[VACANCY] International Trans Fund is hiring: Invitation to Bid for Consultancy Services for Development of Strategic Plan
8 February 2019The 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…
[VACANCY] SDF Campaign Coordinator
5 February 2019Safety, Dignity, and Freedom, is a five-country campaign (Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) which aims to create media focused content in addressing stigma, violence, and other issues faced by the LGBTI community within these countries. Through the research component, which tested the existing perceptions, social constructs, and attitudes consumers of the media hold…
Angola’s new LGBT protections: A good start to 2019?
16 January 2019In 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 Angolan National Assembly, Luanda. Photo by: Wikimedia Commons The vote, held on 23 January, means that…
Happy Holidays From The Iranti Team!
14 December 2018Happy Holidays! The team will be back on 8 January 2019 after a well deserved break.
[WATCH] Iranti has been busy during 2018
14 December 20182018 has been a busy year for the Iranti team. We’ve made great strides in our focus areas of education, violence and access to healthcare. Take a look back at just a taste of our projects this year as we take a well-deserved break, and get into gear for 2019. Thanks to our followers for…
ITF is hiring a Capacity Building Officer
14 December 2018The 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 wellbeing. The ITF works to mobilize sustainable resources to help build strong, trans-led movements and collective action, and to address and eliminate funding gaps impacting trans…
Zwakala Speaks! Edition 4
26 November 201826 November 2018 Issue 4 of ZwaKala Speaks! Iranti’s quarterly newsletter, is here! We take a look at what has happened in the world of the ZwaKala Project since our last edition, speak on the emotional journey that was our B*tch Makoya documentary production, and of course celebrate Pride in all its diversity! Click here…
Iranti Annual Report 2018
26 November 201826 November 2018 Download the 2018 Iranti Annual Report here.
[WATCH] Making a difference: International binder campaign
26 November 2018In 2018, trans activists from around the world gathered to give back to their communities – by raising money to make and distribute binders to areas where many trans men cannot access them. So many individuals helped out in making this initiative a success, and we thank them all.Iranti will be distributing binders for South…
[WATCH] B*tch Makoya offical trailer
9 November 2018In 2018, Kagiso Maema was brutally murdered in South Africa’s North West Province – just one of countless trans women and other LGBT+ persons to suffer violence in the region. <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>
Joshua Sehoole elected to SATF
19 October 2018We 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…
Homophobes and abusers face justice
27 August 2018Iranti welcomes the resignation of Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Mduduzi Manana. A man who resorts to physical violence is not suitable to act as a Deputy Minister of Higher Education in this country, plagued as it is by gender based violence. Furthermore, a man who considers being called gay, the ‘ultimate insult’,…
[PRESS RELEASE] US human rights record and UNHRC withdrawal concerning
22 June 2018The United States of America announced its withdrawal from the UN Human Rights Council, during the council’s 38th formal sitting. The US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, cited the poor human rights record of some member states, severe criticism from the Council of Israel, as reasons for the US’s withdrawal from the group. Read…
ICD-11 released: Trans identities no longer considered mental illness!
