Transitions: A Conversation on Queer Politics, Movements and Apartheid Legacies 30 Years On

In this powerful and thought-provoking dialogue, Jabu Pereira and zethu Matebeni confront the complexities of identity, belonging, and resilience within the academic landscape of South Africa. As they reflect on their shared journey over the past three decades, they delve into the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, challenging the oppressive narratives that have historically marginalized queer voices. This conversation is not just an exploration of personal experiences; it is a clarion call for recognition, representation, and the reclamation of space in a society that often seeks to erase the existence of those who defy normative constructs. With raw honesty and intellectual rigor, Pereira and Matebeni invite us to reconsider what it means to navigate a world that is both hostile and constantly transforming, urging us to embrace our identities and assert our rightful place in the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice. The conversation took place at Nelson Mandela University on 28 June 2024, with an audience. This is an edited, shortened version of the conversation.Footnote11 zethu Matebeni edited the original transcript. The conversation, titled “Transitions: A Conversation on Queer Politics, Social Movements, and Apartheid Legacies 30 Years On” with Jabu Pereira and zethu Matebeni, took place in front of an audience of staff, students and the general public. A substantial question and answer session followed but has been omitted from this edited version.