Francis Kokoroko

KUMASI (Ghana) – Va-Bene Elikem Fiatsi, a Ghanaian LGBT+ activist, flipped through photos of herself to illustrate her transformation from manhood to womanhood in a darkly lit room.

Ghana is not a country where transitioning is illegal. However, it is legal in Ghana if there is a new law that tightens already stringent anti-LGBT+ regulations, which make same-sex relationships illegal.

The West African nation is rife with homophobia and most trans people in it are considered homosexual.

In 2017, Fiatsi presented the first exhibition of these photographs, called “Rituals of Becoming”. In Ghana, the exhibition attracted a large number of supporters.

She shows how LGBT+ persons in Ghana managed to navigate legal and social restrictions to create a place to be themselves.

Fiatsi is concerned that the bill could close that space, and if passed would mean that she faces prosecution for every dress she wears.

Fiatsi runs Kumasi’s artist residency in Kumasi. “To say that I’m afraid would be an understatement,” she said.

She said, “It’s like waiting for the slaughter to happen.”

Ghana is just one of over 30 African countries to ban the practice. Three-year sentences can be imposed for guilty verdicts.

The “Family Values Bill” was introduced by Ghana’s opposition in November. It would allow for jail sentences of between 3 and 5 years for advocates of LGBT+ causes. For those “holding out” to be lesbians, homosexuals, nonbinary or transgender, as well as for individuals who have or are undergoing gender reassignment procedures.

Although the bill has wide support from lawmakers, it has not yet been voted on. The bill also contains a provision which would require some people to go through conversion therapy. Amnesty International warned that this provision could be in violation of Ghana’s anti torture laws.

Public opposition to the bill has not been voiced by any politician. Although President Nana Akufoo-Addo called for civil debate and tolerability when the bill was first introduced, she didn’t take a position on its contents.

Opponents claim that passage of the bill would cause a serious setback in a country known as a friendly and stable democracy, which attracts both tourists and investors.

The backers claim that LGBT+ activities are a threat to the family concept, which is the core of the country’s structure. There is no set date for voting.

Fiatsi is an ex-Christian pastor and called it “Anti-Human” bill. It takes away our family’s values of tolerance, hospitality and love.

“WE ALL ARE THE SAME.”

No national opinion polls have been conducted on the bill. Advocates state that LGBT+ individuals are often victims of physical abuse in Ghana. Those who openly identify themselves or come out are also frequently excluded by close friends and relatives.

Fiatsi stated, “A few of my cousins and brothers have, over five decades, never spoken, even though we love and miss each other so much.” “Most people think I’m a demon.”

Many of her ex-colleagues agree. Among the loudest supporters of the bill have been Christian leaders.

When public hearings began in November, Abraham Ofori-Kuragu, a spokesperson for the influential Pentecostal-Charismatic council, said he had never seen a law “so bold in its presentation of the Ghanaian agenda.”

Ghana has more than 70% Christian population. In Accra, billboards featuring faces from popular preachers are found on every street corner. Some leaders of faith condemn the Western imposition on LGBT+ rights.

Fiatsi is no longer welcomed in the churches she once preached, but instead channels her evangelism through art and activism.

She has sculptures created from recycled electronics or tree trunks in her studio. Walls are decorated with affirmations such as “We Are All The Same”, and murals.

Although she has an international network of friends, she insists that she will remain in Ghana to show solidarity for those who are unable.

Fiatsi finds comfort in the small acts of kindness, despite all of the dangers of being transgender woman.

She traveled to the village of her family shortly after the bill had been introduced. This was her first trip back in over 20 years.

He sat nervously in his dress and shoes. While some people exchanging pleasantries, others drew their attention and silently snigger.

The awkwardness soon gave way to family warmth. She was greeted by a relative who shook her hand. One relative asked Fiatsi how her life was. Fiatsi entertained a joke by sticking her tongue out when someone said something snide.

She stated, “There are many other people who will be born after me,” “What I do now is not for me or for anyone else.” It’s for future generations.