22 June 2018The World Health Organization has just announced the completion of the ICD-11 and released the official on line version. A link will be shared in the next hour, once the embargo is over. The announcement does not mark the end of the ICD-11 process, but the beginning of a new phase, focused on implementation and…
[PRESS RELEASE] World Health Organisation removes mental illness from trans diagnoses. Statement by GDX and Iranti
22 June 2018A long and arduous struggle by trans activists and their allies has succeeded in finally ending the classification of trans identities as a mental illness in the world’s most widely used diagnostic manual, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This will facilitate the removal of one of the major barriers to healthcare access for trans…
[PRESS RELEASE] CJEU rules that ‘spouse’ definition in free movement law includes same-sex couples
5 June 2018In a landmark decision, issued this morning, the Court of Justice of the European Union has defined the term ‘spouse’ for the purposes of freedom of movement for the first time. The CJEU judgment confirms that same-sex spouses of EU citizens are included in the definition, after a positive recommendation from the case’s Advocate General…
Intersex Statement Translations: Francais | KiSwahili
31 May 2018Last year intersex activists from the region came together to release a statement calling for increased protections and recognition of intersex persons. Iranti is pleased to announce the translation of this document into KiSwahili and French, in an effort to reach even more people across the continent. Download the statements in French or kiSwahili…
Remembering Nkunzi: An activist, healer, husband and parent
29 May 2018Nkunzi Zandile Nkabinde was born on 7 December 1975, in politically active and vibrant Soweto. This healer, activist, and trailblazer stands within a long lineage of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex (LGBTI) activists who have shaped and challenged South African discourse around issues pertaining to the often-fatal forms of violence this community is subjected…
[PRESS RELEASE] Freedom is not free
27 April 2018Dear South Africa, we need to talk. Most of us know that the 27th of April, our Freedom Day, signifies the end of an oppressive era. Our country boasts a strong constitution, and is one of the most developed countries in Africa. On this day we celebrate our constitutional democracy and all the benefits that…
[WATCH] South African Hate Crimes: Lesley Makousa
27 April 2018On Freedom Day we remember Lesley Makousa, who was brutally murdered in the North West Province, to the horror of his community. South Africa is not free unless we are all free. Stand with the LGBTI community in calling for justice today! <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>
[WATCH] South African Hate Crimes: Nonki Smous
27 April 2018South Africa’s LGBTI community has suffered a spate of hate crimes in recent years. This Freedom Day, we call for justice for Nonki Smous who was murdered and burned, shocking the community of Kroonstad! <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;” class=”mce_SELRES_start”></span>
[WATCH] South African Hate Crimes: Lerato Moloi
27 April 2018Lerato “Tambai” Moloi was brutally murdered in Naledi Township, Soweto, at the height of the #MenAreTrash movement. Yet, countless queer women like herself still live in fear. Today is Freedom Day, but the LGBTI community in South Africa is far from free. We demand meaningful justice for Lerato! We demand freedom! <span data-mce-type=”bookmark” style=”display: inline-block;…
Trans Health Without Borders
23 April 2018Debate Truly Borderless By Joshua Sehoole and Kellyn Botha On 18 and 19 April, Iranti hosted a “Trans Leadership and Planning” meeting with trans activists from across the region to have a foundational discussion on different factors we needed to address as a movement in order to have a collaborative approach on improving gender-affirming care…
[PRESS RELEASE] Fake news alert: Death of a lesbian in Mamelodi not verified
10 April 2018It has come to our attention that a story has been circulating on social media and some local radio stations, alleging that a lesbian woman was raped multiple times, and later died, after being put into a cell with 19 men at the Mamelodi Police Station in Gauteng. Read more…
Let us be introspective this Human Rights Day: Our road to the Trans(action)! project
21 March 2018South African Human Rights Day is celebrated on 21 March every year, but our rights need to be remembered, celebrated and defended every single day. The Bill of Rights, enshrined in our constitution as the birthright of all South Africans, is not always upheld. As a result, marginalised groups in this country face daily discrimination…
The Film and Publications Board, Traditional Leaders and the CRL Must Be Held Accountable
1 March 2018Download the press release as a PDF (50KB) for emailing. We have come together as a consortium of activists and members of civil society to express our concerns that the FPB and the CRL have disregarded the principles enshrined in South Africa’s constitution in its decision to rate the film, Inxeba – The Wound, as X18,…
Community comes together to remember Lara Kruger
23 January 2018On 3 January 2018, the South African transgender community lost one of its most beloved voices when Lara Kruger passed away. The death of the Motsweding FM radio DJ, perhaps the first openly-transgender radio host on a mainstream station on the continent, left behind a loving family, a community of activists with whom she had…
11 December 2017 National Intersex Meeting Announcement
11 December 2017Download the press statement for distribution here On Monday 11 December 2017 Iranti, in partnership with Intersex South Africa (ISSA), the Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ), will host a National Engagement on the Promotion and Protection of the Human Rights of intersex persons. The meeting aims…
NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SOUTHERN AFRICA LITIGATION CENTRE
5 December 2017Botswana Registrar Agrees to Change Gender Marker from Female to Male… On 4 December 2017, the Registrar of National Registration of Botswana in the case of ND v Attorney General of Botswana and others agreed to issue the applicant with a new identity document that reflects his male gender identity on or before Monday, 18 December 2017….
