexuality in Africa has been a not-to-talk-in-public issue as the theories and ego of many people do not allow the practice that has dominated the media with new violent attacks to those found in the act. According to gay activist, Africa have a hard time accepting that it is there and the best way to him out of the dating catholic priests one after the other is now appealing to the counselors to help Barasa who has ever since been hastened the connection between twinks all over the country at a click of a button.
The inception of the social networking and instant messaging services has put the homosexual activity at the highest level ever as it has created a new training ground for new recruits.
Barasa feels shy when he meets other men as the guilt of playing the role meant for women in all the series of catholic priest dating. He confesses that his current boyfriend is a priest .
In my previous articles on MSM, I argued that the war against the HIV/AIDS may not be won if the existence of homosexuality, prostitution and premarital sex are not addressed. According to the Kenya medical research institute (KEMRI) over 700 men in Mombasa have sex with other men daily. The same report states that 60% of 739 men had heterosexual activity with over 2,500 clients barely 24 hours. The study which was conducted in Mtwapa in 2010 says homosexual activity has taken root in coast province and many MSM do not use protection. This translates to the spread of the incurable disease to greater population.
Former Special programme’s Minister Esther Murungi in the late 2010 said that the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Kenya will continue to register new infections if the government will continue to oppress the people it claims to break the penal code for the act of decency. She has been making sentiments to the media that have been seen as moves to push for the legalization homosexuality in Kenya. She said. “It’s logical that the MSM would also have sex with their wives hence putting their wives at the risk of contracting HIV/Aids.”
century is here with us.”
Quoted by a section of the media Murungi said, “Kenyan should accept that the 21
It brewed unrest among the clergy and the members of public. Prime Minister Raila Odinga later on called for the arrest of the people perceived to be homosexual.
Murungi has also echoed that the fight against HIV/AIDS may be fruitless if leaders continue to reject the thought we have men who have sex with men and majority are married to women.
The words are fresh in our minds. The topic is debatable and the norms, tradition and beliefs lead our conscience. The cry is inevitable and the state of our community is slowly dwindling from worse to the worst. Young and reliable people are slowly moving to the homosexuality acts especially in the city. It’s the first time ever we have clubs designated for gay and lesbian in Nairobi.
I walked in a popular gay club in Nairobi and to my surprise it looks secluded. The music and the environment best spoke for itself. This was a different environment and was signifying acceptance and caring for those considered to be outcasts in the society. I am met by an high school leaver from upper hill secondary. He carefully looks at me with sympathy, I try to convince hi to talk to me and eventually he does. John is his name, though not his real name, he is 18 years.
He reveals to me that he started homosexuality in 2006 at the age of 16years. He talks about the older generation perception and their ideal stand on the vice as they continue to use small boys to fulfill their homosexual desires. He cited that he has been paid severally by men who were married and had wives and children whom were his age mates.
John’s case is one of the many incidences of the practice among the old and the young generation which has from time to time grew with technology.
Many may blame the morality of our society but as the former special programmes minister Esther Murungi said, its the time to take action and arrest the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country, John said that he was introduced to homosexuality through a rape from his maternal uncle. He has been doing it openly in the streets of Nairobi without being noticed. Unlike Barasa who is willing to quit gayism calotyhase is not ready to change from the practice that is slow taking a place in our society.
South Africa in 2006 passed in to law a bill giving the homosexuals same rights as their heterosexual counterparts and it was seen as the only way to end the violence towards the MSM and the Lesbians. 5 years later the violence is equally reported from Africa's leading economy.
are perceived to be ‘out of the way’. Men who are homosexuals have been subjected to violent beatings and bullying especially in learning institutions.According to Lydia, a LGBT activist based in Nairobi, activism in Africa is at its highest notch in history as many people are coming out and giving in the fight towards the end of violence towards the homosexuals. She adds that a ‘corrective’ measure such as rape to women who comes out as lesbians is popular in South Africa, according to their straight men, lesbians
The Kenya national commission on human rights (KNCHR) and GALCK has held IDAHO meetings and diner to create forum for the people perceived to be Homosexuals to meet with their heterosexual counterparts and help the public to accept that the practice is active in Kenya.
