| Module content |
The focus of this module is on the application of human rights principles to selected issues affecting sexual minorities in Africa, with a view to developing human rights responses to related contemporary challenges in the African region.
Topics include:
(a) Providing a critical understanding of the concepts ‘sexual orientation’
and ‘gender identity', ‘homosexual’, ‘bisexual’, ‘gay’, ‘lesbian’, ‘transgender’,
‘intersex’, ‘sexual minority’, ‘heterosexism’, and ‘queer’
(b) Understanding theories on the psychology, biology and sociobiology of
homosexuality
(c) Investigating the global history of homosexuality, particularly in the ‘West’
(USA and Britain) and its influence on Africa
(d) Investigating the evolution of homosexuality and society in Africa, including
an anthropological review of homosexuality in traditional African societies,
and under colonialism and in post-colonial Africa
(e) Understanding the nature of the violation of rights of ‘sexual minorities’
including violations to the rights to health; discrimination based on actual
or presumed sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV status; sexual and
other forms of violence; violations of the right to privacy; stigmatisation and
its consequences) particularly by states and non-state actors in Africa
(f) Understanding the reasons for rights violations and homophobia in Africa by
investigating the role of culture/tradition, religion and majoritarianism
(g) Considering the role of public policy, by focusing on the need and
possibilities for legal reform, and strategies to sensitise communities for
the rights of sexual minorities and change homophobic attitudes |
Virtual Campus
Get Social With Us
Download the UP Mobile App