Gays want politicians to end stigmatisation – Namibian Sun

Description: This article is about gays and lesbians demanding that Namibian political parties address issues affecting them. Representatives of the Rainbow Association challenge political parties to address gender-based problems in Namibia. They express their displeasure at being treated as second-class citizens at a workshop organised by the Women’s Leadership Centre in Windhoek.

Analysis
This article is a good example of a gender-aware article. It highlights the rights of people of diverse sexual orientations. In this case lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and trans-gender and inter-sex (LGBTI) rights are placed on the agenda.

The article showcases elements of good journalism in which, amongst other values, the role of journalists to hold those in power to account is exercised. The article raises the challenges experienced by marginalised groups and speaks to the issues raised by minority groups.

The article holds transformative potential. It encourages more debate and dialogue around issues of identity and sexual orientation.

As agenda setters, media have a responsibility to bring such matters to the fore for public debate, including topics that society shies away from. This article brings to light a “tabooÀ subject (rights of the LGBTI community).

Headline
The headline: “Gays want politicians to end stigmatisationÀ raises the core demand of advocacy groups and highlights the issue of stigmatisation. It compels the reader to look at an article in which rights, stigmatisation and political backpedalling are addressed.

Sources
The article is very strong on sourcing and a diversity of views are expressed À“ voices which are both competing and complimentary. This article is thus balanced and fair. For example, while the story is told from the point of view of the Rainbow Project’s Interim Director, Madelene Isaacks, there are a number of civil society and political voices also expressing their opinion about the issue. It allows the reader to assess multiple perspectives.

Political sources quoted in the story include a male and female, each representing different political parties. (Linda Nakatana speaks on behalf of the Rally for Democracy and Progress. The other source is the male President of the Congress of Democrats, another political party).

Previous studies on gender and the media have shown there are fewer women as opposed to men who are canvassed for commentary in political stories. Most women appear in stories that emphasise their “feminineÀ roles. This story therefore brings in a fresh angle.

Civil society organisations, especially those who work in the field of promoting gender equality, are given a platform as well. Organisations such as the Gender and Media Southern African Network (GEMSA) express their concern at the lack of political will to address gender issues.

Language
The language and tone of the article is fair. There is no jargon and all terms are explained and concepts discussed. The language and writing is accessible to readers and invites reflection.

Visual Images
The picture accompanying the story enhances the message. Madelene Isaacks is shown wearing a t-shirt with the words, “How many lesbians have to die before hate is a crime?À The caption below the picture states: “Hate is a crime.À This is useful message in the campaign against homophobia considering, in recent years, Southern Africa has witnessed a surge in cases of homophobia, some resulting in death.

Story Angle and perspective
One of the tenets of good journalism is reportage which encourages the promotion of an informed citizenry and this article does this. It highlights the nuances between political parties and allows the reader to assess parties in respect of what they say and what they do.

The article attempts to dispel myths and stereotyping.

Readers can make sense of election campaigning and issue-based demands. Election campaigns are generally packed with promises and this article critically examines party promises and issues and provides a platform for comparison. However, most parties, the article argues, are silent about their position on sexual orientation.

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