SOGIE minority organisations in Africa and their relation to European donors

Abstract: The situation for sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE) minority persons is difficult in many places and in much of Africa their lives are illegal in some form. This thesis focuses on how local organisations and European actors address this problem and what local actors believe could be done better to improve the situation for SOGIE minorities. This includes mapping the work conducted by the actor groups and how it intersects. An abductive, qualitative, desk study has been conducted studying the internet presence of relevant organisations. The main data sources have been the websites of the organisations, but other resources have been used for more nuance. The thesis used postcolonial theory and a human rights framework. Postcolonial theory explains some of the actions taken by African governments but also sheds light on the power structure between the African and European organisations. The findings underline that there are improvements in the relationship between the two groups compared to previous literature on the topic, including better dialogues, more local control in projects and some efforts to fund the organisations’ functional needs. However, the local organisations still feel that too much money and decision making power go to Western actors. The local organisations often focus on economic stability, health and legal assistance, as well as research about the groups they are working with and attempting to influence governments and improve local perceptions. The European organisations also focus on health, legal and economic assistance as well as media training and security.