It was a cool January afternoon in 2021. People walked down a quiet neighborhood street in an Accra suburb and passed through the nondescript brown gate into the walled-off compound to witness a bit of history. Inside, more than sixty guests were greeted with music, libations, and an explosion of color. Above them hung open, rainbow-colored umbrellas, and Ghanaian and pride flags unfurled from a window of the brick bungalow. It was the official opening of Ghana’s first community center for LGBTQ people.
Organizers with the group known as LGBT+ Rights Ghana had worked and raised funds for years to create a place where queer people could find community. They told guests that this was a safe space for any queer person who needed shelter or just wanted a library with computer stations. In a time when being openly gay in Ghana is dangerous—bordering on criminal—the center also helped people hone life skills to work toward independence. Visitors could take lessons in computer literacy, résumé building, cooking, and more.
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