DOCSLIB.ORG

Queer Spiritualities: Experiences of Black Lesbian Women in Bloemfontein

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Queer Spiritualities: Experiences of Black Lesbian Women in Bloemfontein Queer Spiritualities: Experiences of black lesbian women in Bloemfontein By Nombulelo Esther Towa Mini-Dissertation Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree MASTER OF ARTS In GenDer StuDies At The University of the Free State Bloemfontein Supervisor: Dr. NaDine Lake Co-Supervisor: Prof. Luvuyo Ntombana 2019 DECLARATION I, Nombulelo Towa, declare that I am the sole author of this mini-dissertation titled Queer Spiritualities: Experiences of black lesbian women in Bloemfontein. No part of this mini-dissertation has been previously submitted at the University of the Free State or any other Higher Education institution. Any previous work, ideas, techniques or other material from other people are fully acknowledged as contributions to this mini-dissertation. i ABSTRACT Research on lesbian women and their sexuality has increased since the adoption of a democratic constitution in South Africa. A large part of the research has focused on the prevalence of corrective rape committed on black lesbians in South African townships. Research has also been conducted on the lived experiences of homosexuals who identify as Christian, however this research focuses predominantly on Christian’s attitudes toward homosexuals. The primary obJective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of how black lesbian women construct meaning and define their lived experiences with reference to their sexual orientation and spirituality. This exploration involves an examination of how research participants manage to integrate their spiritual/religious identities with their homosexual identity. Semi- structured interviews are conducted with six participants who have previously or currently identify as Christian, and who self-identify as lesbian. Results from the interviews are analysed using a thematic, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach. Keywords: Christianity, sexuality, spirituality, homosexuality, lesbian, identity, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS During the period of this research study, I received support and guidance from people who I would like to extend my gratitude to. I would like to thank my supervisor Dr. Nadine Lake, and co-supervisor Prof. Luvuyo Ntombana for providing guidance in this research process. In the early stages of the proJect, Prof. Ntombana relocated to another university but continued to provide advice. I would also like to express gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Nadine Lake for willingly assuming the supervisory role and providing all the support that I needed. Your commitment and willingness towards the study is highly appreciated. You helped me through the most difficult times of my dissertation and for that I am grateful. I am most thankful to the research participants of this study who offered their time and supported this proJect. Without their insightful contributions, this research would have been impossible to complete. I thank my parents for the support and encouragement they offered throughout the research study. Their faith gave me the strength to continue even when it was difficult to do so. iii Table of Contents DECLARATION ........................................................................................................... i ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................... iii Chapter 1: IntroDuction ............................................................................................1 1.1 Problem Statement ...........................................................................................3 1.2 Research Question ...........................................................................................5 1.3 Research aims and obJectives ..........................................................................5 1.3.1 ObJectives of the study ..................................................................................5 1.4 Value of the study .............................................................................................5 1.5 Chapter Outline .................................................................................................6 Chapter 2: Literature Review ...................................................................................8 2.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................................8 2.2 Homosexuality in South Africa ..............................................................................8 2.2.1 Sexuality during apartheid .................................................................................8 2.2.2 Homosexual rights .............................................................................................9 2.3 South African Churches’ responses to homosexuality ........................................10 2.3.1 The Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) ................................................................11 2.3.2 The Anglican Church .......................................................................................12 2.3.3 The Roman Catholic Church ............................................................................13 2.3.4 The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) ..........................................14 2.3.5. Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches .................................................................15 2.3.5.1 African Independent Churches (AICs) ..........................................................16 2.3.6 Metropolitan Community of Churches (MCC) ..................................................17 3. Homosexuality and Christianity .............................................................................19 4. Previous research on lesbian/homosexual identity and religion ............................20 4.1 Global discourses on lesbian/homosexual identity and religion ..........................20 4.2 Local discourses on Lesbian/homosexual identity and religion ...........................22 Chapter 3: Theoretical Framework ........................................................................26 3.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................26 3.1.1 Feminism globally and within the African context.............................................26 3.1.2 Social Construction Theory ..............................................................................30 3.1.3 Queer theory ....................................................................................................31 3.1.4 Intersectionality ................................................................................................33 iv 3.1.5 Lesbian Feminism ............................................................................................35 Chapter 4: Research Design anD MethoDology ...................................................38 4.