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Attitude and perception of Congolese and LGBT on
homosexuality, and relationship between
homosexuality and the conception of the profession
Michael Kapitene Kamuanga ( dr.kapitene@gmail.com )
2. Department of Public Health, John Wesley Methodist University, Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Jean-Pierre Fina Lubaki
1. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care of the Protestant University in Congo,
Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Philippe Lukanu Nguala
1. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care of the Protestant University in Congo,
Democratic Republic of Congo ;
Ernest Sumaili Kiswaya
4. Department of Nephrology, University Clinics of Kinshasa, University of Kinshasa.
Article
Keywords: Attitude, Perception, homosexuals, bisexuals, transgender
Posted Date: December 19th, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3740697/v1
License: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Read Full License
Additional Declarations: No competing interests reported.
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Abstract
Context
Worldwide, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality. Only one country in Africa recognizes homosexuality.
While 10 countries criminalize it, against only one that protects it. Exceptionally, the DRC does not have
legislation against or for homosexuality. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and
perceptions of Congolese and sexual minorities on homosexuality.
Methods
This study was cross-sectional and analytical, conducted from February the 1St, 2021 to March the 30th,
2022, in the homosexual, bisexual and transgender population of Kinshasa town. The selection was
made in homosexual associations and we used the snowball method to constitute our sample. The
statistical signicance level is P < 0.05.
Results
Almost half of the respondents (44.3%) were met with rejection by those around them. The majority
(57.8%) have been victims of homophobic harassment. For Congolese population, homosexuality was
perceived as a spiritual possession (90.5%). Homosexuality was not perceived as a handicap to
undertake a profession (76.0%), although respondents with employment commitment represented just
15.3%.
Conclusion
The Congolese population has a bad perception of homosexuality, with an attitude of rejection and
harassment towards LGBT people; in the other hand, homosexuals have a good perception of their
homosexuality.
Background
Homosexuality is remained a taboo for a long time, and has been the subject of several superstitions:
mental illness, chromosomal aberration, demonic possession, occultism, etc. But all those have not
prevented this phenomenon from evolving, since immemorial time, in all its diversity (identity, situational
and institutional homosexuality), and across centuries and nations by erecting solid columns to proclaim
aloud its recognition, and destroy the taboo cap throughout the world1.
Homosexuality tends to conquer the world, with unusual prevalence for a phenomenon long considered
taboo; 15% of legal marriages in the world are homosexual. The prevalence in Africa, although South
Africa is among countries that have legalized homosexuality, is not known. No value is recognized in the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)2.
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In the world, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality and 85 protect it by their legislation. One country in
Africa (South Africa) recognizes same-sex marriage out of the 47 countries currently allowing it. While 10
countries and states criminalize homosexuality (ranging from imprisonment to the death penalty),
against only one country whose legislation protects homosexuality3.
Exceptionally, the DRC remains the rare country not having legislation against or for homosexuality,
although certain elected representatives of the people have tried in vain to propose bills against this
scourge. Until today, the DRC, in addition to the recommendation it makes in Article 40 of the Constitution,
which stipulates: "Every individual has the right to marry the person of his choice, of the opposite sex, and
to found a family”, it remains silent, however, to a clear declaration on homosexuality, while opening a
highway to various interpretations of laws on good character, thus condemning or favoring
homosexuality2.
Despite the legislative arsenals established against homosexuality, this has not allowed the eradication
of this phenomenon, which grows roots and reaches families till to form communities (LGBTQIA
community) and homosexual organizations; who set themselves up as walls against the repression of
this phenomenon; and promote its expansion in the world in such a way as to have prevalences of 3.4%
and 8.1% in Western countries such as the United States of America (USA) and France4, 5; and also 4% of
bisexuals in the USA6. Australia in Oceania counted 52% of lesbians out of a sample of 272 people7.
Africa is poor in studies on the epidemiology of homosexuals, only South Africa counts 530,000
homosexuals 4, 5, 6.
