[5][6] It was started by the Dutch journalist Bart Luirink.
[6] Its aim was to support LGBT African movements with information.
Behind the Mask "bolstered LGBT organizing throughout Africa because its website shared information about gains and setbacks that activists in different places experienced.
"[3] Behind the Mask shut down in 2012 and the contents of its website were almost entirely lost.
[6] Parts of the website at are still viewable through the Internet Archive Wayback Machine.