Cape Town - 27-years into democracy, South Africa is still faced with enormous inequality issues, and among them is the right to self-identification. The most vulnerable in that category is the Queer community.
We often speak about how hard it is being black, as the second you are born black, you inherit a world that seeks to use your blackness as a stamp of being a subservient being. You have to constantly fight to prove your existence and have your voice heard, sometimes to prove that you are also human. Now imagine going through this and still face oppression from your race, where your sex and gender is constantly in question. This is the everyday reality of many Queer people in Africa.
27-years into democracy and a country deemed to be the best to live in on the African continent because of its constitution, we still have to shout, protest and picket to have our voices recognised. We still have to carry placards that say "stop killing Queers" because another one who looks like me was murdered by his kind. We still have to organise protests against the killings of Eudy Simelane, Nathaniel Mbele, Motshidisi Pascalina, Noxolo Nogwaza, Adnaan Davids, Lindo Cele, Andile Ntuthela, Anelisa Mngqolo, or Lonwabo Jack.
On paper, we are heaven on earth, yet in reality, we are the opposite. Queer bodies continue to be killed and there is no word from those in positions of authority. When will the Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (2018) be passed?
How loud must our cries be until we are heard? How many Queer bodies must be lowered six feet underground before the government speaks out about the killings of Queer bodies? Whom do we turn to when we need protection, and we are laughed at by the police? Who do we turn to when no one recognises our existence until its election time? When we have to live with the idea that we can be raped, beat, be burnt alive, and no one, not even a single soul, will rise to acknowledge our absence from this world. Do we remain mute? Do we still accept hate speeches against Queers as freedom of speech? How long must our bodies deteriorate before you can smell it rot?
Luchulumanco writes in his personal capacity.
