"Same-sex" Malawi couple splits

[Butterfly]

"Same-sex" Malawi couple splits
By Miranda Simon
09 June, 2010


http://www.salon.com/life/broadsheet/2010/06/09/malawi_gay_couple/


Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, reportedly the first "gay" couple to attempt marriage in Malawi, were recently released from jail after six months of imprisonment. Just a week later, though, Monjeza has found a new partner -- and her name is Dorothy.

There were signs of the split during the trial: "I have had enough," he said. "I was forced into the whole drama and I regret the whole episode. I want to live a normal life ... not a life where I would be watched by everyone, booed and teased." Gay rights campaigners blame the couple's breakup on fears of violent retribution. Monjeza's uncle was reportedly determined to prevent them from getting back together after being released. Chimbalanga was warned not to set foot in the village or they would "deal with him." Queerty writes that Monjeza's sudden conversion hints at societal pressure and quotes him as saying that he didn't want to be associated with "gay trash."