Senegal's only LGBT advocacy org forced to close

And Ligeey, which translates from Wolof as "Let's work together," Senegal's only LGBT advocacy organization, was forced to close last year by the federal government.

This story was reported on Behind the Mask shortly after the announcement of possible aid for the LGBT community in Senegal in its fight against AIDS from the Conseil National de Lutte contre le SIDA (CNLS), or National AIDS Commission.

Those caught having same-sex sexual relations in Senegal face enprisonment of one to five years and a fine of 100,000 to 1,500,000 francs CFA, approximately $180 to $2,700 US dating from the colonial penal code under the French.

All of this means that as of March 2005, there has been NOT ONE official, on-the-books organisation in Senegal working formitably against homophobia and heterosexism and helping gay men, especially those living with HIV and AIDS, to seek medical treatment free from discrimination, harrassment, violence, and death.