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Botswana gays rejoice as opponents see red Mmegi Newspaper Friday 17 Nov 2006 Early this week the South African parliament made history and passed a bill that ushers in a law that recognizes same sex marriages. This development, the first of its kind in Africa has generated a lot of excitement amongst the gay community and human rights organizations in Botswana. LEGABIBO, an organization of Gays and lesbians in Botswana has applauded South Africans for passing the law despite the fact that homosexuality and lesbianism remains a taboo in the country
An exhilarated coordinator of LEGABIBO, Skipa Moepi said the law is long overdue in Botswana. She lameted that their attempts to seek recognition of gays and lesbians have been thwarted as Botswana is said not to be ready for same-sex relationships. ">"This is frustrating as homosexuality has always existed in Botswana. We suppressed it because we are such a secretive society," she said. She lamented that they cannot register LEGABIBO because the Constitution does not recognise them. "
It is even difficult for homosexuals to access medical facilities as they are discriminated," she said. Moepi's sentiments have been echoed by the director of Botswana Network of Ethics, Law and AIDS (BONELA), Christine Stegling who emphasised the necessity of passing out a law that recognise gay and lesbian marriages.
It is even difficult for homosexuals to access medical facilities as they are discriminated," she said. Moepi's sentiments have been echoed by the director of Botswana Network of Ethics, Law and AIDS (BONELA), Christine Stegling who emphasised the necessity of passing out a law that recognise gay and lesbian marriages. She said this would be an indication of Botswana's commitment to human rights and fighting discrimination. Stegling said that her organisation takes a stand against discrimination of people, including on the grounds of sexual orientation. She said they advocate for tolerance and acceptance for the different people who make up Botswana's population. These includes recognising the rights of people identified as non-heterosexual.
"But it is also important to note that the current discrimination and marginalisation faced by the non-heterosexual community needs to be addressed in general, not just the issue of marriage," she said. She warned that if gay people continue to feel marginalised or discriminated, they will not feel comfortable to seek HIV treatment in public health services or the tools that might prevent HIV. "The strategies to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic must include everyone, including people of non-heterosexual orientation and recognising their right to equality," said Stegling. Contrary to Stegling's sentiments, Reverend John Philip is worried that abomination seems to be taking toll in the society. "I'm worried that this might open the floodgates for other sinful acts. Passing such a law might result in requests for group marriages and other weird acts. He called on Batswana to seek their identity and uphold their morals as a nation. He fears that South Africa might have passed the law to be labelled the first country in Africa to legislate for same sex marriages.
Sometimes keeping up with the so called civilisation can lead people astray," he said. He added that laws allowing same sex marriages clearly indicate that mankind has strayed from the will of God.
Apart from the biblical rejection of such laws, Philip argues that even the biological set up of man kind dictates that a man should marry a woman.
"The body of a man has been designed for a woman and vice versa," said Philip. Jaya Kumar of NIIT abhors the idea of passing laws to allow same sex marriages. She argues that there is no culture that entertains such a practice.
"People should stick to their practices and norms, they should not be swayed by whatever comes their way," she said. She warned Batswana to stay away from such a law and implored them to copy only what is good. Lucy Gaetsewe of Oodi is worried that Botswana might copy what South Africa has done. She detests gay and lesbian marriages and feels that it should not be welcome in any society.
However, Emily Kwapa supports same sex marriages. She argues that whether they are allowed to marry or not, homosexuals shall continue with their relationships.
"Monitoring such people is difficult. We cannot stop them from dating so it is best that we allow them to marry," she said. Keneilwe Kgari shares the same sentiments as Kwape. She feels that society wants to selfishly protect their feelings and that of their families at the expense of gay people.
"In most cases, people are worried about their children whom they fear might copy the practice," she said. Kgari hailed the South African Parliament for passing such a law for same sex marriage. She argued that many people have not chosen to be gay.
