My name is Maria Del Rosario, formerly known to the world as Wendelinus, the first-ever crowned Mr. Gay Namibia. I am writing this letter from abroad, not just as a concerned spectator, but as someone who has dedicated her life to the visibility and breakthrough of our community in Namibia.
Years ago, I stepped onto public stages to show that queer Namibians exist, deserve respect, and carry immense leadership.
Today, as a proud, fully transitioned transgender woman, my heart breaks constantly for my homeland.
From across the borders, I look at my country and see an escalating wave of targeted hate and deadly violence against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and other communities.
I am writing to plead with every Namibian to stand up, and to demand that our government fulfills its constitutional duty to protect us.
We are your children, your siblings, and your fellow citizens and we are being hunted.
The brutal case of Christof “Sexy” Frederik lays bare the absolute savagery our community faces.
Frederik was subjected to a horrific ordeal, raped and stabbed 61 times, before her body was mutilated.
This was not a random act of violence; it was a hate crime.
Just months before, we witnessed the terrifying attack in the Walvis Bay dunes of Brian Araeb, who was left naked and unconscious.
This victim suffered a fractured skull and severe injuries simply because of their transgender identity.
The message to queer Namibians is clear: you are not safe anywhere.
To my fellow queer family still living in Namibia, particularly the young trans girls and young gay boys who are just beginning to navigate who they are: you must follow our steps and walk in absolute dignity.
Never let structural hatred or societal prejudice make you bow your heads.
You are human, you are worthy, and you belong in the Namibian House.
But while you walk with pride, I plead with you to prioritise your safety.
Put yourselves on the safe side.
Do not trust strangers blindly, move in groups where you can, and keep a watchful eye out for one another.
You should not have to live like fugitives or hide in the shadows of your own country just to survive.
The Namibian government cannot continue its silence.
This targeted wave of violence, which has claimed the lives of at least six queer individuals in a single recent wave, is fuelled by reckless political and religious rhetoric that paints us as subhuman.
Our leaders have a legal and moral obligation under Article 8 of the Namibian Constitution to safeguard the life and dignity of all citizens.
We urgently demand that the justice ministry and parliament introduce comprehensive hate crime legislation.
Crimes motivated by prejudice against sexual orientation and gender identity must carry aggravated sentences.
We demand justice for every unnamed queen, trans person, and gay man who has been murdered, beaten, or silenced across Namibia.
Namibia must become a house where all its children can live without the fear of being slaughtered for who they are.
– Maria Del Rosario Hamutenya-Jeremia
