Heterosexuals’ Perceptions and Attitudes towards Female Homosexuality in Tanzania: Qualitative Findings from Women Who Have Sex with Women in Dar-es-Salaam City

Abstract

Background: Until a decade or so, ago, the general public demonstrated negative perceptions and attitudes towards homosexuality and homosexuals: lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT). However, there is empirical evidence that from the 1970s, the public has progressively embraced positive attitudes ranging from tolerance to more acceptances. Unfortunately, much of data available on this issue come from the US and Europe. Little is known from the developing world and in Tanzania, in particular. This knowledge is critical because public perceptions and attitudes influence the formation of multifaceted policies and legislative frameworks that address and impact the health and wellbeing LGBT people. Conducted a cross-sectional descriptive formative study in Dar-es-Salaam region, Tanzania to understanding the general public‟s perceptions and attitudes towards female homosexuality and factors that influence the perspectives they hold. Findings showed majority of the general public hold negative perceptions and attitudes towards female homosexuality that adversely impact women’s health and wellbeing. Homophobia, religious beliefs, socio-cultural constructs, heteronormality, criminalization by national laws and the constitution greatly informed public‟s constructs of female homosexuality in this country. I recommend the Ministry of Health to initiate and support larger ethnographic and multidisciplinary studies, and nationally representative samples among WSW and other homosexual subgroups to establish empirical database on predictors and time trends of public perceptions and attitudes towards WSW and other sexually minority groups that influence rise in acceptance. Data would facilitate improving healthcare professionals‟ ability to diagnose, treat, control, and prevent illnesses among WSW and other sexually minority groups in Tanzania. Keywords: Public perceptions and attitudes, Female homosexuality, Female sexuality, women who have sex with women, lesbians, qualitative study, Tanzania