Examination of LGBT people’s lived experiences and public perceptions of sexual and gender minorities in Rwanda

Abstract

Despite the existence of laws and policies that protect human rights, sexual and gender minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] people) across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are socially excluded from full participation in society. While LGBT rights are gaining momentum and increasingly being highlighted in the global arena, several SSA countries have formulated punitive laws against sexual and gender minorities. However, Rwanda is one of the few African countries that has assented to international conventions and continental frameworks that protect the human rights of all citizens including LGBT populations. The country is a signatory to the 2011 United Nations statement condemning violence against LGBT people and has joined nine other African countries to support LGBT rights.