Fuelling homophobia

Lobby groups say there has been a swell of attacks on gay and transgender people, instigated mainly by religious and political leaders.The Namibia Diverse Women’s Association (NDWA) and the Transgender, Intersex and Androgynous Movement of Namibia (TIAMON) said they are worried about the growing hate speech from political leaders that directly fuels homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.In a press release, they emphasised the importance of acknowledging the existence and experiences of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community in Namibia.Last Friday, the associations celebrated the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).NDWA’s strategic coordinator Linda Baumann said the Namibian LGBTQ community celebrates ongoing resilience and progress made in enhancing support systems and fostering healing. There is, however, increased discrimination, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and the emergence of anti-gay groups, she noted with concern.Propagating hate“NDWA and TIAMON are concerned about leaders within state organs such as the National Assembly, National Council, anti-LGBTQ religious groups, traditional authorities and political parties misleading the Namibian public and propagating hate speech that directly fuels homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in the country,” she said.This year, the groups celebrated IDAHOBIT under the theme ‘No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all’, which they said serves as a beacon of unity and solidarity in championing the human rights of queer communities globally.“The Namibian LGBTQ community continues to grapple with overcoming the absence of supportive legislative frameworks, inclusive service delivery and comprehensive rights protection that serves all Namibians,” Baumann said.“We are dedicated to advancing a collective narrative of inclusion, non-discrimination, equality, equity and justice for all. NDWA and TIAMON acknowledge the persistent presence of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Namibia, evidenced by human rights violations such as hate speech, hate crimes, familial rejection, lack of access to affirming services, denial of human dignity, discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, and inadequate legislative frameworks.”Didn&#039;t choose thisIn recent years, there has been heightened reporting on LGBTQ issues in Namibia, sparking debates on the status of homosexuality, the sodomy law and same-sex marriage.“This has also led to increased discrimination, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and the emergence of anti-LGBTQ groups,” Baumann said.The associations urged Namibians to realise that no queer Namibian individual chooses to be homosexual, bisexual, transgender, or to be the target of discrimination, prejudice and stigma.“Furthermore, no homosexual or transgender person aspires to be the opposite sex. It is imperative that [national leaders], anti-LGBTQ religious groups, traditional authorities and political parties enhance their understanding of issues related to human sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and the broader interconnectedness of human rights for all and the diversity of the human race.”

Fuelling homophobia

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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Fuelling homophobia

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-08

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