We are not victims, says Swaziland’s LGBT movement
by Peter Kenworthy, Africa Contact
“When we are talking about gay issues in Swaziland, people are uneasy. They know we are there but they deny it,” says Sibusiso Masango, Secretary General of Swazi Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) organization, House of Our Pride (HOOP). “There is discrimination and we struggle when for instance applying for jobs.”
“In Swaziland, LGBT acts are seen as ungodly, unacceptable, and illegal and there are no laws against discrimination against LGBT,” a report published earlier in the year by HOOP’s partner organization, SWAPOL, said.
Swaziland’s Prime Minister, Barnabas Dlamini, has called homosexuality “an abnormality and a sickness,” and LGBT people “who are open about their sexual orientation and relationships face censure and exclusion from the chiefdom-based patronage system, which could result in eviction from one’s home,” according to a 2012 report from the United States Department of State. In fact, the Times of Swaziland recently published a story of two young gay boys who were beaten and evicted because they were gay.
According to the SWAPOL report, 40% of respondents to a survey claimed that they felt like “outsiders where they live,” and less than 10% had discussed their sexual preferences with anyone beyond their immediate family. And the true numbers are probably even less encouraging as those who accepted to take part in the survey were mainly people integrated within Swaziland’s LGBT community.
But Sibusiso certainly doesn’t want to be seen as a victim. He wasn’t really interested in talking about the discrimination of LGBT persons in Swaziland when I interviewed him, as much as he wanted to speak about the role and successes of HOOP in challenging and eradicating this discrimination.
“We see that there are some changes and we do push. We see ourselves as a strong organization and we have tried to introduce the issue with the Minister of Health”, he says. “The ministry appreciated this and we are working together.”
HOOP was started in 2009 and has approximately 300 members. Amongst other things they have trained peer educators who have campaigned on the rights and provided support for LGBT people, started reporting on LGBT issues, distributed condoms and lubricants, and improved the access of LGBT people to health services.
But the clandestine nature of LGBT activities in Swaziland “may increase risk taking,” as they “feel they have no recourse to bring incidents of abuse to the authorities,” the SWAPOL report says whilst also pointing to the obvious fact that this is an additional health risk in a country where over a quarter of the population are HIV-positive.
This is why LGBT-organisations such as HOOP are so vital, both in attempting to stop the spread of HIV, in ensuring equal rights for LGBT people in undemocratic countries such as Swaziland, but also in ensuring day-to-day care and survival, medical and otherwise, for LGBT people who in many cases are discriminated against at by government-controlled institutions such as Swaziland’s underfunded medical clinics.
But a general lack of support stifles the work of HOOP and other LGBT organisations. Little support is given and almost no money is spent on programmes for LGBT people by national governments, amongst other things because there is a “lack of robust engagement by donors, implementers, and governments,” according to a recent report by Aids-research organization, amfAR.
So civil society needs to increasingly align itself with HOOP and organisations like them ensure that everyone in Swaziland and elsewhere are allowed their own identity and to fall in love with whomever they choose without being treated as outcasts.
Because intolerance in one area allows for intolerance to spread to other areas, so when human rights organisations and civil society in both the South and the North remain silent about human rights violations against LGBT people, they are in effect undermining their own cause.
27 comments:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
At the very 1st, I’d favor to state thanks to you for this enlightening article. Second, I'd prefer to wonder wherever I can learn a lot more infohttp://essay-writings-services.com/ concerning your post. I arrived right here via Bing and can't discover any associated web websites connected to this matter. How do I sign for your web blog? I had prefer to stick to your updates as they arrive along! I'd a query to interrogate but I forgot what it absolutely was... anyways, thank you very much.
Anonymous says
Thanks Oleg. My blog is: http://stiffkitten.wordpress.com/. You can contact me via that.
Peter
jenny maria says
I simply want to say I’m beginner to blogging and site-building and absolutely liked you’re web page. Very likely I’m wanted to bookmark your website.
Office Supplies
mike Sales says
I would like to appreciate your hard work you did write this post, Thanks for sharing this valuable post.
Truflo
mike Sales says
Thanks for the amazing article here. I was searching for something like that for quite a long time and at last I have found it here. Your blog is better than others because of useful and meaningful posts
levelpro level sensor
mike Sales says
I am so much excited after reading your blog. Your blog is very much innovative and much helpful for any industry as well as for person.
Hayward Actuator
mike Sales says
I would like to appreciate your hard work you did write this post, Thanks for sharing this valuable post.
