There have been some famous Helens on the left of South African politics, notably Helen Joseph and Helen Suzman, and Helen Zille is set to join their ranks, but NOT as the first out lesbian premier of the Western Cape, as Wesley Kgang of COSAS would have us believe.
At a rally held by Mkhonto we Sizwe veterens in Cape Town on Wednesday 27 May among many disturbing statements was one that has aroused angry comment from LGBT activists. COSAS president Wesley Kgang stated that Western Cape Premier Helen Zille was “not a woman but suspected of being a lesbian”
The Joint Working Group (JWG) has issued a statement of disgust and demanded an explanation from COSAS. They are outraged that people make statements without thinking. They cannot have it both ways, first they accused Zille of sleeping with her entire male cabinet, not something typical of a lesbian, then they say she is lesbian, which means that they are using the word purely as an insult and that is the bigger problem.
That means that they are using the word lesbian to be derogatory and sexist and insulting. Words are important.There are Proud Lesbians out there, as we very well know.
The JWG will take the issue to the gender commission for investigation as they have not had a formal response from COSAS although they are pleased to see that COSAS have demanded that Kgang resigns.
Let us know your feelings on this, at info@exit.co.za.