A report on the launch of the Queer Unicorns society at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on 23 February 2022
1. Introduction1 The rainbow flag of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) pride was hoist aloft the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on 23 February 2022 in celebration of the establishment of the institution’s first officially supported organisation representing LGBT, intersex, queer and questioning and asexual students and those with other sexual orientation and gender identities (LGBTIQA+). The launch of the new CPUT Queer Unicorns society was welcomed by the leaders of the university’s Division of Student Affairs and its Transformation, Diversity and Social Cohesion Unit; and by students, who sang, danced and listened to poems (see Appendix A) in celebration at the open-air, picnic-style event (see at Appendix B an article on the launch produced for dissemination to the media). The society was established with the support of CPUT Student Development Officer Melani-Ann Hara, who coordinated with LGBT student activists at the university over the course of more than a year to mount a human rights campaign in support of their interests – thus giving birth to the Queer Unicorns. Against this background, the new student organisation, which will receive funding as well as official support from CPUT, has already made headway in raising the profile of LGBT issues at the institution. For example, support is now being put in place for staff and students who have undergone a sex change after this was identified as an important need in a university survey. 2. Messages of support for the Queer Unicorns society The new initiative, which has the full support of the student leadership and university governance structures, was established in collaboration with the Division of Student Affairs. The society provides a crucial service in fostering self-worth, self-belief and resilience in LGBTIQA+ students at a critical juncture in their lives. It helps them to say: “I am anchored, I know what I want and I am not ashamed of who I am – of the colour of my skin, of where I come from, of my sexuality.” In this regard, the society cultivates an important sense of “somebody-ness” among students. It also fosters a sense of belonging, which is the foundation for excellence of achievement. It imbues those in the society with a sense that they have arrived, empowering them as trailblazers to create the space for others to stand tall with the necessary ease and confidence. In this way, the society is an embodiment of love, beauty, peace and justice.2 South Africa’s Constitution affirms fundamental human rights, including the dignity and worth of every single person. The Constitution’s vision can only be realised if all people are reached regardless of their 1
This section is based on introductory remarks made by Melani-Ann Hara, Student Development Officer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), at the launch of the Queer Unicorns society hosted by the university on 23 February 2022. 2 This paragraph is based on remarks made by Sammy Elie, Head of Student Governance and Leadership Development, on behalf of Acting Dean of Student Affairs, Tulani Nkunste, at the launch of the Queer Unicorns society.
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