UniQ Conversations
UniQ Conversations Champions Social Cohesion
Uniq Conversations dialogue which was held at the Bat Centre on 7 July 2023 under the theme: Sesikhona ke Kwenziwenjani? (We are here, what now?). The dialogue was held as part of a social cohesion programme for Pride Month which included a 2km walk, entertainment and a books and crafts exhibition. The dialogue was co-hosted with the KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to get views affecting the LGBTQI community and its allies.
Some of the key issues highlighted by the invited panelists include the importance of fighting hate crime, encouraging faith-based communities to be more inclusive and champion social cohesion. The aim of the dialogue was to create an enabling platform for LGBTQI community to share their stories with the intention of instilling a sense of belonging.
Menzi Mbambo, a transgender man who is going through a transition, shared his experiences of undergoing gender transition from being a woman to becoming a man. He described how he had lived in the closet for many years as a lesbian before he accepted who he was. “I needed clarity on who I wanted to become, and I had a lot of internalised anger which I processed with the help of a psychologist. Seeing a psychologist, taking hormones to reach my desired body structure has been part of my journey. I was able to see results after 3 months into my hormone treatment, but it varies according to individuals,” shared Menzi.
Mental Health Practitioner, Ndabenhle Myeza says that almost 99% of black parents in South Africa are ignorant when it comes to issues around human sexuality and its complexities as morality in the country is based on Christian theology and consciousness interpreted by a third person. Myeza urged members of the LGBTQI community to be patient with parents and communities in the fight for acceptance and integration into their communities. “Let’s be patient with parents but also be aggressive in dispensing knowledge of sexuality. Be knowledgeable about yourself, know yourself and don’t be dictated to by others,” advised Myeza.
Acting Chief Director of Cultural Affairs, Mpumelelo Nhlapho, shared the need for his department to work closely with the office of the KZN Legislature Speaker to create a synergy between departments to leave a lasting footprint in the struggle for LGBTQI+ equality. “Information sharing and understanding ourselves and empowering others is crucial. Use channels of reading and writing to express yourself and share what you have been through as an outlet,” said Dr Nhlapho.
KZN Legislature Speaker, Nontembeko Boyce says it is imperative that South Africans are guided by the Constitution which outlines human rights regardless of gender identity. To create and promote cohesive and safe communities, Boyce suggested patience with all stakeholders and an understanding that revolution releases freedom. “Let us be movers in all sectors, be the change you want to see. Create and occupy the space. Let us not show up for one another after there has been a hate crime towards a member of the LGBTQI community, but actively engage communities around us on issues of sexuality,” she said.
The dialogue is a continued effort in ensuring strengthened collaboration between government institutions, civil society, private sector and development partners to prevent and respond to all sorts of discrimination against the LGBTQI community.
Look out for more Uniq Conversations in future.
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