NOH8 IN SOUTH AFRICA
A local version of the NOH8 campaign, which was created in the US to support same-sex marriage equality in California, has been launched in an adapted form in South Africa.
The campaign, a photo project and silent protest created by celebrity photographer Adam Bousaka and partner Jeff Parshley, started with portraits of everyday Californians who supported same-sex marriage. It soon began to highlight celebrities – such as the Kardashian sisters, Deepak Chopra, Debi Mazar, Isaiah Washington, Steve-O and Fran Drescher – who also supported the cause.
The photos feature subjects with silver duct tape over their mouths symbolising their voices not being heard and NOH8 being painted on one cheek in protest. NOH8 South Africa has followed the same route as the US campaign by featuring celebrities and influential figures in its photo shoots.
The campaign was brought to our shores, with the blessing of its creators, by Thabang Mamadi, Seago Seobi, Mbali Mamba, Ayanda Jongolo and gossip blogger Mika Stefano. The local NOH8 campaign, however, will focus on broader human rights issues, targeting not just homophobia.
“NOH8 South Africa will focus on raising awareness on all types of discrimination and hate that plague our country today. We are faced with issues regarding racism, sexism and tribalism to name but a few,” says Stefano.
When asked if the campaign is not being watered down by embracing too many other social ills, Stefano said that the original campaign’s marriage equality message is less relevant in South Africa where same-sex marriage is already legal.
“We’re still supporting the American cause with our campaign, but we also wanted to make it more relevant to South Africa. All the people that take part are aware of what the original campaign stands for,” he says.
On November 8th NOH8 launched the Johannesburg leg of the campaign at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square, on Nelson Mandela Square, and had over 100 people who volunteered to be photographed by Nadine Botha and Lebo Luke Warm.
Some of the familiar faces photographed include the Queen of Bling Khanyi Mbau; VuzuTV Presenter Nonhle Thema; Skwatta Kamp rapper Slikour; Miss South Africa Teen 2008 Kopano Mocwane; fashion designer JJ Schoeman and his partner; fashion designer Gert Coetzee and his husband to be; TV presenter and Mamba Sexiest man 2009 finalist Jonaid Carrera; gay comedian Etienne Shardlow; drag Queens from Simply Blue, Foxy and Lala; and Nandos Marketing Manager Sylvester Chauke, just to name a few.
The campaign is active on Facebook and will be launching its website by the 10th of December, which is International Human Rights Day.
This will be followed by a series of interviews and discussions on the NOH8 South Africa Facebook group. These will be administrated by the various ‘names’ who have donated their faces to the campaign, allowing the public to interact and have an open discussion with them.
Stefano says that the campaign will be conducting more NOH8 Shoots in 2010, hopefully across the country, and plans for a Human Rights Day exhibition in March next year are in the pipeline.
During the November 8 photo shoot, the participants in the campaign were asked to fill out a questionnaire about their experience with hate. Below are a few who said that they were most affected by homophobia.
ETIENNE SHARDLOW
Which form of discrimination affects you the most or has impacted your life in any negative way?
Racism and homophobia.
How or why?
Almost lost my job when my manager was upset by my dating someone of the same sex, but mostly his issue was with dating someone across the colour line.
How do you think this form of discrimination can be stopped or decreased, if at all?
I believe all discrimination is the result of ignorance. Educating people and creating awareness will go a long way…
How do you think your contribution is going to help the campaign?
As a public figure and comedian I already use my comedy to educate. Lending my face to the NOH8 campaign will hopefully add to this work.
What more do you think can be done to raise awareness?
I believe public figures have a responsibility to come out of the closet. I believe the media can play a huge role in educating and thereby reducing discrimination.
Your last words or thoughts on the matter?
Our biggest challenge is fighting ignorance.
OLWETHU MLOTSHWA
Which form of discrimination affects you the most or has impacted your life in any negative way?
Homosexuality.
How or why?
I am homosexual and very “out” there, so I experience homophobia everyday and everywhere; whether it’s people looking at me or saying things to me or about me!
How do you think this form of discrimination can be stopped or decreased, if at all?
People just need to be more aware that gay people are not who they are because they want to be, it just happens really.
How do you think your contribution is going to help the campaign?
Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll represent one of many forms of homosexuality.
What more do you think can be done to raise awareness?
More media featuring gay people, not gay relationships as such but gay people being integrated into more mainstream TV programmes.
Your last words or thoughts on the matter?
Hate is everywhere, whether people show it or not. Gay people sometimes go into interviews for jobs and don’t get them on the basis of their sexuality or appearance. People need to stop judging what’s on the outside, because what is on the inside is not the same as that of the next person.
ZEUS GUSSON AKA ELAINE
Which form of discrimination affects you the most or has impacted your life in any negative way?
Discrimination targeting the LGBTI community.
How or why?
Being “different” has always scared people. When I become Elaine, it’s very hard to ignore.
How do you think this form of discrimination can be stopped or decreased, if at all?
People judge me before they have gotten to know me. Get out of your comfort zone and make the effort.
How do you think your contribution is going to help the campaign?
By giving a voice to all the cross dressers, drag artists and transsexuals of our community.
What more do you think can be done to raise awareness?
As Ghandi once said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Yo
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