Interview with Tinashe Rufurwadzo
Recently Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that criminalizes same sex sexuality and sexual minority activism in the country. In addition to life imprisonment for same sex conduct, the new law increases prison time for “attempt at same-sex conduct” (Human Rights Watch 2023). Uganda’s new law is informed by similar laws being passed in a number of African countries including Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia (Bhandari 2023). These laws build upon existing penal codes that are widely viewed as legacies of colonialism. More than half of the 54 countries in Africa have some laws that criminalize homosexuality (BBC News 2023). At the forefront of efforts to reverse these laws are organizations like Sexual Minorities of Uganda, whose successes include reversing Uganda’s 2009 Anti-homosexuality Act. These organizations and activists are pivotal in cementing human rights in the Global South and we seek to support their efforts. As part of this work and in an effort to shed light on these laws, Saro Media invited Tinashe Rufurwadzo, a public health expert, to speak on the impact of anti-LGBT laws in Africa on local activism and social justice advancement. Below is the full interview.
Can you provide a brief summary of your expertise and background?
My name is Tinashe Grateful Rufurwadzo, and I am a seasoned Programme Management, Communications, Advocacy, and Human Rights Activist with 10 years of experience. My passion lies in implementing and leading projects that support the health, rights, and well-being of key vulnerable populations. I am a transformational leader who believes in the power of collaboration and learning, and I actively invest in the growth of young key populations and communities. Throughout my career, I have excelled in coordinating organizational development, providing monitoring support, and ensuring compliance with donor guidelines. Working on multi-country projects has allowed me to develop cross-cultural skills and work with professionals from diverse backgrounds. In my professional journey, I have held various impactful roles. I have led a global youth-led network, where I witnessed the incredible potential of young leaders to drive meaningful change. Additionally, I have contributed to communications and advocacy efforts for a community non-governmental organization, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Moreover, I have supported grant-making and management, collaborating with over 110 organizations from 34 countries around the world. Currently, I am honored to serve as the Global Communications Manager at Prevention Access Campaign, where I am responsible for uplifting the undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) message and movement. I am excited to continue making a positive impact on the lives of key vulnerable populations, advocating for their rights, and working towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
Can you speak to how public health and human rights intersect?
Public health and human rights are deeply interconnected, with each influencing and supporting the other. At their core, public health policies and practices aim to protect and promote the well-being of individuals and communities. Human rights principles, on the other hand, emphasize the inherent dignity and equality of every person, ensuring that they have access to basic necessities, healthcare, and equitable treatment. When public health interventions are implemented with a human rights-based approach, they prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, address systemic inequalities, and protect individuals from discrimination, stigma, and other human rights violations. Simultaneously, human rights frameworks inform public health strategies by emphasizing inclusivity, non-discrimination, and the empowerment of individuals to make decisions about their own health. The intersection of public health and human rights is crucial in creating a just and equitable society where everyone can attain the highest possible standard of health and well-being.
How do the anti-LGBT laws impact the work you are doing?
Anti-LGBT laws have a significant impact on the work l have been involved in supporting the health, rights, and well-being of vulnerable populations, including sexual minorities. These laws, which often criminalize same-sex relationships or restrict the rights and freedoms of LGBTIQ+ individuals, create additional barriers and challenges that directly affect the communities l serve:
Impeding access to healthcare: Anti-LGBT laws can hinder access to comprehensive healthcare services for sexual minorities. Discrimination, stigma, and fear of legal consequences may deter individuals from seeking necessary health care, including HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This can exacerbate health disparities and contribute to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections within the community.
Amplifying stigma and discrimination: These laws reinforce societal stigma and discrimination against LGBT individuals. They perpetuate negative stereotypes, marginalize sexual minorities, and contribute to social exclusion. This can have detrimental effects on mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being, further exacerbating health disparities and creating a hostile environment for advocacy and support.
Challenging advocacy efforts: Anti-LGBT laws pose challenges to advocacy work aimed at promoting LGBT rights and well-being. They restrict freedom of expression, assembly, and association, making it difficult for organizations and activists to openly engage in awareness-raising, community mobilization, and policy advocacy. This can limit opportunities for collaboration, hinder resource mobilization, and impede progress in advancing LGBT rights.
Undermining human rights frameworks: Anti-LGBT laws directly contradict fundamental principles of human rights, including the rights to equality, non-discrimination, and freedom from violence. They disregard international human rights standards and impede the realization of rights for sexual minorities. This creates an environment that hinders efforts to ensure equal treatment, dignity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Despite these challenges, my work and the work of other activists and organizations are essential in advocating for change, challenging discriminatory laws, promoting inclusive policies, and fostering a supportive environment for sexual minorities. By raising awareness, collaborating with like-minded partners, and engaging in strategic advocacy, l contribute to addressing these injustices and advancing the rights and well-being of sexual minorities.
What impact will these laws have on activism around public health and human rights?
Anti-LGBT laws can have a significant impact on activism around public health and human rights, particularly in relation to sexual minorities:
Suppression of advocacy efforts: These laws can restrict freedom of expression, assembly, and association, making it difficult for activists and organizations to openly advocate for the rights and health of sexual minorities. Activists may face legal consequences or harassment for their work, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on activism. This is something that is already happening in African countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania among other countries. This year alone, we have witnessed through the media LGBTIQ+ activities being killed, bills being voted for by the parliamentarians, and people in power imposing that “homosexuals” should not be treated at public health facilities.
