THE PERCEPTION OF WESTERN AND AFRICAN REGION ON QUEERNESS IN TENDAI HAICHU’S HAIRDRESSER OF HARARE

ABSTRACT

The exploration of queerness in Africa through the lens of works like Hairdressers of Harare by Tendai Huchu and Under the Udala Tree by Chinelo Okparanta unveils a complex tapestry of societal attitudes, historical influences, and contemporary dynamics. Through these narratives, we have embarked on a journey to uncover the different perspectives of how queerness is perceived, marginalized, resisted, and embraced across the African continent. This work has illuminated the profound impact of cultural perceptions of Africa on queerness, often rooted in the notion that it is a foreign construct. This perspective, while limiting, stems from historical biases and lack of visibility. These works shed light on the deeply entrenched stigma and persecution faced by queer individuals, resulting from a combination of cultural norms and colonial-era legal frameworks. The deeply ingrained heteronormative standards, driven by societal expectations and reinforced by religious institutions, have contributed to the alienation and silencing of queer voices.