The National War Memorial Tower in Lilongwe, Malawi, overlaid with Fatteh’s map of the African continent.
Fatteh’s monthly round-up of LGBTQ+ news from the continent features Tunisian prisons, Ghanaian universities, Botswana Pride events and stories from Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria.
by Beza Lealem
November was a difficult month for LGBTQ+ communities across Africa, with political leaders in some countries vowing to uphold the criminalisation of homosexuality and others pledging to impose harsher punishments. News that international aid cuts prompted the closure of trans health clinics was particularly disheartening in the month we observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
However, there were also a few bright spots on the horizon with overseas legal aid campaigns leading to the release of gay men from prison and Pride events being held in unexpected places. One heartwarming moment came when a prominent Ugandan ally, Winnie Byanyima, reaffirmed her support for the community using her global platform. Following the World Health Summit, the executive director of the United Nations’ UNAIDS programme reiterated her position that LGBTQ people’s health can only be protected when their rights are protected.
A landmark gathering also took place this month in Johannesburg, with the seventh Pan-Africa ILGA Regional Conference attracting LGBTQ activists, organisations and allies from across the continent and beyond. While Fatteh was unable to attend the South African event, we did request an interview with the leader of Pan-Africa ILGA, and we hope they will oblige so we can report back to you on any developments or outcomes.
Here’s our round-up of the headlines from November, highlighting some of the important stories affecting LGBTQ people across Africa.
Malawi Government Denies Claims It Plans to Decriminalise Homosexuality
Ghana President Pledges to Sign Bill Outlawing LGBTQ People and Allies
Imprisoned Gay Nigerian Freed Thanks to ‘Project Not Alone’ Legal Aid
South African Transgender Clinic Closes After USAID Funding Terminated
Ten LGBTQ Cameroonians Released After Being Arrested and Held for Ransom
Ugandan Archbishop Objects to Pro-LGBTQ Leader of Global Anglican Church
LGBTQ People Speak Out Online About Stigmatisation in Madagascar
First Pride Held in Palapye Inspired by Earlier Botswana Event in Gaborone
Congolese LGBTQ Activist Assaulted and Robbed After Speaking Out on Radio
Tunisia’s Anti-LGBTQ Crackdown Escalates With More Than 70 Arrests
Hungry LGBTQ+ Refugees Flee Kenyan Camp Following International Aid Cuts Cape Town Pride Sets Date and Theme for 2026 Festivities in South Africa DNB Stories’ Nigerian Author Reveals Religious ‘Conversion Therapy’ Experience Ghanaian University Denies It Allows LGBTQ Activities, Demands Apology USAID Cuts Force Closure of Malawi Healthcare Clinics Used by LGBTIQ People
Anti-gay US Activist Group Family Watch Denies Role in Uganda’s Law
Global Coalition Demands Release of Jailed Moroccan Activist Over Blasphemy
South African LGBTQ Muslim Group Slams Police Silence on Gay Imam’s Murder