Trans Webseries Launched! Watch it here!
3 December 2017More than a year in the making from script-writing workshops to filming to editing before finally being launched in the Iranti offices on 2 December 2017, the Trans Webseries is finally here. This effort by Iranti to connect LGBTIQ+ storytellers from across the continent with the African Queer Media Makers’ Network (AQMMN), has served to…
The Sun Sets, a New Horizon beckons The End of Mugabe’s Rule
22 November 2017Zimbabwe, 22 November 2017 GALZ receives the news of the resignation of Robert Mugabe with much jubilation. Since 1995 GALZ has been on the receiving end of the brutality and hate of Robert Mugabe’s aversion to diversity. We are ecstatic that the face of brutality, hate and impunity has resigned. We encourage our future Government…
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2017
20 November 2017Between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017, more than 325 transgender people were murdered around the world. This statistic is incomplete and the total number who have passed away due to illness, suicide and other factors may never be known. For #TDOR Iranti looks back at just a few of those who were close…
ISLA and CHESA Joint Statement on That Status of The Tanzania 13
26 October 2017It will be recalled that a legal consultation convened by the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) and Community Health Education Services and Advocacy (CHESA) was raided by Tanzanian police on Tuesday 17 October 2017. The consultation was convened in order to get more instructions and evidence on a case that was planned to…
Statement On the International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization 2017
21 October 2017The signatories of this Statement are activists representing different trans regional networks and international initiatives. This year, the International Day of Action for Trans Depathologization has a particular relevance for all our communities around the world: the largely due process of revision and reform of the tenth version of International Classification of Diseases will be…
Dozens Arrested in Egypt in Wave of Homophobic Sentiment
11 October 2017Iranti has recently been made aware of the dire situation in Egypt whereby more than 50 persons have been arrested after a “rainbow flag” was proudly displayed at a concert in Cairo last month. Egyptian authorities have no legal basis for the arrests by the laws of their own country, but despite this, homophobic sentiment…
Trans MSM in the Global HIV Response
7 October 2017We are a group of gay, bisexual, queer, and other trans masculine people* who have sex with men (trans MSM) and allies, and we are involved in the global HIV/AIDS response as advocates, researchers, and service providers. Read more about Trans masculine people who have sex with men claiming our place in the global HIV…
Five Year Anniversary. Seven Days to Go!
