AMSHER in Addis; blessing in disguise or a Grave menace, to Gay () Ethiopians?

Addis Ababa The beautiful, truly diverse and vibrant city of Addis is without a doubt the sole claimant to the title of Capital not only of Ethiopia, but continental Africa as a whole. It has been a hub and host to the head offices of major international organizations from the likes of the now disbanded OAU, to its current successor AU (African Union) and many others... Addis has been a centre of choice not only for its geographical location or relative peace, but mainly because it is a home of unconditionally welcoming and hospitable people. Yes a white man will be stared at for standing out, but is never from the eyes of a face without a heart-warming smile and yes a strange haired individual might be shouted at, random hellos and the like but after all, what would better welcome one to a foreign place, than these small yet heart felt gestures of kind acceptance. And despite unsuccessful competition from other far more developed African nations over the years, the city with an Amharic name meaning New flower and is also literally in the process of blossoming, continues to be the choice of centre and a hub of the African continent. Hence, it came as no surprise when Addis Ababa was chosen to host the 16th International Conference on Aids and STIs, Dec 4-8th, 2011.with up to 10,000 thousand delegates expected to fly in to Addis, it would be the biggest conference the city has ever hosted, but it should not be much of a challenge at all for Addis is the city of truly convivial and hospitable people ICASA The International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections in Africa (ICASA) is one of the major international AIDS conferences happening in Africa. ICASA provides a forum for exchange of scientific knowledge, experiences and best practices in Africa and around the globe in all dimensions of HIV/AIDS and STIs. Most importantly, ICASA serves as a platform for sharing of progress towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support in the continent. The conference attracts leaders, high level policy makers, scientists, and people living with HIV/AIDS, community and opinion leaders and UN agencies, among others. The first ICASA was held in Brussels, Belgium, in 1986 with the theme, "AIDS in Africa," and Senegal hosted the 15th ICASA," in 2008. Its current biennial hosting alternates between the Anglophone and Francophone African countries.

Following the 14th ICASA conference held in Nigeria, Abuja under the theme HIV/AIDS AND THE FAMILY, a regional coalition of MSM/LGBT led and other organizations was formed. Aiming to work to address issues ranging from vulnerability of gay and bisexual men, Male-to-female transgender women and other MSM, to HIV.

AMSHER African Men for Sexual Health and Rights was formally established following the International Aids Society (IAS) Conference2008 in Mexico and a consensus workshop to define and agree on the objectives, held in Cape Town on March 16th and 17th, 2009. AMSHERs official website states that; As a coalition of African -based and -led MSM organizations, AMSHeR provides a platform for exchange and learning among grassroots MSM organizations, HIV services and advocacy organizations, human rights organizations and other agencies working with and/or for MSM communities. In addition to its work to bring about visibility and address MSM and HIV issues, AMSHeR advocates for greater resources for MSM work in Africa; it works to strengthen and develop community structures to address issues such as societal discrimination and stigma, and advocate for positive and inclusive policies and effective interventions. AMSHeR strives to increase the visibility of MSM issues across various levels such as policy, legislation, communities and service delivery, and strengthen capacities of national agencies and individuals working to improve policy, legislation and programming related to MSM sexual & reproductive health The organizations motives are described as having arisen from the failure of most African nations to deal with Sexual health and other issues faced by MSM and similar sexual minorities as part of the fight against HIV aids. Further on, it states that Despite global and local evidence in Africa about the higher vulnerability of men who have sex with men (MSM) to HIV infection, only a few African nations have attempted to put adequate responses in place. Too much time has elapsed to ensure that MSM are considered within national HIV programmes. Africa continues to be the worst performer in the global community's efforts to stem the impact of HIV amongst MSM. The reasons for this state of affairs can be attributed to a variety of factors, which explain the current weak response the HIV related needs of MSM on the continent: There is a lack of visibility and voice of African MSM There is very little resourcing for MSM self-organized groups and programmes

