Southern Africa: “We can achieve anything as long as we work together”

Johannesburg, 9 October: Irene IIGaroes is a youth activist from Namibia with a special interest in queer issues. IIGaroes was part of the recent Queer Youth Exchange programme facilitated by Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA), during Pride Month in South Africa. The programme brought together youth from across SADC to spend some time in Johannesburg in order to build the capacity of youth activists and to share creative and strategic approaches to activism.

Like in most SADC countries, homosexuality is illegal in Namibia, laws regarding same-sex relationships are unclear and there are no laws that ban homophobic and transphobic discrimination.

IIGaroes, who also conducts self-defence classes aimed at women in or who have been in abusive relationships, shares her thoughts on queer activism and rights in Namibia. She says that although homophobia and hate crimes occur in Namibia, cases are far less frequent than in South Africa. IIGaroes also explains that the prejudice faced by the LGBTI community are usually perpetrated by family members. IIGaroes says that although Namibia has a long way to go, the country is making progress toward gender equality and hopes to see a greater representation of women in government following the upcoming elections. IIGaroes also poses the very important question regarding queer rights: Do we want to change the laws or change society?

Click here to listen to the interview.

This podcast forms part of a Gender Links News Service special focus on LGBTIAQ rights during Pride month in South Africa, offering fresh views on everyday news.