Lack of ready access to help and information remains a problem

THE post-Covid-19 world is a changed terrain if one were to consider the many challenges and the social ills that were exposed.

While some of these challenges were natural, the most diabolic were self-inflicted.

For instance, funds meant for one programme were sometimes unilaterally diverted elsewhere.

As an example, various immunisations came to a dead stop because of this.

Additionally, GBV incidents escalated as women and children became easy targets of unprovoked violence.

The whole nation was correctly outraged by the callousness of these attacks.

Even the presidency jumped on the condemnation bandwagon.

Notable though, voices concerning the violence visited upon the LGBTQIA community were and are still muffled.

South Africa is clear about the freedom of choice and association, but vulnerable communities are not able to fully enjoy such rights.

The proliferation of shelters for the abused people demonstrates the depth of the problem.

Unfortunately, the perpetrators of violence seem not to comprehend that these are real human beings with feelings, dreams and, like everybody else, they do feel pain.

It is for this reason that a concerted effort is needed to raise awareness about the plight of LGBTQIA community. No amount of hate and denialism will result in their disappearance.

It is for this reason that the forthcoming launch of the book ‘Is My Queer Body not Strong Enough? Pan-African Writings and Artwork’ on 5 November is not only necessary but also timely.

There are two important reasons why Zululanders need to look forward to this book.

First, 50% of the proceeds of the book goes to shelters.

A local shelter has been identified and hopefully it will benefit immensely from the initiative.

Second and perhaps most importantly, yours truly and nine students from our university have contributed short stories to the book.

Telling our stories in our own voices cannot be underestimated.

Community engagement cannot be this sweet! Initiatives like this, while not enough, are critical in conscientising everyone not only about our South African-ness but also about our humanness.

This project will fulfill one of South Africa’s greatest thinkers’ view that, ‘In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift – a more human face.’

Like Biko, we believe that such a gift will go a long way in embracing our differences in a true ubuntu fashion.

Details about the free launch can be accessed through Lcassimers@ gmail.com before 31 October 2022.