South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: June 2026
An overview of LGBTIQ+ rights violations, hate speech incidents and updates in South Africa in June 2026, compiled by MambaOnline and OUT LGBT Well-being.
“I Have Come Home”: Akani Shimange Begins a New Chapter as Iranti Executive Director
Meet queer human rights organisation Iranti’s new Executive Director, Akani Shimange, who shares their vision for LGBTQIA+ rights and storytelling in Africa.
‘You Belong Here’: Inside the Campaign Helping LGBTQIA+ Students Feel Safe at TVET Colleges
Colour Me Foundation’s LGBTQIA+ campaign is helping TVET students across North West feel safer, seen and supported on campus.
Cape Town Heads to Amsterdam to Bring WorldPride 2028 Home to Africa
Cape Town Pride is heading to WorldPride Amsterdam to accept the torch for Africa’s first WorldPride in 2028 and lead the African delegation.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Rights Movement Sets Its Sights on South Africa with Cape Town Conference
LGBTQ+ organisations warn a major anti-rights “family values” conference planned for Cape Town could threaten LGBTQ+ equality across Africa.
Opinion: How Anti-Gay Legislation in Nigeria Fuels Violence Against the LGBTQ Community
In this opinion piece, Okorie Divine argues that Nigeria’s anti-gay legislation has created a climate of fear, abuse and impunity that urgently needs to change.
Landmark Botswana Same-Sex Marriage Case Moves Forward
Botswana’s landmark same-sex marriage case moves forward as the High Court hears applications ahead of a historic marriage equality hearing.
From Trauma to Leadership: How LGBTQ+ Changemakers Are Transforming Their Communities
LGBTQ+ graduates across Southern Africa celebrate leadership, healing and community empowerment through the SafePlace Dream Academy.
Uganda Drops Charges Against Two Women Arrested for Kissing Under Anti-Gay Law
Uganda drops charges against Wendy and Diana, who faced life imprisonment after being arrested for kissing under the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Inside the Gay Cruise Rejected by Turkey and Egypt: A South African Couple Shares Their Story
A South African couple shares their experience aboard the gay cruise denied entry by Turkey and Egypt amid growing LGBTQ+ hostility.