In The Interest of "Equality," Malawian Woman’s Identity Is Erased | RHRealityCheck.org
Posted: May 29th, 2010 | Author: Kink On Tap Editorial Staff | Filed under: Briefs | Tags: 43, africa, gender, international, media, politics, transsexuality | Comments Off on In The Interest of "Equality," Malawian Woman’s Identity Is Erased | RHRealityCheck.orgSteven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, residents of Malawi, Africa, were sentenced to 14 years hard labor after being found guilty of "unnatural acts" and "gross indecency." While news reports have consistently portrayed Steven and Tiwonge as "two gay men," Tiwonge has consistently self-identified as a woman. "Both the mainstream press and gay rights groups have consistently erased this fact from their statements," Audacia Ray writes. "The mainstream media is notorious for misgendering trans people; … they are described as being 'men dressed as women' and referred to persistently as 'he.' And although many gay rights groups include the letter 'T' in their acronyms and claim to be inclusive of diversity in gender identity, they don't hesitate to blatantly disregard gender identity when it serves their purpose of arguing for 'equality' in the treatment of gays."
In Africa, 37 countries enforce anti-homosexuality laws, but is silencing trans women an appropriate way to fight them? No.
Audience Participation