10 minutes with local taste makers - Omar van Reenen

Omar van Reenen, our very own loud and proud LGBTQ+ activist, is not only waving the rainbow flag high, but also making waves in Namibia’s fight for equality and inclusion. Born and raised in the vibrant Narraville location of Walvis Bay, Omar draws inspiration from their upbringing in a community steeped in resilience and progress. Raised by strong, independent women – including a single mother, sister, grandmother and aunts – Omar credits their empathy and compassion to these females. “I am very grateful for the feminists that raised me.”

The seeds of activism were sown early in Omar’s family history. Their grandparents, pioneers in Narraville, established the first progressive coloured hotel in the country. This historic hotel played a crucial role in Namibia’s fight for independence, serving as a meeting place for activists and organisations challenging the oppressive apartheid regime. Reflecting on their roots, Omar emphasises the importance of community support and creating safe spaces, echoing their grandparents’ legacy.

Fighting for what’s right is always worth it.

During high school, Omar embraced leadership positions such as student council member and junior mayor, finding solace and a sense of belonging in these roles. These experiences provided a protective shield as they navigated questions about their sexual identity. Omar was a science fair fanatic and ended up representing Namibia in the United States with a project, securing a scholarship to study biochemistry at the State University of New York.

The political climate during their time in the US, marked by racial, cultural and homophobic agendas, propelled Omar to join the student government. They made history by becoming the first international student to serve as student government president. Omar championed equality by advocating for equal financial assistance for female sports teams and challenging existing gender disparities. It was during this period that Omar realised their calling extended beyond the confines of science and decided to shift their major to political science.

In the face of increasing discrimination, Omar’s activism gained further momentum. Through their campus campaigns and impactful messages of diversity and inclusion on social media, they caught the attention of a queer couple seeking assistance in securing legal residence for their adopted children in Namibia. This prompted the founding of Equal Namibia, a youth-led organisation dedicated to pressing the justice system to consider queer rights – a watershed moment in Namibian history.

Equal Namibia has taken the lead in Pride Month celebrations and spearheaded tangible change through advocacy, legislative initiatives and destigmatisation efforts. Omar’s unwavering commitment has helped shed light on the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Namibia and has facilitated conversations that were previously unheard.

Beyond their activism, Omar remains a multifaceted individual. Their role as an advocate permeates every aspect of their life, from the movies they watch to the books they read. However, when the poster board is put down and the rainbow flag is rolled up, Omar finds escape in dancing, regularly attending Drag Night Namibia as a means of decompression.

Omar van Reenen’s credentials, including their impressive qualifications and fellowships, only bolster their authority as a leading figure in the Namibian queer movement. Their tireless efforts continue to shape a more inclusive and accepting Namibia, where diversity is celebrated and equal rights are safeguarded. Omar’s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that change starts with individuals who dare to challenge the status quo and advocate for a better, more inclusive society.

As Omar puts it: “Fighting for what’s right is always worth it.”

Charene Labuschagne