According to a press statement by Gay Kenya,’ May 17 was chosen as the day of the event because homosexuality was removed from the International Classifications of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 1990.’
The statement further explains, ‘Homophobia is described as ‘hatred of homosexuality” “hatred of homosexuals” “fear of gays and lesbians” “a desire or attempt to discriminate against homosexual’’ and is fuelled by a multiple of reasons including inability or unwillingness to change the hatred taught during childhood, fear of people who are different, promotion of homophobia by religious groups, a natural feeling of repulsion at the thought of same-sex activity. Realizing that homosexual behavior is unnatural for them, some people generalize this feeling into the belief that homosexuality is wrong for everyone; actual homosexual feelings that a person cannot acknowledge or handle, low self esteem leading to a need to hate other groups, are also cited as fueling factors of homophobia.
Usually, homophobia manifests itself in many forms: Violence, insults, physical assaults, evictions, denial of services or rights and privileges, stigma, distancing, and in extreme form, death. There are even reported cases of desecrations of bodies of suspected gays by exhumation and further humiliation’
The recent issues of homosexuality in school lead to the Ministry of Education, through its Permanent Secretary issuing a warning on the rising rate of ‘homosexuality’ in schools.
The subject is debatable and the ends will be achieved. As President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe puts it, ‘African has been brain washed by the west and Moral values seem to be a thing of the past.’
with the current advancement in technology, the homosexual activity is alive and circulating in the cyber space hence forcing its way into our 'African" culture that has been dominating us for decades. it has evolved from kabaka's First gay sex in the palace in the ancient Buganda kingdom to Gay marriages in south Africa and kenya. saying African culture detests homosexuality is best described as an understatement
‘Marriage as it is described by the Kenyan constitution, is a formal union between adult of opposite sex at free will’, those are words of Martha Karua during the vetting process of the judicial appointees by the constitution implementation oversight committee (CIOC). Martha was discussing the morality of the chief justice nominee later the CJ Dr. Mutunga citing that morality can be view at different dimensions. Morality differs from one person to another, from religion to another and nation to another. However African culture seem to be taking grounds in our institutions as it has lead to the esteemed violence in the entire continent. The innuendo that was left unanswered by Dr. Mutunga on ground whether he was gay is still filling the atmosphere of the political world.
Let’s put the issues concerning Dr. Mutunga aside and get into the situation on the ground. I have spent a lot of my leisure trying to get to know what my close friends think about it. To my surprise the ends are far from meeting. Its third time is doing a story that touches homosexuality in Africa and the norm and the religion seem to control the society at large.
I got the views of six individuals who shared a different view on it. Some for while others against. Violence has been taking rooting in the society over the allegation of fighting the homosexuality in the continent. According to Julie Kaloki, who works with one of the manufacturing companies in Nairobi says, “killing for whatever reason is all wrong. I had no intention of rubbing anyone in the wrong way. So am holding my peace.”
Julie like any other heterosexual has many unanswered questions as why do we have homosexuals in the society. She says, “I don’t know what drives people into it [homosexuality] and most probably I will never know.”
This has been one of my hardest questions I have tried to get an answer because it seems everyone has devised a theory to explain this behavioural change in the society. Kariz, a banker with a local banking industry tries to justify that gayism is not western as it has been there since the pre-colonial Africa. He says, “Gayism was there in Africa long before the ‘Whites’ came to Africa. Some communities’ warriors would inseminate boys to make them brave.”
