the gang's all QUEER

South African government minister Lulu Xingwana walked out of an “innovative Women” exhibit because it featured  Zanele Muholi’s photographs of nude lesbian couples. She reportedly found the photos “immoral” and “against nation-building” even though she donated money to the exhibit where Zanele’s work was listed in the exhibition’s catalogue as:”without precedent in South Africa, where there are very few instances of black women openly portraying female same-sex practices.”

Here’s what Zanele had to say in response:

“There is nothing pornographic. We live in a space where rape is a common thing, so there is nothing we can hide from our children…Those pictures are based on experience and issues. Where else can we express ourselves if not in our democratic country?”

She added: “Children need to know about these things. A lot of people have no understanding of sexual orientation, people are suffering in silence. We need to educate people about homosexuality. We need to have very good treatment and respect from the minister.”

The Innovative Women exhibition features work by 10 artists including Muholi, photographer Nandipha Mntambo, and painter Bongi Bengu, who also curated it.

(source)