The path of the gay project Christian Africa with LGBT+ African believers

Testimony of Adelard, volunteer of Gay Christian Africa Project*

At the beginning of this year, Gay Christian Africa (GCA), in collaboration with two NGOs of Central-Eastern Africa and the support of La Tenda di Gionata, organized two spiritual retreats in Africa on the theme "You are precious in my eyes"(Isaiah 43: 4). About 45 LGBTQ people of various confessions participated, including Christians of different inclusive, Protestant, Catholic and Muslim Churches, as well as Christian leaders and human rights activists. These meetings have been incredibly enriched by their experiences and the different paths of faith present.

Despite the tension and fear caused by the strong homophobia present in African society, the support of local organizations and associations was fundamental. Being present on the field has made it possible to understand how queer people in Africa not only live the weight of severe homophobic laws, but deeply fear the refusal by families, friends and religious communities, a refusal that limits their possibilities to "live" and survive in a hostile society.

The theme "You are Preacious in My Sight” (“You are precious in my eyes") He offered participants in inclusive retreats an opportunity to explore the relationship between faith, spirituality and sexuality in their life. Despite the daily injustice suffered in the religious communities, many LGBTQ believers who participated were active members of their churches. This, however, has often generated in them the feeling of being unworthy of the love of God, transforming their spirituality into an obstacle rather than in an opportunity for growth.

Aisha, a trans Muslim woman, told the difficulties she faces in her mosque. It continually undergoes discrimination: for example, it is difficult to find a place of prayer, since men and women pray in separate spaces. Sometimes it is not accepted neither in the male room nor in the female one (Musalla). Fortunately, he can count on the support of the family, who encourages her to believe in a God who loves it, despite the difficulties he encounters in the religious community.

These inclusive retreats have shown that LGBTQ people, despite the refusal immediately, can contribute to the growth and inclusion of their churches and religions, becoming promoters of interreligious dialogue and peace. “SWe are of different religions, but we live the same fight against hatred, refusal and discrimination both in our churches and in society“, Aisha said, exhorting everyone to keep their faith and share their personal experiences.

The possibility of being present in the area made it possible to meet people who had followed Gay initiatives Christian Africa online and who live in the region. Although for many the online spaces represent safer and more private places, some have expressed discomfort in participating with their personal accounts, for fear of being identified and reported.

Guy, a 24 -year -old young man, expressed gratitude for the support received by Gay Christian Africa, who a few years ago helped him reconcile his faith with his sexuality. "I was lost, desperate and oppressed by an infinite sense of guilt. I was convinced that God did not love me and that my feelings were sinful. You helped me in those difficult moments, even if only virtually, and today I feel free, loved, appreciated and worthy,"He told with a great smile.

In many African contexts, the authorities often use the Bible or their religious beliefs to justify hostile attitudes against the LGBT+community, labeling it as "unnatural"Or"non -African“. Religion is often exploited to feed discrimination and hostility. The recent increase in anti-Lgbt+feelings, promoted by African politicians and legislators, also seems influenced by the campaigns of Evangelicals of the far right.

In a context in which human rights struggle to be respected, as happens in many African countries, spirituality and faith often remain the only refuge in which to find dignity and humanity. Knowing how to deal with religious and spiritual dialogue on homosexuality can help LGBT+ people and their families start a constructive comparison that starts from the family and domestic dimension.

*The project GaychristianaFrica, supported by Jonathan's tent, wants to tell the daily life of African homosexual Christians online who live in Italy and also in different parts of Africa. A project animated by Italian volunteers and several African countries, who want to work together to help build, on the net and not of welcoming places for LGTBI+ African believers. Info on Gaychristianafrica.org

Original text: You are Preacious in My Sight: Spiritual Retreats