EDITORIAL: Discuss homosexuality openly
Coming out has gay or lesbian - or any kind of queer, for that matter - is extremely difficult, especially in a conservative nation like ours. Our society strongly enforces codes of behaviour regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, and most people receive the message that they must be heterosexual and act according to society’s definition of their gender.
It is for that exact reason that homosexuality and all sexual rights must be frankly discussed, even when it’s uncomfortable. A conformist society like ours will not just swallow sexual minorities’ gospel hook, line and sinker.
There are bound to be ugly and hurtful exchanges before everyone accepts the inalienable obligation of respecting the next person and their choices. After all, one must unavoidably break an egg to make omelette.
Judgement is not just inevitable, but necessary for humanity. Because how can we know something if we don’t judge it? There is nothing wrong with judging things for what they are. It’s when people judge things for what they’re not that they have all these false assumptions about them. So, let’s openly converse.
The longer we keep a tight lid on this emotive topic - in order to protect feelings in the short-term while the crux of the issue remains unresolved - the longer it will take for Namibians to generally be on the same wavelength. Again, it’s not only okay to judge people, it’s also necessary. Judgement implies thinking carefully about something and eventually adopting an informed position.
It is for that exact reason that homosexuality and all sexual rights must be frankly discussed, even when it’s uncomfortable. A conformist society like ours will not just swallow sexual minorities’ gospel hook, line and sinker.
There are bound to be ugly and hurtful exchanges before everyone accepts the inalienable obligation of respecting the next person and their choices. After all, one must unavoidably break an egg to make omelette.
Judgement is not just inevitable, but necessary for humanity. Because how can we know something if we don’t judge it? There is nothing wrong with judging things for what they are. It’s when people judge things for what they’re not that they have all these false assumptions about them. So, let’s openly converse.
The longer we keep a tight lid on this emotive topic - in order to protect feelings in the short-term while the crux of the issue remains unresolved - the longer it will take for Namibians to generally be on the same wavelength. Again, it’s not only okay to judge people, it’s also necessary. Judgement implies thinking carefully about something and eventually adopting an informed position.
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Namibian Sun
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