"Keith has passed away. Only 19 years old. After a lot of unnecessary pain. His own health care insurance did not cover all costs for treating the cancer he suffered of, and eventually it ceased completely to to pay, as he had not been a member long enough. His parents, XX and XX, who call themselves Christians and are members of XXX Christian Church, initially denied all help because they disagreed with his lifestyle, most important his sexual orientation. Later, they tried to use his vulnerable position to force him into a “straightening facility” in the USA for at least a year (most likely a Christian “residential therapeutic treatment program”) in order to be “cured” of homosexuality. Cancer treatment would then take place as well. These programs have, to say the least, a questionable reputation. Apparently that plan didn’t work out and Keith stayed here in South Africa. He received no support from his parents anymore, except for being allowed shelter in his bedroom.

At age 17 Keith was thrown out of the house when he came out as gay, but was allowed back a few months later. The topic was not discussed anymore. Last year, he suffered the horrible experience of being raped. For this he was to blame himself, according to his mother. Fortunately he received good care at a psychiatric hospital at the time, where he spent a month. As a “birthday present” in April this year however, his parents sent him to a Christian youth camp here in SA for a weekend in order to “become a real man”. As he had not “changed” his gay orientation after this, he was disowned, belongings that his parents had paid for were taken from him, (including clothes and even birthday presents from years ago). He also had to return the health care insurance card they had paid for. Not invited for meals anymore, being ignored. Excommunicated.

Shortly after this, cancer was diagnosed. His two older sisters, whom he asked for blood donations to treat the leukemia he suffered of, choose not to get involved. If they would have cooperated, costs for treatment would have been far less. All his pleas and begging to his parents for help fell on deaf ears. By performing at XXX, he tried to earn enough money in order to pay for medical care. Many friends and also parents of friends helped out as much as they could. Keith really tried everything to survive…and I really mean EVERYTHING.

One night after performing a few weeks ago he came home late at night. He had no key anymore and his parents did not open the door. He spent the cold night in the garage, and caught pneumonia, which turned things for worse. This while the blood transfusions/lymphocyte replacement therapy seemed to work.

No more singing at XX. No more discussions about Wittgenstein No more intelligent, bright and talented Keith

Rest in peace, dearest Keith, you fought your battle. I miss you and will never forget you."