LGBTQIA+ members voice grievances during Tshwane summit

Members of the LGBTQIA+ community say that they are still targeted and discriminated against despite advancements in legislation.

This was during the LBGTQIA+ Tshwane summit hosted in the Sammy Marks building in the CBD on October 4 under the theme Disrupting the norm and promoting inclusivity.

Queer people from all walks of life gathered to discuss the issues they face in the community every day.

They also formed a forum to give a platform to queer people in the council and voice to a community that considers itself unrepresented.

Tshwane MMC Peggy de Bruin, Gender Equality commissioner Adv Thando Gumede, representatives of Gauteng community safety, department of justice and constitutional development, metro police, US Embassy, Access Chapter 2 attended the summit.

Deputy Minister of the Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffery gave the keynote speech in which he highlighted the advancement in the legislation to address the problems queer people face including discrimination and hate crimes.

“Though much progress has been made, there is still work to do,” Jeffery said.

“No one should have the right to dictate another’s sexuality or that they should subscribe to more feminine or masculine traits. It’s part of who they are and who are we to tell another how they should act, how they should dress, or who to love? That’s a choice all should make for themselves.”

Jeffery said the national task team (NTT) on gender and sexual orientation-based violence has made advancements since its inception in 2011 including amendments to current laws to protect queer people and fight gender-based violence (GBV).

“South Africa is viewed as a world leader in the promotion of LGBTQIA+ rights, though having the laws is not enough. There are still members in various communities that are vulnerable to hate crimes, discrimination and GBV,” Jeffery said.

During the Q&A session, attendees took the opportunity to voice various concerns with the deputy minister.

Member of the congress of South African students (Cosas) queer branch, Glenda Mashilo called out the minister for “neglecting queer people in the decision-making processes”.

“There is not enough queer representative in government, our voices are silent. How can you sit as heterosexual people, make decisions for us without us? Queer couples can’t even get housing. If a man is married to a man, they aren’t assisted in that regard,” Mashilo said.

Another attendee, Denzel Matlala of Olievenhoutbosch said they felt discriminated against when they were denied access to the women’s bathroom in the Sammy Marks building.

“A metro police (TMPD) officer said that it was only for women. Denying me my right and implying that I was there to take advantage of someone when I have no sexual attraction to women whatsoever,” Matlala said.

They also called out police for their insensitivity when queer people report a crime.

“I was a victim of a hate crime recently and when I went to the police station to report it I was told that they entertain gays,” Matlala continued.

Butch In Drag 2023 winner and Johannesburg resident, Julian Philander echoed this sentiment.

“I was assaulted and when I went to the police. They asked me ‘what are we supposed to do?’

“We shouldn’t be asked such as queer people, our cases deserve the same time, effort and attention as heterosexual people’s. There’s no such thing as good discrimination. Discrimination is discrimination,” Philander said.

Philander also called out home affairs for its “stringent gender policies”.

Philander said policies inclusive of non-binary people need to be implemented instead of forcing the community to identify as male or female.

Councillor Novina Pillay said police needed more training.

“Gays aren’t taken seriously, when they go to police for help regarding abuse and discrimination. They are sent from pillar to post. No matter what measures are in place, gays are still targetted, abused, and even killed. They are also human beings, they deserve the same respect,” Pillay said.

Mabopane resident Moemise Nthite said victims of various crimes and discrimination don’t receive the help they required.

“Police make a joke of us. I’m a victim of rape and when I went to the police to report the matter they just called their colleagues and laughed together. Even in rehabs, when I asked to be housed in the female section as I didn’t feel comfortable with men. They housed me with men anyway where I was harassed and abused,” Nthite said.

Lorentia Blair said: “It’s all well and good having these laws on paper but is the average South African aware of them? It is traumatising to go to a police station to report a crime as a queer person. Let there be education and awareness just like there are for other groups. There’s too much care for perpetrators and not enough for victims.”

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