Tag: history

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Opinion: LGBTQ+ Erasure Is a Form of Violence — Faith Leaders in Africa Must Not Be Silent

julianathomeblog

Published on MAMBA Online.com

Queer spiritual leader Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla says faith leaders must confront LGBTQ+ erasure in Africa.

Across West Africa, a dangerous pattern continues to repeat itself: communities that do not fit dominant cultural or religious expectations are pushed into silence. Their stories are ignored, their contributions dismissed, and their humanity questioned. This is not a passive oversight. It is a deliberate act of erasure — and it is one of the most powerful tools used to justify discrimination and harmful legislation.

At the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), we see the consequences of erasure every day. We work with people whose lives have been shaped by silence imposed on them by family, community, and state. We work with faith leaders who are pressured to deny the existence of sexual and gender minorities within their own congregations. And we work with young people who have never heard a single message affirming that they, too, are created in the image of God.

Why Erasure Happens

Erasure is rooted in fear — fear of diversity, fear of truth, and fear of losing control. When a society pretends that LGBTQ+ people do not exist, it becomes easier to pass laws that harm them. When religious leaders deny the presence of LGBTQ+ members in their congregations, they avoid confronting their own biases. When governments erase entire communities from public discourse, they avoid accountability.

Erasure is not only political. It is spiritual. It tells people that God has no place for them. It weaponizes faith against the very people faith is meant to uplift.

The Impact of Erasure

The consequences are profound and far‑reaching:

  • Psychological harm: People internalize the lie that they are unworthy of love, dignity, or belonging.
  • Historical distortion: Future generations inherit a false narrative that denies the diversity that has always existed in African societies.
  • Social vulnerability: Invisible communities are easier to target with violence, discrimination, and punitive laws.
  • Broken faith communities: When religious spaces exclude, they fail in their moral duty to protect the vulnerable.

At IDNOWA, we believe that erasure is a form of violence — a slow, suffocating violence that destroys lives long before any law is passed.

How We Fight Back

Recognition is not a privilege. It is a right. And IDNOWA’s work is grounded in restoring that right through interfaith solidarity, education, and advocacy.

1. We amplify the stories that others try to silence

Through trainings, dialogues, and public advocacy, we create platforms where LGBTQ+ people of faith can speak for themselves — with dignity and authority.

2. We build interfaith alliances that challenge harmful narratives

Our network brings together Christian, Muslim, and traditional leaders who understand that faith must never be used as a weapon. Together, we challenge the misuse of scripture and cultural rhetoric that fuels discrimination.

3. We document our history and our present

IDNOWA produces research, reports, and community‑based documentation to ensure that our stories are preserved. If we do not write our own history, others will erase it.

4. We train leaders to respond to harmful legislation

Across the region, we equip activists, clergy, and community leaders with the tools to advocate safely and effectively in hostile environments.

5. We create spiritual spaces where everyone is welcome

Our interfaith rituals and pastoral care models affirm that every human being is sacred. No one should be forced to choose between their identity and their faith.

A Call to Action

Erasure thrives in silence. Recognition grows in solidarity.

Faith leaders, policymakers, and community members must choose which side of history they want to stand on. Will we allow fear to dictate who is worthy of dignity? Or will we embrace the truth that diversity is not a threat, but a gift?

At IDNOWA, our answer is clear: We will not allow any human being to be erased. Not in our communities. Not in our faith spaces. Not in our region.

We are here. We have always been here. And we will continue to stand, speak, and advocate until every person — regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or faith — is recognized as fully human and fully deserving of love, justice, and belonging.

Davis Mac Iyalla is a queer spiritual leader and openly gay traditional chief in Ghana, with deep roots in faith-based advocacy and interfaith engagement. He is a humxn rights defender committed to advancing dignity, inclusion, and justice for LGBTQI+ communities across Africa. Davis serves as Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) and is the Africa Coordinator for Africa GNRC (Global Network of Rainbow Catholics). He writes and speaks in his own capacity.

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Heated Rivalry among LGBTQ People in West Africa

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

By Nana Davis Mac-Iyalla

Introduction

The LGBTQ struggle in West Africa is not only against oppressive laws and hostile societies but also against internal fractures that weaken our collective power. Rivalries within the movement—between organizations, leaders, and even communities—have become a pressing challenge. As someone who has lived, worked, and fought in this space, I believe it is time to confront these divisions head-on. Our liberation cannot be delayed by ego, competition, or mistrust.

