Gender

South Africa leads in HIV prevention among gay groups

As homophobic discrimination continues to sweep across the African continent, we should be acutely mindful of the diverse ways it harms societies. While we are most aware of the direct effect homophobic physical violence has on sexual minority groups, it is also crucial that we be cognisant of the many insidious ways stigma and discrimination impact not only on sexual minorities but society at large.

Andrew Tucker

Opinion | 11 August 2014

“Homophobic police attack” to be investigated

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) this morning confirmed that it is investigating claims of police officers dragging a gay Congolese man to a back room of Claremont police station and beating him with metal poles.

Daneel Knoetze

News | 28 July 2014

The mountain is not for gays

For many South Africans, the practice of traditional circumcision is vital for males if they wish their community to regard them as men and no longer boys. For most it is a significant experience, but for some it can be unbearable.

Pharie Sefali

News | 23 July 2014

The week in political activism

This week we explore local protests against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, a human rights awareness clinic, and a month-long campaign to expose rape culture.

Michelle Korte

News | 17 July 2014

Judges Matter: the process is broken, so let’s fix it

South Africa needs greater public participation in the appointment of judges, say members of the Judges Matter coalition formed last month.

Michelle Korte

News | 16 July 2014

Judges Matter: transforming the judiciary

Twenty-two civil society organisations have launched a coalition to lobby for transformation in the judiciary.

Michelle Korte

News | 15 July 2014

Refugees enduring prejudice twofold

Junior Nsamia Mayema, 25, of Democratic Republic of Congo and Flavirina Naze, 32, from Burundi are refugees and activists. They have endured both xenophobia and homophobia. It has also been challenging for them to integrate with the South African lesbian and gay community.

Tariro Washinyira

News | 27 June 2014

Too few gay men get involved, says Khayelitsha activist

Too few gay men engage in gay issues, gay activist Sibusiso Nquqeka of Khulani Khayelitsha Queer Project told the audience at a memorial service this week for two murdered women.

Pharie Sefali

News | 25 June 2014

Sex workers’ advocacy group demands justice from leading art auction house

Stephan Welz of art auction house Strauss & Co has apologised for suggesting that murder charges against artist Zwelethu Mthethwa might boost sales of his work.

Joy Shan

News | 30 May 2014

Why should South Africa decriminalise sex work?

Two recent events brought the question of decriminalisation of sex work into the public eye. The first was the leaking of a draft policy document developed by Amnesty International advocating for decriminalisation of both the buying and selling of sex.

Ayesha Krige and Marlise Richter

Opinion | 23 May 2014

Empty promises or promising new beginnings? South African government launches three-year gay rights campaign

Things are looking up, right? Just days ago, our beloved Caster Semenya was in the headlines of none other than the Daily Sun, not because her gender or hormone levels were, once again, put under a degrading spotlight, but because she had announced her soon-to-be marriage to her girlfriend.

Laura Pascoe

Opinion | 16 May 2014

Jail in Canada for “Dr Shock”

Aubrey — “Dr Shock” — Levin, the South African army psychiatrist accused of torturing gays and dissidents in the apartheid military, has started a five-year jail term in Canada.

Terry Bell

News | 30 April 2014

Ceres community mobilises against homophobia

When David Olyn was tortured and murdered in the idyllic Western Cape town of Ceres just because he was gay, the town's residents came together to fight homophobia.

GroundUp Staff

News | 25 April 2014

No ANC at discussion on gay rights

Political parties participated in a discussion yesterday at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) about the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) constituency after 20 years of democracy.

Dumisani Dabadini

News | 24 April 2014

Where to for Cape Town Pride?

At a meeting on 12 April convened by Ikasi Pride, members of a divided gay and lesbian community discussed the future of gay pride in the city, its steady depoliticisation, its lack of community outreach and its image problem.

Brent Meersman

Opinion | 15 April 2014

Murder in Ceres: gay people are not safe, says activist

Activist Kenith Abrahams, who was a friend of David Olyn, a gay man murdered in Ceres three weeks ago, says gay people in the community do not feel safe.

Pharie Sefali

News | 15 April 2014