HEADLINES
South African LGBTQ+ Icon Appeals for Medical Fundraising Support:
Beloved South African queer activist Beverley Ditsie is in urgent need of surgery and has turned to the LGBTQ+ community for support.
Walt Disney Overwhelmingly Rejects Anti-LGBTQ+ Proposal:
In a welcome move, the vast majority of Walt Disney Company shareholders vote to remain in an LGBTQ+ workplace equality initiative.
Uganda: Relief as LGBTQ+ Activists’ Arrest Ordeal Finally Ends:
Two LGBTIQ+ activists in Uganda have been acquitted after a years-long legal battle following their arrest when reporting a hate attack.
South Africa LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch: February 2025:
An overview of LGBTIQ+ rights violations, hate speech incidents and updates in South Africa in February 2025, compiled by OUT and MambaOnline.
Political Will Needed to Save Lives Amid USAID Funding Cuts, Say Activists:
“We will not let our people die” vows Zackie Achmat, as activists meet in Cape Town to address Donald Trump's brutal cut in USAID funding.
Seen but Not Safe: The Double-Edged Sword of Trans Visibility in Namibia:
We're often told that visibility is essential for change. But for the trans community, visibility often leads to heightened vulnerability.
Defiance as Hungary Bans Pride Marches to “Protect Children”:
In a devastating blow to LGBTI+ rights in Europe, Hungary has passed a repressive law banning Pride marches across the country.
WorldPride Washington 2025: Safety Concerns for Queer Visitors to the US:
Amid attacks on LGBTIQ+ rights in the US, concerns grow about the safety of international visitors at WorldPride 2025 in Washington DC.
Highlighting the Commonwealth’s Shameful Anti-LGBTQ+ Persecution:
Protestors took to the streets of London to condemn leaders from the 29 Commonwealth countries that still criminalise same-sex intimacy.
Namibia: President Rejects Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills:
The President of Namibia, Nangolo Mbumba, has declined to sign two anti-LGBTQ bills, despite recently outlawing same-sex marriage.
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.
More Countries Cut Foreign Aid, Endangering Marginalised Communities:
What began with the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to US foreign aid has now become a global trend, with other countries following suit.
ANC Youth League Slammed Over LGBTQIA+ Focus in Abuse Case:
The ANC Youth League in KZN has been criticised for drawing attention to the LGBTQIA+ identity of an individual accused of molesting a child.
In Pictures: Cape Town Pride 2025:
Relive the magic of the 2025 Cape Town Pride parade and mardi gras with this stunning gallery of images of the big queer day out.
Newly Launched Mr Gay Universe Pageant to Debut in India:
An exciting new LGBTQIA+ addition to the international pageant world, Mr Gay Universe, a contest for gay men, has been unveiled.
Zackie Achmat: The Hate You Give – On Being Queer and Muslim in Cape Town:
Following the execution of openly gay imam Muhsin Hendricks, Zackie Achmat reflects on the dangerous ways religious communities fuel hate.
Confusion Over the Status of Mr Gay World Contest:
There’s confusion on social media about the status of the longstanding Mr Gay World event after a series of seemingly conflicting posts.
A Battle for Dignity: My Journey to Access Gender-Affirming Care in Botswana:
Phio Kenosi’s story exposes the reality of accessing gender-affirming care in Botswana, battling both bureaucracy and discrimination.
Lesotho: LGBTQI+ Group Denies Trump’s $8 Million Funding Claim:
The largest LGBTQI+ group in Lesotho responds to President Trump's claim that the US gave the country $8 million to "promote" LGBTQI+ rights.
Why Has Bisexual Identity Doubled in One European City? What Does it Tell Us About Global Trends?:
Stockholm reflects a global rise in diverse sexual identities, with an increase in people identifying as bisexual across many countries.