Beyond Sexuality
The Conversations We Must Have to Move Forward
There is a painful yet undeniable truth that we, as Africans, need to confront: we are often too quick to dismiss, blackmail, or discredit people simply because of their sexuality. It happens in conversations, in workplaces, in churches, and even within families. It is a deep-seated bias that has long been woven into our societies, often justified by culture, religion, or tradition. But let us be honest with ourselves — does this mindset truly serve us? Or does it only further divide and weaken us as a people?
Too often, when someone speaks out on a serious issue, instead of engaging with their argument, some people choose to attack their personal life. Instead of responding to the logic of their ideas, they dig into the person’s background, hoping to find something they can use to discredit them. And if that person happens to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, the attacks become even more vicious.
This is unfair. It is unnecessary. And quite frankly, it is uncalled for.
Your Sexuality Does Not Define Your Intelligence or Character
A person’s sexuality does not determine their intelligence, their values, or their ability to contribute to meaningful discussions. A doctor does not lose their medical knowledge because they are gay. A writer does not lose their ability to craft powerful narratives because they are bisexual. A teacher does not become less capable of imparting knowledge because they are queer. So why do we continue to act as if someone’s sexuality is the sole measure of their worth?
By reducing people to their sexual orientation, we strip them of their humanity. We ignore their talents, their struggles, and their dreams, focusing instead on something that is deeply personal and, in reality, none of our business. What good does this serve? Who benefits from this?
The Hypocrisy of Moral Policing
Let’s also talk about the glaring hypocrisy in how we treat issues of morality. Many who loudly condemn others for their sexuality are themselves guilty of acts they would never want exposed. They preach morality in public but act differently in private. They shout about “African values” while engaging in corruption, infidelity, and deceit.
Why is it that a person’s sexuality is treated as the ultimate sin, yet stealing from the poor, lying to the masses, and exploiting others are often ignored or even celebrated? Why do we choose to turn a blind eye to the real moral failures in our societies while fixating on who someone chooses to love?
If we truly care about values, then let’s be consistent. Let’s address dishonesty, greed, and corruption with the same energy that some use to attack LGBTQ+ individuals. Let’s stop pretending that African culture has always been a monolith of purity and righteousness. Before colonization and the influence of Western religions, many African cultures recognized and accepted diverse sexual identities. It is hypocrisy, not African tradition, that fuels much of the discrimination we see today.
Silence Does Not Move Us Forward
By silencing people based on their personal lives, we are robbing ourselves of diverse perspectives and ideas that could help move our communities forward. The world does not progress through censorship and exclusion; it progresses through open dialogue and understanding.
Think about it: some of the world’s greatest thinkers, scientists, artists, and leaders have been part of the LGBTQ+ community. Imagine if they had all been silenced or disregarded. Imagine the knowledge, the art, and the change that the world would have lost.
The same applies to our African societies today. By shutting people out, we are not protecting our values — we are limiting our potential.
It is time for a shift. We must create a culture where people can speak, be heard, and be respected — regardless of their sexuality. We must move beyond our prejudices and start focusing on what truly matters: the content of a person’s character, the strength of their arguments, and the impact of their actions.
Next time someone is making a point, listen. Engage. Debate if necessary. But do not dismiss them simply because of their sexual orientation. It does not make sense, and frankly, it does not help anyone.
We must do better. We must be better. And it starts with each of us choosing to be more open, more understanding, and more willing to see people for who they truly are — not just for who they love.
Africa has always been a land of resilience, diversity, and strength. Let us not weaken ourselves by clinging to unnecessary divisions. The future is calling, and it is one where we move forward together — not by tearing each other down, but by lifting each other up.
