While it is often cited for banning intimate relations between people of different races, it also imposed limitations on “unnatural / immoral sexual acts,” a euphemism for sexual activities linked to homosexuality and non-reproductive intercourse. Laws targeting “cross-dressing” were established by British colonial authorities in multiple countries across Africa. In Gambia, the Criminal Code of 1965 illegalized sexual acts between two men or between two women. A 2013 amendment stipulates that any man who publicly dresses as a woman could face up to five years in prison and a potential fine. These penal codes not only marginalized people with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities but also systemically erased any legal acknowledgment of their existence. Colonization also led to the suppression of third-gender expressions, which were often viewed through a lens of inferiority and primitiveness. The colonial powers imposed legal and social frameworks that altered traditional gender roles, pushing women into subordinate positions while simultaneously marginalizing those who didn’t fit neatly into the binary gender categories. Many African nations continue to uphold laws that criminalize homosexuality, and gender-based violence remains a significant concern across the continent. African leaders, in their struggle to maintain political popularity, have fostered an environment in which LGBT people often face persecution. Today, the attitudes toward LGBT people in Uganda have become increasingly rigid, leading to widespread discrimination, harassment, and violence. In 2023, the Ugandan Parliament enacted an Anti-Homosexuality Act that imposed severe penalties for consensual same-sex relationships, including life imprisonNovember–December 2025 19 ment. Nigeria has a similar law preventing people from entering into a same-sex marriage or civil union, being involved in LGBT clubs or organizations, or publicly displaying affection in same-sex relationships. The Ghanaian Parliament is considering a bill that would impose a prison sentence of up to three years for anyone who identifies as LGBT. Laws protecting LGBT people are also nonexistent in Zimbabwe, with acts that also state that same-sex relations are punishable by a fine, prison sentence, or both. In contrast, South Africa has been a pioneer in LGBT rights as the first nation to provide protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation in its constitution and the fifth globally to legalize same-sex marriage. The legal protections for queer people are unmatched across the continent. But despite these progressive laws, many LGBT people still face social stigma, discrimination, and violence, highlighting the challenges that persist even in a country known for its progressive legislation. This is especially true for transgender residents. University communities worldwide are witnessing a rise in young people identifying as transgender, gender-diverse, and nonbinary, leading to a notable increase in the enrollment of these students. However, many universities seem ill-equipped to adapt to the unique needs of trans and gender-diverse people. While they may recognize the existence of these groups, their approaches often reinforce traditional norms surrounding gender and sexuality. Discrimination of gender-diverse people in higher education means having their access to campus housing or facilities denied, experiencing harassment and bullying. The absence of gender-
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