As a coalition we feel that there is an urgent need to have a common understanding of and clarity on the real issues ourselves (as MSM advocates). We are conscious of the need for African based structures to join the energies of emerging self-organized groups and organizations working to promote the health and rights of gay men and other MSM in the continent... Though the issues mentioned above and the need to address them dire, in most African nations, Ethiopia is probably where the work of such an organisation be most desperately sought. Since there has never existed a single NGO, local or national organisation to deal with the issue and include MSM and other sexual minorities with in the current strategy to fight AIDS and other STIs. Well, no surprise there, in all honesty, It is perhaps too big a ask, and a dream too far-fetched. For me to hope to be helped and saved by the same people, society and state that wish and strive for the entire non-existence of me and the likes of me.. Despite all, I was delighted to learn that AMSHER would be hosting a three-day workshop to build the skills of member representatives between November 30December 2 and a one-day pre-conference session dubbed Claim, Scale-up, and Sustain with over 200 participants on December 3, 2011, in Addis Ababa - Ethiopia, prior to the main ICASA conference.. The aim of this pre- conference gathering was set out as; To increase attention on MSM/LGBTI and HIV related issues in Africa, to reflect on the state of the response in MSM communities on the continent, and to identify ways forward for scaling up MSM and HIV interventions. AMSHeR has partnered with its members, several community and donor organizations, as well as UN institutions to offer a range of topics that highlight a wide array of the most pressing health and human rights issues facing sexual minorities today, including the criminalization of consensual same-sex practices, new biomedical approaches to HIV prevention, the AU African Commissions Committee for the Protection of the rights of PLHIV and those most at risk, the Global Funds Equity Assessment, and the recently adopted Political Declaration on AIDS. I was optimistic for it might be a mile-stone and a new era for the health and wellbeing of fellow Zegas @home yet also apprehensive in that it might lead to and bring about unwanted attention and a new wave of hostility towards the gay community in Addis and across the nationAs was the case following the Dec, 2008 gathering of nearly a dozen religious leaders in Addis who called for a clear constitutional ban and death penalty for the crime of homosexuality... Monday Nov 28, the AMSHeR team arrive at the pre-booked Jupiter hotel only to be informed by the management that they had double booked their conference facilities and that they would need to seek alternative arrangements to host their meetings. Amidst claims that the hotel was on the receiving end of accusations from the conservative Ethiopian elements about hosting a homosexual meeting and that there were threats of violence. In the face of this hostile homophobic environment, the hotel opted to cancel its obligation to AMSHeR. The management suggested some alternative venues, but informed the organisers that it would take up to a week

to transfer their deposit to the new hotel. Cumulative of which, made it virtually impossible for AMSHeR to host their workshop and pre-conference as previously scheduled. At long last, the UN stepped in to offer a venue for AMSHeR to host the workshop and pre-conference. And despite day one of the workshop having to be cancelled as almost a full day was spent getting the participants security clearance to enter the ECA building located in the UN compound in Addis, a shorter version of workshop and meeting took place. Religious leaders convene Addis Ababa conference hall. Tuesday, 29 November 2011. Religious leaders of all the major religions gather spear headed by Abune Paulos, leader of the Ethiopian orthodox Christian church for a press conference called to denounce the upcoming MSM and HIV themed event to be hosted by AMSHER, prior to the opening of the much anticipated ICASA. The leaders briefly faced journalists before being interrupted by the health minister Tewodros Adhanom for an hour long meeting behind closed doors. Subsequently, the conference was called off and the leaders left without revealing what was discussed with the minister while a swarm of federal police officers forced the awaiting journalists to delete pictures taken in the conference room. It doesnt take a genius to figure out that the dodgy measures taken by the government officials were to cover up and bluntly deny what took place. And it is even more so obvious that, it was only to make sure the main event took place without a glitch there by avoiding embracement for the very deceitful & Image conscious administration. After all, it is the exact same hypocritical leadership that facilitated the gathering in 2008 and allowed the same religious fundamentalists to publicly incite hatred. Now, since there have been no further publications on this pre-conference event, I am not aware of the specific details. But I have no doubt that it would be of invaluable lesson and experience for the Rainbow Ethiopia members, health professionals and other Ethiopians who took part! But at the same time, I cant help but wonder If this gathering which was the first of its kind in Ethiopia will be a blessing in disguise once the current spate of negative hype and attack dies out, or whether if will be a fire starter and a grave menace to the future of gay Ethiopians? I guess only time will tell Word out Meanwhile, it didnt take long for the news of the planned meeting organized by AMSHER and subsequent gathering of the religious leaders in Addis to reach the public. Mainly curtsey of online and print publications devoid of basic journalistic

