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   WALL OF REMEMBRANCE   

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Lee Siba was a fierce activist and sister to many in the LGBTQIA+ community and is missed by everyone who knew her. She was an inspiration to many through the visibility she brought as a transgender woman in South Africa.

 

She is remembered as a daughter, sister, friend and comrade who was an example of strength and resilience. Her memory will continue to live on in our hearts and activist work. Many in the community came together to help Lee Siba in whatever way we could to make her last days easier. We now too can pull together to remember Lee Siba and the lives of so many of our fallen siblings.

Lee Siba Mothibe

05/08/1984 – 30/03/2020

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Kirvan Fortuin, a young beloved, talented, and vibrant community leader. Kirvan was a professional dancer, choreographer, LGBTIQ+ rights activist and community leader who danced their way onto international stages and into the hearts of many. The Kirvan Fortuin Foundation was established to support youth development through which they taught ballet, vogue and ballroom dancing to young children, Kirvan was the Creative Arts Director.

 

In one of their online interviews, Kirvan stated persistently that their first language is dance which allows them to express the depth of their emotions and feelings. The universal language of dance was what Kirvan sought to instil and master in young people to build community.

Kirvan Fortuin

10/08 - 13/06/2020

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The LGBTQIA+ community and civil society organizations suffer as another angel found their wings to fly. Now, the angels rejoice as a good soul has made its way home!

 

Jennifer you will always be remembered as a kind-hearted, warm, loving and caring sister.

 

The Sistaazhood group have lost a sibling. Jennifer will forever live on in our memories.

Jennifer Hugo

Called Home 14/10/2020

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Netta Marcus was a mother to all who knew her. Respected in all circles. Passionate about access to quality healthcare, access to housing and shelters and inclusive policies to be drafted for the most marginalized groups.

 

Forever will her memory be kept alive through advocating for the rights of Trans and gender diverse persons.

Netta Marcus

28/11/1974 – 07/11/2020

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Leigh Davids was born on 25 March 1979 in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. She was a transgender woman, and a prominent activist, who focused on the rights of black transgender sex workers. She was a sex worker for 26 years and was still active in the industry at the time of her death.

 

Davids worked for various organisations, including SWEAT (Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce), Gender Dynamix, and the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition (SRJC). In addition, Davids was a founding member of SistaazHood, a Trans Women Sex Worker Support Group, which is the largest transgender women’s support group in Africa. Davids also received the award for Movement Building in South Africa from the transfeminist organisation, Social Health Empowerment (SHE).

Leigh Davids

25 March 1979 - 27 February 2019

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Edwin was a Kenyan LGBTIQ+ activist, model and humanitarian. He was well known for his passion for fashion and activism. We stand in solidarity with his family, friends, activists and the #LGBTIQ+ community in Kenya and worldwide.

 

"So, my movement is for everyone. It's about inclusion. And if I am going to fight what I have been marginalized for, I am going to fight for all marginalized people." Edwin Chiloba, Instagram post, 16/12/22

Edwin Chiloba

Called Home 08/01/2023

"Let’s utilize these moments of pain to stand together, to highlight and draw attention to the inconsistencies in policies for at risk groups."
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We have lost a sister, an activist and a friend. Today we pay homage to a Comrade whose legacy will live on in our hearts.

 

Phiwe Ngcengi’s storytelling advocacy for the rights of Trans and Gender Diverse persons remains with us as we commemorate her life. In her own words:

 

I am, therefore, we are trans people. I wonder what society would look like without violating the rights of trans people. I hear people saying that to be transgender is a choice. I see a beautiful world without discrimination of each other. I feel excited today to be within a trans family. I want to be seen as a woman, recognised and treated as a woman. I am, therefore, we are trans people.

Phiwe Viwe Ngcengi

28/09 - 29/02/2020

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Over the years Mark became a pillar of hope and strength for a great number of people engaged in the performance/art of drag through the Miss Gay Western Cape platform. As a community we have always known that the name of the show was not in essence a true reflection of the diversity of bodies that participated in it. The name of the show however held historical significance dating back to the early years of the queer liberation movement in the 1990s when the pageant was started.

 

In creating a sense of home and sense of community Mark facilitated a safe space for a variety of people with different gender expressions, sexual orientations and gender identities to explore, perform and subvert gender in ways that made sense to them. The space thus meant different things to different people who participated in it. For gay identifying men it meant subverting gender stereotypes. For gender non-conforming persons, it meant performing self in a safe space. For transgender women, the space facilitated a safe journey of self-affirmation.

