Sociologist, novelist, comparativist, professor · Washington International School, Washington DC
charles.gueboguo@wis.eduCharles Gueboguo is a trailblazing Cameroonian-American scholar, and writer who has made significant contributions to the study of homosexualities and social recognition in French-speaking Africa. He is the author of several academic works on the topic, including La question homosexuelle en Afrique (2006), Sida et homosexualités en Afrique (2009). He has coordinated the Canadian Journal of African Studies, Special issue, with Marc Epprecht: Sexualités en Afrique, nouvelles perspectives (2009). He has also published numerous scientific articles and literary essays on the subject.
Gueboguo's groundbreaking work has been instrumental in raising awareness of the challenges faced by people claiming same-sex identities in Africa. He has also been a vocal critic of state homophobia inherited from the colonization and discrimination against the Nkouandengué (same-sex loving people). His work has helped to pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusion of Nkouandengué communities in Francophone Africa as he has inspired a new generation of activists to continue the fight for equality and justice.
In addition to his scholarly work, Gueboguo is also a talented writer. He has published a novel, Cacophonies des voix d'Ici (2018), and is currently working on his second one with an insightful portrayal of various African queer characters in their journey of becoming.
Gueboguo is currently a teacher of Francophone literature and Theory of knowledge at Washington International School as well as a liason for IDI (International-Mindedness, Diversity, and Inclusion).
Gueboguo is a leading voice in the fight for Nkouadengués rights in Francophone Africa. His work has made a significant contribution to their visibility and acceptance on the continent. He is a role model for many Nkouadengué everywhere and an inspiration to all who work for equality and justice.
Gueboguo was born in Cameroon in 1979.
He studied political sociology at the University of Yaoundé I and Comparative Literature at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
He is one of the founders of the pro-LGBTQ+ association Alternatives-Cameroun.
He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Rackham Outstanding GSI Award and his first novel was nominated for the Ahmadou Kourouma Literary Award in 2018.
Introduction Because literary prizes play an essential role in legitimizing and promoting literary works, this article analyzes the stakes involved in the Pan-African Grand Prize for Literature awarde…
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