URGENT APPEAL: PLEASE ACT AGAINST "CORRECTIVE RAPE" - Life of FGG Volunteer in danger

19 December 2010

URGENT APPEAL:  PLEASE ACT AGAINST "CORRECTIVE RAPE"
Life of FGG Volunteer NDUMIE FUNDA in danger

Greetings, Friends,

This year-end message includes a very special and urgent appeal. 

We are writing to ask for your help to defend our friend, Ndumie Funda, whom members of the Federation of Gay Games had the privilege of meeting during the FGG 2008 Annual Meeting in Cape Town.  

During our week with Ndumie, she told us of the horrors of "corrective rape", of which lesbians, primarily black lesbians in South African townships, are too often victims.   While travelling to local townships with Ndumie, we met with victims of this horrible crime, who receive support and protection from an organization called Luleki Sizwe, founded by Ndumie. 

The most recent victim of this atrocity is Millicent Gaika, whom we also met during our week in Cape Town in 2008.

Now, because of her advocacy against "corrective rape", Ndumie is herself under threat from Millicent Gaika's accused rapist, who has been released on bail.   Ndumie fears for her life and has been forced to go into hiding.

To show your support for Ndumie, Millicent, and all targets of "corrective rape", please sign the petition started by Ndumie, which you can find HERE.  Every signature will be sent directly to the South African Ministry of Justice.

Thank you, in advance, for your support.  

Wishing you all peaceful holidays with health and happiness in the New Year.

Emy Ritt and Kurt Dahl
Co-Presidents, FGG