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................38 4.2 Qualitative Research ...........................................................................................39 4.3 Feminist approach ..............................................................................................42 4.4 Research Design ................................................................................................44 4.4.1 Phenomenology ...............................................................................................44 4.5 Research Method................................................................................................46 4.5.1 Sampling Techniques ......................................................................................47 4.5.2 Data Collection.................................................................................................48 4.5.3 Data Analysis: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach ......49 4.5 Ethical considerations .........................................................................................52 4.5.1 Informed consent .............................................................................................53 4.5.2 Confidentiality ..................................................................................................53 4.5.3 Risks involved ..................................................................................................53 4.5.4 Researcher subJectivity ....................................................................................53 Chapter 5: Analysis anD Discussion .....................................................................55 5.1 Introduction .........................................................................................................55 5.2 Qualitative Research ...........................................................................................56 5.3 A Feminist Approach ...........................................................................................57 5.4 Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) .................................................57 5.5 Data Collection Process ......................................................................................58 5.5.1. Interview location ............................................................................................58 5.5.2 Sampling Strategy............................................................................................58
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Table of Contents
    South African tabloid newspapers’ representation of black celebrities: A social constructionism perspective Emmanuel Mogoboya Matsebatlela Dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy (Journalism) at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Josh Ogada September 2009 DECLARATION I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the work contained in this dissertation is my own original work and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it at any university for a degree. Signature: Date: (Emmanuel Mogoboya Matsebatlela) Copyright © 2009 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved 1 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank the following people: . My supervisor, Josh Ogada, for his expert and invaluable guidance throughout the course of my studies. Professor Alet Kruger for helping me with the translations. The University of South Africa for providing me unrestricted access to their library facilities. My parents, John and Paulina Matsebatlela, for their unwavering support and constant encouragement. My wife, Molebogeng, for her patience, motivation and support. 2 DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this study to my late Uncles, Rangwane M’phalaborwa ‘Mamodila Selemantwa’ Matsebatlela and Malome Thomas Mahlo. Though their life journeys have ended, they will forever remain etched in our memories. May their souls rest in peace. 3 ABSTRACT This study examines how positively or negatively as well as how subjectively or objectively the South African tabloid newspapers represent black celebrities. This examination was primarily conducted by using the content analysis research technique. The researcher selected a total of 85 newspapers spread across four different South African daily and weekend tabloid newspapers that were published during the period February to September 2008.
    [Show full text]
  • December Television Rates 2018 December 2018 2 December 2018 3
    DECEMBER TELEVISION RATES 2018 DECEMBER 2018 2 DECEMBER 2018 3 SABC1 HIGHLIGHTS LADYSMITH BLACK GLOBAL CITIZEN 24TH SAMA MAMBAZO: LIVE AT CONCERT AWARDS 2018 MONTREUX (Music) (Reality) (Music) Sunday, 2nd December Sunday, 23rd Tuesday, 25th at 16:00 December at 21:00 December at 12:00 Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the most An international music concert in honour It was a big stage setting indeed for the 24 famous and successful South African of the late international icon Nelson edition of the South African Music Awards vocal group of all time. Founded and Rolihlahla Mandela. The festival will take (SAMA24) which took place at Sun City led by Joseph Shabalala in 1974. Their place on Sunday 02 December 2018 at earlier in 2018. The extravaganza needed collaboration with Paul Simon on his the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and 3 stars to set it light; Somizi Mhlongo, classic Graceland album in the mid- boasts a star-studded lineup comprising the much-loved TV and radio personality eighties brought them to a worldwide international, continental and local joined by fellow radio star Dineo Ranaka audience. Ladysmith Black Mambazo has artists including Beyoncé & JAY-Z, Cassper and comedian Mpho Popps to steer this played at Montreux on three occasions Nyovest, D’banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, popular Mzansi’s premium annual music and this show is a combination from all Femi Kuti, Kasey Musgraves, Pharrell awards ceremony, recognising musical three performances. It features classic Williams & Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa excellence across all genres. The SAMAs tracks such as “Hello My Baby”, “King Of Savage, Usher, and Wizkid.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Report 2016/17 Introduction to the National Youth Development Agency
    OUR YOUTH. OUR FUTURE. ANNUALREPORT 2016/17 THIRD CLEAN AUDIT | 100% PERFORMANCE Vision CONTENTS A credible, capable and activist Introduction to the NYDA 1 development agency that is responsive Strategic Overview, Legislative and Other Mandates 3 to the plight of South Africa’s youth Abbreviations 5 Definitions of Terms of Audit Reporting 6 Message from the Minister 8 Mission Message from the Deputy Minister 10 Message from the Executive Chairperson of the Board 12 • To mainstream youth issues into society and Chief Executive Officer’s Report 16 • To facilitate youth development with Executive and Operational Structure 19 all sectors of society Operations Executive Committee 23 Performance report 27 Overview of the Public Entity’s Performance 28 Partnership for Youth Development 48 Values National Youth Service Report 49 • Integrity and Honesty NYDA Operations 53 • Excellence Beneficiary Stories 57 • Respect and Humility South African Youth Awards 67 • Professionalism Social Responsibility 90 • Accessibility Human Resources 91 Risk Management and Corporate Governance 97 Annual Financial Statements 103 OUR YOUTH. OUR FUTURE. NYDA Annual Report 2016/17 INTRODUCTION TO THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was Yet, social norms continue to sideline young South established in 2009, following a merger between the Africans, treating political and economic participation Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) and the National Youth as the prerogative of older people, which is why there Commission (NYC). is a continued need for policies and implementation frameworks that are deliberately aimed at youth concerns. The NYDA was formally launched on 16 June 2009, as pronounced by His Excellency, President Jacob G Zuma in Given the youthful nature of the South African population, his 2009 State of the Nation Address.
