IMBEWU Gender Equity Unit Newsletter
Issue 4 | November 2012
In this issue: “LGBTI Rights Under Attack” and “SA Gay Flag Makes History” by Jerome Cornelius “What Do We Want? Power!” by Xolisa Kona “We have our own Language” by Chanell Oliphant “Keeping it Green: Our Zero Waste Culture” by Tamlyn Roode “Moving Beyond the Spectacle” by Chanell Oliphant “Enough is Enough ” by Melody Chitekairo
Editorial: “But, what can you do for us?” As always, what a busy year.
tions in the country, Deaf Awareness Week and successful runs of our feminist production ‘’Reclaiming Body, Reclaiming Self’.
However, I do want to get straight to the point and ask a question I thought quite significant, “So what?”. This was posed to the IMBEWU team during a workshop by a former editor who was trying
We also report on the Miss Gayla-UWC pageant and the University of the Western Cape (UWC) receiving the Green Campus Award.
to give this rag tag team some help in improving our skills. This is apparently asked in newsrooms when a story is being pitched.
We are not journalists or professional writers. We are volun-
One must fight to convince an editor and the team that what you
teers who work on sweat and selflessness. The writing itself has
suggest is worthy of being published and read.
never been the point, but rather the message and what we attempt to bring to light (However, I do think that the writing
It is a question which has stayed with me. It has also reminded me
has not been half bad).
that what we do will never be enough, so we must always strive to do more to improve ourselves and our worlds. We fight for those
But of course, the question remains, so what?
who are marginalised to be accepted in all aspects of society, yet we only make the necessary noise for an issue when it hits too close to home or when it becomes a big issue. But what makes one issue more important than the other?
Back on campus we have all witnessed the struggle between political parties as they even took their fight to court. It might be unfair to equate struggles, yet with not a single reaction to the Gender Equity Unit’s request for a statement or even an
This very editorial has taken on many forms as events have con-
interview; one has to wonder how serious these parties are
stantly changed on our campus and in South Africa, shaping our
about their constituencies. I trust that everyone voted, and
viewpoints and our very lives. One could not help but be touched
used that vote wisely. The struggle of the ordinary student who
by the events in Marikana and various other violent events amidst
thinks that because they are alone, that they have voice, should
the protests. So what, you ask? What does that have to do with a
come to an end. The political parties of this University have
small newsletter from a small organisation at what some would
proven that the issues to get them elected are a far bigger pri-
probably say is a small University on the Cape Flats? It has to do
ority than the rights and safety of students (see next page).
with everyone and everything, as we continue the fight which we all seem to take for granted in some way. Too often the person on the ground gets forgotten due to a discrepancy in the focus of the media, and society. We were all shocked by the massacre at Marikana, but what about those forgotten, who escaped the bullets and the cameras? These are the people who we try to highlight, in our writing, protests and discussions. What matters most is that we try. Spreading the seed of consciousness is a tiresome effort which we at the Gender Equity Unit strive to do, now more than ever. Our intention is to always high-
To reach a bigger audience and also to cut on printing costs, Imbewu has gone strictly digital. Our previous issue has received positive reviews and responses. Our partner organisations have conveyed congratulations and critiques and we believe that this is the next step for our humble newsletter. As we pass on the reigns to the next group of volunteers and would-be writers/reporters, my hope remains strong that the seed of consciousness will continue being passed, and take hold in the minds of many.
light the political and that the battle of the marginalised will no
I hope that we will keep interrogating the norm and even each
longer be a battle. Look around this very campus and one starts to
other. Never get complacent to the point where big names and
wonder why all buildings are not wheelchair accessible. How is
events overshadow our struggles. Do not ever be scared to ask,
this institution, a place for all, accommodating those who are im-
“So what?” and stand up as you do it .
poverished, visually or aurally impaired or even transgendered? These are the very subjects who must not be allowed to slip be-
Jerome Cornelius
tween the cracks.
Editor
As we finalise this issue, we at the Gender Equity Unit have already celebrated the regional Lekgotla for LGBTI student organisa-
LGBTI Rights Under Attack Since my editorial, a lot has indeed happened on our campus. A lot has also not happened for the rights and safety of certain individuals. As we were finalising this issue, an unexpected event occurred at UWC. In the early hours of Sunday the 28th of October 2012, three members of Gayla-UWC were attacked outside the Chris Hani residence. The story was reported in Times Live on the 31st of October 2012 and the comments and attitudes displayed were indicative of the sentiment on this campus. According to the students who were attacked, there was no help at the time offered from the powers that be, ranging from security guards to management and even the police. One of the individuals who was attacked spoke to IMBEWU regarding the incident. She said that “[t]his incident brought about a tremendous change in my state of mind and my ability to walk around on campus without feeling scared of a reoccurrence.� Questions of whether the individuals provoked the attackers are being used as an excuse to explain the violence. However, is this at all relevant? Without hauling out the constitution, there should be no reason for individuals to be attacked on a campus which claims to protect all. In a semester where seemingly large strides have been taken for marginalised groups, this has been a setback which we hope will not be quickly overlooked, or forgotten. Without a balanced statement from the University, the question of where to from here has not been addressed. In the meanwhile, the assailants are still on campus and have yet to be disciplined in any way. By Jerome Cornelius
Blood on the floor outside of Chris Hani Residence
IDAHO: History Transgender? Transphobia? IDAHO: SpiritualitySA andGay Sexuality Flag makes (From page 1) The second day of the IDAHO events, hosted by
Adam or Eve, pink or blue, she or he… our rigid society is a
place of boundaries where one’s identity is dictated based Symbol of LGBTI Pride Flies at Full Mast at UWC “Being Created in the Image of God” with special guests from an merely on their genitalia. An individual can either be a man or a LoudEnuf, was a provocative one. The theme for the day was
LGBTI faith-based Where some saw organization, bright coloursInclusive flappingand on aAffirming pole, weMinistries saw ma(IAM). A short film was played which told of many individuals who jor progress. What happened during LoudEnuf’s annual Anti-
woman andforcertainly not both. Buthave whatbeen is the placeThe of those of silence Black lesbians who killed. symindividuals who feel that they are Adam in Eve or Eve in Adam? bol of unity which had flown at full mast for a week at UWC
came out and revealedcampaign, their sexuality. filmtheme included ArchbishPrejudice awareness this The year’s “Power Not op Desmond Tutu who said he “hope[s] we will be more welcomPrejudice!”, was an occasion like no other, in fact, it was a first.
That is, what is the place reminder of transgendered people inwhich society; was now a bittersweet of the struggle is particularly the UWC society? often forgotten.
ing of Tuesday them [Homosexuals]. They should be seen as15th full members From the 9th of October to Monday the of Octoof the body of Christ.” This message was what many had agreed ber 2012, the rainbow-coloured flag could be seen in front of upon. the auspicious pillars of the main hall at UWC.
