FEATURES

Queer is Not Un-African: Debunking a Dangerous Myth:
The claim that queerness is "un-African" is a deeply harmful myth used to justify homophobia, discrimination, and even violence across the continent.

Opinion: Dawood Lagardien Case – Queerphobia, Religion, and the South African Constitution:
The Dawood Lagardien Equality Court case highlights the clash between religious beliefs and LGBTQIA+ constitutional rights, writes Sikhander Coopoo.

Queer History 101: Who was Harvey Milk?:
Discover the life and legacy of Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials, whose activism transformed LGBTQ+ visibility and rights.

Opinion | We Will Not Wait for Another Queer Body to Fall:
Calls to murder queer Muslims go unchecked. Sikhander Coopoo demands actions after Imam Hendricks' murder and growing threats in South Africa.

Trans History: Kewpie – The Unapologetic Icon of District Six:
“I’ve always realised that I am me. I’m Kewpie. I’m just me.” Cape Town's Kewpie is remembered as an icon of queer and trans history in South Africa.

Trans History: Marsha P. Johnson, The Woman Who Refused to Be Erased:
“No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” These words capture the fiery heart and fearless spirit of Marsha P. Johnson.

“Writing My Own Narrative”: South Africa’s First Male Gay Footballer, Phuti Lekoloane:
Phuti Lekoloane, South Africa’s first openly gay male footballer, catches up with MambaOnline about the power of queer visibility in sports.

The Other Side of Amstel Maboa: On Legacy, Growth, and Queer Joy:
A trailblazer in entertainment, fashion and advocacy, Amstel Maboa opens up about life beyond the stage and the journey of being himself.

“We Are Not a Footnote”: Roché Kester on Lesbian Visibility, Power and Healing:
As we mark Lesbian Visibility Week, we speak to one of South Africa’s most committed and fearless voices in queer activism: Roché Kester.

Helen Zille’s Transphobia: Hate Dressed up as “Common sense”:
In the wake of a regressive UK Supreme Court ruling, Helen

Conversion Therapy Explained: The Hidden Abuse Still Facing LGBTQ+ People:
Behind the progressive legal framework, LGBTQ+ conversion therapy remains alive and unchecked in South Africa. Here's what you need to know.

“Who Am I to Judge?”: The Pope Who Opened the Door to LGBTQ+ Dialogue:
Pope Francis dies at 88, leaving behind a mixed but historic legacy on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Catholic Church.

The ‘Monogamy Superiority Myth’: New Research Suggests Unconventional Relationships Are Just as Satisfying:
A new study challenges the long-held belief that monogamous relationships are more satisfying than non-monogamous ones

Opinion | God Loves All Humanity, Even Queer People:
This Easter, author and activist Mpho Buntse calls on Christians to affirm queer lives in the spirit of Jesus’s inclusive love.

Updated LGBTQIA+ Guidelines Launched for South African Mental Health Professionals:
Mental health professionals in South Africa now have access to updated new guidelines for working affirmatively with LGBTQIA+ individuals.

6 Non-Binary and Transgender Trailblazers from Southern Africa:
Across Southern Africa, transgender trailblazers are stepping into leadership, visibility, and advocacy. Here are six you need to know!

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.

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.

The Silent Epidemic: How Gay Men in South Africa Face Rising Violence in the Digital Age:
Dating apps are being weaponised to attack gay men in South Africa. We spoke to the author of a new study that sheds light on the crisis.

Trans Mental Health: My Journey to Turn Trauma into Purpose:
Trans mental health is rarely talked about. In this personal essay, Namibian activist Ziggy Porsche #Eixas shares their mental health journey.