this story begins on its side

Black lesbian rape is an ongoing problem that exists in South Africa and continues to traumatize women. Bathandwa M tells the story of Noxolo, a human who loves another human and how their life is changed forever.

"I am asking you, Sisi, to please request them to read this story. It needs to be told with words. It needs to be taken from these pages and placed into their minds, with images of me, imaginings of my body, sounds of my voice which cannot speak. I am sorry to ask this, Sisi, I am sorry to ask."

"No", the voice next to her says, "you don't say sorry. You don't give those that hurt you power. You say: I am telling this story to you because I need you to read it. And I am thankful that you choose to be ones of those who is willing to take it from the pages. I am thankful to you."