Fearless Mabezane fights for queer people’s rights
She is using her experiences to help other queer people facing rejection.
Abandoned and displaced, transwoman and human rights activist Thabani ‘Thabsie’ Mabezane of Benoni was forced to navigate life on her own after her family turned their back on her, refusing to accept her identity.
Recently honoured by the Sunday World as one of its unsung heroes in the community service category, Mabezane has made it her mission to champion the safety and rights of queer people, especially those rejected by family, displaced or subjected to abuse because of their sexuality.
“My journey has taught me the importance of lived realities in activism. I’m committed to helping others find the acceptance and love they deserve. I’m driven by my lived experiences to create positive change and support those in need,” she said.
As a child, Mabezane endured struggles that would change the course of her life. She was ridiculed at school “for being different”, suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her uncle “for not conforming to traditional gender norms”, and even the church she belonged to for six years made her question her identity.
In 2011, she turned to the Salvation Army, hoping to find acceptance and support. Instead, she says she was pressured into signing a doctrine that denied her true self, forcing her to pledge that she would not “engage in homosexuality”.
“I was left displaced, moving from one non-biological family to another until I found myself sleeping on the streets of Benoni for three days in 2018. During this time, I turned to alcohol as a means of survival and contracted stomach TB.
“Despite my family’s proximity, they left me to fend for myself. They even wished for my death, saying they didn’t care. My struggle continued, and I faced more trauma, including rape, in Benoni.
“My uncle told me to clean up because I looked disgusting. Feeling alone and hopeless, I attempted suicide multiple times,” Mabezane said.
Mabezane finally found the support and acceptance she needed through the OUT LGBT Well-Being NPO, which regularly visited a male shelter at the Wembley Stadium in Turfontein.
“I received the medical care and skills development I needed. I was diagnosed with HIV and depression. With their help, I started to rebuild my life. This experience sparked my passion for activism and I have dedicated myself to advocating for others since 2021.”
The Laerskool Verkenner and Willowmoore High aumnus’ work spans grassroots activism to global platforms. She serves as acting media and programme manager at the Lebo Basadi Foundation and as manager at Queer Radio, where she helps give a voice to the voiceless.
Through the UN Human Rights Commission’s Women Human Rights Defenders programme, she advocates internationally for queer safety and visibility. Now she’s turning her focus to home, determined to uplift and protect the queer community in Benoni.
“I am passionate about using my platform to raise awareness and promote understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Benoni.”
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