“Exogeny” and “tolerance”: the double role of the print media in the institutionalization of homosexuality in post-colonial southern Mozambique (1975-2007)

ABSTRACT

The article investigates, historiographically and ethnographically, three large-circulation Mozambican newspapers published between 1975 and 2007 in order to understand how the media used to address the homosexuality since independence. Based on the theoretical approach provided by the Anthropology of the Media, firstly it contextualizes the debate related to homosexuality in other African countries' press, secondly it provides a historical background of the discussion in the Mozambican media. Chronologically it approaches the main themes developed by the country's press regarding sexual and gender dissidence. As conclusion, by publicizing the homosexuality of foreigners and not engaging in hate speech, the local media reinforced the idea of the exogeny of homosexuality in Africa and, unlike other neighboring African nations, contributed to produce an environment of tolerance towards the theme in Mozambique.

KEYWORDS:
LGBT; Africa; press media; Mozambique; history