As the world turns its attention to South Africa and the FIFA World Cup soccer, disturbing stories are coming out of that country about the way lesbians are treated. Despite having one of the most liberal constitutions in the world, where gay rights are written into the constitution, South African lesbians still face much discrimination, violence and adversity. Most disturbing is the practice of "corrective rape", where lesbians are raped and beaten in attempts to turn them straight.
South African lesbians, especially those from poor and Black townships report living in fear. As reported to the women's rights organization ActionAid, Phumla a lesbian living in Soweto, Johannesburg said, "Every day you feel like it's a time-bomb waiting to go off, you don't have freedom of movement, you don't have your space to do as you please, you are always scared and your life always feels restricted. As women and as lesbians we need to be very aware that it is a fact of life that we are in danger, all women are in danger."
And if a lesbian is attacked, she has little confidence in the legal system. One South African woman said, "Here in South Africa you have judges sending women to jail for stealing a loaf of bread to feed her baby, but men who gang rape women, who murder lesbians, who beat their wives to death, they walk the streets as free men."
With the world descending on South Africa to partake in the World Cup, participating countries can put pressure on South Africa to enforce its constitution and guarantee equal rights to all of its citizens. That includes the right to live free of fear because of who you are and the right to justice for victims of brutal hate crimes.
Women in South Africa © John Moore/Getty Images
I thank God I was born in the US. Even thought corrective rape dose happen in the US, we have laws to punish the offenders. It really hurts my feelings to know that gay women and men are hurt in South Africa. Know one should have to live in fear.
I am a white South African woman. I live in Pretoria (about an hour’s drive from Johannesburg). I am not a lesbian, but I’ve openly dated one or two women in the past 2 years. I honestly have to say that I have never experienced any sort of discrimination because of who I date. I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends. The same goes to them. Corrective rape, unfortunately, is a reality (especially in the black townships). However, the law system doesn’t discriminate against any of these lesbians any more than it does any other person in this country. Like any other form of rape, there has to be PROOF that the rape actually took place. If the lesbian can’t prove it, the rapist walks free. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens that the rapist testifies that she willingly had sex with him, he presents something that can be regarded as evidence and he walks free. This is not because of discrimination against the woman (or lesbian) as was mentioned above. Just last week I read in a local paper of corrective rapists who were sent to prison. The problem doesn’t lie with the law system. It’s with evidence.
Hi SA Girl,
I’m finding your message a little disturbing. You said, “Corrective rape, unfortunately, is a reality (especially in the black townships).” It seems to me, if it doesn’t directly affect you or your community, you couldn’t care less. You began you message with, “I am a white South African woman.”
You also stated, “However, the law system doesn’t discriminate against any of these lesbians any more than it does any other person in this country. Like any other form of rape, there has to be PROOF that the rape actually took place. If the lesbian can’t prove it, the rapist walks free.” It seems to me that you support these men and a corrupt judicial system.
You typed, “PROOF” in all capital letters. Capital letters have the same meaning as the exclamation mark. I’m sure you already know this, but the exclamation mark expresses – yelling, anger or excitement. It all depends on the word or phrase preceding the exclamation mark. Capital letters can express strong feelings or a need for a word or phrase to stand out, in an effort to heighten an expressed point of view. It’s apparent, you support a very corrupt judicial system.
You also stated, “This is not because of discrimination against the woman (or lesbian) as was mentioned above. Just last week I read in a local paper of corrective rapists who were sent to prison. The problem doesn’t lie with the law system. It’s with evidence.” It seems to me you’re making excuses for these men. I sense some sort of an unorthodox acceptance on your part.
I see you’ve placed (or Lesbian) inside of parenthesis. Let me explain how parenthesis are used in a sentence. When we place a word or phrase inside of parenthesis it means, the word or phrase is unimportant or not needed.
You stated, “I am not a lesbian.” That’s perfectly clear.
SAGIRL,
Please watch the film RAPED FOR WHO I AM and then tell us it’s not the law – just the proof.
What proof do these judges need?? For the rape to happen while they watch? Did you actually read what this woman was saying – that she lives in fear?
