Somizi’s teachable moment on gay love: “We’re both men”
Somizi Mhlongo / Instagram
Somizi Mhlongo has used his powerful social media presence to educate his fans about stereotypical views of same-sex relationships.
On Monday, the choreographer, socialite, performer and Idols South Africa judge posted a video on Instagram about how inspired he was by a sermon he heard at church the previous day.
After sharing the message with his 1,6 million followers, one fan, Aquweezy, asked Somizi a question on behalf of his grandmother about him and fiance Mohale Motaung that reflects a common misconception about gay couples.
“Kodwa somG ngcela ungsize laa my grandmother is a huge fan of you and your bae kodwa haai sengkathele umbuzo wakho please help me ?????? she asks and I quote “manje uban umfazi kulothando luka somizi noMohale, ungbuzele lapho kulezinto zenu” [“Who’s the woman in the relationship between you and Mohale?”] so please before lombuzo ungipathisa idwaang [before this drives me crazy]?? please answer.”
Considering our predominately heteronormative and patriarchal society, many people assume that all relationships must consist of a man and woman, and that these roles apply even in gay relationships.
Rather than take offence (like many of us might), Somizi instead took the high road and opted to use the question as an important teachable moment.
“shemm I sense the question comes from a good place,” the star wrote. “Tell Gogo ukuphi akekho umfazi [there is no woman] we are both men who are in love. We are not playing role. We are born gay. It’s not an act. It’s who we are. Send my love.”
In March, Somizi revealed that he had gotten engaged to his boyfriend in Paris. Ever since, the men’s blossoming love story has been heartwarming to see play out on social media.
Opening his heart to his fans, he recently wrote alongside a loved-up picture of him and his bae outside a restaurant:
“It’s evident that I’m in love. But one thing I’m def sure of is that this one right here Loves me just as much. Has my back. Supports me all the way. Takes all the bullets for me. He cud have chosen a simple easy life but he chose me and stuck with me. Most were not man enough to stand the heat of dating me or even being associated with me. But Mohale ur still here. Not because of what some think what yo reasons might be. But because yo heart is here. I love u and we are getting married and doing this life thing together.”
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