LoudEnuf, withDirector Whitneyof Booysen from Gender hostMary Hames, the Gender Equity DynamiX, Unit, released ed eye-opening during theevents third day of the IDAHO thisanstatement withsession regards to the at Johannesburg
Michelle Boonzaaier and Ingrid Schoonraad from IAM shared the
Awareness Pride 2012:Week. The focus was on the challenges faced by the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex)
work they do in churches to help with the inclusivity of all people,
"It is with deep shock that I have read about and heard about the community. It was interesting hearing transgenderism
including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says
and transphobia from a transgendered individual toahear [events at] Johannesburg Pride. Pride has alwaysand been po-
about homosexuality, the representatives from IAM mentioned
the voices of strongWhen individuals who have to find their litical movement. Bev Ditsie andmanaged Simon Nkoli organidentity a society that seems determined to classify thempoas ised theinfirst Johannesburg Pride it was done out strong
that the Bible can be read in different contexts. What about the unconditional love that Pastors preach, what happens when your son or daughter comes out of the closet? Will it still be unconditional love knowing that they have “gone against” the church? This was another question asked by one of the students who went through the exact same thing. Have accepted It wasSouth the Africans second really year that the Homosexuals? South African Have Gay the flagblack was communities realized that homosexuality is not only a Western flown outside the main hall, and the first time that it was hoistthing? Are there rewrite Bible so that it couldflag be ed alongside theattempts UWC flagtoand the the South African national inclusive to everyone? questions had for at the same time. In These a citywere that the is lauded as students liberal towards
something not.Theresa It gave allRaizenberg who were and present opporlitical beliefthey andare when MidianAchmat tunity to take walkTown in thePride shoesmarch of transgender individuals organised the aCape it was because they and toinfluenced come to terms withJohannesburg the harsh reality of hate speech and were by the one. The personal is other violent actions characteristic of transphobia. political. I applaud the bravery of the 1 in 9 Campaign. There
is indeed a consistency in the demands of the campaign. AluThe ‘Y’ shape on our South African flag represents the converta Continua. Stop the neoliberal behaviour." gence of diverse elements within South African society, and expresses our wish as a people to take the road in unity. Yet By Jerome Cornelius one cannot help but wonder if this is unity; the pink or blue, male or female- tick appropriate kind of identity imposed on
IAM representatives. With the hate crimes that are being reported LGBTI issues, yet has a high prevalence of homoand transone could say that they have not accepted homosexuals and that prejudiced attacks, this was momentous. It was also announced
the LGBTI society. I will leave you with a question, if this is uni-
black stillSouth deny Africa that homosexuals are part of an Afriduringcommunities October that would officially recognise the can culture too. The speakers concluded by adding that the way Gay flag by the Department of Arts and Culture, which regis-
minorities
forward was to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret the tered the flag under the Heraldry Act. This is a milestone for Bible, instead of rewriting it again. By Chuma Mbanyane LGBTI rights and makes South Africa possibly the first country to
By Albertina Sibanda
ty, are we not forging the way of yet another apartheid, where are
trampled
on
and
dehumanized?
officially recognise a symbol of LGBTI rights.
IDAHO: Is UWC doing enough for LGBTI?
This act goes a long way in fostering a feeling of pride amongst
the of UWC Matthyse, and proves the commitment of a took place at the Coline Williams residence to pose and seek answers A LGBTI debatecommunity chaired by Glenton coordinator of Gayla-UWC, University and country that make provision forLGBTI? this community. to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the The panel consisted of Mary Hames of the Gender Equity Unit, Melanie-Ann Cook of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners However, what is said and what is implemented are often at of Campus Protection Services, Gender and Security Officers of the Student Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices and opinions odds. Pictures: Angelo Fortuin heard. AsThe thestudents flag wentvoiced up, many still reeling from a recent of event theirwere concerns about the availability safe spaces for not only the LGBTI community but the entire student popuin lace. another partsought of the to country, proving pride is more We also understand howthat casesGay of violence which usually affect women and homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ Clintfun Prins that his will do everything than andassured floats.students Highlighting theprogramme class differences (and in- in its power to promote and maintain safe spaces for all students. differences) in the manager LGBTI community, a group of female protestThe programme of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling and testing services to staff and students, said that the ersprogramme from the One Nine Campaign disrupted proceedings is notincentred on heterosexual couples alone. She at encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling and testing as they do not discriminate against people based on Johannesburg Pride Day on October the 6th. The women inter- their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opinions and in order to help thempeople createto ancall even service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3) rupted thefears march of mostly White onbetter a moment
IDAHO: Spirituality and Sexuality
IDAHO: Transgender? Transphobia?
What Do We Want? “Power!”
(From page 1) The second day of the IDAHO events, hosted by
Adam or Eve, pink or blue, she or he… our rigid society is a
From the 5th 11th of October, LoudEnuf, wastoa the provocative one. TheLoudEnuf, theme forthe theGEU’s day stuwas
These discussions were veryone’s helpful and I issaw that heteroplace of boundaries where identity dictated based
“BeingLGBTI Created in the Image of its God” with special guests from an dent organisation held “Power Not Prejudice” cam-
merely on their genitalia. An individual can either beeach a man or a and homosexual people have a lot to learn about other.
LGBTI faith-based organization, Inclusive paign. The point of the campaign was toand tryAffirming and find Ministries solutions (IAM). A short film was played which told of many individuals to the problems that the LGBTI community faces. Insteadwho of
woman and certainly not came both. up Butduring what isthe thediscussions place of those An interesting point that that individuals who feel that they are Adam in Eve or Eve in Adam? was that some of the gay people did not like other types of
came outatand sexuality. Theindividuals film included looking therevealed problemtheir and seeing these as Archbish‘victims’, op Desmond Tutu who said he “hope[s] we will be more this campaign sort to find causes to the problems, and welcompossible
That is, whatasis they the place transgendered in society; gay people, are toofbe said they arepeople “flaunting their particularly the UWC society? gayness too much”.
ing of them [Homosexuals]. They should be seen full members preventions and interventions and empower thisascommunity. of the body of Christ.” This message was what many had agreed On the 8th October Monday, LoudEnuf gathered in front of the upon.
UWC main hall as part of the opening of the awareness week Michelle Boonzaaier and Ingrid Schoonraad from IAM shared the and the raising of the South African LGBTI flag. Volunteers from work they do in churches to help with the inclusivity of all people, LoudEnuf, Gayla-UWC including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says and the HIV & AIDS about homosexuality, the representatives from IAM mentioned Unit went around with that the Bible can be read in different contexts. What about the white boards asking unconditional love that Pastors preach, what happens when your people to pledge what son or daughter comes out of the closet? Will it still be uncondithey would do to suptional love knowing that they have “gone against” the church? port the LGBTI commuThis was another question asked by one of the students who went nity, and took photothrough the exact same thing. graphs of them. This Havedone Southfor Africans really accepted Homosexuals? was the One Pictures: Chanell OliphantHave the black communities realized that homosexuality is not only a Western Action Campaign. thing? Are there attempts to rewrite the Bible so that it could be Things really go according to plan as thestudents stage that inclusivedid tonot everyone? These were the questions hadwas for
ordered was not there, good,reported but the IAM representatives. Withand the the hatesound crimeswas that not are being event had say to go on.they have not accepted homosexuals and that one could that black communities still deny that homosexuals are part of an AfriThere were performances, as three students recited their pocan culture too. The speakers concluded by adding that the way ems in front of the main hall. Everything that day seemed to forward was to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret the have a lot more downs than ups, as Campus Protection Services Bible, instead of rewriting it again. By Chuma Mbanyane did not show up to the event to raise the flag. This resulted in
LoudEnuf, with Whitney Booysen from Gender DynamiX, hosted an eye-opening session during the third day of the IDAHO Awareness Week. The focus was on the challenges faced by the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex) community. It was interesting hearing about transgenderism and transphobia from a transgendered individual and to hear the voices of strong individuals who have managed to find their identity in a society that seems determined to classify them as something they are not. It gave all who were present an opportunity to take a walk in the shoes of transgender individuals and to come to terms with the harsh reality of hate speech and other violent actions characteristic of transphobia. The ‘Y’ shape on our South African flag represents the convergence of diverse elements within South African society, and Another that came up wastothat gay people wantexpressespoint our wish as a people takeother the road in unity. Yet
ed be known more thanifjust gay guy” which onetocannot helpas but wonder this“that is unity; the pink orwas blue,a significant moment me, because something thaton is male or femaletick for appropriate kind it of isidentity imposed not often discussed. the LGBTI society. I will leave you with a question, if this is unity, are we not forging the way of yet another apartheid, where What I found informative during the awareness week was minorities are trampled on and dehumanized? the evening discussions. There was a lot of interaction
among people and their opinions flew around the room By Albertina Sibanda freely. I can say that I have learned a lot and this has been an enriching experience.
