Report by IOL

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has partnered with the Foundation for Human Rights and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to strengthen the rights of LGBTIQ people.

On Thursday marked International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, which is aimed at co-ordinating international events that raise awareness of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).

The SAHRC held a workshop yesterday, which included discussions on the national task team, the national intervention strategy, the Ekurhuleni declaration on practical solutions on ending violence and discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression, as well as intersex rights.

At the same time, the University of the Western Cape’s Loud Enuff programme hosted its annual awareness event, which started with a silent march from the gender equity unit to the main hall, and later included song and poetry.

The SAHRC said it had previously participated in the African regional seminar on finding practical solutions to ending SOGIE violence and discrimination, which was attended by more than 200 participants from across the African continent.

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda also participated in the event.

“The high level of hostility experienced by people on the basis of their SOGIE within Africa was brought into focus with debates and discussions around the many laws enacted, adopted or inherited which criminalise same-sex unions, with an understanding that solutions need to be sought for human rights violations of LGBTIQ people to human dignity, freedom of expression and association, as well as their right to love and their right to life,” the commission said.

Two advocacy initiatives were adopted by the commission.

The first initiative was the development and distribution of informative advocacy materials, such as posters and fact sheets, educating society at large about SOGIE rights, and the second was an innovative initiative, using sports – rugby, in particular – as a means of advocacy.

The commission teamed up with Jozi Rugby Club, the first gay and inclusive competitive rugby team in Africa.

At UWC, Loud Enuff, which was established to promote the rights and safety of LGBTIQ people on campus, kept with tradition in commemorating the day, which it has done for many years.

A member who preferred to use his pseudonym, Freezalequeer, said South Africa was still largely a patriarchal society and many people suffered abuse because of this.

“It’s a tradition at UWC to commemorate the day and we are continuously trying to dismantle the idea that queer is un-African.

“It is an important day to us,” Freezalequeer added.

Cape Times

East London: 17 May 2017 at 92 Currie Street, Quigney, East London
Cape Town: 20 May 2017 at the Khumbulani Pride March (Starting at 10am at the Circle next to the police station on Vulindlela Street, Lwandle location, Strand)
Durban: 20 May 2017 at Ushaka, next to the beach (Further details to be confirmed).

In Pretoria, OUT LGBT Well Being hosted a two day event alongside the Alliance Française and other members of the international community. The event featured spoken word performances, live music and an art show, all in support of IDAHOT 2016, and the local LGBT community.

In Cape Town activists from Let’s Face It visited a number of landmarks of the city in order to tour their Rainbow Africa. The tour also allowed the group to meet members of the public and discuss issues of discrimination within South Africa, whilst also raising awareness of LGBT issues in the country.

In Durban, campaigners from Same Love Toti held a family-friend beach work to mark the day. The day saw members of the LGBT community and their allies come together to celebrate diversity, and to tackle issues of discrimination within their community.

In Pretoria,  OUT LGBT Well Being is hosting two days of events with the support of the French cultural institute Alliance Française and several embassies.  The event will feature spoken word performance, live music and an art show and film screening, all in support of IDAHOT 2016.

In Durban, campaigners from Same Love Toti will organise a special beach walk to celebrate IDAHOT 2016. The event will invite the LGBT community and their allies to come together to celebrate the day, and will also encourage families and young people to take part.

For more news and updates please follow us on Facebook.

‘Your LGBT Story is Important’
In Durban LGBT campaigners the Same Love Support Group Toti launched a special Youtube video campaign on May 16th titled ‘Your LGBT Story Is Important’. The group aimed to raise positive attitudes about South Africa’s LGBTI community by sharing and encouraging stories that focus on the ‘good parts’ of life.
People were encouraged to share their stories via email, video or personally. They were able to contribute to this campaign before, during and after the actual event as this is an ongoing campaign.

These videos encourage closeted LGBT when they see that a good and happy LGBT life is possible for them.
It also shows the face of individuality, love and family within LGBT, raising awareness and educating
communities simultaneously.

