IDASA/ CMFD

This research study was commissioned to uncover and explore the central issues facing the black lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities in townships and semi-urban areas around Johannesburg. According to the author, the results of this research will be used to create relevant and appropriate storylines for a 13-part, youth focused radio drama produced by The Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) and Community Media for Development/ CMFD Productions which will be aired on community radio stations, and possibly private and national broadcasters.

The author states that despite the promise of full constitutional rights, there remains a great deal of socialised and institutionalised homophobia in South Africa. The research suggests that the LGBTI community receives little support or acknowledgement from government programmes, health and social services, educational institutions, and even family and heterosexual peers. There is very little communication around LGBTI issues, and many LGBTI people, especially those living in townships, feel extremely isolated and alone.

The research contains findings on hate crimes and violence against LGBTI people, homophobia within the police force and health system, substance abuse, the role of the family and religion, HIV/AIDS, and LGBTI rights. It also contains several recommendations on raising awareness around LGBTI issues and promoting a culture of respect for diversity in South Africa.

Reccomendations include:

• Most of the people interviewed agreed that education was crucial for creating an environment of understanding and acceptance. Education included the integration of positive lesbian and gay characters and issues into school classrooms, as well as onto television and radio.
• Many of the people interviewed pointed to open communication as integral to the understanding of gay and lesbian rights and issues. This includes communication between individuals, for example parent to children, or friend to friend, as well as mass communication such as radio and television. Communication in this way is closely related to education, since mass media is popularly used as an educational tool. Organising the lesbian and gay community was also a strong point for some people..
• Many felt that they didn’t get enough support, and that they had no one to rely on but themselves. More than once they brought up the idea that the only person who will be strong for you and support you is yourself. They also felt there was no unity within the gay community, that people are isolated, and therefore are afraid to come out...

According to the report, the following is a list of themes interview respondents said they wanted to see dealt with in the radio drama.

• Same-sex marriage.
• Adoption/gay parenting.
• Longevity in LGBTI relationships.
• Loving yourself - self confidence; self worth.
• Your rights as an LGBTI person.
• Coming out - the importance of coming out.
• The need for communication and support from parents and community.
• Violence against LGBTI people.
• Lack of sexuality education.
• Drug and alcohol abuse.
• Lesbian issues - lesbians are even more under represented than gay men; lesbians need some positive role models.
• Break down the butch/fem dichotomy; show a diversity of LGBTI people (i.e. to be gay does not always mean ultra-feminine, to be lesbian does not always mean ultra-masculine).

Email from Tonya Graham sent to Soul Beat Africa on September 30 2005.