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African LGBTQ+ in the UK: Why Representation Matters

Edwin Sesange • 28 March 2022

Why African LGBTQ+ in the UK need representation

When we think about LGBTQ+ rights, the first place that comes to mind is often Western Europe or North America.

Countries like the UK has a strong history of activism and progressiveness when it comes to queer rights. 

However, this narrative leaves out a large portion of the LGBTQ+ community: people of colour. In this blog post, we will discuss why representation matters for African LGBTQ+ people in the UK.

Undeniably the UK has come a long way in regards to the inclusion and empowerment of BAME LGBTQ+ people. 

In 2017, the UK government released a Race Disparity Audit which revealed that "BAME people are more likely to experience poorer outcomes than white people in a range of areas". 

The audit also found that BAME LGBTQ+ people face "double discrimination" due to both their race and sexual orientation/gender identity.

Despite all efforts, people from Africa find it difficult to access the same level of representation, protection, and empowerment. Many of them are usually fleeing their countries for fear of being persecuted for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

For instance, in Uganda, homosexuality is punishable by life imprisonment. In Nigeria, same-sex relationships are punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

There are many reasons why African LGBTQ+ people need representation in the UK. First and foremost, they need a voice. They need to be seen and they also need to feel safe.

Furthermore, they need to know that there are people who see them, understand them, and will fight for their rights.

African LGBTQ+ people in the UK have started to form their own communities and networks in order to support each other. However, they need more than just a supportive community; they need institutional representation. 

This is where communities like this one - Africa Equality Foundation was created.

Africa Equality Foundation is a registered charity in the UK that works exclusively with African LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees.

We provide a range of services such as support, advice, and guidance for those who need it. We also offer training on equality and human rights, which is vital for empowering African LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

There are very few role models or public figures that African LGBTQ+ people can look up to.

When we first meet with someone in need of our services, we always ask them what their hopes and dreams are. 

More often than not, they tell us that they just want to be able to live a normal life.

African LGBTQ+ people in the UK should not have to fight for their right to simply exist. 

They should not have to worry about whether or not they will be accepted by their family, friends or colleagues.

We have created an environment that is inclusive and empowering, and we will continue to fight for the rights of African LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

If you would like to learn more about our work or be a part of it, feel free to get in touch with us. We would love to hear from you!

Thank you for reading this blog. We hope it has inspired you to think about the African LGBTQ+ community in the UK and why representation matters.

Please share this blog post if you found it thought-provoking or informative. Thank you!

One Love.


by Edwin Sesanga 28 March 2022
In the UK, LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers from Africa are often left feeling unsupported and vulnerable. This is due to a lack of resources available to them, as well as the many challenges they face during the asylum process. However, there are organisations that are working to change this. In this article, we will explore the work that these organisations are doing to empower African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers in the UK. We will also discuss how African Equality Foundation has worked hard to bridge the gap. You too can get involved and help make a difference! African Equality Foundation came into existance after seeing people from the African and minority background struggle to access asylum. The inclusion of these people was often not considered and they were left feeling unsupported. African Equality Foundation has worked hard to bridge this gap by providing resources and support to African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers in the UK. One way we have done this is by setting up a helpline, which offers advice and guidance on the asylum process. We also do outreach to people who have language barrier to ensure that they are not left feeling isolated. This is a vital service as many African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees do not have anyone to turn to for support. Since most of them are fleeing persecution, they are often frightened to speak up in fear of being sent back to their home countries. We build a bridge of communication and ensure them that they're not alone alone. We become their friends/family away from home. During this process, they often feel more comfortable to open up about their experiences and what they have been through. This helps us to provide them with the best possible support. We also organise events where they can meet others fleeing similar hostilities. This helps to create a sense of community and allows people to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Their lack of familiarity with British society makes them feel lonely and isolated. This is why we also run events/activates so they can socialise and get a sense of belonging. So far, we have organised a trips, sports events and many other events. We are always looking for new ideas, so if you have any suggestions, please get in touch! African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers often face many challenges while trying to rebuild their lives in the UK. Organisations like African Equality Foundation are working hard to empower African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers in the UK. You too can make a difference by getting involved and supporting the community. A number of African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers have been subjected to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the UK. This is often due to a lack of understanding and knowledge about the LGBTIQ+ community. As a result, many people from this community suffer in silence. This is why it is so important for organisations like African Equality Foundation to exist. Our work has been vital in empowering African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. We will continue to fight for their rights and ensure that they are given the support they need to rebuild their lives. If you would like to get involved and help support African LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK, there are many ways you can do so. You can donate to our organisation, volunteer your time or simply spread awareness about the work that we do. Thank you for your support!
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