Multivocality and Sexual Identity of a “Nation” in Zimbabwe: Exploring Twitter Discourse on Queer Sexualities

Abstract In Zimbabwe, like in most African countries, sexuality is strongly tied with national identities. Previous studies show that queer sexualities are associated with Western values. While this narrative is contested, it has, nevertheless, been promoted by the mainstream media. However, this article focuses on social media, Twitter to be specific, to examine how users discuss sexuality and national identities. The focus is on social media platforms as they enable users to bypass traditional gatekeepers and use reason and emotions to argue about different issues. The article uses the case studies of a Zimbabwean school teacher, Neal Hovelmeier, and a South African gay celebrity, Somizi Mhlongo, who became subjects of Twitter discussions in Zimbabwe because of their homosexual orientation. The article established that Twitter reflects a wide range of reactions and formulations of queerness within what is imagined to be normative identities in Zimbabwe. It further noted that queer struggles are tied to contemporary political and social struggles and Twitter users frame their responses in ways that show these intersections.