Dear Editor,
Out of a
letter action is generated
Earlier this month I issued a letter expressing my opinion. In the
letter I said that I feel that the LGBTI community needs to find a new cause to
fight for. I was bombarded with correspondence of all descriptions. The
reaction to my letter was as varied and wide in opinion and attitude as the
community itself. I thank those that chose to engage even when, at times, they
disagreed with my opinion. I thank those that chose to simply insult and
belittle me. I simply become stronger with that. In one particular case a
person made me feel the same way that religious fundamentalists and bigots make
me feel when they stand on the sidelines at a parade or a march. Ironic, isn’t
it!?
Many people felt that my letter was smug and arrogant. I was
surprised with these comments as this was not my intention. The colleagues and
friends I consulted with, who provide me honest feedback, confirmed this. I am
thus apologising unreservedly as this was not the way I wanted to come across.
I’m sorry if I offended anyone.
Just to clarify: I have indeed been to funerals in townships and
elsewhere where both gay men and lesbian women have been killed. I am well
aware of the crimes being committed on our lesbian women, particularly those
from township communities, in an attempt to “straighten” them out. I am also
working on matter that few others have the privilege to come across; such as a
case of a transgender person who is suffering under the maladministration,
prejudice and purposefully slow administrative processes of the Department of
Home Affairs. I am on the brink of victory for this courageous woman after many
months of fighting on her behalf.
There was clearly a misunderstanding in my first letter where I
wasn’t clear enough. Of course citizens should march on important issues such
as the defence of rights. The recent march to reinforce the sexual orientation
clauses in our Constitution is such an example. My point however, is that the
annual Pride parades that take place in our large cities have turned into
nothing more than a celebration, from what they were originally – that of a
demonstration of protest during our dark past.
Although there is absolutely nothing wrong with celebrating, as is
done at the well known Pride occasions, we should recognise that this is what they
are- celebrations – not protests or a demonstration for or against an issue.
This was the gist of my letter.
Out of my letter has come some public debate which I believe was
needed. Irrespective of whether people agreed with me or not, it generated emotions,
passion and excitement – exactly what we need! Out of that I have received a
request from a Cape Townian to join hands with him in looking at how to
education both the LGBTI community and those that do not know or understand it.
This can only be positive.
Sincerely,
Manny
de Freitas MP
Member
of Parliament
Shadow
Minister of Home Affairs
Member
of Parliament for Johannesburg South
Democratic
Alliance
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