We’ve Always Been Here: Queer Histories of Kenya and Ghana

Topic outline:

Both Kenya and Ghana gained notoriety during 2023 with proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. One of the justifications often falsely given is that the very concept of sexual and gender minorities are a recent 'Western invention' and are alien to local history and culture. This can be seen as an extension of the colonial era which sought to stifle and supress any form of sexual or gender diversity, as ‘taboo, immoral and unacceptable’ (Adair 2015). 

However recent studies have brought to light a rich diversity of pre-colonial traditions of what we would now consider queer histories. From the cross-dressing of the Meru tribe to same-sex marriage of the Kalenjin and Nandi peoples in Kenya to the Fante people of modern day Ghana acknowledging same-sex attraction in women with "heavy souls" being attracted to women, whereas men with "light souls" were attracted to men. This informal panel discussion will bring to…