21 September 2017Iranti is proud to announce that it will be celebrating five years of activism and advocacy in the name of lesbian, transgender and intersex Africans; monitoring the lived experiences of queer communities across South Africa and the rest of the continent, and recording their stories. Iranti means memory, and just as we have worked toward…
Another North West Hate Crime: The harrowing final hours of Pitso Tshelang
14 July 2017Article By Kellyn Botha On 1 July 2017, Pitso Tshelang was brutally murdered in the small town of Swartruggens. As a transgender woman, Tshelang’s is the latest in a slew of hate crimes against queer womxn in the North West Province in 2017. Living with her elderly mother in a shack in Borolelo township, Tshelang…
Kenya Institutes Intersex-Rights Task Force
5 June 2017The prospects of protection and recognition for intersex persons are looking bright as the national publication, The Kenya Gazette, publically announced the formation of a taskforce looking into intersex rights abuses in that country. The decision has LGBTI advocacy groups from across Kenya and the world excited, with many reaching out to offer their support…
Press Statement on IDAHOT 2017
17 May 2017Today marks once more the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), where we commemorate the trials and triumphs made in the fight for queer rights across the planet. The theme for 2017 is ‘family’. As activists and members of the LGBTI community, the day is a sad reminder of the ever-present nature of homophobia…
A Response to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
13 March 2017Download the PDF of the press release here. “I think if you’ve lived in the world as a man, with the privileges that the world accords to men, and then sort of changed, switched gender, it’s difficult for me to accept then we can equate your experience with the experience of a woman who has lived…
Eviction of a Transgender Woman From a Johannesburg Shelter
23 February 2017Download the PDF of the press release here. It has come to the attention of Iranti that a victim of sexual violence was allegedly evicted from a women’s shelter in Braamfontein, due to her identity as a transgender woman. The victim reached out to Iranti after overhearing a discussion by staff members at the shelter about…
New Appointments to the International Trans Fund
23 February 2017Download the Press Release for distribution… Iranti wishes to convey our excitement at the two new appointments to the staff of the International Trans* Fund (ITF). We congratulate Broden Giambrone, who led the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) for six years; and Kim Mukasa, co-founder of Trans Network Uganda, on their appointment to the ITF…
Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill Conversation: Juan Nel
22 February 2017Iranti brings the next episode of our Conversations around the draft Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, in which Maneo Mohale speaks to Professor Juan Nel, from UNISA, on the history and process of the draft Bill:
Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill Conversation: Joshua Sehoole
15 February 2017Iranti brings the next episode of the Conversations around the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, where Maneo Mohale, speaks to Joshua Sehoole, Iranti Regional Human Rights Manager, on his views of the new draft Bill:
Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill Conversation: Sekotlaone i
13 February 2017Iranti beings the next episode of the Conversations around the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, where Maneo Mohale speaks to Sekotlaone i, a LGBTI activist, on his views of the new draft Bill:
Hate Crimes Bill Conversation Kelly Gillespie
30 January 2017In the second video of Iranti’s five-part conversation series about the draft Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, we sat down with Dr. Kelly Gillespie, a senior lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at WITS University. Based on more than 20 years of academic research on South Africa’s criminal justice system, Dr. Gillespie explains her…
Iranti on Channel Radio
30 January 2017PODCAST (35 mins, 10MB): Jabu Pereira (Director of Iranti) and Tshego Phala (Senior Associate at Webber Wentzel) sat down for an interview with Channel Africa. Both Jabu and Tshego engaged in issues surrounding the draft Prevention and Combatting of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill. Pick up the interview on the link below: Listen to…
How to Write About Africa
27 January 2017Kenya, 27 January 2014 Binyavanga Wainaina writes about the mistakes everyone makes when writing about Africa. Always use the word ‘Africa’ or ‘Darkness’ or ‘Safari’ in your title. Subtitles may include the words ‘Zanzibar’, ‘Masai’, ‘Zulu’, ‘Zambezi’, ‘Congo’, ‘Nile’, ‘Big’, ‘Sky’, ‘Shadow’, ‘Drum’, ‘Sun’ or ‘Bygone’. Also useful are words such as ‘Guerrillas’, ‘Timeless’, ‘Primordial’ and…
Speaking Out Against Silence: On Grace Bible Church and Homophobia
26 January 2017Download the press release here in PDF format We are deeply troubled by the comments of Pastor Dag Heward-Mills’ sermon last Sunday at Grace Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto. His sermon, in which he called homosexuality unnatural, is indicative of a deeper conflict between constitutional values and views expressed across many different religious institutions in…
Iranti Calls for Increased Public Engagement on the Hate Crimes Bill
24 January 2017Download the press release in pdf format here. In October 2016, the draft Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill was introduced into the public domain. Differing significantly from previous criminal legislation, the Bill makes provisions for the prosecution of both hate crimes and hate speech. In the introduction of the Bill…
Iranti Engaging in the Hate Crimes Bill Process
20 January 2017In the final quarter of 2016, on 11 November 2016, approximately 100 individuals and organisations attended a public engagement hosted by Iranti, in collaboration with Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW). A panel consisting of academics, legal experts and activists made presentations and engaged with the audience on the content of the draft Prevention…
Message From the Iranti Board
20 January 2017The Board and staff of Iranti wish all our partners a very successful 2017. May our joint efforts continue to deliver services that impact positively on the lives of LGBTIQ people across the continent. Emilia Potenza Iranti Board Chairperson
Call to Action on the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (HCB)
13 December 2016Iranti calls on everyone in the sector to engage with the process regarding the Drafting of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (HCB). The due date for public comments is 31 January 2017. While this deadline is being challenged by the sector, we urge everyone to study the draft bill…
