MBOMBELA – The province has an ordained pastor who is proudly lesbian.
Ms Nonhlanhla Sidu calls on government to fast-track process to protect the rights of gays and lesbians from bullying and other related demeanours regarding their sexual preferences.
“I think abuse against lesbians and gays must be taken seriously by the authorities so that communities treat us equally and know that they will be sentenced if they commit crimes against us,” she said.
Sidu said she had never felt discriminated against by church members from the Ark of Joy Christian Ministries and the company she has worked at for over 14 years.
She added that whether addressed as “bhuti, sisi, baba or mama”, she doesn’t have a problem. “It’s your choice at the end of the day and that doesn’t worry me at all,” she said.
“I was not discriminated against because of my sexual orientation, both at work and in church. I am welcomed the way I am,” she says.
Sidu is a preacher of the Word of God in her church. She says the church as a body of Christ must be a place that welcomes everyone irrespective of their gender or sexual orientation.
She was married to the father of her 16-year-old son who passed away years ago, then she married a woman, but got divorced. She is currently dating a woman again.
“I am not planning on getting married anytime soon, but I am looking forward to marrying again,” she said.
