You ask me how did I become so strong? I had no choice. As a gay black man in South Africa you have no choice but to be strong. I grew up being hated on by my fellow black folk simply because I was gay. I received more acceptance from white people in terms of my sexual orientation even though I was cognizant of the fact that they too hated me because of my melanin.
I was not going to dim my shine to accommodate the next person’s inferiority!
A black person that hates gay people because they are gay is no different to a white person that hates black people because they are black.
Homophobia and racism all stem from the same place of self-hate that results in one inflicting pain on another because of their own internal battles. So I made the conscious decision to always be true to who I was and always find a reason to be happy. It is that choice that has continued to elevate me in all aspects of my life and I have thrived in all that I do.
When you reach the epitome of comfort in one’s skin, you become an unapologetic warrior that shakes up every environment you walk into. As a result, people are shaken before you even utter a single word.
Always love your child unconditionally and remind them that they are beautiful. Remind them that they do not need validation from the rest of the world.
You also need to be strong because when your child is weak; they will rely on your strength in order to rise up like the wind and soar like an eagle.
Yes they will face countless incidents of racism, sexism, homophobia, psychological emasculation and even internalised homophobia!
But they will be alright.
With love, acceptance and understanding they will grow to become steadfast warriors that can face anything in the world.
Remember, a diamond is only coal that has gone through immense pressure.
Regards
Madodanzima Prince Musa
