[ we are one ]

Friday: Completion of the 28-page annual report. Currently going through proofing by managing editor and managing director.

Saturday: Walked the city with Godfrey and treated him fifty flights to the tallest point in South Africa.

Local taxis seating 15-16 people. 7 rands/ride.

While there are cars everywhere, much is still done by foot.

Godfrey overlooking ZA.

East Johannesburg.

Me and Godfrey.

Sunday: No electricity in the morning. No water for the whole evening. During the afternoon Joe and I visited the Cradle of Human Kind and went down the Sterkfontein Caves with Jan. Jan has been living in ZA for 37 years but can't afford to visit some of these leisure and historic sites. After I paid for his ticket at Maropeng, we were given these sticker bracelets to wear. When the lady behind the partition gave him his, Jan held and looked at the bracelet for a minute - he was confused. I then wondered, "Has Jan ever visited a museum?" I didn't ask but I showed him how to put on the bracelet. I even let him put on mine for good practice. He whispered in my ear, "I have never done this before. You seem to know what you're doing." It was like watching a baby enter the world for the first time - maybe even a bit too interactive for Jan. He was scared when it came to this interactive boat ride that drifted you through all five mass extinctions.

Jan outside of Maropeng.

Jan and Me (practicing Joburg gang)

Monday: Since last Friday, I started recording one-t0-one testimonies of each individual BTM member as a means to explore what is really behind the mask. Two people have been interviewed thus far - capturing elaborations on their advocacy and activism as well as personal reflections as rather an internal or external member of the LGBTI community. I was quite emotional recording today's testimony - hearing about items from devastating hate crimes to the heroic story of coming out in an anti-gay township.