The under-reporting of homosexuality, and even same-sex marriage, is one of the factors making dicult
to obtain an accurate count of this community. The few sources available indicate that, self-identication
or self-declaration as homosexual rarely occurs although the prevalence of homosexual behavior is
higher, and also, given the tension of belonging and or to declare their membership of this community;
hence, in many countries of the world, the statistic remains approximate 8.
However, despite the perception or attitude towards homosexuality (good or bad) by homosexuals
themselves and even the Congolese population, homosexuality is already gaining ground and tends to
beat the world record in decades to come; because their representativeness in the societies of different
nations of the world is increasing. But with regard to the world population, homosexuals constitute a
small group, only large-scale surveys (very large), such as the population census, can make it possible to
collect the true extent9.
In addition, the under-declaration of homosexuality among the people questioned leads to
underestimating its rate 9.
As far as the DRC is concerned, no scientic study on sexual minorities in general, and homosexuals,
bisexuals and transgender people in particular, has not been carried out; leaving the country without
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socio-demographic data in this area; more serious still, these sexual minorities are a population at risk of
sexually transmitted diseases, in this case HIV/AIDS, and also at risk of pathologies such as Hepatitis.
The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of Congolese and homosexuals,
bisexuals and transgenders on homosexuality; and to establish the connection between homosexuality
and the profession.
Methods
Design and implementation of the study:
This study was cross-sectional with an analytical aim, carried out among homosexuals, bisexuals and
transgenders grouped together in associations in the City of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. The study was carried out during the period from February the 1St, 2021 to March the 30th, 2022.
Inclusion and non-inclusion criteria:
All persons between ages of 15 and 69 years old; who were among sexual minorities with a well-dened
sexual orientation of homosexuality (gay, lesbian), bisexuality or transsexuality; and who had given their
informed consent, were included in this study. People who did not respond to the questionnaires were
excluded from the study.
Sampling and sample size:
The selection was made in homosexual organizations and associations of the Kinshasa town, where we
used non-probability sampling, with the snowball method to constitute the sample.
Our sample size was calculated using Fischer's formula: n ≥ Z2. P (1-P)/ d2 (undened population). With
P = 0.5 (no known prevalence of homosexuality), Z = 1.96 and d = 0.05. By carrying out the numerical
operation, we have: n=(1.96)2* 0.5*(1-0.5)/(0.05)2 = 384. If we take into account the plane of sampling,
we will multiply by incorporating 384 by 1.3 (assumed design effect) and obtain 499. Finally, we adjust
with a non-response rate of 10%, we obtain 555.
Collection of data :
For data collection, the snowball technique was used to recruit homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders.
The data were collected using a 26-items questionnaire, developed on the basis of the objectives of this
study, and which were used by investigators previously trained to properly conduct this study.
Variables of interest :
As variables of interest, it is the attitude of the population on homosexuality, the perception of the
population on homosexuality, the profession of the respondents, and the perception of homosexuality by
homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender people according to profession.
Statistical analysis :
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Excel 2013 software and SPSS version 24 were have been used for data entry and analysis. The
statistical test usedto describe the variables are made of relative (%) and/or absolute (n) frequency
(qualitative variables).
The value of p < 0.05 is therefore the threshold of statistical signicance.
Ethical considerations
The study is conducted under the authorization and approval of the ethics and research committee of the
Protestant University in Congo (UPC) under the number: CEUPC 0088. The participants and/or their legal
guardians signed informed consent, after having had explanations of the objectives of the study. He was
free to leave the study without having to explain why. The questionnaire was anonymous and the data
treated condentially. All methods were carried out in accordance with current guidelines and regulations.
