Photography and Democracy

In a recent video interview by Human Rights Watch (HRW) with South African photographer and activist Zanele Muholi, the photographer speaks about her important work around hate crimes against homosexuals in South Africa.

Although South Africa’s Constitution recognises same-sex marriages, in a world where many countries don’t, black LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) community have still been particularly targeted by hate crimes. Especially black lesbians are vulnerable and have been murdered and the subject of ‘curative rapes,’ often by members of the communities where they live.

Human Rights Watch released the interview with award-winning South African photographer and activist Zanele Muholi to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, that began on November 25, 2013.

The film was made as a collaboration between Muholi and filmmakers Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall – the directors of the award-winning documentary “Call Me Kuchu,” which tells the story of the last year in the life of Ugandan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) activist David Kato.

Muholi recently exhibited her work of Love & Loss at the Stevenson gallery in Johannesburg. The opening coincided with the presentation of a prestigious Prince Claus Award to Muholi.