LGBT

...he has broken barriers many of us on the continent can only dream

...he has broken barriers many of us on the continent can only dream

We remember Joel Gustave Nana Ngongang, who passed away at the age of 33. A leading African LGBT and HIV activist born in Cameroon, Joel was the founding Executive Director of the African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (AMSHeR), chief executive officer at Partners for Rights and Development (Paridev), and co-founder of Alternatives Cameroun.

"Joel has changed face of HIV and MSM in Africa through his work with Amsher and he has broken barriers many of us on the continent can only dream. Today is a very sad day in Africa and West Africa in particular." ~ Nigerian activist Bisi Alimi

...there can be no justification for attempts to ‘eliminate’ LGBTI from society...

...there can be no justification for attempts to ‘eliminate’ LGBTI from society...

"As variation in sexual identities and orientations has always been part of a normal society, there can be no justification for attempts to ‘eliminate’ LGBTI from society. Efforts should rather be focused on countering the belief systems that create hostile and even violent environments for those who are made to feel alienated within societies...

The study suggests that African health professionals and their associations should adopt affirmative stances towards LGBTI individuals."

excerpt from The Academy of Science South Africa report "Diversity in Human Sexuality: Implications for Policy in Africa"

...in conflict with the principles of human dignity...

...in conflict with the principles of human dignity...

An interpretation of non-discrimination which excludes people based on their sexual orientation would be in conflict with the principles of human dignity, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, and non-discrimination.
~ excerpt from the High Court of Kenya ruling that despite anti-homosexuality laws, an LGBT group has the right to form. Signed by Justices Isaac Lenaola, Ngugi Grace Mumbi, George Vincent Odunga, and Isaac Lenaola

This is a fight for human rights.

This is a fight for human rights.

This is a fight for human rights. Its does not pit African traditions against western traditions or the colonised against colonisers. Africa has the same universal values and belongs to humanity. It is not separate, and neither is Cameroon.
~ Alice Nkom, Cameroonian lawyer and longtime advocate for decriminalization of homosexuality @AliceNKom

...a straightforward attack on LGBT community...

...a straightforward attack on LGBT community...

“We believe this proposal is viewed by many people of faith and by others as a straightforward attack on LGBT community and it is not consistent with the loving and inclusive message of Christianity” 
~ Canon Charles Kenny, spokesman for the Church of Ireland's gay rights group Changing Attitude Ireland, on Northern Ireland's proposed anti-gay "conscience clause"