African, Queer and Proud
Over the years the African country of Ghana has given many things to American culture. From the precious stones used in the most elegant jewelry to the rich and flavorful cocoa bean transformed into one of our guiltiest of pleasures, aka chocolate, the beauty of Ghana envelopes us.
However, as with any other established society, intertwined within the exquisiteness of Ghanaian culture, lies a deep rooted social and religious view that excludes and marginalizes a segment of their people.
Below is an interview with self identified Ghanaian-born queer,
Judith E. :
Q. You came to America when you were 15 years old. In the Ghanaian culture, at the age of 15 you’re considered a woman. What was the transition like coming from a place where you’re seen as an adult, to a place where you’re considered a child.
A. Wow that was a good question! It was shocking. I found it a little bit insulting, in my opinion. I just felt like a lot of people my age didn’t have common sense; they were simple. And everyone was selfish to me, I felt like there was a lot of selfishness and lack of common sense.
Q. Homosexuality in Ghana has always been illegal. Therefore, the law doesn’t protect queer people from hate crimes. When did you realize you were queer and when you realized that you were, how did you feel?