Reinforcement of stigma and discrimination: Anti-LGBT laws reinforce societal stigma and discrimination, perpetuating negative attitudes and stereotypes. This not only affects the well-being and rights of sexual minorities but also creates a hostile environment for activists working toward their empowerment. Stigma and discrimination can deter individuals from seeking necessary healthcare services and limit the effectiveness of public health interventions. Recently, religious groups have been organizing marches and crusades mobilizing people to be against homosexuality.
Increased vulnerability and health disparities: Discriminatory laws contribute to the marginalization and exclusion of sexual minorities, placing them at higher risk for health disparities. Limited access to healthcare, including HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, can lead to increased vulnerability to HIV and other health issues within the community. Activism becomes crucial in addressing these disparities and advocating for equitable access to healthcare.
International collaboration challenges: Anti-LGBT laws can strain international collaborations and partnerships in public health and human rights. Organizations may face legal and logistical barriers when working across borders, including restrictions on funding, travel, and communication. This can hinder the sharing of knowledge, best practices, and resources needed to address the health and rights of sexual minorities effectively. Recently, PEPFAR in Uganda had to pause on providing financial support to the country as a result of the hostile environment to one of its priority populations, the LGBTIQ+ community.
Inhibition of data collection and research: Laws criminalizing same-sex relationships or LGBT identities may deter individuals from participating in research or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to a lack of accurate data on the health needs and experiences of sexual minorities, making it challenging to develop evidence-based policies and interventions.
Activists and organizations persist in our efforts to advocate for the health and human rights of sexual minorities. We are working creatively, often through alternative channels and strategic collaborations, to raise awareness, challenge discriminatory laws, provide support services, and promote inclusive policies. The resilience and determination of activists are essential in pushing for change, advancing public health, and upholding human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
How will these laws affect local civil society organizations and activists at the front line of human rights advancement?
Legal restrictions and harassment: These laws can impose legal restrictions on the activities of CSOs and activists, making it challenging to operate freely and effectively. Activists may face harassment, intimidation, or criminal charges for their advocacy work, leading to a climate of fear and self-censorship.
Funding limitations: Anti-LGBT laws may deter international donors or grant-making organizations from providing financial support to CSOs and activists working on LGBT rights. This lack of funding can hamper their ability to carry out essential programs, research, and advocacy initiatives, limiting their impact and sustainability.
Safety risks and personal security: Activists working in countries with anti-LGBT laws often face increased personal security risks. They may become targets of violence, discrimination, or social backlash due to their advocacy. Ensuring the safety and well-being of activists becomes a critical concern for both the individuals and the organizations supporting them.
Reduced collaboration and networking opportunities: Anti-LGBT laws can limit opportunities for local CSOs and activists to collaborate with international organizations, attend conferences, and engage in regional or global networks. This isolation can hinder the exchange of knowledge, capacity-building, and mutual support necessary for effective human rights advancement.
Stigmatization and marginalization: Discriminatory laws contribute to the stigmatization and marginalization of CSOs and activists working on LGBT rights. They may face societal backlash, including social exclusion, shaming, or threats from conservative groups or individuals. This hostile environment can hinder their ability to mobilize support and build alliances within their own communities.
What role does public health play in advancing social justice?
Public health plays a crucial role in advancing social justice by addressing the underlying determinants of health and working to eliminate health disparities among different populations. By focusing on prevention, promotion, and intervention strategies, public health professionals aim to create equitable opportunities and conditions for all individuals to lead healthy lives. This includes advocating for policies that tackle social, economic, and environmental factors affecting health outcomes, such as access to healthcare, education, and safe neighborhoods. Public health initiatives strive to reduce health inequities by addressing systemic barriers, empowering marginalized communities, promoting health literacy, and fostering inclusive approaches that ensure everyone has equal opportunities to achieve optimal well-being. By targeting the root causes of health disparities and promoting fairness and equality, public health plays a vital role in the pursuit of social justice.
Any closing thoughts?
Despite the challenges posed by anti-LGBT laws, activists and organizations continue to advocate for the rights and health of sexual minorities. The impact of these laws on local civil society organizations and activists is profound, with limitations on funding, safety risks, and reduced collaboration opportunities. However, public health remains essential in advancing social justice by addressing health disparities, advocating for inclusive policies, and empowering marginalized communities. Together, we must continue to strive for a world where everyone, including sexual minorities, can enjoy their human rights and achieve optimal health and well-being.
References:
Bhandari, Aditi. “Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill Is the Latest and Worst to Target LGBTQ Africans.” Reuters, April 7, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/graphics/UGANDA-LGBT/movakykrjva/.
Human Rights Watch. “Ugandan Parliament Passes Extreme Anti-LGBT Bill,” March 22, 2023. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/03/22/ugandan-parliament-passes-extreme-anti-lgbt-bill.
BBC News. “Homosexuality: The Countries Where It Is Illegal to Be Gay.” April 20, 2018, sec. World. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-43822234.