IDAHOBIT 2015 was marked this year by Same Love Toti, with a video campaign that highlighted the joys of ordinary LGBT. Thank you to all who were a part of this initiative, and thanks to all who attended the launch. You are all such an inspiration!

In 2014, the former PFLAG South Africa, has been re-named Same Love Support Group Toti. Their motto is “Different families, same love”, which refers to the fact that all families share the same love for each other. They offer support to LGBTI people and their families alike.

IDAHOT-Class of 2015: The “I” Campaign

Iranti-org has been working with LGBTI youth in Gauteng and North West province on speaking out against discrimination, based on their Sexual Orientation and Gender Identities. Activists and learners have been collectively amplifying their messages about their rights, their gender identity & their sexuality. It’s also about taking action: What can “I” do in my life, in my school, in my home, in my own community? It’s about expressing and not repressing. School uniforms in South Africa continue to be very gendered: girls must wear skirts and boys must wear pants. Many Lesbian, Gay and Transgender learners in South Africa experience discrimination and find themselves being ridiculed, taunted and shamed, often by those in positions of power when they don’t conform to these strict gender roles. The Class of 2015 are claiming their freedom of gender expression and protection of their rights, by engaging in different activities that will address in raising awareness of homophobia and transphobia in schools, at home and in their communities.

The following activities took place in Gauteng and North West province:

• Friday 15 May 2015: Dialogue between LGBTI learners, teachers and the school governing bodies from various schools in Potchestroom.

• Sunday 17 May 2015: Uthingo – The Rainbow held a successful flash mob and dance event at the Daveyton Mall on Sunday 17 May. The street theatre group, Joint Minds, performed ‘Un-tag me’, in-front of 100s of people outside the mall.

Our message was to inform the community “that being gay or lesbian is not a Western invention but a human reality, and we are born this way,” says Asanda Mfede from Uthingo.

Learners dressed in school uniforms performed a gumboot dance. Over 300 people attended the event which was an opportunity for young people to express who they are and what they want.

• Friday 22 May 2015: Tisa Tshereletso will perform a drama about discrimination and bullying faced by LGBTI learners. The events will take place at the Erasmus Monareng and Thuto Lesedi High Schools in Vosloorus.

Iranti-org is a queer human rights visual media organization based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Iranti-org works within a human rights framework as its foundational platform for raising issues on Gender, Identities and Sexuality.

17th of May 2015 Daveyton residents were glued to the IDAHOT action that was pulled together by Uthingo – The Rainbow, Bokamoso youth and Joint Minds.#‎IDAHOT2015

They are young, black, brave, talented lesbians and gays. And today they managed to speak to their community members about issues affecting them at school, at home and in their community at large. #‎ClassOf2015 “I matter, I rise, I speak and I am making a difference” Source: Iranti-org

Additionally, in the occasion of IDAHOT and the upcoming trail concerning the brutal rape and murder of Disebo Gift Makau last year, several groups demanded that cases of Hate Crime based on SOGI be taken more serious. LGBTI groups outside Klerksdorp court chanting “we demand a hate crimes legislation now!”

The Embassy of France in Pretoria, the French Institute of South Africa and the Alliances Françaises of Johannesburg and Pretoria banded together to celebrate the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2015.

Launch of a landmark guide at the Alliance Française of Johannesburg
On 15 May, the Alliance Française (AF) of Johannesburg hosted the launch of the landmark Guide “Equality is Everyone’s Business: Eliminating Homophobia and Transphobia in South African Workplaces”. Jointly organized by the Embassy of France in South Africa, the Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA) association and the AF of Johannesburg, the event was opened by the Ambassador of France in South Africa and Lesotho Elisabeth Barbier.
Ambassador Barbier attended the panel discussion on tackling discrimination against lesbian and gender nonconforming women in the workplace, with representatives from GALA, the Labour Research Service (LRS), COSATU, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and the Coalition of African Lesbians (CAL), which was followed by an interactive debate.
“Equality is Everyone’s Business” is a straightforward guide for workers, employers, HR managers, trade unions and NGOs. It provides accurate information on labour laws and relevant policies, as well as advice on raising a complaint, seeking help or responding to cases of discrimination.

