Culture | Ancestors approve of gay traditional healers
In South African black culture many still believe that homosexuality is a sin or unnatural. Names like ‘broken hands’, ‘short tempered guys’, ‘isitabane’ (a person with two private parts) and many derogatory labels are often used when referring to gay people. However, despite this stigma, some young gay men have become traditional healers who attend […]
Too little, too late? US Secretary of State backs Pride Month
America’s Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson has issued a statement in support of LGBTQ Pride Month around the world, while President Trump has remained notably silent. The State Department, which is responsible for America’s foreign affairs and polices, issued the short message on Thursday, more than a week into Pride Month. In it, Tillerson […]
Gay dads | How families with 2 fathers raise their kids
Kentucky family court judge W. Mitchell Nance says he refuses to hold hearings on same-sex couples’ adoptions “as a matter of conscience.” He’s not the only authority defying the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that made marriage equality the law of the land. So-called “religious freedom” bills in Texas, South Dakota and Alabama could let private […]
Malaysia | Health ministry rethinks anti-LGBT youth competition
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health says it’s amended its heavily criticised video competition for young people that promoted the idea that LGBT identities can be “prevented” or “controlled”. The controversial contest urged those aged 13 to 24 to submit original videos on topics including “gender dysphoria,” and stated that they should address how to “prevent, control and […]
Emergency! Help the Pink Loerie help Knysna
The Pink Loerie Festival has come to the aid of its home town, Knysna, which is being ravaged by massive and devastating fires. Huge sections of Knysna have burned to the ground, including homes, guest houses, schools and municipal buildings. Between 8,000 and 10,000 residents, many children and the elderly, have been evacuated, but not everyone […]
Half a million people sign petition to save Sense8
There’s a growing movement to stop the LGBTIQ-affirming series Sense8 from being cancelled. Last week, fans of the cult show were shocked when Netflix confirmed that it was ending Sense8 after just two seasons, despite a loyal following and critical praise. The timing of the move was especially galling as it was announced on the […]
Anti-gay evangelist Scott Lively slammed by judge but Uganda case dismissed
A US court has dismissed a suit against American evangelist Scott Lively for promoting homophobia in Uganda, but the judge made it clear that it was not due to a lack of evidence. On Monday, US federal Judge Michael Ponsor ruled that, despite the overwhelming evidence, the court did not have jurisdiction in the case. […]
Newspaper outs 18 men arrested for cruising in Florida parks
A newspaper in Florida has needlessly published the photos and names of 18 men arrested in a four-day gay sex sting operation. The men, aged 28 to 78, were arrested by undercover officers in a number of parks in Volusia County, apparently following complaints of lewd behaviour. “If you insist in going in our parks and […]
Hope for Gambia as Minister of Foreign Affairs backs ending gay ban
Gambia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ousainou Darboe, has admitted that the former regime used anti-gay hysteria as an excuse to oppress his compatriots. The country’s dictatorial and deeply homophobic ruler of 23 years, Yahya Jammeh, only gave up power and went into exile in January after losing the presidential election to President Adama Barrow […]
Free! Kidnapped Nigerian writer Chibụìhè Obi has been released
Nigerian writer Chibụìhè Obi has been released, reportedly after being kidnapped and held to ransom for writing an anti-homophobia essay. On Monday, Obi’s concerned friends put out an alert on social media calling for help in finding the teacher, poet and photographer, who had been missing since the 1st of June. It’s believed that he […]