The Human Rights program at United College recently hosted “Queer at 30”, an event that invited students and community members to a conversation about queer rights in South Africa.
Held on Thursday, March 5, the event marked the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s Constitution. Promulgated in 1996, this landmark document helped shape the country’s transition from apartheid to democracy and was the first constitution in the world to prohibit discrimination based on sexuality and sexual identity.
The virtual discussion featured southern African scholars and activists, Dr. Tessa Lewin and Dr. Melanie Judge, in conversation with Human Rights Professor Dr. JK Seirlis. It explored both the significance of legal protections and the realities queer communities continue to navigate today. Collen Mfazwe, a trans artist based in Johannesburg, who had originally been scheduled to participate, was unfortunately unable to join the live discussion. Dr Seirlis read out his presentation on his behalf.
Over the course of the hour-long discussion, speakers reflected on the importance of constitutional rights in a context of homophobic and structural violence. They emphasized the power of art as self-expression and political activism, offering students a deeper look at the complexities of justice and human rights in practice.
A key theme throughout the discussion was the importance of community. Lewin spoke to bodies of artistic work shaped by queer voices and experiences, emphasizing how mutual support remains central to resistance, care, and survival.
Judge brought attention to the structural challenges that continue to affect marginalized communities, pointing to the ways in which governments can fail, even where legal protections exist.
The panel prompted thoughtful questions and reflection. Students, faculty, staff and friends gathered afterwards to continue the conversation over brunch in Alumni Hall.
“Queer at 30” focused attention on South Africa, Constitutional law, and queer rights as part of ongoing discussions from both inside and beyond the classroom.
Events like this express the Human Rights program’s commitment to creating opportunities for critical conversation, global awareness, and student engagement around pressing social justice issues.
Interested in exploring these conversations further? Learn more about the Human Rights minor at United College and how it prepares students to engage critically with local and global human rights issues.
