EMBRACE, EMPOWER, EVOLVE: TOCETHER WE STAND FOR EQUALITY AND INCLUSIVITY
2023 CRACKDOWN ON HOSPITALITY!
The Addis Ababa Peace and Security Administration Bureau told that they are taking measures "against hotels, restaurants, guest houses, and other entertainment venues suspected of involvement in homosexual activities.
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Ethiopia criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women.
Sentences include a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment. There is some evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, and LGBT people are regularly subjected to discrimination and violence.
ETHIOPIAN LGBTQIA+ ACTIVISTS REMAIN BOLD AMIDST HEIGHTENED VIOLENCE
several members of the Ethiopian LGBTQIA+ community and allies in the diaspora woke up to TikTok videos containing pictures of their smiling faces under an Amharic text declaring, “Let us expose and oppose homosexuals!!!” The voiceover beckons viewers to stand up and say that homosexuality is neither natural nor a right. Similar videos emerged over the next week with pictures of individuals who live in Ethiopia and may or may not identify as LGBTQIA+.
HIV / AIDS HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE LGBTQA + COMMUNITY IN ETHIOPIA
HIV/AIDS has had a significant impact on the LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and asexual) community in Ethiopia. In this country, where cultural and societal norms often stigmatize and discriminate against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, the intersectionality of being LGBTQA and living with HIV can compound the challenges faced by this community.
One of the key factors contributing to the higher prevalence of HIV among the Ethiopian LGBTQA community is the limited access to comprehensive sexual health education and healthcare services. Traditional values and conservative attitudes towards same-sex relationships restrict open discourse and limit the dissemination of accurate information on safe sex practices. As a result, the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is higher in this community.
Furthermore, discrimination and social exclusion create barriers for individuals seeking HIV testing, treatment, and care. Many LGBTQA individuals in Ethiopia fear disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to healthcare providers due to concerns about potential prejudice or mistreatment. This leaves them vulnerable, as they may not receive adequate support or have access to relevant resources for HIV prevention or treatment.
In addition, the Ethiopian LGBTQA community faces marginalization and violence, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. These factors can further contribute to risky behavior, including unprotected sex and engagement in activities that heighten the risk of HIV transmission.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to promote inclusivity, nondiscrimination, and equal access to healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This requires implementing targeted HIV prevention and education programs that specifically address the needs and concerns of the Ethiopian LGBTQA community. It also involves training healthcare providers to offer culturally sensitive and LGBTQ-friendly services to ensure that everyone can access HIV testing, treatment, and support without fear of discrimination.
Building strong support networks, fostering acceptance, and challenging societal stigma are essential in creating safer spaces for the Ethiopian LGBTQA community. By working towards an environment that embraces diversity and prioritizes the health and well-being of all individuals, progress can be made in reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS within this community in Ethiopia.
LGBTQAI + NEWS FROM THE WORLD
AFRICA
• Africa's Catholic hierarchy refuses same-sex blessings for being 'contrary to the will of God.'
• There are active challenges to sodomy laws before the Supreme Courts of Malawi, Kenya and Tunisia, though it remains uncertain when or how these cases will be decided.
. Kampala holds the third South Summit With the theme
"Leaving no One Behind" despite the country passing the Anti
Homosexuality Bill in 2023
EUROPE
Irish Cabinet Minister Jack Chambers publicly comes out as gay.
Greek Prime Minister vows to legalise same-sex marriage despite Orthodox Church opposition.
Scotland plans to ban conversion therapy.
France appoints first ever gay prime minister.
Pope calls for global ban on surrogacy, expressing concerns about the exploitation of women and the commodification of children.
Police raid Moscow gay bars after top court's LGBTQ 'extremist' designation.
Latvia may have to hold a referendum on its
recently passed civil union law, if anti-LGBTQ+ activists succeed in collecting enough signatures by the end of January. Next door in Lithuania, a civil union bill is before Parliament, but has so far lacked sufficient votes to pass final reading.
Poland's newly formed government has pledged to introduce a civil union bill, criminalise hate speech and legalise abortion, while rolling back the anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-democratic laws of the outgoing right-wing government.
AMERICA
The US presidential election rematch expected between Joe Biden and Donald Trump happens this year. A Trump win would be catastrophic for LGBTQ+ people and other minorities not just in the U.S, but in places around the world where queer people depend on aid from the United States.
New Argentinian president eliminates Women, Gender and Diversity
Ministry sparking concern among LGBTQ+ activists.
In Mexico, the murder of three trans people in two weeks have sparked protests.
ASIA
In Thailand, the newly installed government submitted a same-sex marriage bill to Parliament in December, which has wide support both with the governing coalition and the leading opposition party.
Hong Kong's judiciary has delivered multiple favourable judgments promoting LGBTQ rights. These include eliminating the mandate for conversion surgery to update gender on ID cards, permitting joint applications for subsidised public housing by same-sex couples, and, notably, the highest court directing the government to establish a framework within two years for recognizing same-sex partnerships.