By: Nomvula Ndlovu

The members of the Durban University of Technology’s Shadow in the Rainbow organisation poured their hearts out to the DUT community at Mansfield Hall last week.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) from Shadow in the Rainbow gathered to have a personal interaction with students at the Institution.

The aim of the engagement was “to counter and oppose manifestations of homophobia, intolerance and discrimination on campus and at residences”.

Amongst the many topics that were discussed, correctional rape and sexual based violence were the most controversial.

Representative from the Durban Gay Centre, Sbongiseni Khumalo, which partnered with the organisation, said that the constitution does attempt to protect homosexuals but there is a lack of implementation.

“Any sexual based violence, especially correctional rape, should not be treated as a normal case in the court of law. It should be treated as a hate crime because all this is done out of hate,” he said.

He further emphasised that the brutality they face does not change their sexual orientation.

Shadow in the Rainbow member, Thando Sibiya, said that all they want is to be respected and accepted in the DUT community and not be labelled because of their sexuality.

“Sexual-based violence doesn’t change anything. Let us love one another and not be haters,” she said.

South African Student Congress (SASCO) representative, Scelo Mndebele, expressed his satisfaction with the organisation’s efforts to raise awareness in the institution.

“It is impressive to see that as an organisation you are fighting for acceptance in the institution. As SASCO we will support you in all you endeavours,” said Mndebele.

He added that the institution will not tolerate any sexual related violence and homosexuals should address the issues they face.