EXPLORE
Homoparentality: A revolution through love
Despite abolition, African and Western societies remain marked by the transatlantic slave trade and colonization. When analyzing the experience of black men and women under slavery and colonization to uncover the particular forms of violence they faced, it can be noted that enslaved people were historically the figure of anti-parenthood; the anti-parent par excellence. Today, officially refusing to recognize same-sex parenthood is part of this legacy of dehumanization, provided we do not adopt a restrictive definition of the phenomenon.
On Happiness
If you ask me of happiness
I will tell you I lived by the sea
And had died three times over
Before I gave its scent a body
Did I know then, the meaning of abundance
To jump in the water to splash it at my kin
Delight that it wouldn’t end
And hear family warn me that so vast so greedy the sea
That it would steal me if lacked care
I confess I never believed it
I had known greed because I had died three times before
In the dawn in the moonlight and the midday
The waters’ only sin had been giving themselves too much
If you asked me of happiness I would tell you of this sin
Wedding Vows
I have always been certain that somewhere on earth, in heaven, among the stars,
In this life or another, my other half was waiting for me.
I have wandered from one soul to another, without ever finding myself.
I had almost lost hope, until that 22nd of October, 2011
When I set my eyes on you.
At that moment, I knew I would never be alone again.
Because I found you, I will never be lost again,
Because I love you, I have fulfilled my destiny,
Because you said yes, no other “no” will ever hurt me,
Because you love me, no weapon can ever hurt me.
Knowing Our History to Redefine Family
Advocating for the rights of LBTQ people, especially in Africa, is a daunting task. Yet, activism can also open the door to a larger community that can become a source of acceptance, safety, comfort and support. Q-zine met with Julia Makwala, a dedicated LBTQ activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo who shared with us her activist journey and her thoughts on family.
Coming out can be an incredibly freeing experience for some of us as we are liberated to finally openly identify as who we are. Freed from all those expectations that are placed on our lives by family and friends; the lies we tell to thwart suspicion; the silences we respond with to situations that demonize our identities; the damaging relationships we endure because they come with the territory of being in the closet; the fears we live with over one day being found out; living as ourselves secretively.
And for many queer people, this freedom is beautiful. It makes us better people, because we can only be our best selves when we no longer have to hide who we are. It puts us in more honest relationships and creates an environment around us where we can be compasses pointing to each other’s humanity and away from prejudice…My coming out was bittersweet.
POETRY
The Chosen Ones
We are the ones.
The ones who piece each other back together when all is said and done.
And even when the pieces are put back together, sometimes, we still know no peace.
To all the faggots, the fairies, the pillow princesses and the poofters
I choose you.
To all the bull-dykes, the tomboys, the he-shes and the she-hes,
I choose you.
To all the sissies, the LBs, the femme queens and the butch queens,
I choose you.
To all those who are a disgrace and bring shame upon their family name,
I choose you.
I choose you for daring to exist.
I choose you for daring to resist.
I choose you for living and loving authentically.
I choose you for simply allowing yourself to just be.
YOU are the family that I choose because we are the Blessing and the Blessed.
FEATURED
Paint it Black
"Two nights ago, the teacher on duty saw two students kissing behind the library," she continued as saliva frothed at the corners of her mouth. "I couldn't believe my ears when he reported to me this morning. Lesbianism in Ugenya Girls Boarding School, God forbid! Some of you want to turn this godly school into Sodom and Gomorrah. Lesbianism is a sin, a grave sin punishable by death! The Bible in Leviticus Chapter…" Read More
Papa's Tea
Oat tea is first on Mama Evette’s list. She says that your father will need it to fight his depression and fatigue. You’re used to the grain in bread, porridge and sometimes meat. But the tea has a dry flavor to it that makes your throat crack. It isn’t for you anyway, but you’ve made a habit of trying everything before you put it towards your father’s lips. You feel closer to each other like that somehow. He wasn’t a particularly good father. He barely paid you attention. Read More
Moongirls: The Magic of A New Age and New Gods
Moongirls is a queer African graphic novel series that explores philosophy, African spirituality, and the graphic novel medium to address African issues today, dream new ways of being and to document these revolutionary times of change. Read More
Beteseb
As queer people, we tend to emphasise our similarities over our differences. We accept one another because of our shared identities, similar experiences, and the understanding of the challenges that come with navigating a heteronormative world in a queer body. The ties we forge are particularly precious because of our openness to the infinite ways that family and friendship manifest. Read More
Twin Souls
She called me immediately after that last message and without knowing why, I picked up. It was the most beautiful and sincere conversation I had ever had. At no time was I afraid of the unknown. The universe had guided me to this stranger, and from then on, our simple “hellos” turned into long and interesting conversations. Read More
Family And The See-saw Of Coming Out
Coming out can be an incredibly freeing experience for some of us as we are liberated to finally openly identify as who we are. Freed from all those expectations that are placed on our lives by family and friends; the lies we tell to thwart suspicion; the silences we respond with to situations that demonize our identities; the damaging relationships we endure because they come with the territory of being in the closet; the fears we live with over one day being found out; living as ourselves secretively. Read More
The Chosen Ones
Nous sommes les éluEs, We are the ones. The ones who piece each other back together when all is said and done. And even when the pieces are put back together, sometimes, we still know no peace. Read More
On Happiness
If you ask me of happiness I will tell you I lived by the sea And had died three times over Before I gave its scent a body Read More
I Hear You
I hear you I hear your questions I hear your longing for freedom and love I hear your craving for liberation Read More