Belittled, beaten and bypassed

Transgender rights are falling behind those of other minorities, believes Siya Hlongwa, an activist committed to ensuring that transgender voices are heard during the Women’s Month dialogue. Hlongwa is also the brains behind the SBWL Show on YouTube, in which she gives marginalised individuals – from queer people to traditional healers – a platform to address issues in their lives and communities.

“Marginalisation happens in many folds. That’s why it became important to me to do something to give back, especially since the Covid-19 lockdown started. I told myself that, if I were to die, I wouldn’t want to be remembered as ‘the one who was raped’ or ‘the one who didn’t get justice’,” she says.

Hlongwa’s life journey has been far from easy.

“When I