Book review
by Lonwabo Mlabatheki
The first time I read about the book was on the net and that’s when I told myself, this book is a must have. Not knowing it captured photographs of faces I was familiar with and of people I knew personally.
When I was finally presented with an opportunity to read the book, it was like a dream come true. The cover on its own was enough to steal my heart, before I could even read the content.
Those who attended the Johannesburg launch at the Market Photo Workshop on the 7th Nov. 2014 only gave me a glimpse about it. My curiosity grew wanting to read it. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read and go through it.
As an emotional being, I developed an emotional relationship with Faces and Phases 2006-14, caused by the few stories with a happy ending. It took me through an emotional roller coaster ride.
I shed a tear, smiled and drooled over a few Lesbian women and transmen who were pleasing to the eye.
As a “word porn star” some pieces captured my heart.
”They might swear at us as much as they want to, beat us up, rape and murder us, but they won’t get to our souls. Our inner beauty will be expressed in every special way”
This piece awakened my activism demon. At times I think that as activists we are fighting a losing battle. Yes we march, sing, chant and write, but only a few listen to our silent cries.
It arose the wilted rose of hope in my heart, to help me continue fighting for my rights and believe in my dreams as a change maker.
Though many stories are about brutality and sexual violence, the story about changing the word victim into victory made me realise that nothing beats forgiveness and accepting things you can’t change.
An activist’s portrait, Funeka Soldaat Makhaza, captured in Khayelitsha Cape Town in 2010
As an aspiring journalist and an activist, I enjoyed reading stories and seeing faces of icons I look up to, the likes of Nkuzi Nkabinde, Funeka Soldaat, Dikeledi Sibanda, Lerato Dumse, Ayanda “Sister A” Magoloza, just to name a few, Faces and Phases 2006-14 painted a clear picture that change doesn’t occur in one night. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The struggle still continues and it’s in our hands to combat such issues and not dwell much into pain and share our success stories too.
Participant in Faces and Phases, Nkunzi Nkabinde, photo was taken in Braamfontein Johannesburg in 2008
Faces and Phases 2006-2014 has context about issues or challenges we struggle with in all walks of life. As people experiencing Gender Based Violence, patriarchy in the workplace, grievances, achievements, religion, culture, beliefs and acceptance by our friends, families, colleagues, communities and the society at large.
It consists of biographies, poems, articles and stories shared by my fellow queers about their past and present experiences worldwide.
Author’s bio
Lonwabo Mlabatheki is a 22 year old aspiring journalist, writer and a Human Rights activist. She is into performing arts, traveling, public speaking and love to explore and experiment with new things.
Related links
2015 Jan. 5: An ally shares her perspective
