Gay ethiopia

I wanted to understand whether being gay is something we are born with or something shaped by our environment and experiences. My parents too, like many Ethiopian families, are deeply rooted in these traditions, and while their intentions are grounded in love and protection, they leave no space for conversations about topics like homosexuality.

One case often cited by scientists is that of Angus and Eric Woodwardidentical twins from Australia. The topic is avoided, dismissed, or met with judgment, creating an environment where meaningful discussion feels impossible. Globally, however, a turning point came inwhen the American Psychological Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders—a decision that opened the door to more serious scientific inquiry.

LGBTQ Ethiopians flee in : Sentences include a maximum penalty of one year imprisonment

For me, this was a moment of confusion. [2][3] Both male and female types of same-sex sexual activity are illegal in the country, [4] with reports of high levels of discrimination and abuses against LGBTQ people. Conversations on the.

These actions paint a clear picture of how deeply entrenched resistance to homosexuality is in our society. Traditional values are woven into every lesson, and our teachers, often deeply religious, reinforce a worldview that leaves little room for questioning or exploring ideas beyond what is accepted.

In the 19th century, many countries criminalized same-sex relationships and classified them as illnesses. How can two people so alike end up so different? In the halls of my Christian school in Addis Ababa, sexuality is not discussed—let alone homosexuality. Conversations on the subject are rare, sensitive, and often avoided entirely.

For many, this issue may seem far from a national priority. The church, our families, and our schools teach us values of kindness, respect, and treating others fairly. [5][6] Ethiopia has a long. Adam and Eve are central to our discussions, while scientific concepts like evolution are left out entirely.

In that way, the school mirrors the country I live in. In recent years, Ethiopia has seen police crackdowns on suspected same-sex activity, anti-LGBT protests led by religious and youth groups, and online campaigns targeting gay. I decided to discuss this topic in my year-long synthesis class research project, and to my surprise, ethiopia teacher at this deeply Christian school approved it.

These are principles that are central to our culture and way of life.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Ethiopia face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. In that way, the school mirrors the country I live in. Security forces in Ethiopia are cracking down on hotels, bars and restaurants in the capital Addis Ababa where gay sexual activity is alleged to take place, the city administration said on Thursday.

But when it comes to gay people, the conversation often stops before it even begins. At my school, religion is at the core of everything we are taught. Ethiopia’s laws make same-sex relationships illegal, and public opinion remains strongly opposed.

In the halls of my Christian school in Addis Ababa, sexuality is not discussed—let alone homosexuality. I remember a family gathering where a cousin mentioned a mutual friend who had moved abroad and later came out as gay. These questions led me down a path of exploration and research.

Share Ethiopia Insight's Substack. Yet avoiding the discussion leaves us reacting with fear rather than with understanding. Young Ethiopians are still exposed to discussions about homosexuality even if our society ignores the issue.