|
21 June, 2011
Lesotho Commemorates
International Day against Homophobia 2011
May 17th is designated ‘International
Day Against Homophobia’. It is the day that has been set aside
to help the global community address the problem of fear and stigma
targeted at millions of people because of their sexual orientation
and / or gender identity.
In 1990, the World Health Assembly
approved the 10th Edition of the International Classification of
Diseases (World Health Organization) on May 17, which established
that sexual orientation (heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual), on
its own, would no longer “be considered as a disorder”. For this
reason May 17 marked as the International Day against Homophobia.
Like racism, xenophobia or
anti-semitism, homophobia is a form of discrimination. It is a
negative attitude, a negative feeling, an aversion toward gay men
and lesbians or toward homosexuality in general. Homophobia is
considered one of the main obstacles in implementing HIV prevention
strategies. Of the 192 member states of the United Nations, 85 have
laws that still criminalize homosexual behaviour and, in some of
these countries, conviction can even result in the death penalty.[1]In Lesotho, a Sodomy Law still exists, however there has been no
recorded case where this Law was enacted based on one’s sexual
orientation.
In March 2008, MATRIX support group ,
a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) network,
was established in Lesotho to promote the protection of human
rights and the prevention of HIV among the LGBTI community in
Lesotho.
On the 17th May 2011, to
commemorate International Day against Homophobia, the MATRIX, in
partnership with UNDP and Sesotho Media and Development, facilitated
a special screening of the feature film ‘Simon and I’. This is a
challenging, provocative, and unconventional film exploring LGBTI
issues in Southern Africa in the presence of HIV & AIDS.
 |
 |
|
Above: MATRIX
staff member Tampose Mothopeng introduces the film |
Sesotho Media
facilitator and audience members listening intensively to
discussion after the film |
A large number of people were in
attendance for the event with the cinema packed to capacity; and
these included representatives from civil society, Government
ministries and members of MATRIX support group. One civil society
representative commented; “Until today I am ashamed to say I did
not fully grasp the issues of the LGBTI community. Our organisation
works mainly in the area of HIV & AIDS. I now see the importance of
focusing on this group and I hope we can work with MATRIX on future
initiatives”.
In Lesotho the LGBTI communities face
stigma and abuse on a daily basis. A MATRIX member commented; “There
are many different ways in which the LGBTI communities in Lesotho
experience homophobia. Things that have happened to our members
include malicious gossip, name-calling, intimidating looks, internet
bullying, isolation and rejection, and even discrimination at work.”
Poor awareness and lack of public acceptance makes this community
one of the most vulnerable groups in the highly HIV affected
society. It is hoped that through advocacy events, similar to the
film screening, MATRIX and partners will be able to advocate for a
society that is free from stigma, abuse, rejection and
discrimination against people who identify as LGBTI.
[1] UNAIDS (2010)
http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2010/may/20100517homophobia/
|
