South Africa
Helen Zille expected to explain transphobic Tweet─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:30 Tue, 25 Apr 2023
Helen Zille retweeted and commented on another tweet of a transgender American actress and social media personality Dylan Mulvaney.
The Chairperson of the opposition party leader made a tweet on Sunday which raised quite a few eyebrows as members of the LGBTQI+ community felt like it was an attack on the community.
Zille retweeted and commented on another tweet of a transgender American actress and social media personality Dylan Mulvaney. In her tweet, she wrote: “Is it now considered insufficiently ‘woke’ to be merely Gay? Must you be transgender to gain access to the inner sanctum of the ‘tribe’? And must you, in the process, trash and stereotype all women, eradicating the progress they have made to achieve equality over half a century?”
Is it now considered insufficiently "woke" to be merely Gay? Must you be transgender to gain access to the inner sanctum of the "tribe"? And must you, in the process, trash and stereotype all women, eradicating the progress they have made to achieve equality over half a century? https://t.co/DbrU1SN2HP
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) April 23, 2023
On several levels, the comment is inappropriate and disrespectful. Zille's beliefs firstly imply that being homosexual or transgender is not authentic, but rather is an attempt to be "woke" and a member of a supposed "tribe”, said Luiz de Barros, OUT LGBT well-being Strategic Communications Manager.
OUT LGBT expresses deep concern over the tweet made by the DA Federal Council Chairperson because it borders on queerphobia, homophobia, and transphobia.
“Firstly, we want Helen Zille to clarify what she meant by her tweet and what her intentions behind the tweet are,” said De Barros.
De Barros said they want to confirm their understanding of her tweet and what they understand is that people who identify as LGBTQ is an attempt to be “woke”, suggesting that it is some kind of trend or fashion. This is an absurd statement.
He further mentioned that they want her to clarify and apologise and the DA should also state their position because they paint themselves as an ally to the LGBTQI+ community.
The organisation experiences a huge number of hate speech daily on social media platforms and statements and comments from leaders and politicians which are homophobic simply inflame a very dangerous situation.
OUT LGBT well-being is waiting for Helen Zille to clarify and apologise for her homophobic and transphobic Tweet.
