South Africa has been called a queer haven for many refugees running away from their native countries because of homophobic laws. But the reality seems to be different for many. In this episode, we explore the challenges of being a queer foreign national in South Africa.
Being homeless is a major setback for anyone. But for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, finding a safe haven is even more difficult. In episode five of The Broken Rainbow, Eyewitness News speaks to queer people about whether they feel taken care of when it comes to their shelter needs.
Being rejected by families because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression is common for the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa. While many of us prepare to spend the festive season with our families, many members of this marginalised community have to find love elsewhere. In the fourth episode of The Broken Rainbow, we speak to some members of this minority group to find out why they can’t go home and choose to celebrate the December holidays with chosen family.
As the country observes Pride Month, we look at how the first ever pride march hosted in South Africa in 1990 became the catalyst for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and acknowledgment of the LGBTQIA+ community in the country. We speak to one of the founders of the march, Dr Palesa Bev Ditsie, who takes us down memory lane of the birth of what is now known as Africa’s biggest Pride event.
Transgender people are so often misunderstood, there isn't even sufficient healthcare for them in the public health system. In the second episode of The Broken Rainbow, EWN looks at how at times transpeople are understood, but not always - including prescribing them questionable medication.
Hated for being lesbian is the podcast’s first episode that looks at issue of so-called “corrective rape” (correctively known as punitive or hate rape). The episode looks at why South Africa, a country that has been labelled one the rape capitals of the world numerous times, can never have accurate figures on how widespread the raping and murdering of lesbian women is. As the country celebrates women this women’s month, survivors of punitive rape share why they don’t trust the judicial system and explain they don’t feel represented in the fight against gender-based violence.
