DONALD Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States has sparked significant debate worldwide, particularly after his declaration: ‘In America, there will be two genders: male and female.’ This statement, widely interpreted as a rejection of LGBTQ+ policies, has garnered praise from some African citizens who see it as aligning with their cultural and religious values.
African support for Trump’s position
Trump’s stance has found resonance in parts of Africa, where conservative views on gender and sexuality often dominate public discourse. In many African countries, cultural traditions, Christian beliefs, and Islamic teachings uphold binary gender roles and view LGBTQ+ rights as contrary to societal norms.
Zimbabwean resident Isheanesu Zivuku expressed support, telling CAJ News, ‘Trump might be controversial, but for rejecting the LGBTQ+ agenda, he proved God is in heaven.’ Similar sentiments were echoed by Ugandan citizen Kenyangi Auma, who criticised the previous administration under Joe Biden: ‘Trump reversed all evil orders to make the world a better place for all.’
In Nigeria, Adaeze Adeyemi framed the discussion within the context of African sovereignty, asserting, ‘Finally, God intervened! The Biden administration weaponised LGBTQ+ rights to punish African governments economically.’
A broader African perspective
While some Africans have celebrated Trump’s policies, others have called for a more nuanced discussion. Critics argue that reducing the complex issue of gender and sexual identity to a binary debate oversimplifies global human rights concerns.
South African Tshono Mathiba commented, ‘There have always been two genders. The other things are innovations,’ but acknowledged the importance of respecting individual preferences. Zandy Seal added, ‘Sexual preferences must remain personal. Social engineering of gender aimed to destroy the family unit.’
Historical context: Africa’s resistance to LGBTQ+ policies
Many African nations have resisted external pressures to adopt LGBTQ+ rights, citing these as contrary to cultural values. The late Zimbabwean president, Robert Mugabe, was an outspoken critic of LGBTQ+ rights. During his presidency, Mugabe infamously declared that LGBTQ+ people were ‘worse than pigs and dogs,’ sparking outrage among human rights advocates globally.
At a 2015 United Nations General Assembly, Mugabe stated, ‘We are not gays!’ and argued that LGBTQ+ rights conflicted with African traditions. His sentiments reflected the views of several African leaders and societies resistant to what they perceive as Western impositions.
The Biden administration and LGBTQ+ advocacy
Critics of former US President Joe Biden’s administration accused it of using LGBTQ+ policies to pressure African governments. These accusations included threats of withdrawing foreign aid from nations unwilling to embrace LGBTQ+ rights.
This perceived coercion fuelled resentment in some African quarters, with leaders and citizens seeing it as an infringement on their cultural sovereignty.
Moving forward
Trump’s rejection of LGBTQ+ rights may have struck a chord with some African populations, but it also raises concerns about the global push for inclusivity and human rights. The ongoing debate highlights the cultural, religious, and political divides that shape attitudes toward gender and sexuality in Africa and beyond.
As global discourse on human rights evolves, African nations face the challenge of balancing cultural values with international expectations. Meanwhile, Trump’s stance will likely continue to polarise opinions on the continent and globally.
