Call for usage of Constitution to break toxic belief systems

September 4, 2024 30

Non-profit organisation, OUT LGBT Well-being, says once people are better educated on the Constitution, only then will they understand that no one has the right to harm anyone if they don’t agree with how they choose to identify.

OUT LGBT is reacting to four, known separate cases, of queer people who lost their lives last month.

In Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal, a lesbian couple, Nombulelo Bhixa and Minenhle Ngcobo, were shot dead, allegedly, by one of the victim’s ex-lovers.

In the Eastern Cape’s city of Gqeberha, 32-year-old Xolani Xaka was murdered outside his home, in a suspected hate crime – while in Gauteng, 22-year-old Clement Hadebe, a young and vibrant transgender woman, was gunned down by unknown individuals after going out with some friends.

OUT LGBT Well-being’s Civil Society Engagement Officer, Sibonelo Ncanana, says toxic masculinity, which is evident in the country’s high murder rate, is a major problem.

Clinical psychologist, Anele Siswana, agrees with the organisation.

He says education through using the Constitution as a road map will help break harmful belief systems within communities.

Siswana says the recent cases clearly exhibit toxic masculinity and compulsory heteronormativity.

He describes compulsory heteronormativity as a concept that suggest that heterosexuality is the only valid or acceptable sexual orientation, while toxic masculinity refers to cultural norms that promote harmful behaviours and attitudes in men over women.

Below Siswana analyses two of the recent cases:

In the first story involving the Pietermaritzburg couple, he says, the ex-lover was frustrated by his former partner’s gender identity, which may have internalised rigid gender norms that dictate what it means to be a “real man.”

He says the man’s frustration could indicate a struggle with accepting non-traditional gender roles, resulting in hostility towards someone who does not conform to his expectations.

And in the case involving Hadebe, Siswana says the man involved in the transgender woman’s murder likely experienced feelings of betrayal and anger, which can stem from societal expectations that men should exert control over their relationships.

He says both these cases clearly indicate how toxic masculinity can manifest in violent and aggressive behaviours when men feel their identity or authority is challenged.

The clinical psychologist also highlighted the importance of a systematic approach when these conversations are being had, especially the importance of having mental health education.

And while exploring one’s sexuality might be taboo in some cultures or communities, Siswana has assured Yires that questioning their sexuality or gender identity is a normal and often a necessary part of self-discovery.

However, he notes that societal pressures and stereotypes can make this process more difficult, leading to internal conflicts and external hostility towards those who don’t conform to societal expectations.

A reason why he emphasises the importance of education, access to accurate information and support through mental health professionals.

Written by: Nokwazi Qumbisa

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