The Roots of Division

– Funding Politics: International donors often unintentionally fuel rivalry by favoring certain organizations over others. This creates hierarchies where some groups thrive while grassroots activists are left scrambling for survival.  

– Leadership Ego: Too many leaders see themselves as the “face” of the movement, forgetting that no single person can embody the diversity of LGBTQ lives in West Africa.  

– Strategic Disagreements: Some advocate for bold visibility, others for cautious survival. Both strategies are valid, but when they clash without dialogue, they breed resentment.  

– Colonial Legacies: Language and cultural divides—Anglophone vs. Francophone, Christian vs. Muslim contexts—make regional solidarity harder to sustain.  

The Cost of Rivalry

Every time we fight among ourselves, governments and religious extremists gain ground. Rivalries:  

– Undermine credibility, allowing opponents to dismiss us as fragmented.  

– Drain energy that should be directed toward resisting criminalization and violence.  

– Alienate younger activists, who see infighting instead of inspiration.  

Example of Constructive Work: IDNOWA

The Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) demonstrates how unity and collaboration can counteract rivalry.  

– IDNOWA has consistently advocated against rising anti-LGBTIQ legislation, emphasizing that human rights are universal and must protect all individuals.  

– In Ghana, IDNOWA engaged with the Centre for Religion and Public Life to explore inclusive pastoral care for marginalized people, especially LGBTQ communities. They presented documented evidence of human rights violations to parliamentarians, strengthening the case against the anti-gay bill.  

– By building bridges across faith traditions and national borders, IDNOWA shows that solidarity is possible even in hostile environments. Their work is a reminder that collaboration, not competition, is the path to progress.  

Toward a Movement of Solidarity

We must remember: our enemy is not each other. Our enemy is the system that criminalizes love, denies healthcare, and silences our voices. To move forward:  

– Build Accountability: Leaders must be held accountable to the communities they claim to represent. Transparency in funding and decision-making is non-negotiable.  

– Center the Marginalized: Trans people, lesbians, bisexuals, and grassroots activists must not be sidelined. Their voices are essential to a truly inclusive movement.  

– Regional Networks: We need stronger cross-border alliances to resist divide-and-conquer tactics. West Africa’s LGBTQ struggle is interconnected; Nigeria’s fight is Ghana’s fight, Sierra Leone’s fight, and beyond.  

– Collective Vision: Let us unite around shared goals: decriminalization, healthcare access, protection from violence, and dignity for all.  

Conclusion

The heated rivalries among LGBTQ people in West Africa are real, but they are not insurmountable. They are symptoms of growth, of a movement finding its voice under immense pressure. But if we allow them to fester, they will become obstacles to liberation. Our future depends on solidarity, humility, and courage—not just against external oppression, but against the divisions within.  

Liberation will not come from donors, governments, or charismatic leaders alone. It will come when we, as LGBTQ people in West Africa, choose unity over rivalry, and collective struggle over personal gain.

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IDNOWA Position Paper

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Countering Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation in West Africa Through Human Rights and Interfaith Solidarity

   Introduction

IDNOWA affirms that human rights are universal, indivisible, and inherent to all people. Across West Africa, a surge of anti‑LGBTIQ legislation threatens the dignity, safety, and freedoms of millions. These laws undermine constitutional protections, weaken democratic institutions, and contradict regional and international commitments to equality.

As an interfaith organisation rooted in the shared moral values of Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religions, IDNOWA rejects all forms of legislation that criminalise or stigmatise individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our work is grounded in the belief that compassion, justice, and human dignity are sacred principles across all faiths.

   Context: Rising Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation in West Africa

Several West African countries have recently introduced or strengthened laws that:

  • Criminalise consensual same‑sex relationships
  • Restrict freedom of association, expression, and assembly
  • Ban or censor LGBTIQ‑related organisations and advocacy
  • Impose harsh penalties, including imprisonment
  • Encourage public reporting, harassment, and violence

These laws are often justified using religious or cultural rhetoric, despite the fact that many originate from colonial‑era penal codes rather than indigenous African traditions.

