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You are worthy.
In June each year the LGBTIQ+ community worldwide celebrates Global Pride Month, a time to celebrate and reaffirm our worth as LGBTIQ+ people. It is celebrated at this time to correspond with the anniversary of the Stonewall riots, a pivotal moment in the modern LGBTIQ+ movement. It was a moment when years of anger and frustration with being treated as less-than-worthy human beings boiled over into protest and action. It wasn’t the first time that the community experienced violence, and it hasn’t signaled the end of oppression for LGBTIQ+ bodies, but it was a moment when brave individuals took a stand.
This June we are witnessing another reckoning, this time on a global scale in the aftermath of George Floyd’s horrific and unnecessary death at the knees of those who promise to serve and protect him. Here in South Africa, questions are being asked and investigations launched into the deaths of Collins Khosa, Elma Robyn Montsumi, a 39-year-old sex worker who died in police custody and many others. People worldwide are protesting and shouting ENOUGH. We hope that this time our collective voices will be loud enough that we might later look back on this horrible time and celebrate it as a turning point.
The wider #BlackLivesMatter movement and other anti-racist campaigns are against the structured and systemic racism that exists worldwide. It is a movement that has resonance not only in the United States but here in South Africa and globally.
These recent events are a wakeup call to humanity, one that has been hidden in plain sight and often ignored. We have no more time to waste if we want to forge an alternative future where ALL humanity is worthy – valued, respected, and has equal opportunities. This moment offers us a unique opportunity to act – big and small actions alike – to ensure we address the systemic racial oppression that is all too pervasive.
We must remember that we are all connected through our common humanity. The truth is that an injustice to one is an injustice to all. If you can’t breathe then I can’t breathe. We can’t breathe.
In these difficult times, let us remember that we are ALL created in the image of God and worthy of life and love.
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Ecclesia de Lange
Director, IAM
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Breaking the silence and celebrating our voices
IAM’s Hanzline Davids and Thuli Mjwara reflect on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2020 (IDAHOBIT), Mother’s Day, and the 2020 Khumbulani Pride event that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) celebrates LGBTIQ people globally and raises awareness for the work still needed. The IAM team reflected on this year’s theme “Breaking the Silence”. Take a look...
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Opening churches…for ALL
IAM’s Ecclesia de Lange reflects on the “reopening” of places of worship, and how this new-found awareness that spiritual leaders have of the pain of being isolated and unable to seek solace in their churches might translate into a deeper understanding of the pain experienced by the LGBTIQ+ people of faith.
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- Support for trans and gender-diverse individuals: IAM hosted our first webinar bringing together trans and gender diverse individuals from around South Africa to connect and support one another through the unique challenges we face during COVID-19. The space was welcomed and we hope this will be the start of a larger conversation with this group.
- Connecting with LGBTIQ+ leaders: Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, IAM has convened a group of LGBTIQ+ NGO leaders who come together fortnightly for mutual support. The space is fast becoming a powerful space for unity and celebration as we solidify partnerships and reaffirm our desire to work in collaboration instead of competition.
- Global Pride 2020: With Pride events cancelled in many places throughout the world, Global Pride has gone online. A 24-hour live-streamed event will showcase a diverse line up of musical and artistic performances, speeches from activists and campaigners, and addresses by public figures | Sat, June 27 | | https://www.globalpride2020.org/
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ACT Ubumbano Learning Hubs: ACT Ubumbano, a resource for social justice activists and organisations, is hosting a series of weekly digital Learning Hubs to learn about the creative ways we're finding to keep working with vulnerable communities in the midst of COVID-19 | You can find information on how to apply here.
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At IAM we are continually striving to create a sense of belonging in a country that has great love and potential but is often characterised by harsh divisions. We are creating safe spaces for dialogue where the marginalised can finally have a voice. But, we can't do it alone.
We ask that you, our IAM friends, consider supporting us financially in our ongoing transformative work throughout Africa. With your help, we can build on the accomplishments of the past 25 years and continue on for many years to come.
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