Lesbian Crowned As Mr NWU Causes Divided On Twitter. This weekend North West University crowned a lady who identifies herself as a lesbian.
This weekend North West University crowned a lady who identifies herself as a lesbian. The lady was crowned as Mr North West University, this had people on social media divided the event. The woman, by the name of Hope Nokuthula Bhuda, won the title on Saturday. The pageant aimed at challenging stances on beauty and sexuality.
The poster read, “Are you shorter than you friends? Are you a member of LGBTI+ family? Are you a human being? Are you bigger than size 32?” One Twitter user by the name of Lola Sibilanga says the concept of the event was to “BREAKING THE CODE”, no matter their sexuality, body size or height. “The theme for this year was BREAKING THE CODE, which means anyone could enter, irregardless of their sexuality, body size, height and other things, now when it came to queer people who entered they were asked how they identify in terms of pronouns (He, she, they, them),” says the Twitter user.
Some tweeps were against the process of the pageant. One tweep says, “This makes no sense, lesbian has nothing to do with gender identity, it’s a sexual orientation.” One tweep says, “And management agrees with this nonsense. So if I see identity as a Ms or woman or female am I (born a male) allowed to stay in a woman’s hostel…” One tweep says, “Next up, Male students who identify as Ms competing in NWU athletics and winning all the medals.”
Some tweeps stood up for the pageant. One tweep says, “There’s nothing wrong with a female being crowned Mr. NWU, it was a #BreakTheCode pageant meaning members of the LGBTI are allowed to enter the competition. Learn to understand situations.” One tweep says the same people who are against the lesbian winning Mr NWU would be against a gay person getting the same position. The tweep says, “The people who have a problem with a lesbian winning Mr NWU would still be angry if a gay person had won.” The Director of Corporate Communication at the North West University, Louis Jacobs, told DRUM Magazine that the advocacy of sexuality and gender is of significance to the tertiary institution.
“Gender and sexuality is a critical component of the diversity focus of the NWU. We embrace and respect the rights of all our staff and students to express themselves in whatever way they wish to.” The Director of Corporate Communications at the North West University went on to say that the matter will be handled further. “Management has taken note of the issues raised by certain stakeholders regarding the crowning Mr NWU Mafikeng Campus over the weekend. A report has been received from the organisers of the event and the matter will now be handled further,” says Louis Jacobs.
The tweets:
by Alexandra Ramaite
