Decolonial Homophobia: Is Decolonisation Incompatible with LGBT+ Affirmation in Christian Ethics?

Day, Caleb M.

Abstract

I evaluate the argument advanced in politics and Christian ethics that I term ‘decolonial homophobia’: that decolonisation and LGBT+ affirmation are contradictory because LGBT+ rights are a global Northern phenomenon that is imperialistically imposed on the global South. I suggest one premise of the argument is valid—neo-colonial imposition of LGBT+ rights does happen and should be opposed. However, the overall argument fails because it erases or distorts diverse views and complexities of pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history, and it tacitly supports ‘homophobic nationalism’ that is oppressive even when advanced in ostensibly decolonial causes. I grant that there are tensions within many current expressions of decolonisation and LGBT+ rights, but argue that Christians should support both decolonisation and LGBT+ rights as intersecting justice issues. I close by suggesting we listen to global Southern LGBT+ activists like Uganda's kuchus on how to navigate this tension and pursue intersectional justice in all societies.

Citation

Day, C. M. (2024). Decolonial Homophobia: Is Decolonisation Incompatible with LGBT+ Affirmation in Christian Ethics?. Studies in Christian Ethics, 37(1), 71-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/09539468231215304

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 21, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 21, 2023
• Publication Date: 2024-02
• Deposit Date: Feb 13, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 13, 2024
• Journal: Studies in Christian Ethics
• Print ISSN: 0953-9468
• Electronic ISSN: 1745-5235
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 37
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 71-92
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09539468231215304
• Keywords: homophobia, Anglican Communion, evangelical, Africa, LGBT+, Uganda, Decolonisation, colonisation
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2254384