"In any case it does not mean that when a majority of people reject an idea, it means that there is something wrong with it," she said.
back to chronicles Homosexuality is Rubbish - Mfa The Botswana Gaztte, 24-30 The Assistant Minister of Labour and Hoem Affairs, Olifant Mfa, has said homosexuality is rubbish and he doesn't think that the Government of Botswana would condone it despite calls to accomodate it in the Constitution. Speaking in an interview with The Gazette, Mfa said there has been a lot of debate about the issue of gays and lesbians. "It is barbaric, whether you argue it from the perspective of religion or culture," he said. Homosexuality is illegal because it is characterised as sodomy. Mfa said those who advocate for the discriminalisation of homosexuality dismiss those who argue against it from a religious perspective. "I think we should tackle it from the cultural perspective - it has not been heard of in our culture," he said.
The Minister said it is suprising that this behaviour is heard of mostly - if not only - in urban areas, adding that this has a lot to do with its origins. He said although the issue has not been discussed at government level, he is positive that his government would not entertain such "rubbish". The Assistant Minister said people tend to ignore religion and culture when it suits their absurd behaviour. "The reason why I am convinced that this is not our culture is that even people who claim to be homosexual are afraid to come out in the open," he said. He said it would be difficult for people of such orientation to claim certain benefits that are enjoyed by other members of the civil society. "I encourage such people to go for counselling and serious therapy so that they can be brought to normality; they should not ne enticed by all kinds of behaviours brought here by people from outside. It is important that we pick things that are close to our culture," he said. Bangwato Regent, Kgosi Sediegeng Kgamane said homosexuality is not welcome in the Tswana custom, "go sa kgathalesege gore ke morafe ofe (irrespective of the tribe)." He added that, "ke bothodi go dira jalo (it is an aberration), some claim that the behaviour is natural, but in fact it is a sickness. Kgamane said repeatedly: "tlhaloganyo ya motho ya bo e sa tseye sentle" (it is a kind of mental illness). The tribal authority however admitted that he was aware that there are people with such behaviour in the society, but warned that it would take a century or more for it to be condoned in Tswana society. The paramount chief of Barolong, Kgosi Lotlaamoreng II said in the origins of Batswana or other African societies there are no element of homosexuality. He said it is alien behaviour that comes with foreigners. Lotlaamoreng said most Batswana are religious hence this further relegates the behaviour outside Tswana culture. "We understand sex to be heterosexual and endorsed by marriage," he observed
Bakgalagadi Chief, Tedious Toto said the behaviour is foreign to Tswana culture and it would wrong for anyone to say it is part of any tribe's culture in Botswana. "These things are brought here by visitors from outside," he observed. He said the behaviour is not found in the rural areas, particularly in Kgalagadi where he resides. "This goes to show that this is just something that is found in the urban areas where the copycat syndrome is rife," he said. However, Toto acknowledged that it is a difficult issue to deal with, "but I am sure that I cannot support it if it were brought for discussion at the House of Chiefs," he added.
