FEATURES
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.
Fighting for God: The Church’s War on Trans People in Botswana:
Phio Kenosi reflects on his journey with faith as a trans individual and the deep trauma inflicted by the church in Botswana.
Cassandra Roxburgh: Finding Trans Hope When the World Feels Like It’s Burning:
Amid the rising vilification of trans individuals and identities, Cassandra Roxburgh reflects on holding onto hope in uncertain and times.
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.
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.