Marnell, ‘LGBT migrants in South Africa’, 2021
- Category: Literature
- Source: Academic
- Subject: Sexual Orientation/Sexuality, Gender Identity, Refugee/Asylum, Migration, Religion
- Place: Africa, Other
- Year: 2021
- File: LGBT migrants in South Africa - religion can be a blessing, and a curse
- URL: https://theconversation.com/lgbt-migrants-in-south-africa-religion-can-be-a-blessing-and-a-curse-169758
John Marnell, ‘LGBT migrants in South Africa: religion can be a blessing, and a curse’, The Conversation, 4 November 2021
Abstract
Moral panics over sexual and gender rights are often shaped by religious beliefs. In many countries, political, cultural and faith leaders use religious rhetoric to justify exclusionary practices and constrict the space available to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists.
The politicisation of religion in Africa is now well documented. It is a strategy used to maintain the idea that heterosexuality is the only natural and normal expression of human desire.
What is less often spoken about is the positive role that religion plays in the lives of LGBT Africans, including refugees. Even less attention is given to religious communities that welcome and celebrate LGBT people.
In my new book, Seeking Sanctuary: Stories of Sexuality, Faith and Migration, I explore both dynamics.