The Executive Director of the Botswana Natioanl Youth Council (BNYC), Falcon Sedimo said they have not discussed the issue at the Council. He said they have however taken a decision to take a standpoint on all issues that are debated in the country and hoped that after this month's AGM they might decide to air it. He said homosexuality is against the law and this might have contributed to the failure of those involved to confront the Council on the issue for fear of arrest. He said with time they expect the issue to be discussed. The Vice President of the Botswana Council of Churches, Dr Cosmos Moenga said although there have been some quarters in the church - especially outside - Africa who wanted homosexuality to be tolerated, African church leaders are clear on the issue, "it is unethical and unbiblical." He said even if it is not argued from a biblical view the orientation is still not proper. A Sociology lecturer at the University of Botswana, Dr Chris Ntau said it is apparent that Batswana are not ready to accept homosexuality as a legitimate sexual orientation. He said the belief is that it offends the morals of the society. He questioned some of the people who are against homosexuality saying, "who are they to set moral boundaries?" He said it is hypocritical for some groups to argue against homosexaulity from a biblical point of view when other sacred books are not used in the argument. So-called cultural experts should also be questioned. "Who are these people tp decide on our culture? These people sometimes commit anomalies taht are outside our cultural norms, and others may then question their authority," he observed. He said society and culture are changing and moralists who try to influence politicians to disregard the interests of other human groups do so for their own self - aggrandizement. "Society is exposed to a lot of things, and picks what it appreciates and leaves out what it does not; this should be respected," he said. Ntau wondered how long society would ignore homosexuality and other contentious issues such as abortion, which are legal in our neighbouring countries. He said Batswaba cannot hide behind morals every time a controversial issue is discussed; there is need to understand other people, and not just dismiss them. back to chronicles Tshotlego Morama 'fathers' a child The Botswana Gazette, 31 May-06 June 2006 Renowned female athlete Tshotlefo Marama has confessed to being transexual, claims that she is being held by officials of the Botswana National Sports Council, who fear that a leak of the news about her unusaul gender status may prove explosive in the athletic world. Morama is at the center of an impending paternity suit following allegations that she 'fathered' a child with her constant female companion from Tonota. Morama spoke to The Gazette on Monday in a telephone interview in which she accused senior BNSC officials of "holding" her (ba mpeile fa) at an undisclosed Gaborone Village address until they decide how to deal with her case. Morama told The Gazette that she feels more male than female. She said she discovered that she was transexual in 2003 and admitted that it was possible that she might have fathered a child as she had had sexual relations with her girlfriend; however a DNA test would determine whether indeed the baby was hers or not. If she was found to be the 'father', she would be happy to accept responsibility for the child. "I have told the girl's family my position," she said. Morama alleged that Sports Council officials had tried to persuade her to deny paternity. The Sports Council had referred her to a psychologist who told her that she alone should decide what her future should be. "The psychologist has helped me to come to terms with my sexual status and I am happy to be the way I am. I will speak to the Sports Council people tomorrow and tell them my decision." Morama said before coming to Gaborone she, her mother and her girlfriend's parents had gone to seek advice from the District Commissioner in Letlhkane about the impending paternity suit and the DC had suggested that a DNA test be done on the child. Interview by The Gazette, the chairperson of the BNSC, Mrs Dorcas Makgato-Malesu, dismissed allegations that they were holding Morama against her will. "I have a rough idea of where she is, but I'm not quite sure about it," she said. She said she was aware of the allegations that Morama had fathered a child. "We are aware that rumours are rife that Tshotlego has fathered a child in Tonota, but we do not have the facts. Our position is that we should involve all the stakeholders, including her parents, in addressign the issue," she said. "But aa far as we know Morama was brought up as a girl and kept the company of girls." Mr Bobby Gaseitsiwe, an official of the Botswana Athletics Association said they are not aware of the allegations about Morama. Last week, The Gazette visited the Morama's girlfriend's family in Tonota. A spokesperson of the family, Ms Seiphemo Medupi, who was speaking in the presence of the girl's mother and her brother, said she had gone with her paternal uncle to Letlhakane to inform the Morama family about the pregnancy. The District Commissioner in Letlhakane, Boresetse Modise later summoned her to her office in April 2006 to inquire about their visit to the Morama family and promised to get the story