The International Day for People of African Descent is commemorated every 31 August 2024, honouring the contributions of the people of the African diaspora. This year, the world also marks the International Decade for People of African Descent.
This day is an initiative to recognise that people of African descent as a distinct group whose human rights must be safeguarded. It also aims to promote the contributions of the African diaspora worldwide and eliminate all forms of discrimination they may face by reflecting on the values that: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”.
For queer people, commemorating this day is about recognising trailblazers such as Marsha P. Johnson and Lucy Hicks Anderson of African descent and who have lived their lives embodying human rights.
Commemorating this day for queer people is also about recognising the social inequalities which are intertwined and intersectional in the violations of human rights that queer people of African descent face, including in Mauritius.
As we commemorate this day, let us ponder, as queer people or otherwise, on a few pertinent questions on our quest for equality: How does race and class inequality affect our access to opportunities and rights? How can we reflect upon and promote our cultural and ethnic heritages, not limited to, but including promoting the Creole language? While we feel dehumanised in the face of homophobia and transphobia, have we been able to do away with the cultural and institutional racism against queer and trans people of African descent in Mauritius?
Fokeerbux N.A.
President
Young Queer Alliance
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