In some African countries, politicized homophobia makes it difficult for activists to advocate for LGBTQ rights. In Malawi and Namibia, LGBTQ activists have turned to HIV/AIDS, human rights, and women’s rights movements for solidarity. In this presentation, drawing on original research in Malawi and Namibia, Currier explains why some women’s rights activists do not express solidarity for LGBTQ rights publicly and what this means for LGBTQ rights organizing on the African continent.
Dr. Currier researches gender and sexual diversity politics in southern and West Africa. Her books include “Out in Africa: LGBT Organizing in Namibia and South Africa” and “Politicizing Sex in Contemporary Africa: Homophobia in Malawi.” Her research has appeared in Australian Feminist Studies, Critical African Studies, Feminist Formations, Gender and Society, GLQ, Journal of Lesbian Studies, Mobilization, Politique Africaine, Qualitative Sociology, Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, Social Movement Studies, Space and Polity, Studies in Law, Politics, and Society, and Women’s Studies Quarterly.
Opening reception for “About Ourselves/Inside Ourselves” at 6:30 p.m.
Exhibition on display Sept. 24 through Dec. 13.
Lecture at 7:30 p.m.
