Homosexuality: Rights or Societal Wronggs

Natasha Chewe Mulenga

Gay rights activist Eudy Simelane was raped and killed in KwaThema three years ago

Monash University South Africa is one of Africa’s well-established institutions. Culture and social activities are the basis of any institution as students are more engaged with each other than anything. 

Homosexuality in monash has never been discussed or brought up until campus publication pulse interviewed transgendered honours student tsepho Ricki Kgositau. Miss Ricki as he prefers to be called said he did not chose to be transgendered despite the name calling, being an outcast and funny looks from people within school and society as a whole. Like homosexuals tsepho believes he is a female trapped in a female’s body. When asked how she dealt with hostility from school mates he mentioned his family as solitude to all the negativity. Furthermore, he raised an alarming opinion as there were males on campus who would curse at the sight of her but approach her when they thought no one was looking. 

Speaking to monash student development counsellor Rasheed, he said “there were no homosexuals that ever came for counselling and when asked if this was alarming he said it was not anything to worry about because, if there was no violence or anything negative portrayed towards them then everything was fine. He further stated that homosexual students will always be judged by their peers just like everyone else who drinks, or dates more than others and that it was simply the way of society. He also concluded that if there were any students that anyone ever needed counselling of any sort the student development body would be available for any assistance. 

In an interview with school nurse shereen, she stated that in the health department is where she was mostly concerned about as she had never received any patients who were transgendered or homosexual. She further stated there was not much she could do as even if homosexual students came through she was not the only nurse their as she has shifts and would be harder for some as they would not like to confide in some one new every day. She further said health issues are best addressed when a patient and doctor have a relationship unlike when the environment is constantly changing. 

Monash cultural officer Gideon Tsepho Tladi, said there was no particular issues raised in terms of cultural interference an difference in co coordinating event for a mass audience.  He stated that what people chose to do is entirely up to them and that as a cultural officer his encounter to homosexuals is close to none.

“I have no problem with homosexuals within school, I think most of them are nice and extrovert which I admire”- anonymous Monash student 19

“I do not support Homosexuality but strongly feel, one should be able to express themselves the best way they can.. so people should deal with it.”- Anonymous monash student 21

“I cannot tell some of my friends I am homosexual because they will judge me and will not understand. So I tell those I can and try be myself around them even when it feels weird. I don’t know yet if I am surely gay but am just going with the flow.

According to Monash students interviewed, Homosexuality in monash is still on the rise but the curiosity of how many will actually speak out it left uncertain.