the flag raising taking place the following day. By Xolisa Kona IDAHO: Is UWC doing enough for LGBTI? After what seemed a rough start, things got better, especially (See gallery for images)
A debate by Glenton Matthyse, Gayla-UWC, took place at the Coline Williams residence to pose and seek answers the eveningchaired residence discussions. Theycoordinator were reallyofsuccessful to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the LGBTI? The panel and well attended. In the second discussion that took place on consisted of Mary Hames of the Gender Equity Unit, Melanie-Ann Cook of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners of Campus Protection Services, Gender and Security Officers of the StuTuesday the 9th, the issues that were discussed were those that dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices and opinions students on campus faced. Homosexuality was, understandaheard. bly, the main topic of discussion. One thing that stood out for The students voiced their concerns about the availability of safe spaces for not only the LGBTI community but the entire student popume was when another gay student said that he thinks that we lace. We also sought to understand how cases of violence which usually affect women and homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ should “just assured accept homophobia.” asked how he in its power to promote and maintain safe spaces for all students. Clint Prins students that hisSomeone programme willhim do everything can simply accept homophobia; how does he accept a person The programme manager of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling and testing services to staff and students, said that the assaulting him and spitting in his face; how can he accept peoprogramme is not centred on heterosexual couples alone. She encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling pleand calling himasnames and to against kill him?people based on their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opintesting they do notattempting discriminate ions and fears in order to help them create an even better service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3)
IDAHO: Transgender? Transphobia? IDAHO: Spirituality andHave Sexuality “We Our Own Language” (Fromhave pageour 1) own The second day these of thewere IDAHO hosted by “We language”, theevents, words spoken LoudEnuf, was a provocative one. The theme for day Jabaar Mohamed, at the Deaf Culture Awareness daythe held on was the “Being in the Image’s of God” with from an 26th ofCreated September at UWC Main Hall. Anspecial alumniguests graduate UWC LGBTI faith-based organization, and Affirming Ministries and provincial director (Western Inclusive Cape) of DeafSA (Deaf Federation
Sign Language’, i.e. there is no isiXhosa, English or Afrikaans Sign Language, but that SASL is a language on its own. Sign Language is not based on any spoken language. The only
(IAM). A short filmThis wasstatement played which told many individuals who of South Africa). made byofMohamed was a fitting came out and revealed theirthe sexuality. Themonth film included statement to make during national of DeafArchbishPeople,
trace of spoken language evident in the language is the use of
op Desmond who said he “hope[s] we willofbeExpression more welcomwhose themeTutu rang "Accessibility, Freedom and ing of them They should be seen as full members Opinion and [Homosexuals]. Access to Information".
learned. “We are not busy creating our own made up
of the body of Christ.” This message was what many had agreed As with any culture upon.
ful way through a game of “broken telephone”, using Signs.
in South Africa, Deaf Michelleforms Boonzaaier culture part of and Ingrid Schoonraad from IAM shared the
Signs at the beginning differed a lot from those at the end.
workcultural they dodiversity in churches to help with the inclusivity of all people, the including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says landscape. However,
On a sociological level, the classification of dom taal to Sign
about homosexuality, not much is known the representatives from IAM mentioned
the mental capacity of Deaf people and potential students, but
that thethe Bibleculture can be read in different contexts. What about the about
also plays out negatively in education possibilities at a primary
Jabaar Mohamed Deaf Culture Awareness unconditional love that Pastors preach, on what happens when your and misconceptions Picture courtesy of Institutional Advancement
the alphabet. Rather, it is a visual language which needs to be [language]” signed Jabaar. This he illustrated strikingly in a playSimilarly to the usual end result of “broken telephone”, the
Language and dom en doof (dumb and deaf) not only subverts
level not to mention a tertiary level. Thanks to schools such as
son or daughter surround it. “We comes are out of the closet? Will it still be uncondi-
the Mary Kihn School for the Hearing Impaired, education at a
tional love they have to “gone against” He theproceedchurch? not deaf andknowing dumb”, that said Mohamed the audience.
primary school level is made possible. However, when it comes
Thisfurther was another question by one of the that students who went ed by stating that asked the misconception surrounds the
to a tertiary level the reality differs.
throughand the exact same thing. culture the language sees people referring to Sign Language as dom taal (dumb language). More saliently, this very usage of Have South Africans really accepted Homosexuals? Have the black the word dom (dumb) subverts the mental capacity of Deaf peocommunities realized that homosexuality is not only a Western ple. thing? Are there attempts to rewrite the Bible so that it could be inclusive to everyone? These thecommunity questions played students had for The unawareness held by the were hearing out when IAM representatives. With thehe hate crimes are beingregarding reported Mohamed’s questions, which posed to that the audience one could sayand thatcommunity, they have not Deaf culture wasaccepted met withhomosexuals silence, withand thethat exblack communities still denyHowever, that homosexuals are part of did an Afriception of one response. this unawareness not can culture too. The speakers by adding that the havway come from an unwillingness to concluded learn, but rather a case of not forward to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret the ing the was opportunity and resources made accessible to learn.
Recalling the first time Jabaar came to her at the CSSS, Evadné stated that he was the first student that UWC had who was a Deaf person with SASL as a first language. At first she was worried about how she could help him; however, in the end she applied the same rules of offering help and support where he needed it. In the case of Mohamed, who did not have a SASL interpreter during the duration of his studies, she was fortunate as he was well skilled in lip-reading and more visually receptive. He received extra notes before lectures and made a lot more eye
Bible, instead of rewriting it again. Chuma Mbanyane Therefore, awareness needs to be By raised regarding Deaf culture in
contact with lecturers. However, this is not always the case as
South Africa which, like any culture, consists of rules and practices
most Deaf people are unable to gain a tertiary qualification. If
which govern behaviour.
