Russia’s “gay propaganda” law is harming LGBT children
LGBT children are among the victims harmed by the stifling of free speech, expression and access to information in Putin’s increasingly authoritarian Russia. In a new report, Human Rights Watch has documented the significant restrictions to online speech and invasive surveillance of online activity under the guise of fighting extremism. With a raft of laws […]
Charlize Theron: Yes, I’ve swum in the lady pond
South African Oscar-winning star Charlize Theron has revealed that she’s been intimate with women in the past. The actor, who is promoting her new action thriller Atomic Blonde, spoke about her sexuality with Andy Cohen on his Watch What Happens Live chat show. In the film, Theron portrays bisexual British superspy Lorraine Broughton and shares a […]
Is justice finally coming for Pastor Oscar Bougardt?
After years of blatantly flouting an agreement to stop degrading and condemning LGBT people, Pastor Oscar Bougardt is finally being charged with contempt of court. Mambaonline has learned that the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) last week filed a contempt of court application against Bougardt in the Western Cape High Court, sitting as the Equality […]
Gretha Wiid given 21 days to respond to homophobia complaints
The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is continuing its investigation into Christian relationship “expert” Gretha Wiid over her views on homosexuality. Netwerk24 reports that the SAHRC has sent the celebrity speaker and writer a letter giving her less than a month to respond to the allegations of homophobia made in numerous complaints against her. Wiid has […]
Shock as groundbreaking LGBTQ actor and stylist Iko Mash dies
Iko Mash, who took on one of the first transgender acting roles on South African television, has passed away. According to reports, the much-loved Soweto-born personality, who also went by the moniker Cinderella, died on Friday morning, apparently after a struggle with cancer. Mash is perhaps best known for playing the transgender character of Zahr on the […]
Will Freddie Mercury movie avoid his sexuality and HIV status?
It’s finally been confirmed that a film about the life of iconic LGBT rock star Freddie Mercury will start shooting soon. But will it skirt around his sexuality and death from AIDS? Last week, Queen announced on the band’s website that after years of delays and a stream of would-be directors and actors, the movie, […]
Russian man refused job for looking gay because of “excessive grooming”
A fitness and nutrition store in Russia has rejected a job applicant because he sounded and looked too feminine, neat and ‘gay’. The Russian LGBT Network reports that Edward Zavialov was denied the position of sales assistant in May at the Hardcore store in Omsk. In a letter, Natalia Chernorai, the head of the HR office, […]
Mamba Q&A: The man behind Manila Von Teez
Since coming second in last year’s SA’s Got Talent, the spectacular Manila Von Teez, performed by Veon Wentzel, has become arguably South Africa’s most high profile drag star. She’s one of a handful of local drag acts to break into the mainstream by being welcomed into the living rooms of many South Africans and winning […]
Powerful | Muslim mom defends son’s gay wedding after community backlash
A Canadian mother has been subjected to intense homophobic religious abuse after she celebrated her son’s same-sex marriage. The controversy followed the marriage earlier this month between Ali Reza, a Vancouver Muslim man, and his husband Paul. Reza’s family, including his mother Siddika, supported the union and attended the ceremony. Others from their Shia Ithna-Asheri sect, sadly, […]
Marriage (in)equality in SA | Home Affairs Minister responds to Mambaonline
Mambaonline recently published an article about Minister of Home Affairs Hlengiwe Mkhize rejecting a call by COPE MP Deidre Carter to remove a discriminatory provision in the country’s same-sex marriage law. The controversial clause, Section 6 of the Civil Union Act, allows Home Affairs marriage officers to refuse to marry same-sex couples. The provision is […]