This year, academic, activist and friend of Iranti, B Camminga, became the first openly trans person from the African continent to obtain their PhD. Their research project culminated in the publication of a book entitled “Transgender Refugees and the Imagined South Africa: Bodies Over Borders and Borders Over Bodies”. The book, Camminga uses the stories…
On date 11 June 2019, the High Court of Botswana formally handed down a ruling acknowledging that Section 164 of that country’s penal code was discriminatory and should be struck down, marking a significant victory for local LGBTI+ groups. While not ostensibly worded in such a way as to criminalise homosexuality, the law forbade “carnal…
Words by Neo Musangi; Edited by Kellyn Botha The High Court in Kenya chose to uphold a piece of legislation that criminalises ‘carnal knowledge against the order of nature’ as stipulated in the country’s British colonial-era Penal Code. This was lauded by many in the conservative country as a “moral” judgement, but represents a blow…
With less than a week to go before South Africa’s National Elections on 8 May 2019, electioneering by our myriad political parties is at its peak. But what lies behind the slogans, manifestos and promises? Given that South Africa, despite ostensibly progressive laws and protections in favour of LGBTI+ persons, remains a dangerous place for…
It is with great sadness that Iranti has learnt of the passing of MaliQ Akayo, a beloved member of TransBantu Zambia. Another inspiring member of the African transgender community is gone too soon. MaliQ facilitated a number of trainings and community building activities at TransBantu, and helped introduce the organisation’s first Human Resources and Financial…
It is with great sadness that the Iranti team learnt today of the passing of Leigh Davids, a passionate and important advocate for transgender and sex workers’ rights in South Africa. Working tirelessly for the decriminalisation of sex work in South Africa, Leigh was a founding member of SistaazHood, a collective for trans women sex…
After a week of court proceedings in Lausanne, Switzerland, the fate of Caster Semenya will be formally announced on 24 March 2019 by the CAS (Court of Arbitration in Sport). The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) has fought to exclude Semenya from athletics ever since her hyperandrogenism (which results in heightened levels of testosterone)…
The Steering Committee of the International Trans Fund (ITF) invites bids from consultants to develop and produce our first Strategic Plan (2020-2025). Terms of Reference 1. Background The ITF is a trans activist and funder-led initiative that aims to increase the capacity of trans movements globally to self-organize and advocate for trans people’s rights, self-determination and…
In an historic ruling, Angolan lawmakers voted to strike the colonial era “vices against nature” law, which has long been interpreted as a law against same-sex relations, and used to discriminate against and persecute LGBT persons for decades. The vote, held on 23 January, means that homosexuality will no longer be criminalised in Angola. This…
We are very proud to announce that our own Joshua Sehoole has been elected to the Steering Committee of the SATF (Southern African Trans Forum), taking on the role of Treasurer! The SATF works to bring a voice to the region’s growing trans and gender-diverse advocacy movement, focusing primarily health; legal & policy reform; movement…
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