Phiri Cawe feels that there is still a way to go for the LGBTQIA+ community to be completely free.
It is still incredibly hard to be a member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community, even in this so-called democratic country.
I grew up in the villages where homosexuality was described as a sin.
Those who were gays and lesbians were openly excluded. Churches preached against homosexuality. LGBTQIA+ people were labelled as being possessed by demons. They were called derogatory words such as stabanas and talasis (dual sexuality).
There was no mention of lesbians and gays at schools.
It was only after I visited big cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein that I learnt of people called lesbians and gays.
My knowledge improved to know queers, bisexuals, transgenders, intersexuals and asexuals.
Lesbians and gays were visible in every part of the community. I will confess it was a shock to me. I then started to know that it was okay to be gay or lesbian.
When I got to these cities, homosexuality was literally promoted. It was a different feeling for a village boy and a shock to see such progressive people. But this promotion was pointless to me because I knew back home something like this would never see the light of the day. Back then, nobody raised awareness about homosexuality and said that word in public.
Fast forward to the new South Africa and modern times, has there been a change of thinking from the villages? A big no. Has there been a change in the urban areas? I would not know. But all I can safely say is that the LGBTQIA+ community is allowed to march and protest on the streets. Are they getting much needed support from those who call themselves straight? Hayi, is my answer.
Just last weekend I attended a parade by this community. I listened to their stories. Some are old and some are new to me. But I again listened to murmurs by passers-by. They said horrible and disgusting things. Homophobia still exists. The LGBTQIA+ community is still facing all sorts of problems.
I know they still struggle to get access to gender transition-related care. The surgery is expensive and not everyone could afford it. This is frustrating to them. One can go through a full transition but the identity document will still state him/her as man or woman.
There is also added trauma when members of this community have to report a rape. There are no suitable rape kits to collect evidence and police stations do not care who they are or about their rights.
I say there is still a lot needed to free the LGBTQIA+ community.
Even though the country’s progressive Constitution allows them many rights, in reality many of those rights are infringed upon daily.
But I must say, there is hope that one day, they will be free and be able to enjoy their hard fought for rights.
I long for the day when they will suffer no hatred, discrimination and violence.