India’s Supreme Court orders government to explain gay ban position
In a major development, India’s Supreme Court has ordered the government to clarify its stance on the criminalisation of homosexuality. On Tuesday, the court gave the government until July to explain its position on the matter which continues to generate controversy in India. In January, the court announced it was preparing to re-look at its […]
Malawi | Man arrested on “suspicion” of being gay
As uncertainty surrounds the enforcement of the ban on homosexuality in Malawi, a man has been arrested for ‘gross indecency’ over suspicion that he is gay. The Nyasa Times reported last week that the 24-year-old man was arrested in the city of Mzuzu, “for presumed homosexuality”. The arrest was confirmed by national police in Lilongwe […]
When will it end? | Another gay online dating attack in Pretoria
Another person has fallen victim to a Pretoria gang targeting gay men through dating apps and websites. The 34-year-old man, who we have named Paul, has asked to not be identified. He recently recounted his harrowing experience to Mambaonline. On 21 March, Paul met a man, “Martin”, through a profile on the Manhunt dating site. […]
Kenyan lesbian film ‘Rafiki’ banned ahead of Cannes debut
Kenya’s notoriously homophobic censors have banned a Kenyan lesbian love story after it was invited to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month. Despite the honour – a first for Kenya – the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) announced that Rafiki (meaning ‘friend’) will not be allowed to be shown in its home country. […]
Johannesburg Pride partners with Pink Loerie & Mr Gay World
Johannesburg Pride has announced a partnership with the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival Southern Africa Foundation (NPO) and Mr Gay World™. “The intention for this partnership is to formulate a cohesive working relationship to better serve the LGBT+ME community,” said Kaye Ally of Johannesburg Pride in a statement. The term “LGBT+ME” was introduced […]
Mamma Mia! Abba to release new music
It’s official! Abba have been secretly recording music in the studio and will release two new tracks for the first time in 35 years. In a post on Instagram, the foursome revealed that the new songs were an “unexpected consequence” of their work on a virtual tour, which initially was believed to only focus on […]
South Africa rallies around Caster Semenya
There’s growing outrage at the latest attempt to strip away Caster Semenya’s natural talent so she can be classified as a “normal woman.” On Thursday, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) issued new regulations dealing with women athletes with high levels of testosterone. Based on the idea that these levels give some women athletes, […]
UK | More than a third of LGBT staff in the closet at work
Thirty-five percent of LGBT staff in the UK have hidden that they are LGBT at work for fear of discrimination, and black and transgender people are the worst off. New research from Stonewall, Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bi and trans equality, reveals troubling discrimination in Britain’s workplaces. The report, based on YouGov research […]
Turkey | LGBTI people living in fear
Amnesty International has highlighted the increasingly dire scenario facing LGBTI people and human rights activists in Turkey. The country is being strangled by the ongoing state of emergency, which was declared in July 2016 as a “temporary” measure in the wake of a failed coup attempt. The state of emergency was renewed again last week. According […]
Janelle Monáe comes out as queer
After much speculation about her sexuality, singer, songwriter, rapper and actress Janelle Monáe has revealed that she identifies as a “queer black woman”. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Monáe finally addressed the rumours, stating: “Being a queer black woman in America, someone who has been in relationships with both men and women – […]