Introduction and Context
In South Sudan, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals face severe repression, forcing them into silence and invisibility. Same-sex relations remain criminalised under national law, and social attitudes towards sexual minorities are overwhelmingly hostile. For those suspected of being LGBT, daily life is marked by fear of arrest, discrimination, or violence.

Despite the country’s turbulent transition toward peace and stability, LGBT rights remain entirely absent from public discourse. Activists attempting to raise awareness face harassment and threats, leaving most LGBT South Sudanese with no choice but to conceal their identities.

This article explores the legal, social, and cultural factors that silence LGBT people in South Sudan, the consequences for individuals, and the urgent need for reform.


Legal Repression
The legal framework in South Sudan criminalises same-sex relations, carrying punishments that include imprisonment and, in some interpretations, even harsher penalties. These laws are rarely enforced consistently but are often used as tools of intimidation and extortion by authorities.

Police harassment is common. Individuals accused of homosexuality may be detained arbitrarily, beaten, or threatened with prosecution. The absence of anti-discrimination protections means LGBT South Sudanese remain vulnerable in every aspect of life — from employment and education to housing and healthcare.

This legal repression forces many to hide, ensuring that LGBT voices are excluded from conversations about human rights and peacebuilding.


Social Stigma and Violence
Beyond the law, social stigma reinforces silence. In a society where homosexuality is widely viewed as taboo or “un-African,” LGBT individuals face rejection by families and communities. Being outed often results in disownment, forced marriage, or violence.

Activists report cases of individuals being beaten, harassed, or ostracised simply for being perceived as gay. Transgender individuals face heightened risks, as their visibility makes them particular targets for abuse.

This climate of fear creates a culture of invisibility, where LGBT South Sudanese must constantly conceal their identities, cutting them off from potential support networks.


Exile and Isolation
For some, the only option is to leave South Sudan. Many LGBT individuals flee to neighbouring countries, though they often face similar challenges in refugee camps dominated by conservative attitudes.

Those who seek asylum further abroad encounter the difficulty of proving persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as their lives in hiding leave little documentation. Even in exile, many face stigma and isolation, as fear of exposure continues to shape their daily lives.

For those who remain, survival depends on silence — avoiding visibility and suppressing identity to navigate an intolerant society.


Reform, Protection, and Conclusion
The forced silence of LGBT individuals in South Sudan represents a profound violation of human rights. Breaking this silence requires action on multiple levels:

- Decriminalisation: repeal laws criminalising same-sex relations.
- Protection: enact anti-discrimination measures in employment, housing, and healthcare.
- Awareness: support public education campaigns to challenge stigma and promote tolerance.
- International solidarity: provide asylum pathways and support to LGBT South Sudanese fleeing persecution.
- Civil society empowerment: enable safe spaces for activists to advocate for change.

Until these reforms are pursued, LGBT South Sudanese will remain invisible, silenced by law, society, and fear. Protecting their dignity and rights is essential to building a just and inclusive South Sudan.