Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersexual (LGBTI) community came together to draw attention to the plight of people who are affected by hate crimes.
Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersexual (LGBTI) community came together to draw attention to the plight of people who are affected by hate crimes.
The LGBTI and other marginalised minorities held a candle light vigil last Thursday evening to end hate crimes against LGBTI people as well as raise awareness about these issues.
The vigil was held in front of the Rhodes University administration building and its aim was to garner support and express solidarity with the individuals and families of LGBTI persons who suffered violence and cruelty because of their sexual orientation.
In a sombre mood, members lit candles and observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of hate crimes who have died. Individuals vented their frustrations about how reluctant police are to investigate crimes against lesbians and how inadequate support is for survivors of hate crimes. "South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of rape, but very few cases end in conviction. Police and the justice system have failed to tackle the problem," said Kaleidoscope co-ordinator Sekoetlane Phamodi. Kaleidoscope is a youth-based forum that operates at various universities which discusses social injustices and prejudice based on people’s sexual orientation.
"Children are being mocked and bullied for their sexual orientation and not much is done to raise awareness in such issues. I had to google these murdered women to know who they are because the media hasn’t done much to cover such crimes," said Cordia du Toit, a Kaleidoscope member. Lauren O’ Brien, the president of Outreach (which is part of Kaleidoscope) said, "Rhodes University has a population of about 7 000 and there are only 10 of us here. It is really sad because when one compares this to the attendance of things that have to do with fun, there’s a huge difference."
Each person at the vigil made a testimony of what they understand about these issues and how it has affected them. The names of people were called out who have been victims of crimes merely because of who the are. This includes Zoliswa Nkonyana who was killed by a mob of twenty people for being "a tomboy who deserved to be raped". Only nine members of the mob were arrested.
"We are not safe, we are being raped, robbed and we have to look over our shoulders wherever we go. This is not healthy and this is prevalent in townships, we have to take a stand, especially as women," said Rozz Dlamini. Courtnéy-Jadé Gillespie agrees. "It has been a long, hard and bleeding road for those who have died, even though some of their names are not mentioned and are not known. Had it not been with them, nobody would be talking about these incidents."