According to Bedan a student at the Mt. Kenya University (MKU) homosexuality is spreading like wildfire. Its almost unstoppable and people’s input remains the only way out. He argues that the violence of whatever reason is not the solution as it will continue to change the situation to its worst. He adds, “I have helped many students change their way of living by telling them that its wrong. Ian a banker with a local bank differs with both Julie and Bedan on matters concerning morality. He says, “Wise people are liberal and should be willing
To embrace diversity in the society they are in. a 'liaises faire'' would be much better than blind homophobia"
Ian who argues that some people find it hard to change as they are considered to be the so-called "Born with the hormonal imbalance defect." He added,"The community should know that honour and respect are not granted over but are fought for."
Talking about fighting is at its best described as an understatement. According to Julie kaloki, "God had a special passion for marriage, morals and virtues of a spiritual well being. The norms and the morals of African culture were strict on marriage and the importance of intersex marriages."
According to the catholic arch-Bishop in Kenya, cardinal john Njue, the structure of family is dictated by the Catholic Church was to be followed by each and every practicing catholic. On the other hand the Anglican Church is divided on the matters concerning homosexuality. In the recent years, the church in the US ordained the first Gay bishop which sparked unrest among the followers of Anglican Dominion across the world. According to Julie the people who Practice homosexuality needs spiritual and psychological counseling as it is what she describes as "crazy and crooked".
A business management student at the Mt. Kenya University who requested not to be mentioned said that marriage was a preserve for the old, and it should be viewed at a different perspective according to individual’s interpretation of the spiritual books.His sentiments were opposed to Julie’s opinion that only opposite sex people had the right to have sex and the act of homosexuality was at best as described in the penal code as an act of indecency punishable by imprisonment
He criticizes Julie saying," God is not happy when people hate and use the Bible to justify their reasons to kill rape or discriminate." This stipulates the wrong turn in the debate but Henge was quick to state that it was not behavioral change. He says, “people in Africa should learn to cope with us because we were born like that" His sentiments are supported by Major who lives in the US. He says,” people need to understand homosexuality has been around since the time of Cain and Abel. Hormones drive a person's sexuality. We are not from another planet."
A lot of questions come up about it. When did this start and where. Is it acquired? Or is it just a mere behavioral change? The talk in Africa has turned out to be a hard to decide topic, too judgmental, full of personal conflict and alienation of human rights and dignity.
I spoke with Fiona who has a different view on the activities of the gays and lesbians in Africa. She argues that families in both Africa and America have been torn apart due to the extreme homophobia. She told me that Africa is not alone in the discrimination but it’s just the newest victim of the hate that has been slowly eating our humanity.
Asked whether he cares about what his family says when they found he was a homosexual, Major says, "I personally care less about what my family say about me being gay."
Finally, as I pen down it may be unfair to leave some issues out. The world may be changing in its way and so is the people issues concerning morals and culture still play a major role in our societal set up.
The law is a subject to be amended and laws are never permanent. so i argue this lets consider the change.
According to Julie homosexuals lack conscious. She says, " I don’t know what drives people in to it and most probably I will never know But if your son walked home and said, 'daddy, am in love with a guy in my class!' what would you tell him? It’s OK! Bring him over? Or would you try to point him to a certain direction, not necessarily making the decision for him? What would you do?"
Major says, "That is really sad. A lot of ‘closed mind’ people in the motherland (Africa) have lots of ignorance and full of hate. Its worse than here in the USA." And Henge says," we are ready to face anything in this world for us to do what makes us happy in life."
Africa has been known for maintaining its century old cultures. The cultures that has been raising eye brows and causing friction between the western cultures.These cultures have been gradually introduced by the media and the social technological advancements that leads to erosion of moral values. As a result the traditions and myths find their way to the next clinch generation. Among the cultures that have been carried on from generation to generation include, marriage customs, burial rites and naming. Anything less is at best considered a creation of the west.
He adds “the point is well supported by the fact in African languages did not have a name for the act of homosexuality as they have from time to time claimed it’s a creation of the e west culture”
Young boys and girls often find themselves in trouble when they realize that they are not normal in terms of sexual orientation. Some even develop psychological problems as they fear to come out. Homosexuality is brought by behavioral change catalyst by the hormonal imbalance that can be corrected at the early stages of development.
