For the past few months I have had the slightest inclination to follow televised entertainment, but for some reason I turned on the television today. While flipping through the channels, I happened to turn to the local news station where I heard one of the most unsettling news of the day. It was reported that a 46-year-old woman, mother of 3, was rapped twice in one month because she is a Lesbian. The woman later found out that she contracted the HIV virus. The woman, who was married for 15 years, came out about her sexuality to her husband 2 months ago. In an attempt to “teach” his wife a lesson, the woman’s husband hired 2 guys to rape her. Rape is on the rise in South Africa and it is also one of the main causes of the spread of HIV/ AIDS virus.
Although Cape Town is one of the safest places for the homosexual community, there is a stigma, throughout South Africa, about homosexuality. Despite the modernized infrastructure and westernized influences, traditional roots and lifestyles still permeates the South African society. It is terrifying for a homosexual couple to live freely. There is a constant sense of fear that lingers within.
At UCT, student organizations such as the “Social Justice Coalition,” the “Coalition to End Discrimination,” and “RainbowUCT” all fight for the rights of the homosexual community. Currently, all three groups are fighting for Ugandan gay rights. In Uganda, there is an anti-homosexual bill that is pending to be approved. Students are protesting against the human rights violations that are plaguing the homosexual community in Uganda. One of the country’s representatives believes that “homosexuality constitutes a threat to the traditional family.” Hate crimes, in its physical, mental, and political form negatively impact communities. Education and awareness may not be enough to reform the stigmas that are rooted here in South Africa and in many societies that are facing similar violations to human rights.
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Sabrina,
ReplyDeleteDo you know what the anti-homosexual bill in Uganda will consist of?....I think that's absurd; what about the people who recognized their attraction towards the same sex at a young age? To create an anti-homosexual bill would be like telling some people not innately feel the way they feel; to tell them that they're not entitled to the love of their choice, furthermore, no love at all.
The other question I have is:
while the woman was married to her husband, was she engaging in other relationships with women?
hey bree,
ReplyDeletethis is crazy!! there is so much to be done in terms of combating ignorance within the whole diaspora. i had no idea that this madness was happening in SA too.
i know that "rape is on the rise" comment is a scary thing to think about on your odyssey but i have faith that you will be safe.
i love all of the pics and your blog posts! bring me home a south african penguin. please and thanks
love you momma bree!
Hey Shania! I am not sure of the exact description of the bill, but I am sure you can google it. As for the woman who was raped, she was not involved with another partner while with her husband.
ReplyDeleteKim.. I miss you and I will try my hardest to smuggle a penguin for you..lol
It is a sad reality but the African traditional family values will never be embracing of homosexuals or their lifestyle. The fight for human rights in S.A. indicates, to me, the influence of western culture. And Yes, the Uganda homosexuality bill is REAL. Other countries imprison or kill people suspected of being gay. It's sad.
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