Been Here Been Queer: Reclaiming LGBTQ Histories for the Future

For this year’s LGBT History Month, QUESTPRO-WOMEN FOUNDATION is launching a powerful campaign titled *Been Here, Been Queer*, focusing on LGBTQ history within African cultures. This campaign seeks to celebrate the rich, often overlooked presence of queer identities in African societies long before colonial and religious interventions.

LGBTQ identities are not a modern Western concept, despite the myths perpetuated by oppressive structures. In fact, many African communities recognized and embraced diverse expressions of gender and sexuality. Historical records from pre-colonial Africa illustrate that same-sex relationships and non-binary identities were understood and, in some cases, revered. For example, in Southern Africa, the *Chibados* of the Ndongo Kingdom were recognized for their fluid gender roles, and in Uganda, the Mudoko Dako of the Langi tribe were regarded as a distinct gender.

The campaign will highlight these narratives, drawing connections between African traditions of tolerance and modern-day queer struggles. By showcasing art, literature, and historical accounts from diverse African cultures, *Been Here, Been Queer* aims to challenge the misconception that LGBTQ identities are foreign to Africa. Instead, it will show that LGBTQ communities have always been integral to the continent’s cultural landscape.

Through this campaign, QUESTPRO-WOMEN FOUNDATION continues its mission of promoting human rights and empowering young women, especially those affected by HIV and discrimination. As part of the greater advocacy effort, the organization underscores that the fight for LGBTQ rights is deeply intertwined with Africa’s fight for social justice, health equity, and human dignity.

Been Here, Been Queer invites everyone to celebrate the richness of African history and join in the fight for equality, ensuring that the future remains as inclusive as the past once was.