from Morama herself and her guardian. "The DC has not communicated with us since that day," she said. Medupi said they have quizzed their daughter on many occasions about her pregnancy and she repeatedly said, "ngwana yo ke wa ga Tshotlego, kana ga ise a gane gore ngwana ke wa gagwe." The family declined to let this reporter see the mother and baby, although they referred some of the questions to her. The Medupi family told The Gazette that Morama had confirmed that she fathered the child, but she was under pressure not to accept responsibility. Since she is very close to her friend's family, Morama had no problem revealing her sexual status to them, they said. While The Gazette reporters were in Tonota Morama called her friend about three times, saying she was at a doctor's place in Gaborone, Village Gaborone. In one of the conversations they had, Morama told her friend that she had been asked to choose between being a girl or boy. DC Modise denied ever meeting the Morama family. "I have never heard of such an issue, it's news in my ears. As far as i know Tshotlego is a young woman," she said. The Gazette also spoke to Morama's mother, Segametsi Baoreng, who insisted that "Tshotlego is a girl, I gave birth to her and I know better than anyone else. I understand those people want to take the money that she earned from her sporting activities, but I won't allow it. The DC said some people came to her who claimed that my daughter had made theirs pregnant." Baoreng complained that she never sees her daughter; but only hears from family members that she is around. "Tshotlego does not inform us about her whereabouts and she doesn't stay home anymore." She said the Dc had long promised to conduct a DNA test on her daughter, but was taking too long. She was disturbed by the fact that officials were keeping the issue a secret. "I want the tests carried out and my daughter cleared because this is affecting her performance in sports," she said. back to chronicles Monica Tabengwa, a human rights lawyer and advisor to Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) told BOPA in an interview that freedom of choice should apply to everyone and not discriminate against gays. No one should impose his or her moral beliefs on others, she said. Tabengwa said building a moral and tolerant nation as espoused by Vision 2016 would be impossible if others are intolerant of people with a different sexual orientation. Tabengwa said some laws in People outside look at us in terms of our laws and they should be able to come here knowing their freedoms are protected by the law, she added. Recent reports from South Africa indicate President Thabo Mbeki’s government has been given a year by the Constitutional Court to bring the country’s marriage laws in line with its constitution by changing the words husband and wife to spouse in its marital laws. The laws of The punishment is imprisonment to a term not exceeding seven years. Morwadi Morwadi, the executive secretary of the Botswana Congress Party, said his party does not have a policy on same-sex marriages and that he personally needs to be convinced of the morality of same-sex marriages. Morwadi said homosexuals were just a small minority of the business sector and would not affect Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). However, the issue is very interesting and I would raise it with my comrades to get their view. he said. Morwadi stressed that Batswana were conservative and would never accept legalizing such a sexual orientation. Batlang Serema, the executive secretary of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, also said his party’s stand was clear and that they follow what the law says. There might be some in this country, even our members who are like that, but until such a time the law changes, we would continue sticking to what the Penal Code says, Serema explained. Old Naledi Court President, Tuelo Kwape, told BOPA that his personal opinion was that same-sex marriages or relationships were immoral. I am glad that our laws do not allow that, he said. Kwape stressed the need for Batswana to sit down and discuss the issue thoroughly. He added that as traditional leaders, they would have to meet and present their statement on the issue. BOPA back to chronicles Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the queerest of them all? In
response to the
letter ‘Call a spade a spade’ by Ivan
Peter published on The Voice, Friday, February 17, 2006.
Mr. Ivan Peter, we appreciate the openness that you have demonstrated in your response to our “Queer Talk” column, however we wish to correct some of the fallacious statements you have made regarding homosexuality. We can see that you are an educated person, however we believe that your misconception of homosexuality (especially classifying it as “mental derangement” and “insanity” come from a position of ignorance on issues of sexuality and basic human rights, and we fear that, if left unchallenged, might lead to dangerous misinformation and consequent homophobia. So we are going to set you straight! Firstly, The Voice is a newspaper that covers a variety of subjects that are news for a readership that is not limited to narrow minded right wing heterosexuals. The Voice agreed to publish our column because it represents a novel concept never seen before on any national press, and therefore, of