they do get to tertiary level, the rate of drop outs are due to
IDAHO: Is UWC doing theenough LGBTI? lack of supportfor they receive at institutions, stated MoIn attempting to raise awareness, the different facets of the Deaf
hamed. A debate chaired by Glenton Matthyse, coordinator of Gayla-UWC, community and culture were brought forth by Mohamed, Evadné took place at the Coline Williams residence to pose and seek answers to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the LGBTI? The panel consisted of Mary Hames of the Gender Equity Unit, Melanie-Ann Cook Abrahams from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSwD) at The high level ofServices, drop outs point to need forOfficers a confluence of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners of Campus Protection Gender anda Security of theto Stuthe Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS), and Agnes Dyhappen on the grass roots level, political level and educational dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices and opinions abuza and the school learners from Mary Kihn Primary School for heard. level. At the moment SASL is recognized as a Sign Language, yet the Hearing Impaired, who signed the National Anthem. Unathi it is as onecommunity of the 11 official languages. The students voiced their concerns about the availability of safe spaces fornot notrecognized only the LGBTI but the entire student popuKave, from DeafSA Western Cape, interpreting as well as voicing lace. We also sought to understand how cases of violence which usually affect women and homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ Although, not recognized as an official language, this does not over in English what Jabaar Mohamed signed in South African Sign Clint Prins assured students that his programme will do everything in its power to promote and maintain safe spaces for all students. stop DeafSA and the GEU’s HumaNature Programme in helping Language (SASL). The programme manager of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling and testing services to staff and students, said that the raise awareness. programme is not centred on heterosexual couplesthat alone. She encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling Mohamed proceeded to dispel some of the myths surround testing as do notthe discriminate people on their sexual orientation. By Chanell OliphantMs. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opintheand language. Hethey informed audience against that there is nobased ‘spoken ions and fears in order to help them create an even better service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3) (See gallery for images)
Cape to Cape, Reclaiming acclaim IDAHO: Transgender? Transphobia? IDAHO: Spirituality From and Sexuality The Goddess disregards us. We do not exist. She is a Dreamweav(From page 1) The second day of the IDAHO events, hosted by er, preparing herself to tell stories as she sways from side to side. LoudEnuf, was a provocative one. The theme for the day was We are in her world now. “Being Created in the Image of God” with special guests from an
conveyed. Issues dealing with lesbianism, abuse, acceptance of Adam or Eve, pink or blue, she or he… our rigid society is a body and overcoming feelings of worthlessness were handled place of boundaries where one’s identity is dictated based deftly, and without shying away from offence. merely on their genitalia. An individual can either be a man or a
LGBTI organization, and Affirming Ministries This is faith-based the scene that was set forInclusive the audience as we entered the (IAM). A short film was played which told of many individuals who theatre at the Monument in Grahamstown for the 2012 National
woman and certainly But what the hard placework of those The diverse audience not wasboth. impressed withis the the individuals who feel that they are Adam in Eve or Eve in Adam? cast put into their performance. Anja, 24, who is a Gender
came out and revealed theirsecond sexuality. The film included Arts Festival. It was the performance for theArchbishcast of op Desmond Tutu who said he “hope[s] we will be more welcom‘Reclaiming Body, Reclaiming Self’ after more than favourable
That is, what is the place of transgendered people in society; Studies (Honours) student at UCT thought the show was “really particularly the UWC awesome, really coolsociety? and that it really spoke to what we are
ing of them [Homosexuals]. They should be seen as full members reviews for their first performance. of the body of Christ.” This message was what many had agreed
doing in class.” LoudEnuf, with Whitney Booysen from Gender DynamiX, host-
The Dreamweaver continues to move, swaying from side to side, upon.
ed an eye-opening session the opener, third dayespecially of the IDAHO Khotso, 21, said that it wasduring “an eye for a Awareness Week. The focus was on the challenges faced by the [male] guy to watch a play such as this.” He went on and said
wondering at thoughts that we could not see. Then the others Michelle Boonzaaier Schoonraad fromvolunteers IAM shared follow. The all-femaleand castIngrid comprised of student in the the work they doprogramme in churchesatto the helpGender with theEquity inclusivity all people, Edu-Drama Unit of (GEU). They including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says took their own stories to the stage and impressed a crowd that is
LGBTI Gay, “actually Bisexual, says Transgendered andtryIntersex) that the(Lesbian, performance that we must and recommunity. It was interesting hearing about transgenderism spect women as they are, despite their sexuality.” and transphobia from a transgendered individual and to hear
about homosexuality, theThe representatives from IAM mentioned generally not the easiest. knowledgeable all converge once a that the Bible can be read in different contexts. What about year on this town that usually defies the description of ‘sleepy’.the
After an exhausting second performance in Grahamstown, the the voices of strong individuals who have managed to find their
unconditional love that Pastors preach, what happens when your
after they they had performed, Chanell Oliphant, was “very tired, something are not. It gave all who were present an oppor-
The acclaimed P… Word’ theit tone in uncondiGrahamson or daughter‘Reclaiming comes outthe of the closet?set Will still be
and it to feels likea this off my andindividuals yet I feel tunity take walkweight in theisshoes of shoulders transgender
stown, which was followed by have a new“gone production in the 2011church? in the tional love knowing that they against”
alive, tired. The experience stageofishate a bit daunting and tohappy, come to terms with the harshon reality speech and
same veinanother of politically charged socially responsible stories by This was question askedand by one of the students who went
but you just have to let go of yourself and get into the story.” other violent actions characteristic of transphobia.
females, called Khululekani Emakhaya. This production upheld the through the exact same thing. now trademarked style of simplicity with a focus on stories and Have South Africans really the black performance, also seen as accepted “activism Homosexuals? on stage”. TheirHave performance
ladies on athat high. Speaking to the group immediately identitywere in a also society seems determined to classify them as
Sibongisiwe her experience on stage nerve The ‘Y’ shapeSibeko on ourdescribes South African flag represents theasconverwracking. She sayselements that shewithin was “nervous, but associety, the stories gence of diverse South African and
communities realized that homosexuality is not pressure only a Western was once again favourably received. This added for the thing? Are there attempts to rewrite the Bible so that it could be women of ‘Reclaiming Body, Reclaiming Self’ who had been re-
went alongour I got comfortable on to stage energy that Yet we expresses wish as a people takeand thethe road in unity.
inclusive These were questions students hadtheir for hearsing to at everyone? an almost military ratethe before, and even during IAM With thewas hate crimes thatthe are directorship being reported time representatives. in Grahamstown. This done under of
that done tick withappropriate the show, forkind now.” malewe or are femaleof identity imposed on
one could sayand thattwo theyEdu-Drama have not accepted homosexuals and that Sherna Botto alums, Wahseema Roberts and black communities still deny that homosexuals are part of an AfriAJ Castle. can culture too. The speakers concluded by adding that the way Back on was stage, new earth re-contextualise was forming with sound and moveforward to are-imagine, and re-interpret the ment the performers in shades of white, while the DreamBible, by instead of rewritingclad it again. By Chuma Mbanyane weaver continues spinning her tales. She still sways, she still sings between monologues; we are in their space now. The tight space
were receiving awesome. am relieved one cannot helpwas buttotally wonder if this is Right unity;now the Ipink or blue, the LGBTI society. I will leave you with a question, if this is uniNot taking much time to rest, they were back on stage, this ty, are we not forging the way of yet another apartheid, where time back in Cape Town. The UCT Hiddingh Campus was the minorities are trampled on and dehumanized? place where “Reclaiming Body, Reclaiming Self” performed on the 25th and 26th of July, for the “Fresh From Fest” festival. By Albertina Sibanda Also on the second night, the theatre was packed as friends, family and fans gathered to support this now widely acclaimed production.
IDAHO: Is UWC doing enough for LGBTI?
of the black box of the theatre aided the tension created by the
A final successful performance was reserved for the home turf honesty of the stories. “Poor theatre” techniques, which includes ofplace the Black at the Centre residence for Performing Arts at seek UWC.answers This A debate chaired by Glenton Matthyse, coordinator of Gayla-UWC, took at theBox Coline Williams to pose and minimal staging and no props, were employed. Physical theatre was of a highlight of aofphenomenal forUnit, the Edu-Drama to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the LGBTI? The panel consisted Mary Hames the Gender run Equity Melanie-AnnproCook methods wereHIV/AIDS also usedProgramme, as the body Clint became a tool to convey the of Campus of the UWC Prins and Liane Reyners Protection Services, Gender and Security Officers of the Stugramme. Back home, it was announced that “Reclaiming Body, narratives. dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the Self” students have their andSpecial opinions Reclaiming had who woncame the to National Artsvoices Festival heard. Merit Award, which came with a cash prize as well as the reMary Hames, Director of the GEU, was on a high after what she The students voiced their concerns about the availability of safe spaces for not the LGBTI community but the entire student popuspect andonly recognition from the tough crowd at Grahamstown. deemed an impressive performance. She said that “most plays lace. We also sought to understand how cases of violence which usually affect women and homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ With this clout, the Edu-Drama hopes to keep pursuing these have themes such as violence and sexuality. We came from a new Clint Prins assured students that his programme will do everything in itsstories powerfrom to promote for all womenand andmaintain speakingsafe outspaces on issues ofstudents. empowerangle.” This was affirmed by “good reviews from the critics” with The programme manager of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling ment and and activism. testing services to staff and students, said that the whom the consensus was that the show was powerful. programme is not centred on heterosexual couples alone. She encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling By Jerome Cornelius andperformers testing as they not discriminate peoplelike based on their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opinStar havedoemerged from thisagainst production never ions and fears in order to help them create an even better service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3) before with audience members connecting with the messages (See gallery for images)
No Food for Thought Last semester the Gender Equity Unit was asked by the team at
Through these acts of generosity, the programme also en-
the UWC Rag Mag to write an article about the Gender Equity
courages its participants to adopt this sentiment. GEUFP
Unit Food Programme. We were told that there was no place in
strives to inspire students to empower themselves through
the magazine, whose slogan is “Making a Difference.” The em-
independent thoughts and actions.
