Social Spaces - Part 1

Meet Thandi Precious Manaswe

Every time I get to a new place (especially the workplace) people read me as a serious person.  This can stem from protecting myself with unwanted relationships at work because it was believed that people with albinism bring luck in relationships.  

I just remember a male colleague who came to get some guidance on a work matter, he stood in front of me and asked if this is Thandi? I said yes it is me, he went oh by the way I was warned that I should tread carefully. I had a good laugh just to allow him time to calm down and then realized that he eased up for our work conversation to continue.

Until we share one conversation then most of my colleagues get to realize that I am a loud and bubbly character.  

My sister says I am the social aunt in the family because when I am present in any family gathering there's bound to be lots of  laughter, so much fun and a great vibe.

Social Rejection

My friend and I were chased out of a taxi a long time ago.  As we were getting comfortable and I was preparing to count the money, all we heard was "I don't want these things in my car", his voice had a lot of aggression.  He then said to us go to the next taxi.  This is why I fought so hard to have my own car because the rejection was too painful.

Constant Staring 

I used to be a religious gym member. Eventually I got used to people staring at gym because I would be the one person with albinism in the entire gym. The staring from women in the change room was the most unbearable.  As I undressed one day there was this woman who stopped what she was doing to look at my body. As I turned to the other direction there was another one peeping through her towel but watching me.  I stopped visiting the change room since it would be a matter of getting into my car to go freshen up at home.

Are you sisters 

I have a long term sister (Keneilwe Morake), we met at primary school more than 30 years ago.  We love spending time together this includes going shopping and lunch dates.  Our physical features are very different, we just both have albinism.  The general question a lot of people ask us is if we are sisters?  If I have a moment to spare, this is the opportunity I use to educate the people about albinism if I am in a hurry I say yes and move on with my activities.

Gratitude Note 

Thank you so much for taking your time to read. I cannot wait to share further exciting experiences with you.  Please kindly share this post with as many people as you can as it will help me reach out to the world.

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