NELSON MANDELA DIES

The world – and the global LGBTI community – has lost one of its most influential and loved figures.

Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday December 5, 2013 at the age of 95, following months of ill health.

President Jacob Zuma announced that he had died surrounded by his wife, Graça Machel and members of his family.

Mandela will not only be remembered for his vision, forgiveness and humanity in leading South Africa into a democratic post-apartheid age, but also for being a supporter of LGBTI equality and universal human rights.

It was thanks to his backing that South Africa became the first country in the world to enshrine the protection of gays and lesbians from discrimination in its Constitution.

This led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality, full equality under the law and South Africa leading Africa and many other nations by legalising same-sex marriage.

Mandela will be honoured with a state funeral and flags will fly half-mast from today until after the funeral.

Mambaonline joins the nation and the LGBTI community in mourning the passing of this great man who changed all our lives.

For more on Nelson Mandela and his legacy when it comes to LGBTI rights, click here.