Photo by Nikolett Emmert: https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-unpaved-road-in-the-countryside-12572191/
A very short few weeks ago, we received the news that our landlord was moving a loved partner into the house we rented and so we needed to find a new place.
What ensued was a frantic search for a rental, to discover to our horror that the world is alot more anti gay than what I had realised.
Coming out later in life, and never being confronted with any homophobic behaviour, to running into blatant comments against gay marriage, owners wanting "traditional" family structures. To say that I was shocked, dismayed and honestly straight up (see what I did there) hurt by the responses.
Photo by RODNAE Productions: https://www.pexels.com/photo/rainbow-flags-as-pride-symbol-10503408/
I mean honestly, we live in 2022, in a country that embraces a multitude of races, traditions, languages and religions. To find out that we, as a lesbian married couple, was essentially not welcome in 99% of rentals, was crushing.
I love my wife, and honestly have found that one person that honestly completes my life in a way that I had only imagined in fairy tales and dreams. To find such a large anti gay movement really just opened my eyes to a world that I had imagined being so different.
Forward on 2 weeks, and we have found a lovely place, and here is where the irony comes in fast and hard. It is in Robertson, small town, farming community, Robertson.
The fact that a small town is more welcoming open and friendly towards our sexuality is mind blowing, so the gay capital of South Africa, gets overshadowed by a teeny farm village.
The shock, the horror and the feeling of not belonging is still firmly lingering.
I am trying hard to be excited, it's a beautiful property, has a community garden for vegetables located close, a beautiful home with exposed beams and a pool.
But shaking the feeling of being not wanted in a city that I have called my home for shy on 20 years, simply for loving a woman, is hard.
Photo by Anna Shvets: https://www.pexels.com/photo/persons-hand-with-lgbt-pride-flag-holding-womans-hand-4557389/
Cape Town I love you, and I am going to miss your soft waves, your hippy vibe and amazing sights, but I cannot stay, until I feel welcome to be who I am, love who I love without fear and judgement.
Inclusion and acceptance matters!