    [Show full text]
  • Semphete Newspaper
    FREE COPY JUNE 8 2018 THE OFFICIAL BOKONE BOPHIRIMA GOVERNMENT NEWSPAPER www.semphetenews.co.za @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima Tears for Coligny “sunflower” teen MPLs happy PPC e tsenya All the with Health seatla go SAMA24 turnaround tshegetsa thuto glam plan Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 and 9 TOGETHER WE MOVE BOKONE BOPHIRIMA FORWARD 2 June 8 2018 @semphetenews Semphete Bokone Bophirima www.semphetenews.co.za Witness in Coligny “sunflower” trial breaks down in court The state’s key witness Bonakele Pakisi couldn’t hold tears back when The two murder accused Phillip Schutte and Pieter Doorewaard are he told the court what he saw on the day teenager Matlhomola standing trial at the North West High court in Mahikeng Moshoweu was killed Photo by Mpho Bilwane Photo by Mpho Bilwane Nthusang Lefafa in his possession. There was a child in me inside the water. The third man then to rest. When I woke up, I went to the the bakkie with Accused 2 (Schutte) and instructed Doorewaard not to shoot be- police station. The female officer did not another man who is not appearing before cause people would hear the gunshots. want to take my case as she said I was key witness in the Coligny the court. Schutte then came towards me We went out of the water and Schutte drunk. On Saturday morning at about “sunflower” murder trial broke and repeatedly asked what I had seen. forced me to drink a beer at gun point,” 3:50am, the suspects visited me at my into tears while testifying at the I told them that I did not see anything,” the witness said.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond Memories Text Final LS.Indd
    BEYOND MEMORY RECORDING THE HISTORY, MOMENTS AND MEMORIES OF SOUTH AFRICAN MUSIC From the diary of Max Mojapelo Edited by Sello Galane AFRICAN MINDS Published in 2008 by African Minds 4 Eccleston Place Somerset West 7130 South Africa www.africanminds.co.za Originated by KAMR – Kgapana African Music Records 12 Rio Grande Street, Westenburg, 1699, Polokwane, SA [email protected] P.O. Box 968 Oliefantsfontein, 1665 Copyright © 2008 by Thamagana Maxwell Mojapelo All rights are reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-920299-28-6 Produced by COMPRESS.dsl www.compressdsl.com Proofread by Karen van Eden Cover images: 2 1 3 1. Chris Ledochowski / South (africanpictures.net) 2. Motlhalefi Mahlabe / South (africanpictures.net) 4 3. Paul Weinberg / South (africanpictures.net) 4. Rodney Barnett / South (africanpictures.net) Great care has been taken to acknowledge all sources used in this book. If, through an inadvertent oversight on our part, any information has been used without acknowledgement thereof, we undertake to correct the matter as soon as it is brought to our attention. Equal care has been taken to spell correctly the names of bands, their members and other people who appear in this book. However, should you note any incorrect spelling(s), please e-mail the publisher on [email protected] and we shall make the necessary corrections to future editions.
    [Show full text]
  • Lockdown an African Witchcraft Drama
    M-Net (South Africa) Dedicated to bringing viewers high quality entertainment. The go-to channel for English-language content, with several international series airing within 24 hours of the U.S. broadcast. Strong entertainment with local versions of The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor and MasterChef alongside original local shows such as The Wedding Bashers. KykNET (South Africa) An Afrikaans television channel with REAL local flavour. It includes talk shows, variety, music, the best in local dramas and cooking shows. Mzansi Magic (South Africa) A proudly South African entertainment channel. The very best South African and international feature films, local TV Movies, documentaries, music specials, reality formats, dramas and talk shows. It is also home to Idols South Africa. 1Magic (South Africa) A Premium South African television channel that celebrates African heritage. Whether you enjoy the binge worthy thrills of reality television, or immersing yourself in critically acclaimed, aspira- tional storylines from the best production houses around the world, we are the supreme spot for unparalleled entertainment! Vuzu (South Africa) A youth focused entertainment channel for young Africans. The programming is a combination of big name international series and locally produced shows. This channel features a wide variety of genres including drama, reality and comedy. Channel O (South Africa) Africa’s original hub for the freshest music videos from across the continent and far beyond, the most vibrant conversations and the hottest scenes from African pop culture and more. Africa Magic (Nigeria) Compelling stories dedicated to first class entertainment from Africa. Boasting 7 x 24hr channels in 4 languages.
    [Show full text]