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Diplomats, minority right groups celebrate Trapence

Human rights activist Gift Trapence has received a lifetime award for his sustained activism in promoting and defending the rights of sexual minorities in Malawi.

He was presented the award in Lilongwe on Saturday by the Diverse Forum, a grouping of organisations focused on promoting rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex community in Malawi as part of this year’s Pride Celebration.

Trapence with other leaders after receiving an award

The ceremony saw diplomats from Germany, the United States, Norway and Britain along with Diverse Forum leaders and members giving a standing ovation for Trapence who launched his activism on minority rights about 20 years ago.

In his remarks, Trapence, who is also Centre for the Development of People (Cedep) director said the award is not about him alone, but the community.

He said: “It is an award for all of us who have been fighting for the rights of this community. It has not been easy but with support from partners such as embassies present tonight, we have made significant strides.”

He recalled a moment in 2010 when police invaded Cedep’s offices in Blantyre and took away computers at the height of the arrest of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, the gay couple that publicly held an engagement ceremony in Blantyre.

Narrated Trapence: “My board resigned. I drove at night from Blantyre to Lilongwe with Aunt Tiwo with support from the Norwegian Embassy. My life and that of my family was in danger.

“I know other activists quit when the kitchen got hot. But I had to soldier on.”

During the event Norwegian, German, US and British Embassies were also awarded for their support to the activism.

Local non-governmental organisations such as Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation, FHI360, World Vision Malawi and National Aids Commission also received the awards at the event.

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