Alright Leo, buckle up, because we're diving into a topic that's all about rainbows and acceptance, or maybe not so much depending on where you are. Hmm! Let's talk LGBT+ friendliness, Benin versus Togo edition!
Hehe! Rainbows and acceptance, Mira? Sounds like a unicorn convention. Let's see if Benin and Togo are throwing a party or if it's more of a 'hide under the covers' situation for the LGBT+ community.
Ooh! Okay, so Benin first. From what I've heard, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Like, legally speaking, it's not the worst place in Africa, but socially... well, let's just say holding hands with your samesex partner might get you more stares than applause.
Stares, huh? Sounds like my standup routine sometimes. Hehe! So, Benin's law book isn't exactly screaming 'pride parade', but is it actively throwing stones at people either? Give me the comedian's cut, Mira.
Aha! Okay, comedian's cut coming right up. Benin, officially, doesn't criminalize homosexuality directly. Wow! Which is a start, right? But 'not criminalized' isn't exactly 'celebrated with confetti cannons' either.
Confetti cannons! I like your style, Mira. So, legally neutralish. What about Togo then? Is it Benin's more fabulous cousin or are we in the same 'beige' zone?
Hmm! Togo... similar story, actually. Legally speaking, they're also not throwing LGBT+ folks in jail just for existing. But again, 'not illegal' doesn't equal 'rainbow flags flying high'.
So, both countries are in this 'legal limbo' where it's not explicitly banned, but it's also not exactly a walk in the park holding your partner's hand. Sounds like a very polite way of saying 'socially tricky'.
Socially tricky is putting it mildly, Leo! Imagine trying to explain to your grandma why you're bringing your 'very good friend' to Christmas dinner... times ten, and with a whole country judging. Ouch!
Hahaha! Grandma and the 'very good friend'! Classic. So, no legal prosecution, but social sideeye is strong. What about Pride events? Are we talking secret underground gatherings, or are they out in the open, maybe with a slightly smaller turnout than Madrid Pride?
Underground is probably closer to reality. Officially recognized Pride parades? Nope. Even smaller public gatherings might attract unwanted attention, let's just say. It's more about quiet community building, being there for each other, that kind of thing.
Quiet community building... Sounds like they're masters of the lowkey revolution. Respect. What about inspiring stories though? Are there any heroes or organizations in Benin and Togo quietly pushing for change, even if they're not getting frontpage headlines?
Aha! Absolutely! There are local LGBT+ organizations working tirelessly in both Benin and Togo. They're doing everything from advocacy to providing safe spaces and support. It's not always visible, but it's happening. Wow!
Invisible superheroes! I love it. So, these organizations are like the James Bonds of LGBT+ rights in West Africa, operating in the shadows but making a real difference.
Exactly! And it's not easy. They face discrimination, lack of funding, sometimes even threats. But they keep going, because they believe in a more inclusive future. Ooh! That's inspiring, right?
Inspiring and a bit heartbreaking at the same time. It's like watching a really good underdog movie, but you know the stakes are real people's lives. So, if someone from the LGBT+ community is planning to visit or maybe even move to Benin or Togo... what's the vibe they should expect?
Hmm! Expect to be discreet. Public displays of affection, especially samesex affection, are generally a nogo. Larger cities might be a tad more tolerant than rural areas, but overall, it's about being cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Discreet and cautious. Sounds like packing your invisibility cloak along with your passport. Not exactly the 'live and let live' vibe of some other places we've discussed.
Ahhh! No, not quite Ibiza Pride, that's for sure. But it's important to remember that legal and social landscapes are always evolving. Change is possible, even if it's slow.
Slow change is still change. And these quiet heroes, those organizations working in the shadows, they're the ones pushing that change forward. So, Benin and Togo... not rainbow havens yet, but definitely places with potential and people fighting for progress.
Precisely! And maybe, just maybe, one day we'll be back to talk about the amazing Pride parades in PortoNovo and Lomé. Wouldn't that be something? Ooh!
Confetti cannons in West Africa! Now that's a podcast episode I'd love to record. Until then, let's raise a virtual coffee cup to those working towards a brighter, more inclusive future in Benin and Togo. Cheers! Ahhh!
Cheers to that, Leo! And to all our listeners out there, if you want to learn more about LGBT+ rights around the world, jetoff.ai is a great place to start your research. Just saying! Hehe!