U.S. Support of Gay Rights in Africa more harm than good

Suspicious neighbors and proprietors pry into their private lives. Blackmailers chase for casualties on the online networking destinations they use to meet other men. Cops routinely stop them to scan for implicating pictures and talks on their cellphones.

After a hostile to gay law became effective a year ago, numerous gay Nigerians say they have been subjected to new levels of badgering, even viciousness.

They accuse the law, the powers and wide social narrow mindedness for their inconveniences. Be that as it may, they additionally accuse a resolute supporter whose dedication to their reason has been unchallenged and obvious crosswise over Africa: the United States government.

“The U.S. backing is exacerbating matters,” said Mike, 24, a college understudy considering science in Minna, a town in focal Nigeria who asked that his full name not be utilized for wellbeing reasons. “There’s more resistance now. It’s set off individuals’ safeguard instrument.”

Four years back, the American government left on a goal-oriented battle to extend social liberties for gay individuals abroad by marshaling its representatives, coordinating its remote guide and sending President Obama to talk before antagonistic gatherings of people.

Since 2012, the American government has put more than $700 million into supporting gay rights amasses and causes internationally. More than half of that cash has concentrated on sub-Saharan Africa — only one sign of this present mainland’s significance to the new arrangement.

America’s cash and open discretion have opened discussions and opportunities in social orders where the subject was unthinkable only a couple of years prior. Be that as it may, they have likewise made gay men and lesbians more noticeable — and more defenseless against provocation and viciousness, individuals on both sides of the gay rights issue fight. The American battle has blended doubts among numerous African activists, who say they should depend on the West’s backing regardless of frequently contradicting its techniques.

U.S. Support of Gay Rights in Africa more harm than good