June is commonly known as “Pride Month,” a time to honor the LGBTQIA+ community, its culture, and its ongoing fight for equality. Across the globe, parades, events, and artistic performances serve as reminders of the need to reaffirm the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ people, who continue to face threats in many countries. As of today, homosexuality remains criminalized in over 60 nations.
In many countries in the Global South, organizations like AFRO Bénin and Woman African Freedom (WAF) in Ivory Coast, supported by Feminists in Action, are working tirelessly to ensure that claiming one’s sexual and gender identity is no longer a risk or a source of danger. We had the opportunity to interview both organizations to learn more about their challenges and their incredible work on the ground.
Can you introduce your organizations and your missions?
AFRO Bénin:
AFRO Bénin was founded in June 2013 with a mission to promote the empowerment and well-being of women and girls. Our vision is to create a world where all women and girls—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity—can live freely and autonomously. We focus on protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls, fighting against gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination and stigmatization, while also advocating for sexual and reproductive health and promoting mental health rights.
WAF (Woman African Freedom):
WAF has been working with LGBTQ+ women since 2019 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Our activities are centered on sexual and reproductive rights, the fight against gender-based violence, and mental health. We approach our work in a friendly, non-confrontational way, making sure there is no mistrust. We also run art therapy sessions and offer paralegal training on the rights of LGBTQ+ women.
What is the current situation for LGBTQ+ people in your country?
WAF:
The situation here is complex and somewhat ambiguous. There are no laws explicitly criminalizing homosexuality or LGBTQ+ people, but at the same time, there are no laws to protect us either. Recently, there was a proposed anti-discrimination bill, but it was ultimately watered down due to political maneuvers—leaving out any mention of LGBTQ+ people. So, authorities acknowledge our existence, but there is nothing for us or against us. If you have a problem with a police officer, the outcome will depend entirely on that person’s personal beliefs. It’s a case-by-case situation, with no formal protective framework.
AFRO Bénin:
The situation in Benin is similar. There is a legal void when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues. However, through our advocacy efforts, we’ve managed to bring attention to this cause. Recently, we produced an alternative report to the Universal Periodic Review for Benin, and we were able to get two of our recommendations accepted by the government—particularly concerning health. But there is still a lot of work to be done. The general population and professionals are heavily influenced by religion and socio-cultural traditions, which often perpetuate discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.
Do you face any specific challenges in carrying out your work?
AFRO Bénin:
Absolutely. We always try to frame our work through the broader lens of human rights to highlight the specific struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals, who often do not have specific legal protections. Safety is a huge concern—for the individuals we support and for our teams as well. We’re always cautious about security risks.
WAF:
On the administrative side, we have to use strategies to register our organizations and craft our mission statements carefully. For example, we refer to our work as supporting “vulnerable women,” without explicitly mentioning LGBTQ+ women. When it comes to securing local funding, we know that if we explicitly mention LGBTQ+ people, our proposals would never be approved. This also makes community mobilization more challenging: many people are afraid to get involved because it could draw attention to their involvement in LGBTQ+ causes. We do our best to create safe spaces, but sometimes, that requires additional costs. We operate almost exclusively with international funding, as local funding is not an option for us.
How is your work perceived by those around you?
WAF:
The overall perception is one of tolerance, but within families, it can be more complicated. I know some of our staff members who have faced rejection from their families. One of them was recently kicked out of her home by her landlord and had trouble finding a new place to live. In general, though, there is some level of tolerance when it comes to women, even if the topic remains sensitive. Personally, I haven’t faced many challenges, but I know it’s a different story for many others.
AFRO Bénin:
There’s a degree of tolerance, but we focus on highlighting other aspects of our work, which helps maintain interest in what we do, even in a challenging context. People are curious to understand how we work despite the difficulties we face.
Do you see any positive developments in society?
AFRO Bénin:
Yes, there has been significant progress! Ten years ago, we couldn’t even participate in civil society meetings. Today, we’re included and recognized. There has been progress in deconstructing stereotypes and changing mindsets. However, there’s still a lot of work ahead.
WAF:
I think there’s hope and progress, but we must remain vigilant. Social media can be a dangerous space for us. For instance, some people blame LGBTQ+ individuals for natural disasters, claiming that such events are divine punishments for “unnatural” behavior. These kinds of harmful narratives can escalate quickly, and we need to stay alert. Some churches are even hosting conferences promoting traditional family values, and we must keep a close eye on such developments.
Why did you get involved in this work?
WAF:
In Ivory Coast, none of the existing organizations were addressing the specific needs of LBT+ women. The entry point for activism was often health and HIV/AIDS, but LGBTQ+ women were excluded from these programs. I felt a personal need to get involved and create space for these women.
AFRO Bénin:
I had a similar experience. I saw firsthand the challenges, violence, and double discrimination that LGBTQ+ women face. It was this reality that motivated me to speak up and advocate for their rights.
The struggles of LGBTQ+ people in Africa are far from over, but organizations like AFRO Bénin and Woman African Freedom are on the frontlines, making sure their voices are heard and their rights defended. These organizations are pushing for change, creating safe spaces for those who need it most, and gradually challenging the socio-cultural and legal barriers that continue to marginalize LGBTQIA+ communities. As the fight for equality continues, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those advocating for a future where everyone can live freely and safely, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.