The one thing I wish more people understood is that bisexuality, and indeed, any sexuality at all, is not peculiar to just one race.
Bisexuality, which refers to the capacity for emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to more than one gender, is often misunderstood globally. This misunderstanding is compounded in Africa by various cultural, religious, and legal factors. To truly grasp what bisexuality means for people in Africa today, let’s explore its historical context, cultural practices, and contemporary realities.
A long and diverse history of bisexual practices
African sexualities, including bisexual practices, have a long and diverse history that predates European colonisation. Understanding this history is crucial for challenging the notion that non-heterosexual orientations are “un-African” or a Western import.
Ancient Egypt (c. 3100 BCE–332 BCE)
Take ancient Egypt, for instance. The stories of gods like Horus and Seth include elements of same-sex relationships, suggesting that these kinds of connections were accepted back then. Plus, many Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphs show both same-sex and opposite-sex relationships.
The story of the ancient gods, Horus and Seth, in Egyptian mythology includes homoerotic elements, suggesting acceptance of same-sex relations. Many Egyptian paintings and hieroglyphs also depict both same-sex and opposite-sex intimate relationships.
Kingdom of Dahomey (c. 1600–1904)
Located in present-day Benin, this Kingdom had a tradition of female warriors known as the Mino, or “Dahomey Amazons.” These women often engaged in same-sex relationships while also sometimes marrying men, a practice that could be seen as a historical parallel to bisexuality.
Buganda Kingdom (14th century-present)
In the Buganda Kingdom, which has been around since the 14th century, King Mwanga II was known for his relationships with people during his reign in the late 19th century. This wasn’t seen as unusual until Christian missionaries came along.
Azande people (Central Africa)
Anthropological studies from the early 20th century also highlighted practices among the Azande people in Central Africa, where warriors would marry boys before later marrying women—showing a form of sequential bisexuality.
San people (Southern Africa)
The San people of Southern Africa left behind rock art that dates back thousands of years, depicting various sexual activities, both same-sex and opposite-sex. This suggests a long-standing acceptance of sexual diversity among indigenous African cultures.
Nzinga of Ndongo and Matamba (17th century)
Let’s not forget about Queen Nzinga from Angola in the 17th century. She was known for dressing as a man and had male and female partners in her court. Her life challenges rigid ideas about sexuality and gender.
Colonial impact and post-colonial realities
The impact of European colonialism on societal attitudes towards sexuality in Africa is a complex and multifaceted issue. When European powers took over Africa, they imposed strict laws and cultural narratives that shaped attitudes towards sexuality—especially LGBTQ+ rights.
The reality of sodomy laws
Colonial authorities imposed sodomy laws across many African nations, which often mirrored the legal codes of their home countries. For instance, British colonial rule introduced anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that criminalised homosexual acts, a legacy that persists in many African nations today. These laws were not merely made to be compulsory but were also part of a broader strategy to control and regulate social behaviour.
As a result, many African countries retained these colonial-era laws post-independence, often justifying them by stating that they were necessary to resist “Western influences.” However, they seem to forget one small detail—that these laws originated from colonial governance itself!
Christian and Islamic influence
The spread of Christianity and Islam during the colonial period significantly influenced African attitudes towards sexuality. Both religions brought with them a rigid sense of morality that often condemned sexual practices that weren’t the norm. In many cases, our traditional African beliefs about sexuality, which were more fluid and inclusive, were replaced by these new religious doctrines.
What does bisexual discrimination look like today?
Even after gaining independence, many African nations continued to uphold anti-LGBTQ+ laws from their colonial pasts. Here are some reasons why:
- Cultural conservatism: Many leaders frame the rejection of LGBTQ+ rights as a defence of “African values,” ironically relying on colonial legal frameworks.
- Religious endorsement: Both Christian and Islamic institutions have promoted anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, often portraying homosexuality as a threat to family structures.
- Political expediency: Some politicians use anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric to distract from other pressing issues or consolidate power.
How to understand bisexuality in modern Africa
Understanding bisexuality in Africa requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges historical contexts, contemporary challenges, and the rich diversity of sexual expressions across the continent.
Decolonise the idea of sexuality in itself
First off, we need to decolonise our views on sexuality. Many African cultures embraced various sexual expressions long before colonial norms were imposed. Recognising this diversity is crucial for validating contemporary bisexual identities.
Support the grassroots movements
Grassroots LGBTQ+ organisations across Africa are vital for advocating for the rights and recognition of bisexual individuals, and need YOUR support. Despite facing stigma and legal challenges, these groups play an essential role in fostering community support and raising awareness about bisexuality.
Bisexuality is not as un-African as one may think
There is a pervasive stereotype that bisexuality is “un-African” or a “Western import,” which contributes to the marginalisation of bisexual individuals. This misconception is rooted in colonial narratives that framed same-sex relationships as foreign and deviant.
When we start to question or challenge these stereotypes, we foster a deeper appreciation of the unique work of art that is the African culture, no matter what sexuality it is packaged in. Besides, activists emphasise that bisexuality is not a Western phenomenon but rather part of African sexuality.
There is also a pressing need for more inclusive research focused on sexuality and gender from an African perspective. Much of the existing literature on LGBTQ+ issues has been shaped by Western frameworks, which may not accurately reflect the complexities of African experiences. By promoting research conducted by African scholars and activists, we can better understand the nuances of bisexuality within different cultural contexts and contribute to a more authentic representation of African sexualities.
A more permanent legal reform
Legal frameworks across many African countries continue to criminalise same-sex relationships and fail to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and violence. We need more advocates and champions of this cause to successfully decriminalise homosexuality and establish protections for LGBTQ+ rights. This includes working towards repealing colonial-era sodomy laws that perpetuate stigma and violence against bisexual individuals. Legal reform efforts should be coupled with public education campaigns to foster greater acceptance and understanding within society.
This isn’t just a matter of rights; it’s about creating a society where everyone can feel acknowledged and celebrated for who they are. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive Africa—one that recognises and embraces the complexity of bisexuality across the continent.