Read media coverage in The Times
Ambassador Elisabeth Barbier’s speech, on May 15

Cultural events and discussion at the Alliance Française of Pretoria
On 17 May, Ambassador Barbier welcomed the public at the Alliance Française of Pretoria, for a musical concert (Marcia Moon and Gaellou Greenwood), an art & photography exhibition (Izanne Wiid and Marcia Moon) and a discussion on the problems faced by Migrant LGBTI in Southern Africa and the rest of the world. The event was organized by the AF Pretoria and the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), in partnership with the University of Pretoria.
Ambassador Elisabeth Barbier’s speech, on May 17

The High Commission to Canada in South Africa have pledged their support of the day with a special online message, as well as support for local events in the area.

On IDAHOT, the annual campaign Khumbulani Pride in Khayelitsha was hosted by LGBTI organizations and partners to remember all the victims of homophobia and hate crimes nationally.

We will be marching from Kuyasa Train Station in Khayelitsha to the Wetlands Park, Makhaza, from 10am to 3pm. At the Wetlands Park there will be speeches and entertainment from various artists.
There will be an Afterparty at Buyelembo which is a local venue that is LGBTIQA friendly.

You can find more details and updates here.

In South Africa, various community groups organised actions for the IDAHOT in at least five cities (Cape Town, Malmesbury, Johannesburg, Durban and KwaZulu Natal). The events embraced topics such as Freedom of Expression, homo-, trans- and xenophobia, HIV/AIDS, progressive voices of faith, and LGBTI community pride. Actions included film screenings, panel discussions, the start of building a new community center, music and theatre performances, poems and public marches.

Johannesburg

In Johannesburg, leading LGBTI rights and arts organisation, Iranti-org, held an event which highlighted the importance of the 2014 global focus on Freedom of Expression. Together with several LGBTI organisations such Transgender Intersex Africa (TIA), Vutha LGBTI (in the Vaal region), and Uthingo-Daveyton, and in cooperation with Constitution Hill in Johannesburg they organised an event with panel discussions, art performances, such as poems and spoken words, a documentary screening and music.

You can watch a video report of the IDAHOT 2014 in Johannesburg here:

The event took place on May 17 at the Old Fort Prison at Constitution Hill, where anti-apartheid activists were detained for their activism. Events consisted of the following programme:

• Registration and welcome – Cindy Molefe: Director of the Programme
• Opening and Welcoming: Emilia Potenza
• Poems by: Lindo Miya, Maureen Velile Majola
• Screening: Protected, yet not free! A documentary from Iranti-org
• Panel Discussion – Panel Moderator: Cindy Molefe – Speakers: Thomas Ndayiragije, IGLHRC – Gugu Mandla, Iranti-org – Steve Letsike, Anova Health Institute – Phindi Malaza, FEW – Deliwe Qwabe, Traditional Healer – Mosa Mahlangu, TIA – Constant Ngwenya, Traditional Healer
– Madoda Sibeko-Bishop, Sufficient Grace Ministries Church – Summary of the discussion: Jabu Pereira
• Lunch
• Interactive messaging and photos
• Entertainment: Poetry and Music
• Sika
• Maureen Velile Majola
• Gabriel Hoosain Khan
• Selogadi Mampane: And All The Children of the Rainbow Shed Tears
• Bianca, performer
• Open mic
• Closure and vote of thanks

The 15-minute documentary ‘Protected Yet Not Free’, which was produced by iranti-org focused on bodily and gender expression of young lesbian students at Phomolong School, who were suspended for wearing pants. The other key areas of the documentary focus on a young lesbian woman, Deliwe Qwabe, who trained as a traditional healer, and believes that the visibility of her sexuality is integral to her traditional values.

The panel discussion afterwards discussed the issues raised in the documentary and highlighted the importance of the documentary as a tool for education about LGBTI rights and as an advocacy tool for outreach to communities and to government. Part of the discussion was also the potential regression of rights for LGBTI persons and of freedom of expression. In the spoken word and music session which followed, queer performing artists challenged gender norms and violence and celebrated diversity and freedom.

