China bars homosexuality on television
Homosexuality is one of the “abnormal behaviours” that are now no longer allowed to be depicted on television in China. New regulations by the China Television Drama Production Industry Association and the China Alliance of Radio, Film and Television were drafted in December last year but were only recently released online. Also banned are depictions of […]
Steve Grand finally coming to South Africa
After ditching his South African tour two years ago, proudly gay American singer Steve Grand will finally perform in the country, for one show only. The 25-year-old hunky star disappointed local fans in November 2013 when he cancelled a series of planned shows at the last minute due to contractual obligations to record his début […]
Sam Smith had the worst Oscar night ever
Sam Smith has apologised for implying he’s the first gay man to win an Oscar, and says he thinks his performance on the night was a disaster. The singer was slated for appearing to claim to be the first openly gay man to take home the honour after winning the best original song category at Sunday’s Academy […]
Yes! We could soon see an LGBT character in the Star Wars movies
The director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens says he expects LGBT characters to finally make their presence felt in one of the upcoming Star Wars movies. According to the Daily Beast, JJ Abrams was asked at the US-Ireland Alliance’s annual Oscar Wilde Awards last week Thursday about the hit film series including a gay […]
Confused Sam Smith dedicates best song Oscar to LGBT community
British singer and songwriter Sam Smith dedicated his Oscar win on Sunday night to the LGBT community, although he was confused about his facts. Smith received the best original song honour (with co-writer Jimmy Napes) at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles for his James Bond theme, Writing’s on the Wall. The openly gay singer went […]
First transgender song nominee boycotts the Oscars
English singer and songwriter Anohni is the first transgender musical performer to be nominated for an Oscar, but she won’t be attending Sunday night’s glamorous event in Hollywood. Her reason? While Anohni’s Manta Ray, from the documentary Racing Extinction, is among songs by nominees such as Lady Gaga in the best Original Song category, she’s […]
Watch: SA dance team’s moving take on taboo of male rape
The subject of male rape remains a taboo, thanks to its impact on our social and cultural notions of masculinity. Now, South African dancer and choreographer Ruan de Villiers and director Emil Haarhoff have collaborated on a powerful, beautifully made short film that aims to get us talking and thinking about the issue. Danced to […]
Joburg exhibition explores LGBTI “journeys of faith”
A new exhibition about LGBTI people’s struggles with religion and spirituality is set to open at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Presented by Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA), Journeys of Faith – Navigating Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity will be on display at the museum from the end of February. The fifteen-panel exhibition […]
Here’s Kenya’s first LGBT music video that’s just been banned
A music video dedicated to same-sex love and the plight of LGBT people in Africa has predictably been banned by the Kenyan authorities. The track, a reworking by Art Attack of the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ song Same Love, features new lyrics and a video boldly depicting the lives of LGBT people in Kenya. The […]
Music reviews – Troye Sivan, Black Coffee, Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, Robin Schulz and more
TROYE SIVAN – BLUE NEIGHBOURHOOD (DELUXE) Troye Sivan isn’t even 21 yet, but the Joburg-born, Australia-based singer/actor has an enviable list of accolades. From the title role in all three Spud movies to a role in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, being named one of the world’s most influential teens in 2014 by TIME magazine, plus 4 […]