Local podcast highlights key queer issues

Namibian podcast ‘Pride in a Pod’ just released their first episode.

The nearly hour-long sitdown, hosted by media personality Rodelio Lewis’ drag persona, Miss Mavis Dash, and produced by activist collective Namibia Pride Consortium, included three in-studio guests and a robust discussion surrounding last month’s High Court ruling.

Friedel Dausab, a queer rights activist, was the first in the hot seat, just moments after successfully taking the Namibian government to court to challenge the constitutionality of the sodomy and unnatural sexual offences law – both of which previously criminalised sexual acts between men and emboldened bigots around the country to actively and openly discriminate against fellow citizens.

The second guest was another activist and media presenter Mercedes von Cloete, who in the past successfully sued the minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security for the abuse she suffered at the hands of Namibian law enforcement. As one of the most visible Namibian trans women, she offered insights on her day-to-day experiences and her dream of a more united Namibia.

The last guest was lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and others (LGBTQI+) community activist Omar van Reenen, with knowledge and insight on the country’s current climate.

Having been supported by his mother throughout the arduous court case, Dausab’s story highlights the importance and beauty of a parent standing by their queer child.

After all, queer people are not some mysterious unseen group in society, they are our neighbours, our tellers, our cousins and our colleagues and this support can profoundly impact one’s self-esteem and overall well-being.

Another issue touched on was the hypocrisy of religious groups whose messaging should include love and acceptance over hate and bigotry.

“In the Bible, it says ‘love thy neighbour’, but when it comes to the LGBTQI+ community, some Christians forget this teaching. They pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow,” says Dausab, himself a born-again Christian.

Further, something all citizens should pay attention to is how much power the government has to control your life.

This case and conversation help one understand what a slippery slope it can be if you vote in favour of your government being allowed to discriminate against its citizens based on their gender or sexual orientation.

What also stands out in this chat is the need for widespread civic education. The details of Dausab’s case are clear, but still many Namibians are arguing about incorrect information and with a lack of knowledge of how the judiciary and the separation of powers functions.

This viewing was a great learning experience. For future episodes, I would love to see them spend more time with guests, going more in depth on discussions.

I’d also like to hear more from queer women, lesbians and trans men, as surely their stories are different.

The podcast aspires to a future in which the Namibian flag symbolises inclusivity and equality for all citizens, reflecting a collective national dream – something I can get behind as a patriot.

– Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her at annehambuda@gmail.com