interest to many, homosexuals and heterosexuals alike. Secondly, your definition of homosexuality is wrong. Human sexuality manifests in different ways. There is heterosexuality, which you are familiar with (penis and vagina to call s spade a spade!); homosexuality which is emotional, physical and sexual attraction between people of the same sex (penis with penis and vagina with vagina!); not forgetting bisexuality, which is emotional, physical and sexual attraction to people of both female and male gender (a penis with vagina…. but sometimes with another penis…. for example!) This variety of sexual orientation is part of order of nature and is not either a congenital or acquired disease. To be precise for our readers, homosexuality was been cancelled from the list of mental illness in 1974 by the Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Association and consequently by other international panels. Therefore we think that the declassification and reclassification of homosexuality out of the misconception of insanity, for God’s sake, has already been achieved and long time back, Mr. Ivan Peter. GenitalsThirdly, we strongly disagree with you idea of “penis/vagina interaction” as basic, fundamental, the essence and summit of love relationship”. Love is much more than a physical interaction of genitals, irrespective of type of genitals! But if you meant to talk about sex, we think that sexuality involves giving and receiving pleasure, as well as enabling reproduction. Sexuality is a sensory experience; involving mind and body – not just the genitals – and what you have termed “enhancers” are equally capable of giving and receiving sexual pleasure even without the involvement of genitals. This is true for all persons irrespective of sexuality. More to the point, what goes on between gays and lesbian sexually is no different from what goes on between heterosexuals; the objective for both is to reach the optimal sexual gratification, or orgasm for some lucky ones, and it is the most natural feeling ever. Therefore we think we don’t need to explain the details of giving and receiving sexual pleasure in homosexual relationships since it is not any different from what happens in any heterosexual “love nest”. Mr. Ivan Peter we do hope your sexual repertoire is not limited to penis/vagina interactions because that would be insanely criminal! Finally we, as LEGABIBO, accept and recognize that human beings are diverse in their needs, aspirations, values and beliefs. Indeed we embrace and celebrate this diversity! We hope that after reading this article you will be able to do the same in true spirit of democracy. Sincerely, LEGABIBO (Lesbians Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) back to chronicles Call a Spade a Spade [Letter written to the Editor of The Voice by a "Concerned Individual", concerning the "Queer Talk" column by the Fabolous Duo] We don't really grasp the reasons behind these publications by your newspaper. By definition homosexuality is a mental derangement, in the same class of sanity as: fetishism, voyeurism, exhibitionism, tranvestism and bestiality. The problem is that whereas other types of insanity in the list are clear and can be easily recognized, homosexuality is clouded by myth and mysticism so much so that it is poorly understood by many, including ourselves. We have titled our articles, "call a spade a spade" because we want your newspaper, using correspondents in the mentioned publications and other readers who may be on the know to educate the public and demystify homosexuality in plain terms. Once we all know, in BLACK and WHITE, what actually goes on between gays and lesbians so we may be able to understand these people and may be declassify/reclassify them relative to insanity. Here goes! We shall start the rolling of the "spade". In the ordinary world of love vis-à-vis sex, the centre of gravity is between the genitals: the penis of the male and vagina of the female. Period. Other things surrounding or accompanying the love vs. sex relationship are only enhancers. Love
The penis/vagina
interaction (sorry for being so open, to call a spade a "spade"!) is
basic, fundamental, the essence and the summit of a love relationship
between
sexes.This is even true at an unconscious level when you recall the Oedipus complex and incest instinct of an infant boy to its mother, and infant girl to its father. Details of the actual interaction between the two different sexes are natural and are known and understood, such that further description would be superfluous. The homosexual interaction is unnatural, unknown, and not understood. Let gays and lesbians actually do, in your love nests (bed?) to relieve the fantastic pressures of sexual arousal? What do you exactly mean by "sleeping with other men"? In open terms what do your dedicated organs for sex do during the act of making love? In the natural world we know, feet are for walking, eyes for seeing, and penis interacts with vagina during sex intercourse. Call a spade a spade and clear the cloud of mysticism, then may be everybody will understand and support your intended marriage to your fellow man, both beard; or to your fellow lady, both going to menstruation!!. Laws may be changed to accommodate this interaction and a whole new branch of knowledge will be established, distinct from the sex biology of