Decolonizing Queer: Responsible Advocacy on the Global Stage
An interesting thing started happening over the last few years that I think is worth noting. Many conservative Evangelical missionaries suddenly became quite interested in resisting colonialism. I know! I was as surprised as you are. After, all, so much of Western Evangelical missions has been a central piece in the historic and ongoing efforts to colonize much of the world, both culturally and politically. Was this an indication of a new movement to decolonize Christian missionary efforts? Unfortunately, while small pockets of such efforts do exist, it turned out that in this case, they had other priorities in mind. In fact, they continued to deny any current or lasting impact of colonialism within modern missions (with some grudging acknowledgment of historic harms). However, there was one area where they were entirely (and quite selectively) opposed to what they called aggressive, Western colonialist agendas: Protecting 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, freedoms, and lives.
That’s right. For example, as human rights advocates in Western contexts began to engage in social and political change in some African countries where laws were becoming increasingly dangerous for queer people, the missionaries- already deeply invested in centuries-long efforts to Christianize (and most often Westernize) these same countries- began to cry “COLONIALISM!”. They are suddenly very invested in resisting “Western interference”.
Now, to be clear, there are legitimate risks that in our well-intentioned and important efforts to fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights in other countries and cultural contexts, we will perpetuate the dominating patterns of colonialism. However, such concerns do not at all legitimize the concerns of these Christian missionaries. Their selective application of anti-colonial rhetoric is actually a weaponization of such efforts to protect their pre-existing colonialist “victories”, namely around gender and sexuality.
Let’s look at Africa as an example. First, I don’t want to suggest an homogeneity across the continent. Africa encompasses a vast diversity in laws, cultures, attitudes, and contexts across different African countries. Second, Western colonialism and missions efforts are not exclusively responsible for anti-2SLGBTQIA+ ideas and practices. Those dynamics are present in some form in most cultures. With that in mind, let’s explore dive in. Most of Africa was colonized by European powers during the 19th and 20th centuries- the great “Scramble for Africa”. Many European nations (such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Portugal) established colonies in various African regions. Even nations like Ethiopia and Liberia which were never officially colonized were heavily influenced or occupied by foreign powers.
Even after the rise of national liberation movements following World War II, where efforts towards decolonization began, the impact of colonization on the continent remained very strongly influential in shaping culture, policies, economic interests, and more. And one area deeply impacted, thanks in no small part to the involvement of European Christian missionaries (and joined by North American missionaries since), was the way gender and sexuality were understood.
The impact of colonization of Africa’s understanding and engagement with gender and sexuality is complex, especially given the scope and diversity of the massive continent. Prior to colonialism, many African societies had a diverse and complex understanding of gender and sexuality, far different from the binary standards brought by European colonizers. Concepts of gender were often fluid, with some societies recognizing multiple genders beyond male and female. Similarly, diverse sexual practices and relationships were accepted in many societies. Of course, Africa is a huge continent, where concepts and practices varied a great deal. However, the point is that what dominates today is almost entirely the result of Western interference.
This undermined and often explicitly rejected the above-mentioned indigenous concepts and social structures, as well as things such as matrilineal traditions and/or egalitarian power dynamics. The diverse and unique gender and sexual identities present in traditional life were rejected, often demonized and criminalized. Vestiges of these influences remain entrenched in both the resulting cultures and legal systems throughout Africa. And continued Western influence (again, in no small part by Christians) has bolstered and furthered these trends.
So, then, where do we go from here? How do we play our part in dismantling the impact of our previous colonial impact and advocate for the life and freedoms of the most vulnerable throughout Africa without perpetuating the same patterns of domination? The answers to this are complex, varied, and far too much for a single article to answer. However, there are some key lessons we can learn as we seek to engage ethically even now:
Support Local Movements: Instead of imposing Western values or ideas of what rights should look like, we must support local activists and organizations that are already working on the ground to advance 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. They have a deeper understanding of and investment in the cultural, political, and social contexts, and therefore are better positioned to effect change in ways that are culturally appropriate and sustainable.
Listen and Learn: It’s essential to approach the issue with humility and an understanding that Western perspectives are not the only or the “correct” ones. Decolonization also involves recognizing and dismantling Western-centric worldviews. That means refraining from speaking too quickly and/or over local voices. Social media, while offering an effective means at times, can also be a place where we are too quick to speak rather to pause and listen.
Advocate Internationally: Advocate with trusted and informed local politicians and agencies who are able to influence ways that respect cultural and diplomatic channels. Many human rights organizations are well-positioned to appropriately influence these issues in other countries. However, be sure to do lots of research to verify they are doing so in proper ways.
Education and Awareness: One way to effect change appropriately is to raise awareness within our own contexts, both about the challenges being addressed and the history and ongoing risk of colonialism. The better educated people are locally, the better and more effective the advocacy we can effect.
Intersectional Approach: Remember to approach your advocacy from an intersectional perspective. Understand that 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in other contexts may also be dealing with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, or economic injustice. And how they experience these dynamics and address them will be unique to their culture.
Resist Imposing Western Frameworks: While Western concepts of gender and sexuality might provide a useful starting point, we need to support the local communities to define their own understanding and expressions accordingly. It may look entirely different than ours and that’s ok.
It is critical to note that these approaches are not simply applicable in Africa or even outside of our own country. Given the increasing diversity within Western contexts, it has much to offer right where we are. Most significantly any of us who are settlers among the indigenous people of Turtle Island- what we call North America. After all, we are living on colonized land, subject to colonized social and legal system right here.
In the end, the goal of advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights globally is to support the freedom and dignity of all people to express their identities without fear of discrimination or persecution, in a manner that respects cultural diversity and autonomy. So while we need to be careful how we do it, we should never shy away from standing with those who face any form of injustice.
Jamie Arpin-Ricci is a bisexual author, award-winning activist, and the Co-Director of Peace & Justice Initiatives. He is also pastoral leader at Little Flowers Community, a Mennonite church in Winnipeg, MB, where he has served a largely 2SLGBTQIA+ congregation for almost 15 years. He was forced to resign from his ministry of 25 years for being fully affirming, facing coercion and death threats. Arpin-Ricci has provided community and support to countless 2SLGBTQIA+ people around the world for years.