blem on the front cover reads “You Are Your Future.” With our focus on empowering students, we were disappointed, but not dismayed when we were told that there our article would not be included in the issue. This is the article that would have appeared in Rag Mag 2012. A place of learning? A place to grow? Yet some go without food at this, their home away from home. This is what UWC has come to be for certain students who arrive at our institution for a better life; yet go hungry. This was the inspiration for the Gender Equity Unit Food Programme (GEUFP) as so many students faced the issue of hunger on their own. A similar programme known as “No Student Hunger” exists at the University of the Free State, proving that this is a nationwide problem for a sector of the population which is often seen as privileged and fortunate above the majority who do not attend a Tertiary institution.
Angelo Fortuin and Cheslyn Solomons arranging donations Picture: Chanell Oliphant
Through a series of events such as the Human Rights Film Festival and the Horror Movie Nights already successes this year, the GEUFP has indeed grown since its inception. We aim to keep raising the volume on this issue which still continues mostly unaddressed.* Once we remove the stigma attached to poverty and hunger, only then can we grow as a University and society . *At the time of publication, UWC’s residence-based student programme, ResLife, had put into place a programme adChanell Oliphant recording donations | Picture: Angelo Fortuin
dressing hunger of residence students — Skills and Resources Exchange Programme (SREP).
Our process is thorough and dignified in which we aim to only allow those who are in need to benefit; yet also to avoid making these students feel less worthy. We have a strict policy of confidentiality and we also package the food parcels in a presentable manner. We rely on the hard work of our volunteers who embark on regular generosity drives on campus. We also work closely with other programmes at the GEU which accept non-perishable food items as entrance fee for their events.
By Jerome Cornelius (See gallery for images)
Transphobia? Keeping it Green: OurIDAHO: ZeroTransgender? Waste Culture
IDAHO: Spirituality and Sexuality
(From page 1) The second day of the IDAHO events, hosted by
Adam or Eve, pink or blue, she or he… our rigid society is a
LoudEnuf, was a provocative one. The theme for the day was The University five awards at “Being Created of in the the Western Image of Cape God” has withreceived special guests from an
place of boundaries where one’s identity is dictated based on bothonsides the paper. These simple actions merely theirofgenitalia. An individual can either becreate a man tanor a
an Inaugural African Green Initiative conference, held Ministries from 1 to LGBTI faith-based organization, Inclusive and Affirming 4 July Aatshort the Nelson Metropolitan University in Port (IAM). film wasMandela played which told of many individuals who
gible change which brings about results woman and certainly not both. Butqualitative what is the place in of terms those of environmental ultimate goal have individuals who feelsustainability. that they are The Adam in Eve or Eveisinto Adam?
Elizabeth. came out and revealed their sexuality. The film included Archbish-
zero and everything we consume is reusable. That waste is, what is ensure the place of transgendered people in society;
op Desmond Tutu who said he “hope[s] we will be more welcomUWC was awarded the national Green Campus of the Year ing of them [Homosexuals]. They should be seen as full members award for 2012 for theThis most environmentally proactive South of the body of Christ.” message was what many had agreed
particularly the UWC society? Other events which had taken place during the course of this
African upon. campus. It received four additional awards for Recognition of Student Achievement (by Njabulo Maphumulo); for Best Michelle Boonzaaier and Ingrid Schoonraad fromProgramme IAM shared (for the Institutional Presentation; for Most Innovative
ed an eye-opening during third dayused of the Green Valentine’s session day were funthe measures toIDAHO bring Awareness Week. Themessage focus wasofonsustainability. the challengesThis faced by the across an important achieve-
work they do in branches churches toand helpgarden with the inclusivityas of all people, using chipped trimmings mulch on including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says campus flower beds); for Best Designed Outfit Made From Re-
LoudEnuf, with Whitney Booysen Show, from Gender host-a year, such as the Green Fashion Green-DynamiX, T range and
LGBTI is(Lesbian, Transgendered andthe Intersex) ment not the Gay, end ofBisexual, the recycling project, but begincommunity. It was interesting hearing about to transgenderism ning of greater awareness. Further methods reduce con-
about the representatives from IAM mentioned cycled homosexuality, Materials. that the Bible can be read in different contexts. What about the
and transphobia from a transgendered individual and to hear sumption are continuously being discovered and pursued. the voices of strong individuals who have managed to find their The concerns (mainly identity in a society thatsocio-and-economic seems determined torelated classifymatters) them as
The African Green Campus project is aimed attaining student unconditional love that Pastors preach, what at happens when your
of the average are indeed pressing issues; an however, something they student are not. It gave all who were present oppor-
son or daughter comes out of the closet? Will it still be uncondisupport for effective
tunity to take a walk in the shoes of transgender individuals what many people
tional love knowing that they have “gone against” the church? sustainability at their This was another question asked by one of the students who went respective campuses.
and to come to terms with the harsh realityoverlook of hate speech and is how
through exact In the the spark of same cli- thing.