standards of impartiality and neutrality. Which was promptly followed unsurprisingly, by a flood of homophobic and hatred ridden messages on countless forums and chat rooms. Facebook posts entertained and reflected up on the sole topic of conversation for Ethiopians at home and abroad; Homosexuality. By the time a few exchanges had taken place, it would no longer be about the meeting itself but all about homosexuality and the Ethiopian perspective. Yes it was excruciatingly painful at times for, if I ever forgot It did remind me the extremeness of homophobia with in the Ethiopian society and the mind set of many many individuals. But it was also strangely pleasing in that, Even if for all the wrong reasons; it did acknowledge my very existence. And to my surprise, there in between the insult and the curse were some truly remarkable views by Habeshas. Altruistic Ethiopians who dont necessarily identify as queer themselves, but are not only aware of, and acknowledge the very fact that gay rights are basic human rights, but also brave enough to freely express their views. On the other hand ,I was also astounded of the number of people who actually were not in favour of gay rights as such and would never consider personally associating with a homosexual but still went on to emphasize the fundamental need to raise and have a civilised discussion on the issue, regardless of the outcome. Here is one such excerpt from a series of comments by an individual named Benji Fortu which truly enthralled me; First of (just to make it clear) i believe in individual rights. No one should tell me what to do in my life as i don't want to order you in yours. And if u don't believe in individual right, stop reading my comment, you might find it offending to your thoughts. So if you believe in individual right, no one forced you to be Catholic, Orthodox, Muslim, atheist etc... No one forced you to follow EPRDF, CDU...., and similarly no one should force you to be homo, bi and hetero, as it is totally your right to exercise your choice and beliefs. I have not seen, read or heard any tangible argument from anti-homo individuals that is not associated with religion, culture or just plain hatred. The religion reasoning only works for believers, how about for Atheist's? What is your argument for someone who is not in the circle of believing in God? The culture reason only holds so long as the culture is stagnant. However, every culture in human history is evolving and changing through time. I don't think you still believe that women should not dress up shorts (which was literally our culture awhile back). It might not be our culture to support the idea of being homo or bi, but that argument could not hold long, it will eventually change. Some things which were considered as morally unethical just 10 years ago, are just normal those days. After all we have to understand that life is a matter of choice and doing your best to achieve those choices while respecting others' choices. But one thing that i would like to point out is that, if a homo person knock on my door and tried to persuade me in to his world (just like what the Jehovah witness individuals do), i wouldn't tolerate such action on my property and that would be enough for me to take some further measures. That's why i respect anyone's decision, so long as they respect mine what captivated me most reading Benjis comment is how he made a very apparent yet absolutely imperative observation of the fact that just about every single one of the homophobic comments and arguments were based on religious beliefs. Hence he went on to ascertain to all self centered and ignorant homophobes to think out of the box for a change!

