Ghanaian musician Sister Deborah shatters myths about homosexuality
Sister Deborah uses interview on Ghanaian radio to speak out for LGBTQ rights
The LGBTQI+ rights advocacy group Rightify Ghana reports:
Sister Deborah blames colonial religion, not African culture, for anti-LGBTQ hate in Ghana
Ghanaian musician and LGBTQI+ ally Sister Deborah has challenged common misconceptions about LGBTQI+ people in Ghana, arguing that homosexuality is a natural phenomenon rather than a foreign influence.
She also rejected claims that advocacy for LGBTQI+ rights can change a person’s sexual orientation.
Speaking in an interview with Adu Kumi on Asempa FM’s Showbiz programme, Sister Deborah said scientific research has documented same-sex behaviour in more than 1,500 animal species, including dolphins, giraffes, penguins and insects, which she cited as evidence that homosexuality occurs naturally.
She further argued that pre-colonial African societies, including among the Akan, recognised gender diversity and had indigenous concepts and language reflecting it before the arrival of European colonialism and Abrahamic religions.
According to her, intolerance towards LGBTQI+ people became more pronounced following the introduction of Christianity and Islam, which she described as foreign religious influences.
Responding to claims that LGBTQI+ advocacy influences people’s sexual orientation, Sister Deborah questioned whether simply hearing about LGBTQI+ issues could change someone’s innate attractions.
Drawing from her own experience, she said she is not attracted to women despite being an outspoken ally, arguing that sexual orientation is not something people can be persuaded or recruited into.
She also urged the public to avoid reducing LGBTQI+ people solely to discussions about sex, stressing that they are individuals deserving of dignity, respect and equal rights.