Lisa who is a psychological counselor in the city describes all people to have been homosexual only the degree of homosexuality varies. The changes in perception may not change after the hormone balancing as many choose to be asexual and neglect the new feeling imposed on them.
In Kenya homosexual form only a small margin of 6% that puts the activity endangered by the greater population of the heterosexual counterparts who have been imposing violence.
not through rape, murder or violence but through psychological counseling that should be done at the early childhood level address is The topic about homosexuality in Africa has been a not-to-talk-in-public issue as the theories and ego of many people do not allow the practice that has dominated the media with new violent attacks to those found in the act. According to gay activist, Africa have a hard time accepting that it is there and the best way to him out of the dating catholic priests one after the other is now appealing to the counselors to help Barasa who has ever since been hastened the connection between twinks all over the country at a click of a button.
The inception of the social networking and instant messaging services has put the homosexual activity at the highest level ever as it has created a new training ground for new recruits.
Barasa feels shy when he meets other men as the guilt of playing the role meant for women in all the series of catholic priest dating. He confesses that his current boyfriend is a priest .
In my previous articles on MSM, I argued that the war against the HIV/AIDS may not be won if the existence of homosexuality, prostitution and premarital sex are not addressed. According to the Kenya medical research institute (KEMRI) over 700 men in Mombasa have sex with other men daily. The same report states that 60% of 739 men had heterosexual activity with over 2,500 clients barely 24 hours. The study which was conducted in Mtwapa in 2010 says homosexual activity has taken root in coast province and many MSM do not use protection. This translates to the spread of the incurable disease to greater population.
Former Special programme’s Minister Esther Murungi in the late 2010 said that the HIV/AIDS prevalence in Kenya will continue to register new infections if the government will continue to oppress the people it claims to break the penal code for the act of decency. She has been making sentiments to the media that have been seen as moves to push for the legalization homosexuality in Kenya. She said. “It’s logical that the MSM would also have sex with their wives hence putting their wives at the risk of contracting HIV/Aids.”
century is here with us.”
Quoted by a section of the media Murungi said, “Kenyan should accept that the 21
It brewed unrest among the clergy and the members of public. Prime Minister Raila Odinga later on called for the arrest of the people perceived to be homosexual.
Murungi has also echoed that the fight against HIV/AIDS may be fruitless if leaders continue to reject the thought we have men who have sex with men and majority are married to women.
The words are fresh in our minds. The topic is debatable and the norms, tradition and beliefs lead our conscience. The cry is inevitable and the state of our community is slowly dwindling from worse to the worst. Young and reliable people are slowly moving to the homosexuality acts especially in the city. It’s the first time ever we have clubs designated for gay and lesbian in Nairobi.
I walked in a popular gay club in Nairobi and to my surprise it looks secluded. The music and the environment best spoke for itself. This was a different environment and was signifying acceptance and caring for those considered to be outcasts in the society. I am met by an high school leaver from upper hill secondary. He carefully looks at me with sympathy, I try to convince hi to talk to me and eventually he does. John is his name, though not his real name, he is 18 years.
He reveals to me that he started homosexuality in 2006 at the age of 16years. He talks about the older generation perception and their ideal stand on the vice as they continue to use small boys to fulfill their homosexual desires. He cited that he has been paid severally by men who were married and had wives and children whom were his age mates.
John’s case is one of the many incidences of the practice among the old and the young generation which has from time to time grew with technology.
Many may blame the morality of our society but as the former special programmes minister Esther Murungi said, its the time to take action and arrest the HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country, John said that he was introduced to homosexuality through a rape from his maternal uncle. He has been doing it openly in the streets of Nairobi without being noticed. Unlike Barasa who is willing to quit gayism calotyhase is not ready to change from the practice that is slow taking a place in our society.
