A new publication by Gauteng City-Region Observatory in South Africa, authored by Sthembiso Pollen Mkhize, recently mapped the development of LGBTQ rights in Africa. The publication was launched to commemorate the 31st year anniversary of the first Africa Pride event.
“In October 1990, the first LGBTQ+ Pride was celebrated on the African continent. The event was held in Johannesburg, South Africa. This historical moment continues to inspire and motivate ongoing engagements to protect the rights of people with sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI),” the publication reads.
The mapping was achieved using data from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA World), and three iterations of GCRO’s Quality of Life (QoL) survey.
“While Africa remains the most queerphobic and transphobic continent worldwide, the landscape of rights for LGBTQ+ individuals is gradually changing. Before 1990, 12 countries had never criminalised LGBTQ+ identities, and this number has remained the same to this day. Although 42 countries had criminalised LGBTQ+ identities before 1990, data from ILGA World (2020) shows that since 1990, ten countries have changed laws to allow LGBTQ+ individuals to publicly express their sexualities and identities,” the publication adds.
The publication graphically categorises the continent based on their legalization of LGBTQ+ identities as well as the protection and recognition they benefit. “Data from ILGA World (2020) suggests that of all ten countries that legalised LGBTQ+ identities, only one, which is South Africa, has a constitutional protection that recognises same-sex marriage and adoption by LGBTQ+ partners, the publication adds.
A map table on the publication also shows the progress recorded on LGBT rights and protections across Africa between 1990 and now. For instance, as of 1990, LGBTQ identities were legal in 0 countries. Between then and now, LGBT identities are now legal in 10 countries with 12 countries never criminalizing it.
