Eastern Cape Lesbian Teens introduced "Blesser" Culture

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Eastern Cape teen lesbians of the early 2000's invented the culture of "Blessers" through the relationship concept known little about referred to as "AmaTshikini". 

This type of a relationship took the form of a mother and daughter but with the twist of romance. 

Even though majority of these relationships were innocent, some were genuine to such an extent of being sexual. 

It was rare to find a pair of the same age in this relationship situation. It had always been between a couple with the age difference. 

An older teen was mostly seen as the provider. And the younger one was always treated as if a queen. She was protected from harm and showered with gifts. 

For instance, if the young teen were to be involved in an argument during the day in school and the mean girls challenge her on a fist fight after school, the older teen would step in and protect her. 

another example would be when the parents of the older teen have went to town and brought some treaties for their kids, she would keep her stuff and give it to her "child" at school. 

Even with pocket money at school, the older teen would always feel compelled to buy something for her "child". 

The younger girl sometimes provided for the older teen , but it had always been the older one who was seen as a provider in the relationship. 


What was the parents and community view and attitude towards it?

Because it was between girls, it was never that obvious. In many communities it had gone unnoticed until it evaporated. To some parents, it was just a girly friendship. To those who were aware, they just thought of it as innocence.  

Back then homosexuality was not prevalent in rural Eastern Cape. And people back then were not as informed about sexuality as they are today. 

As the consequence, only people who were involved in the "practice" that knew well about it, and those who took a slight notice, did not think much of it. 


What happened to it?

No one really knows what had happened for it to be abandoned. Some think it might have had something to do with the stereotype that arose when lesbianism started to become visible in the rural communities. 

Females who were attracted to same sex were accused of having a snake that they use when engaging sexually with their partners. The members of the community strongly believed in this fairytale as some parents prohibited their kids from making friends with girls perceived as lesbians by the society. 

This belief is no longer held by majority of communities though. And still AmaTshikini has not made a comeback. By the looks of things, we may never happen. 






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