HEADLINES

Queer Film: Oliver Hermanus’ “The History of Sound” in Line for Palme d’Or Prize: The History of Sound, the new queer film by South African filmmaker Oliver Hermanus, will premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
My Journey to Finding My Transgender Me: Mandy Jovial Swali, a transgender refugee from Uganda living in South Africa, shares her harrowing journey to becoming her authentic self.
Queer Books Top Annual List of Most Censored: Books with LGBTQ+ themes are again the most frequently censored titles in American libraries, according to the American Library Association.
Nakhane Strips Down and Reclaims Power in Bold Cover of “Killer” (Video): South African multimedia artist Nakhane returns to the music scene with a deeply personal reinterpretation of the 1990 dance anthem, Killer.
Sexually Spiritual: A Playful Guide to Getting it On (Mindfully!) for Gay Guys: Hookups with heart? A playful guide for gay guys on bringing spiritual depth and meaning into sexuality, hookups, and relationships.
South Africa’s Trans Community Feels Abandoned, Despondent Following USAID Funding Freeze: Transgender activist Aurora Krotoa Moses speaks about the true cost of Trump's USAID funding freeze on South Africa’s trans community.
India: Pride Event Cancelled Over Religious Threats: Organisers cancel a Pride celebration in the Indian city of Amritsar following threats to participants’ safety from religious groups.
Meet Nompilo Gwala, MambaOnline’s New Managing Editor: Heralding a bold new chapter, MambaOnline is proud to announce the appointment of Nompilo Gwala as its new Managing Editor.
Afghanistan: Fears for Lives of Two LGBTQ+ Women Arrested by Taliban: A young woman is pleading for the release of her soulmate, one of two LGBTQ+ women arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

FEATURES

My Journey to Finding My Transgender Me: Mandy Jovial Swali, a 27-year-old transgender refugee from Uganda now living in South Africa, shares her harrowing
South Africa’s Trans Community Feels Abandoned, Despondent Following USAID Funding Freeze: In January, US President Donald
The Silent Epidemic: How Gay Men in South Africa Face Rising Violence in the Digital Age: Despite South Africa’s progressive legal
Trans Mental Health: My Journey to Turn Trauma into Purpose:
Trans mental health is rarely talked about. In this raw and powerful personal essay,
Fighting for God: The Church’s War on Trans People in Botswana: Phio Kenosi reflects on his deeply personal journey with faith as a trans individual,
Cassandra Roxburgh: Finding Trans Hope When the World Feels Like It’s Burning: Amid the rising global vilification of gender diverse
South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: February 2025: MambaOnline and OUT Well-being publish a monthly overview of reported LGBTIQ+ rights violations
Seen but Not Safe: The Double-Edged Sword of Trans Visibility in Namibia: We are often told that LGBTIQ+ visibility is essential for driving
More Countries Cut Foreign Aid, Endangering Marginalised Communities: The world’s most vulnerable communities are facing an alarming crisis

Culture

Queer Film: Oliver Hermanus’ “The History of Sound” in Line for Palme d’Or Prize: The History of Sound
Queer Books Top Annual List of Most Censored: Books with LGBTQ+ themes remain among the most frequently censored titles in American libraries, according
Nakhane Strips Down and Reclaims Power in Bold Cover of “Killer” (Video): South African, UK-based multimedia artist Nakhane has returned
Jason Orpheus Dedicates Powerful New Song to Gay Imam Muhsin Hendricks (Listen): Cape Town-based singer and songwriter Jason Orpheus
Watch “Wicked” Star Cynthia Erivo’s Powerful Speech at GLAAD Awards: Wicked star Cynthia Erivo delivered a powerful
The Search for Miss Drag South Africa 2025 is Underway: Miss Drag South Africa, the country’s premier national drag pageant, is officially accepting

Latest

Queer Film: Oliver Hermanus’ “The History of Sound” in Line for Palme d’Or Prize The History of Sound
My Journey to Finding My Transgender Me Mandy Jovial Swali, a 27-year-old transgender refugee from Uganda now living in South Africa, shares her harrowing
Queer Books Top Annual List of Most Censored Books with LGBTQ+ themes remain among the most frequently censored titles in American libraries, according
Nakhane Strips Down and Reclaims Power in Bold Cover of “Killer” (Video) South African, UK-based multimedia artist Nakhane has returned
See All Latest Posts

GALLERIES

Relive the magic of the 2025 Cape Town Pride
Out and proud South African designer, Gert-Johan Coetzee, has
Experience the spectacle of MCQP, Cape Town's iconic themed
The 2024 Lesotho Pride event marked a vibrant celebration
Thousands turned out for Johannesburg Pride 2024 in a
The 2024 edition of Pretoria Pride filled the streets

WHAT'S ON

The Search for Miss Drag South Africa 2025 is Underway Miss Drag South Africa, the country’s premier national drag pageant, is officially accepting entries for its highly anticipated 2025 edition.
Event: Bev Ditsie Retrospective and Fundraiser Bev Ditsie, one of South Africa’s most influential queer Black feminist voices in television and film, is being celebrated in Johannesburg this April.
Events: Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival Celebrating its 7th year, the Human Rights Festival returns for the 2025 edition at Johannesburg's Constitution Hill from 20 to 23 March.
2025 Cape Town Pride Festival: First Details Announced The 2025 edition of the Cape Town Pride March and Mardi Gras will paint the city in rainbow colours on 1 March. Here’s what you need to know.
Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Returns for 3-Day December Edition After a five-year break, the Durban Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is back for a short end-of-year edition of select screenings. Don't miss it!
Get Your Groove On! Disco City Brings 70s & 80s Magic to Jozi Ready to boogie this festive season? Disco City is set to light up Joburg’s Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City from 27 December to 12 January.