This week The Bees are joined by Frank Oben to continue our conversation on queer experiences in the Cameroonian community and beyond. Frank shares his story of struggling with feeling different from an early age, and how the weight of tradition and cultural expectations impacted his mental and physical health. He recounts his experience coming out to friends and family, and the journey of finding self compassion while navigating the world as a Black gay man and an immigrant.

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The Bees discuss our June book of the month, "These Letters End In Tears" by Cameroonian author Musih Tedji Xaviere. We examine how the characters in this queer love story navigate a homophobic society where love can cost you your life. We share our thoughts on how class, gender expression, and other factors may shape how queer people are perceived and treated in the world. That and much more in this episode!

Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2

The Bees are joined by Dr. Sirry Alang, a health services researcher and medical sociologist, to talk about attitudes towards LGBTQ people in the Cameroonian community and beyond. Sirry shares her personal journey from growing up in Bamenda to becoming a prominent academic in the U.S. She shares her experience coming out as gay to her family and friends, and gives examples of what it means to be truly accepting and affirming. We discuss the way forward in having difficult conversations about homophobia, and how to create safe spaces for queer people in our communities.

Opening/Closing music from UpbeatMusic https://uppbeat.io/t/richard-bodgers/botswana License code: CNXX5ILE1JOBZYM2