Please consider that her voice regarding *her* own experiences about *her own* life might carry more weight and legitimacy here – especially considering the history of horrendous racial prejudice in South Africa.
surgicalgirl, is that an argument or a grammar lesson? No, I’m not defending these men. I think what they do is barbaric. Personally I think that rape is a crime that should be punishable by death. When a man rapes a woman, I think it’s about equal to murder. He steals her life. I’m NOT saying that I agree with the judical system. I just stated how it works. I was merely stating facts. As far as the “you’re white, so you couldn’t care less”-statement goes: I mentioned that I have a lot of gay and lesbian friends (and by ‘a lot’ I don’t mean 4. Most of my friends are homosexual). Out of these people, round about 70% of them are black. I am vice president for an independent LBGT organisation that fights for YOUR rights on campus. I’m on your side. I was merely pointing out the loopholes in the system that could be a problem in stopping these rapes. By placing “lesbians” in brackets, I was pointing out that this problem included all women (and even men who get raped) and that it didn’t just discriminate against lesbians. Just like in the US, the legal system supports the “innocent until proven guilty” policy. If a woman goes to court, has a medical examiner testify that there was forceful penetration and they can find DNA that matches the rapist’s, they can immediately lock him up. Unfortunately, proving it is not that easy. The judge doesn’t have enough proof to find him guilty and let’s him go. It work the same in any murder case. If they don’t have enough evidence to convict the murderer he will be declared innocent. Once again, I’m not supporting it. That’s just how rapists can walk free in the country, making people fear their lives.
SA Girl,
I didn’t say *anywhere* “you’re white so you couldn’t care less”. What I *did* say was that you should have considered the history of Black people and of white people in South Africa before you posted.
Did it occur to you that YOUR experience might just be worlds away from these Black lesbian’s experience, given your country’s history? I’m not the least surprised that *you* (as a white woman) might be able to openly date another woman as your people’s history is one of privilege – at a terrible cost to the indigenous population.
Femmegrl2, please re-read my comment above. Nowhwere did I accuse YOU of saying that I’m white and couldn’t care less. It was addressed to Surgicalgirl, who made an assumption based on something I said. I completely agree that I move in circles where it’s a bit easier to be out. I have never denied that. It has nothing to do with history. It has to do with culture. The white lesbians prefer to stay closeted out of fear of what their parents, churches, etc would say. In the past few years, being out has become more acceptable in the white community. The black people (because of their traditions and beliefs) are very superstitious. It is commonly believed that anything that is out of the ordinary is the cause of an evil spirit. The people will then go to great lengths to chase the spirits away. They slaughter animals, sprinkle blood, do tribal dances, etc. Every evil spirit has to be chased out. The only way (as they see it culturally) to chase the evil spirit of same-sex attraction away is by showing the spirit what the “right” thing to do is (thus they rape the woman to show her how a woman and a man is supposed to do it). They believe that this is the only way to “cure” her. It is purely superstition. Sometimes (in less superstitious communities – the less traditional tribes) it can be as simple as the patiarchal belief that a woman can’t turn a man down. When she does, his ego is bruised and (to restore the power) he shows her who has the power by raping her. I’m not defending the beliefs here. As a matter of fact I strongly disagree with it. I’m just proving that everything can be traced back to cultural superstitions and traditions and that it has nothing to do with history. Please go read up on it before making judgements about a country that you clearly know very little about.
Hi SA Girl,
You’re to focused on the law, rather than the people those laws affects. Some laws aren’t meant to protect everyone. Sometimes it depends on the package you’re wrapped in.
“As men, we are all equal in the presence of death.”
Publilius Syrus
You stated, “I am vice president for an independent LBGT organization that fights for YOUR rights on campus.” I find that hard to believe.
SA Girl,
What’s screamingly clear here is that *you* know little about your own country. I know quite a few Black South African lesbians from various tribes living in SA currently. I’ve also been to SA several times to visit with them in their townships. I’ve done a bit more than “read up” on the country and the situation you describe.
Perhaps you should step outside of your protective bubble and actually go *into* the townships and stay with some of these women sometime. As much as you *think* you know I believe it might prove an eye-opening experience for you.
I’ve been raped and beaten up for being gay. Superstition etc. my ass. It’s a male superiority thing. And cowardly cause they go around in groups. And the # cops are not interested. In SA the mentality still exists that women belong in the kitchen. A woman assaulted by her husband got sent home cause she probably ” deserved” it. Sophiatown cop shop. White straight girl, catch a wake up. We have the laws and the most liberal constitution but an utterly corrupt system and an attitute of. “this doeesnt concern me”
How dare you judge black culture! Driving out evil spirits according to custom is as valid as your praying. Rape is a criminal offence yes but women get treated as less than human and even get raped by POLICE. Men do this because they know they will get away with it (like a lot of violent crime in SA). Us and them is the problem. ” I have black/gay whatever friends” are always uttered by those fromn the more privileged sectors of society.
