Queer Xpression - Call for collaborators

2020 was a year of many realisations and a tipping point for activism. We individually and collectively experienced the ongoing physical, mental, social and economic effects of the pandemic restrictions. However, 2020 also became a year that allowed us to reset, reboot and regroup as individuals and as a community because as activists, we had to come up with innovative and progressive approaches to expand the work.

For a while now, I had thoughts about my place in activism and how I could serve my community. While media gave me a platform to give voice to the community, I wondered how else I could expand my contribution and this prompted a desire to see how activism will look through creatives lenses. Queer Xpressions would be a platform for those who have something to say born as a recognised need for space for expression and analysis of queer culture.

My definition of culture encompasses attitudes and myths, phenomena of the popular imagination and social trends. For Queer Xpressions, culture also includes politics, health, lifestyle, relationships, religion, spirituality, sexuality, gender expression, gender identities, body politics, activism, education, economics, business, technology and finances all elements of our lives that we consider as we decide who we are as humans.

Through storytelling, in our voices, Queer WorX, through Queer Xpressions hopes that we can empower each other, while building camaraderie; and that our shared lived experiences can amplify our visibility. With this platform, Queer WorX hopes to inspire creativity, amplify visibility and expression. The platform also hopes to serve as a marketplace to support queer businesses.

Now more than ever, representation and visibility of LGBTIQ+ people in Lesotho is important because more and more people are opening up to the dialogue on queer issues. Our visibility should not be limited to the typical stereotypical portrayal of our livelihood; it must transcend to the very core of human existence; where every one of us enjoys the liberties as anyone; freedom of expression, right to work in favourable conditions, right to social protection and right to education. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without any form of discrimination.

In Marianne Williamson's famous quote, Our Greatest Fear, she says, “We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Join Us on this journey! We invite you to be a part of this masterpiece - a mural we are about to paint together with colours of talent, justice, equality, equity affection, empathy, and unity as we set an example and bring light to others

We invite bloggers, correspondents, writers, poets, and artists to collaborate and contribute to the platform directly from their communities in all 10 districts. Let’s elevate our existence and our visibility and raise our voices on what it’s like being queer in Africa and most importantly being a Mosotho and queer. We must challenge the single-sided stories that have shaped existence. 

“When we speak, we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So, it is better to speak.” Audre Lorde