South Africa in 2006 passed in to law a bill giving the homosexuals same rights as their heterosexual counterparts and it was seen as the only way to end the violence towards the MSM and the Lesbians. 5 years later the violence is equally reported from Africa's leading economy.
are perceived to be ‘out of the way’. Men who are homosexuals have been subjected to violent beatings and bullying especially in learning institutions.According to Lydia, a LGBT activist based in Nairobi, activism in Africa is at its highest notch in history as many people are coming out and giving in the fight towards the end of violence towards the homosexuals. She adds that a ‘corrective’ measure such as rape to women who comes out as lesbians is popular in South Africa, according to their straight men, lesbians
The Kenya national commission on human rights (KNCHR) and GALCK has held IDAHO meetings and diner to create forum for the people perceived to be Homosexuals to meet with their heterosexual counterparts and help the public to accept that the practice is active in Kenya.
According to a press statement by Gay Kenya,’ May 17 was chosen as the day of the event because homosexuality was removed from the International Classifications of Diseases of the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 1990.’
The statement further explains, ‘Homophobia is described as ‘hatred of homosexuality” “hatred of homosexuals” “fear of gays and lesbians” “a desire or attempt to discriminate against homosexual’’ and is fuelled by a multiple of reasons including inability or unwillingness to change the hatred taught during childhood, fear of people who are different, promotion of homophobia by religious groups, a natural feeling of repulsion at the thought of same-sex activity. Realizing that homosexual behavior is unnatural for them, some people generalize this feeling into the belief that homosexuality is wrong for everyone; actual homosexual feelings that a person cannot acknowledge or handle, low self esteem leading to a need to hate other groups, are also cited as fueling factors of homophobia.
Usually, homophobia manifests itself in many forms: Violence, insults, physical assaults, evictions, denial of services or rights and privileges, stigma, distancing, and in extreme form, death. There are even reported cases of desecrations of bodies of suspected gays by exhumation and further humiliation’
The recent issues of homosexuality in school lead to the Ministry of Education, through its Permanent Secretary issuing a warning on the rising rate of ‘homosexuality’ in schools.
The subject is debatable and the ends will be achieved. As President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe puts it, ‘African has been brain washed by the west and Moral values seem to be a thing of the past.’
with the current advancement in technology, the homosexual activity is alive and circulating in the cyber space hence forcing its way into our 'African" culture that has been dominating us for decades. it has evolved from kabaka's First gay sex in the palace in the ancient Buganda kingdom to Gay marriages in south Africa and kenya. saying African culture detests homosexuality is best described as an understatement
‘Marriage as it is described by the Kenyan constitution, is a formal union between adult of opposite sex at free will’, those are words of Martha Karua during the vetting process of the judicial appointees by the constitution implementation oversight committee (CIOC). Martha was discussing the morality of the chief justice nominee later the CJ Dr. Mutunga citing that morality can be view at different dimensions. Morality differs from one person to another, from religion to another and nation to another. However African culture seem to be taking grounds in our institutions as it has lead to the esteemed violence in the entire continent. The innuendo that was left unanswered by Dr. Mutunga on ground whether he was gay is still filling the atmosphere of the political world.
Let’s put the issues concerning Dr. Mutunga aside and get into the situation on the ground. I have spent a lot of my leisure trying to get to know what my close friends think about it. To my surprise the ends are far from meeting. Its third time is doing a story that touches homosexuality in Africa and the norm and the religion seem to control the society at large.
I got the views of six individuals who shared a different view on it. Some for while others against. Violence has been taking rooting in the society over the allegation of fighting the homosexuality in the continent. According to Julie Kaloki, who works with one of the manufacturing companies in Nairobi says, “killing for whatever reason is all wrong. I had no intention of rubbing anyone in the wrong way. So am holding my peace.”
Julie like any other heterosexual has many unanswered questions as why do we have homosexuals in the society. She says, “I don’t know what drives people into it [homosexuality] and most probably I will never know.”
