Kuli Roberts remembered as LGBTIQ ally

Members of the LGBTIQ community are mourning the loss of multitalented journalist, author and media personality Kuli Roberts, and remembering her as a long-time queer ally.

South Africa was shocked by the death of the vibrant and outspoken 49-year-old on Wednesday night in Johannesburg after she collapsed on the set of her new show.

“It is with profound regret and sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of our dear daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt Nomakula ‘Kuli’ Roberts,” said her devastated family in a statement.

Roberts started her career as a fashion and lifestyle journalist and editor, went on to host numerous television and radio shows and wrote the novel Siren. She was also an actor, appearing in series such as 2020’s The Queen and 2021’s Netflix movie, Angeliena.

Known for her humour and sometimes controversially sharp wit, Roberts was never afraid to speak her mind but espoused an ethos of care and compassion, especially for marginalised groups.

She was a vocal supporter of LGBTIQ equality and often condemned queerphobia and inequality on social media.

Roberts founded the non-profit initiative Happy Lesbian Thursday as a platform to raise awareness about gender-based violence and so-called corrective rape.

As part of the project, she hosted social gatherings and screenings of LGBTIQ films, such as the banned Kenyan lesbian romance Rafiki and the acclaimed South African queer film Inxeba.

Happy Lesbian Thursday my love. pic.twitter.com/F9FQYgNiRJ

— STOP ALBINISM KILLINGS (@kuliroberts) May 6, 2021

Her comment in a 2021 interview with podcaster MacG beautifully reflects the kind of person Roberts was. In closing the conversation, he asked her what she wanted to be remembered for.

Roberts replied: “I don’t want to be remembered. I want you guys to just look after each other. I want you to look after the people that are downtrodden on… I want you to look after the people with albinism, I want you to look after the LGBTI community, I need you to look after black people…”

Kuli Roberts leaves behind her two children, a grandchild, her parents and three siblings. May she rest in peace and in power.

So it’s confirmed.

Every Thursday I’d look out for #HappyLesbianThursday Boo.
And this Thursday it’s goodbye 💔💔💔

Daaamn I can’t believe this.
Rest sis, your impact is immeasurable. #RIPKuliRoberts

— Bev (@bevditsie) February 10, 2022

She was firm, supportive and unapologetic about her love for the Lgbti community.

She loved the queers – wholeheartedly 🌈#RIPKuliRoberts https://t.co/c2msX6rMhm

— (Mx) Oliver Meth (@oliver_meth) February 10, 2022

she always supported the Queers!🧡✊🏿🏳️‍🌈 #RIPKuliRoberts

— THE QUEER SUPERHERO. (@monD_Motadi) February 10, 2022

😔🥺🕊 May her soul rest in perfect peace. She was such an amazing person. 🤍🕊#RIPKuliRoberts https://t.co/VITOYJMcUS

— Mohale Motaung (@mohale_motaung) February 10, 2022

Happy Lesbian Thursday, @kuliroberts❤️😇

— Ms Party (@Olwee) February 10, 2022

Rest Fabulously, Crazy Girl. Wow. Never thought I’d be posting this. Farewell Kuli Roberts 💔 pic.twitter.com/vwP6J9KIon

— Marc Lottering (@marclottering) February 10, 2022

[WATCH] Kuli Roberts talking about what she wants to be remembered as when she is gone. pic.twitter.com/hrx8RpHu8T

— Advovolicious  (@advovolicious) February 10, 2022

A mother,A fighter, A legend in her own right. You were such an inspirational advocate for albinism awareness, and you always made me feel worthy. Thank you Queen 🤍#RIPKuliRoberts pic.twitter.com/V6FEKwRieG

— Tebatso__m 🌈 (@Tebatso__m) February 10, 2022