Drag night postponed for safety

The organisers of Drag Night Namibia have confirmed the postponement of one of the biggest events on the calendar, following increasing hate speech and threats of violence that erupted after the Supreme Court of Namibia ruling ordering the recognition of same-sex marriages concluded outside the country.

After this ruling, several anti-gay WhatsApp groups have been opened, while the Christian Coalition of Churches and other organisations have condemned homosexuality in the strongest terms, and are planning to ask parliament to draft a law that criminalises same-sex marriages.
Drag Night Namibia co-owner Lize Ehlers said it was a painful decision, but they will reconvene when they feel safe again.

“We are so committed to our beautiful work, but we are all so shocked and appalled by the violent conversations and messages that are circulating since the council of churches started opposing the Supreme Court ruling. We will reconvene when we feel safe again. This was not an easy decision, especially because Pride Month is in June, and we were planning something spectacular,” she said.

Zindri Swartz, the production manager of Drag Night Namibia, also said they will continue again once safety measures are taken care of.

“Drag Night Namibia will continue. We just decided to postpone our next event, as we are busy evaluating and implementing possible safety mechanisms for the protection of our performers and audience members, Drag Night Namibia prides itself in being a safe space for our community and allies, and currently the safety of our community is under attack. Therefore, we saw this as a necessary precaution till further notice.”

Drag Night Namibia was founded with the aim to explore the spectrum of drag culture while finding and nurturing local drag kings and queens as they develop their creativity, charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent.

-unWrap.online