Its not wether which religious teachings say what, and which ones are right or not.for religion itself is a choice and that no one should be expected to have one let alone agree to and abide by a certain specific text and paragraph. On another note, the very nature of the AMSHER gathering and the fact that it was part of the perhaps the biggest international Aids conference, was more than excuse enough to be used by inconsiderate stirrers and scaremongers to justify their reasoning that homosexuality is the major source of HIV infections, and that even AIDS itself originated from gays. Some went on to name homosexuality,the ugly sister of the once infamous group of individuals known as Shamo who were rumoured to have set out to purposely and in an organized manner ,spread HIV . Similarly and very sadly, various articles were published as a supposed insight in to Ethiopian homosexual life style. A good example of which, is an Amharic article titled ( ) which entertained scaremongering & utter bullshitery of truly colossal magnitude. Extensive and detailed but entirely ludicrous fibs of how the alarming spread of homosexuality is on the brink of destroying the nation of Ethiopia, how gays in their ever expanding organization either use sweets, chocolate and Khat to lure innocent men and do their deeds, or violently rape using force. I am truly disappointed most of all at how some individuals are not only against our community, but actually go out of their way to mislead others using completely fabricated facts. While also, bullying anyone who might be pro-human right into fear of being ostracised by painting a false picture of overall nationwide consensus. Nevertheless, I cant even begin to imagine trying to retaliate for I wouldnt wish to stoop to their low. But cant help but at least, poke a gaping hole in a couple of ill-informed logics up on which, the majority of discussions taking place are based on. Here is to all Ignorant homophobe Ethiopians; a hole in your own logic 1, if as you all seem to deduce, we (gays) are to AIDS what mosquitos are to malaria, then how come Ethiopia has amongst the highest rates of infection in the world? Wouldnt that assumption subsequently infer that either the majority of 85 million inhabitants are gay, or that the very few minority Habesha homosexuals have somehow managed to have unprotected sex with and spread the disease to the majority? Wrong! Homosexuality is not the major cause of AIDS, and gay sex, by no means an STI lottery. Unprotected sexual intercourse of any kind is! Now, I am not oblivious to the numerous researches and statistics that has over the years revealed that there is a relatively higher rate of all STI infections among MSM worldwide. But this is a direct result of complete lack of safe sex education and campaigns specifically designed for this and similar sexual minority groups. Sociocultural stigma also plays a major role in forcing homo sexual relationships underground there by rendering the chances of establishing a stable and monogamous relationship, impossible. Both of the aforementioned facts are substantiated by the decreasing rate of HIV and other STI infections with in these communities in many western nations who have decriminalized homosexuality and put in a great deal of work and as much resource to safe sex education, campaigns and specialised medical support to the MSM, LGBT and all sexual minority communities as a whole. All of which should have in fact been, more than a reason enough for Addis to gladly welcome and host AMSHER with open arms and, more than a mere motive for

