‘Corrective’ rape survivor champions LGBTIQ cause
A “CORRECTIVE” rape survivor has turned herself into a fully-fledged advocate for LGBTIQ rights within her rural community in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga.
Lydia Sono, 32, could not be held back from making her dream a reality by words allegedly uttered by a police officer after her ordeal back in 2015.
She and her partner were told they had deserved to be raped because there was no space for them in the community.
As 2017 winner of the Sunrise Woman Award, which recognises women who have excelled in various fields, Sono has a dream of establishing a recreational centre for her community situated just outside the Kruger National Park.
Sono said she had always stood out in her community, never fitting in because of her sexuality and preference for wearing men’s clothing.
“Our community has very traditional ideas about women, but this is who I am, and I will live according to my own life.
“After our ordeal, we were supported by a rape solidarity group and they helped me gain the strength to take a stand and speak out with courage,” she said.
Sono, partially inspired by the officer’s words and through her partnership with non-profit organisation Khulisa, created the Ubuntu Club for young LGBTIQ people in her community to come together in a safe and inclusive environment.
Now with more than 70 members, her next challenge is to establish a recreational centre as they strive to be a haven for everyone seeking assistance and support. In partnership with Khulisa and internationally renowned singer PJ Powers, she is embarking on a journey to make this a reality.
“Khulisa has helped me tremendously, empowering me with the skills I need to help reach my dreams.
“Our community has a high unemployment rate, school leavers are left without opportunities and this contributes to the high number of crimes and other social problems,” said Sono.
The centre would be for everyone, she said, and would help not just the LGBTIQ community, but also young and old members of the community to get support in many areas, as well as with skills development.
Sono said they welcome the support of donors, other organisations and the government in their quest to achieve this goal.
Powers said South Africa boasted the most progressive constitution in the world, yet the LGBTIQ community was still being demonised and victimised.
“I’ve visited the community and have worked with marginalised communities for many years.
“I have never seen such a gross violation of human rights. We are attempting to raise funds to build a safe haven where the community can work, pray and be together safely,” she said.
Powers urged anyone wishing to come on board to visit www. khulisa.org.za to find more information or donate in aid of the Schoemansdal recreation centre.