The recent arrest and detention of 21 Ghanaian LGBTQ+ rights activists highlight the country’s laws criminalizing same-sex conduct and the rampant homophobia common throughout Ghanaian society. Gay and gender nonconforming individuals face the constant threat of discrimination, abuse and violence.  

Join us for the next installment of the Havel Program’s series “LGBTQ+ Rights as Human Rights,” as we explore the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Ghana and the events that led to the current hostile situation towards grassroot activists. The conversation will provide comparative insights on the notion of cultural relativism about sexual orientation and its relationship to government policies, laws and societal norms.

Event starts at 10 AM EDT / 2 PM GMT (Ghana)

This event is hosted by the Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs in collaboration with the Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy, co-sponsored by the Ruth K. and Shepard Broad Distinguished Lecture Series and the African and African Diaspora Studies Program

Opening Remarks:

Ofelia Riquezes
Senior Program Coordinator
Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy, FIU

Guest Speakers:

Robert Akoto Amoafo
former Country Director of
Amnesty International Ghana

Mariel Reiss
Project Leader "LGBTIQ+ Rights in Multilevel Governance Systems",
Center for Conflict Studies, Philipps University Marburg

Wendy Isaack
Researcher at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgender Rights Program, Human Rights Watch

Danny Bediako
Executive Director of Rightify Ghana

​Moderator:

Jessy Abouarab
Visiting Assistant Professor
Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, FIU