The Panos Institute West Africa in collaboration with the SAHARA Programme (Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS & Health Research Alliance) completed a study on how the Senegalese media reports on LGBTI issues. The results of the study are useful for thinking about how the media reports on LGBTI issues not just in Senegal but in other parts of Africa as well.
According to a
summary of the report:
An analysis of the print media during critical periods that witnessed the rise of homophobia in 2008-2009 highlighted the production of an image of homosexuality that was based on the following ideas:
- Homosexuality is portrayed as a new import from the West, supported by dark lobbying groups.
- The image of homosexuality portrayed by the media is one of an existential threat against society and its sacred foundations
- Resorting to violence against homosexuals is made legitimate by self-defence and "moral purification"
- Homosexuality is illustrated in association with the fear of AIDS.
The analysis of the means of production of the media's outlook indicates that several print media newspapers handled homosexuality with prejudice. The analysis of contents gives rise to several hypotheses:
- The print media reproduced representations related to ignorance of the complexity of the stakes relating to human rights and HIV/AIDS (including a limited knowledge of social science research)
- The media ignored the principles and rules related to the production of reliable information.
Use of the Media to Promote Prejudice Against the LGBTI Community
The reporting about the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 in Uganda, the use of homosexuality as a wedge issue in the Zambian elections and the recent outpouring of religious hate speech in the Malawi and Ghanaian media are recent examples of how the media helps promote prejudice against LGBTI persons.
Here are a few examples of media coverage in the above situations:
- "100 Pictures of Uganda's Top Homos Leak: Hang Them" (Rolling Stone, Uganda).
- "David Bahati told journalists in Kampala today that though Kato's death is unfortunate, it should open Ugandans' eyes to the illegality of homosexuality. Bahati described kato as a humbled soul long and hard to see the future of children destroyed and marriages broken up by illegal acts. He says though his death may have had nothing to do with his acts, it has everything to do with the financial resources set to these individuals by donors, which could have attracted the attention of the assailants" (UG Pulse, Uganda).
- "THE church has vowed to campaign against Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata for advocating gay rights. And Chief Government spokesperson Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha said what Mr Sata is advocating is an abomination and the church must rise against such leaders" (Lusaka Times, Zambia).
- "Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Secretary General Sheikh Imran Sharif Mohammed said there is no way they can cooperate gays and lesbians in the community as it is against their doctrine. “Homosexuality is sin and is punishable by beheading. The Holy Koran clearly states that any community which indulges in these acts is calling for calamities like those that happened to Sodom and Gomorrah,” said Mohammed, a lecture at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College" (Nyasa Times, Malawi).
- "The Western Region Minister Paul Evans Aidoo has ordered the immediate arrest of all homosexuals in the region. He has tasked the Bureau of National Investigations and all security agencies to smoke out persons suspected to be engaging in same sex. He also enlisted the services of landlords and tenants to provide reliable information which will lead to the arrest of homosexuals" (MyJoyOnline, Ghana).
These sustained media campaigns have serious consequences and have resulted in
government threats to investigate LGBTI persons in Ghana, the
harm of the Sata campaign in Zambia and possibly the
murder of David Kato in Uganda (who was a plaintiff in the
landmark legal victory against the
Rolling Stone).
Ways Forward
The Panos Institute West Africa study suggests the
following ways forward:
In the report, the main recommendations look at providing communication professionals with research results and scientific information that will enable them to understand the complexity of the issue of homosexuality in relation to the AIDS epidemic, the recognition of human rights, and the reinterpretation of concepts of tolerance and civil peace in dominant religious points of view.
The study suggests that debates be organised on media responsibility with regard to issues such as: the history and social construction of homosexuality in Senegal and in Africa, multiple views on religion and homosexuality, the situation of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM), human rights, and the legal environment in relation to homosexuality. These workshops should be based on good preparatory work, particularly focusing on a literature review and a synopsis of social science research. This research should focus on the following issues: opinions, attitudes and knowledge on HIV; homosexuality and vulnerable groups; the effects of the media's handling of homosexuality; and changing the attitudes and behaviour of the general public and of media professionals in relation to violence against sexual minorities.
South African organisation
Gender DynamiX put together a primer for the media titled, "
How to deal with Transgender issues - for media." It has been added to African Activist's
resource section under Media (Thank you to Simone Heradien of Outspoken Radio). We'll be in search for other guides from Africa over the next few months.
See Also:
