Rod 2.0:Beta

Senegalese Gays Flee Country

More disturbing news from Senegal. Reportedly "dozens" of gays flee to neighboring countries after weeks of anti-gay riots.

Afrol News, a Norwegian news service that monitors Africa, reports "dozens of Senegalese homosexuals have fled to ... The Gambia and Mali to escape the looming threats on their lives. [However] Gambia may not be a safe hideout for homosexuals, considering President Yahya Jammeh's personal hatred of homosexuality. He had earlier threatened to crush any act of homosexuality in the country."

As previously reported on Rod 2.0, the president of The Gambia has also been criticized by the world community for sensational claims that he can "cure" HIV/AIDS.

Last week, riot police were forced to disperse tear gas at hundreds of anti-gay protesters who rioted outside Dakar's largest mosque. The crowds, led by influential Muslim cleric and lawmaker Imam Mbaye Niang, were outraged after the arrest and release of five men accused of participating in a same-sex wedding.

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country and, although only rarely enforced, homosexual acts are prohibited under law. In recent weeks, clerics are demanding a roundup of any known homosexuals as the nation will host some 40 heads of state and prominent religious leaders at the 11th summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference on March 8 to 14 in Dakar.

Dakar will also host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in December 2008. Some analysts believe the arrests were a potential source of embarrassment for a nation which boasted one of Africa's few official HIV/AIDS plans targeting men who have sex with men. 

Senegalese Homosexuals Flee [Afrol]

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Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial [R20]
"Homosexuelle en Afrique" [R20]
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested [R20]

Senegal Riot Police Fire Tear Gas at Hundreds of Anti-Gay Protesters

More violence  in Senegal after the arrest and release of five men accused of participating in a same-sex wedding. Over the weekend, police were forced to disperse tear gas at hundreds of anti-gay protesters who rioted outside Dakar's largest mosque.

"We want homosexuals to be wiped out in this country. We will continue to fight for Senegal to become a Muslim nation," a local fisheries agent named Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye told Reuters. Another demonstrator was more blunt: "Homosexuals are not welcome in our country. They're not tolerated in Senegal."

Riot police were called after demonstrators set rubbish ablaze for several blocks "around the mosque and groups of youths shouting and protesters "spewed ugly words ugly words of violence against what they call "gorjiguene", loosely translated as "men-women." The West African nation is a predominantly Muslim country and, although only rarely enforced, homosexual acts are prohibited under Senegalese law

As reported previously on Rod 2.0. the tabloid  Icone published pictures in its February edition that were apparently taken during a marriage ceremony between two men. The editor, who has been questioned by police and received death threats, said "he published the pictures to prove that an earlier article on homosexuality in Senegal was true."

Senegal Police Fire Tear Gas [Reuters]
Riots in Senegal Over "Gay Wedding" Photos [Pink]

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Senegal Releases Five Arrested at "Gay Wedding" [R20]
Senegal Condemned After Arrests of Gay Men [R20]
Senegalese Debate SA Marriage Law [R20]
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial [R20]
"Homosexuelle en Afrique" [R20]
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested [R20]

Senegal Releases Five Men Arrested at "Gay Wedding"

Police in the West African nation of Senegal have released five men detained after accused of participating in a same-sex wedding.

Earlier this week, Rod 2.0 reported the men were arrested in the capital city of Dakar "after a local magazine published photographs of a marriage ceremony between two men." According to the BBC, the "pictures were published in Icone magazine, whose editor, Mansour Dieng, has since received death threats." Dieng has also been questioned by police over the issue and reportedly told Africa Global News "that he published the pictures to prove that an earlier article on homosexuality in Senegal was true."

Le Soleil, the pro-government newspaper, reported "among the alleged fugitives were a Ghanaian, an Ivorian and two Senegalese", and, also a Frenchman.

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country and, although only rarely enforced, homosexual acts are prohibited under Senegalese law, with punishment ranging from one to five years in prison. Fines range from $200 to $3,000. Many Senegalese gay men and lesbians have been able to create a thriving underground gay community. The country is considered one of the more relaxed in Africa on the issue of homosexuality.

Dakar will host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in December 2008. Some analysts believe these arrests were a potential source of embarrassment for a nation which boasted one of Africa's few official HIV/AIDS plans targeting men who have sex with men.

Police Free Five in Senegal Gay Wedding [Africa Business]
Senegal "Gay Wedding" Men Released [BBC]

You May Have Missed ...
Senegal Condemned After Arrests of Gay Men [R20]
Senegalese Debate SA Marriage Law [R20]
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial [R20]
"Homosexuelle en Afrique" [R20]
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested [R20]

Senegal Condemned After Mass Arrests of Gay Men

The mass arrest of up to 20 suspected gay men in Senegal draws outrage from gay rights and HIV/AIDS activists who question if the West African nation should host an AIDS conference later this year.

Reportedly, "between seven and 20 men" were arrested in the capital city of Dakar "after a local magazine published photographs of a marriage ceremony between two men. Police have not revealed where the men are being held, only that they are charged with suspicion of homosexuality."

The BBC sheds some light on those photographs. "The pictures were published in Icone magazine, whose editor, Mansour Dieng, has since received death threats. Mr Dieng has also been questioned by police over the issue."

Although only rarely enforced, homosexual acts are prohibited under Senegalese law, with punishment ranging from one to five years in prison, and fines from $200 to $3,000. Many Senegalese gay men and lesbians have been able to create a thriving underground gay community, and, the country is considered one of the most progressive in Africa on the issue of homosexuality, says Joel Nana with the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "The government has included a commitment to fighting HIV among men who have sex with men in its national AIDS response plan since 2005. That's why we found these arrests to be very distressing."

Dakar will host the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in December 2008.

You May Have Missed ...
Senegalese Debate SA Marriage Law [R20]
Gay Man Imprisoned for Two Years Without Trial [R20]
"Homosexuelle en Afrique" [R20]
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested [R20]

African Activists Wrap Conference, Protest "State-Backed" Homophobia

Johannesburg, South Africa: The first conference of its just wrapped here as African gays protested what they called "state-sponsored" homophobia, saying most authorities condone their persecution across the continent.

About 60 activists attended the International Gay and Lesbian Association's (ILGA) first pan-African conference and all say they have seen first-hand the consequences of laws that breed homophobia.

"We're talking with people who cannot even integrate in the society," says Rowland Jide Macaulay, a gay priest who opened a gay-friendly church in his native Nigeria. "They've lost their jobs because they found out that they're gay at work, they've lost the roof over their head because their landlord found out they are gay. Here are people who suffer homophobic attacks ... verbal abuse, and I think people need assurance they're not mentally ill."

Nigeria already boasts some of the world's most hostile laws against gays and the legislature is debating an ambitious proposal to legislate gays out of existence.

A recent ILGA report documented the fact that 38 of the 85 United Nations member nations who outlaw homosexuality are in Africa. The report noted that while "many of the countries do not systematically implement those laws, their mere existence reinforces a culture where a significant portion of the citizens need to hide from the rest of the population in fear."

South Africa is the lone standout on the continent. Besides from gay-friendly legislation that protects its LGBT population, last year it became the first African nation to allow same-sex marriages. However, Kenya is making strides and Senegal recently included gay men in a government HIV/AIDS panel. Compared to North America or Europe, these are small steps, but, very important news in Africa.

African Gays Speak Out on 'State-Backed' Homophobia [Reut]

Some Background ...

Senegalese Debate SA Marriage Law [R20]
Cameroon: Gay Man Imprisoned Without Trial [R20]
Cameroon Gay Man Re-Arrested [R20]
UN Condemns Cameroon Anti-Gay Laws [R20]
Nigeria One Step Closer to Outlawing Gays [R20]
Gay Nigerians Speak Out [R20]
Nigeria Prepares to Outlaw Gays [R20]
Nigeria to Ban Gays Meeting [R20]

Boris Diaw in "L'Officiel Hommes"

The newest edition of L'Officiel Hommes is devoted to athletes and sport. Super hottie Boris Diaw—the French-Senegalese basketball phenom on the Phoenix Suns—is featured in two full-page ads for De Fursac. At the website of that upsscale menswear collection, there is also a short flash video of Boris playing basketball in the suit. There is certainly something to be said for a hot man in an impeccably tailored suit.

In related news, the 2006 FIBA World Baskeball Championships has just named Diaw as "France's 'Mr Versatility'.' Wouldn't be nice if that versatility extended off-court?

The Many Faces of Boris Diaw (Rod 2.0)

Electric Avenue (Rod 2.0)

The Many Faces of Boris Diaw ...

... And they are all stunning.

Carla and Richard are probably excited that the Dallas Mavericks have advanced to the NBA championship. Personally, we're very salty after their Saturday win over Phoenix. This means we'll be seeing a lot less of Boris Diaw (Dee-OW), the Suns' French-Senegalese phenom.

Even more irritating: No more post-game commentary in that incredible French accent.

Super-flawless complexion. Never breaks a sweat. Clorox-white smile. Check the Jumbotron at the end of the 3Q when Phoenix was still ahead:

Now, moving to the Fourth. Not too sure what was going on, it looks like he was sending a secret message.

Is he using both hands ... to suggest ... oh, nevermind.

Finally, may we direct your attention to the bottom half of the Fourth? Young Boris leans close to the referee for some one-on-one instruction.

Notice that his Nikes are equipped with a special orange panel to match his uniform. Fierce.

Check out the Site officiel de Boris Diaw where the baller says he is passionately pro-environment, anti-animal cruelty and loves his family. Awww. Boris is single, speaks three languages, and, also personally designs and maintains his website—just like Brian White. Interesting.

Previously:

• NBA Gay ... Err, Playoffs 2 (Rod 2.0)
• NBA Gay ... Err, Playoffs (Rod 2.0)
• March Madness: Dee Brown (Rod 2.0)
• Brian White in OUT (Rod 2.0)
• March Madness: Omar and Mike (Rod 2.0)
• Hornet's Nest (Rod 2.0)
• Vernon Davis: "Click-Clack" (Rod 2.0)
• The Best Part of Breaking Up (Rod 2.0)