Queering African Law : Identity, Inclusion and Rights Protection for LGBTQ+ People Across Africa

It explores regional approaches towards the protection of LGBTQ+ rights within Africa and the important role of activism in challenging anti LGBTQ+ laws notably through litigation, their successes, challenges and limitations.

This book builds on the scholarship by contributing a critical analysis of the shortfalls of LGBTQ+ laws in Africa and the areas of progress and possible paths forward. It outlines the state of LGBTQ+ rights across Africa and discusses the notion of queering African law. It explores regional approaches towards the protection of LGBTQ+ rights within Africa and the important role of activism in challenging anti LGBTQ+ laws notably through litigation, their successes, challenges and limitations. It discusses the tensions between cultural, historical and other factors that on one hand challenge progress but which on the other hand may also be avenues for advancing rights. In line with the argument of queer theory as relevant in Africa, the chapters draw on queer legal theory which allows for critical analysis that aims to advance “a reformation of legal discourse” on LGBTQ+ rights. This focus is timely given the introduction of harsher anti-homosexuality laws in some African countries. Through multdisciplinary contributions, it offers readers a nuanced analysis of the challenges towards truly queering African law and the possibilities for doing so.