Truflo
polo outlet says
Handbags Outlet, http://www.superbagsmarket.com/
Louis Vuitton Outlet
Hermes Bags Outlet
Prada Outlet Online
Chanel Outlet
Gucci Outlet
Burberry Outlet Online
Celine Outlet Online
Balenciaga Outlet Online
Christian Bior Outlet
Chloe Outlet
Bvlgari Outlet
Bally Outlet Online
coach Outlet Online
Michael Kors Outlet
MCM Backpack Outlet
Fendi Outlet
mulberry Outlet Online
Marc Jacobs Outlet Online
Miu Miu Outlet
Ysl Outlet
Tory Burch Outlet
Givenchy Outlet
Ferragamo Outlet
Lancel Outlet
Loewe Bags Outlet
Tods Outlet
Paul Smith Outlet
D&G Bags Outlet
Alexander Wang Outlet
Bottega Veneta Outlet
polo outlet says
Walking on the way home, Nike Air Jordan, suddenly a scenery touched, Ralph Outlet, stopped to savor, MCM Outlet Online, to put a camera gesture, Polo Outlet Online, to leave a shallow spring, Gucci Shoes UK, of negatives here, Michael Kors Outlet, deep in her heart extended spring scenery, Marc Jacobs Bags Outlet, etc, returned home, Canada Goose Jackets, using bamboo memo box, Ralph Lauren Outlet, to do with pen, Michael Kors USA, and ink painting, North Jackets Outlet Online, the intention to write, a sweet words, Beats By Dre, do a recall album, wait until old age, Hermes Bags Outlet, come to appreciate slowly, North Clearace Outlet Online, walked with light, Burberry Bags Outlet, footsteps walked on, the King, Monster Headphones Outlet, or the original scene, Longchamp Pairs, people are still the original person, Prada Outlet Online, just change a mood, Michael Kors Outlet Online, all plain people, Cheap Oakley Sunglaases, things, Coach Factory Shop, and it was better together.
mike Sales says
I would like to appreciate your hard work you did write this post, Thanks for sharing this valuable post.
Truflo
mike Sales says
I am really excited about the trailer which is going to get released in the coming month. I am sure that the visual effects works are going to get you a lot of fans. Thanks for sharing the updated, links and information. Keep posting.
Truflo flow meters
mike Sales says
I must acknowledge you for the information you have shared. I acquisition this information actual advantageous and it has appreciably saved my time.Thanks a lot.
PVC ball valves
mike Sales says
An interesting post. I think your comments are expressive as well as founded. Think most people agreed on this thread.
Truflo water meter
mike Sales says
Thanks for this great post, it seems like more and more people are trying their best so it’s a good article with many links and resources.
Plastic PP Gauge
mike Sales says
This is in such an fabulous web blog, one of my favorite and very interesting as well.
PVC Level Probe
Lin Shijun says
shijun 7.15
retro 11
gucci outlet online
jordan 13s
louis vuitton outlet
oakley store
burberry bags
christian louboutin shoes
coach factory outlet
louis vuitton
louis vuitton handbags
tods sale
jordan retro 5
louis vuitton outlet
fake watches
jordan pas cher
louis vuitton outlet
soccer jerseys
ray ban sunglass
adidas running shoes
longchamp sale
michael kors
michael kors handbags
jordan 11
michael kors handbags
longchamp outlet
knockoff watches
louis vuitton
air jordan 13
chanel bags
ray ban sunglasses
fitflops outlet
abercrombie & fitch
cheap jerseys
lebron 12
cheap ray bans
gucci
louis vuitton handbags
coach outlet stores online
christian louboutin outlet
burberry outlet
Zheng junxai5 says
2015-10-31 zhengjx
louis vuitton outlet
christian louboutin shoes
uggs on sale
uggs on sale
ugg boots
coach outlet store online
ugg boots outlet
louis vuitton purses
celine bags
cheap oakley sunglasses
timberlands
ugg boots sale
uggs for women
ray ban outlet
canada goose outlet store
cheap jordans
michael kors bags
abercrombie and fitch
true religion outlet
adidas original trainers
coach factory outlet online
oakley outlet
ugg boots sale
louboutin femme
coach outlet store online clearance
concord 11
louis vuitton outlet
louis vuitton outlet
retro 11
coach outlet store online
louis vuitton purses
ugg boots
ugg boots
ralph lauren
oakley sunglasses
retro 11
uggs outlet
ugg boots outlet
michael kors outlet
tiffany jewelry
方松腾 says
ray ban sunglasses sale
burberry outlet
ralph lauren polo
herve leger dresses
tiffany jewellery
nike air max 90
ferragamo shoes
mont blanc pens
futbol baratas
tory burch outlet online
chaussure louboutin
louis vuitton outlet
christian louboutin shoes
fitflops sale
