In Senegal, same-sex activity has, since 1965, been punishable by up to five years imprisonment. Enforcement of this law has escalated in the past two years, with the arrests of more than 50 people and trials of at least 16 individuals suspected of same-sex activity or being part of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans community. Simultaneously, state-sanctioned violence and anti-gay rhetoric in the media against individuals believed to be LGBT has increased.
Our recent collaboration with None on Record: Stories of Queer Africa resulted in four audio profiles of LGBT Senegalese, who recount their experiences with hostility and homophobia in the country. To hear the interviews, download the MP3 files below:
Cheikh describes being forced into exile and the harassment of his family in Senegal.
Listen to Cheikh: MP3
Mariam describes the conditions facing women who love women in Senegal.
Listen to Mariam: MP3
Malick describes how the situation has worsened and what LGBT people need now.
Listen to Malick: MP3
Diadji describes his own arrest and the humiliation he experienced in prison.
Listen to Diadji: MP3
Photos by Olive Demetrius.
Published on June 8, 2010 | OutRight Action International an LGBT human rights organization