Now I will be the first to admit that my grasp of politics has its limitations. Yet, as I queued up on Wednesday to participate in this year’s seventh general election, I found myself wondering about the emotions surrounding the act of voting. From the weight of individual choices to the hesitance or uncertainty some might feel, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own identity and its potential impact on my vote. As an Indian, queer male, I questioned what impact my vote will have, its potential for influence, and whether I perceived it as an obligation or a responsibility.
Since 1994, South Africa has dedicated itself to advancing progressive legislative protections for the LGBTQIA+ community, both domestically and internationally, by enacting national laws and ratifying global and regional treaties aimed at combating discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity (SOGI). However, despite the country’s liberal legal framework, numerous LGBTQIA+ individuals find themselves caught up in a system heavily marked by social or economic marginalisation, where instances of violence against them often go unaddressed. This, along with the intersection of internal fragmentation, funding constraints, and perceived political marginalisation presents formidable obstacles to LGBTQIA+ involvement in politics.
But why would marginalisation still be a growing concern for LGBTQIA+ persons? Even today?
There still appears to be a sense of disillusionment stemming from a lack of representation of their issues and perspectives in political spheres. This disillusionment often leads individuals to retreat from political processes altogether. The feeling of being overlooked undermines trust in political institutions and leaders and eventually casts doubt on the system’s efficacy and integrity and electoral activities.
The belief that their voices carry little weight still acts as a significant deterrent to engagement. This deep-seated feeling of alienation further drives individuals to detach from civic life and political discourse.
In 2017, Triangle Project (Triangle) and the LGBTQ Victory Institute commissioned a research report into the political participation of Lesbain, Gay, Bisexaul, Trans, Intersex and Queer (LGBTQIA+) persons. The report found that political activism and participation, aside from experiences of marginalisation, was hindered by the fragmentation of the LGBTQ sector in terms of access to funding and resources as well as the perceived closure of political spaces to meaningful engagement.
Seven years later, these insights remain relevant. Discord among LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups hampers cohesive action, while limited financial support disproportionately affects smaller LGBTQ+ groups, limiting their capacity for advocacy and community engagement. The perception of unwelcoming political arenas further erodes trust in LGBTQIA + activists and groups.
This frustration underscores a larger dilemma: feeling damned whether one chooses to vote or not, especially when the disconnect between political rhetoric and lived experiences is acutely felt.
Despite feelings of exclusion, why was casting that vote important? Especially as an LGBTQIA+ person?
Voting acts as a mechanism for individuals to exert empowerment and exercise agency. It is seen as a way to defend hard-fought rights and protections, ensuring that progress made in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights is upheld and expanded upon. These individuals recognize that political decisions have tangible impacts on their lives, influencing issues such as healthcare access, employment opportunities, and legal protections.
Moreover, by engaging in the political process, queer individuals can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for themselves and view voting as a powerful tool for effecting positive change and advancing their rights and interests within the political arena.
But What efforts were made to improve LGBTQIA+ participation in this year’s elections?
Looking back on the Big Queer Election Debate that took place in Tshwane on May 17th, it’s clear that the event marked a significant milestone for LGBTQIA+ involvement in politics. Organised by Queer Quantity, it provided a unique opportunity for the queer community to gain insights into where different political parties stood on issues of LGBTIQ+ equality and their plans to address community challenges.
The debate was characterised by thorough questioning and meaningful dialogue, emphasising core values such as equality, diversity, and respect for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Esteemed queer leaders from major political parties like the ANC, DA, EFF, UDM, Rise Mzansi, and others participated, using the platform to showcase their dedication to the LGBTIQ+ community.
Having queer representatives from each participating party allowed for a close examination and assessment of their policies and actions concerning LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion- In the coming months, I wonder how evident it will be that the debate played a crucial role in advancing LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation in the political arena (and whether it will show in our votes when results are announced).
To ensure that the impact of their vote is felt after the elections, queer individuals must continue to hold elected officials accountable and actively engage in advocacy efforts. Queer voters can pressure policymakers to enact meaningful change and dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
Coalition-building is essential. Queer voters can forge alliances with other marginalised groups, such as people of colour, women, and persons with disabilities, to amplify their collective voices and advocate for intersectional policies that address the intersecting forms of oppression they face.
While we all agree that political awareness and participation in elections is crucial, we need to stop assuming that LGBTQIA+ individuals inherently gravitate towards political participation purely because of their familiarity with social and economic exclusion- It just oversimplifies the complex dynamics of political engagement within the queer community.
While it is true that many individuals may have firsthand experiences with social and economic exclusion, LGBTQIA+ people’s involvement in politics is influenced by many things beyond personal hardship. Contrasting identities, backgrounds, and perspectives shape an individual’s relationship with politics in more ways than one- Moreover, varying levels of political awareness and access to resources further complicate this dynamic. Some individuals may be deeply engaged in political activism, while others may feel disconnected or disenfranchised from the political process as a whole.