Ethiopians to acknowledge the need to establish, nurture and develop such organizations and events!!! 2, It was not at all a new phenomenon to see just about every single Anti-homosexuality view expressed to have been based on religious principles and mainly, those of orthodox Christianity. Time and again, I always simply ignore such arguments for it would most certainly be time wasted in vain. But, born and raised in a family of strict Orthodox Christians myself and having done my fair share of bible study, I am very aware that the bible (leaving aside the matter of weather I or any one for that matter should believe in it) does forbid homosexuality, mainly in the old testament . In same way the same bible and the same Old Testament calls for an adulterous woman to be stoned and a misbehaving child put to death. Well, if this is the case and if you (holly people) despise us (gays) for the book tells you to do so, then should you not give your disloyal women to be stoned to death and your boisterous children be killed before you ? 3, On the other side are arguments, purely from a cultural point of view. Stressing on the fact that Ethiopia is a country never colonized. Of pure, long-standing culture that has been passed down for generations and that it continue to be so. These stand points go on to not only claim that homosexuality has never existed in Ethiopia, and that no child of Habesha blood would grow up to be gay, but also that if there ever occurred an instance of homosexuality in today Ethiopia, It is a result and one pitfall among many, of, globalization. As ridiculous as it may seem, the idea of homosexuality having been literally imported in , courtesy of vectors in the form of tourists, merchants, and Ethiopians returning back after living in the west, is not just a mere speculation but a firm stand point for most Habesha-Homophobes. Wrong again dear friends!! I personally detest these arguments most of all for undoubtedly it will have a major vilifying effect and would greatly sway people who dont have any understanding of homosexuality at all ,in to believing that homosexuality is not the result and making of nature but a habit acquired or learned. Hence the probability it might have been brought to Ethiopia from the foreign land of the White man. Now here is why I think this theory is absolute baloney, i, Substantial Historical evidence tells that the Agaw people who are ancestors of present day Amhara and Tigre tribes of Ethiopia and Eritrea practiced same sex marriages up until the 17th century. I guess that by itself should put an end to the whole globalization theory once and for all If for any thing, since it happened a bit earlier than the year New York legalized same sex marriages or the century Britain decriminalized homosexuality On another note, a recent research on sexual health of male sex workers in the streets of Addis Ababa, by a Norwegian NGO has coincidentally found that most of the men interviewed were born and raised in the country side and did engage in gay relationships before coming to Addis and if ever at all, meeting a foreigner or someone who has been outside Ethiopia. ii, Almost all of the still functioning anti-gay laws in most African nations are colonial era laws which were forced up on these nations by colonial powers mainly Britain. Which ironically shows that if ever, the white man had anything to do with homosexuality in Africa, it is forming the basis of state sponsored homophobia and persecution of the sexual minority. A trend still carried on to the present day Africa by numerous white evangelical churches and scaremongering NGOs like United for life. iii, Yes Ethiopia is a nation of rich history dating back as far as 3000 years. Home to countless, traditions and cultural practices. But if we are proud of and treasure

history of the previous generation and the ones before that, then we need to also believe in making our own history; of today, for future generations. By building on what the positives passed down to us and by modifying the unsuitable for our present day and age. Whether we like it or not the dynamic nature of culture will take its course and we will need to acknowledge it. Evident in, the many harmful & inhumane cultural practices which were a must a few years back, but are utterly unthinkable in todays Ethiopia, a very good example of which is Female genital mutilation(FGM). Final Reflections Well, In all honesty, I was literally lost for words witnessing what I forethought would be a moment of triumph and a step in the right direction.It had always been my passion & a personal mission to do my best to help start a conversation in our society regarding the ever taboo concept of homosexuality.In the hope that it would open societys eyes and acknowledge the existence of me and fellow LGBT Ethiopians. And what follows, time would tell. But in hind sight, I wonder if I actually realized the scale and gravity of the consequences. Beyond all,events that made homosexuality a topic of discussion among ordinary Ethiopians ,and the exchanges I witnessed mainly in online discussion forums has made me realize the Cold truth; In 21st century Ethiopia, the conceptual momentum of Gay rights being recognised as basic human right is Not a case of back to square one,but rather one that never left square one, in the first place. Its plain to see that, almost every single one of the views expressed by Anti-gay individuals originated from among gazillion other reasons, a basic and fundamental misunderstanding of homosexuality in its entirety. Being gay, from an Ethiopian perspective is solely depicted and understood as; a mans choice, desire and act of having penetrative anal sex with some one of the same sex. And no more. Exemplification of this being the societal trend easily visible in just about every argument concerning the issue in that, female homosexuality is hardly ever mentioned. Now, that being the case, I would like to raise a few points from my own Perspective. In the hope that other fellow LGBT Ethiopians would also do their bit to help bring about change in attitude. For if even one oblivious mind-set is learned, Ethiopia and consequently the world would have one less homophobe Its utterly ridiculous to assume that being gay is only about anal sex.first and foremost, it is a no-brainer that anal sex is not for gays only! And besides, as unbelievable as it may seem, a man can be of homosexual orientation and have just as fulfilling sexual relations despite having never engaged in penetrative anal sex. Fact! Now, what baffles me on the other hand is the fact that , not only Ethiopians but just about every homophobe regardless of their origin tend to associate the mere word or phrase describing a person of sexual Identity/Orientation other than what is of the majority( man,woman/ straight) with lust & carnal engagement. And assume such a person to be wild and interested in sex only. That being the case, Habesha homophobes possesses perhaps the worst form of this basic misconception. Hence, I do not think I could stress enough; being gay is not only about anal sex as being straight is not just about vaginal sexual intercourse. Being gay is a sexual orientation innate (inborn) not a choice, vice, illness or addiction.

