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25 July 2022 | Story Lunga Luthuli

From an early age, many have been taught that strangers are not only a danger to the individual, but to the communities too.

A StrangerKind (ASK), an organisation hosting unconventional conversations in communities on topics and responding to questions that many may not have the opportunity to ask, has partnered with the University of the Free State to host the talks that aims to promote curiosity, diversity, and social cohesion.

As part of the ASKcampus – a first to be hosted at any university in the country – participants will have an opportunity to talk to a stranger in a safe setting and ask any question that comes to mind, without any judgement.

Michelle Nöthling, Assistant Researcher in Kovsie Support Services, said: “The ASK event is an opportunity for participants to pick a topic from a list that sparks curiosity and book an available 45-minute time slot. During your session, you sit down to a one-on-one conversation with a stranger who will briefly introduce themselves and their topic. They will then share their personal life experience on that topic with you.”

The event, which will be launched at the Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus, on 28 July 2022, is open to both UFS staff and students.

“During the individual sessions, participants may ask the strangers anything about the chosen topic. We even encourage you to ask those questions that you might otherwise have been too shy, or felt were too ignorant, to ask. What is more, is that the strangers you will meet will be fellow UFS staff and students. But you will not know who your stranger is until you sit down with them,” said Michelle.

Individuals who want to know more about becoming a UFS stranger are encouraged to visit the organisation’s YouTube channel or register to attend training and become a ‘stranger’.

Be curious. Be brave. Talk to strangers.

Launch details:
Date
: 28 July 2022
Time
: 10:00-14:00
Venue
: Thakaneng Bridge, Bloemfontein Campus

News Archive

Focus on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community
2012-03-14

14 March 2012

The International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice at the University of the Free State (UFS) will be presenting a week of events that will be used to launch monthly conversations about topics relevant to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community.

This year, LGBTI Week is scheduled to coincide with Human Rights Day in order to emphasise the importance of human rights for all LGBTI people in South Africa.

These critical conversations will include narrative contributions from LGBTI and heterosexual staff and students as well as theoretical discussions on LGBTI identity expressions, constitutional rights, “in/visibility” and inclusivity within the South African society.

Queer theory and other social justice perspectives around sexual orientation and multiple identity approaches will underpin the discussions. These conversations will provide a platform for the heterosexual and LGBTI communities to reconcile stereotypical and deeply decisive beliefs about LGBTI identities.
 

Programme for the LGBTI Week (starting on 19 March 2012).

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