Prior to May 17, iranti-org team had conducted interviews with traditional, cultural and religious leaders, with a focus on religious freedom and the right to one’s sexual orientation and gender expression. The digital stories were presented at the event on May 17.

Jacob Jones performs their hit song Drag Queen. Photo by: Lebo Ntladi. Source: Iranti-org

Cape Town

In solidarity with the worldwide International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia commemorations, a team of creative artists, directors and coordinators put together a project, called ‘theodrama’ which brings together art, drama and spirituality. The performance addresses homo-, trans- and xenophobia as well as HIV/AIDS and consisted of installation, performance art, and storytelling, multimedia and live choral music. It was interactive and elicited emotional responses.
“Other” – a sacred journey from exile to belonging, forms Part 1 in a trilogy of theodramas, and was presented on May 16 and 17, and took place at the Centre for Christian Spirituality in Cape Town. The play was presented with support from Inclusive & Affirming Ministries and Gender DynamiX and had a turn-over of 65 in the two nights.

What is “theodrama”? Is it theatre? Is it dialogue? A workshop? Worship? Protest, therapy, circus? Art? Yes, it is.

‘Theodrama’ in Cape Town for IDAHOT 2014.

A few of the reactions received:

“One of the most powerful stagings I’ve seen in a long time” – Fahiem Stellenboom, marketing manager, Baxter Theatre, Cape Town

“It was so beautiful! It was like – world class! There was much love in the space.”
– Susan Groves, core process therapist

“Het baie baie gehou van ‘Other!” – Niël le Roux, previous director, Suidoosterfees

“Thanks so much for Friday night’s presentation. We felt very privileged to be there and enjoyed this excellent ‘installation‘ – so much to think about and such honest and vulnerable storytelling. Deeply moving. Keep going!!!” – Robert Steiner, minister, Rondebosch United Church

Durban

The Upper Room Communion, with the support of PFLAG – Same Love, Durban Lesbian and Gay Contact Centre / Durban Pride, KZN Bears, Durban International LGBT Film Festival and Durban GALTA (Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association) organised the ‘IDAHOT 2014 Beach Walk’, a march along the beachfront of Durban, which highlighted the global theme Freedom of Expression. The participants and organisers of the walk also expressed their solidarity with their brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe, Uganda and elsewhere in Africa where the rights to Freedom of Expression for LGBTI people are under serious attack.

IDAHOT 2014 in Durban, South Africa. Source: The Upper Room Communion

Pietermaritzburg

The Gay & Lesbian Network in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal also celebrated IDAHOT with a march on May 17. The procession started at Freedom Square on Church Street, and ended at the KZN Museum on Loop Street. The march stood as a strong symbol of pride for LGBTI communities.

Upon arrival at the museum, an open mic session was on the go. Poets, musicians and dancers took to the stage to commemorate this historic day of the year. Perfomances included a cover of Beyonce’s Drunk in love hit by a local band, Petunia and the Mob. A 21y/o Durban based social blogeer, Sandy Nene was the keynote speaker. He advised his fellow homosexuals on the importance of owning up to their rights and responsibility could pave a way for a more accepting and supporting environment. Playing a role in the societal initiatives would create a sound visibility and acknowledgement of homosexuals within the communities.

The Gay & Lesbian Network is a LGBT organisation that works for the rights and support of LGBT people in and around KwaZulu Natal.

Source: Gay & Lesbian Network

Malmesbury

The start of constructing a new community centre in the city of Malmesbury – 30 minutes North of Cape Town –  called ‘CALEM Rumi’s Isiphephelo’ was launched on May 17. Run by CALEM, the ‘Confederation of Associations LGBT, Euro-Africans or Muslims’, the centre will become the first international, inclusive, self-sustainable Muslims’ centre (an inclusive mosque, a refugees’ shelter & a progressive imam-es training institute) in South Africa.

