Driftsands LGBTI community take back the streets to honour Vovo (Pics)
Members of the LGBTI community took to the streets of Driftsands, near Khayelitsha, to honour slain lesbian Noluvo Swelindawo (Vovo) on Saturday. The group, consisting of Swelindawo’s friends, family, activists and supporters, sang and held up a large banner that read, “Her name was Noluvo”, as well as placards with messages such as, “Homosexuality is […]
Teen girls acquitted of homosexuality charges in Morocco
Sanity has prevailed after two girls who were tried for homosexuality in Morocco were acquitted of all charges. The teens, Sanaa (16) and Hajar (17), were arrested in October after they were reported by a neighbour or a relative who saw them kissing and hugging on the roof of a house in Marrakesh. The girls […]
Shocking report: 40% of trans people have attempted suicide
Transgender people in the US face enormous challenges and inequalities not experienced by other people, including a shockingly high attempted suicide rate. On Thursday, the largest survey of transgender people ever conducted was released by America’s National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE). More than 27,000 individuals took part in the poll, which revealed significant disparities […]
Northern Ireland asks Santa for marriage equality
All they want for Christmas is equality! Hundreds of shoppers in Northern Ireland have signed a card addressed to Santa Claus asking for same-sex marriage. The huge ‘Big Gay Christmas Card’ was placed in Belfast’s city centre on Thursday night. Members of the public were asked to sign it to show their support for the […]
Dismay at Pope’s renewed “damaging and insulting” ban on gay priests
A new Vatican document has reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s ban on gay men, and anyone supporting “gay culture”, from becoming priests. The 100 page document, The Gift of the Priestly Vocation, is a set of updated guidelines for priestly formation, and has been officially approved by Pope Francis. It states: “The Church, while deeply respecting […]
Somizi to homophobes: Your hate won’t make me straight!
Idols South Africa judge Somizi Mhlongo has lashed out at homophobic South Africans following the murder of young lesbian Noluvo Swelindawo on the weekend. He also slammed the Department of Justice for not taking action against those who’ve perpetrated hate crimes against the LGBTI community. In a passionate Instagram video post, the choreographer said: “I […]
Deputy Police Minister: Vovo’s murder wasn’t a hate crime
Deputy Police Minister Maggie Sotyu has claimed that the murder of lesbian woman Noluvo Swelindawo (Vovo) was unrelated to her sexuality. “It had nothing to do with that,” Sotyu said at a public meeting in Belhar, reported News24. She made the statement after visiting the 22-year-old victim’s family and partner, Nqabisa Mkatali, in Driftsands on […]
Gay African author Binyavanga Wainaina comes out as HIV+
Acclaimed Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina, who made waves when he came out as gay in 2014, has revealed that he is HIV positive. Affirming his position as an African role model, Wainaina announced his status on Twitter on 1 December, World Aids Day, writing: “i am HiV Positive, and happy.” Speaking to Daily Nation, he […]
Malawi religious leaders march against homosexuality and abortion
Christian leaders have led hundreds of people in marches to demonstrate against legalising homosexuality and abortion in Malawi. Under the banner of the Citizen March for Life and Family, the events were held in a number of cities across the country on Tuesday. The marches were organised by the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) and […]
Who knew! Scientists say trimming your bush has its dangers
Scientists have found that pubic hair grooming is linked to a heightened risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The association seems to be strongest among those who groom their pubic hair frequently and intensively; a practice dubbed ‘extreme grooming’ by researchers from the University of California. Pubic hair removal is becoming increasingly common […]