Namibia activist Omar van Reenen is the first openly LGBTQI+ recipient of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize.
The prize is awarded for exceptional leadership and inspires young people to commit to the advancement of democracy.
Van Reenen last week said winning this prize is not only a personal achievement, but a victory for the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and intersex (LGBTQI+) rights movement in Namibia.
“It comes at a time when LGBTQI+ rights are being weaponised through state-sanctioned homophobia at the peril of our country’s democratic backsliding. The award is a validation of the relentless struggle for equality in a country where acceptance is hard-fought,” they said.
The activist said for queer Namibians this award reinforces that their struggles are seen and their efforts matter, and that change and liberation are possible.
“I want every young queer Namibian watching to know they are deserving of every chance and opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams and destiny in this republic, because we belong in a born-free Namibia.
“You can never criminalise love, love is ubuntu,” they said.
Van Reenen said the award signifies not only recognition of their work, but also the voices of so many who remain unheard.
“… the youth who are tired of oppression, the Namibian allies who believe in an inclusive society, and the queer elders who have spent decades fighting for liberation and whose shoulders I stand on,” the activist said.
They believe it shows the community is making strides towards a more inclusive democracy and a more equal Namibia despite challenges.
“Fighting for what’s right is always worth it,” they said.
Van Reenen said this prize gives them a platform to amplify the community’s issues – from pushing for protective legislation for LGBTQI+ individuals to ending state-sanctioned homophobia.
“The years’ mentorship with a democracy expert and monetary prize that comes with this award will allow me to strategically strengthen our advocacy efforts and build coalitions that advance equality in Namibia for generations to come.
“This will be accomplished through launching new strategic litigation civil suits to protect our rights, supporting civil society organisations, championing youth civic engagement, forming Pride Alliances at Namibian universities and establishing an LGBTQI+ youth and community centre,” Van Reenen said.
They further plan to use this momentum to continue advocating policy reforms and social change.
“None of us are free until all of us are free. That is why LGBTQI+ equality has become the civil rights issue of our generation,” they said.
As a queer youth, Van Reenen said, defending democracy is not a choice, but a necessity.
“The promise of a born-free Namibia which our liberators fought for is up to us to safeguard at the ballot box this November,” they said.
Van Reenen said opportunities like this and recognition are crucial because they make the struggle for queer liberation in a democratic Namibia visible.
“For many LGBTQI+ individuals, especially across Africa and in Namibia where discrimination is prevalent, such recognition serves as a beacon of hope and refuels our resilience,” they said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
