When one discovers that even in these modern times there are still countries that disempower the LGTBQI+ community, shock waves trickle through the veins. Therefore when an influential public figure stands up against such prejudice, it spawns about feelings of hope for the LGTBQI+ community.
One such an individual is Mzansi's icon, Somizi Mhlongo. The performer extraordinaire, Somizi, slammed Zambia's Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Reverend Godfridah Sumaili for not standing up to what he preaches about.
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Somgaga, as he is affectionately known, was invited by promoters from PR Girl Media for an event called the Lusaka July, but was banned from attending the event. Somizi was invited to speak on the dynamics of being a homosexual.
However it seems the Minister had other plans, as it was reported that he banned Somizi because he feared that his presence would "dilute" the Zambian citizens Christian values.
According to News Diggers, Somizi Mhlongo was quoted as saying the following:
“First of all I was invited to some event in Zambia, I think so, when I heard I was not allowed or banned from the country I rolled my eyes because I never at any point intended to visit Zambia in the first place, I did not even know they had issues with people that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI). When I realized that I felt so bad for the LGBTQI living in that country."
Minister Simaili is clearly old fashioned about all things related to morality. In case the Minister's name sounds familiar... Some time last year, the same Minister prohibited South African dance sensation and reality television star, Zodwa Wabantu from performing in Zambia. He also believed that her "dancing pantyless" clashed with the morals of the country.
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Whether they are oblivious or not, celebrities have so much impact and if used correctly such as in the case of Somizi, a lot can be changed in the world.