living things known hitherto. NB: we are aware THE VOICE: has no regular column for letters to the Editor for readers' opinion. We even had to struggle to get to the postal address of the paper from the telephone directory because the address doesn't appear anywhere on the pages of the copies we have. It is another unexplained finding for your big publication. Yours truly, Ivan Peter. back to chronicles Glad to be Gay TRUE LOVE DOES NOT DISCRIMATE *Malebogo is 30 and lives and works in Gaborone. Strangely enough I was introduced to my lover by my ex-girlfriend. At the time we were not in a good relationship so I was ready to move on with my love life. I’d seen Lesego before in a pub and was attracted to her, so when the chance came to get to know her better, I grabbed it. We have been a couple now for over a year and the experience has changed my life. I’ve not always been a lesbian: in fact I didn’t even know that girls could go out together like that. My first relationship was with a guy that I dated for twelve years. We had a baby daughter together, but he ended up breaking my heart. After that I stayed for a year alone. Relationship
When I met my
ex-girlfriend and we went out together, I realized there was a lot I
had been missing in a relationship. Lesego is very special to me. Even
though I am older, she is more like a mum. She gives me everything I
thing I want, and everything I missed with my boyfriend. She’s nice,
kind, beautiful and as just perfect!This valentine we’ll go out for a meal together at the Gaborone Sun and have a wonderful time .I’ll buy her presents and we’ll enjoy our time together at home. The most difficult part of my relationship with Lesego is that we cannot have a baby together, although we have plans to adopt one. My daughter is nine years old, but does not live with me. The other hard thing about our relationship is that we cannot kiss in public and openly celebrate our wedding. My parents know about our relationship but are very bitter about it. But I love Lesego and no one will come between us. As for the future I would like to get legally married to my partner. She is everything to me and I love her to bits. Lesego* is 22 years and studying to be an accountant. When I saw Malebogo it was love at first site. She told me that she had seen me before and was attracted to me. We met at a friend’s house that happened to be her partner at the time. When we met I was lonely, as I was no longer seeing my former girlfriend. I couldn't get Malebogo off my mind, so we started seeing each other. I don’t feel guilty about taking her away from my friend as their relationship was coming to an end. I call Malebogo ‘my baby’ as she is such a gentle person. The love she gives me is so special. I love the beauty in her face, the way she wears her long dresses, the way she touches me and the way we kiss. She is my first real love. Last year we invited our close friends to a party to celebrate our "marriage". We are just so happy together. SPEND
I am looking
forward to Valentines Day as we will certainly be together to celebrate
our love. I am away at school outside Gaborone so we have to spend some
days apart, but not that day. At the week end we will probably go out
some where, but on Valentines Day it will just be the two of us
together. The most difficult part of our relationship is that Malebogo
has a daughter. I hate the fact that the girl’s father is in contact
with my baby. He gives her cash and phones her and although there is
nothing in it, I still don’t like it. Another thing I find difficult is people's attitude to relationships like ours. They can’t accept the life we have and discriminate against us. But I was born this way-it is not something I have to do just for fun. We hold hands in public and sometimes, like when we get into a combi together people get confused because I look like a guy. Other girls can also be a problem. Especially as Malebogo has had a relationship with men. They wonder what she is doing with her life going out with another woman, and can’t understand her behavior. The government can’t accept relationships like ours and say it is evil but we just want to be free. Despite the problems we have a wonderful future ahead of us. When I finish school I will get a job and we will buy a house and live together. We will adopt a child and Malebogo’s daughter will come and live with us. Everything will be just fine. *Not their real names back to chronicles James Sams BONELA The
reporter’s piece hardly approaches serving any kind of public good and
will be shown to have been published with intend to defame not only
specific
individuals but an entire community of people, those who have sexual
orientations and gender identities different from the typical
heterosexual. The
reporter
illegally infiltrated a private birthday party held for two people and
their
friends. Present were people of diverse age, race, sex and sexual
orientation.
That the reporter would reduce the diversity of such an event, held in
the
privacy of one’s home, to a liquor-induced orgy, represents a serious
lack of ethics and judgment in determining what is newsworthy and what is fact. That a reporter who would intrude on
such a private
occasion, with a camera no less, signifies a complete lack of respect
for the
privacy of those persons and their right to keep their private lives
private.
