Love Falls On Us: A Story of American Ideas and African LGBT Lives

The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill in 2009 became a top global news story, but there is still little consensus on how to advance LGBT rights beyond the U.S. and Europe. Award-winning journalist Robbie Corey-Boulet's investigation "Love Falls on Us" shows that LGBT liberation does not look the same in Africa as it does in the United States or Europe, and that there is a right way to engage on LGBT issues in Africa and worldwide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In 2009, Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Bill gained international attention and sparked widespread debate. Two years later, Hillary Clinton made a landmark statement, asserting that "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights." However, despite these advancements, there remains limited consensus on how to extend these rights beyond the United States and Europe. The reality is that international LGBT activism and allies have resulted in both winners and losers. In Africa, individuals who readily align with the identities of the global movement often find support, funding, and care. Conversely, those whose sexualities do not conform to the mainstream narratives face challenges in accessing these resources.

In his compelling and deeply moving investigation, award-winning journalist Robbie Corey-Boulet delves into the unique landscape of LGBT liberation in Africa. At a time when there is a growing interest in LGBT life in Africa and efforts to reverse LGBT rights in many parts of the "developed world," Corey-Boulet exposes past failures. He questions whether there is a singular, correct approach to engaging with LGBT issues on a global scale, particularly in Africa. Love Falls on Us is a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities and nuances of LGBT rights in Africa and beyond.

The book begins by examining the historical context of LGBT rights in Africa, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of activists and communities across the continent. Corey-Boulet explores the diverse experiences of LGBT individuals in different African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, and Uganda, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities they face. He also delves into the role of international organizations and donors in shaping LGBT policies and practices in Africa, highlighting both the positive and negative impacts of their interventions.

One of the key themes of the book is the intersectionality of LGBT rights with other social and political issues. Corey-Boulet argues that LGBT individuals in Africa often face discrimination and marginalization not only because of their sexual orientation but also because of their gender, race, class, and other identities. He highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing these intersecting inequalities, recognizing that achieving LGBT liberation requires addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and violence.

Corey-Boulet also explores the challenges faced by LGBT activists and communities in Africa. He discusses the legal and political barriers that prevent them from advocating for their rights, the violence and discrimination they face from both state and non-state actors, and the lack of support and resources available to them. He calls for greater solidarity and collaboration among LGBT activists and allies across the continent, as well as increased support from international organizations and governments.

Love Falls on Us is not just a book about LGBT rights in Africa; it is also a call to action. Corey-Boulet encourages readers to become engaged in the fight for LGBT equality and to support the efforts of activists and communities on the ground. He offers practical suggestions for how individuals and organizations can contribute to the advancement of LGBT rights in Africa, including advocating for policy change, supporting grassroots organizations, and raising awareness about the issues facing LGBT individuals.

In conclusion, Love Falls on Us is a groundbreaking and essential work that sheds light on the complex and diverse landscape of LGBT rights in Africa. Through his compelling investigation, Robbie Corey-Boulet challenges readers to think critically about the ways in which LGBT rights are shaped and contested on a global scale. He offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the experiences of LGBT individuals in Africa, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to addressing intersecting inequalities and achieving true liberation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of LGBT rights in Africa and beyond, and it serves as a call to action for those who want to contribute to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 135 x 217 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786995179