Whilst I am appalled and disgusted at the assault … and I hope the Namibian authorities pursue vigorously those responsible …
I must admit there was a small part of me pleased to see this story as evidence of the steps of progress that there are in some areas of Africa in advancing LGBT rights and normalisation – if you had asked me before this whether there was a Mr Gay Namibia, to be honest, I would have laughed – pleased to learn my perception was wrong …
I agree with Stu, it is good to learn that there is such a thing as Mr Gay Namibia, and that intelligence and good character has clearly played a part in the competition. Also contestants must be quite brave to take part in the light of this story.
If a disabled person opens a business they are seen as special or as a hero. It’s so patronising its the same as implying a black out gay man is heroic or brave. It’s like patting him on the head
Having been awarded a commendation linked to bravery when I was in the police, I will concede that I was both honoured to receive it but also embarrassed by the fuss – I was just doing my job …
Equally, I would recognise that there are some exceptional circumstances (either from the military, 999 services or civilians) where the situation they are in and their decisions can be seen to be brave … and that is partly a recognition of the difficulties they were or are in at that time, and is not intended to be patronising – merely recognise that they have added complex issues to contend with that others may not have … whether that be due to an event eg explosion or due to political or cultural difficulties in their location …
Well you cam both thank me. I drew pn attention to rod 2.0 blog which is a brilliant. I bet you didnt know there was an lgbt conference in Ethopia too!
I had read something about an Ethiopian conference being planned – but hadnt heard any more about it … Just about to have a look at the site you mentioned
Rod 2.0 is a good blog with some great news from Africa and elsewhere …
Like every news site there were a couple of stories that I wasnt that interested in, but some that really caught my imagination …
Whilst I think PN will remain my main focus for LGBT news (coupled with the mainstream media), I will stop off at rod 2.0 a couple of times per week – partly for the additional stories, additional perspective and because it seems decent reporting …
I’d argue that this chap IS brave – it’s easy to forget that in certain parts of the world (indeed in certain parts of the UK), it takes guts to stand up and declare your sexuality.
From my comfortably progressive part of North London, I couldn’t be described as brave for being an out gay man…but Namibia? Probably…
Iam proud that Mr Gay Namibia was held in our counrty,it made few people realize that there are gay people and we are as equal as any one.There even jokeing around that we as gay people will get our rights to get merried and i hope so soon.Big thanks for the profesionals that did mr Gay Namibia.And to mr gay Namibia iam totaly sorry to what happend to you ,you have our support all the way
These comments are un-moderated and do not necessarily represent the views of PinkNews.co.uk. If you believe that a comment is inappropriate or libellous please click "Report" or email us. Terms and Conditions · Privacy Policy
Whilst I am appalled and disgusted at the assault … and I hope the Namibian authorities pursue vigorously those responsible …
I must admit there was a small part of me pleased to see this story as evidence of the steps of progress that there are in some areas of Africa in advancing LGBT rights and normalisation – if you had asked me before this whether there was a Mr Gay Namibia, to be honest, I would have laughed – pleased to learn my perception was wrong …
I agree with Stu, it is good to learn that there is such a thing as Mr Gay Namibia, and that intelligence and good character has clearly played a part in the competition. Also contestants must be quite brave to take part in the light of this story.
No the contestants are not brave or heros they are kust normal people like you and me
Er, you’re not normal James. Stu is. You’re not.
Rob
fak off you muppet
A muppet is still more normal than you James. You’re a f***** retard.
You guys maybe missing my point.
If a disabled person opens a business they are seen as special or as a hero. It’s so patronising its the same as implying a black out gay man is heroic or brave. It’s like patting him on the head
Thats one form of perspective …
Having been awarded a commendation linked to bravery when I was in the police, I will concede that I was both honoured to receive it but also embarrassed by the fuss – I was just doing my job …
Equally, I would recognise that there are some exceptional circumstances (either from the military, 999 services or civilians) where the situation they are in and their decisions can be seen to be brave … and that is partly a recognition of the difficulties they were or are in at that time, and is not intended to be patronising – merely recognise that they have added complex issues to contend with that others may not have … whether that be due to an event eg explosion or due to political or cultural difficulties in their location …
Well you cam both thank me. I drew pn attention to rod 2.0 blog which is a brilliant. I bet you didnt know there was an lgbt conference in Ethopia too!
@James!
Thank you.
I had read something about an Ethiopian conference being planned – but hadnt heard any more about it … Just about to have a look at the site you mentioned
@James!
Rod 2.0 is a good blog with some great news from Africa and elsewhere …
Like every news site there were a couple of stories that I wasnt that interested in, but some that really caught my imagination …
Whilst I think PN will remain my main focus for LGBT news (coupled with the mainstream media), I will stop off at rod 2.0 a couple of times per week – partly for the additional stories, additional perspective and because it seems decent reporting …
Interesting insight – Thank You
It’s a great blog I’ve been reading it for around 7 years
Stu: Whilst I am appalled and disgusted at the assault …
Oh…. How many assaults happens in UK? And you not appalled and disgusted about it… Oh….
@Rich of course people are appalled and disgusted about attacks in the U.K. as well. Haven’t you read peoples comments on this site?????
@Rich
I am not more appalled and disgusted at this particular assault than I would be an assault in the UK…
I have often commented on PN and elsewhere my concerns about other violent incidents …
Your point is …?
I’d argue that this chap IS brave – it’s easy to forget that in certain parts of the world (indeed in certain parts of the UK), it takes guts to stand up and declare your sexuality.
From my comfortably progressive part of North London, I couldn’t be described as brave for being an out gay man…but Namibia? Probably…
Iam proud that Mr Gay Namibia was held in our counrty,it made few people realize that there are gay people and we are as equal as any one.There even jokeing around that we as gay people will get our rights to get merried and i hope so soon.Big thanks for the profesionals that did mr Gay Namibia.And to mr gay Namibia iam totaly sorry to what happend to you ,you have our support all the way