This could not be for ignorance specifically demanded that any story
not be
published about the affair. The
vicious attack
did not end with simply intruding on the party, however. The reporter
and
editors of the paper deemed it necessary to publish an unedited
invitation to
the party, including the hosts’ contact information. Since then, the
published information has been used by many anonymous readers to make
judgmental and, sometimes threatening phone calls, disrupting the lives
of the
identified, including their relationships with their family. However,
it is not
the private lives of the individuals at stake that have been harmed. An
entire
community has been derided. From claiming that “conservation
heterosexual[s] would puke” at the sight of such an event to claiming
that homosexuality is illegal, the reporter has ventured into the realm
of
libel against a group of people. There is no law in There
is a law,
Sections 164 and 167 of Penal Code that state that “canal knowledge of
any person against the order of nature” is prohibited. Obviously the
intention of the Act is to penalize all sexual acts against the order
of
nature, regardless of the genders of the persons involved. Essentially,
this
would include heterosexuals who are known to frequently indulge
themselves in
the kinds of acts described in the article. The
community harm
is not limited to the reporter’s article. The editorial commentary made
in the same issue baselessly compared bestiality to homosexuality. That
loving
relationships between two consenting adults would be compared to such
acts of
gross indecency is outrageous and irresponsible. This kind of bigotry
is
contrary to the goals of a liberal nation. Vision 2016 demands that we
achieve
a just, tolerant, and informed nation by 2016. If we are to achieve
these
goals, we must all, including the media, take responsibility for
embracing the
diversity that make us human. Indeed, President Festus Mogae has agreed saying, “Don’t be judgmental on homosexuals” in a speech launching the Botswana Human Development Report 2000. back to chronicles By Ditiro Motlhabane (The MidWeek Sun Newspaper) Dated: 17 August 2005 Although their sexual preference is outlawed, gays and lesbians remain steadfast in their resolve to express themselves freely and openly. This came to the fore on Saturday night when a lesbian couple (Joyce and Prisca) hosted a birthday party in The party, which was strictly by invitation, was a culmination of weeks of preparation by the duo to strengthen their love affair which has been on for some time now. The invitation card bore a woman’s lower torso covered only in a blue panty wth strict instruction for invitees to dress in white. And white it was. Almost everyone at the party came clad in white, from head to toe. This was a party of sorts. The birthday cake was a human figure lying on its back holding a ladies underwear (g-string) in one hand. When it was time to cut the cake, Joyce and Prisca clinging to each other sliced through the genitalia of the figure. This elicited cheers from the crowd punctuated by watery kisses oiled by alcohol, which was served in abundance. Every now and then a female voice came over the PA system announcing that food and alcoholic beverages will be served generously. It was a revelation to which young women dressed up in men’s attire romping around boisterously like males and straining their vocal cords to deepen their voices when communicating with their ladies. One would have been excused if they thought they were in some foreign country where homosexuality is legal. From the hugs exchanged between the confesses homosexuals it was clear that they were bosom friends. A conservative heterosexual would have puked watching men kiss, touch each other’s manhood and dance provocatively with other men. Ladies did the same on other ladies. Although a number of the homosexuals admitted that they knew they were outlawed none of the homosexuals seemed bothered by a group of intruders who stood at the gate. A young man named Boniface who knew a lot about these gay parties, though he claimed to be ‘straight’ said “My brother our lawmakers are burying their heads in the sand and wishing homosexuality away which is impossible. We should be allowed to express our sexual orientation freely like anybody else. “There are a large number of people I know personally who are homosexual but live in the closet”. Boniface also disclosed that he has been to a number of these gay gatherings in One thing that also comes out clear from the party is that homosexuality traverses all ages, races and social status. Although the party was dominated by the youth, some elders were also in attendance. Two well-known This horrifying act went on for sometime before the duo returned to the dancing crowd. A fierce fight broke out between two young men fighting over a boy who stood nearby in a drunken stupor. Apparently the one who was fuming felt cheated after he had been watching his ‘girlfriend’ dancing with a different man. Meanwhile, a photographer who took pictures of the event had his equipment confiscated. back to chronicles |