I am African ~ International Human Rights Day
12 December 2016On International Human Rights Day Iranti says let us celebrate human rights for all – 10 December 2016.
Behind the Mask
29 November 20162000-2010. Behind the Mask (BtM) was a news media NGO, started in 2000 by Bart Luirink, a Dutch journalist living in both South Africa and Holland. BtM covered lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people’s affairs in Africa. It was the acknowledged prime source and held that position for 10 years. BtM is archived at University of Texas…
Hate Crimes Bill Public Engagement
11 November 2016On 11 November 2016, Iranti, in collaboration with the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), hosted a public engagement on the draft Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which was attended by over one hundred individuals and organizations from across South Africa. A panel discussion formed the centerpiece of the…
The legal recognition of Trans People in South Africa
21 September 2016The Alteration of Sex Status and Sex Descriptor Act 49 of 2003, referred to simply as “Act 49”, allows South Africans to change their gender marker on their identity documents. Without the correct ID, it’s difficult or impossible to apply for jobs, access a hospital, obtain school results, open a bank account and withdraw money,…
SOWETO PRIDE: COERCED POSTPONEMENT BY THE STATE
21 September 2016It is with great regret that we, the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW), announce the postponement of Soweto Pride 2016. The postponement is a result of being bullied by state entities who seem intent on stemming out and discouraging all forms of political protest. Read the full press statement…
Women in Ventersdorp Are Terrorized By The 26’s Gang
31 August 2016Article by Ayanda Msiza Lesbian women fear for their safety as they face increased attacks, such as rape, death threats and psychological violence from a gang of men known as the 26s. SAPS is silent on this and prosecutor’s pass on these cases because they fear for their safety. Melissa Makau recently survived this ordeal….
Justice for Lesley Makousa
19 August 2016On Saturday 6 August 2016, the police found the deserted body of 16 year old Lesley Makousa in a nearby field of Promosa, in the North West Province. Lesley Makousa was a gay Grade 10 learner at Promosa Secondary School. On 11 August 2016, Iranti attended Lesley’s memorial service which was hosted by Promosa Secondary…
Civil Society’s Response to South Africa’s UN abstention on the creation of a SOGI Independent Expert
15 August 2016South African-based civil society organisations together with the LGBTI community and human-rights based entities were shocked by the country’s abstention at the crucial voting that took place at the UN Human Rights Council on 30 June 2016 on a resolution aimed at establishing an Independent Expert on violence and discrimination against people based on their…
Ugandan Police Attack on Lawful LGBTI Pride Celebration
5 August 2016Civil Society, Human Rights Activists Condemn Ugandan Police Attack on Lawful LGBTI Pride Celebration. On 4 August, pride celebrations were brutally and unlawfully raided by the Ugandan police, starting at approximately 11:30 pm. Police claimed they had been told a “gay wedding” was taking place. The police locked the gates of the club, arrested more…
Press Release – The Urology Hospital in Pretoria Operates in Violation of Human Rights Norms
8 July 2016Many individuals with hypospadias do not experience the functional and/or psychosocial difficulties commonly attributed to it by the medical sector, nor desire surgery for it. In addition, hypospadias surgery carries a substantial risk of significantly poor cosmetic and functional outcomes, negatively impacting sexual and reproductive health. Dr Kabo Ijane describes even mild these instances in…
Partially Legally Recognized
2 July 2016A personal story of a Trans person as they navigate the legal system in Kenya in relation to name change. It highlights the challenges Kenyan Trans people go through when they legally change their name but are unable to effect the changes on their national documents.
