A Threat To Life

I AM very disappointed to hear that someone who is supposed to lead the nation by example is sucking information from her thumb.

I am referring to the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration, Ms Theopolina Mushelenga, who addressed the public at Omaalala village in the Ongwediva constituency on August 26. I believe in her speech she was supposed to remember all the people who sacrificed their lives for our country and not indulge in issues that could threaten our lives as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.She stated that: 1) She rejects the so-called rights of gays and lesbians and she is in support of the former President’s statements.2) Gays and lesbians betrayed the fight for freedom and are responsible for the HIV-AIDS pandemic and are an insult to the African culture.3) She continued judging people in the community defending the rights of gays and lesbians and that we know human rights and we don’t need them to tell us what human rights are all about.4) She warned the youth not to listen to these prophets if they want to become responsible leaders.As a lesbian in this our beautiful land of the brave, I know that within the liberation struggle people like me were part of the struggle and yes, we have always been around.How can you say we spread the pandemic? Remember there are so many HIV-AIDS organisations who did research, please do not feel embarrassed to request their findings, so that you can get your facts straight.I think you were very irresponsible to make such statements because we are already marginalised and now you have increased the myths, prejudice and stigma against us.Remember that my sexual orientation does not constitute my whole being and that there is so much I do that contributes to the wellbeing of our communities and country at large.I extend my invitation to you to come and see me for you get to know what is beyond the label you call me.Linda Baumann Via e-mailI believe in her speech she was supposed to remember all the people who sacrificed their lives for our country and not indulge in issues that could threaten our lives as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.She stated that: 1) She rejects the so-called rights of gays and lesbians and she is in support of the former President’s statements.2) Gays and lesbians betrayed the fight for freedom and are responsible for the HIV-AIDS pandemic and are an insult to the African culture.3) She continued judging people in the community defending the rights of gays and lesbians and that we know human rights and we don’t need them to tell us what human rights are all about.4) She warned the youth not to listen to these prophets if they want to become responsible leaders.As a lesbian in this our beautiful land of the brave, I know that within the liberation struggle people like me were part of the struggle and yes, we have always been around.How can you say we spread the pandemic? Remember there are so many HIV-AIDS organisations who did research, please do not feel embarrassed to request their findings, so that you can get your facts straight.I think you were very irresponsible to make such statements because we are already marginalised and now you have increased the myths, prejudice and stigma against us.Remember that my sexual orientation does not constitute my whole being and that there is so much I do that contributes to the wellbeing of our communities and country at large.I extend my invitation to you to come and see me for you get to know what is beyond the label you call me.Linda Baumann Via e-mail