NEWS A peek into the Ghanaian closet July 24, 2003 Cam is a South african who travels to Ghana on business and had this to say about gay life there. "I had visited Ghana six times (in the last five years), on business and pleasure, and had never really explored gay life in that country, because of my demanding business schedule. I had, however, communicated by e-mail with a young gay Ghanaian man over the last year. On my visit to Ghana in June 2003, I finally met with my "new" young gay Ghanaian friend, who then introduced me to the "not so closeted" gay Ghanaian life." So what is gay life like in Ghana? "There are no gay clubs in Ghana, as there are in South Africa. Gay life is mostly private and most gay people meet at house parties organised by friends all around the country." Can told BTM. "In the capital city, Accra, there are basically two nightspots, namely, Strawberry's in Adabraka and Chesters in Nyaniba Estates, both situated fairly near the city centre. They are both straight clubs but are frequented by both gays and heterosexuals. Both nightspots are only really lively after 10pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Most of the gays that frequent these night spots are not restrained either in dress or behaviour and definitely seem to be out of the closet, at least whilst they are at these venues." But Cam has a warning for tourists visiting these venues. "Gay tourists to Ghana should beware of heterosexual young men posing as gay men. They frequent these and various nightspots offering their "services" to the unsuspecting tourist and then end up blackmailing the tourist, taking advantage of the illegal status of the being gay in Ghana." On the topic of lesbian relationships, Cam was told that they are more acceptable to the heterosexual community than are gay relationships between two men, but no reason was given for this. For men however there are more details about the kind of pressure put upon them. "There is the usual pressure from parents on young men in their late 20's to settle down, marry (the opposite sex) and to father children." Cam told BTM. "One of the young gay men, 27 years of age, that I became good friends with, has been married for a just over a month, and is ready to "father" his first child. His mother, brother and sisters, and wife know that he is gay. His wife is most understanding, and actually lives apart from him. He is quite relaxed with the whole arrangement, and has fully accepted that he is gay and not a heterosexual who is confused sexually or a bi-sexual! My other good young gay friend is basically in the same boat. He, however, is only 22 years of age and told me that even though his mother knows that he is gay, he will probably be pressurised in about five years time to marry and father a child. His mother has told him that she will raise the child as her own. He is also at peace with his sexuality and accepts himself as a gay young man. Both these young men are however "crying out" for a loving gay relationship." So what options are there for young gay and lesbian Ghanaians who wish to organise? "Quite a few gay Ghanaians are talking about forming Lesbian and Gay Associations and have admired and held South African Gay activists in high esteem over many years. Hopefully the gays in Ghana will emulate their South African sisters and brothers and "break open their closet doors" for good within the next few years." -Behind The Mask Related stories Egyptian appeals court grudginly acquits 11 men in gay trial 'If you are straight, you have nothing to fear from Aids' Malawi: Churches condemn condoms in prisons Kenya: lesbians fight invisibility Security courts power curbed in Egypt