1 Human Rights and Sexual Orientation Homosexuality is illegal in thirty-eight African countries. Studies show that ninety-six percent of Ugandan citizens do not feel homosexuality should be tolerated.1 During an interview in 2014, President Yoweri Museveni, commented that “that gay people are ‘disgusting’ ” and that “the West should not force its beliefs onto Ugandans.” (Landau) While many Africans may not support gay-rights, these statistics do not describe the entire African population. Though she may represent a minority view, activist Zanele Muholi strives to foster tolerance and understanding through her photography. Zanele was raised in South Africa during the 1970’s and the 1980’s. Her father died several months after her birth in 1972. Her mother passed away from liver cancer when she was thirty-seven years old. Zanele does not know many details of her early childhood, including stories about her birth or her father’s death. During 1991, South Africa was filled with political strife. Apartheid was unravelling and protests were rampant. Even though her mother accepted her sexuality, Zanele felt uncomfortable staying in Umlazi. She moved to Johannesburg, where she worked as a hairdresser and was rejected twice from film school. 1- Thirty-eight African countries have made homosexuality illegal. Most sodomy laws there were introduced during colonialism…. A 2013 report from Pew Research found that 96% of Ugandans believe society should not accept homosexuality. (Landau) In 1996, South Africa passed legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Ten years later, it was first African country to legalize gay marriage. Yet, South Africa was not a “safe” place for the LGBT community. One report estimated that “each year, 500 lesbians in South Africa are victims of a form of sexual assault known as “corrective rape,” intended to “fix” them of their nonconforming sexual orientation.” (Wortham) Around this time, Zanele was accepted into a photography program in Johannesburg. She studied the work of American photographer, Nan Goldin. She developed a unique brand of photography that documented experiences of African lesbians. Zanele strived to “honour [sic] the body’s beauty” by allowing people to “look at the subjects as dignified people.” (Vervatidis) At the same time, she hoped to “undo the damage of growing up in a society that drew its strength from demonizing blackness.” (Wortham) While her work was often considered controversial in Africa, Zanele’s work gained international recognition. Her artwork has been displayed in art galleries throughout the world and through various sources on the Internet. This imagery has spurred discussion of several social issues including gender roles, sexuality, intimacy, and humanity: Her work from this time is startling in its intimacy: close-ups of women kissing, in nude embrace, bathing in colorful tubs in their homes… One of Muholi’s most remarkable ...

1. 1
Human Rights and Sexual Orientation
Homosexuality is illegal in thirty-eight African countries.
Studies show that ninety-six percent of Ugandan citizens do not
feel homosexuality should be tolerated.1 During an interview
in 2014, President Yoweri Museveni, commented that “that gay
people are ‘disgusting’ ” and that “the West should not force its
beliefs onto Ugandans.” (Landau)
While many Africans may not support gay-rights, these
statistics do not describe the entire African population. Though
she may represent a minority view, activist Zanele Muholi
strives to foster tolerance and understanding through her
photography.
Zanele was raised in South Africa during the 1970’s and
the 1980’s. Her father died several months after her birth in
1972. Her mother passed away from liver cancer when she was
thirty-seven years old. Zanele does not know many details of
her early childhood, including stories about her birth or her
father’s death.
During 1991, South Africa was filled with political strife.
Apartheid was unravelling and protests were rampant. Even
though her mother accepted her sexuality, Zanele felt
uncomfortable staying in Umlazi. She moved to Johannesburg,
where she worked as a hairdresser and was rejected twice from
film school.
1- Thirty-eight African countries have made homosexuality
illegal. Most sodomy laws there were introduced during
colonialism…. A 2013 report from Pew Research found that
96% of Ugandans believe society should not accept
homosexuality. (Landau)
In 1996, South Africa passed legislation prohibiting
discrimination based on sexual orientation. Ten years later, it
was first African country to legalize gay marriage. Yet, South

2. Africa was not a “safe” place for the LGBT community. One
report estimated that “each year, 500 lesbians in South Africa
are victims of a form of sexual assault known as “corrective
rape,” intended to “fix” them of their nonconforming sexual
orientation.” (Wortham)
Around this time, Zanele was accepted into a photography
program in Johannesburg. She studied the work of American
photographer, Nan Goldin. She developed a unique brand of
photography that documented experiences of African lesbians.
Zanele strived to “honour [sic] the body’s beauty” by allowing
people to “look at the subjects as dignified people.”
(Vervatidis) At the same time, she hoped to “undo the damage
of growing up in a society that drew its strength from
demonizing blackness.” (Wortham)
While her work was often considered controversial in
Africa, Zanele’s work gained international recognition. Her
artwork has been displayed in art galleries throughout the world
and through various sources on the Internet. This imagery has
spurred discussion of several social issues including gender
roles, sexuality, intimacy, and humanity:
Her work from this time is startling in its intimacy: close-
ups of women kissing, in nude
embrace, bathing in colorful tubs in their homes… One of
Muholi’s most remarkable
images from this period is of a woman flattening her
breasts with white bandages in
order to appear more masculine- perhaps even passing as a
man. Another is of a
woman’s legs, made extraordinary by the presence of a
large scar running down the length of one thigh. (Wortham)
Through her art, Zanele is able to share meaningful stories of
joy and suffering. She is able to tell honest stories while
increasing awareness of global concerns.
As the numbers show, many Africans do not support equal
rights for the LGBT community. In some areas, homosexuals
are victims of harassment and physical violence. Government

3. officials have made derogatory remarks about their constituents.
Throughout the world, there have been heated debates over
sexual orientation and equal rights. Within certain situations,
people may feel uncomfortable or unsafe to openly discuss their
lifestyles. History has shown that intolerance can lead to great
suffering and destruction. For example, the Nazis tried to
exterminate the Jews and King Leopold II exploited citizens of
the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The world population will never reach one single,
homogenous belief system. However, everyone can benefit
from tolerance of different perspectives. Zanele Muholi’s
photography shares a unique narrative of human experience.
For those who will listen, these stories offer a great opportunity
to learn about different cultures and lifestyles.
Through education and understanding, we can create a
harmonious and safe environment for all human beings. In the
process, the human race may also gain a greater appreciation for
the differences amongst people.
Works Cited
Landau, Elizabeth, Zain Verjee, and Antonia Mortensen.
“Uganda President: Homosexuals are ‘Disgusting,’ “ CNN.
25 Feb. 2014. Web. Nov. 2015
<http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/24/world/africa/uganda-
homosexuality-interview/ >
Wortham, Jenna. “Transformations.” The New York Times
Magazine. 8 Oct. 2015. Web.
Nov. 2015. <
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/magazine/zanele-muholis-
transformations.html?ref=africa&_r=1 >
Vervatidis, Aurelie. “Zanele Muholi: Photography as a Tool for

4. Change.” Cape Chameleon. Issue 20. Web. Nov. 2015. <
http://www.capechameleon.co.za/printed-issue/issue- 20/art-
and-culture3/ >