   Impact of Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation

Human Rights Violations

  • Arbitrary arrests and detentions
  • Increased violence, blackmail, and extortion
  • Suppression of civil society and human rights defenders

Public Health Risks

  • Reduced access to HIV prevention and treatment
  • Fear of seeking healthcare due to criminalisation
  • Disruption of community‑based health programmes

Economic and Developmental Costs

  • Loss of workforce productivity
  • Barriers to inclusive development
  • Reduced international cooperation and investment

Social Fragmentation

  • Heightened stigma and discrimination
  • Breakdown of community trust
  • Increased vulnerability of marginalised groups

   IDNOWA’s Position: A Human Rights and Interfaith Mandate

IDNOWA’s stance is grounded in human rights principles and the shared moral teachings of West Africa’s diverse faith traditions. Across Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religions, core values such as compassion, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity are universal.

Our interfaith position affirms that:

  • Human dignity is sacred — no law should strip individuals of their inherent worth.
  • Compassion is a shared religious value — punitive laws that harm vulnerable people contradict the ethical teachings of major faith traditions.
  • Justice requires inclusion — discrimination violates the moral responsibility to protect all members of society.
  • Faith must not be weaponised — religious teachings should not be misused to justify state‑sanctioned harm.

Supporting Voices from African Faith Leaders

IDNOWA aligns with respected African religious leaders — Christian, Muslim, and Traditionalist — who have spoken publicly in defence of human dignity:

  • Nana Davis Mac‑Iyalla, Anglican human‑rights advocate (Ghana/Nigeria): “God’s love is for everyone. No one should be criminalised because of who they are or whom they love.”
  • Rev. Patricia Akpan, Christian minister and gender‑justice advocate (Nigeria): “Faith should never be used as a weapon. Our calling is to protect life, not to condemn people for who they are.”
  • Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Anglican priest and educator (South Africa): “Our faith calls us to stand with the oppressed, not to create new categories of people to fear or reject.”
  • Mama Grace Onibon, Yoruba Traditionalist elder and peace advocate (Nigeria): “In our traditions, every person is a child of the community. We do not cast people out — we restore them to wholeness.”
  • Archbishop Desmond Tutu (South Africa): “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. I cannot worship a God who is homophobic.”
  • Imam Muhsin Hendricks (South Africa): “Islam is a religion of compassion. Criminalisation and violence have no place in our faith.”

These voices demonstrate that African religious leadership is diverse and that many leaders — including women and Traditionalists — affirm dignity, coexistence, and non‑violence.

   Strategic Priorities for Countering Anti‑LGBTIQ Legislation

A. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

  • Engage policymakers, parliamentarians, and regional bodies.
  • Provide evidence‑based briefs on the harms of criminalisation.
  • Support legal reform aligned with constitutional and human rights obligations.

B. Strengthening Civil Society

  • Build coalitions across human rights, feminist, youth, and disability movements.
  • Support grassroots organisations with training and security resources.
  • Promote safe platforms for community voices.

C. Public Education and Narrative Change

  • Counter misinformation with culturally grounded messaging.
  • Promote narratives rooted in shared values of dignity and coexistence.
  • Engage religious and traditional leaders in dialogue.

D. Protection and Support for Affected Communities

  • Expand access to psychosocial support, legal aid, and emergency assistance.
  • Strengthen community‑led safety networks.
  • Ensure non‑discriminatory healthcare access.

E. Regional and International Solidarity

  • Collaborate with ECOWAS, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and UN agencies.
  • Advocate for diplomatic pressure and human rights monitoring.
  • Mobilise international partners to support rights‑based development.

   Interfaith Engagement as a Pathway to Social Harmony

As an interfaith organisation, IDNOWA recognises that religious leaders hold significant influence in shaping public opinion and policy. Engaging them is essential to countering harmful legislation.

A. Reclaiming Faith from Extremism

IDNOWA works with faith leaders to:

  • Promote contextual, compassionate interpretations of scripture
  • Challenge the misuse of religion for political gain
  • Highlight teachings that emphasise love, mercy, and justice

B. Building Bridges Across Faith Communities

We foster collaboration among Christian, Muslim, and Traditionalist leaders to:

  • Issue joint statements affirming human dignity
  • Create safe spaces for dialogue
  • Reduce tensions and prevent religiously motivated violence

C. Supporting Inclusive Faith Leaders

IDNOWA:

  • Provides training on human rights and inclusive theology
  • Offers solidarity networks for leaders facing backlash
  • Amplifies voices that promote peace and coexistence

D. Grounding Advocacy in Shared Values

Our messaging draws on values that resonate across faiths:

  • The sanctity of life
  • Community care
  • Protection of the vulnerable
  • Rejection of violence and injustice

E. Faith‑Based Approaches to Public Health

We collaborate with religious institutions to:

