Malawi | Human Rights Watch rejects public inquiry into LGBTI rights
Human Rights Watch has joined rights groups in Malawi in rejecting a planned public consultation into LGBTI equality. The Malawi Human Rights Commission recently announced a public inquiry in November on the issue after the government asked it to assist it “to determine the way forward”. The inquiry aims “to get views from the public that would […]
Metro FM’s Criselda Dudumashe apologises for transphobic comments
Despite initially denying she made any transphobic comments, radio presenter, author and activist Criselda Kananda-Dudumash has apologised to the LGBTIQ community for her utterances. Dudumash was slammed on social media for statements she made last week as a facilitator at a gender based violence dialogue at the University of Venda. She reportedly used the term […]
Here’s SA’s first rugby club to officially say “no” to homophobia in rugby
Digger’s Rugby Club (DRC), one of the oldest rugby clubs in South Africa, has signed an agreement to take a stand against homophobia in the sport– making it the first rugby club in South Africa to take such a pledge. The Randburg club joined the Exclusive Books Jozi Cats (JCRC), South Africa’s first gay and […]
Police Minister praises Will & Grace, admits police have failed LGBTQI South Africans
South Africa’s Police Minister Fikile Mbalula had admitted that LGBTQI victims of hate crimes are justified in their fear of reporting incidents to the authorities. He made the comments at the launch of the Action Indaba on Gender Based Violence and Protection of Vulnerable Groups on Friday in Eldorado Park. In a copy of his speech, […]
Here are the two gay dads competing on My Kitchen Rules SA
Two proudly gay dads are set to appear in the new hit television cooking show My Kitchen Rules South Africa (MKRSA). Launched on 13 August, the series sees local amateur foodies competing in teams of two for a cash prize. The first episode of MKRSA introduced South Africans to the initial five couples but snippets have started […]
Wits students stand up for gay rights
Students at universities who identify with the LGBTQ+ community still face daunting challenges even though these institutions are viewed as liberal and progressive. This is according to Tish White, the program coordinator for sexual orientation and gender identity advocacy at Wits University. White was addressing a group of students at the opening of Wits Pride […]
Metro FM’s Criselda Dudumashe dumped as HIV ambassador over “she man” comment
Radio presenter, author and activist Criselda Kananda-Dudumashe is no longer an ambassador for the Higher Education and Training HIV/ AIDS programme (HEAIDS) after she was accused of making transphobic comments. According to HEAIDS, Dudumashe made the offensive remarks in her role as a facilitator during its Sexual and Gender Based Violence Dialogue on Friday, at […]
AmaXhosa king gay film ban | Festival will go ahead with screening of Inxeba (The Wound)
The Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is defiant in response to a call by amaXhosa king Zwelonke Sigcawu to ban the acclaimed gay-themed South African film Inxeba (The Wound). Directed by John Trengove, Inxeba tells the story of Xolani, a lonely closeted Xhosa factory worker who joins the men of his community in the […]
Australia | Marriage equality poll campaign turns nasty
As predicted by activists, hateful anti-gay and transphobic materials have begun appearing in Australia as the country prepares for a vote on marriage equality. In Melbourne, a resident shared a photo of a poster against same-sex marriage that appeared in the city centre, calling on people to “stop the fags”. The poster features a cowering […]
Groups say Jon Qwelane hate speech ruling a victory for LGBTI people
The SA Human Rights Commission and the Psychological Society of South Africa have applauded the South Gauteng High Court’s hate speech judgement against Jon Qwelane. This case arose from more than 350 complaints lodged with the SAHRC in 2008 about the infamous homophobic article written by Qwelane, and published in the Sunday Sun. On Friday, the court […]