SOGI VICTORY at the United Nations
30 June 2016United Nations Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by establishing an Independent Expert. It is a historic victory for the human rights of all persons who are at risk of discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, 28 human rights groups said today. “It is important to note that…
SOGI VICTORY At The United Nations
30 June 2016United Nations Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity by establishing an Independent Expert. It is a historic victory for the human rights of all persons who are at risk of discrimination and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, 28 human rights groups said today. “It is important to note that…
AFRICAN BODIES BREAKING GROUND BUILDING BRIDGES
27 June 2016African Bodies Breaking Grounds Building Bridges was the theme for the Pan African IlGA Regional Conference that took place in Johannesburg from 13-18 May 2016. This conference meant that emerging trans focused organizations had an opportunity to network with bigger organizations to share experiences, get advice and guidance. Small organizations engaged with possible donors and…
UN SOGI Resolution interview with Steve Letsike and Yasmin Sooka
22 June 2016Steve Letsike, the director of Access Chapter 2, is a local and international LGBTI activist who has worked closely with the South African Government around constitutional reform and gender justice. In light of the Latin American Core Group (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay) which has recently tabled the SOGI resolution at the UN…
Call for Story Ideas for Iranti’s Trans Lives Writing Workshop
27 May 2016Iranti is producing a web series on trans lives. We are looking for 12 writers to be part of our core writing team. We are striving to have a series truly owned by the community from conceptualization, and therefore are restricting this call to African trans applicants. Download the Call for Applications for more Info…
Yearning To Be Freely Me By Dalziel Leone
27 May 2016Sitting on the sandy beach front on Mombasa’s public beach, Saida stares into the vast blue horizon while she fidgets with her fingers. She’s twenty-two, slender, and her demeanour is shy. This is her favourite place to come to when she wants to think about her life. “I come here a lot. Especially when there…
LGBTI Hate Crimes in the East Rand
6 May 2016As a media documentations organization, over the past four months Iranti has received an alarming number of cases of hate crimes in the Gauteng province. The Eastrand and the Vaal region have been mostly affected. Iranti is currently following up and reporting on 1 murder case of Pascalina Malemu in the Vaal, 1 murder case…
REPORT: AND THAT’S HOW I SURVIVED
21 April 2016In January, 2015 Daniel, a 22-year-old living in Ntungamo in Western Uganda, was arrested for “engaging in crimes against the order of nature.” We spoke to him in May after he was released from prison. Struggling to find words, he told us what happened. Read More…
South African Government Silent on Transgender and Intersex Rights
11 April 2016Today, the South African (SA) government presented its state report to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) during the latter’s 58th Ordinary Session in Banjul, the Gambia, 6-20 April 2016. We noted with concern that the SA state report neglected to address widespread human rights challenges faced by transgender and intersex persons…
African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR)
11 April 2016SA Government Silent on Transgender and Intersex Rights South Africa, 11 April 2016 Today, the South African (SA) government presented its state report to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) during the latter’s 58th Ordinary Session in Banjul, the Gambia, 6-20 April 2016. We noted with concern that the SA State report…
Hate Crimes and Lesbian Murders, a Silent Genocide in Our South African Townships
9 April 2016Article by Wanelisa Albert, Advocacy Coordinator, Iranti “I worked very hard for Pasca to finish her school but it was all for nothing,” says Betty Melamu (while holding her daughter’s matric certificate) on a BBC podcast reporting on LGBTI hate crimes in South Africa. Pascalina Melamu is a lesbian woman who was brutally murdered in…
The Elections Serve as a Painful Reminder of How the South African Government Renders Trans and Intersex People Non-Citizens
