CUT hosted a successful virtual LGBTQIA+ Dialogue Webinar on 26 July 2022, under the theme: "How the Local and International Higher Learning Institution can create benefiting environment for the (LGBTQIA+) Community?"

The university stakeholders, including employees and students, attended the webinar and actively participated in the thought-provoking dialogue. Some topics that emerged were issues concerning safe spaces, tolerance, acceptance, recognition, equality, workplace harassment, GBV, senseless killings, corrective rapes, rejection, bullying, mental problems, hate speeches and inclusiveness.

Among the panellists who led the dialogue were Hlengiwe Buthelezi, Executive Director: KZN LGBTQIA+ Recreation, Tanki Mulvine Moea, CUT SRC: Transformation, Equity & Diversity and LGBTQIA+ Activist; Mr Hosia Malekane, GBV Activist and Chairman of Newpart Holdings, MX Nkosana Tshisa, Lecturer: Business Management, Mr Tshidiso Koena, LGBTQIA+ Activist and Sector Chairperson of Lejweleputswa District, Mr Axolile Sikhondo, CUT student and LGBTQIA+ Activist and MX MinothandoHlanganyana, CUT queer student and Coordinator of Embrace Diversity Movement, FS. They spoke about embedding LGBTQIA content into official university documents and learning programmes.

Hlengiwe Bhuthelezi emphasised the role of inclusivity and encouraged institutions of higher learning to consistently create awareness around queer matters, sensitise the workforce, and create and implement policies on hate speech towards the LGBTQIA+ community. "Every faculty within the university needs capacity building from management to students. Constant awareness is important, and everyone must be aware of queer members around them. As queer members, we suffer a lot of bullying and harassment everywhere. We need safe spaces, including the third bathroom that is gender neutral. We need inclusive sports so everyone can participate equally in all activities without fear. We are relying on you as leaders to create consistent awareness and educate your university communities about the LGBTQIA+ community."

Some students revealed that they have suffered bullying at the hands of homophobic lecturers and students and do not feel comfortable using male-only or female-only bathrooms. They suggested that the university should have an office specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community and equip its Wellness Centre with professionals who can deal with daily challenges. They further proposed that the university introduce a gender and sexuality module to all first-year students, hoping that it will help fight homophobic lectures and students. Another concern was the need for gender-neutral language in the university documents like forms.

In closing, Professor Makola said, " We live in an environment with many blind spots and today, I feel happy because I am conscientised. These engagements will help us draw a wealth of knowledge and lessons that will shape our understanding and challenges facing our LGBTQIA community, not only here at CUT but nationally. As a university, we are committed to creating awareness for the CUT community, creating safer spaces, and providing the necessary support for queer members.

Laila Nnyane, CUT FM Station Manager, coordinated the dialogue.

Did you know? Gay Pride month is celebrated in June due to the June 1969 Stonewall Riots, in which police arrested gay patrons simply because they were gay. Since then, every pride march has been dedicated and a tribute to those who retaliated against police brutality in pursuit of gay rights.

Watch: LGBTQIA+ Dialogue on CUT Facebook

Caption

From left, MX Nkosana Tshisa, Lecturer: Business Management,  and Laila Nnyane, CUT FM Station Manager.

Uploaded: 27 July 2022