One of the most interesting conversations I have had with Rwandese has surprisingly been about homosexuality. Here, as in many African countries I have been to, men holding hands is common, and done as a sign of close friendship. It’s reminiscent of children guiding each other along the road to school and symbolizes a spirit of close fraternity that I think, due to a fear of being seen as anything other than heterosexual, North American men are not able to enjoy. Most Rwandese I talk to have a firm belief that homosexuality is rare or something that happens to people they don’t know. This helps men to follow cultural practices such as holding hands, and when on the dance floor, even grind with one another. At a recent party in Butaro it was interesting to be a part of a dance floor in which the ratio of men to women was about 75 to 10 and most men were comfortable grinding and dancing closely to each other!
At lunch my colleagues and I have great discussions about issues regarding culture and relationships as it applies to young Rwandese; how does one address the conflicting pull of western influences and traditional values? Recently, my male colleagues were debating homosexuality. However they were not discussing whether homosexuality is wrong or right, but rather whether or not it even exists in Rwanda. Those who have studied outside of the continent say with confidence that does occur in Kigali and can even name the district in town known for its homosexual population. However, those who have not had the luxury of a western education vow that it cannot happen in Rwanda.
When I asked them all what they think of homosexuality though, there was no disagreement amongst them that it is a sin. I challenged them by asking what they feel about discrimination – a topic Rwandese know all too well – and asked them whether discrimination based on sexuality is any different from racial or tribal differences. Regardless of whether they ever embrace homosexuals as a normal part of their population, I think it is important to continue the dialogue, challenge and debate.
At lunch my colleagues and I have great discussions about issues regarding culture and relationships as it applies to young Rwandese; how does one address the conflicting pull of western influences and traditional values? Recently, my male colleagues were debating homosexuality. However they were not discussing whether homosexuality is wrong or right, but rather whether or not it even exists in Rwanda. Those who have studied outside of the continent say with confidence that does occur in Kigali and can even name the district in town known for its homosexual population. However, those who have not had the luxury of a western education vow that it cannot happen in Rwanda.
When I asked them all what they think of homosexuality though, there was no disagreement amongst them that it is a sin. I challenged them by asking what they feel about discrimination – a topic Rwandese know all too well – and asked them whether discrimination based on sexuality is any different from racial or tribal differences. Regardless of whether they ever embrace homosexuals as a normal part of their population, I think it is important to continue the dialogue, challenge and debate.
Hey Hannah! It is great to read your blog and your adventures and good for me to learn about the culture in Rwanda.
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