Hungochani: The History of a Dissident Sexuality in Southern Africa

In the tapestry of global queer cultures Africa has long been neglected or stereotyped. In Hungochani, Marc Epprecht seeks to change these limited views by tracing Southern Africa's history and traditions of homosexuality, modern gay and lesbian identities, and the vibrant gay rights movement that has emerged since the 1980s. Epprecht explores the diverse ways African cultures traditionally explained same-sex sexuality and follows the emergence of new forms of gender identity and sexuality that evolved with the introduction of capitalism, colonial rule, and Christian education. Using oral testimony, memoirs, literature, criminal court records, and early government enquiries from the eighteenth century to the present, he traces the complex origins of homophobia. By bringing forth a wealth of evidence about once-hidden sexual behaviour, Epprecht contributes to the honest, open discussion that is urgently needed in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Homosexuality - or hungochani as it is known in Zimbabwe - has been denounced by many politicians and church leaders as an example of how Western decadence has corrupted African traditions. However, a bold, new gay rights movement has emerged in several of the countries of the region since the 1980s, offering an exciting new dimension in the broad struggle for human rights and democracy unfolding on the continent. In a new preface to this edition, Epprecht considers the recent advances of equality on the continent such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in South Africa, as well as discriminatory setbacks such as Uganda's anti-homosexuality legislation.

About the Author :
Marc Epprecht is a professor in the Department of Global Development Studies at Queen's University.

Review :
"Described by reviewers as 'groundbreaking' and 'a dazzling contribution' Epprecht's history surveys for the first time homosexual identities in Zimbabwe and South Africa from pre-colonial times to the present. This is unfamiliar terrain for many of us -- and an important topic in current studies of Africa. This is also a work of political activism, for gay rights and feminism, a work that is sensitive to the changes ushered in by colonialism, especially urban growth and racism ... a highly original work from a scholar who is fast becoming known as the leading intellectual on African sexualities ... an exceptional piece of work." the Joel Gregory Prize jury "This is an important, path-breaking book ... Epprecht has written an accessible monograph that presents the first account of same-sex practices and their meanings in southern Africa." The Journal of the History of Sexuality "This is an important and ground-breaking work. Epprecht is without doubt the foremost scholar of Southern African homoerotic sexuality, and this book brings together material from several previous publications and much new work into a book that will become the standard work on the subject." T. Dunbar Moodie, Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges