Arrested Solidarity: Obstacles to Inter-Movement Support for LGBT Rights in Malawi

• In Event: 507 - Section on Human Rights Paper Session. Human Rights, Social Policy, and the State

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights activists face significant opposition in different nations in sub-Saharan Africa. African lesbians and gay men fear being arrested and imprisoned for violating laws prohibiting same-sex sexual relationships. In addition, African LGBT rights activists confront antigay hostility from political, religious, and traditional leaders. Activists championing unpopular causes, such as LGBT rights, sometimes benefit from forging solidary partnerships with sympathetic bystanders or social movements. In different African nations, LGBT activist organizations have formed partnerships with HIV/AIDS, human rights, and women’s rights movements. However, sympathizers can experience steep costs for supporting LGBT rights organizations. In 2010, Malawian state leaders began politicizing homosexuality, denouncing LGBT rights activism. Using the case of contemporary LGBT rights organizing in Malawi, I track the obstacles that prevent HIV/AIDS, human rights, and women’s rights organizations from supporting LGBT rights. In this environment, political homophobia ensnares not only LGBT activist organizations, but also HIV/AIDS, human rights, and women’s rights movement organizations. Drawing on 52 interviews I conducted with feminist, HIV/AIDS, human rights, and LGBT activists in Malawi in mid-2012, I probe how political homophobia polarized civil society and hampered the campaigns of different social movement organizations. My research demonstrates how political homophobia creates divisions among African social movements.

Author

• Ashley Currier, University of Cincinnati