HEADLINES

Grindr unveils users’ top 2023 queer dating and culture trends: Grindr has released its annual "Unwrapped" report, providing insights into its users' preferences and top pop culture moments of 2023.
Mamba’s 10 Most-Read Queer Stories of 2023: MambaOnline's most-read LGBTIQ+ stories of 2023 reflect the diverse and impactful narratives that captured our readers' attention this past year.
Beyond borders: Christmas celebration unites LGBTQI refugees: A Christmas picnic in Johannesburg brought LGBTQI refugees from diverse African nations together in a celebration of unity, joy, and hope.
Thailand moves toward embracing same-sex marriage rights: Thailand has taken a major step towards recognising same-sex marriages, as lawmakers overwhelmingly vote for a draft Marriage Equality Bill.
Gauteng teen endures “corrective rape” horror: In a shocking incident, a 15-year-old lesbian girl fell victim to a so-called "corrective rape" hate crime near Vanderbijlpark.
Namibia: LGBTIQ+ activists restore landmark Pride rainbow sidewalk: In a vibrant culmination of Namibia's Pride celebrations, LGBTIQ+ activists recently gathered to repaint the iconic Pride rainbow sidewalk in Windhoek.
Kenya: Murderer of non-binary lesbian Sheila Lumumba sentenced to jail: LGBTQ+ activists in Kenya are disappointed by the prison sentence meted out to the man who murdered non-binary lesbian Sheila Lumumba.
Norway takes historic step to ban conversion therapy: Norway has emerged as the latest nation to outlaw conversion therapy after its parliament passed a bill criminalising the dangerous practice.
5 things queer people need to remember this festive season: The festive season is often filled with cheerful and sometimes unplanned and impulsive moments. Here are 5 things to bear in mind these holidays!
In Pictures: MCQP 2023 – Back to the Future: MCQP, one of Cape Town's most iconic queer events, made a triumphant return on Saturday night after three years in limbo.
Vatican approves blessing same-sex couples (but not their unions): The Vatican has sanctioned blessings of same-sex couples, although not in any context or ritual associated with a same-sex union or marriage.
Uganda: LGBTQ+ community awaits pivotal Constitutional Court decision: The fate of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda now rests in the hands of the country's Constitutional Court following a brief hearing on Monday.
UN LGBTI rights watchdog engages with South African activists: Graeme Reid, the newly-appointed UN Independent Expert on LGBTI rights violations, recently met with LGBTI+ activists in Johannesburg.
A tribute to Elizabeth Nkoli: the loving mother of Simon Nkoli: Motlatsi Motseoile pays homage to Elizabeth Nkoli, the mother of queer icon Simon Nkoli, in a moving tribute that honours her life.
Decline in US LGBTQ+ rights support reflects widening political divide: The United States is witnessing a concerning decline in public support for LGBTQ+ rights, marking a departure from previous trends.
Bearing it all: Highlights from Bearfest South Africa 2023: The heftier and hairier part of the gay and bisexual community recently got together in Pretoria for Bearfest South Africa 2023.
Exposing the state of intersex rights on a global scale: International LGBTIQ+ advocacy group ILGA World has unveiled its first comprehensive assessment of intersex rights across 193 UN member states.
Queer life in Africa is also full of joy – remembering the carnival in Mozambique: Caio Simões de Araújo reveals how Mozambique's carnival festival opened up a space of freedom to women of colour and queer people.
Ghana bishops affirm support for abhorrent anti-LGBTQ+ bill: The Catholic Church of Ghana has sought to dispel confusion about its stance on homosexuality and support for the country's anti-LGBTQ+ bill.
First South African awards for LGBTQIA-affirming ads launched: The first South African awards that will reward brands and ad agencies for their support of the LGBTQIA+ community has been launched.