Results
1. Public attitude towards homosexuality
Table 1
lists the different elements of the attitude of third parties on homosexuality. Table I:
Attitude of the
surrounding population on homosexuality
Variables Whole
group
n = 555
Born in
Kinshasa
n = 207
Born outside
Kinshasa
n = 348
p
Attitude of those around 0.003
The Majority rejected me 246(44.3) 86(41.5) 160(46.0)
The majority supported me 171(30.8) 55(26.6) 116(33.3)
Even my own family turne their back
on me 73(13.2) 35(16.9) 38(10.9)
Not recommended 49(8.8) 19(9.2) 30(8.6)
Everyone ignores 16(2.9) 12(5.8) 4(1,1)
Harassment 0.311
Yes 321(57.8) 123(59.4) 198(56.9)
No 234(42.2) 84(40.6) 150(43.1)
Nearly half of the respondents (44.3%) were stumped by an attitude of rejection on the part of those
around them. The majority (57.8%) have been victims of homophobic harassment.
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Comparing Kinshasa and non-Kinshasa natives, being rejected was signicantly different in favor of non-
Kinshasa natives.
2. Public and LGBT perception of homosexuality
Table 2
describes the different elements of the perception of third parties and sexual minorities on
homosexuality. Table II :
Perception of homosexuality by the population and sexual minorities
Variables Whole
group
n = 555
Kinshasa
n = 207
Outside
Kinshasa
n = 348
p
Perception of homosexuality by the Congolese
population
Like mental patients 50(9.0) 16(7.7) 34(9.8)
Like spiritually possessed (demonic) 502(90.5) 189(91.3) 313(89.9)
sinners 3(0.5) 2(1.0) 1(0.3)
Perception of homosexuality by sexual minorities
according to profession 0.412
Is a handicap to undertake a profession 133(24.0) 48(23.2) 85(24.4)
Is not a handicap to undertake a profession 422(76.0) 159(76.8) 263(75.6)
The Congolese population perceived homosexuality as a spiritual (demonic) possession in 90.5% of
cases.
As for the homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders themselves, they did not perceive their sexual
orientation as a handicap for undertaking a profession (76.0%).
3. Profession of respondents
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Table 3
gives the occupations of homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders. Table III:
Profession of
homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders.
Variables Whole group
n = 555
Born in Kinshasa
n = 207
Born outside Kinshasa
n = 348
p
Occupation 0.730
None 115 (20.7) 46 (22.2) 69 (19.8)
sex workers 110 (19.8) 39 (18.8) 71 (20.4)
Liberal (hairdresser, small
merchant): private
245 (44.1) 94 (45.4) 151 (43.4)
Committed 85 (15.3) 28 (13.5) 57 (16.4)
Slightly less than half of the respondents exercised a liberal profession (44.1%), compared to the
unemployed and sex workers (40.5%).
Discussion
This cross-sectional study with an analytical aim on a population of homosexuals, bisexuals and
transgenders, showed:
Nearly half of the respondents (44.3%) were stumped by an attitude of rejection on the part of those
around them, and the majority (57.8%) were victims of homophobic harassment. This result is
opposed to the results obtained by the association ''Jeunes gais lesbians bi et trans (Mag)'', in its
study on the perception of homosexuality among students in colleges and high schools in Île-de-
France, where 77% of students who know a homosexual person say they are not bothered by
meeting a homosexual person and say they just want to know if the person is nice10.
This proves that 77% of students did not have an attitude of rejecting homosexual people, nor of
subjecting them to homophobic harassment. This opposition between the two results is due to the fact
that homosexuality is more or less accepted in France (Europe) than in the DRC (Africa); several
associations ght against homophobia and always try to get heterosexuals and homosexuals to sit on
the same table10.
The homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders in the present study did not perceive their sexual
orientation as a handicap for taking up a profession (76.0%). This perception is acceptable only if we
consider the liberal professions (in this study less than half of the respondents exercised a liberal
profession: 44.1%); This is similar to the study by Wade et al. (2005) in Senegal, they demonstrated
that nearly half (45%) of its study population was made up of pupils or students, and not workers11.
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In our study, the respondents having a commitment in a job represented only 15.3%, this conrms the
discrimination in the employment of homosexuals. Wilfried (2017), in his study, he species that with
regard to homosexuals, in many countries, such as Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, the
Netherlands, Switzerland and Sweden, no restrictions are foreseen in the legislative texts concerning the
employment of homosexuals. But in practice homosexuals are excluded from employment, in Slovenia
for example, if they recognize that they are homosexual. In some cases this goes as far as dismissal. A
survey in the UK paints an alarming picture: 16% of respondents had experienced discrimination at least
once at work,
All these data in the DRC, Senegal and the West, justies that homosexuality, bisexuality and
transsexuality is a handicap for an employee.
