Tusini began by explaining the forms of violence, oppression and marginalisation sexual minorities experience in South Africa, despite the foundational values of the constitution. She urged people take seriously the gap between the vision of a just society and realities to the contrary.
Tusini and McKaiser puzzled through the fact that while queer people in South Africa have much to be grateful for, such as landmark legal cases and progressive jurisprudence that has evolved since 1996, there are still inequalities that mean these wins are not evenly distributed and enjoyed equitably.
When asked by McKaiser to be precise about what practical outcomes she wanted the president and his government to aim for, Tusini focused on two examples.
She explained why hate-crimes legislation is important, and why more efficient administrative processes need to be in place for gender-nonconforming people to access services in a dignified manner, with state-issued documentation that reflects their true identities rather than those assigned at birth.
While McKaiser pushed Tusini on whether the law can be effective in changing the behaviour of people or officials at home affairs, they agreed that legal and administrative reforms are necessary even if not sufficient.
The conversation ended with a reflection between the podcast host and his guest on active democratic citizenship from queer South Africans, and why it is important, even if the gains are not always quick or linear.
To listen to previous episodes, go here.
Subscribe for future episodes: iono.fm, Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Player.fm, Pocket Cast
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Eusebius on TimesLIVE
PODCAST | #QueerSONA — Queer community demands Ramaphosa’s ear
Image: Loren Elliott/Reuters
Nolwazi Tusini from Iranti — a media advocacy organisation defending the rights of lesbian, intersex and transgender people in Africa — joined Eusebius McKaiser on his TimesLIVE podcast to explain its #QueerSONA campaign.
Listen to the conversation:
Tusini began by explaining the forms of violence, oppression and marginalisation sexual minorities experience in South Africa, despite the foundational values of the constitution. She urged people take seriously the gap between the vision of a just society and realities to the contrary.
Tusini and McKaiser puzzled through the fact that while queer people in South Africa have much to be grateful for, such as landmark legal cases and progressive jurisprudence that has evolved since 1996, there are still inequalities that mean these wins are not evenly distributed and enjoyed equitably.
When asked by McKaiser to be precise about what practical outcomes she wanted the president and his government to aim for, Tusini focused on two examples.
She explained why hate-crimes legislation is important, and why more efficient administrative processes need to be in place for gender-nonconforming people to access services in a dignified manner, with state-issued documentation that reflects their true identities rather than those assigned at birth.
While McKaiser pushed Tusini on whether the law can be effective in changing the behaviour of people or officials at home affairs, they agreed that legal and administrative reforms are necessary even if not sufficient.
The conversation ended with a reflection between the podcast host and his guest on active democratic citizenship from queer South Africans, and why it is important, even if the gains are not always quick or linear.
To listen to previous episodes, go here.
Subscribe for future episodes: iono.fm, Spotify, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Player.fm, Pocket Cast
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
MORE PODCASTS:
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PODCAST | Mpho Phalatse says John Steenhuisen does not connect with 'the masses'
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