Masi Zhakata is a lesbian mother living in Cape Town, South Africa. Their story begins in Zimbabwe, when their family discovered their sexuality. After several members of their family tried to “fix” them with a process known as corrective rape, they forced them to marry a man. They became a wife and had a child, but the constant abuse and correction continued, and they knew they couldn’t survive it much longer.

After making the most difficult decision of their life, Masi gathered all their valuables, sold them in the street, kissed their daughter one last time, and left the only life they had ever known to flee to South Africa. When they arrived, they had no place to live and knew no one. Though they was attempting to live their true life as a lesbian woman, they was barely able to sustain themself, was increasingly depressed, and even attempted suicide several times.

A ray of hope

Then, in April of 2021, they found The Dream Academy, our intensive leadership course that focuses on socio-emotional wellbeing and employability skills training. Masi was skeptical at first, but also intrigued. They wanted to know what those white folks from California were getting out of it, so they stayed to find out. And it changed everything for them.

“I was on the verge of collapse, hungry for love, compassion, and the freedom to live my true authentic self. The Dream Academy came along and not only put me in the process of healing, but also gave me family. Now it’s my personal mission to pass it on to others.” 

A leader emerges

Shortly after graduating from the first Dream Academy class, they joined the TDA team as the first country director for South Africa. Three months later, they moved into the role of Global Director, a position they’ve held for nearly two years. Masi is responsible for managing 14 staff members, leading courses, developing curriculum, helping train up-and-coming leaders from among the students, and acting as spokesperson for the organization nationally and internationally.

Masi is also the founder of Pachedu, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQI+ refugees and asylum seekers with food and shelter. They are a powerful advocate for human rights, both in their host country of South Africa and in Uganda following the passage of the Kill the Gays bill that led to violent attacks and drove much of our community there into hiding. They help to build bridges across faith and cultural lines within their community that have led to reduction of violence and increased acceptance and social inclusion. Masi has spoken on behalf of their community before Parliament, UN bodies, refugee rights groups, and a variety of media outlets. Their story has been made into an award-winning documentary, called “Tribe.” 

A joyful reunion

Remember that baby they kissed goodbye in Zimbabwe? Last year, Kate joined Masi in Cape Town, where they were reunited after 15 years apart. It took some adjustment, but they’re inseparable now. Kate understands why Masi left—and why Masi could never be the mother they are today if they had stayed. 

Masi continues to face challenges and discrimination as a queer asylum seeker in a country that offers them no pathway to asylum as a lesbian mother—a country that has threatened to deport all undocumented Zimbabweans, a move they say would be a death sentence for them.

Masi is a powerful leader, serving their community every day and advocating for change. They are one of many core SafePlace staff members from the displaced LGBTQI+ community who are helping others like them discover their passion and build the confidence to become leaders in their own right.