NOVEMBER 26, 2011 Namibia held it`s first ever Mr. Gay Pageant, marking a significant chapter in a country that hasn’t exactly been welcoming to a group that feel largely ostracized and discriminated against by the Namibian society, It was not possible to even think about such an event some decades ago.
A 25 year old Pioneer Wendelinus Hamutenya was crowned as the First ever Mr. Gay Namibia 2011, he was chosen as the official representative of the LGBTI (Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender and Inter-sex) community .
The event is to create a positive image of the Lesbian Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and inter-sex( LGBTI) and to promote a Namibian society where all people are equally accepted as human beings, but his celebrations were short-lived after he (Hamutenya) was physically assaulted in a vicious attack a few of weeks after being crowned.
In an article sent to Caprivi Vision via e-mail, Hamutenya gave a speech where he explained the need for tolerance and acceptance of the LGBTI community in the Namibian nation.
Who is Hamutenya ?
I am Wendelinus Hamutenya born in a village called Oshalembe in Oukwanyama, Omusati Region, some of my strong points open-minded, honest, very understanding and a good adviser. I have a strong set of personality trades that would best describe me as a mature and friendly person and happy. I was thought as a child that being happy does not mean that everything is perfect, but rather it means one has to accept the imperfections of life. I was raised in a beautiful, loving and caring family environment.
According to Hamutenya during his speech“ It is my privilege to be here tonight and be part of this important contests to select an “All-Namibian” gay male, who not only excels in talent, but self-expression in mannerisms and ideals.” He said.
With this in mind, l believe that all of the Mr. Gay Namibia title holders as of tonight and the future should be, men who are proud of their masculinity and who have an ability to present themselves as an image and model of excellence in both homosexual and heterosexual societies!
I believe that the men selected annually as Mr. Gay Namibia will have a challenge in building the gap of understanding in modern society, that our country is rich with gay men and women with intelligence, talent, strong work ethics, morals, the spirit to succeed, and most importantly, the need to be heard and recognized. Although the selection has never been an easy task, l feel confident that each new Mr. Gay Namibia will continue in the tradition set before him, as a symbol of pride, excellence, and progress through determination.
There are still fellow citizens, perhaps neighbours, even loved ones good and decent people who hold fast to outworn arguments and old attitudes; who fail to see your families like their families; who would deny you the rights most Namibian take for granted. And that\’s painful and it\’s heartbreaking. Homosexuals are persons who certainly deserve respect, dignity and care. I would like to believe that we are all called children of God.
To everyone who believes God hates all gays and lesbians I would respond that God does not \”hate\” anyone. [For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 & The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2Peter 3:9]. “His children” are those that come to Him through Jesus Christ.
I would like to take this opportunity to bring to your attention to what Minister Jerry Ekandjo stated on television and urged newly graduated Police Officers and I quote “to eliminate gays and lesbians from the face of Namibia” and Minister Ekandjo told the 700 police men and women “even if gays and lesbians have a gay dog they must murder it”, and that coming from a Minister who is supposed to protect the rights of Namibians regardless of their sexual orientation, Mr Ekandjo’s claims that the constitution did not guarantee rights to homosexuals. This is not the first time, even the former President of Namibia Dr. Sam Nujoma has previously criticised the LGBTI community calling them “unnatural”, thereby taking a similar stance to his close ally, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
Homophobia makes many LGBTI people feel isolated, lonely and ashamed and as result this creates an environment in which LGBTI people are harassed and even attacked physically in their schools, communities homes. Homosexuality is a characteristic with which they are attached in the early childhood or at birth. Homosexuals do not choose their sexuality just as heterosexuals don’t, similar no one has control over his or her ethnic race, origin, outer appearance, or the class they are born in. l refer to basic human rights like the freedom of speech and association, liberty, and equal treatment in court as civil rights, because they are fundamental rights that each and every citizen should not be denied on the basis of their sex, race, or religious belief or sexual preference.
We as the LGBTI community have also fought for the freedom of this country and it\’s no secret that progress has been incredibly difficult, but these issues also go to the heart of who we are, as a people. Are we a nation that can transcend old attitudes and worn divides? Can we embrace our differences and look to the hopes and dreams that we share? Will we uphold the ideals on which this nation was founded: that all of us are equal, that all of us deserve the same opportunity to live our lives freely and pursue our chance at happiness? I believe we can; I believe we will.
Last but not least I would like to thank the Director Mr Joe who made this happen, the judges, my family and friends and to all of you who have voted for me, thanks you so much. God Bless you
What is the role of Mr. Gay Namibia?
Mr. Gay Namibia is a spokesperson dedicated to celebrating the beauty and diversity of manhood in Namibia. Recognising that “There’s more than one way to be man” A Man made Production launched officially Mr. Gay Namibia in August 2011 as a clarion call to unite the country’s gay men in presenting a fun, festive and friendly image of the gay community in Namibia. Mr. Gay Namibia aims to fearlessly …build interaction between mainstream culture and the contemporary gay scene. In doing so, Mr. Gay Namibia aims to promote equality, tolerance, understanding, and an authentic enjoyment of the cultural diversity that create a truly vibrant Namibian. The winner of Mr. Gay Namibia is a fine, fit and youthful specimen of manhood who is a confident and articulate Ambassador of the country’s gay populace.
Mr. Hamutenya is scheduled to represent the Country in April 2012 In Johannesburg, South Africa for Mr. Gay World Universe; he will also have the honor of representing Namibia in the annual Mr. Gay World spokesperson.
Loading …