Same-sex intimate relationships and marriages among African indigenous people

Excerpt

Same-sex intimate relationships and marriages among indigenous people in Africa are viewed as un-African. In most African societies, sexuality is perceived as being exclusively heterosexual. One of the rationales for promoting heterosexuality as the preferred sexual orientation is reportedly to protect and preserve African culture and traditions. However, it should be noted that it was uncommon among African communities to talk about sexuality and sex-related matters as it is viewed as a taboo and a private matter. As a result, homosexuality in Africa is not adequately researched or spoken about. However, several studies have reported on same-sex intimate relationships and same-sex marriages within African societies. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss concerning views on homosexuality in Africa, the practices of same-sex relationships and marriages on the continent. The chapter also looks at spiritually driven same-sex relationships and culturally driven same-sex relationships. The chapter provides a brief discussion on the attitudes of African states towards people engaging in homosexuality, derogatory terms used against people involved in a same-sex intimate relationship, laws against homosexuality and discrimination towards LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and seeking) people in the health care system.