I am so blinkin angry now. Mad mad mad. Township life is horrific for gays. Get involved dammit. That’s how apartheid got kicked. Bad things happen when good people do nothing.
Maybe I”ll try posting again later when -’ve calmed down.
I’m also a South African woman. I’m a lesbian, and I happen to also be white. I am SO disturbed by the way lesbian women are treated in my country. I personally have never been hurt or discriminated against because of my sexuality (barring one incident between me and a hyper-religious women at varsity a few years ago).
“Corrective rape” is a vile, disgusting practice. And it happens so often. Talking of the World Cup, a player in our women’s soccer team was raped and murdered a few years back for being a lesbian and the case, as far as I know, is STILL ongoing.
Rape is rape. Doesn’t matter WHY it’s done, but it has to STOP.
Also, @Veejay – YOU TELL ‘EM! I’m so sorry for what’s happened to you but you speak the truth. Everyone needs to get involved in the entire crime situation. Shout, shout, let it all out, these are the things I can do without!
Thanks Kirsten.
I went outside and let rip with my vuvuzela and feel much better now. i
This is the soccer player Kirsten’s talking about
Please all you good people,beautiful womyn,do this small thing:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/…/honor-eudy-simelame-corrective-rape-victims-at- the-2010-fifa-world-cup-in-south-africa
Read Eudy’s story and sign.
Madiba’s going to be at the opening match! He’s a human being we should all strive to be like-love and tollerance.
Enjoy the games and good luck to all
BAFANA BAFANA!!! You go boys!
I’m a lesbian in South Africa. I am lucky to not have had much discrimination against me – apart from some ignoramus making bad lesbian jokes in a pub. I do know a few black girls and they do have a very hard time. Men, and more specifically black men, in this country must get their act together. Black women are still treated like chattel and the men think they can do what they want. They still don’t even get the idea of using condoms! And we have a president that has sex with an HIV+ girl (a lesbian -(some still believe he raped her) and then has a shower! He has twenty children! So if this is the example what do you expect?
I am a lesbian South African woman.
I have never seen or heard of “corrective rape” first hand in my country but I do know that it happens.
I must defend SAGirl here a bit, because while I would never defend this behaviour, it is fairly isolated to those people who are uneducated and resort to taking advice from cultural doctors, who themselves are uneducated as well.
“Corrective rape” is a cultural practice in Africa in general and not just SA. But then again, so is the belief that having sex with a virgin cures aids.
Stella is 100% correct in saying that the majority of our women (especially black women) are treated like meat by african men. Once again, it’s a cultural belief that men are superior to women and thus, can have their way any which way they please.
A woman is raped every 3 seconds in SA so in my opinion, and this isn’t a fact, “corrective rape” is another excuse to rape a woman. A man can justify having his way with a woman as him trying to “fix” her lebianism.
I think the point SAGirl is trying to make is that this practice isn’t mainstream in SA. I have never been discriminated against because of my sexuality, and don’t know of many other gay or lesbians who have.
This practice is something that takes place anywhere in the world and not just in SA. I think this article insites a little more irrational panic than is necessary.
“Corrective rape” is wrong, yes without a doubt. But it isn’t a practice exclusive to SA nor is it mainstream either.
The problem with SA is rape in general – of women and children. Not just that of lesbians
I should also add that I’m not white, I am Indian, and muslim at that too. And the only discrimination I have received as a result of my sexuality is from my own (extended) family who believe I will someday burn in hell for being gay
What are the criteria for something to be regarded “main stream”? One case in 30 making it to trial not good enough?
Please don’t blame Sangomas (Shamans, Ttraditional healers) They perform a vital service to the community and the fully understand and accept homosexuality. There are thousands of snake oil so called Sangomas out there ,yes. Just like there are thousands of Medical Doctors taking advantage of gullible patients.
Fact is,we live in a very violent society. Men sexually take advantage of females between the ages of newborn to 110.Sick. They then use any excuse to justify themselves like correction or punnishment for not cooking (cause there’s nothing to cook). One of Eudy’s killers/rapists at judgement got taken into account his “youthfullness and the fact that he had taken alcohol”. The “Boys will be boys” mentality. There are many,many examples of this kind of violence.
Gays are punnished by these men simply because we are easy targets due to general bigotry towards gays.
