From Being, part of a series by Zanele Muholi, 2007.Scheduled to deliver opening remarks, The South
From Being, part of a series by Zanele Muholi, 2007.Scheduled to deliver opening remarks, The South African Minister of Arts and Culture, Lulu Xingwana, stormed out of a 2010 show featuring Muholi’s work depicting the everyday normality of the lives of black lesbian couples.“It was immoral, offensive and going against nation-building.” Xingwana said, justifying her boycott of the exhibit.Muholi rejected criticism that her images constituted a pornographic display.“Those pictures are based on experience and issues. Where else can we express ourselves if not in our democratic country?”She added: “Children need to know about these things. A lot of people have no understanding of sexual orientation, people are suffering in silence.””Although same-sex marriage is legal in South Africa and the rights of gays and lesbians are guaranteed in the constitution, crimes of homophobic violence, including “corrective rape,” are rarely investigated by police.Xingwana was soon removed from her portfolio and given new duties: Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities.(Additional source.) -- source link
#zanele muholi#south africa#woman artist#censorship#lesbian art#lesbian#lulu xingwana#homophobia#nakedhistorylessons#casey lorne#caseylorne