Scared parents plead with Trump to protect their trans kids
Almost 800 parents have pleaded with President Trump to uphold their transgender children’s rights at school. Their call was in response to a decision by the Department of Justice to no longer fight a national injunction issued by a federal court to suspend a previous Obama administration order that stopped federally funded schools from discriminating against tran students. […]
A world without Conchita Wurst may be imminent
The man who created the iconic bearded drag persona Conchita Wurst says that it’s time to retire the character. Speaking to Germany’s Die Welt newspaper, singer Tom Neuwirth declared that, “I don’t need her any more” and “I have to kill her”. The Austrian explained: “I feel like I want to create a new person… […]
Victory as Church of England rejects homophobic bishop’s report
The rejection by the Church of England of a controversial Bishops’ Report has been hailed as a “victory for LGBTI love and equality”. On Wednesday, the church’s General Synod voted against endorsing the report which sought to affirm the church’s opposition to same-sex marriage. The report, compiled by the House of Bishops, was put to […]
“You are taking our girls!” Lesbian activist bashed with a cricket bat in Pretoria
Sally*, a 24-year-old activist from Pretoria, is dedicated to combating the stigma of HIV and the scourge of hate crimes. With her focus on helping others, this confident and openly-lesbian woman didn’t expect to herself become a victim of violent hate because of her sexual orientation. On Saturday 28 January, Sally was returning to her […]
Albert Khoza: Pushing boundaries without exception or limits
Albert Silindokuhle Ibokwe Khoza is a proudly gay, black performance artist, dancer, activist and inyanga – and a total breath of fresh air. I recently met this 28-year-old, whose work is known for pushing buttons, and often while he performs naked. I’d read so much about him and was quite unsure of what to expect. He […]
Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys & other celebs denounce Texas anti-trans bills
A host of entertainers have backed a campaign opposing two discriminatory bills that will target transgender people in Texas. More than 140 stars signed an open letter calling on politicians in the US state to oppose bill SB 6 and bill HB 1362 and to speak out against LGBTQ hate. Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Janelle […]
Christian bigots frustrated as Trump keeps LGBT rights envoy
In a surprising move, the Trump administration has announced that it will retain openly gay diplomat Randy Berry as America’s first Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons. The position was created by the State Department under the Obama administration in February 2015 with the aim of moving “towards a world free from […]
Relief as Gambia’s new president says homosexuality “not an issue”
In the wake of former President Jammeh’s virulently homophobic rule, Gambia’s new leader appears far less concerned about the so-called “threat” of homosexuality. This week, President Adama Barrow spoke for the first time on the issue of LGBT rights. According to The Point, he said that that homosexuality is not an issue in Gambia. He […]
I am what I am! It’s time for Cape Town Pride 2017
The Mother City is gearing up for its annual Cape Town Pride festivities from the 24th of February, culminating with the parade and mardi gras on the 4th of March. This year’s theme is ‘I am what I am’. It, explain the organisers, “celebrates the individuality of every member of the community and says that […]
DA calls for suspension of homophobic KZN lecturers
The Democratic Alliance says that the two lecturers who allegedly verbally abused and threw out a gay student in Umlazi must be suspended. Last week, 20-year-old Bheka Khanyile revealed that he had been victimised at Coastal College in Umlazi because of his sexual orientation. Cllr Martin Meyer, DA EThekwini Councillor, said that he had met with […]