“You literally have to watch your back everywhere you go, we do not feel safe because our brothers and sisters are being raped, beaten or killed,” says Anele Xhati, an LGBTQI+ activist in the North West.
The 32-year-old and other activists hold regular awareness campaign in the North West, but yet discrimination remains rife in the province. LGBTIQI+ people still experience hate crimes in their communities, she says.
Xhati is a transgender woman who also does public speaking to raise awareness about queer issues.
South Africa is one of only 27 countries around the world that recognises same-sex marriage, according to Amnesty International. The country’s progressive constitution also protects the dignity of the LGBTQI+ community. Yet, the experience on the ground for activists like Xhati does not always reflect this.
#SONA2020 How will you address the epidemic of violence against LGBTQI+, particularly trans women?
@ least 18 transgender women have been murdered just this year, & hate crimes against LGBTQI+ people have been on the rise over the past three years.
— Queen Anele xhati (@anele_zee_xhati) February 13, 2020
No support from police
In many communities police are the perpetrators of hate crimes, rather than protecting LGBTQI+ people.
“There are police officers who mock us when we go to open cases because we look and dress differently. When the very same people who are supposed to protect you are violating your rights it presents a complex situation,” she says.
Last year, parliament heard that only 8.4% of police stations in the North West meet the United Nations recommended police to citizen ratio of 1 officer to every 220 citizens. Xhati says police are not educated on how to provide service to the LGBTQI+ community.
“Some of our friends end up not opening cases because of the intimidation from incapacitated officers,” says Xhati.
International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. pic.twitter.com/cPjwZnr4fS
— Queen Anele xhati (@anele_zee_xhati) March 31, 2020
Daily discrimination
The LGBTQI+ community also faces daily discrimination at home and in the workplace. While Xhati has supportive colleagues, she has to deal with discriminatory policies.
“Take for example your standard Z83 form [a requirement for applying for a job in the public sector]. It only makes provision for males and females. What about transgender women? I find that the private sector is more tolerant towards the LGBTQI+ community as compared to the public sector.”
There are high unemployment rates among the North West’s LGBTQI+ community. Discriminatory practices like this make it harder to find work.
“It is crucial that government is assisted with the drafting and implementation of more policies that will ensure that people are not discriminated due to their sexual orientation,” says Xhati.
Today’s affirmation:
Even when I am afraid or unsure,
I choose to move in the direction of my goal.
Whenever I fall, I stand up,
brush myself off, and keep moving
QUEEN A #SKAAT #queening? #siyaqhuba✊ #transwomenofinstagram #wahalalela #Modimo #thapelo pic.twitter.com/rO2w3ERzBp
— Queen Anele xhati (@anele_zee_xhati) August 6, 2020
Access to healthcare during lockdown
Many in the LGBTQI+ community rely on the public health care system for a range of treatments. The lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic has made access to vital medication much harder.
“It has been difficult to get access to some forms of treatment and surgeries during the harsh stages of lockdown,” says Xhati. “We are a broad community who are drinking different forms of chronic medication due to our different ailments and conditions. The lockdown has led to some defaulting on their treatment which is a real danger to your health and personal wellbeing.” – Health-e News
