This film reflects the voices of African lesbians who have been brave enough to share their experiences of hate crimes.
Night shot of city
Female VO, shouting Stop hate crime
Rape doesn’t pay.
Down with rape, down with dissemination,
down with stigma.
VO, during tracking shot, street - night What if your child was a lesbian?
Male VO, during tracking shot of street - night I would chase her away out of the house.
VO You would kick her out of the house
Male VO and go live with lesbians, where they live or where they belong. I think there’s a place for them.
COMM: Every year in September, Johannesburg, South Africa, holds the biggest streets before pride, black lesbians create a space where they can express themselves openly and freely.
We have workshops, we talk about different issues, like non-heterosexual women and human rights
Male VO, images of women in courtyard Maybe the whites can be lesbians?
Male VO, images of women in courtyard Because this thing comes from the whites
Male VO, images of women in courtyard seriously its from whites, not from the black people. You’re just adopting it.
Male VO, images of women in courtyard Are you going to be at Miss lesbian tonight?
I will be the MC tonight.
Buhle VO-Beauty pageant She sorts of wants to be a man
Buhle VO-Beauty pageant but she’s a woman sexual identity crisis kind of a thing…
Buhle VO-Beauty pageant she thinks she’s a man but she’s a woman.
Keba VO, kebaon stage We were walking on stage as lesbians as friends it was just nice I just felt like wearing a skirt and doing a girl dance
I’m good at it and I did it. I expressed the person whose in me.
I broke all the chains that deprive me from expressing that.
“God, I am a woman now” “people can see that I am a woman”
Keba Keba dancing on roof top
“…not actually a man!”
Keba dancing on rooftop COMM: To many South African lesbians, there’s a clear distinction. You are either a masculine or a feminine lesbian. Hence the term Butch or Fem.
Miss lesbian… can be butch or Fem.
Bathni VO We just started dating today. But, first we became friends.
Bathini Bathini MCU to camera
Bathini VO, Keba walking, We’ve got so many things in common… with Keba
Keba walking MCU How does it feel to be back in your township?
It feels good I’m back home.
Even though I can’t stay because of all those problems.
I really don’t know my mum
She doesn’t know that I am a lesbian
We don’t have a relationship. That’s the way we are.
It’s just this woman and this little girl.
Here the picture of my mum.
What about your dad?
Same thing. I know my dad.
We don’t have a relationship. Its just, “hi how are you?”
Keba showing grandma bed This was my side…
and this was granny’s side…
Keba holding teddy bear And between us this little one…
And that was four years back.
Did you use to cuddle up to your granny?
Yeah she was my mum.
Keba & bathini standing outside keba’s house
The other one was asking me If I was Keba’s girlfriend?
I said nothing honestly
They suspected, that’s why they asked you that.
They didn’t even ask you They told that you, “you are” my girlfriend and then you laughed. So, its like that then!
I didn’t think they could say me something like that.
That’s why I laughed
Bathini in car laughing COMM: Before they could tell me their stories of hate crimes, each of the girls invited me into their homes in the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Bathini’s Township Alexandra Tracking shot of township
Bathini standing outside her house, MCU My mum didn’t ask me such things
until she saw for herself
my girlfriend coming here to look for me
She was so angry
She chased her away
carrying stones.
in kitchen This is the kitchen Lovinsa.
It’s not so bad as you can see for yourself.
I’m a church goer and read the bible.
Bathini’s Mum Mum sitting in chair/living room
I understand what the bible says.
Bathini is doing things which are not in the bible.
I used to hit Bathini very hard
Sometimes…
I hit her until she bled
Are you ok now…?
I am fine. It’s her choice.
Everyone’s got there choice
She knows why she’s doing this.
Pan to bathini Bathini where is your dad?
My dad?
I don’t know
How did he want to destroy your lives?
Pan between bathini and mum I can’t even explain it
It just bores me.
He wanted me to be his girlfriend.
He wanted to sleep with her.
For money for maintenance
Bathini MCU He was saying to me,
“how can you plant a peach tree if you never eat those peaches?”
To me!
Bathini hugging Zanele
COMM: At the age of fifteen, Bathini was raped by her father. The case was never fully investigated.
Women in courtayrd This year black lesbians have an agenda, Hate crime. Over the last few years there has been a growing concern of rape specifically targeted at black lesbians in townships. In preparation for pride the women build a float with the message, The Rose has Thorns, a campaign against hate crimes.
Johannesburg Women in courtyard
Mary Mary walking in car park
The one who was with me
Mary showing area where rape took place positioned me over here
he had me lie down here on my back
and its where he repeatedly raped me.
The other one who was with my partner
he had her lie over here
and it is where he removed her pants…
He also ended up bashing her head against this spot
and punched her in her face.
Pointing at camera A woman will explain to you I was raped by a friend of mine who took a bottle of beer
Zanele Pointing at camera
and pushed it inside my vagina.
Time lapse cranes, night How can a lesbian be raped?
She’s a man.
Tracking shot city at night Early this year
I was raped by a friend who is gay
Keba on screen He told me that he was going To teach me a lesson
And it was going to show me that I’m a girl…
he was going to rape me.
Blurred traveling images from side mirror of car
COMM: Bathini and her male gay friend were gang raped in a hotel late at night.
Patrick was holding the gun.
Bathini on screen He was saying to me “open your legs bitch!”
He was swearing at me big time
Shutter speed images of blurred lights “You think you are a man?”
and he was saying to my gay friend…
“you think you can be a woman? Ok let me make you my woman”
Bathini on screen so they were busy changing the whole night.
These people didn’t even use condoms.
Keba on screen The guy was my friend I thought that he was my friend.
Then he raped me because I’m a lesbian.
He was aggressive and if I tried to cry
he threatened to use screwdrivers or tools
He didn’t use a condom
I asked him to use it he didn’t
he told me he was going to give me
whatever he had
meaning HIV or AIDS.
Police car/sirens- night Did you go to the police?
No
Not the same day.
Mary walking in corridor
COMM: Through sheer determination, Mary tracked down a sheebin in a block of flats where her rapist was hanging out.
The one who was on top of me
he came past me
I pretended I do not recognize him
Mary on screen I’ve called the flying-squad
the flying-squad told me to call the Hilbrow Police station…
I saw police vehicles passing in the street…
I told them I’ve got my case number…
because I had the case number on me.
Mary walking in corridor
COMM: For five consecutive days Mary waited for the police to arrive, while her rapist came in and out of he block of flats
Mary walking- corridor On the very last day
It was him and the other one who was with my partner as well
I called the flying squad again
…said to them I’m taking the matter up with the press.
I’m going to write an article about it… also…
Mary on screen - wide I’m ex-member of The South African Police Reserve’s Force.
I think that gave them a fright…
Immediately They said I mustn’t worry they would send someone.
The didn’t want to accompany me…
I thought I’ve got police protection.
They said to me, “go up and see if they’re still up there…”
“then come back and inform us”.
Police car -sirens/lights The police told us to go report where the incident happened.
I was like…“we don’t even know where we were!”
I know where these people hang out.
Bathini on screen Time went by
I started having a funny smell
my vagina was smelling very bad
I started having
small pimples…It was a rash.
Tracking shot-city Luckily I found a good nurse
Bathini on screen Then she said to me “you’ve been sleeping around”
“why if you sleep around you don’t use a condom?”
“I don’t even have a boyfriend”
“if you only knew”.
Tracking of building
The surgeon told my partner she had a tampon lodged deep in her womb
The reason why the guy was punching her
he kept on complaining that she’s also not co-operating
because the tampon was blocking him from penetrating it got removed from her but she was in terrible pain
because there was no way of removing it just by hand.
Keba on screen The doctor came he examined me
Then he started asking me homophobic questions
“Why do you have to be a lesbian?”
“And why are you wearing a cross with the sign of Jesus Christ?”
Zanele on screen squatting by large photo
We knew at the hospital that she was going to lose the case
because the doctor’s report.
Which said there was no forceful penetration.
Keba on screen
Which basically says man’
‘he didn’t force himself onto her.’
What’s happening to the case now?
Nothing is really happening
I have been trying to call the sergeant whose handling the case he’s telling me he’s going to inform me in advance
he hasn’t
I gave him each and every number where he would find me
he hasn’t called or even a message. Nothing, just nothing.
Basically I think they’ve dropped the case
without informing me.
I then met him on the 28th of August.
He literally came to me threatened me
telling me he wants money I don’t know what money.
He just threatened me and I was scared off course.
