Introduction
GBV is a term used to denote harm inflicted on individuals and groups because of their gender. GBV can and does happen to people of all genders but reports show that women face a greater risk of GBV. Also at risk are those considered to be either nonexistent or a gender minority i.e intersex, transgender and non-binary persons. By addressing these issues, we aim to foster awareness, dialogue, and action within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
Forms of GBV Affecting LBTQI People
Rape and Sexual Assault
There are social practices and widely held beliefs within our society that potentially increases the vulnerability of women to becoming victims of sexual violence. The UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women states, “violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women” and “violence against women is one of the crucial social mechanisms by which women are forced into a subordinate position compared with men.
While cis, trans, gender nonconforming/fluid, homosexual and heterosexual women are usually victims of rape and sexual assault from cisgender men; rape and sexual assault within the queer community are also distressing realities that demand urgent attention. Consequently, It is crucial to delve into the nuanced factors contributing to the prevalence of these heinous acts and recognize the importance of understanding power dynamics and societal attitudes that perpetuate vulnerability.
Queer individuals often grapple with power imbalances that stem from societal norms, heteronormative expectations, and systemic discrimination. Marginalisation and discrimination also create an environment where perpetrators exploit power differentials, leaving queer individuals vulnerable to sexual violence.
Deep-rooted prejudices and misconceptions about LGBTQ+ identities contribute to an environment where perpetrators may feel empowered to commit sexual violence. Stigmatization, homophobia, and transphobia further creates a culture of silence and shame, making it difficult for victims to come forward and seek justice.
Statutory rape is an additional layer of complexity within the broader issue of sexual assault. It involves sexual activity with a minor who is unable to provide legal consent. Within the queer community, statutory rape cases may face unique challenges due to societal biases and legal frameworks.
Fear of discrimination, victim-blaming, and concerns about being outed may deter queer individuals from reporting sexual assault. Legal systems that lack sensitivity to the LGBTQ+ community further exacerbate these challenges.
Addressing the prevalence of sexual assault requires multifaceted strategies. Education on consent, and dismantling harmful stereotypes is crucial as well as creating safe spaces, both online and offline, where survivors can access support without fear of judgement.
Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched cultural practice affecting millions of women globally, predominantly cisgender women. FGM encompasses various procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Rooted in tradition, this practice perpetuates harmful gender norms, violates human rights, and poses severe physical and psychological consequences.
Queer cisgender women, just like their heterosexual counterpart, can be subjected to FGM. This practice often intersects with the broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, heightening their vulnerabilities and intensifying the violation of bodily autonomy.
The notion that cultural practices should be understood within their own cultural context, must be critically examined where FGM is concerned. While respecting diverse traditions, it is imperative to condemn practices that infringe upon human rights and perpetuate gender-based violence, irrespective of cultural origins.
Culture and traditions should provide a framework for human well-being, thus cultural arguments cannot be used to condone violence against any individual. Also, culture is not static, but constantly changing and adapting and we should be able to do away with any culture that perpetuates harmful practices.
Nevertheless, activities for the elimination of FGM should be developed and implemented in a way that is sensitive to the cultural and social background of the communities that practice it. Behaviour can change when people understand the hazards of certain practices and when they realise that it is possible to give up harmful practices without giving up meaningful aspects of their culture.
Corrective Rape and Forced Marriage
Corrective rape is a term used to describe a form of violence where individuals, often from the LGBTQ+ community, are sexually assaulted with the intention of changing their sexual orientation or gender identity. This brutal act is rooted in harmful and misguided beliefs that view sexual orientation or gender identity as something that can be “corrected” through violent means.
Corrective rape is a grave violation of human rights, involving not only physical harm but also significant psychological trauma. This term has been predominantly associated with crimes against lesbian women, but it can also affect gay men, bisexual individuals, and transgender people.
LBQTI women in Nigeria often face persecution, almost sanctioned by the state, making it challenging to report incidents of corrective rape without implicating themselves due to existing anti-LGBTQ laws. The pervasive societal stigma around non-heteronormative identities creates an environment of fear, discouraging victims from reporting corrective rape incidents.
Traditional expectations and societal norms in Nigeria also contribute to forced marriages, compelling LBQTI women to conform to heterosexual expectations. The absence of legal protections against forced marriages exacerbates the vulnerability of LBQTI women, leaving them without recourse.
Intimate Partner Violence in Homosexual Relationships
Women are more likely to be victimised by someone that they are intimate with and violence against women in Homosexual relationships is about as common as violence against women in heterosexual relationships.
Intimate partner violence within queer relationships is a serious concern that deserves attention and a comprehensive approach. Acknowledging the issue and fostering an environment for open discussion is crucial to breaking the silence surrounding domestic violence in the queer community.
Recognising that intimate partner violence can occur in any relationship, including queer ones, is the first step. By acknowledging its existence, the community can work collectively to address this issue, dispelling the myth that it is exclusive to heterosexual relationships.
Addressing intimate partner violence within queer relationships requires breaking down stigmas associated with being a survivor or a perpetrator. Emphasising that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, helps create an environment where individuals are more likely to reach out without fear of isolation or judgement.
Recognising that anyone can be a survivor or perpetrator, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, fosters empathy. By understanding the complexities of intimate partner violence, the community can offer nuanced support, tailored to the specific needs of queer individuals.
Building a supportive community is essential in combating intimate partner violence. Establishing safe spaces and support networks where individuals can share their experiences without judgement is crucial.
Community organisations can play a pivotal role in providing resources, counselling, and assistance for those affected. Access to counselling services tailored to the unique experiences of queer individuals is paramount. Queer affirming competent mental health professionals can offer support, guidance, and coping strategies, addressing both survivors and perpetrators of intimate partner violence.
Combating Forms of GBV
Standing up for each other within the LGBTQ+ community is not only a moral imperative but a critical necessity to combat gender-based violence (GBV) that persists, even within our own ranks. It’s essential for the LGBTQ+ community to acknowledge that some forms of gender-based violence are perpetrated by our own members.
Collective advocacy is essential for driving systemic change. The LGBTQ+ community should unite in advocating for policies and initiatives that protect transgender individuals from violence and discrimination. This includes:
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Legal Reforms: Advocacy for legal reforms to ensure that laws addressing sexual assault are inclusive and protective of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is paramount. This includes reevaluating age of consent laws to consider the unique circumstances within the queer community. Conduct targeted advocacy campaigns to raise awareness about the challenges faced by LBQTI women, emphasizing the human rights violations inherent in corrective rape and forced marriages.
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Supporting survivors: Efforts to eradicate FGM must include robust support systems for survivors. Access to medical, psychological, and legal assistance can empower survivors to rebuild their lives and contribute to breaking the cycle of this harmful practice.Family and community involvement is pivotal in eradicating FGM. By fostering conversations that challenge harmful norms and providing education on the physical and mental health consequences of FGM, we can encourage communities to abandon this harmful practice.
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Documentation of Violence Cases: Establish community-led initiatives to document cases of corrective rape and forced marriages, providing survivors with a safe and confidential space to share their experiences. Collaborate with local NGOs and human rights organisations to create a comprehensive database that can be utilised for advocacy and policy change.
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Engaging with mainstream media to amplify the voices of LBQTI women and challenge harmful stereotypes perpetuated by traditional narratives.
