“If I wait for someone to validate my existence, it will mean that I am shortchanging myself.”
- Name: Zanele Muholi
- Born: July 19, 1972
- From: Umlazi, South Africa
- Pronouns: They/them
- Occupation: Photographer
- Contribution/Impact: Their work has brought attention to the discrimination of LGBTQ+ people in South Africa. Their work has also simultaneously celebrated and shown the trans and non-binary community in a wholesome and positive light.
- Known For: Xana Nyilenda, Newtown, Johannesburg (2011), ‘TK’ Thembi Khumalo, BB Section Umlazi Township, Durban (2012), Ngwane I, Oslo (2018)
- Awards: Tollman Award for Visual Arts (2005), Feather Award (South Africa’s LGBTI Awards) (2013), Mbokodo Award (Visual Art) (2017), Kraszna-Krausz Foundation Best Photography Book Award (2019)
- Interesting Facts: They founded Inkanyiso, a forum for queer and (visual) activist media.
Zanele Muholi is the youngest of eight and their childhood wasn’t the brightest. Muholi lost their father when they were young and their mother worked long hours in order to support the family. Muholi turned to photography as a way of self-healing and dealing with personal struggles. Muholi went on to photograph others and perfected their craft under the tutelage of “the great visual chronicler of apartheid-era South America,” David Goldblatt. They still take photos and earn many awards for their work.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Decorate and personalize the empty space in the image.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out The Attic for more resources and events for Philadelphia’s LGBT+ youth!
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.