ethiopian gays are organizing themselves in washington d.c.

By Ishmael Ngozo

May 20, 2005: It all begin when one Ethiopian gay man based in Canada saw the need do some organizing so as to keep contact with his fellow Ethiopians (and Eritreans). The easiest way was to create a chat group on the net. After a few months, the group had grown to 80 members. After a year the group members numbered over 150.

The members are not just on-line buddies, but they also meet in real life. As Ethiopia remains largely homophobic and discriminatory towards gay people, this is something that wouldn't have been easier to achieve in their homeland.

"According to most Ethiopians, homosexuality is regarded as a white disease and an inexcusable sin. There are three legal systems in Ethiopia, tribal, religious and state law. Being gay, according to this law, the penalty is often death. So it's extremely difficult to live an openly gay lifestyle. Even to mention your sexual orientation is feared. Rural people in Ethiopia don't know about it. If someone knows that you are gay they won't shake your hand; they want you burned in the everlasting flame. I think this is how 98 percent of the people think," said a source quoted in a report from Addis Ababa.

What the group members agree about is that there are many gays and lesbians living in Addis Ababa, but they live undercover, lack confidence and live in constant fear. Trying to get a picture of gay life in Ethiopia and why gay Ethiopians have fled their country led to many startling revelations. There are very few people who want to share their experiences. Some of my Ethiopian contacts who live in South Africa are also unwilling to share information.

And there was Rush. He says that he says that he came out in his village while playing with other boys at the age of seven. "I don't forget that day, that was really fabulous and exciting." Rush has spend a few years here in South Africa in hiding and scared for his life after fleeing his country. Many other Ethiopians are currently in foreign countries as a result of complications arising out of their disclosure of their sexual orientation.

The Ethiopian online group has members in a variety of country although 40% of them reside in Washington D.C, the UK and South Africa. It is the group's third year anniversary this year. People like Musiek, the group's provocateur, deserve an accolade for the efforts they have put into the group's existence and vibrant social gatherings.

There is also an Ethiopian gay bar which is reported to open very soon in Washington D.C. Sebastople, one of those behind said that "we feel proud to announce that the gay Ethiopians in D.C are busy preparing for the annual Ethiopian Gay Summit Pride parade on June 11 2005 at Washington DC. But there is also June 12th which is the Street Festival hopefully people will be staying at the inexpensive dorm or church hall. They feel its time that they raise a flag of their country with the gay flag alongside. [We are in solidarity] some of them still fear for their lives back in Addis Ababa."

The group can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayethiopians/