An uphill battle: the fight for persecuted LGBT Tanzanians

As a gay man living openly in Tanzania, I am confronted with immense challenges stemming from the hostile environment towards the LGBT community prevalent not only in African nations but also globally. Merely identifying as homosexual in this region can lead to severe consequences, including the possibility of facing a 30-year prison sentence. Discrimination against gays is rampant in various facets of life, such as the workplace, where individuals may face unfair treatment, or within their own homes, where they risk being evicted or shunned by family members. Law enforcement often targets members of the LGBT community, further exacerbating their vulnerability and marginalization.

In a context where the prevalence of HIV and AIDS is high, healthcare facilities frequently deny medical treatment to gay individuals, pushing them towards resorting to dangerous practices like self-treatment with battery acid or even contemplating suicide. Despite my Christian beliefs and aspirations of pursuing a career as a minister, coming out resulted in my dismissal by the bishop and rejection by my father. Rather than succumbing to despair, I chose to take a stand and establish LGBT Voice Tanzania , an organization dedicated to advancing equality, diversity, education, and justice for LGBT individuals in Tanzania.

Our primary objective revolves around advocating for the decriminalization of LGBT activities and the implementation of laws that safeguard human rights. However, our efforts are met with resistance due to widespread homophobia and a lack of awareness, with external influences sometimes inadvertently reinforcing negative sentiments within the Tanzanian leadership. Despite facing harassment from authorities, including unwarranted interrogations, I remain resolute in my mission to promote inclusivity and acceptance.

Various attempts have been made to coerce me into abandoning my activism in exchange for an end to government harassment, yet I stand firm in my refusal to be intimidated. I am prepared to endure the prospect of imprisonment for up to three decades if necessary, all in the pursuit of championing the rights and dignity of the LGBT community in Tanzania. My commitment remains unwavering, driven by a deep-seated belief in the importance of standing up for what is just and equitable, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.

Suggested references:

LGBT Transgender Education.info (Global Alliance for LGBT Education) 12/16/2011? “The Story of James Ouma”

Ibid. 12/25/2011? “LGBT Situation in Tanzania, 2011”? by James W. Ouma

?Institute for International Journalism, EW Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University?? 12/5/2012? “LGBT rights unearthed for Tanzanian Constitutional Review” by Molly Nocheck

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association/Your Stories (personal experiences of LGBT live in Tanzania, Uganda, etc.) under Tanzania, United Republic of

Wikipedia:? LGBT Rights in Tanzania