Mark Donough

02 /05/1966 – 08 /01/2021

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Ayanda will be remembered as a fierce activist for those that society has chosen to ignore. She was a comrade in the struggle for the rights of transgender persons, sex workers, people living with HIV as well as a leader in the fight for decent and affordable housing.

Ayanda Denge

Called Home 27/03/2019

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The LGBTQIA+ Community is deeply saddened and appalled by the murder of Simangaliso Dyasi, who was shot in his home in Soweto on the 7th of September. We express our deepest sympathies and condolences to Simangaliso’s family, friends and loved ones.

 

Yet again, the LGBTQIA+ community is faced with brutal violence perpetrated against our siblings, who continue to bear the brunt of gender-based violence, transphobia and homophobia, and an indifferent society. While our constitutional and legal framework broadly protects all persons from discrimination, the LGBTQIA+ persons continue to face exceedingly high levels of stigmatisation, harassment and violence on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics. These hate crimes not only directly affect the victims of such violence but create a toxic culture within our society that perpetuates a cycle of cruelty and intolerance that diminishes the value of human life and dignity.

 

The Hate Crimes Bill and other legislative measures are needed now more than ever, along with inclusive education and training for our government departments, police services and community members on the lived realities and critical issues facing LGBTQIA+ persons and communities.

Simangaliso Dyasi

Called Home 07/09/2020

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I still hear her voice. I cannot believe she is gone. We carried round a huge rainbow Africa for months. Her favourite saying, 'Let's start a conversation'. And she'd start a conversation with anyone. Absolutely fearless.

 

She taught me about the ancestors, how to kiss my teeth, about Zim. Always punky and funky and late. 'Nice hair' I'd say. 'It's not mine, Neil', she'd laugh. Always flirty and cheeky. Beautiful. 

 

Our Let's Face It Campaign lives on, with hundreds of new followers each month, getting unity, diversity, and a deep love. Ruvimbo made that happen and will continue to make it happen.  Rest in Peace my sister, my friend, and fellow activist. - Neil Goodwin

 

Rest in Peace, you were born a star, a hero, talented , vibrant, you always stood up and you would stand up for others, may the impact you have had on others forever be remembered – Shepard Tenga

Ruvimbo Tenga

16/09 - 07/06/2022

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Page, popularly known as Brandon, a sister, a friend and a member of the SistaazHood group, who will fondly be remembered for her infectious smile and positive energy.

 

While we are mourning and some of us are paralysed by fear and panic we will continue to advocate for the rights of those members of the transgender community who are most marginalized because of their socioeconomic status and find themselves bearing brunt of the pandemic.

 

Let’s utilize these moments of pain to stand together, to highlight and draw attention to the inconsistencies in policies for at risk groups such as Homeless Transgender Sex-workers. Let’s challenge and examine existing laws that directly or indirectly affect our well-being and that of our community members. Gone too soon Page. Your memory will not be forgotten, sister.

Page

"I am, therefore, we are trans people."
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Many will recall that Nare won a battle against the Limpopo Department of Education after experiencing discrimination in the school she was attending in 2014 due to her gender identity. Her murder reflects the ruthless violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa. While we expect the justice system to bring to book those responsible for her murder, we also call to on the government to put measures in place to protect lives of Trans persons.

 

Our community can not continue to live in fear, yet we have a government of which one of its key duties is to protect the life of every citizen irrespective of their sexual orientation, gender identity or race. Too many lives have been lost due to transphobic and homophobic behaviour in South Africa. The trans bashing practices have to stop and one key way is to put a stop to the cisgender community or the said to be “normative community” is to allow themselves to learn what it means to identify as Trans.

Nare Mphela

Called Home: 05 Jan 2020

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“Lindo Sea was a magnitude of talent and had a heart of joy and a great sense of style. When they sang, their voice made you believe in living. They were a rare talent, and it is so sad that more of the world didn’t get to witness such a rarity as Lindo’s.” – AFDA Performance Lecturer, Philisiwe Twijnstra

Lindokuhle Cele

Called Home: 6 February 2020

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Eudy Simelane was born on 11 March 1977 in KwaThema, Springs, Transvaal (Gauteng). An active LGBTQI+ activist, she was one of the first women to live as openly lesbian in KwaThema.