This happens the world over, from America, beacon of democracy to the most isolated and despotic countries on this planet.
This is a lesbian site, let’s talk about us. How can we help Lesbians here in SA? We cannot all be militant like me. That will not be a pretty sight! How about donating a couple of books to various gay libraries? Black Lesbians,especially young ones,are very isolated and rather lost. Think about yourself when you realised you were gay. Most of us devoured every scrap of anything gay themed,watched a film over and over to see two womyn kissing…
At Pride events and Out in Africa film festivals you could make your lounge floor available to a couple of girls who would otherwise be stuck with no way to get back home at night.
Out and Proud Lesbians, let’s do what we can for our sisters left out in the cold.
Charlie, I’m so glad your family is basically ok with you!
Yes Veejay, I agree that we can’t be militant – that doesn’t achieve anything. The only thing that will change the mindset of people (South African or otherwise) is education. To know what it means to gay or lesbian. To know what it means to be white or black.
We’re all different, we’re all unique and we all come from a separate set of cirsumstances.
Humanity needs to learn to accept people for their differences
I come from Germany. And I’m white. I think it’s the first step to make a difference between discrimination and use of force. There is no excuse for rape. Never! Discrimination is a thing you can fight against.
Lack of Education + Corrupt Judicial System + Weak Government = Devastation
Someone need to supply South African women with an endless supply of Taser Guns and Pepper Spray. That will for surely decrease the number of rapes and violent crimes against women in that country.
Thank you, Veejay, Kirsten and the rest of you too.
My first lover was raped and murdered because she loved one of her own – me. I still have nightmares about it.
And, surgicalgirl, this might also be useful ( http://jezebel.com/5527140/dick+ripping-condom-introduced-just-in-time-for-world-cup ) although it has its drawbacks.
What we *really* need is a change in consciousness – sadly, given the current frigid winds of conservatism blowing around the world, Isuspect we’re in for a long wait.
In the meantime, we should arm ourselves.
Hallo Sally, my deepest respect to you; I feel with you. I agree that there must be more and actual education to show the difference between right and wrong. But this is a long distance and I don’t believe that arming yourself can show this difference. Please, when I read the comments above, I had to read it twice and still I’m shocked. This extent of violence makes me speechless, was my first thought. And this is the mistake was my second thought. We have tell it loud! Everybody, gay or not, has to look and to protest, has to build up a pressure to governments who don’t translate human rights into public policy. In this weeks the whole world looks to South Africa; let’s take the chance to get together and fight for simple human rights, the right to be as you are. I said arming yourself would be not the best. Don’t get me wrong: Take the pepper spray with you for self-defence but not to be aggressive.
Sally,
Though it’s a sad necessity – it *is* a necessity that one has to arm oneself in order to have a measure of freedom of movement. I don’t consider it violent when you defend yourself against someone who attacks you. If they don’t attack they never get tazered or sprayed!
As to what is cultural and what is not – it doesn’t surprise me one iota that the people writing in and claiming little to no discrimination around their gayness are from the more privileged areas of society. It is also not surprising to see that these same people don’t know how to tell the difference between *custom* and *culture*. They are not the same things! Apparently your upper level educations fell short…
I am a Black woman from the United States and I am college educated. I have experienced the acceptance of domestic violence and rape in some Black communities here – mostly by the lazy men who could actually help stop it. I’ve worked for years with GLBT rights groups as well as civil rights groups to try to put an end to this misconception and to empower women to speak up and – when appropriate – fight back. I am a lesbian. I’ve witnessed domestic violence in the lesbian community here and have spoken against it, gone to court for orders of protection with lesbian victims and stayed with them until the police intervened when their abusers violated the Orders of Protection and the police were called to intervene. I do speak from *some* experience.
ALWAYS do what you have to in order to survive. Never let any cultural notions of ‘how a woman SHOULD act’ get in the way of your safety!
I think we’ve missed the point here. It’s not whether you’re gay or not, it’s that you’re a woman and the vile, disgusting treatment and lack of respect for women as a whole, is what’s so bad. I am a white african, in the closet, middle aged, gay. Previously married with two daughter. I belong to a small mediterranean close minded community and will never come out for the sake of my daughters. The first to point fingers will be the men…Why? Because of their masculine culture where the man is king! The older black men are the same. I have no doubt the many of the younger generation have the same small minded attitude. Look further North in the Arab countries where women are nothing. Look to the East, India. Need I say more? It’s not South Africa, White or Black, it’s male/female – plain and simple!