Wendelinus Hamutenya
Wendelinus Hamutenya | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Namibian |
| Occupations | Activist, Personal Financial Consultant |
| Known for | First Mr Gay Namibia (2011) |
Wendelinus Hamutenya is a Namibian model and gay activist. He was the first-ever Mr Gay Namibia in 2011[1], In 2012, he became one of the first two Black Africans to compete in the Mr Gay World competition held in Johannesburg[2][3].
Personal life
Hamutenya was born in the village of Oshalembe in the Omusati Region of northern Namibia.In November 2020, Hamutenya married Immanuel Jeremiah in a ceremony in South Africa[4]. The couple has since adopted a son. In 2021, Hamutenya's boyfriend was arrested for the attempted murder of Hamutenya.[5] Hamutenya said his boyfriend stabbed him after he bought an older version of a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone that his boyfriend did not want.[6]
Early activism
Shortly after his 2011 win, Hamutenya was physically attacked near his home by individuals seeking his prize money[7]. In late 2012, he was stripped of his title by pageant organizers following a domestic dispute in South Africa[1]; however, Hamutenya maintained that the charges were later withdrawn and that he remained a leader in the community.[8]
In 2015, Hamutenya was mugged and beaten; LGBTQ groups in Namibia say the attack may have been politically motivated due to his LGBTQ rights activism.[9]
In 2023, following the Namibian Supreme Court recognising foreign same-sex marriages in the country, Hamutenya said that "the Supreme Court of Namibia has ruled in favour of gay people".[10] Later that year, traditional leaders of the Herero people criticised Hamutenya over outfits he wore at an anti-homophobia demonstration in Windhoek, saying "What is utterly disturbing is that this 'man', who chose to use our dress inappropriately, does not even appear to be a Herero, making me wonder why he chose our dress and not the one from his tribe", and that "the Herero Traditional Dress ... is linked to a culture that has very deep roots in the Herero nation. It is completely inappropriate and distasteful for a 'man' to wear it as it is reserved for women and it is initially introduced to young women through a specific ritual."[11]
References
- 1 2 "SHOCK AS MR GAY NAMIBIA STRIPPED OF TITLE". MambaOnline. 27 November 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Kelto, Anders (9 April 2012). "For The First Time, Mr. Gay World Crowned In Africa". KERA. NPR News. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ "First black African contestants for Mr Gay World". TimesLIVE. 21 February 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Ndeyanale, Eliaser (2022-11-06). "She showed love to a gay couple – Wendelinus". The Namibian. Retrieved 2026-03-25.
- ↑ Jantze, Zorena (1 December 2021). "Mr Gay Namibia's husband in court for attempted murder". Informanté. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Jason, Loide (2021-12-01). "'Traumatised' Hamutenya hints at withdrawing charges". New Era. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Igual, Roberto (11 October 2013). "FORMER MR GAY NAMIBIA FOR MP?". MambaOnline. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Kisting, Denver (28 November 2012). "Namibia: Wendelinus Fights for Crown". The Namibian. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Garcia, Michelle (17 November 2015). "Mr Gay Namibia Assaulted". The Advocate. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ Ndeyanale, Eliaser (18 May 2023). "Former Mr Gay Namibia excited over same-sex marriage victory". The Namibian. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
- ↑ "Wendelinus hits back at Ovaherero Traditional Authority after 'Otjikaiva' uproar". Windhoek Observer. 28 June 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2024.