oakley sunglasses
adidas outlet store
swarovski crystal
michael kors handbags clearance
tiffany and co jewelry
cheap jordan shoes
nba jerseys
tiffany outlet
rolex watches
rolex watches
louis vuitton handbags outlet
michael kors outlet online
beats by dre
mulberry outlet
police sunglasses for men
ray ban sunglasses
mulberry outlet store
Zheng junxai5 says
zhengjx20160622
ray ban sunglasses outlet
adidas running shoes
coach outlet
coach outlet clearance
coach factory outlet online
true religion outlet online
michael kors outlet
louis vuitton purses
michael kors handbags
ed hardy outlet
nfl jerseys
ralph lauren outlet
christian louboutin wedges
toms wedges
louis vuitton handbags
ralph lauren outlet
tiffany and co jewelry
louis vuitton handbags
louis vuitton bags
coach outlet
michael kors
cheap jordans
adidas originals
copy watches
louis vuitton handbags
michael kors handbags
burberry outlet online
timberlands
nike air max uk
rolex watches
adidas originals store
vans outlet
coach outlet
true religion jeans
polo ralph lauren
coach outlet
fitflop clearance
ralph lauren outlet
nike uk
coach outlet
Gege Dai says
"ralph lauren outlet"
"nike outlet store"
"michael kors outlet"
"burberry outlet store"
"celine outlet"
"true religion outlet"
"fitflops clearance"
"abercrombie and fitch"
"cartier watches"
"lululemon uk"
"thomas sabo uk"
"dior outlet"
"adidas uk store"
"air max 90"
"true religion outlet"
"rolex watches for sale"
"true religion jeans"
"coach handbags outlet"
"coach outlet online"
"cheap mlb jerseys"
"celine outlet online"
"michael kors outlet"
"louis vuitton pas cher"
"beats headphones"
"mlb jerseys"
"longchamp solde"
"longchamp outlet"
"abercrombie and fitch"
"nike air max uk"
"salomon shoes"
"giuseppe zanotti outlet"
"prada outlet online"
"swarovski outlet"
"prada handbags"
"tory burch outlet"
16.7.12qqqqqing
xjd7410@gmail.com says
michael kors outlet online
giuseppe zanotti sandals
ugg boots
seattle seahawks jerseys
louis vuitton purses
polo ralph lauren
replica watches
oakley outlet
air jordan pas cher
polo ralph lauren
mont blanc fountain pens
cheap jordans
kevin durant 8 shoes
christian louboutin outlet
cheap jordan shoes
abercrombie & fitch
louis vuitton outlet stores
ralph lauren
ray ban sunglasses
ugg boots paris
mont blanc
coach factory outlet
christian louboutin shoes
coach outlet
uggs on sale
michael kors outlet
uggs for women
los angeles clippers jerseys
hermes handbags
chenyingying2016816
raybanoutlet001 says
fitflops
green bay packers jerseys
skechers outlet
cheap nfl jerseys
saics running shoes
moncler outlet
arizona cardinals jerseys
buffalo bills jerseys
replica watches
kobe 9 elite
Aim Shankar says
very inteligent post to readers the mummy returns is so nice movie
Happy New Year 2017 shayari hindi love
Happy New Year 2017 shayari in english
Happy New Year shayari hindi 2017
New Year 2017 shayari in hindi 140
funny New Year 2017 shayari in hindi 140
Happy New Year 2017 Greetings
Happy New Year 2017 Greeting Cards
Happy New Year 2017 Greetings
Happy New Year 2017 online greeting cards
Happy New Year 2017 Cards
Happy New Year Cards 2017
Happy New Year 2017 Dubai
Happy New Year 2017 dj
Happy New Year 2017 fireworks
Happy New Year 2017 fireworks wallpaper
Happy New Year 2017 fireworks images
images for Happy New Year 2017
Happy New Year 2017 gif
Happy New Year 2017 hd wallpaper santabanta
Happy New Year 2017 hd wallpaper download
Happy New Year 2017 hd wallpaper free download
Happy New Year 2017 hd images download
Happy New Year 2017 images download
Happy New Year 2017 in hebrew
Happy New Year 2017 in Hebrew
Happy New Year 2017 in hindi
Happy New Year 2017 in Jewish
Happy New Year 2017 live wallpaper download
Happy New Year 2017 wishes quotes
Happy New Year 2017 photo
Obat Penyakit Kulit Herpes says
Very Good Article ;)
Suplemen Untuk Infeksi Pencernaan
Cara Sembuhkan Sakit Ginjal Pria
Tips Pengobatan Demam Tifoid
Pengobatan Untuk Sinusitis Kronis
Tips Untuk Penderita Parkinson
Menurunkan Kolesterol Jahat Secara Alami
alaa omran says
شركة نقل عفش بمكة
شركة نقل عفش بينبع
شركة نقل عفش بالخرج
شركة نقل عفش ببريدة
شركة نقل عفش بخميس مشيط
alaa omran says
شركة نقل عفش بالدمام
شركة نقل عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة نقل عفش بجدة
شركة نقل عفش بمكة
شركة نقل عفش بالطائف
alaa omran says
شركة نقل اثاث بالطائف
شركة نقل اثاث بينبع
شركة نقل اثاث بالدمام
شركة نقل اثاث بنجران
شركة نقل اثاث بخميس مشيط