Joyline Maenzanise
Writer, Novice Poet, Social Critic
Sexual and Reproductive Health, Mental Health, LGBT+ issues, Business, Politics, Pop Culture, Education
PROJECTS
thisisafrica.me
The Reality of Suicide and the Tragedy of Stigma in Our Black African Communities
Another recurring issue in the conversation is that both traditional psychology and the church have failed to adequately deal with mental health problems in the black community. File photo: Agnes Gaobepe, 36, a sangoma working in Wattville, a township of Benoni, 09 September 2004 Photo: ANP/AFP Alexander Joe
The death by suicide of high-profile individuals always gets the international community talking about suicide and mental illness. Of course, this is not to say that suicide is always fue...
thisisafrica.me
Rest assured, queerphobic leaders are the first to trample on the human rights of us all
The Kenya Film Classification Board recently banned Rafiki, a film depicting love between LGBTQI+ characters, from being shown in its cinemas. Kenya’s leader, President Uhuru Kenyatta, said the rights of LGBTQI+ people in Kenya were of no importance to the nation right now. President Buhari of Nigeria said that LGBTQI+ rights were not important to him. Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni made us laugh a bit when he warned against oral sex, claiming the mouth was for eating food only. The manuf...
thisisafrica.me
“My sexist joke was taken out of context,” says aspirant Zimbabwean president Nelson Chamisa
Viewing one group as subhuman and not worthy of the respect afforded to other groups is not a joke, says Joyline Maenzanise.
In a few months, Zimbabweans will go to the polls to cast their vote in the first presidential election of the post-Mugabe era. One of the presidential candidates is Advocate Nelson Chamisa, the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change – Tsvangirai (MDC-T). Recently, while addressing a rally as part of his campaign, he pledged to give his sister to the incumbent pre...
All Africa
Zimbabwe: Granting Sex Workers Access to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Was a Positive Move
For the first time ever, the Sexual Rights Centre was successful in gaining a platform for commercial sex workers at an annual trade fair in Zimbabwe.
Sex workers in Zimbabwe were granted permission to partake in this year's Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF). In a bid to promote trade and investment, the ZITF provides a platform for various entities to showcase their business and to trade, educate and network. It has been through the tireless efforts of the Sexual Rights Centre (SRC) t...
kalaharireview.com
My Childhood — A Battlefield
An Igby Prize for Nonfiction on Unclear Memories by Zimbabwean Joyline Maenzanise
Now, the shredded heart beats to a different rhythm
It has long been said that everything happens for a reason and if you are a Christian, you are taught to believe that that reason is for your good. You learn to find the good in the bad, the ugly or the grim. Ask Christians and several will probably tell you that during those times of hardships, they swear by Jeremiah 29:11 as a source of exhortation and consol...
techzim.co.zw
Involuntary Porn Stars, Upskirt And Downblouse Photography: Are They Huge Problems In Zimbabwe?
This is a Guest Post and does not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of Techzim. We have a strong filtering process of what makes it to our blog and are confident that you’ll enjoy the article below.
Written by Joyline Maenzanise
Technology – it is helpful and it is also dangerous. On the upside, we can – among many other benefits – easily access information. On the downside, there is the risk of having various forms of information retrieved and/or disseminated without the consent ...
reportfocusnews.com
Open Letter To President Mnangagwa
To His Excellency, Cde Mnangagwa
Mr President, I am writing this letter to express my views being fully cognizant of my constitutional right to do so and not be treated in any unfair manner on the grounds of my opinion.
I have been trying to pay very close attention to your utterances, be it at your inauguration, the Harare meeting with youth before your trip to Davos, your interview in Davos and so on. I must say, much of what you say gives many hope that there is a possibility that we may d...
otlmedia.co.za
Afterthoughts on H&M’s Racist Hoodie: A Lesson for the Other Capitalists
Afterthoughts on H&M’s Racist Hoodie: A Lesson for the Other Capitalists
As an entity doing business in times of racial turbulence, I wonder what drove H&M to think that an advertisement with a BLACK boy – Liam Mango – wearing a garment which read ‘coolest MONKEY in the jungle’ would not stir up a storm. As a capitalist entity motivated to increase the bottom-line, I wonder why H&M thought such a tacky garment would help boost sales, especially from the black community. This fiasco served to ...
bulawayo24.com
Let's stop separating primary school children according to their marks
Yesterday, I was shocked to find out that there is a primary school which - in 2018 - used the previous year's marks to shuffle kids. The obvious result is that the ones with the highest results - those who are subsequently deemed to be the brightest or the cream of the crop - were all placed in one class. While that may feel good because who doesn't want to be recognised as smart, the imminent competition for top position may serve to have adverse effects on the kids' physical and emotional ...
ourqueerstories.com
Queer in Africa – Can I Even Dream of Marriage?
This question has been weighing heavily on my mind for a while. I know there are various reasons that keep some folks from getting married. Some choose not to. Some are forbidden from getting married so they can...
adventuresfrom.com
‘Brown-eyed Woman’ by Guest Contributor Joyline
For reasons, reason knows nothing of
I have taken a strong liking to you.
I swoon over you with reckless abandon.
Hypnotic thoughts of you are a torment.
Your friends, your family,
Your hobbies, your sexual prowess,
Ravaging kisses that rush lust though me,
Oh my! My mind does ponder upon a lot.
Tell me – Do you even notice me?
I wonder – Do you even like me?
Why do I allow you to have a strong hold on me?
How dare you stir my primal needs?
How dare you tamper with my sanity?
How dare you sto...
otlmedia.co.za
Queer and Alone: How I Am Dealing with Festive Anxiety
So, we are only a few days away from Christmas. During this time, many people will be closing up shop and preparing to go home to be with their loved ones. Indeed, the holidays are an exciting time for some but for others, this period can be terrifying and anxiety-provoking. I am sure some folks in the LGBT+ community will nod their heads in approval. For many LGBT+ people, going home only means crawling back into the closet because, for various reasons, their family members or relatives do n...
ourqueerart.com
Joyline Maenzanise, Zimbabwe Writer & Poet; Interview
What is your name, band name, pen name, alias, etc?
Joyline Maenzanise
Where are you from?
Zimbabwe, Southern Africa
What kind of work do you create?
I write and most of my work tends to focus on LGBT+ issues as well as mental health and socio-economic justice.
What do you define yourself as (visual artist, poet, theatre maker, etc)? Or do you not? Why/Why not?
I am a writer and poet
How long have you been practising?
Not very long. I have only been serious about my writing for close to a yea...
Dear working-class women: feminism CAN NEVER be taken for granted
This article looks at the continued need for feminism. It reminds people - especially women who dismiss feminism - of the sexism that is still rife in our society.
ourqueerstories.com
When Religion Trumps Love for Queer Family Members
I know that for quite a lot of us, this tweet really hits close to home. Sad to say! In both instances, it seems our families have this unwholesome need to “save face” and protect the family name from being tarn...