Player Stories
Player Story 2
Rainbow flags in the wind
Ntando is a middle-aged queer identifying, non-binary person. As a child, Ntando always knew they were ‘different from other boys’, something their mother accepted and supported. When their mother passed away suddenly, however, they were kicked out of the family home by their disapproving aunt. They moved from their comfortable family home to live in an informal settlement with friends. Reflecting on this transition, they explained, ‘I went from a kid who had everything to a kid who has to make sure that each day passes with at least a full stomach’.
Navigating life as an openly gender fluid person has presented significant challenges for Ntando, but they’ve learned to navigate these over time. Although they feel comfortable to dress femininely in their own community, they explain that they cannot take that chance in other communities because physical abuse and violence is often enacted against people like them. Ntando’s love life has been filled with relationships where both partners have struggled to stay faithful, but they express a desire to meet someone they can trust.
Ntando is on ART treatment with the support of an MSM coach. They appreciate the queer-positive health support from their coach and the Aurum health facility, something they have not received in previous encounters with the health system. They feel safe and included in a safe circle of healthcare.
