Queer people face challenges that range from a lack of acceptance, shunning and verbal taunts to outright physical violence. Funeka Soldaat who came out as a lesbian 30 years ago and suffered horrific consequences after coming out.
Soldaat realized that she was not the first, nor would she be the last, to endure this, so she decided to do something about it.The gender equality activist began hosting support groups which led to her founding Free Gender, a community-based organization that raises awareness and advocates for black lesbians.
The particular focus on race is a response to the idea that homosexuality is un-African, which leads to greater persecution in townships. The organization provides a safe space for the gay community, and advocates for acceptance and understanding in the township.
“I learnt from a young age that prejudice comes because people don’t have the knowledge about certain things. Another thing that’s really painful is that there’s a lot of information that’s all around but people choose to not use that. Through education and compassion, I believe that a lot can change,” she said.
Soldaat is sharing her story to help people realize they are not alone. In doing so, she hopes that it may encourage others to see that while you cannot choose your sexual orientation, you do have a choice when it comes to how you treat people.
