Arts Graduate Raises LGTBI Awareness in Zimbabwe through Research

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Zimbabwean Ms Princess Sibanda worked among a group of lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual and intersex (LGTBI) people in her home country in pursuit of her Master’s in Drama and Performance Studies degree  which she was awarded during a UKZN Graduation ceremony.

Sibanda’s thesis was titled: “Performing Alternatives: Towards the Negotiation of space for Sexual Minorities in the Context of Homophobia in Zimbabwe”.

Her work led to a participatory play which engaged different sectors of Zimbabwean society in order to grow awareness about the LGTBI community, to challenge and shift negative perceptions around homosexuality in Zimbabwe and for the LGBTI community to regain dignity and humanity.

Sibanda hopes that her research gives society further insight into what it means to be part of the LGBTI community, from the perspective of the LGBTI people. ‘I hope a lot will be learnt from this narrative, most importantly the need to respect each other as equal human beings, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, colour or creed.’

Her supervisor, Dr Miranda Young-Jahangeer, said: ‘Princess’s thesis received a mark averaged at 93% with one professor in America giving it an unprecedented 100%! She will now be able to commute it to a PhD. Princess is an inspirational and brave young woman.’

‘Getting a 100% from one of the examiners - a reputable academic- blew my socks off and showed me that a person’s background does not determine their future - you are what you make of yourself,’ said Sibanda.

She encountered various challenges during her studies. ‘I was pretty disturbed by the xenophobic attacks. Although I left Durban unharmed during the period, the fear was in itself painful. Also, it took almost a year after my proposal was accepted, for me to get ethical clearance. The period of waiting is not friendly, particularly for foreign students like myself who have to pay for accommodation and food.’

She also experienced financial difficulties. ‘Moreover, the research involved a lot of rehearsal workshops and I had to cater for my participants because all of them were students.’

Sibanda is grateful to the Director of SAfAIDS, Mr Lois Chingandu, and the Director of ROOTS, Ms Beatrice Savadye, who gave her safe and free rehearsal space during her fieldwork and SAfAIDS for consultancy work during vacations. She thanked her supervisor who also arranged paid tutorials.

She further expressed gratitude to family and friends especially her sister-in-law who provided both moral and financial support.  ‘She always found a way to extend her hand, however difficult I made it for her.’

Sibanda, the first person in her family to graduate with a master’s degree, hopes to commute it to a PhD and sees herself as a future powerhouse in academia; an even stronger and daring human rights activist and mentor for young girls, and overall, a successful arts and entertainment consultant.

‘This achievement really means a lot to me, as an individual who comes from a very humble background.  When opportunities knock on your door, seize them and keep your eyes on the ball!

Melissa Mungroo