Mamba’s 21 most-popular queer stories of 2019
As we enter a New Year, here are the articles that you – our readers – were most gripped by in 2019. It’s a fascinating snapshot of the year that was.
From Harlem to Jozi – the rise of ball culture
Ball culture has become an increasingly visible phenomenon, including in South Africa. Here’s how this celebration of black queer identity and expression has spread around the globe.
Tips to take care of your queer mental health this festive season
While “it’s the most wonderful time of the year” for some, the festive season can be a challenge for many in the LGBTQI+ community. Here are some mental health self-care tips.
Opinion | Much ado about a rainbow flag
Kenyans were outraged after a rainbow flag was recently raised on top of Mt Kenya, along with the national flag. Activist Denis Nzioka looks at why a simple rainbow flag would elicit so much hate.
Q&A | Miss Drag SA 2019 Belinda Qaqamba Ka-Fassie
After winning more than 20 pageants, Belinda Qaqamba Ka-Fassie was crowned Miss Drag SA 2019 in October. Find out more about this stunning activist and drag artist here!
Get to know your LGBTIQA+ alphabet
People – and even members who are part of the LGBTIQA+ community themselves – often talk in jest about the seemingly confusing umbrella acronym for people who do not identify as entirely straight.
Pierre De Vos: Why the hate speech provision was declared unconstitutional and what happens next
Constitutional law expert Pierre De Vos looks at what led the Supreme Court of Appeal to dismiss the Jon Qwelane homophobic hate speech conviction and what it means for the LGBTQ+ community.
Edwin Cameron World AIDS Day Message 2019
Every year, now-retired Constitutional Court Justice Edwin Cameron pens a World AIDs Day message, published by Exit – SA’s longest-running LGBTQ publication – and shared by MambaOnline.
“The category is love”: Celebrating the ineffable Billy Porter
History-making singer, performer, actor and fashion icon Billy Porter has become a dynamic representation of black queer talent, success and fearless fabulousness.
The history of drag in South Africa still plays out at modern pageants
A Google search for the term ‘South African drag queens’ yields approximately half-a-million results. TL McCormick takes a look at the history of drag in the Western Cape.