Attitude and Perception of Congolese and LGBT on Homosexuality and the Profession of Homosexuals: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

<i>Introduction</i>: Worldwide, 72 countries criminalize homosexuality. Only one country in Africa recognizes homosexuality. While 10 countries criminalize it, against only one that protects it. Exceptionally, the DRC does not have legislation against or for homosexuality. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes and perceptions of Congolese and sexual minorities on homosexuality. <i>Methods</i>: This study was cross-sectional and analytical, conducted from February the 1St, 2021 to March the 30th, 2022, in the homosexual, bisexual and transgender population of Kinshasa town. The selection was made in homosexual associations and the snowball method was used to constitute the sample. The statistical significance level is P<0.05. <i>Results</i>: Almost half of the respondents (44.3%) were met with rejection by those around them. The majority (57.8%) have been victims of homophobic harassment. For Congolese population, homosexuality was perceived as a spiritual possession (90.5%). Homosexuality was not perceived as a handicap to undertake a profession (76.0%), although respondents with employment commitment represented just 15.3%. <i>Conclusion</i>: The Congolese population has a bad perception of homosexuality, with an attitude of rejection and harassment towards LGBT people; in the other hand, homosexuals have a good perception of their homosexuality.