Title: EXPERIENCES AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE FEW LGB PEOPLE IN KISANGANI
Authors: Jean Paul SAAMOYA LIBO and Isetcha Tawiti
Abstract:

Intimate relationships, family ties, social recognition and union plans are important to well-being, but they remain poorly documented among lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This study analyzes the relationships, partner preferences, aspirations for union, family relationships and awareness trajectories of some LGB people in Kisangani. To do this, a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical survey was carried out among 70 participants recruited by non-probability purposive sampling with the support of the NGO Progrès Santé Sans Prix. A questionnaire pre-tested with 10 people excluded from the final sample was self-administered. Data were analyzed in SPSS 27 by frequencies, percentages, chi-square, and Monte Carlo probabilities. The results show that ninety percent of participants reported being in a conjugal relationship, and common-law unions were the most common form (55.7%). The general desire to marry one day was expressed by 67.1%, while only 11.5% declared a civil or religious marriage. The specific aspiration to a common-law union was affirmed by 35.7%, rejected by 12.9% and not provided by 51.4%. It was not significantly associated with age, sex, sexual orientation or level of education. Family relationships were marked by both rejection and estrangement, with each of these categories cited by 32.8% of participants. Most reported an awareness dating back more than three years; Current feelings were often positive, but fear persisted in 25.4% of respondents. The results show the existence of emotional ties and plans for union.

Keywords: Intimate relationships; common-law union; family; sexual orientation; trajectory;
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2026.7411
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Date of Publication: 08-08-2026
Published Issue & Volume: Vol 7 Issue 4 July-August 2026