Examination of LGBT People's Lived Experiences and Public Perceptions of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Rwanda.

Abstract

This policy brief summarizes evidence from a study conducted in Rwanda by the Health Development Initiative (HDI) Rwanda and the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). The study's aim was to understand the lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, as well as the public's perception of LGBT issues. It explored the current situation for LGBT people in terms of factors contributing to, and the nature and forms of social exclusion. Specific aspects examined in the study included daily experiences of stigma, discrimination, human rights abuses, the well-being of and legal framework for LGBT people. The study used a concurrent, equal status, mixed-methods approach consisting of a quantitative survey of 499 and 1,243 respondents for the lived experiences and public perceptions surveys respectively. The study team also conducted six focus group discussions (FGDs) with a total of 59 participants as well as 16 key informant interviews.