Homosexuality, Same-Sex Attraction, "Gayism", Lesbianism, Bisexuality, Transgender…these are the very social scientific terms used to describe, condone or condemn the very act of attraction, as the conservatists would describe, which differs from the very old order of natural attraction; heterosexuality.
Throughout human history, human sexuality has been the most controversial and yet sacred base for social growth and harmony. Human sexuality, basically heterosexuality, was seen as the very core of human development as the love of between a man and woman spun beyond normal social acceptance to supernatural heights. Many forms of rituals, gods and ancestors, for example in the Roman Empire were attributed high respects just because of the significance of fertility and development attributed to the anatomy of a woman in its power of procreation. This very core perception brewed amongst societies and cultures has remained a stipulation for love and attraction.
So it was, therefore, that the basic principle underscored by heterosexuality took dominance across millions of generations and belief systems, thus proving all forms of attractions as deviant, a breach of taboo, an abomination or social ridicule. In this way severals of persons who in one way or the other failed to meet up with the sexual prescription of their societies were bound to stay silent if they wanted to survive. This marginalisation though was at a personal level, unlike the clear social stratifications drawn with the indelible stipulations of cultures in Egypt, Rome and other early civilisations, was hard felt that the very affected had to craft ways and means of expressing their sexuality. Most homosexuals especially in the early histories of civilisations were rumoured victims burned at the stake for what authorities tried as abominations. Their rights were nothing but just a spiteful disdain.
The repression and suppression of breakers of the heterosexual code has seen several twists and turns right from the assassination of homosexuals in concentration camps by German Chancellor Adolf Hitler, serial killings of alleged gay public officers in the USA to the Sexual Revolution which rocked the Americas and even South Africa.
In recent times, the matter on homosexuality has transmogrified from the abomination curve of analysis to a most scientific trend. Clinical and Sexual scientists have made quiet some efforts in figuring out this alternative lifestyle. Politically, world legislations are becoming much clear, though still vague, on the considerations on plights of the LGBT community globally. Religiously, the Church, though divided on the moral debate of same-sex marriages, cannot deny the inclusion and ordination of gay priests into its clergy; the considerations have been bended. (Observations based on the global on goings were LGBT issues are concerned).
In the midst of all these transformations, societies and cultures are yet to come to terms with the new debate, the new module to sexual liberalism and advocacy. It involves the argument that man must be free to love and be loved and that whoever (not whatever) man finds love in; society has no say…it is his right to love. This debate, which arguably began by the breeding pots of liberalism; USA and UK, has sparked a new wave of indirect political war between critics of the ideology and the proposers of it. This battle of political influence can be measured especially between the West and Africa….liberalism and conservative culture. Not long ago the battle was made in clear voice when the British Prime Minister, David Cameron reduced the very humanitarian and diplomatic grant of aids to Africa from his country to the cheapened condition of the legislation of gay rights. President of the United States of America, Barrack Obama has also mocked the authenticity of the continent’s democratic values when, to him ,the very core right of choice to love, remains obstructed by the cultures of African societies. But is Africa losing this battle of political domination waged through the veils of gay rights, are African states trembling at the growls of these super powers, are they?
Although we know that the basis for the consideration of gay rights in South Africa was due to the heated advocacy by majority whites in the LGBT community and the quest for a "Rainbow Nation" and that South African culture was nothing but a mixture of diversities, we do not know the basis for Gay Rights in Malawi and Burkina Faso. Well, for the best of my knowledge these two states cannot be compared to South Africa in terms of its cultural diversities. So what could have been the basis if not for Western Domination and Pressures?
Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda and many other African Countries, although overly strict on their views against what has been described as a western culture, have made it quite clear to these super powers their formal intentions NOT to legalise same sex marriages or civil unions. In Nigeria not long ago stamped its authority by passing a bill banning all acts of homosexuality. What about Ghana my beloved country?
The Ghanaian story to the Heterosexual Code remains vague, undecided and unbalanced. Year in and Year out, Administration upon Administration…the matter on the legislative stance on homosexuality still hangs. Suffice it to say that the Executive has never in its bid tried to even forward a bill on the subject matter to parliament for discussion. Not long ago after the controversial declaration by the British Prime Minister to African States not to grant aids and grants to states still holding on to the penile code; subsequent news broke about President John Dramani Mahama having specific interests for the gay community. With facts shown of his presence at the launching of a book by the popular American Gay Activist, Andrew Solomon; with the nomination of a Human Rights Advocate who stands tall in matters of Gay Rights as minister for children, gender and social protection; with a foreign Minister much rooted in the ideals of international relations, with the blasting silence of the legislature over the criminalisation or decriminalisation of gay rights, could it not be a sign of concrete evidence, that Ghana is most likely to be the third African Country to legislate this act if not now?
The LGBT community in Ghana keeps widening by the second, with the younger generation actively expressing interest. In fact, a visit to social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Whatsapp shows revealing Ghanaian Gay Groups with a minimum member population of 800. These gay groups like Gay Ghana Lounge, Fresh Classy Dudes, Straight Gay Guys, Ghana Gay Community and the likes; host an avalanche of both young and old boys/men searching for gay partners either for sexual engagements or just relationships; displaying nude pictures of themselves and even hard core gay pornography. The situation gets even worse when you visit various pubs and places where members of the LGBT community without fear or favour, indulge in several public displays of affection. Truth be told, if anyone is in search of an active LGBT community and, yes, night life, the best place to be is Accra (Osu, East Legon, Labone, Ashiaman, James Town, Dansoman, Tema….)
Do not get me wrong, I am in no way or form disclosing nor disposing the secrecy of Ghana’s gay community; thus if they are actually secretive. All I’m doing is exposing the sheer hypocrisy with which government is tackling this phenomenon. It stays worst more a huge matter of concern considering the contrast in night life and access to health and reproductive education. As we clearly know, gay couples are less likely to access health care as…gay couples unlike heterosexual couples. Education on safe sex methods and the prevention of HIV AIDS and STIs are far from reachable despite the springing up of international NGO’s who provide condoms, water lubricants and other health care services to these breakers of the heterosexual code. If things remain this way; if homosexuals and lesbians forever hide in the dark with their sexual orientations in the wake of Government remaining reticent on its position on the breach of the heterosexual code, Ghana should and will soon experience a turbulent sexual revolution. The social fabric will explode with the grenades of sexual diversities subsequently distorting our cultural fibre.
As a student journalist mine isn’t to place blame on each side of the balance; be it government or the gay community. Mine isn’t to chastise the veiled political invasion by the West on Africa and the world with the tool of sexual liberation. Mine is to appeal to Government to critically consider its stance on the matter ONCE and for all. In critically considering this issue I propose we do not just look at a legislative perspective of what is moral and what isn’t or the democratic argument of majority views against minority views. Government needs to read between the lines of moral logic, scientific analysis and social order.
After all, when all is said and done, the debate on homosexuality over its criminalisation or decriminalisation, morality or immorality, will forever be talked about. Homosexuals will forever remain in every stretch of our social fabric. Whether we tolerate or in tolerate them, lies in our cultural, political and scientific sense of judgement. Government make your stance known to the rest of the world for silence sometimes means approval!!!
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