  • Support non‑discriminatory HIV services
  • Reduce stigma in faith‑based health settings
  • Promote messages of care rather than punishment

  Recommendations to Governments

IDNOWA calls on West African governments to:

  • Halt or repeal anti‑LGBTIQ legislation
  • Uphold constitutional protections for all citizens
  • Ensure freedom of expression, association, and assembly
  • Protect human rights defenders and civil society
  • Adopt evidence‑based public health policies

  Conclusion

Anti‑LGBTIQ legislation threatens human rights, public health, and the moral fabric of West African societies. As an interfaith organisation, IDNOWA stands firmly for compassion, justice, and the protection of all people. We call on governments, religious leaders, civil society, and international partners to uphold the shared values that unite us — dignity, peace, and the belief that every human being deserves to live free from fear and discrimination.

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IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

Press Release
For Immediate Release Date: 11 August 2025 Contact: Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) Email: info@idnowa.org

IDNOWA Leads Bold Dialogue on Human Rights and Inclusion Amid Ghana’s Anti-LGBT Bill Debate

Accra, Ghana — On 4 August 2025, the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA) hosted a landmark sensitization workshop aimed at promoting human rights awareness and fostering inclusive dialogue among religious and traditional leaders. The event comes at a critical time, as Ghana’s Parliament reconsiders the controversial anti-LGBT bill, raising alarm among civil society and international observers.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of faith leaders, human rights educators, and civil society representatives to explore the intersection of religion, culture, and inclusion. Through presentations, group discussions, and personal storytelling, participants examined the social and legal implications of the proposed legislation and reaffirmed their commitment to dignity and equality for all.

“This workshop is not just a conversation—it’s a commitment to justice,” said Davis Mac-Iyalla, Executive Director of IDNOWA. “We must continue to challenge exclusionary narratives and empower leaders to stand for compassion and equality.”

IDNOWA has been at the forefront of promoting inclusion across West Africa, using interfaith dialogue to dismantle stigma and build bridges between communities. The organization’s ongoing efforts include educational outreach, advocacy campaigns, and strategic partnerships with local and international stakeholders.

Key Outcomes:
Increased empathy and understanding among religious leaders.

Commitments to promote inclusive practices within faith communities.

Heightened awareness of the anti-LGBT bill’s risks to civil liberties.

Recommendations:
Continued engagement through follow-up workshops.

Development of tailored educational materials for faith communities.

Strengthened partnerships with advocacy groups to support inclusive policy dialogue.

This workshop underscores IDNOWA’s unwavering dedication to human rights and its strategic role in shaping a more inclusive West Africa.

For interviews, media inquiries, or further information, please contact: IDNOWA Communications Team 📧 info@idnowa.org 🌐 Visit our press page

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Statement in support of the right to freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI communities

Interfaith Diversity Network Of West Africa

The Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) brings together 44 member states, intergovernmental organisations and more than 100 civil society organisations to advance the rights and dignity of LGTBI communities globally. On behalf of the members of the ERC, Co-Chairs Colombia and Spain, with the support of Caribe Afirmativo and FundaciónTriángulo, declare:

That we reject all legislative amendments that seek to limit and restrict the right of LGBTI people and their allies to public assembly, public expression and privacy, under the pretext of protecting children and adolescents.

That these legislative amendments, which portray LGBTI people in a way that reinforces negative stereotypes, have serious consequences for the lives and human rights of LGBTI people, including LGBTI minors, such as prohibiting and limiting their participation in public life and generating a context of social stigmatisation that promotes and legitimises violence, discrimination and harassment.

That prohibiting by law the free expression of diversity, in books, films, performances, theatre, music or any other cultural expression, is a form of censorship that undermines human rights and democratic values and increases the vulnerability of LGBTI people. That curtailing the freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people, limiting or preventing public demonstration, or preventing the free expression and gender identity of transgender people, contradicts the fundamental values of dignity, freedom, equality and human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

That the efforts of governments and civil society in many regions of the world to promote freedom of expression and assembly of LGBTI people should be recognised and that countries and civil society should continue to share good practices and inclusive legislation.

We therefore call on governments and international and regional organisations to reject such legislative provisions as they undermine the rights of LGBTI people, and the principles and values of democracy and human rights.

In plural and tolerant societies that respect diversity, there is no place for the prohibition of a free and non-violent demonstration such as LGBTI Pride.

Statement by the co-chairs of the ERC, Colombia and Spain, on behalf of the Equal Rights Coalition.