The goal of the center is to ‘promote empowerment, learning, sharing and freedom’. It will provide refuge for healing from persecution trauma, and will welcome, train and empower vulnerable individuals, especially LGBT people from a Muslim background, with a priority for those coming from the Middle-East and Africa, and for those thrown out of their homes, communities or countries because of their sexual orientation. The centre will also welcome and train HIV positive individuals, and women from a Muslim background, in need of support, who are discriminated because of their HIV status or gender. The centre is scheduled to be ready and open by mid-June 2014.

Promotional material for the new community centre ‘CALEM RUMI’s Isiphephelo’, launched May 17, 2014.

IDAHO- Commemoration march
The Gay & Lesbian Network has organised a march to celebrate IDAHOT in KwaZulu Natal. It will start at the Market Square KwaZulu Natal Pietermaritzburg at 10:00am and go to the KZN Museum, where there will be an open mic session and signing of the banner to mark this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The Gay & Lesbian network (GLN) is a registered non-profit organisation which is based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal and has been operational since 2003. In this time it has accomplished pioneering work, primarily with young people, unemployed and marginalised lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people living in and around KwaZulu Natal. If you like to know more about them and their work. please visit their website or Facebook page.

‘Theodrama’ in Cape Town
In solidarity with International Day Against Homo- and Transphobia, a team of creative artists, directors and coordinators has put together a project, called ‘theodrama’ which brings art, drama and spirituality together. The performance will address homo- and trans- and xenophobia as well as HIV/Aids through storytelling and performance art.

“Other” – a sacred journey from exile to belonging

Part 1 in a trilogy of theodramas.

What is “theodrama”? Is it theatre? Is it dialogue? A workshop? Worship? Protest, therapy, circus? Art?

Yes, it is.

Inviting foreigners, queers, heretics, nonconformists, outcasts, misfits & dwarstrekkers. Come and contemplate
liminal experience, explore the “scapegoat” & “other” within; offer your “forsakenness”;
and to celebrate our uniqueness and authenticity.
2 nights only (repeat on 17 May)

DATE: Friday, 16 May and Saturday 17 May 2014.
TIME: 7-8pm
VENUE: Centre for Christian Spirituality, 1 Chapel Lane, Rosebank
With support from Inclusive & Affirming Ministries

Photo: IDAHOT 2013- waving the rainbow flag at Carlton Centre. Source iranti-org

The Iranti-org team is currently conducting interviews with traditional, cultural and religious leaders, with a focus on religious freedom and the right to one’s sexual orientation and gender expression. The team will screen all the digital stories on the 17 May in Johannesburg, at a public event on IDAHOT.

Iranti-org, in partnership with TIA, IHAWU, Tiisa Tshireletso, Vutha LGBTI, Tulo ya Kagiso, Uthingo the rainbow will gather to celebrate our right to freedom of expression and to discuss the issues that hinder our rights. Religious leaders, feminist theologians, activists and artivists will join in making this programme meaningful.

Iranti-org is a Johannesburg-based queer human rights organisation with a focus on visual media that works in advocacy, lobbying and networking with local activists and organisations. With multi-media the organisation is documenting and reporting on issues like sexual orientation, gender identity and sexuality in South Africa and beyond.

Iranti [pronounced írantì] is the Yoruba word for ‘memory’. Largely found in South West Nigeria and parts of Benin Republic, the Yoruba people consider memory a prized form of intelligence which determines how often one remembers what they see and hear.

The event will take place in Johannesburg, at Constitution Hill from 12-5pm

For more information on Iranti-org visit their Website or check out their Facebook page.

Jabu Pereira, Iranti-org, South Africa

Organisers say that: ‘As a church and with the community we will walk along the Golden Mile dressed to the nines in celebration of our Freedom of Expression. We will also walk a mile in heels in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda end elsewhere in Africa where the freedoms we take for granted could result in severe punishments and death.’

They say that ‘As a gay and affirming Community, we invite every one into fellowship – Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Curious and Intersex people and even our heterosexual brothers and sisters because no one is excluded from Gods saving Grace and Love.’

The ‘IDAHOT 2014 Beach Walk’ will take place on May 17, from 9.30 am.

It will take place at Golden Mile, Durban Beachfront, Snell Parade, Durban.

For more information about the event or the Church, you can log onto the Upper Room Community’s page on facebook, or their website.