Cape Town – Zimbabwean artist Frank Malaba has publicly addressed instances of homophobia he experienced from men connected to his social circles in the arts community.
On his Facebook page, Malaba, an actor, writer, poet, photographer, and storyteller, described encounters with individuals who attempted to belittle his identity. “Over the past few days I have experienced homophobia from Zimbabwean men who do not know me, but who are connected to people that I consider friends,” he wrote.
He noted that the arts sector, which has long benefited from queer contributions, should foster inclusivity rather than prejudice. “Creativity has always been shaped by people from all walks of life, including queer people. Our presence and our contributions are part of every artistic tradition in the world,” Malaba said.
Malaba also stressed that such attacks are rooted in fear rather than cultural or moral correction. “When someone comes to my page to belittle who I am, they are simply revealing their fear. I have no desire to accommodate that fear. My existence is not an apology. My queerness is not a mistake. My art is not a plea for acceptance,” he wrote.
The artist reaffirmed his commitment to living openly and authentically, rejecting attempts to push him into the shadows. “I am here. I am unshaken. I am not going anywhere,” he concluded.
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