sustainability is The ‘Y’ shape on our South African flag represents the converlinked to financial gence of diverse elements within South African society, and and household expresses our wish as a people to take the road in unity. Yet situations. Envione cannot help but wonder if this is unity; the pink or blue, ronmentally proacmale or female- tick appropriate kind of identity imposed on tive people save the LGBTI society. I will leave you with a question, if this is unimoney, and where ty, are we not forging the way of yet another apartheid, where
mate-change univerHave South Africans really accepted Homosexuals? Have the black sities have been chalcommunities realized that homosexuality is not only a Western lenged to create an thing? Are there attempts to rewrite the Bible so that it could be environmentally inclusive to everyone? These were the questions students had for friendly standard to IAM representatives. With the hate crimes that are being reported reduce of have not accepted homosexuals and that one couldthe say rate that they consumption, and use energy resourcesare wisely toan lessen black communities still deny thatand homosexuals part of Afrithe ourThe carbon footprint. can impact culture of too. speakers concluded by adding that the way forward was to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret the Desleen Saffier, Contracts Coordinator of Operation Services, Bible, instead of rewriting it again. By Chuma Mbanyane attributed the success of this prestigious award to the team
effort of SIFE, cleaning companies - Prestige and Metro - and
other violent actions characteristic of transphobia. environmental
money is not being livingon standards minorities are wasted, trampled and improve. dehumanized? Obtaining this award is a fine example of what this University By Albertina Sibanda can achieve if we put aside our cultural, academic, religious and gender indifferences amongst each other, and work towards a collective goal that is to create awareness with re-
gard to pressing issues and to find an acceptable approach to IDAHO: Is UWC doing enough for LGBTI? when a recycling project had taken off. The cleaning staff unresolve them. University departments. The road to success began in 2010
A debate chaired by Glenton Matthyse, of Gayla-UWC, derwent two months of training offeredcoordinator by Wasteman Remov- took place at the Coline Williams residence to pose and seek answers to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the LGBTI? The panel consisted Mary Hames Genderstaff Equity Cook It is of with hope that of thethe cleaning willUnit, nowMelanie-Ann be recognized ers. Later, colour-coded bins for wet waste and dry waste of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners of Campus Protection Services, Gender and Security Officers of the Stuand appreciated for their efforts. The next time you see popped up all over the campus, indirectly encouraging students dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices and opinions someone in a blue uniform take the time to say hello and toheard. recycle. thank them for keeping our campus Green and clean. Don’t The students voiced their concerns about the availability of safe spaces for not community but the entire student This project broke status barriers and combined the efforts of forget to only lookthe outLGBTI for the colour-coded bins on your waypoputo lace. We also sought to understand how cases of violence which usually affect women and homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ two competing cleaning companies and two students bodies class! Clint Prins assured students that his programme will do everything in its power to promote and maintain safe spaces for all students. who don’t have much in common, to work together. The aim By Tamlynand Roode The programme manager of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling testing services to staff and students, said that the was to sensitize students or create a shift in consciousness to programme is not centred on heterosexual couples alone. She encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling think green by doing simple things such as putting waste in the and testing as they do not discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opincorrect binfears or sending instead of an printing, or printing ions and in orderan toe-mail help them create even better service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3)
IDAHO: Transgender? Transphobia? IDAHO: SpiritualityMoving and Sexuality Beyond the Spectacle (From Theglamour, second day of the IDAHO events,poised hostedconby A nightpage filled1)with smiling faces and seven LoudEnuf,saw wasone a provocative one.asThe theme for the2012. day was testants being crowned Miss Gayla-UWC Yes
Adam or Eve, pink blue,toshe or he…Drag our Queen rigid society is a known in District Six,orcame symbolize pageantry placecross-dressing. of boundaries where one’s identity is dictated based and
“Beingright, Created in the Image with special guests from an that’s Gayla-UWC held of itsGod” 2nd annual Gayla-UWC pageant LGBTI organization, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries on thefaith-based 6th of October at African Routes.
merely on their genitalia. An individual can either be a man or a Some argue that through pageantry contestants womanwould and certainly not both. Butthe what is the place of those
(IAM). A short film was played which told of many individuals who Drinks were at the bar crowdArchbishenjoyed came out andliberally revealedbought their sexuality. The as filmthe included
receive acceptance, yet they this are is aAdam very in confined space of acindividuals who feel that Eve or Eve in Adam? ceptance which we place need of to transgendered move beyond, people stated in Matthyse. That is, what is the society;
themselves, a little much at we times. If one lucky op Desmond albeit Tutu who saidtoo he “hope[s] will be morewas welcomenough to have a VIP ticketThey thenshould you could enjoy some of the ing of them [Homosexuals]. be seen as full members
Yet, is this athe space of acceptance, or a space of spectacle? particularly UWC society?
complimentary wine andThis snacks that were on offer at the secof the body of Christ.” message was what many hadVIP agreed tion upstairs at the sports stadium. Conversations and laughter upon. intermingled as the crowd intermingled between sets as well as Michelle Boonzaaier Schoonraad shared and the during sets, which ledand to Ingrid chastising from thefrom MC, IAM the judges work they in churches to help with the inclusivity of all people, some of thedoaudience members. including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says Amazed faces filled the about homosexuality, the representatives from IAM mentioned air that as theaudience Bible can membe read in different contexts. What about the bers would recognize unconditional love that Pastors preach, what happens when your
However, is no denying thatfrom within this DynamiX, space, there is LoudEnuf, there with Whitney Booysen Gender hostthe freedom wheresession one is during allowedthe to third be and you’d ed an eye-opening daydress of theasIDAHO like, be it asWeek. a dragThe queen, drag or undecided. Awareness focus wasking on the challenges faced by the LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Intersex) This was especially evident during the closing march of the community. It was interesting hearing about transgenderism Power not Prejudice campaign where LoudEnuf, GLOScput and and transphobia from a transgendered individual and to hear Gayla-UWC took to the student centre. The winners, as well as the voices of strong individuals who have managed to find their the former Miss Gayla-UWC, Melodiva Carter (pictured) stood identity in a society that seems determined to classify them as something they are not. It gave all who were present an oppor-
Zilin Zhang, the reigning son or daughter comes out of the closet? Will it still be uncondiMiss Gay Ambassador tional love knowing that they have “gone against” the church?
tunity to take a walk in the shoes of transgender individuals
and Missanother Gay Western This was question asked by one of the students who went Cape Finalist 2012. Final-thing. through the exact same
other violent actions characteristic of transphobia.
ly the time had arrived Have South really accepted Homosexuals? Have the black and Miss Africans Gayla-UWC
The ‘Y’ shape on our South African flag represents the conver-
Miss Gayla-UWC Picture: Chanell communities that homosexuality is |not only a Oliphant Western 2012 and therealized two runthing?upAre there attempts which to rewrite Bible so that it(pictured) could be ners were announced were:the Katlego Sebeko
expresses our wish as a people to take the road in unity. Yet
inclusive to everyone? These were von the questions students hadand for as Miss Gayla-UWC 2012, Camille Zuush as 1st Princess IAM representatives. With the(pictured hate crimes thatright). are being reported Ayanda Dyali as 2nd Princess on the
male or female- tick appropriate kind of identity imposed on
one could say that they have not accepted homosexuals and that The above havehomosexuals fitted almostare anypart pageant, blackdescription communities still could deny that of an save Afri-
Picture: Reneé ty, are we notTitus forging the way of yet another apartheid, where
for liberal of Gayla and gay, more specifically it could can the culture too.usage The speakers concluded by adding that the way have been a scene from the recently held Mr and Miss UWC. forward was to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret The the glamour, entertainment enjoyment wereMbanyane all present, yet it is Bible, instead of rewritingand it again. By Chuma to this very essence which Glenton Matthyse wants to bring about a dynamic of change. Drag Queen pageantry is not merely a pag-
and to come to terms with the harsh reality of hate speech and
gence of diverse elements within South African society, and one cannot help but wonder if this is unity; the pink or blue, the LGBTIvon society. will leave a question, Camille Zuush, IAyanda Dyaliyou andwith Melodiva Carter if this is uniminorities are trampled on and dehumanized? in front of a student body that was mostly playing dominoes, slamming it Sibanda on the tables, where the voice of Camille von By Albertina Zuush could hardly be heard. Yet, Camille continued speaking as she reflected upon how she
to be before the pageantry. She was David, who always IDAHO: Is UWC doing used enough for LGBTI? wore a hoody, disappearing in the background as she felt self-
eant and a “spectacle” as he put it, but a form of activism and
