Fleeing Africa for Sexual Freedom

As our country struggles to establish government in Iraq, and violent massacres such as those in Darfur seem inexorable, it is reassuring to hear a case in which America provides protection to a foreigner in need. Pape Mbaye from Senegal, Africa made his living as a singer and storyteller performing at weddings and parties. His talent provided him with public recognition, but along with his fame came dissaproval. Mbaye is gay and flamboyantly proud of his homosexuality, but he lived in a country which had outlawed “an improper or unnatural act with a person of the same sex,” almost forty-five years ago. The public sentiment against homosexuality is still the same today. When Mbaye performed at a gay marriage, him and many of his gay friends were arrested. Since his release, he has suffered many attacks from angry civilians and Mbaye was forced to flee, but to no avail. His apartment was looted and trashed and he and his friends were severely injured by angry mobs. He spent some time at a safe house in Gambia until the president announced that he was intent on beheading all homosexuals. Finally Mbaye made it to an American Embassay where he was able to apply for refugee status. He acquired this status in July and has been living in Harlem since August. Now Pape Mbaye is an American free from persecution based on sexual orientation. “There’s security, there’s independence, there’s peace.”