Jun 26, 2021-2021
Malawi
LGBTQ+ Community of Malawi Holds Pride March Despite Government Crackdowns
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ACTIVISTS/ACT.GROUPS/DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUP
LGBTQI+ Community of Malawi
TARGET
Government of Malawi
WIDELY HELD BELIEF
The LGBTQ+ community deserves equal rights and protections under Malawi law and all anti-LGBTQ+ legislation should be overturned.
CASE NARRATIVE
Issue and Opponent: In 2012 homosexuality was decriminalized in Malawi, however in 2016 penalties were re-established for people who identify as such. Homosexuality remains illegal in Malawi and those who identify as anything other than heterosexual face arrest and imprisonment. Countless LGBTQ+ persons have been persecuted, arrested, and killed in the nation. Despite recommendations and pressure from some international organizations, Malawi has not proceeded to change its laws.
Dilemma Action: In June 2016, the organizers of Malawi Pride used the parade to deliver a petition addressed to the president calling on recognition by the government, legalization of same-sex marriage, and equal access to health care. Marchers used shirts with rainbow colors and with phrases such as ’embracing our queerness’, ‘pride unites world’, ‘love first’, and ‘Malawi is for us too’, as they danced and chanted ‘Viva LGBTI!’. They marched largely alone through quiet streets and also petitioned the government to cancel an online survey on citizens’ views on homosexuality to protect minorities.
Outcome: No crowds lined the pavements, though a few passing cars sounded their horns in support. No crackdowns occurred, which made the government look weak relative to its very strict laws, but the event received widespread, international media attention.
PRIMARY STRUGGLE/GOAL
NONVIOLENT TACTICS USED
DA TACTICS USED
Parades
CASE NARRATIVE WRITER
SUCCESS METRICS
9 / 12
(MC) Media Coverage
(MSYMP) Media coverage was sympathetic to the activists
(OR) Opponent response
(PS) Dilemma action built sympathy with the public
(PUN) Punishment favored the activists
(REFR) Dilemma action reframed the narrative of the opponent
(RF) Dilemma action reduced fear and/or apathy among the activists
(SA) Dilemma action appealed to a broad segment of the public
Artivism
PART OF A LARGER CAMPAIGN
0 / 3
RESOURCES
Project documentation
Dilemma Actions Coding Guidebook
Case study documentation
Dilemma_Actions_Analysis_Dataset
SOURCES
Lang, Nico. 2021. “Malawi holds first LGBTQ+ Pride Parade in defiance of anti-gay laws.” Them, June 28. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://www.them.us/story/malawi-first-lgbtq-pride-parade-defiance-anti-gay-laws.
Mokoena, Sibu M. 2021. “Breaking: Malawi holds First Gay Pride Parade malawi 24: Latest News from Malawi.” Malawi24, June 26. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://malawi24.com/2021/06/26/breaking-malawi-holds-first-gay-pride-parade/.
Damshenas, Sam. 2021. “LGBTQ+ community in Malawi celebrate First Pride Parade.” GAY TIMES. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/malawis-persecuted-lgbtq-citizens-celebrate-countrys-first-ever-pride-parade/.
Pensulo, Charles. 2021. “Malawi’s LBGTQ+ Community celebrates first pride parade.” The Guardian, June 28. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/jun/28/malawis-lbgtq-community-celebrates-first-pride-parade.
Masina, Lameck. 2021. “Malawi’s LGBTI community marches, petitions government for change.” VOA June 26. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://www.voanews.com/africa/malawis-lgbti-community-marches-petitions-government-change.
Milton, Josh. 2021. “First-ever Malawi Pride sees brave activists deliver demands to the president.” PinkNews, June 28. Retrieved July 23, 2023. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2021/06/28/malawi-first-pride-parade-anti-lgbt-laws/.
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