education. conscious andColine fearedWilliams judgment. However, sinceand sheseek tookanswers part, A debate chaired by Glenton Matthyse, coordinator of Gayla-UWC, took place at the residence to pose to the question: Is UWC doing enough the LGBTI? The panel Mary Hames of the Equity Unit, Melanie-Ann Cook Similarly during the Gayla-UWC pageantfor audience members re- consisted she of noticed a change; thisGender was similarly noted by the other of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners of Campus Protection Services, Gender and Security Officers of the Stuceived entertainment. However, speeches made by Matthyse finalists at the end of the pageant. dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices and opinions who was Liberty Banks that night, and the questions posed by the heard. The question of course is this, is it possible for pageants to judges reminded us that this is not merely entertainment and move beyond theLGBTI spectacle and entertainment The students voiced their concerns about the availability of safe spaces for not only the community but the entire aspect? student Are popufrivolity, but a form of activism. pageants merelyand pageants and nothing more? Is this movement lace. We also sought to understand how cases of violence which usually affect women homosexuals are dealt with by the CPS. CPS’ Clint Prins assured his pageantry programmehas willalways do everything power to promote andspecifically maintain safe forfor all students. The spectacle aspectstudents of Drag that Queen taken in itssuccessful? And more is itspaces possible Gayla-UWC onThe a carnivalesque aspect. Within contextProgramme, of Cape Town, thisoffers counseling to transcend traditionalist regarding pageants? programme manager of the the HIV/AIDS which andthe testing services view to staff and students, said that the is programme most prominently embodied klopse or Cape Minstrel is not centred on in heterosexual couples alone.perforShe encouraged the LGBTI community to come in their numbers for counseling By Chanell Oliphant mances. and testing DragasQueen they dopageantry, not discriminate or ‘moffie’ against culture people as based it was on their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opinions and fears in order to help them create an even better service to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3) (See gallery for images)
What’s the Agenda? On 28 August 2012, UWC and UCT met at the campus of the latter to celebrate a landmark for the fight for gender equality. The ideals of feminism have long been under scrutiny and criticised. Many see feminism as unnecessary and outdated, yet the inequalities between genders have not been more evident than they have been in this day and age. The use of writing was discussed in an evening which saw an enthusiastic audience ready to engage. Agenda: Empowering Women for Gender Equity recently celebrated its 25th year of publication and did so with Mary Hames and Desiree Lewis as guest co-editors. This edition was titled “Gender, Sexuality and Commodity Culture.” Lewis is a Professor in the Women and Gender Studies Department at UWC. The publication is essentially a space for women to write. This includes poetry and creative pieces as well as the academic, with a focus on empowerment. According to Jane Bennett from African Gender Institute It was founded over a table in 1987, when women who were sick of having their voices muzzled or edited by others. The “I” was not allowed to be used in writing at the time. This is where Agenda stepped in to provide a new platform which spoke to freedom, identity and dignity. The evening included a panel of guests chaired by Lewis, namely Nadia Sanger, Kharnita Mohammed and Pat Farrenfort. There was an emphasis on encouraging African independence and many mentions were made to not relying solely on “the North” with regards to Europe and America. Other issues that were discussed included the power orientation of feminism and the way in which theory centralises power. Taking the tools from the “master”, or the coloniser, and using it to empower the self was a statement which stood out. Live entertainment was provided by a former UWC student, known as Blaq Pearl who performed both poetry and song items. African-soul band, IMBALI, comprising of current UWC students who also volunteer at the GEU, also performed. An inspiring quote by Mohammed was a noteworthy way to sum up the hope for the evening: “Feminism is something we live.” By Jerome Cornelius
(See gallery for images)
Education Through Inclusion: Mentoring Programme involves all The Gender Equity Unit’s Mentoring Programme has continued its work in empowering youth with a focus on academic, as well as social activities. Regular sessions were held with learners from schools in Elsies River. Mentors from UWC provided these learners with support as they met at the GEU for the sessions. Boys and girls are equally accepted into the programme; however a new emphasis will soon be implemented. The GEU with its continuing emphasis on feminist ideals will host a new project, still in its infancy with a pilot in the works, with an additional focus on boys.
Chuma Mbanyane and the mentees | Picture: Chanell Oliphant
GEU Project Officer Angelo Fortuin, whose aim it is to extend the GEU’s focus of all-inclusion, aims to involve the boy learners in a creative way. The project is entitled Ons Plek, Ons Stem (Our Place, Our Voice), which was presented at the very first MenEngage Africa Training Initiative (MATI) course, will be a form of digital expression. The project aims to incorporate digital media to help give these learners a space to better articulate their stories. The boys will be empowered through a range of techniques in which they use still images, voice and sound to create their own digital stories. They will also edit their own narratives. Fortuin, who recently attended the MATI course on Masculinities, Leadership and Gender Justice, organized by Sonke Gender Justice Network, the MenEngage Africa Network and UCT’s Women’s Health Research Unit, said “At GEU, you often hear women’s perspectives, and you don’t hear a lot about the male voices. It’s understandable, but it’s interesting to hear this perspective, and I learned a lot. One quote I particularly liked was this: ‘Some men are part of the problem – all men are part of the solution.’” By Jerome Cornelius (See gallery for images)
Transgender? Transphobia? IDAHO: Spirituality and Sexuality UWC: A Place IDAHO: to Converge (From page The we second of the we IDAHO events, hosted by Proving that 1) when standday together can do so much more, LoudEnuf, wassite a of provocative one. Thefortheme for thecommuniday was UWC was the a significant event the LGBTIAQ
Adam orOnce Eve, [one] pink or blue, she or he… is a munity. sees the progress andour howrigid [the society LGBTI complace ofstand boundaries where one’s identity dictated based munity] together, it helps us grow and isstand together as
“Being the Regional Image of Lekgotla God” withwas special ty. The Created WesterninCape held guests from 26from July an to LGBTI and Affirming 28 Julyfaith-based and hostedorganization, by LoudEnufInclusive and Gayla-UWC, with Ministries delegates
merely on their genitalia. An individual can either be a man or a one.” woman and certainly not both. But what is the place of those Chairperson of GAYLA-UWC Matthyse said conindividuals who feel that theyGlenton are Adam in Eve or Eveofinthe Adam?
(IAM). A short filmfrom was played told of and manyparticipating individuals who from universities aroundwhich the country unicame out and revealed their sexuality. The film included Archbishversities in the Western Cape, namely UWC's GAYLA-UWC and op Desmond TutuPeninsula who saidUniversity he “hope[s] will be moreGLOScput, welcomLoudEnuf, Cape ofwe Technology’s ing of them [Homosexuals]. They should be and seenUniversity as full members the University of Cape Town’s RainbowUCT of Stelof the bodyLesBiGay. of Christ.” This message was what many had agreed lenbosch’s upon. The Lekgotla (or gathering) was an opportunity for the student Michelle Boonzaaier andaffiliated Ingrid Schoonraad from IAM LGBTIAQ organisations, with the national bodyshared knownthe as work they do Youth in churches to help with after the inclusivity ofnationwide all people, Kaleidoscope Network, to meet the annual including gays and lesbians. When asked what the Bible really says Lekgotla, which took place in Potchefstroom during March. about homosexuality, the representatives from IAM mentioned Important issues were raised atcontexts. the conference included that the Bible canwhich be read in different What about the
ference, “Kaleidoscope Youth Network has created That is, what is the place of transgendered people ainplatform society; for LGBTIAQ organisations at South African Universities to particularly the UWC society? stand united in fighting homo-prejudice and trans-prejudice. LoudEnuf, with Whitney BooysenLekgotla from Gender With the Western Cape Regional being DynamiX, hosted at hostUWC ed an eye-opening during the successfully third day of established the IDAHO by GAYLA-UWC andsession LoudEnuf, it has Awareness The focus with was on faced by the that UWC, Week. in collaboration its the SRC,challenges is truly committed to LGBTI (Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered and and Intersex) ensuring that theGay, LGBTIAQ community is respected procommunity. It was interesting tected as a marginalised group.” hearing about transgenderism and transphobia from a transgendered individual and to hear By Cornelius theJerome voices of strong individuals who have managed to find their identity in a society that seems determined to classify them as
Enough is Enough
rights and safety LGBTIAQ on campus, in unconditional loveforthat Pastorsindividuals preach, what happensespecially when your relation to CPS (Campus Protective anditwhat they can do son or daughter comes out of the Services) closet? Will still be uncondi-
something they are not. It gave all who were present an oppor-
for thislove community, wellthey as what need to learn. also tional knowing as that havethey “gone against” theThey church? learned leadership skills, reflected on where they are as people This was another question asked by one of the students who went
They I was not part of the them. What defines me not to be the and tosaid come to terms with harsh reality of hate speech and
and howthe they can same help each through exact thing.other to improve on skills. Intervarsity relations were fostered and encouraged as they learned how to Have South really acceptedregarding Homosexuals? the black handle hate Africans crimes and procedures similarHave offences.
