Corrective rape and the war on homosexuality : patriarchy African culture and Ubuntu (original) (raw)

The research problem to explore in this dissertation is how cultural and patriarchal perspectives on gender influence the occurrence of what is commonly known as corrective rape in South Africa. 1 Even though this is an issue that affects women on a global scale, this dissertation will focus on black lesbian women living in South African townships. Furthermore, the aim of this dissertation is to reflect on the view or the argument that "homosexuality is un-African" or that it is against African culture. This argument links to patriarchy and influences and informs homophobic perspectives that lead to corrective rape. Thereafter, this dissertation will reflect on the African philosophy of ubuntu by investigating if and how ubuntu could serve as a response to perspectives that have a certain influence on corrective rape attacks against lesbian women living in South Africa. In other words, this dissertation will question how the so-called "homosexuality is un-African" rhetoric is contrary to the African philosophy of "umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu". In general, Africa as a continent continues to have slow or stagnant development when it comes to the recognition of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and and intersex people. 2 With the slow development, there is also a continuous pushback from African leaders, politicians and parts of society. Current statistics speak volumes and support this statement. In 2014, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation published a report on the State of Human Rights for LGBT people living in Africa. The Foundation found that 37 African countries criminalise same-sex marriages and that four of those countries allow for the death penalty. 3 In certain African countries, leaders speak openly about their positions on homosexuality and sexual minority rights. Former President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, has been quoted saying: "homosexuality is anti-God, anti-human and anti-civilisation" and "homosexuals are not welcome 1 Corrective rape does not only occur in South Africa, there have also been reports on corrective rape in countries like India. The times of India, "Parents use 'corrective rape' to 'straighten gays", Rupan Jain, 21 June 2015 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/parenting/Parents-use-corrective-rape-to-straightengays/articleshow/47489949.cms 2 Hereafter referred to as 'LGBTI'.