HEADLINES
UK: Leading Pride Events Ban Political Parties:
Four of the UK’s largest Pride events have announced a suspension of all political parties participating in their 2025 celebrations.
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.
ANC Slams Helen Zille Over Anti-Trans Comments:
The ANC in the Western Cape criticises Helen Zille for her transphobic remarks, accusing the DA of hypocrisy for failing to hold her accountable.
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.
How Will Newly-Elected Pope Leo XIV Treat LGBTQ+ People?:
America's first leader of the Catholic Church, who has chosen the name Pope Leo XIV, has expressed concerning views about homosexuality and same-sex families.
Kenya Red Cross Accused of Hosting Anti-LGBTQ+ ‘Platform of Hate”:
A pan-African conference that has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights advocates is set to take place in Nairobi.
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.
US: Supreme Court Allows Trump Trans Military Ban to Proceed:
The US Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump’s discriminatory ban on transgender military personnel to take effect.
Namibia: Celebrating African Drag and Vogue Beyond Borders:
An exciting international artistic collaboration is set to spotlight African drag and ballroom culture on the global stage.
Brazil: Police Foil Bomb Plot at Lady Gaga Megashow:
Police in Brazil say they have foiled a bombing plot targeting the LGBTQIA+ community during Lady Gaga’s record-breaking concert.
“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.
Justice on Hold: Grindr Gang Trial Stalled Again:
The start of the trial for the seven "Grindr Gang" accused in Johannesburg continues to be pushed back over bureaucratic incompetence.
“No Place for Torture”: Dep. Minister Letsike Demands Action on LGBTIQ+ Rights in Africa:
Deputy Minister Steve Letsike has called out the ongoing persecution and torture of LGBTIQ+ people across Africa as unacceptable and illegal.
Inclusion Reversed as Trans Women Banned from English Football and Cricket:
England's Football Association and Cricket Board have announced dramatic bans on trans women playing in women’s football and cricket.
Southern Africa: Surge in Violence Against LGBTIQ+ Community:
Three members of the LGBTIQ+ community have recently been targeted in suspected hate crimes in Southern Africa, with two deaths reported.
Leaked Letter: Deputy Minister Slams KZN’s “Sexist” and “Dangerous” GBV Campaign:
Deputy Minister Steve Letsike criticises the KZN government’s latest anti-GBV campaign for its “sexist,” “reductive,” and “harmful” messaging.
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.
Writers Raise Funds for UK and SA Transgender Rights:
Award-winning authors, South Africa's Lauren Beukes and Britain's Jeannette Ng are helping to raise funds for transgender rights.
Opinion | Why the Next Pope Matters to LGBTQI+ People — Not Just Catholics:
As the world awaits the election of a new Pope, Brian Sibeko-Ngidi explains why the next Pope’s stance on equality matters to us all.
British Doctors: UK Supreme Court Trans Ruling is “Scientifically Illiterate”:
Resident doctors from the British Medical Association slam the recent anti-trans ruling by the UK Supreme Court as "unscientific".