SA hate crimes bill to be revealed soon
LGBTI activists have welcomed news that South Africa’s long-awaited hate crimes bill will finally be made public in a few months’ times. The bill is expected to propose making offences based on a person’s sexuality, gender identity, race, religion or any other trait, a uniquely classified crime. The intention is to not only make a […]
Russian parliament to consider “sinister” new anti-gay bill
The Russian parliament is set to hear a new bill next week that proposes banning being gay in public. The bill would outlaw a gay or lesbian couple hugging, holding hands or kissing in public. The law could theoretically also criminalise an individual for simply stating his or her homosexuality in front of other people. […]
Stanford University launches LGBT business program
One of the world’s leading universities has launched a program specifically for LGBT business leaders. News of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business’ LGBT leadership program was reported by the Wall Street Journal, which called it a “boot camp for gay business leaders.” The exclusive week-long programme will run at the California institution from […]
Malawi moratorium on gay arrests is “illegal”
The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) claims that a government moratorium on the country’s anti-gay law is not legal. According to the Nyasa Times, Chairperson of the MHRC, Justin Dzonzi, insisted that Parliament is the only body that can amend or repeal a law. He urged the government to bring a bill to legislators if […]
Shock as KZN youth tweets: “I’ll definitely rape lesbians”
Social media has been horrified by the brazen homophobic hatred of a young Twitter user, who’s promised to rape lesbians and kill gay people. The furore started when the hashtag #HomosLetsTalk began trending on Twitter, as South Africans spoke out about LGBTI issues. While homophobic remarks were not uncommon, a series of tweets by Fezile […]
Report: Four arrested for Motshidisi Melamu murder
Mambaonline has been told that four suspects have been arrested for the murder and mutilation of lesbian matriculant Motshidisi Melamu in Evaton North. According to Mr Mokwena, chairperson of the ANC in the area, the suspects, whom he described as young men, are undergoing DNA testing. Melamu’s body was discovered in an open field near her […]
Will Anglican Church finally split over gay equality this week?
Anglican leaders from around the world are set for a showdown this week that could see the church split apart over the issues of gay clergy and same-sex unions. Thirty-eight Anglican primates are currently taking part in a critical summit in the English city of Canterbury. Conservative Anglicans, many of whom are from Africa, are […]
Trans film The Danish Girl banned in Qatar
The acclaimed film inspired by the life of pioneering 1920s transgender Danish painter Lili Elbe has been removed from cinemas in Qatar. The authorities banned The Danish Girl following complaints about the film’s so-called “moral depravity” after it was screened in Doha. “We would like to inform you that we have contacted the concerned administration […]
Caster Semenya celebrated as a South African icon
Caster Semenya, the South African LGBTI star athlete, will be featured in the acclaimed short-film television series 21 ICONS. The profiles trace South Africa’s history, moving from the fight for freedom to the country’s growth during democracy, and concluding with a vision of the future. This third season has been envisaged as a tribute to […]
Western Cape trans woman knifed to death by 15-year-old homophobe
A Western Cape transgender woman has been knifed to death by a 15-year-old youth in broad daylight; the second reported LGBTI murder in the last month. On 27 December, at around midday, 30-year-old Phoebe Titus went with a neighbour’s child to an informal shop in the town of Wolseley to buy ice lollies. According to […]