7 April 2016In 2014, transgender woman Nadia Swanepoel went on a hunger strike to protest discriminatory treatment at the hands of the Department of Home Affairs after the process to change her name and her gender marker on her identity document in terms of the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act 49 of 2003 (Act…
Born Free, Killed by Hate in South Africa
7 April 2016Article By BBC and Iranti Iranti assisted the BBC in producing this important story on increased hate crimes in South Africa. Listen to the podcast
2016 Media and Politicians Fail LGBTI
1 April 2016The silence is deafening: Increasing violence on LGBTI Youth in South African Townships Leverne Cox believes “Justice is what love looks like in public.” And yet almost on a weekly basis Iranti deals with yet another LGBTI young person who has been either expelled from school or worse; brutally murdered. There is a deafening silence…
LEGABIBO Registration – News Release from the Southern Africa Litigation Centre
16 March 2016Botswana, 16 March 2016 Ground-breaking Judgment by Botswana Court of Appeal on Freedom of Association and LGBTI Rights. A full bench of the Court of Appeal of Botswana ordered the Botswana government to register the organisation Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO). Click here for more detail…
2016 LEGABIBO Registration
14 March 2016Court of Appeal Judgment Press Statement – #LEGABIBOregistration 14 and 16 March – pre-judgement events Click here for more detail…
Unprotected Lives – Malawi
7 March 2016On January 2, 2016, Ken Msonda, the spokesperson of the People’s Party, wrote on his facebook page, LGBT people are worse than dogs and Malawians should kill them. CEDEP, CHRR and the Malawi Law Society charged Msonda for breaking Malawi’s constitutional law. In this media report they speak about this fight against hate towards LGBT…
VAAL LGBTI COMMUNITY SPEAK OUT ABOUT THEIR PAIN AND THEIR STRUGGLES FOR A SAFER COMMUNITY
24 February 2016Pascalina Melamu’s tortured and burnt body leaves a scar in the minds of all lesbians in South Africa, but in particular the Vaal lesbian community who knew her so well. She is gone, killed before she could celebrate the passing of high school. Listen to the podcast Despite clear legal protections and a very progressive…
Kenya: Leone Dalziel
18 February 2016Leone Dalziel, from Kenya, is a young Trans man, a social justice activist and a blogger. He is committed to improving the lives of transgender people in Africa. In 2015, Leone received a fellowship from the Open Society Foundation, East Africa (OSEA) to be based at Iranti. During his fellowship, he learned and practiced how…
Trans Health Conversations
7 February 2016
Dr Anastacia Tomson
7 February 2016Anastacia Tomson is a medical doctor, activist and author. She has a history of working in primary healthcare, with a special interest in transgender health. Her autobiography, detailing her own experiences and challenges seen through the lens of transition, is set for release in early 2016. Anastacia is a vocal feminist and advocate for social justice,…
SA ICD-11 Field Testing
2 February 2016Iranti, together with other interested NGOs such as Gender Dynamix and GATE have been embarking on advocacy work around increasing African engagement with the ICD revision process, specifically in relation to Gender Incongruence in Adulthood and Adolescence as well as Childhood. From discussions that have taken place since the inception of our work in this…
Increased Spate of Violence Against Black Lesbians in the Vaal
31 January 2016Passing your matric is a major highlight in every young learner in South Africa. Doubly so for Black learners in townships who face major social and economic challenges. For LGBTI learners, ‘coming out’ in South African public school often means exposing oneself to bullying and teacher prejudice. The education system is failing to support learners…
Civil Society Stand United Against Hate Speech In Malawi
22 January 2016The decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions of Malawi to issue a discontinuance against the matter in which Msonda was charged for his Kill the Gays statement was of great concern to key leaders of civil society. Civil society leaders from the religious sector, youth and human rights sector met in Blantyre to collective…
Disebo ‘Gift’ Makau ~ Facilitated Discussion About Advocacy for This Case
14 January 2016On Wednesday 14 January, the team will travel to Potchestroom to meet with LGBTI groups in North West province. Here, he will hear more about the case of Disebo ‘Gift’ Makau, a black lesbian who was gruesomely murdered in Ventersdorp in August 2014. At the meeting, Iranti will facilitate a discussion on the advocacy for this case,…
