As a close friend to many men and women living in the shadows in Senegal, I write these words with a heavy heart. Homosexuality is a punishable crime in my home country of Senegal. This creates a threatening and harmful environment for my friends, along with an estimated 2% of the Senegalese population who identify as gay, who live their lives in constant fear of persecution, or even worse, death.
Acts of violence and discrimination against the LGBT+ community in Senegal continue to raise concerns about human rights in the country. Decades of criminalizing homosexuality has contributed to homophobia, exclusion, and inequality. Such discrimination hampers not only social progress, but economic and human rights advancements as well.
Decriminalization would lead to a safer and more tolerant society wherein everyone can express themselves freely. It is not about condoning or promoting homosexuality, but rather about countersigning human rights abuses, violence, and discrimination. Our society needs to move towards a future that promotes respect, dignity, and equality for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Let us urge the Senegalese authorities to recognize the universal human rights, and decriminalize homosexuality in Senegal. Members of the LGBT+ community, like my friends, can then live without fear and contribute fully to our nation’s future.
Planète Queer 