Institute for democracy launches guide on LGBTQI+ inclusion

The Namibia Institute for Democracy (NID) launched a publication titled ‘The Namibian House: Building Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Persons’ in Windhoek recently.

The book considers the pre-colonial lives of African peoples, colonialism and the promotion of homophobia, the African lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) movement as well as the key legal frameworks impacting LGBTQI+ people’s rights in Namibia today.

“The purpose of the guide is to illuminate the stories and lived experiences of LGBTQI+ persons across Africa and Namibia, while educating media practitioners and legislators on the harmful effects of hate speech and discrimination,” says NID programme manager Jacinta Kasume.

“It aims to correct the misconception that homosexuality is un-African by highlighting historical evidence of sexual and gender diversity on the continent. It also addresses how such negative rhetoric impacts sexual and gender diverse communities.”

The publication additionally suggests human rights-based legislative recommendations for Namibia and the wider continent and features a segment on improving media representation of LGBTQI+ people.

The guide’s legislative recommendations include repealing colonial era laws that criminalise same-sex relations, enacting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and establishing legal protections for LGBTQI+ persons.

Highlighting the media’s ability to sway public opinion and advance discourse, the guide suggests journalists should be trained to cover LGBTQI+ issues with sensitivity and accuracy.

It also advocates for diverse editorial policies that allow for various perspectives, impartial reporting on LGBTQI+ people, and which mitigate bias.

Speaking at the recent launch, NID executive director Naita Hishoono said the guide is not just a publication but a beacon of hope.

“It is a critical tool for our ongoing work in promoting equality and inclusivity for all Namibians, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Hishoono said.

“As the Namibia Institute for Democracy, we have positioned ourselves within the civil society consortium tasked with creating awareness around anti-gay rhetoric and lobbying for the constitutional rights and freedoms of queer Namibians,” she said.

Hishoono highlighted the work of the ‘Leave No One Behind Project’ which she said seeks to counter Namibia’s rising tide of hate speech, social isolation and political incitement that threatens the sociopolitical rights and freedoms of the country’s LGBTQI+ people.

“As civil society, it is our duty to address this inequality and the human rights abuses that further marginalise and disenfranchise our fellow citizens,” Hishoono said.

“By educating media, parliamentarians, civil society organisations, and the broader public, we actively uphold the principles of Article 10 of the Namibian Constitution, which affirms that ‘All persons shall be equal before the law’,” she said.

“We also align our efforts with the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” said Hishoono. “Together, we can create a future that truly leaves no one behind.”

Soft copies of ‘The Namibian House: Building Inclusive Spaces for LGBTQIA+ Persons’ will be available online from NID, Sister Namibia and CIVIC +264 from 18 October. Hard copies can be collected from the House of Democracy in Windhoek.

– martha@namibian.com.na ; Martha Mukaiwa on Twitter and Instagram; marthamukwia.com