Another world is Possible:
A report from the WSF 2007
by Zodwa Nkwinika

Thousands flocked into Nairobi, Kenya this past January to discuss the possibilities for another world at the World Social Forum (WSF) as it met for the first time on the continent of Africa. As people gathered to discuss a world more just and free for the majority of the world’s poor, the politically excluded, and the socially marginalized, lesbians and gays, trans men and women, the intersex, and two-spirited people the world over spoke to each other about what they, too, need as queers in order for alternatives to take shape.

On January 20, 2007, different organizations from all over the globe marched, carrying their banners that voiced their expectations and wants and dreams. Christians sharing a platform with homosexuals without judgment—that was quite an experience! Kenyan Gays and Lesbians who belong to the GALCK proudly marched with their banners—many for the first time. And under discussion were relevant topics such as ‘Homosexuality is unAfrican?” Activists from around the continent contributed to the discussion, chief among them was a Nigeria activist who remembers that in the village of her youth it was normal to speak about same-sex love, and sexual pleasure, but that was before the European missionaries came around and forbade it in the name of morality and Europe’s notion of “civilization.” With this type of history shared, and this type of offensive strategy against those who wish to say homosexuality is a colonial import and unAfrican, another world is indeed possible!

Being at such a space made me see how fortunate we South Africans were, the Civil Unions Act has been passed in our country, and I can walk with my partner without fearing that I might get arrested for Public Indecency or for engaging in “unlawful behavior.” This has made me appreciate our Constitution even more, though not the same for everyone

There was also so much information to be circulated to different participants, a real exchange of information and ways of running sustainable organizations for LGBTIs and two-spirited peoples by queers.

It is very much a concern to me that Africans still feel that homosexuality is something European, even though it is European Christian religions, Eurocentric values, and many ‘European’ countries that won’t even consider legalizing non-heterosexual Marriage.

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