Time-lapse of high way I feel so bad Lovinsa
because these guys are still out there.
And I can bet you my life they’re still doing it.
Time-lapse of high way
COMM: One of the fears for Keba Mary and Bathini was contracting sexually transmitted diseases. All three girls tested negative to HIV. And because of Mary’s determination, her rapist has sentenced to fifteen years in imprisonment.
Still images of township
If I hear in the street your child has been raped
I will feel the pain
but then I will tell my child‘ you must change your life now.’
‘They raped you, to see if you are a real lady or a guy.’
Girls playing in courtyard
Culturally speaking as Africans I don’t think its good for our culture but since we are moving and things are changing I can tolerate the change control.
but they should be under
Zanele sitting by her photos-MCU
Do you dislike men?
I have no reason to hate men.
some men.
I just don’t like the behavior of
I think a person is pushing it far
when they go as far as beating a woman
or worse simply because of…
Market township- men how she feels or because she’s a lesbian.
Its not only men who commit these crimes
it’s also our girlfriends, mothers and so on.
I really have no reason to hate men
Market township
COMM: It is said, every twenty-nine seconds in South Africa a woman is raped. It would be far too easy to generalize on the obvious cause of hated motivated crimes. However, abuse seems to be the main concern for lesbians, even within the community, violence seems to be the ongoing theme.
Buhle on abusive relationships-courtyard
There’s a lot of abuse between women.
There’s one partner of mine I’m very scared of her.
If she comes right now, I will run for my life I’m so scared of her.
She used to beat me up!
Why did you take it?
I loved her, that’s the problem
We stick because we love people and they take advantage of us
that’s basically the problem.
man.
A man? Seriously, I’ll murder the
Voxpox, girl in white shirt.
Its taking advantage.
Maybe I work and you do not work.
Then I find some fault in you when I’m stressed out because of work or whatever issues that I have
Then I beat you up.
There was a time when I was tired, Lovinsa Thinking: “I’m not going to let her beat me again” “I’m just going to beat her too” Bathini explaining fight
Then I tried… she was so mad! She was wearing a t-shirt… she took off her t-shirt, “yeah lets fight…”
Buhle and Bathini argue But this one deserved it.
Why do you say I deserved it?
She wants to control you
Don’t say I’m a control freak.
She does things that really Piss you off
What kind of thing? Like this thing you’re doing right now What am I doing? Because I’m just standing right now?
Buhle on screen …no woman deserves to be beaten up.
voxpox: That’s the kind of love they know. They think if you love someone You beat her up.
voxpox You control the person, When you love, you control them
Keba walking in her township I used to blame myself that maybe if I wasn’t born.. my mum wouldn’t have been a prostitute maybe if I wasn’t born, my dad would’ve pursued his studies.
Keba sitting on roof top
What I need to know right now why did they have to give birth to me then abandon me? The only thing I need from them, is those answers and then that’s it.
Pictures of Keba I’ve cried a lot I’ve talked a lot now its time to do something better for myself.
So I make my own choices and build my own life.
Bathini MCU with her head bent down Did you ever think about the rape by your friends… and the rape of your father… Did you ever put the two together at all?
Bathini on screen
The people who where doing these things to me didn’t feel any pain for me so why should I feel pain for the others? I feel that I’m heartless.
I don’t know, whether I heart you or… I make you happy it’s up to you… I don’t fucking care. I feel like I don’t have feelings It’s more like I don’t have a heart
I don’t know…
Why haven’t you told your mother about the rape?
Pictures of Bathini and her mum If I tell her that thing is going to eat her up. And thinking it’s been long since it had happened She’ll think that I don’t trust her.
But the minute she gets better I think I’ll tell her but not now If I tell her in the situation she’s in I think she can pass out.
She was telling me she can’t sleep at night. She’s telling me that there’s this voice that speaks to her at night The voice tells her that she must stand up sit up straight so that she could rest.
She wakes up then she sits
she doesn’t sleep.
Tracking shot- side of railway line
COMM: Three weeks after, Bathini’s mother died of an AIDS related disease. Bathini never got a chance to tell her about the rape.
