Social norms influence violence contemplation and perpetration against LGBTQ+ in Kenya
K Stojanovski, K Basaria, D Wanyana, E Otukpa, W Muga, I Bahati, P Okeyo, J Mathenge, A Njenga, E IgonyaAbstract
Background
Violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) is a significant issue in sub-Saharan Africa, premised on the continent’s conservative sexual laws & socio-cultural norms. Informed by Norm-Centered Stigma Theory, this study investigated the norm-related factors associated with physical and psychological violence contemplation and perpetration against LGBTQ+ people in Kenya.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 1,652 non-LGBTQ+ members of the public in four Kenyan cities. The respondents were recruited through convenience sampling. We used a face-to-face structured questionnaire that explored societal attitudes towards and participants’ self-reported actions against LGBTQ+ people, leveraging numerous social norm scales. We calculated Cronbach’s alpha and used adjusted multinomial regression, reporting relative risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.
Results
Perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people are highly discriminatory among the sample. In adjusted analyses beliefs about discrimination (RRR=1.04 (1.02-1.06)), individual levels of acceptance (RRR=1.06 (1.00-1.13)), and views on sex acts (RRR=1.08 (1.04-1.12)) were significantly associated with a higher risk of physical violence perpetration. In adjusted analyses, perception of community acceptance of LGBTQ + (RRR=1.04 (1.00-1.07)), beliefs about discrimination (RRR=1.05 (1.03-1.08)), individual levels of acceptance (RRR=1.28 (1.21-1.35)), and views on sex acts (RRR=1.14 (1.10-1.18)), and views about same-sex unions (RRR=1.17 (1.11-1.23)) were significantly associated with psychological violence perpetration.
Conclusions
Discriminatory attitudes, beliefs, and views toward LGBTQ+ people are prevalent in Kenya, influencing the propensity to contemplate or perpetrate violence. Implementation of anti-stigma training and educational interventions could foster tolerance to create safer communities for LGBTQ+ people.