A House Divided: A survey of public attitudes to sexual orientation and gender non-conformity in eSwatini

There is no shortage of anecdotal evidence of violence and discrimination towards LGBTI people in Africa yet hardly any detailed, statistically sound studies have been done about the actual opinions of Africans on sexual orientation and gender identity.

A House Divided: A survey of public attitudes to sexual orientation and gender non-conformity in eSwatini shows that public opinion on sexual diversity and gender non-conformity in eSwatini is split, despite the country’s small and relatively homogeneous population. While most EmaSwati value safety, equality, and respect for everyone, they have conflicting opinions about the place of LGBTI people in society and communities. Although a significant portion of EmaSwati is personally familiar with people from sexual and gender minorities and are supportive of them enjoying equal rights and legal protections, their progressive voices are hushed in comparison to more dominant conservative views.