Concern over judge’s ‘in-the-closet’ gay couple surrogacy denial ruling
Questions have been asked about a Pretoria High Court ruling that barred a gay couple from surrogacy, apparently because one of men is still in the closet. According to reports, Judge Ronel Tolmay gave two primary reasons for refusing to approve a surrogacy agreement between a woman and the couple of ten years, identified only […]
Mugabe is gone, but is his successor Emmerson Mnangagwa less homophobic?
Zimbabwe’s new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has promised an inclusive democracy, but there are fears he may continue to sideline the LGBT community. Mnangagwa, 75, was sworn in as president at a ceremony in the national sports stadium in Harare on Friday, making a series of welcome pledges. “I solemnly promise to the best of my ability […]
Gay couple denied child because one partner’s in the closet
The High Court in Pretoria has denied a gay couple their application for surrogacy because one of the partners is still in the closet. The Star reported that Judge Ronel Tolmay ruled that it would not be in the best interest of the child born from the surrogacy to agree to the application. The couple, […]
Zanele Muholi knighted by France for her groundbreaking queer art
Zanele Muholi, South Africa’s most acclaimed queer photographer, has been knighted by France for her groundbreaking work. On Wednesday, Muholi was honoured with France’s top cultural award, the Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, by French Ambassador Christophe Farnaud. The event in Pretoria was attended by activist, friends, dignitaries, and Muholi’s mentor, photographer David […]
Another court condemns Trump’s “arbitrary” transgender ban
A second federal court has halted the implementation of President Trump’s order banning transgender service members from serving in the military. The ruling restricts the government from taking any action with regard to the ban while an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawsuit challenging it moves forward. Significantly, unlike the injunction last month, it not […]
Facebook | Three likes and you’re gay
With as little as just three likes, Facebook is able to tell if a user on its social media site is probably gay or not, and then use this to make money. Researchers from Columbia Business School, the Network Science Institute and the Stern School of Business sought to asses how the site infers “users’ […]
LGBTI Zimbabweans “ecstatic” over homophobic Mugabe’s resignation
GALZ, Zimbabwe’s LGBTI rights group, has joined the overwhelming chorus of voices welcoming the resignation of Robert Mugabe, after 37 years of homophobic misrule. On Tuesday, speaker Jacob Mudenda read out the former president’s resignation letter in Parliament to loud cheers that were repeated across the nation. “I Robert Gabriel Mugabe in terms of section […]
Stigma, silence & stress | MSM couples & HIV in Southern Africa
A new study has explored the complexities of same-sex relationships between men in Southern Africa and how this impacts on the fight against HIV. Researchers used focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and online surveys to access the experiences of more than 600 men who have sex with men (MSM) who are in some form of […]
Pink Loerie launches 2018 S&M theme & announces new dates
After raising eyebrows with an S&M focus for 2018, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival has finally explained the seemingly kinky theme at the official launch in Knysna. Held at the spectacular Villa Castollini, which overlooks the town, last week’s event offered more details on the controversial theme and some of the plans […]
Outrage as Turkey’s capital bans all LGBTI events
Activists and human rights groups have condemned a decision to indefinitely ban all LGBTI events in Turkey’s first city. The ban was announced on Sunday by the Ankara Governor’s Office, which claimed that the restriction is necessary to protect the public. “Starting from Nov. 18, 2017, considering public sensitivities, any events such as LGBT … cinema, […]