I despise stereotyping for I believe that every single human on earth is a universe away from being exactly alike with another, despite whatever two individuals may have incommon.But I as a proud gay man and a proud Ethiopian, tell you this. Which perhaps most Habesha or otherwise individuals of my sexual orientation would agree to; We (Zegas) are just as human as you (straights) are. We have a life and a lot more than just being gay. We have hopes and ambitions to better ourselves and our nation as you do and our relationships are by no means less loving, we do experience just about every facet of a heterosexual relationship; love and romance attraction and rejection, jealousy and compassion and so on. For me, my sexuality is not only lived/ expressed by my human and very natural desire to engage in physical sex with another human of mutual feeling but also in just about every aspect of life which from early child hood made me different , and mostly Better! Yes, our sexuality does influence to an extent and is reflected in the music our soul dances to our interests ,attitudes, ways and choices.but it is In exactly the same way that heterosexuality does for straight individuals. Now, a very crucial face of the coin is also the fact that, our sexuality/being gay is not at all our sole makeup, but rather a crucial part and constituent of our whole being. Keeping in mind that, this is not because of what our sexuality is, but because that is what human sexuality itself is. Here is the best, short definition of sexuality I ever come across; Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles,sexual orientation,eroticism,pleasure,intimacy and reproduction.Sexuality is experienced and expressed thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed.Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic , cultural, ethical ,legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors. Now, If this does serve its purpose of imparting to the reader, the inimitable importance of sexuality and the role it plays in every individuals being as an adult human regardless of gender or sexual orientation, there should never arise a doubt that a gay man/womans sexuality is no more or less strange and unconventional than that of a straight one. If ever our life style is portrayed as being eccentric and abnormal, It is because you straights agree on and defined what is of your own as being normal and ordinary. Personally, I am very aware of how people might react if a gay habitats sexuality came to light. But, in all honesty, I dont harbour hatred towards homophobe Ethiopians for most of all, I know that these very people who would not batter an eyelid to wish the direst of perils to my person would do so not because they hated me, but because they actually never knew me. Homophobe habeshas know nothing of what being gay is not only because they despise and condemn it so much and dont even want to spare a second trying to understand it but also because i, They are completely and utterly confined to a culture of take what your father told you to be the truth and the only truth and pass it on to your child without ever analysing and examining with ones own God /nature given judgement.

ii, Adherence to erroneous and As and when it fits interpretations and teachings of religion without ever having the audacity to even begin to think about selfanalysis and investigation. iii, Our (queer Ethiopians) lack of courage, freedom and initiative to stand up and have our say. Show our true colors and reason our argument. Neither individually with in our families nor collectively with in our community. Surely, safety comes first and foolhardy battles are nothing but a recipe for disaster. But we also have to acknowledge that no success comes without sacrifice. Racial segregation was not always considered immoral and Apartheid, inhumane. But with time, struggle and the unrelenting will of the minority, the oppressed and the marginalized have brought about the realization of equality and human rights for all in our world today. Hence why we should perhaps seize the moment to stand together and rise up, Hence why we should shout If need be, to be heardand stand by our word! If anything, for we yearn to simply be accepted and not demonized for being gay. For we are a son and a daughter, a brother and a sister, and even a mother and a father.and most of all, a proud Ethiopian. Selam()