Members of the LGBT community in Rwanda are coming out of the shadows after dark days of attacks and harassment early this year. In February, a Rwandan TV journalist proposed marriage to her same-sex partner and they publicly prepared for a wedding abroad. Their engagement sparked anger in the deeply conservative country, and many LGBT people fled Rwanda or went into hiding. Hamada Elrasam talked with Rwandan LGBT community members about how they survived that dangerous time, and the challenges they still face.
Rwandan LGBT Community Steps Out of Shadows
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Diana Marie Merci is a Rwandan lesbian who lives with her partner. "I have no problems with people as long as I don't mention my sexual orientation," she said. "When I talk about it, some people will threaten me. Some of my school friends removed me from Whatsapp groups because of my sexual orientation. Some don't talk to me anymore. But there are also good friends who reached to me after they knew." (Photo: H. Elrasam/VOA)
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Lilian, 28, is a transgender woman. "My family understands my condition and sometimes they tease me, telling me to get married," Lilian said. "I love my family and they love me. But when I go to a job interview, employers will comment on my physical appearance and refuse to hire me. That is why most of the time, I don't have a job." (Photo: H. Elrasam/VOA)