 

Simelane was a successful soccer player and received national recognition for her talent on the field. She played as a midfielder for her local Springs Home Sweepers team, as well as for the South African woman’s national soccer team (Banyana Banyana) and used her status as a local soccer celebrity to further her LGBTQI+ activism.

Eudy Simelane

11 March 1977 - 28 April 2008

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We are deeply saddened to learn about the death of Motlhatlhedi “Gustav” Modise, and appalled by this violent act. We call upon the Northwest provincial task team and police to assist in bringing the perpetrators of this horrific act to book” – Liberty Matthyse

Motlhatlhedi ‘Gustav’ Modise

Called Home: 02 September 2018

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Phoebe Titus a 30-year-old transgender woman was murdered by a 15-year-old boy while she was buying ice lollies in her hometown of Wolseley. The attack took place after the teenager had started verbally abusing Phoebe, shouting homophobic and transphobic slurs. After Phoebe responded by gesturing towards the youth with a plastic crate, he took a knife and stabbed her in the neck.

Phoebe Titus

Called Home: December 2015

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Miss Gay Kuruman pageant winner Thapelo Makutle, who identified as transgender, was attacked in her room and his throat was slit.

 

"It's so sad. I can't describe the pain that we are feeling right now, we have lost a young, talented, woman who was open about who she was. The last few days have been like a dark cloud." - Shaine

Thapelo “Queen Bling” Makutle

Called Home: 9 June 2012

"And if I am going to fight what I have been marginalized for, I am going to fight for all marginalized people."
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"Transgender people are still systematically marginalised. They face a lot of challenges in accessing health care, education and jobs and other social services. This state of affairs causes distress and directly contribute to loss of transgender lives as living becomes unbearable. Let us continue to work towards a world where everyone can live with dignity," S'bu Kheswa

Vuyisa ‘Norizana’ Dayisi

Called Home: 15 July 2012

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“As a person who has been in the throes of depression myself for a number of years, I can relate and it touches me in the deepest part of me that such incidents still occur,” said Azania Maseko

Sasha Lee Gordon

Called Home: 24 June 2012

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Tribute to follow...

Liyabona Mabishi

Called Home: 9 June 2012

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Tribute to follow...

Kagiso Ishmael Maema

Called Home: 06 January 2018

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Tribute to follow...

Unathi Webber

Called Home: May 2022

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Tribute to follow...

‘Rose’ Papi Mogoera Elias Malebatso

Called Home: 02 February 2018

We urge community members to continue reporting Human Rights Violations through our React Program.
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Gender Dynamix strongly condemns the recent hate crime against Alfredo Lorenzo April also known as Tannie, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Malmesbury. Tannie was a well-known hairstylist, netballer and drag queen loved by the Malmesbury community.

 

Tannie captivated the Malmesbury Community through the art of drag, their performances broke barriers and challenged societal norms.

 

This heinous act not only violates the principles of equality and human dignity but also highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and acceptance of diverse gender identities.

 

Law enforcement agencies must take these crimes seriously by thoroughly investigating incidents and holding perpetrators accountable. The justice system should send a clear message that hate crimes will not be tolerated in our society.

Alfredo Lorenzo April

Called Home: 29 June 2023

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Tribute to follow...

Khulekani Gomazi

Called Home: 3 April 2021

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Tribute to follow...

Athule Mahlathini

Called Home: 07 August 2022

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Eusebius was born in the Eastern Cape, the Home of Legends, and what a legend he was. Blessed with buckets full of charm, intellectual finesse and compassion for the dispossessed, the marginalised and the forgotten, Eusebius became a “disruptor” and asked the uncomfortable questions, often also providing the solutions.

 

Eusebius was well-respected because of his brilliant mind and sense of humanity. He is admired and celebrated for constantly pushing the envelope and driving public discourse and dialogue to motivate society to strive for a more just world for all. As a member of the LGBTQI+ community, he provided positive visibility for LGBTQI+ communities by showcasing that LGBTQI+ people have a vested interest in social justice, human rights and good governance issues that goes beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

 

We remember him for his courage and personal power that he claimed unapologetically. We admire him for being a role-model to many LGBTQI+ persons.

 

A giant tree has fallen but the impact of his presence will live on in the many hearts and minds he has reached and changed for the better.

Eusebius McKaiser

Called Home: June 2023

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