Features
Expressions of Johannesburg pride
One can almost write a report on Pride before it takes place. South African Gay and Lesbian Pride (formerly Lesbian and Gay Pride - a more inclusive and less marginalizing title) is now firmly following the model set by Prides worldwide - have fun, fun, fun, look glamorous, drink, dance and forget all your woes. There is a stage and some tents - the beer and dance tent at the gathering point are most important - lots of rainbows and pink, drag artists, some boring speeches to ignore and then the parade and after party - which strangely always has more people in attendance than the march - so what are they partying after, you may ask? Read more.
I do, he does – yet we can’t?
Spring has sprung (again) and wedding bells are a rung – only problem is, spring is here, and the bells are ringing in Canada! What am I on about? Same sex marriage, that’s what. Read more.
Charity begins at… uhm…
Home. The word you’re looking for is “home”. Easy enough a concept – or is it? Trends in the South African LGBTI (lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex) community indicate that, in fact, charity beginning at home is an immensely difficult concept to grasp. Read more.
Equal in Word of Law: The Rights of Lesbian and Gay People in South Africa
South Africa has one of the most progressive and inclusive Constitutions in the world. It has extended human rights protections across the board, acknowledging the respect due to diversity in a way which the ideologies of “national unity” or “cultural authenticity” prevalent in many countries still prevent. In particular, the South African government has shown, in the word of law, an unprecedented African commitment to acknowledging and upholding the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) residents and citizens. Read more.
Meds, Drugs and HIV
Questions and answers on the dangers of mixing HIV medications and recreational drugs, by Wendy Zizzo, Pharm.D., Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, Drug Detoxification, Rehabilitation and Aftercare program. Read more.
How Sexuality is used to disempower women
There are many stories to testify to the opposition roused when women claim rights and control over their own sexualities. Yet all the stories point to the same theme. In each case women have been stigmatised, threatened and intimidated, have lost their power to move about, either literally in a room or in the wider socio political sphere because they are seen as speaking about their sexuality. More than name-calling takes place. Read more.
Homophobia and the Rights of Lesbians and Gays
In South Africa the rights and freedoms of religion or belief are recognised for "every person", "every individual", "everyone". This is a positive version of this broad formulation, which is also found in negative form by stating that "no one" or "no person" shall be deprived of these rights and freedoms. Generally speaking, the same is true of our legal system of equality before the law and other related rights and freedoms. Read more.
Recognise Same Sex Marriages
The full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Lesbians and Gays is essential for their recognition. While the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the duty of the government, regardless of their cultural, political system to promote and protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Read more.
Queer State funeral in Sebokeng
In December 1998 South Africa said goodbye to a man called our "queer Mandela", Simon Nkoli. Steven Cohen was there.
"... in no small way, Simon liberated, unified and legitimised the gay movement in South Africa. It is in part thanks to him that South Africa is not as fucked up as Zimbabwe."