By Cosmic Yoruba Nwando Achebe writes that “woman-to-woman marriage in Africa has absolutely nothing to do with homosexuality” (emphasis, hers)…and I actually agree with this…kind of. While I strongly believe in pre-colonial lesbian secret societies littered across the African continent, at the risk of falling into the trap of Eurocentric and Western (mis)understanding of African social institutions, it […]
By Tshegofatso I guess I’ve always identified as Bisexual. Before I even knew that such a label existed I was attracted to both boys and girls and it wasn’t an issue for me. In my eyes I liked who I liked and I felt no need to tell anyone or to explain it. The first sign that […]
By Mammu / @mammumay Who is this fucktard? This naïve newbie. I know, I know. It sounds so wild for me to call someone that but that is my reaction every time I bump into a comment that shows ignorance when it comes to other people’s identities. And most of the time I jump into […]
By Gabisile Mthembu The life of a butch woman is full of hate, Her life executed in a blink of eye, Sent into a shadow of sorrow, Humanity no longer exists. Heartless women celebrate the death of another woman “azifevelelezitabane ” No mercy. I fear the cold hearts of homophobic women. Celebrating the struggles of […]
By Anon At over six-foot tall, with heels, and a body to rival any Hollywood starlet, Leigh cuts an impressive figure. Her jet-black hair and thick eyeliner give her an almost brooding and feline quality. She looks directly at you with a friendly smile and moves with finesse. Leigh is a trans* woman, meaning she was […]
By Priscilla My name is Priscilla. I grew up in a small town called Elliotdale. In Elliotdale people lived off farming and the cultivation of livestock. Everybody had their own way of making sure that they got the best mielies, pumpkins, peas, onions and other vegetables. The people there would prepare samp (isingqusho) and […]
Luciano and Lunga are biological boys living in Alex and Tembisa. They identify as both male and female. While the way they express their gender and their sexual orientation could get them beaten and/or raped and/or killed, they choose to be themselves, to “celebrate The Freak”. These images are a celebration of The Freak, a […]
By Tatenda It must have been early spring because the mid afternoon breeze was neither warm nor cold and the gainsboro sky wasn’t looking to be noticed. I was taking a stroll with Cassava Boy (a male companion) when he reached over to me, squeezed my hand and excitedly giggled, “I’m so glad you’re not […]
by Lungile Dladla They call February the month of love, I call it the month of change… In February 2010, I was walking with Mathapelo (one who prays) along Swazi street. It was around 7pm, a few hours after my aunt’s funeral. My friend was accompanying me to my house and the street was not […]
By Tatenda Not Lesbian: I’m attracted to and desire women, but not exclusively. Not Heterosexual: I date men, but not exclusively. Not Bisexual: I don’t subscribe to the gender binary. Not Pansexual: I can’t say that I am something that I do not fully understand or practise. ——————— Me: So what am I? Bigot: A slut! Me: Queer isn’t it?
