Tiffany Kagure Mugo is the curator of HOLAAfrica, a Pan African sex – positive digital platform dealing with all things sex and sexuality and hosts the sex and relationship podcast, Basically Life. She is a Ted speaker and was a FRIDA Fund Board Member. She authored the book Quirky Quick Guide To Having Great Sex and curated the anthology, Touch: Sex, Sexuality and Sensuality.
Noor: In what ways does the rise of far-right and fascist movements in African countries like Uganda or Ghana pose threats to LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms, and how do you think this relates to the goals of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersex Discrimination and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) in promoting equality?
TF: Whats happening in the world is a real dumpster fire and truth be told, it is terrifying. In light of this, you can say we need holidays like IDAHOBIT now more than ever; not only to spread the message that hate sucks but also to remind those who are queer and trans that they are loved, they deserve to exist and they are worthy of existing. The goals of IDAHOBIT bring a light to dark times because it reminds folx there is something worth striving for, worth working towards. It shines a light on the beautiful way the world could be and brings hope during a time where there seems to be none.
Noor: As a Pan-African platform that employs storytelling techniques to talk about sexual liberation and bodily autonomy, tell us about the work that you do at HOLAA and if there are certain tactics and strategies that you use to challenge fascist or far-right groups? Do you see your focus on pleasure as a form of resistance?
TF: Pleasure is at the pinnacle of the pursuit of bodily autonomy. It is the point in which you have the space and power to bring whatever goodness you want into your life. The HOLAAfrica space seeks to take people down that path. Our stuff really is not for fascist or far right groups, our focus is our community – wherever and whoever they may be. Our role is to show our loves they are loved and seen and to colour the world with joy. Making our materials accessible and relatable means that no matter who you are, if you stumble into our space you can find something for you there, if you need it. If it’s not for you, then its okay to keep it moving.
Life is holistic and sometimes when we are focusing on liberation in one part, you forget about freedom in another. Pleasure is always seen as frivolous and not a pressing matter but what is life without joy? Without happiness? Without the things we love? It is important for the humanity of someone to find that joy and as queer folx, queer joy is as important a part of our existence as anything else. Also, the journey to pleasure means facing some things about ourselves, because we must truly come to terms with our full selves, if we are to be happy. The idea of the pursuit of pleasure takes us from focusing on the outside and brings us into ourselves, showing us the good and the bad. The parts that are brilliant and the parts that are broken. The parts that need to be held and healed. Pleasure, true pleasure, in its entirety needs a knowing of oneself that means you have to sit with all parts of you and figure out who you are.
Noor: Are there specific tactics employed by fascist or far-right groups to undermine LGBTQ+ rights that you see as on the rise, and how can awareness of these tactics inform advocacy efforts around LGBTQ+ rights especially in Africa?
MF: As someone who works within the digital space, I have witnessed how advocacy techniques can be effectively used to rally anti-rights groups and spread certain ideas. The ability of far right groups to organize is remarkable, and the only way to counteract that is to be equally organized. Working in silos and focusing only on singular issues mean that the solidarity needed is sometimes missing. Finding the commonalities and the links between us (and our movements) is so important to push back against the ugly tide coming at us. We need to get far more focused in finding ways to come together.
Noor: International solidarity has been crucial for LGBTQ+ movements around the world. How can transnational solidarity contribute meaningfully to the advancement of rights related to sexuality in your context as LGBTQ+ activists fight a resurgence of harsh and discriminatory policies?
MF: There is an African proverb that says, “if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together”. International solidarity allows not only for the numbers but also a cross pollination of ideas, innovation and flexibility. We are able to not only learn from each other but draw strength from each other as well. It is also nice to not be alone in this fight, to know that you have support makes the struggle easier and the dark times a little brighter.