Media Coverage Of Malawi Convictions Erases Chimbalanga’s Identity As A Woman

[Shana A]

Media Coverage Of Malawi Convictions Erases Chimbalanga's Identity As A Woman

http://lezgetreal.com/?awesm=fbshare.me_AMx9d&p=34105

05/21/10-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
At what point is a gay man not a gay man? When she is a woman. The case in Malawi has shown something rather horrific about the media and about even the LGBT media. The couple who were sentenced to fourteen years in prison for "unnatural acts" is not a gay couple. They are a straight couple. Tiwonge Chimbalanga does not identify as a man; instead, she identifies as a woman. This creates something of an inconvenient narrative for many media outlets. This information is coming to light only just now. Several quotes from Ms Chimbalanga have been altered or ignored by many media outlets in order to make this about a gay couple instead of a straight couple involving a man and a transwoman.

One statement by Ms Chimbalanga goes "I am just a woman who loves my man. I'd rather remain in prison than to be released into a world where I am kept away from Steven." However, the way this was printed was "I'd rather remain in prison than to be released into a world where I am kept away from Steven."

[LordKAT]

The United States strongly condemns the conviction and harsh sentencing of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi. The criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity is unconscionable, and this case mars the human rights record of Malawi. We urge Malawi and all countries to stop using sexual orientation or gender identity as the basis for arrest, detention, or execution.

but go ahead and use to fire, or refuse housing to people.  US needs to get it straight.

Slight off topic but still, why can US want equality in African countries but not at home. Those 2 people (or anyone) don't deserve it no matter what country they are from or in.