Some preliminary thoughts on sexuality, citizenship and constitutions: are rights enough?

Abstract

abstract This open forum is an initial enquiry into sexuality, citizenship and constitutional rights. Against the backdrop of a decade of democracy in SA, the achievement of effective citizenship for lesbians is examined. A brief analysis of effective citizenship, which takes into cognisance differences of gender and sexual orientation as well as the applicability of Western theories to an African context is explored. The paper asserts that the discourse in the new SA is essentially a heteronormative one. References are made to achievements of the lesbian lobby with regard to Constitutional Court judgments. As lesbians are not a homogenous grouping, a variety of strategies should be examined, including coalitions with marginalised groups.