The Congolese population perceived homosexuality as a spiritual possession (demonic) in 90.5% of
cases : homosexuality is very badly perceived in the DRC. Baptiste Coulmont in his study of 2003
just like in that of 2008 with Céline Béraud, have demonstrated a perception totally contrary to that of
our respondents. For Baptiste, in Catholic Church, the emphasis is on welcoming and benevolence
towards homosexual people while maintaining a prohibition and condemnation of sexual relations.
Protestantism, in its great majority, leaves the believers alone judges of their faith and the way of
applying it13, 14. Batiste Coulmont does not demonstrate any connection between homosexuality and
demonic possession.
Strength of the study
Our study draws its data from a sample in the homosexual, bisexual and transgender population of the
Kinshasa town, selected by the snowball method to constitute our sample. The results of this study, can
to a large extent represent the attitude and perception of the Congolese population and the LGBTQIA
(sexual minority) community of the Democratic Republic of Congo on homosexuality, thus constituting
the strength of this study.
This study made available a missing database in the country, on the attitude and perception of
Congolese population and the LGBTQIA community on homosexuality.
Limit of the study
Human work has never been perfect. This work had as limit, the fact that we did not consider and studied
the attitude and perception of men who have sex with men (MSM), institutional and situational
homosexuals on homosexuality.
Conclusion
The results of the research on the attitude and perception of Congolese population and the LGBT
community on homosexuality, brought the following conclusions:
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Congolese population has a bad perception of homosexuality (considers it a demonic possession), with
an attitude of rejection and harassment towards homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender people; on the
other hand, homosexuals, bisexuals and transgenders themselves have a good perception of their
homosexuality. They don't perceive their sexual orientation as an handicap for undertaking a profession,
despite the fact that almost half of homosexuals, bisexuals and transgender people are unemployed or
are sex workers.
Declarations
THANKS
Our sincere thanks to all the Non-Governmental Organizations and personalities who helped us to easily
reach and surveyed members of the LGBTQIA community, I quote: Edith Cavell NGO, Pasco NGO,
Micha'gloire NGO, Oasis NGO, Mr Benoit KAMUANGA BITANDA, Dr DIASIVI LUKUAKA Abischaï, Dr Judith
NKIMFUMU, Dr NTUMBA TSHITEYA Mireille, Laboratory Technician Shekinah KAPINGA KAMUANGA,
Laboratory Technician Ciel Rose MBATSHI KAPITENE, Nurse Ruth MAVINGA, Nurse Angela Temo, Nurse
Hélène Kapinga, Nurse Rey MONDO and so on …
AUTHORS' CONTRIBUTIONS
KKM researched and wrote this article;
FL co-supervised the research;
PLN coordinated all of the research;
ES K supervised the research.
DATA AVAILABILITY
The data analyzed in this study are available from the author Kapitene Kamuanga Michael, upon
reasonable request.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no conict of interest.
FUNDING INFORMATION
This research has not received any specic grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or
not-for-prot sectors.
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15. THANKS
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1. Our sincere thanks to all the Non-Governmental Organizations and personalities who helped us to
easily reach and surveyed members of the LGBTQIA community, I quote:Edith Cavell NGO, Pasco
NGO, Micha'gloire NGO, Oasis NGO, Mr Benoit KAMUANGA BITANDA,Dr DIASIVI LUKUAKA Abischaï,
Dr Judith NKIMFUMU, Dr NTUMBA TSHITEYA Mireille, Laboratory Technician Shekinah KAPINGA
KAMUANGA, Laboratory Technician Ciel Rose MBATSHI KAPITENE,Nurse Ruth MAVINGA, Nurse
Angela Temo, Nurse Hélène Kapinga, Nurse Rey MONDO and so on …