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Bev Ditsie: A Legacy of Courage and the Fight for LGBTIQ Inclusion at CSW
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Commentary
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Publish Date
March 17, 2025
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Thirty years ago, Bev Ditsie stood before the world at the United Nations' Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995) and made history. As the first openly lesbian woman to address the UN, she called on governments to recognize that lesbian rights are human rights and that all women—regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—deserve full inclusion in global gender equality efforts.
Now, three decades later, the fight continues.
Bev joined Outright International on a special episode of the Outright Proud Podcast to reflect on that pivotal moment, the ongoing struggles for LGBTIQ inclusion, and how today's activism must adapt to a world where hard-fought gains are increasingly under threat.
A Voice That Still Echoes: The 1995 Beijing Speech
Looking back at her speech in Beijing, Bev acknowledged a harsh reality: Thirty years later, we are still calling for the same rights. The challenges facing LGBTIQ people today—including gender-based violence, threats to reproductive rights, and escalating homophobia and transphobia—mirror the injustices she spoke out against in 1995.
"We have advanced as a species in so many ways, yet when it comes to women’s rights and the rights of the oppressed, we find ourselves constantly fighting backlash," she reflected.
Bev also spoke about the power of naming the opposition—the realization that the forces working against LGBTIQ equality are no longer hidden, but openly attacking human rights under the guise of political and ideological agendas.
Quote from Bev Ditsie
"For so long, we’ve had to negotiate, plead, and beg for our rights. But it’s clear now that those in power won’t just hand them to us—it serves them for us to remain oppressed. We are done asking."
The Power of the Lesbian Tent and the Importance of Visibility
The Lesbian Tent at the 1995 Beijing Conference was more than a physical space—it was a symbol of resistance, community, and the demand for inclusion. Despite attempts to erase and silence LBTIQ voices, the tent became a gathering place for activists, fostering connections and strengthening the global movement.
Quote from Bev Ditsie
"Before Beijing, there had never been a formal lesbian space at a UN women’s conference. We weren’t part of the agenda—we had to create our own space,"
The tent became a hub for discussions, a place where activists could meet, strategize, and share their stories. It was in this environment that Bev delivered her groundbreaking speech, demanding that the rights of all women be recognized, including lesbians and gender-nonconforming people.
This year, Bev reflects on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), where Outright International will revive the spirit of the Lesbian Tent with a powerful demonstration. As governments and conservative forces attempt to strip LGBTIQ people from the global gender equality agenda, this moment is a reminder that we are still here—and we will not be erased.
From Fear to Acceptance: A Personal Victory
While many battles remain, Bev shared a deeply personal reflection on how the world has changed since her early activism.
Growing up in South Africa, she faced constant threats of violence, including the ever-present danger of "corrective rape" aimed at "fixing" her sexuality. Returning home after the Beijing Conference, however, she experienced an unexpected shift.
Quote from Bev Ditsie
"The same people who used to threaten me started saying, ‘Wow, you’ve put our township on the map. We’re proud of you.’"
Years later, Bev’s wedding to her wife was embraced by her community. Her neighbors, elders, and even her most traditional family members celebrated her love—an outcome she never thought possible.
Quote from Bev Ditsie
"I did not think I would live this long, let alone be legally married. My life, my love—it feels like a miracle."
A Call to Action: The Future of LGBTIQ Advocacy
Bev’s story is a testament to the resilience of the global LGBTIQ movement, but she warns of a dangerous trend—the divide-and-conquer tactics being used to pit LGB people against trans and intersex communities.
Quote from Bev Ditsie
"We must resist the attempts to separate us. We cannot allow our movement to be fractured. If we let them strip away the rights of trans people today, it will be lesbians and gay men next."
As the world gears up for CSW69 and the Beijing+30 anniversary, Bev’s message is clear: we must reclaim our space, demand inclusion, and build a future where all LGBTIQ people are protected.
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