We are so fixated on 2010 and all that it promises for this beautiful fatherland of ours, that we hardly noticed that it’s the end of the first decade of the third millennium, or as it was known “the new millennium” – a decade onwards we can hardly call it “new”. Looking back over a ten year period takes some time and reflection. Some of our readers would have been in primary school ten years ago!
What would be the most outstanding events of the last decade? Of course, the attack on the United States early on in the new millennium on 9/11/2001 stands out as the event that changed the world in many ways. The effect of the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan and illegal war by the Americans in Iraq is still being felt by millions. The tsunami which was the world’s biggest natural disaster in centuries is another – and there are many more. In all of these, gay people were heroes and survivors – like Mark Bingham on the ill-fated United 93 flight and interior designer Nate Berkus, of Oprah fame – and now with his own upcoming show – in Thailand. Gay military men and women in Iraq and elsewhere who had to conceal their sexual orientation, but were awarded with medals, only to come out after deployment – and many others that we will probably not know about. Many other events stand out, and if we searched deep enough, we will find gay people involved somehow.
We are there because things happen to us too. Catastrophic events also kill us and our partners. There are heroes amongst us as well. These things happen to us too, as we are part and parcel of the human race. We are each and every one part of this thing we call “human life”.
It’s just a pity that some of our fellow humans would want to ostracise, banish, torture or even kill us, as is the case in Uganda and Rwanda at the moment. If only they would understand that by killing us, they are also killing a part of themselves.
In 2010, LGBTI people will be involved in many ways in our welcoming of the world’s soccer enthusiasts to our shores. Let’s stand proud – let’s not be ashamed about who and what we are. Let’s show the world that we can fulfil our responsibilities in society just as well, if not better, than our fellow countrymen and – women.
Many on our continent and indeed, the world, look up to us. We will not disappoint them. Let’s add our voices to the atrocities against gays in our continental backyard. Let’s all become involved with and participate in gay festivals, events and organisations like Cape Town and Joburg Pride, now even Polokwane Pride, and other Prides, Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, Pink Jacaranda – the list grows every year – let us show the country that we are a force to be reckoned with. There is truth in the saying that there are strength in numbers.
Make 2010 not just our country’s year of celebration, but also ours.
But before we get there, let us at least have fun – it is our birthday after all!
SO LET’S GET CRACKING WITH THE BIRTHDAY PACKING! |