that the world we live in is a dynamic one? People need to emThe ‘Y’ themselves shape on our African represents the converbrace to South that world of flag evolution and accept reality gence of diverse elements within South African society, andto as it comes. I was born this way and Yes I am proud enough
communities realized that homosexuality is not only a Western
expresses our Depriving wish as a myself peoplewill to take thethe road in offer unity.inYet say it aloud. not be best my one cannot help but wonder if this is unity; the pink or blue, life, instead asking you to take me as I am is the only thing that
thing? Are there attempts to rewrite the Bible so that it could be inclusive to everyone? These were the questions students had for IAM representatives. With the hate crimes that are being reported one could say that they have not accepted homosexuals and that black communities still deny that homosexuals are part of an African culture too. The speakers concluded by adding that the way forward was to re-imagine, re-contextualise and re-interpret the Bible, instead of rewriting it again. By Chuma Mbanyane
tunity to take a walk in the shoes of transgender individuals so-called part of them? I alwaysofask myself, don’t they know other violent actions characteristic transphobia.
male femaleof identity on keepsorme going; tick onlyappropriate hoping thatkind one day and yes,imposed I mean only the will leave you with a question, if this isasunioneLGBTI day, society. you will Ithen realise that I am just as human you ty, areLove we not thething, way of yetthough another apartheid, are. is aforging beautiful and you may not where like the minorities are trampled on and dehumanized? way I live, respect the beast you see in me thus for being different I say “give me the respect for being true to myself.” By Albertina Sibanda I have been hurt so many times, hearing those echoes behind my back made me feel sick. Do you have to throw it straight into my face? Sometimes a little respect will be more than enough,
it’s not like I wantfor you to LGBTI? give me the whole world, like I said IDAHO: Is UWC doing enough
Mary Hames (far left) and Anzio Jacobs (far right) in discussion
before, “a little respect will do the whole magic.” You beat my Picture: Angelo Fortuinby Glenton Matthyse, coordinator of Gayla-UWC, took place at the Coline Williams residence to pose and seek answers A debate chaired spirit down, while I let go of my courage slowly. You curse my to the question: Is UWC doing enough for the LGBTI? The panel consisted of Mary Hames of the Gender Equity Unit, Melanie-Ann Cook innocent body, Services, while youGender condemn self-esteem. of the UWC HIV/AIDS Programme, Clint Prins and Liane Reyners of Campus Protection andmy Security OfficersMoreover, of the Stuyou attack my body, while I always fight the feelings of own. dent Representative Council and Central House Committee, and not forgetting the students who came to have their voices andmy opinions For LoudEnuf Programme Leader, Reneé Titus, who attended the heard. You tongue lash me with religious speeches, and force me to let National Lekgotla, as well as the Regional meeting, it means that go of God's hand. Although I’m still on earth breathing in fear, The students voiced their concerns availability of safe “activism is really important within ourabout LGBTIthe societies, because as spaces for not only the LGBTI community but the entire student popuhave indeed murdered my will livewith andby because of CPS’ it I We also sought to of violence which usuallyyou affect women and homosexuals are to dealt the CPS. thelace. younger generation weunderstand forget the how oldercases generation and [their] up to my dry bones. safe Enough is enough, the burden Clint Prins assured students that his programme will do everything in its saying power rise to promote and maintain spaces for all students. struggles… and how far we have come, even though we are still have bared for so long is now heavy for me. I need change in my The programme manager of the HIV/AIDS Programme, which offers counseling and testing services to staff and students, said that the prohibited in certain countries” life,the to stop my life for I am what I am programme is not centred on heterosexual couples alone. She encouraged LGBTIliving community to come in their numbers for counseling She and went testing on as and they said dothat not discriminate for the future, against thesepeople gatherings based are on their sexual orientation. Ms. Cook also encouraged us to voice our opinBy Melody Chitekairo ions andsignificant fears in order to help them createasan even especially for “individual growth well as better for theservice com- to the entire UWC community. (Continue on page 3)
Power Not Prejudice Campaign
Lindani leading the march from CPUT to UWC Puisano Ndaba (Programme Leader)
Picture: Chanell Oliphant
Marching on route to UWC’s Student Centre
Pictures: Angelo Fortuin
Power Not Prejudice │ One Action Campaign
Bianca van Rooi (Programme Leader)
UWC HIV & AIDS Programme
Power Not Prejudice │ Discussions
Rev. Michelle Boonzaaier (Inclusive and Affirming Ministries) in discussion
Picture: Angelo Fortuin
Guillian Koko (PASSOP) discussing the many concerns of LGBTI refugees
Mentoring Sessions
Pictures: Angelo Fortuin
National Arts Festival 2012
Pictures: ReneĂŠ Titus
Donations Assessment
Pictures: Angelo Fortuin
Picture: Dawn Noemdoe
Gayla-UWC Pageant 2012
Pictures: Angelo Fortuin
Deaf Awareness
Agnes Dyabuza and Mary Kihn school learners
Evadné Abrahams (OSwD) Unathi Kave (DeafSA Interpreter)
Jabaar Mohamed instructing SASL class Picture: Angelo Fortuin
Pictures courtesy of Institutional Advancement
Agenda 25th Anniversary
Performance by IMBALI Pictures: Reneé Titus
From left: Kharnita Mohammed, Nadia Sanger, Pat Farrenfort and Desiree Lewis
Crime Awareness │ Shout Out Against Crime
Crime Awareness volunteers with ShoutSA’s Kieno Kammies and Mark Haze Engaging on the issue of Gender-Based Violence
Promoting safe and responsible drinking in The Barn Offering water, salted peanuts and safer-sex packs Pictures courtesy of the HIV & AIDS Unit and Risk & Compliance
External Stakeholders
Group discussion on violence at universities
Student Volunteer Programmes Edu-Drama Established in 2006 Introduces us to the women behind statistics of violence against women, providing a platform for education through drama.
IMBEWU Gender Equity Unit Newsletter Iss ue 4 | N ov em b er 2 0 1 2 Phone 021 959 2812| Fax 021 959 1314 Email gender@uwc.ac.za Facebook: Gender Equity Twitter: @Gender_Equity Google+: GenderEquityUnit UWC
LoudEnuf Established in 2006
Gender Equity Unit
Engaging on issues such as gender, gender identity, sexuality and sexual orientation. Seeking LGBTI inclusion and power, not prejudice.
University of the Western Cape Bellville, 7535 (021) 959 2812 ph (021) 959 1314 fax gender@uwc.ac.za
GEU Food Programme Established in 2007 The primary objective is to alleviate the problem of hunger faced by UWC students and to promote education.
HumaNature Established in 2007 Raising awareness and providing education on disability, using tools such as accessible trail assessments and SASL information sessions.
GEU Mentoring Programme Established in 2009 Committed student volunteers mentoring school learners, via community-based organizations from surrounding areas. Providing friendship, guidance, support and becoming role models.
www.uwc.ac.za