The ever controversial Robin Malan took time out on a chilly Tuesday night to launch his much anticipated compilation of short stories by South African gay men entitled, Yes, I am! (Junkets Publishers). The launch was held at Exclusive Books. Surprisingly, the attendance was better than Malan expected. "I have been called a lot of names by individuals who think that being gay is a sin," he said at the launch. Yes, I am! Is compiled by Robin Malan and Ashraf Johaardien and is sure to be hit among the gay community, represented at the launch by the Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre.
The compilation aims to erase the stigma attached to being gay or lesbian. Malan emphasized that, "it is normal for some people not to accept the fact that they are gay; this compilation hopes to eradicate stereotypes." In the book different writers tell their stories about the treatment they received after coming out. The men featured (including writers Jonny Steinberg and K Sello Duiker) come from different racial and class backgrounds which makes the book even more interesting. With what has been happening recently in a few African countries as regards accepting gay and lesbian couples, this book sends out a message that South Africa is for everyone who lives here. "Hopefully countries such as Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi that still consider being gay or lesbian a crime can reconsider," said Malan. The book has received praise from Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu as "A valuable book for our country at this time leading the way!"