Buhle MCU, outside At the end of the day, I think I’m scared of being alone. I’m scared of being lonely. Actually I’m scared of being by myself
Buhle MUC inside I’m scared of what I might discover. That’s why I keep throwing Myself at these people who Don’t appreciate me.
loves birds…
Hey, its hard to be alone Lovinsa. Especially, if you’re surrounded with these
Living… with HIV it’s not easy
Buhle on screen-crying Have you ever woken up…In the morning? Had a simple cough? and thought to yourself this cough might bring me to my last end? This cough might just finish me?
I’m a strong person, I know that but every time I have this simple cough…I think
this might be TB. I go so crazy
This is my son
He’s just woken up
Buhle carrying her son
COMM: Bule’s son is five years old and he’s HIV negative
Buhle carrying her son This is my strength he’s big now, he’s so heavy… I like lifting him but…
he’s getting heavier by the second
Buhle on screen sitting in chair- low-angle How come I ended up with a child?
Buhle MCU
I think its one of those stages when you’re a little bit confused searching for yourself you’re in denial of who you are. and you end up doing things…
I would say Percy gave me I’m sure of it. He used to do things people would tell me “we saw him with other girls…”
Buhle walking down alley in her township
I have passed that point in my life When I say“ I want to know who gave it to me.”
The fact is, I have it. The only thing I have to do is be strong and live for my child.
Buhle walking in township
COMM: Buhley was a counselor with an AIDS/HIV organization. When they discovered her sexuality, she was dismissed from work. Being a lesbian with HIV carries a huge stigma.
Buhle MCU sitting in chair
People talk, people like talking. there’s nothing that we can do to stop people from talking. They put it in this way
“it is a punishment from God”
They say that.
Zanele inside moving train
COMM: South Africa has one of the youngest constitution in the world. And it is one of the first to include a sexual orientation clause. But, in reality and as part of the struggle for equality, what does the constitution mean to a black lesbian?
Zanele sitting outside on bench by her photographs
I know it has to do with equality people not being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, race gender… And also for us to know that we can be free as gay people in the country. It means we have moved on as South Africans.
But honestly speaking…
It’s just a text book.
Pride parade images.
COMM: At Pride this year, instead of concentrating on drag queens, South Africa’s radio and television stations, paid attention to the campaign, The Rose Has Thorns.
Zanele speaking from radio station
We are going there to make a statement. To raise awareness that we need all the service providers policemen to know that they need to do something about the hate crimes
that are happening in our Townships.
Images of pride-Buhle VO
I’m proud I’m celebrating me the freedom of movement and expression…all those things. And looking back, you think “wow, actually we’ve gone so far!” It’s an achievement
fifteen years of fighting against the homophobic’s of this world
it’s an achievement.
Buhle poetry, she’s wearing dark shades
COMM: Gay activist believe, if there is legislation which clearly defines and includes hate crimes, then South Africa would create an attitude of zero tolerance towards hate motivated crimes and violence against women. As symbolized by the Thorns on the Rose, women refuse to become victims of there sexuality, but, they also need protection, which can only be effectively enforced through government legislation. For now, small battles are conquered, while the struggle continues.
Buhle wearing dark shades
This box that I have been forced to live inside for being homosexual. This box that said I am un-African I do not belong and I’m abnormal.
This box that said, I need a man to change. Today I break this box that said I can not be a good mother and a lesbian
that I can not love my son and date women.
Today I break this box that said I deserve HIV it’s a punishment from God. That said I deserve to die of AIDS it’s the illness of the wicked.
I break all these boxes.
Although her rapist still lives within her Township, Keba has had no option but to move back home. However, she fights on. Her aim is to complete her degree in Chemical Engineering
Keba dancing on rooftop
At present Bathini’s employed as an outreach worker for victims of rape in Townships. Being raped will always be a painful memory, but more importantly, the battle now is to cope with the death of her mother.
Bathini sitting down in courtyard, laughing
Buhle’s on the waiting list for anti-retroviral drugs. Her condition fluctuates. The joy and love she gains from her son gives her the strength and spirit to fight on. Buhle walking backwards in township
Mary remains strong and determined. She works as a researcher/consultant at the Gay and Lesbian Archives to support her two teenage daughters single handedly.
Mary sitting with her daughter outside
Gay activist Zanele continues to cause controversy with her black and white photographic exhibition.
Wide- Zanele standing by her photos
With major funding in place, The Rose Has Thorns increases to raise awareness of issues of hate crimes and support women affected by it. Keba, Buhle and Bathini -Buhle waving.