Diversity is a term that is difficult to define in an American context and nearly impossible in regards to American volunteers living in Malawi. The meanings we are all accustomed to simply don’t apply here. As Peace Corps volunteers we are all diverse in the villages we serve. American diversity in Malawi is a term used to help define the ambiguous experiences of the individual in his or her community. This area of the site is a way to bring to light some, although certainly not all, of the varied volunteer experiences. - The Diversity Committe

Case Study 1

Before coming to Malawi I definitely believed my sexuality was going to greatly affect my service. Coming here as a gay volunteer, however, has turned out to be much different from what I expected.

Being in a country where most people don’t know what homosexuality is has been a huge departure from the “is he or isn’t he?” culture of America. It’s seen as neither a lifestyle nor a choice. Homosexuality has taken the role of something like science fiction.

To me, coming out in Malawi isn’t a question. It just wouldn’t make sense here. The deep emotions tied to the same experience in the States would fall on deaf ears. At first I felt alienated from my community because of the white lies I scattered to cover my trail. I came to realize though, that most of my stress was coming from my own fear rather than from an unstated threat in the community.

Amongst other volunteers, I believe gay and lesbian volunteers feel a heightened sense of loneliness at times. Being the “token” gay volunteer gets old fast and can often lead to irrational anger or jealousy towards heterosexual volunteers.

Like most aspects of Peace Corps, most of the problems and challenges faced by volunteers are self-manifested. The biggest hurdle to jump is the realization that you are often your biggest enemy and your own best friend.

Case Study 2

If there is one concept here in Malawi that is not understood or accepted is the existence of a sexual orientation other than that of a heterosexual. To emphasize, many people literally do not believe homosexuality exists. You are struck by the truth of this statement as you walk around the village and see boys, young men, and older men holding hands and resting comfortably in each others arms. They have no fear of their affections for each other being misinterpreted as either bisexual or homosexual because that possibility does not exist here. Conversely to the US, men seem to publicly show much more affection to each other than they do towards women.

Although the host country culture is generally unreceptive to gay, lesbian or bisexual volunteers, fellow PCVs usually offer excellent support. Many volunteers can appreciate the extra difficulty that non-heterosexuality adds to the Peace Corps experience.