8 ways to open yourself up to love
February is celebrated worldwide as the month of love. We’re inundated with glossy, perfect and happy Valentine’s couples in the media, leaving those of us who’re single wondering, “What about me”? Now don’t get us wrong. Being single can certainly be a happy and healthy way to live, but many of us would like to […]
Churches are fuelling suicide among gays and lesbians
In the wake of the Grace Bible Church furore in South Africa, a new UK report has found that church teaching on same-sex relationships is making lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people more likely to contemplate suicide. The In the Name of Love: The Church, exclusion and LGB mental health issues report by the Oasis […]
No, a peaceful protest on church grounds does not infringe on religious grounds
After a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) activists recently held a “silent protest” outside Soweto’s Grace Bible Church, some people argued on social media and on radio talk shows that the protest violated the religious rights of the church and its congregants. This argument raises interesting questions about the right of […]
We’re in love with this gay-affirming Aussie ad!
An Australian bank has made a powerful advert in support of same-sex love, no matter where it’s expressed. Regardless of how out and proud we may be, it still takes guts to show affection or simply hold hands in public. In fact, it’s likely that many of us simply choose not to do so when […]
The Celebration of Black Gay Love on Valentine’s Day
We live in a world that celebrates being white, male and heterosexual above all else. This has not made it easy for us as black men to come out as “gay” in a world that worships heteronormativity. Since we don’t confirm to heteronormative behaviour, we are constantly forced to explain ourselves and our sexuality, while […]
Moonlight – the Mamba review
It’s among the most lauded films of the past year, with eight Oscar nominations under its belt. So, does Moonlight live up to the hype as a great queer film? What most surprised me when watching Moonlight is discovering that what lies at its heart is a discreet, delicate love story. It’s one that’s rarely told […]
SA’s Coenie Kukkuk to judge Mr Gay Europe 2017 in Stockholm
Mr Gay Europe 2017 is going back to Stockholm for the second year running, while South Africa’s very own Coenie Kukkuk will return as a judge. Last year’s event kicked off in the Swedish capital before moving on to tour through northern Scandinavia and concluding in Oppdal, a ski resort in Norway. “The days in Stockholm […]
It’s society, not our sexual orientation that’s making us sick
A new study has challenged a common perception that homosexual and bisexual people are inherently at risk of poor mental health and suicide. The study’s lead researcher, Dr Richard Burns from the Australian National University, said that homosexual or bisexual orientation is in itself not a major risk for long-term mental health problems. “Childhood sexual […]
Calling all the young LGBTI heroes out there
A new programme for LGBTI youth is urging “young heroes” to share their positive and empowering experiences to help others find their way. “I’m not a girl, not yet a woman”, Britney Spears sang in the adolescent phase of her pop princess reign. Cheesy as it may be, everyone can relate and identify with that […]
LGBTI groups against hate speech provision in hate crimes bill
A number of LGBTI+ groups don’t believe that the hate crimes bill’s attempt to make hate speech a criminal offence is a good idea – and it’s probably unconstitutional. Late last year, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development released the draft Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill. While rightly proposing to […]