“I am genderqueer – comfortable with my identity at last”_Mail and Guardian_10 April 2015

Name of article:  “I am genderqueer – comfortable with my identity at last”

Name of Publication: Mail and Guardian

Date: 10 April 2015

Country: South Africa

Theme: LGBTQ

Gem Classification: Gender Awareness

Genre: News

Skill: Portrayal

The article is a first-person piece from South Africa’s Mail and Guardian titled “I am genderqueer – comfortable with my identity at last”

In its use of a first person account – or “I” Story – by Demelza Bush in the piece “I am genderqueer – comfortable with my identity at last,” the South African Mail and Guardian provides a touching personal account of Bush’s journey. “It has taken me 28 years to get ‘what’ I am now: I am genderqueer,” writes Bush. “I am queer. Genderqueer. Gender nonconformist. I don’t identify as male or female. Just me.” Bush’s story and the accompanying piece by Persomé Oliphant, “Gender does not always fit neatly into prescribed categories,” present an informative package that challenges stereotypes, unpacks tough issues and invites readers to learn something new. This is the type of intelligent, informative, and non-sensational reporting that illustrates the best of what journalism should be.

The headline highlights a sense of freedom and relief not usually found in many news stories on LGBTI. It shows contentment on the part of the person giving their personal account. It is able to promote giving a voice to LGBTI person so that they can speak out can authoritatively on their lived experiences.

The story is constructive, engaging and gives  intelligent representations of LGBT people that include their voices. It takes into account context, history and amplifies the voices of the person concerned. This story is an in-depth account which is also very educational.