Author: LGBT Voice Tanzania

In our ever-evolving and intricate world, the journey from tolerance to genuine acceptance necessitates deliberate effort, introspection, and a steadfast commitment to breaking down barriers. It is high time that we leave the past behind us and adopt a fresh mindset towards others, particularly those who appear vastly different from ourselves. If we were to…

Activism for LGBT rights in Tanzania faces a multitude of challenges, with the most prominent ones being the legal framework, religious beliefs, the stance of civil society organizations, and financial resources. These challenges hinder progress and create barriers for the LGBT community in their pursuit of equal rights and acceptance. LEGAL FRAMEWORK Tanzania’s legal framework…

Firstly, it is crucial to acknowledge that homosexuality is not a conscious decision but rather a natural variation of human sexuality. Extensive scientific research conducted by various reputable institutions has consistently demonstrated that sexual orientation, including homosexuality, is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. It is important to note that homosexuality…

Homophobia in Tanzania is not rooted in traditions and cultures, but rather, it is a consequence of colonial laws and religious teachings. The influence of colonialism on Tanzanian society cannot be overlooked, as it has shaped societal attitudes and norms. During the colonial era, European powers imposed their own legal systems, which criminalized same-sex relationships…

LGBT employees in 72 UN-member countries are protected from discrimination in employment, but in another 72 countries, LGBT employees can still be arrested just for being who they are. Every June, the LGBT community celebrates Pride Month because of the historic Stonewall riots of the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Fifty years have passed…

A recent study found that 75% of those who underwent transgender surgery had a better quality of life after the operation. However, as the recent onslaught on the LGBT community by the Tanzanian government makes life difficult for this community, it becomes increasingly challenging to collect data on the happiness levels of trans individuals in the country.…

Tanzania, where The Advocates has partnered recently with LGBTI human rights organizations, provides a good example of the problem. Due to widespread discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, LGBT individuals in Tanzania fear disclosing their sexual orientation to health care providers.  Further, health care providers often refuse needed services to LGBT individuals. In its Third…

Written by : Sarah Pager , Founder and Director of Quist Sarah Prager is best known for the creation of the Quist mobile app. Quist is a free app for iOS, Android, and Windows that brings LGBTQ and HIV history to life with a following of over 35,000 from over 100 countriesSarah  Founder and Director of…

I remember talking with a friend of mine who is transgender with the assumption that we both experienced dysphoria, which is the distress or discomfort that occurs when the gender someone is assigned does not align with their actual gender. As I was talking, I could see their eyes start to stare off in another…

For 41-year old James Wandera Ouma, LGBT activism has become his life’s work. As the executive director of LGBT Voice Tanzania , Ouma works to advance equality, diversity, education and justice for LGBT people in Tanzania. Recently, Ouma was in attendance at the Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association’s ( OPALGA ) annual awards…