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 […]
Noluvo Swelindawo murder suspect appears in court, plus how you can help
The man accused of murdering Noluvo Swelindawo, a proudly lesbian woman, appeared in the Blue Downs Regional Court in Cape Town on Wednesday. The alleged killer is 24-year-old Signice Mdani. He was arrested on Monday and has been charged with house breaking, intent to assault, kidnapping and the murder of 22-year-old Swelindawo, also known as […]
Malta becomes first country to ban LGBT “conversion therapy”
The practice of trying to “cure” LGBT people has been banned in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, believed to be a European and possibly a world first. The Maltese Parliament unanimously approved the Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Bill, which criminalises so-called “conversion therapy” as a “deceptive and harmful” act […]
Jozi Cats to kick off “Big Gay Rugby Tour” through South Africa
The Jozi Cats, Africa’s first gay and inclusive competitive rugby club, is going on tour through South Africa to blow the whistle on homophobia in sport – and they need your help! The club has launched a crowdfunding video campaign (see below) to raise funds to make the first-of-its-kind tour, from Johannesburg to Cape Town, […]
Suspect arrested as outrage grows over Noluvo Swelindawo’s murder
A man has been arrested in connection with this weekend’s brutal murder of Noluvo Swelindawo; a young lesbian woman who was abducted by a mob from her home. According to new reports, up to eleven men burst into Swelindawo’s home in Driftsands near Khayelitsha on Saturday night and dragged her away. Her family, partner Nqabisa […]
Russia wants to ban FIFA football video game for “gay propaganda”
A hit football video game has come under fire from Russian politicians because of its support for an anti-homophobia campaign. The game’s makers, EA Sports, allowed players of FIFA 17 – which was released in September – to use rainbow-coloured uniforms in the game in support of British LGBT rights group Stonewall’s “Rainbow Laces” campaign. […]