Théophile, age 26

“When I heard about the new penal code, I didn’t understand why they did this. Homosexuality has always existed, and it’s never caused any problems. I don’t understand this overreaction.”

I knew from a very young age, 11 or 12 years old, that I was attracted to boys and not girls. I lived in the interior, and had never heard of homosexuality. I didn’t see anyone else like me, and thought it was something that would pass. When I went to secondary school in Gitega, I heard there were other gays there, but they were timid and didn’t speak out. Me, I did talk to my friends. I like when I’m able to tell people I’m gay, because it makes my heart feel better. My friends are a bit understanding. Most of them accepted me, supported me when others insulted me in the road. Some were afraid of what others would think if they saw me with them, but they didn’t judge me.

My brother was aware, but never accepted that I could be like that. He said, “You make me ashamed.” He refused to walk down the road with me and tried to pretend we weren’t brothers. But some of our mutual friends talked to him, saying “It’s ok, he’s not the only one.”

I was once at Africana Bar and was dancing with a young guy, and his brother beat me up. He called me into the toilets and said, “I have something to tell you,” and then he beat me up seriously. He said, “I don’t want my little brother to be a faggot like you.” The manager called over the guy when he saw I was bleeding and told him to ask forgiveness.

When I heard about the new penal code, I didn’t understand why they did this.  Homosexuality has always existed, and it’s never caused any problems. I don’t understand why this overreaction. I thought that we were in a wave of change – I had discussed my homosexuality with my friends and neighbors, and they were tolerant. When people take the time to try to understand, they become a bit more open-minded – when they see how you live, that you live a decent life. So the new law was a step backward. I will now live in fear that they can trap me at any time.

I’m a member of the gay association in Bujumbura. It’s very important to me, because you find people who are like you, who understand you, who support you. You don’t feel alone anymore.