2014 Photo Contest, Daily Life, Honorable mention

Living Unnoticed

Photographer

Jana Ašenbrennerová

13 February, 2013

Very few support organizations exist for gay people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The country has no explicit law against homosexuality; nevertheless there is very little social acceptance of same-sex relationships.

About the photographer

Jana Ašenbrennerová

Jana Ašenbrennerová is a Czech photojournalist specializing in social documentary. After studying directing at The Film Academy of Miroslav Ondrícek in Písek, she moved to the Un...

Background story

Rainbow Sunrise, an NGO founded in the city of Bukavu in 2011, plays a crucial role in offering LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) people a safe place to meet, a chance to share experiences, and sexual education. Very few support organizations exist for gay people in the DRC. The country has no explicit law against homosexuality; nevertheless there is very little social acceptance of same-sex relationships.

LGBT people are increasingly subject to discrimination and violence, and many keep their identities hidden in order to avoid assault and stigmatization. In December, a draft bill criminalizing gay sex was proposed in the DRC parliament. Supporters of the bill claim that same-sex activity is un-African, and a result of Western influence. Opponents say that such relationships existed in traditional culture, and point to harsh colonial-era laws as a source of negative attitudes.

Technical information

Shutter Speed
1/320
Focal length
35.0 mm
F-Stop
2.0
ISO
320
Camera
Canon EOS 5D Mark II

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