Editors – Feb 13-2011

Gay Pride South Africa has invited Melanie  Nathan of LGR to speak in Cape Town as Keynote at their PINK Gala and British Airways is sponsoring her flight. Thank you BA.  Mel will also participate as a delegate presenting reforms to the Minster of Justice for victims of corrective rape and sentences.

In 2009 Mel was contacted by Luleke Sizwe – to publish photos of brutally raped Milli Gaika. Melanie reported the entire journey of Ndumie Funda, founder of Luleki Sizwe and Milli Gaika – engendering international attention and donations to provide a safe house for victims left homeless after attacks.

From that moment Melanie never let go of the story until it built into an international outcry.

Over 1 million signatures supporting the  petition for corrective rape reform have been collected worldwide, also calling for the harshest sentences to perpetrators of corrective rape and that government acknowledges the existence of corrective rape which, it says the government seems to deny at present.

“We will meet with Luleki Sizwe to discuss the matter. I called them last week to enquire about the logistical aspects of this meeting. They indicated that they would like the meeting to take place in Cape Town. In all likelihood the meeting will take place in Cape Town”, Tlali Tlali spokesperson for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said.

Melanie will be there!

All advocacy and writing for LezGetReal has been pro bono for 2 years. Melanie Has done extraordinary work on behalf of many in need, with no pay or reward. Now she wants to see two such projects through completion.

1. The corrective Rape story of Mllicent Gaika and now the trial of accused Andile – where mainstream may fail to  report – and justice may be eluded without international press presence – and who better than Mel who brought international attention and funds to the victims with almost two years of consistent coverage.
2. After LGR reporting went viral, Change.org linked to Mel’s articles and used some of her draft reforms to solicit 1 million  e-mails which landed on the Minister of Justice;s desk in South Africa, resulting in an invitation to the Groups to attend a meeting for reforms.  Melanie would like to attend.

“I have reported on this case since the brutal rape which sparked my advocacy. SO to do the trip I need to raise a further $8,000 – we can do this via sponsorship on Lezgetreal and/on Swirl Radio/ or as a non profit donation / or as a loan against future fundraising.   If any interest or advise – please let me know.All Mel’s advocacy work   has been pro bono.”

She will travel to SA on  Feb 27th  and to do so must raise $7,500.

The victims of the rapes really want Mel there – please help us make it happen…..

In SUM:-

Keynote Speaker at Gay Pride Gala Cape Town
Speaker at opening of first LGBT  Youth Homeless Shelter in Southern hemisphere
Meeting with Ministry of Justice to introduce Rape Victim Reforms
Meeting with the Zuma Administration to request the withdrawal of Ambassador Qwelane from Uganda.

Money can be donated via widget below or mailed to nathan@privatecourts.com made out to private Courts- Request for AD sponsorship of the work can be emailed to nathan@privatecourts.com Checks payable to Private Courts Inc.

Thank you all for your consistent support of LezGetReal and being part of the community that keeps us engaged and passionate.

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