Somizi Mhlongo: 'Stop boxing people’s sexuality based on their mannerisms'
Somizi Mhlongo has urged people to stop assuming someone's sexuality based on how they look or behave, saying mannerisms do not determine who a person is attracted to.
South African media personality Somizi Mhlongo has called on people to stop boxing others based on their mannerisms or appearance.
In a recent podcast interview with L-Tido, Mhlongo opened up about his sexuality and challenged the assumption that someone's mannerisms can determine whether they are gay or straight.
He says society has often placed him in the "gay box" when he doesn't identify as gay.
Mhlongo said people need to understand that there are different sexualities and that being gay should not be associated with particular mannerisms.
"There are straight men out there, and I hate it when, especially members of our community and women, because of certain mannerisms, think being gay is a mannerism, or it's an act," he says.
But to be straight you have to be rough and angry and look angry. It’s not a mannerism. Sexuality is who you are. You are born that way.
For Somizi, these assumptions are not an accurate way of determining someone’s sexuality.
He explained that he identifies as pansexual, meaning his attraction is not based on someone’s gender or sexuality.
"I am attracted to you not based on your sexuality, or your gender, or anything. If our souls and everything else, our energies connect, and I'm attracted to you, it doesn’t matter whether you're a guy or a girl or a trans or whatever. I am a pansexual," he said.
He also described himself as sapiosexual, explaining that intelligence is important when it comes to attraction for him.
Beyond sexuality, he believes people should embrace what makes them different rather than allowing society to define them.
"That's your power: not being the same and owning it," he said.
His comments come as conversations around sexuality continue to challenge traditional ideas about how people are expected to look, behave and identify.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media: