Education works wonders, says Alex gay rights activist Asser Nkosi

Alexandra’s gay rights activist Asser Nkosi, who had his story of victimisation and humiliation for his sexual orientation published in Alex News, has some warm words of gratitude both for the newspaper and the community at large.

The story was published on Page 3 of Alex News [Week ending 13 November 2020] and outlined how Nkosi was tormented by his peers and grown-ups alike, his sin was being different from what is perceived as ‘normal’ which he acknowledges that it was never something that he asked for in the first place.

Nkosi (21) said he was ostracised by parents of his peers who kept on urging their kids not to play with him as he was not a ‘straight’ person and often used abusive words like inkonkoni, isitabane, and intondolo, all of which referred to a gay person.

Since the publication of the article, Nkosi said life and attitudes have changed for the better. “I get stopped in the street and congratulated for taking a stand against the victimisation of gay people, something which never happed before.

“People stop me and urge me to fight on. They tell me nothing comes cheap and you must fight for your rights the same way people fought against apartheid. If you sit down and moan about it without trying to educate the community, nothing will change. Fight them with awareness campaigns and they will stop and listen to you.”

The media studies student at Boston City College said he was pleased with the change of heart from the people of his community and urged them to accept and embrace not just him but others too who are ‘different’ as they did not ask for it.

“I took my story from online (Alex News site) and posted it to various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so that people across the world can read it and it has worked wonders.”