This has been one of my hardest questions I have tried to get an answer because it seems everyone has devised a theory to explain this behavioural change in the society. Kariz, a banker with a local banking industry tries to justify that gayism is not western as it has been there since the pre-colonial Africa. He says, “Gayism was there in Africa long before the ‘Whites’ came to Africa. Some communities’ warriors would inseminate boys to make them brave.”
According to Bedan a student at the Mt. Kenya University (MKU) homosexuality is spreading like wildfire. Its almost unstoppable and people’s input remains the only way out. He argues that the violence of whatever reason is not the solution as it will continue to change the situation to its worst. He adds, “I have helped many students change their way of living by telling them that its wrong. Ian a banker with a local bank differs with both Julie and Bedan on matters concerning morality. He says, “Wise people are liberal and should be willing
To embrace diversity in the society they are in. a 'liaises faire'' would be much better than blind homophobia"
Ian who argues that some people find it hard to change as they are considered to be the so-called "Born with the hormonal imbalance defect." He added,"The community should know that honour and respect are not granted over but are fought for."
Talking about fighting is at its best described as an understatement. According to Julie kaloki, "God had a special passion for marriage, morals and virtues of a spiritual well being. The norms and the morals of African culture were strict on marriage and the importance of intersex marriages."
According to the catholic arch-Bishop in Kenya, cardinal john Njue, the structure of family is dictated by the Catholic Church was to be followed by each and every practicing catholic. On the other hand the Anglican Church is divided on the matters concerning homosexuality. In the recent years, the church in the US ordained the first Gay bishop which sparked unrest among the followers of Anglican Dominion across the world. According to Julie the people who Practice homosexuality needs spiritual and psychological counseling as it is what she describes as "crazy and crooked".
A business management student at the Mt. Kenya University who requested not to be mentioned said that marriage was a preserve for the old, and it should be viewed at a different perspective according to individual’s interpretation of the spiritual books.His sentiments were opposed to Julie’s opinion that only opposite sex people had the right to have sex and the act of homosexuality was at best as described in the penal code as an act of indecency punishable by imprisonment
He criticizes Julie saying," God is not happy when people hate and use the Bible to justify their reasons to kill rape or discriminate." This stipulates the wrong turn in the debate but Henge was quick to state that it was not behavioral change. He says, “people in Africa should learn to cope with us because we were born like that" His sentiments are supported by Major who lives in the US. He says,” people need to understand homosexuality has been around since the time of Cain and Abel. Hormones drive a person's sexuality. We are not from another planet."
A lot of questions come up about it. When did this start and where. Is it acquired? Or is it just a mere behavioral change? The talk in Africa has turned out to be a hard to decide topic, too judgmental, full of personal conflict and alienation of human rights and dignity.
I spoke with Fiona who has a different view on the activities of the gays and lesbians in Africa. She argues that families in both Africa and America have been torn apart due to the extreme homophobia. She told me that Africa is not alone in the discrimination but it’s just the newest victim of the hate that has been slowly eating our humanity.
Asked whether he cares about what his family says when they found he was a homosexual, Major says, "I personally care less about what my family say about me being gay."
Finally, as I pen down it may be unfair to leave some issues out. The world may be changing in its way and so is the people issues concerning morals and culture still play a major role in our societal set up.
The law is a subject to be amended and laws are never permanent. so i argue this lets consider the change.
According to Julie homosexuals lack conscious. She says, " I don’t know what drives people in to it and most probably I will never know But if your son walked home and said, 'daddy, am in love with a guy in my class!' what would you tell him? It’s OK! Bring him over? Or would you try to point him to a certain direction, not necessarily making the decision for him? What would you do?"
Major says, "That is really sad. A lot of ‘closed mind’ people in the motherland (Africa) have lots of ignorance and full of hate. Its worse than here in the USA." And Henge says," we are ready to face anything in this world for us to do what makes us happy in life."
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