Dancing with decolonial praxis: LBQ women and non-binary people’s subcultures in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores the subcultures and experiences of LBQ (lesbian, bisexual, and queer) women and non-binary individuals in Lusaka, Zambia, against the backdrop of draconian anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rising homophobia in Africa. Drawing upon decolonial feminist methodology, the study investigates how these marginalised communities navigate hostile environments where their sexual orientation is criminalised and stigmatised by both the state and society. It begins by discussing the intersection of colonialism, religious influence, and cultural contexts in perpetuating discriminatory trends. It delves into the clandestine world of queer parties and activism in Lusaka, examining the everyday practices of decoloniality undertaken. The research methodology employed intellectual decolonisation to engage participants in the co-creation of knowledge and alternative narratives of Zambian citizenship and womanhood. By showcasing the resilience and resistance of LBQ women and non-binary individuals who form supportive networks, the article challenges the dominant construction of Zambia as a nation built on cisgender heteronormative and conservative religious values. It illuminates the vibrant subcultures and community formations that emerge despite legal barriers and patriarchal interpretations of traditional culture. The article contributes to a living archive of queer African experiences and expands the understanding of Zambian identities beyond conventional norms. It underscores the transformative potential of decolonial methodologies in challenging exclusionary notions of nationhood and fostering a more inclusive and diverse society.