NAMIBIAN human rights activists say Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s death is a tremendous loss to Africa’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and others (LGBTQI+) community.
Activist Nicodemus ‘Mama Africa’ Aoxamub on Sunday said: “It’s a huge loss to us as a marginalised community, not only here, but for the whole continent.
“Tutu was not only a humble servant of God, but also a defender of the marginalised.
“He was fearless, and found himself in a tough situation, but spoke out against inequality.”
Tutu openly supported LGBTQI+ rights and made global headlines in 2013, when he said: “I would rather go to hell than to a homophobic heaven.”
Aoxamub said she has met Tutu during a visit to Namibia.
“I have had the opportunity to shake his hand. He was a people’s person.
“Religious leaders should emulate him. They will inherit blessings.”
Transgender activist Jholerina Timbo says: “Tutu was a great leader of transformational change.
“He championed equality for all, including the LGBTQI+ community.
“His passing is a great loss for Africa.”
Tutu’s own church, the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, continues to struggle with gay rights.
His daughter Mpho Tutu had to give up her position as ordained priest after marrying a woman.
Tutu also served on South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
