Social exclusion of the SGM community in Rwanda: public perceptions and lived experiences of SGM

BACKGROUND: Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are “othered” from society. This study quantifies and explores the process of “othering” of SGM Rwandans through the lens of those who “other” and those who experience “othering.” METHODS: We conducted a mixed methods study surveying 499 & conducting focus groups with 59 SGM. We surveyed 1,254 & conducted 16 interviews with non-SGM. Among non-SGM, the outcome was a continuous variable measuring attitudes toward SGM. Among SGM, the continuous dependent variable was from 13 questions measuring discrimination across life contexts (e.g., work, health). We conducted adjusted linear regressions to explore predictors of “othering” among non-SGM and associations between discrimination and SGM identity among SGM. We report beta coefficients and 95% confidence intervals. We used thematic analysis to analyze the qualitative data to examine the context and nuance of “othering” and its impacts on SGM. RESULTS: The average score for SGM support among the public was 12 (SD = 4.7) (20 is more discrimination). As compared to those who knew zero SGM, persons who knew 5+ had scores that were 1.3 points lower (95% CI -2.2, -0.5), while the score was lower for those that knew 1-5 (-0.2), it was not significant (95% CI -0.8, 0.5). Among SGM, 67% experienced discrimination. In adjusted models, we found that transgender & non-straight participants experienced more discrimination. The qualitative findings found that “othering” occurs in many contexts, such as housing, employment, healthcare, and virtually, but trans persons are most impacted. One participant shared, “A transgender [person] may face more discrimination than a gay based on their physical appearance.” CONCLUSIONS: SGM Rwandans are widely “othered” with negative implications for their ability to live authentically and participate in everyday experiences. However, results indicated that if non-SGM persons were acquainted with LGBTQ+ community members, discrimination is lessened.