SITUATION OF SEXUAL MINORITIES IN AFRICA (SOUTH OF THE SAHARA)

Marc Epprecht shows that some of the homosexual and transvestic practices and behaviours had a symbolic and ritual meaning, emphasized the social status and power, and were associated with the perception and understanding of the world.8 Donald Don- ham in turn emphasizes that the current, Western understanding of gays and lesbians in Africa did not exist, because the perception of sexuality and hu. [...] At the same time, Islam and Christianity, the dominant religions in the continent, with the adoption of the paradigm of non -African nature of relationships between persons of the same sex, became the basis for the pre- sent authorities in Africa to carry out a rigorous policy towards persons belonging to sexual mi- norities.47 In Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya and Uganda politicians justify tha. [...] WYDZIAŁ INFORMACJI O KRAJACH POCHODZENIA UDSC 16 MAJ 2013 Situation of Sexual Minorities in Africa (South of the Sahara) ATTITUDE OF THE AUTHORITIES, REPRESENTATIVES OF RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND PUBLIC FIGURES Significant limitations associated with the ability to express views, and the weakness of the NGO sector have a negative effect on the perception of LGBTI people by the general public and. [...] Emphasizing connection of homosexuality with the West suits the politicians in Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi and Namibia and in practice winds the spiral of opposition to the rights of LGBTI people in these countries.57 Rights of sexual minorities appear in the public debate and are used as part of a political game. [...] Appealing to pan-African elements and emphasizing that homosexuality is definitely not one of them is meant to show the independence, autonomy and distinct identity of the peoples of Africa and separate them from the former colonial powers and Western culture.58 The example of Namibia shows how strong is the desire of African politicians to separate from the former colonial powers and what they br.