We went looking for people who could tell us about LGBTQI+ life across Africa in 2020. What we found were a wide array of stories from a crusading gay publication in Liberia, out and proud celebrities in Nigeria and South Africa, representation in Kenyan films and TV, an outspoken Rwandan public health advocate, a defiant Botswanan trans leader, a radical queer Nigerian fashion mag, budding pride marches and queer brunch. The multiplicity of stories that our interviewees told about their lives felt a world away from the single story of trauma and pain found in so many past depictions of LGBTQI+ life in Africa.

Of course, the rosy picture is not, in itself, accurate either. In 2020, 34 out of 54 African countries still have legislation that make it illegal to be in or associate with LGBTQI+ communities. While these laws put a chill on queer expression across the continent—criminalizing the very essence of what it means to be a free individual—LGBTQI+ communities are surviving and often thriving across the African continent. As each generation moves closer to living authentically with the freedom to be who they are, there will be many more stories to tell.

As an African myself, I thought I had an idea of the circumstances that LGBTQI+ Africans often find themselves in. This project both confirmed and challenged my preconceived notions. Africans are headstrong, passionate, warm, welcoming. But, on the other side of the coin lies strongly held prejudices, deeply ingrained beliefs and sadly, far too much violence. This project highlights all of the above and more.

Queer Africans deserve to be listened to. Their stories are African stories. Their voices are African voices. The LGBTQI+ experience is an important part of the African experience—something we hope to share with OkayAfrica readers. Read more via OkayAfrica