SA committed to regional LGBTI summit
The South African government said this week that it remains committed to hosting the long-delayed regional summit on LGBTI equality. On Monday, international and local dignitaries gathered at the offices of OUT LGBT Well-being for the announcement of the US-led Global Equality Fund’s new grant to the Love, Not Hate campaign. The programme, first launched […]
Alarm as SA’s oldest LGBTI organisation faces closure
Cape Town’s Triangle Project, the longest-running LGBTI organisation in South Africa, is facing a dire financial crisis and needs your help to survive. First established in 1981 under the name of GASA 6010, Triangle today offers health and other support services to LGBTI people throughout the Western Cape, with a dedicated seven-member team. Alarmingly, the […]
Sowetan doesn’t know difference between gay men and trans women
In an astonishing display of ignorance, the Sowetan newspaper has revealed that it believes that gay men are transgender women. On the weekend, the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) announced at its 12th National Conference that it will welcome transgender women in its ranks. The Sowetan on Tuesday, however, reported the news under the bizarre front page […]
Judge Cameron: Coming out key to African LGBT equality
Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron says that increased visibility of LGBT people is the key to ensuring equality in Africa. Justice Cameron made the statement at a rousing talk and discussion last week at Wits University in which he spoke about his own coming out as well as his thoughts on the state of LGBT […]
Anti-gay fervour spikes ahead of Obama’s Kenya visit
As homophobic incidents spread ahead of President Obama’s visit to Kenya later this month, the White House says that the American leader may well address LGBT rights during the trip. Obama’s pending visit has ignited a firestorm of anti-gay sentiment in Kenya, as politicians and traditional and religious leaders have warned him not to bring […]
Homophobic UCT student leader becomes darling of religious bigots
LGBTI students at UCT are ramping up pressure against homophobic SRC Vice-President Zizipho Pae, who has become a poster child for the anti-gay religious lobby. The newly formed UCT Queer Revolution (UCTQR) held a press conference at the university on Tuesday to address Pae’s now infamous Facebook comment describing the legalisation of same-sex marriage in […]
NG Kerk head calls for full acceptance of gay ministers & same-sex marriage
The general moderator of the Dutch Reformed Church (or NG Kerk) has urged the church to fully welcome gay ministers and same-sex marriages. Netwerk24 quoted Prof. Nelus Niemandt as saying: “My hope is that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (orientation) will be normalised (in the church).” Speaking in his personal capacity, Niemandt stated that […]
Breaking! Religious bigotry vs LGBT equality goes to Con Court next month
A landmark case pitting faith-based discrimination against the equal rights of LGBT people will finally be heard by the Constitutional Court. After almost five years of legal struggle, fired lesbian Methodist minister Ecclesia de Lange will present her case to the highest court in the land on 28 August. De Lange was dismissed by the Methodist […]
An astonishing 26 million people “went rainbow” on Facebook
It’s been revealed that 26 million people around the world changed their Facebook profile pictures this past weekend to show their support for LGBT equality. Two interns at the social media company created the tool to allow users to layer a rainbow effect over their profile pictures to mark Pride month, which is celebrated in […]
UCT SRC leader in hot water over alleged gay “sin” post
A top student leader at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been accused of posting homophobic comments on her Facebook page. On Sunday, Zizipho Pae, the Acting President of the SRC (Student Representative Council), posted: “We are institutionalising and normalising sin! Sin. May God have mercy on us…” Most of her followers understood her […]