HEADLINES

The struggles of lesbian parents using sperm donors: Lesbian parents in South Africa may face legal challenges and expenses not experienced by opposite-sex parents. So is it justified red tape or is it homophobic discrimination?

EFF apologises to LGBTQI+ South Africans for members voting against Civil Union Amendment Bill: In an extraordinary turn of events, the EFF has apologised after three of its members in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) voted against the Civil Union Amendment Bill.

30 Under 40 SADC Queer Game Changers initiative launched: A new initiative, the 30 Under 40 Queer Game Changers, aims to put a spotlight on the LGBTIQ+ community of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Now Trump targets homeless trans people amid Covid-19 crisis: The Trump administration is set to end an Obama-era provision that bars federally funded homeless shelters from turning away transgender people.

Western Cape first to introduce LGBTQI+ guidelines for schools: The Western Cape Department of Education has published what are said to be the country’s first draft Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Guidelines.

Gabon | Catholic Church slams vote to decriminalise homosexuality: As the upper house of Parliament in Gabon votes to decriminalise homosexuality, Catholic leaders in the country have warned that the move will endanger children with "deviant behaviour."

Civil Union Amendment Bill passed by NCOP: South Africa's National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has passed the Civil Union Amendment Bill, making marriage equality that much more accessible to South Africans across the country.

Call to replace Christopher Columbus statue with Marsha P Johnson: Tens of thousands of people are calling for queer Stonewall Riots icon Marsha P Johnson to be honoured with a statue in her New Jersey home town.

Queer books: The ‘All for the Game’ series: The All for the Game trilogy has been an online phenomenon since the first book was self-published back in 2013. Enrique Grobbelaar reviews this popular queer series.

Opinion | Pride & Prejudice in 2020: Why it matters to have a voice: Nduduzo Nyanda, the proudly LGBTQI+ country manager for Uber South Africa, looks at how far we have come and where we still need to go when it comes to LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Johannesburg Pride reveals plans for 2020: While many Pride events around the world have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Johannesburg Pride still hopes to hold its annual Pride street march later in the year.

LGBTQ rights facing uphill struggle when it comes to young Africans: While young Africans strongly support a variety of fundamental rights, the vast majority draw the line at those for the LGBTQ community.

Uganda | 19 LGBTQ individuals awarded damages for rights violations: Nineteen gay men and trans women who were jailed for 49 days after a raid on an LGBTIQ homeless shelter in Uganda have been awarded damages for having their rights violated.

Here’s how you can take part in the historic Global Pride this Saturday: Global Pride, the first 24-hour virtual Pride, will be streamed online this Saturday 27 June and has the potential to be the largest LGBTQIA+ event ever.

Group allocates R300 000 towards LGBTQIA+ Covid-19 relief: Johannesburg-based media-advocacy group Iranti is stepping up its efforts to support the LGBTQIA+ community during the Covid-19 crisis.

Eswatini High Court postpones hearing on LGBTI registration: A groundbreaking case in which an LGBTI group is challenging the Eswatini government's refusal to formally recognise its existence has been postponed.

Joburg Christian school flies LGBTIQ+ rainbow flag to mark Pride Month: St John's College, a 122-year-old Christian school in Johannesburg, has broken barriers by flying the LGBTIQ+ rainbow flag to commemorate international Pride Month.

DA members wade into JK Rowling transphobia furore: In the wake of the JK Rowling transgender equality controversy, the DA Rainbow Network has responded to concerns about social media posts on the issue made by some figures in the party.

Gabon moves to decriminalise homosexuality: Lawmakers in the Central African nation of Gabon have voted to reverse one-year-old legislation that outlaws homosexuality, a first step in repealing the discriminatory law.

Five arrested for murder of LGBTQ+ teen: The arrest of five individuals accused of murdering LGBTQ teen Liyabona Mabishi on Human Rights Day has been welcomed by the Western Cape government.