10 Prominent Gay Rights Activists In Africa

In light of Nigeria’s and Uganda’s new discriminatory legislation, life has become more difficult for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities in Africa. But despite the dangers and barriers, there are some activists who have contributed greatly to the cause. Some are icons who died for the cause; others continue to lead in the struggle for human rights. Here are 10 prominent gay rights activists in Africa.

Frank Mugisha, Uganda Recipient of the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, Frank Mugisha of Uganda is executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an umbrella organization that includes several other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) groups. He is one of the most prominent LGBT activists in Uganda.

Denis Nzioka, Kenya Denis Nzioka, 24, works in Nairobi with various groups including the Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya, Gay Activists Alliance Africa-Kenya, and G-KENYA Trust. As both an organizer and writer, his work on gay culture and politics can be found on many websites including KenyaImagine and GayKenya.

Paul Kasonkomona, Zambia Focused particularly on HIV/AIDS activism, Paul Kasonkomona made news headlines after his April 2013 arrest. Following a TV appearance in which he blasted the Zambian government for criminalizing homosexuality, he waited in prison for his case to appear before the country’s high court. Just this month he was acquitted and released, and has vowed to continue fighting for LGBT rights.

Williams Rashidi, Nigeria Williams Rashidi spoke before Nigeria’s parliament in 2009 as an openly gay man in an attempt to sway it to move away from criminalizing homosexuality — a move that was laudable and brave, but futile in the end. He serves as the founding executive director of Queer Alliance Nigeria, and has become a voice for the LGBT community in Nigeria, expressing the fear and danger it now faces.

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, Uganda Founder and executive director of FARUG, or Freedom and Roam Uganda, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera has fought for LGBT rights in Uganda for many years. She and David Kato successfully sued “Rolling Stone” tabloid for publishing the names of homosexuals in Uganda under the title, “Hang Them,” and even opened Uganda’s first gay bar in 2010, though it only lasted a year. She received the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights in 2011, as well as the Nuremberg International Human Rights Award in 2013.

Aba Taylor, Ghana,  Aba Taylor’s work helping LGBT Ghanians was highlighted in a 2012 documentary she directed, “Coming to America.” The film followed gay Africans in the U.S. as they struggled with the difficulties associated with their position, and their search for family and community. She has also been a prominent activist for HIV/AIDS communities, both in Ghana and around the world.

Simon Nkoli, South Africa, Simon Nkoli was one of the first prominent black gay rights activists (he also served as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement) in South Africa. He earned recognition after joining the primarily white Gay Association of South Africa in 1983, and formed the first black gay group in Africa shortly after. He helped influence the African National Congress’s position on gay rights after coming out while being held a political prisoner by the apartheid government, and helped form more gay rights organizations in the country after his acquittal. He died of AIDS in 1998, just months after successfully working for the repeal of the sodomy law in South Africa.

Jabulani Chen Pereira, South Africa Multimedia artist Jabulani Chen Pereira uses visual media in his activism through his organization, Iranti-Org. Pereira identifies as gender queer, using the gender pronoun “they” rather than “he” or “she.” They are a powerful voice in advocating for LGBT awareness and rights across Africa, as well as for educational interventions and programs.

John “Long Jones” Abdallah Wambere, Uganda One of the main subjects of the documentary film, “Call me Kuchu,” Long Jones serves as operations coordinator for Spectrum Uganda Initiatives and is a prominent LGBT activist in the country. The film follows a group of gay men and women as they fight to repeal Uganda’s anti-gay legislation and highlights the discrimination they face on a daily basis.

David Kato, Uganda,  David Kato, considered Uganda’s first openly gay man, is often referred to as the father of the country’s gay rights movement. Along with Frank Mugisha, he was one of the co-founders of SMUG, as well as one of the successful litigants against the tabloid that published the list of homosexuals in Uganda. Kato died in 2011, shortly after the lawsuit was settled. His death motivated others to continue working for LGBT rights in Uganda, across Africa, and around the world.


SOURCE: AFKINSIDER.COM

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