WATCH: Africa Trans* Day of Visibility
14 December 2015If you missed it or want to relive this historical day, here’s a video about Africa Trans* Day of Visibility. On December 5, 2015 we celebrated African Trans* Visibility with panels, discussions, stalls and performances, all at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa. History made: Photos from Africa Trans* Day of Visibility: On the 5…
Transgender Visibility Day INTERVIEW: Dr Anastacia Tomson
7 December 2015Article by Vikar Singh, National Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health including HIV/AIDS (NORA) 5 December 2015 marked Africa’s first-ever Transgender Visibility Day. The initiative aims to fight Transphobia in all its forms and demands that transgender persons across Africa are protected against violence, economic oppression and should enjoy full human rights – including the…
Africa Trans* Visibility Day
5 December 2015Between 20 November and 10 December several important dates that highlight Trans* awareness across the region occur. The period includes Trans Day of Remembrance, Rainbow Identity Association’s Trans Pride in Botswana, World AIDS Day and International Human Rights Day. These are all significant dates that impact on our gender identity and gender expression. We demand…
Transgender activists assaulted in Uganda
27 November 2015Uganda, 27 November 2015 At least six Transgender Ugandans were attacked in one week in Kampala, Uganda in October 2015. Trans* activists, Williams Apako and Beyonce Karungi share their harrowing stories and give us a deeper insight into the precarious conditions that trans* persons live under in Uganda.
Hate crime against Trans* men in Uganda
18 November 2015Uganda, 18 November 2015 As Uganda prepares for its national elections, it is evident that politicians have begun to use the “gay rights” card to instil fear in the nation. This makes the situation very vulnerable for LGBTI persons and more specifically for Transgender Ugandans. In our interviews with Trans* persons, they consistently state,…
GALZ condemns attack on Itai Dzmara (journalist) and Kennedy Masiye (lawyer) in Harare
7 November 2015GALZ condemns the brutal attack of Journalist Itai Dzamara and nine other demonstrators following their Occupy Africa Unity Square demonstration in Harare on Thursday and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights projects lawyer Kennedy Masiye who was also severely assaulted by police officers at Africa Unity Square while representing the protesters. It is deplorable that Zimbabwe…
Iranti honors Intersex Awareness Day and Building Africa’s ICD Depath Strategy
24 October 2015South Africa, 24 Oct 2015 THE ICD is the international classification of diseases is a document that is produced by the Word Health Organization. The existing 10th edition of the ICD is currently being reviewed by the World Health Organization (WHO), presenting activists with an opportunity to advocate for change. Iranti is committed…
Iranti hosts ICD Conference with Gender Dynamix and GATE
30 September 2015South Africa, 31 September 2015 Iranti in partnership with Gender Dynamix and GATE hosted a regional ICD (International Classification of Diseases) Conference from 27-30 September 2015 in Johannesburg, South Africa with over 30 trans and intersex activists representing 12 countries across different regions in Africa. The aim of the conference was to create a…
11th Annual Soweto Pride March
26 September 2015South Africa, 26 September 2015 Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) organized yet another successful Soweto pride march. This is a day for the LGBTI community to be seen and heard and for us to claim a safe public and political space. This year’s 11th annual pride was in honour of the late…
ZwaKala Leaders Meeting
23 September 2015Johannesburg, 23 September 2015 The ZwaKala meeting for Coordinators and Directors of Community Based Organsations (CBO) was facilitated by Dolar Vasani on Monday, 14 September 2015. The meeting brought together CBOs that are part of the ZwaKala prject from three provinces. Expectations were high as the participants, from Limpopo, Gauteng and North West, eloquently voiced…
Funeral of Malume, Gentle Giant
22 September 2015Swaziland, 22 September 2015 Xolile Malume Mabuza’s funeral was held in Swaziland 6 September 2015. The Gentle Giant known to all as Malume, was memorialised by LGBTI activists from across the continent. Usuthu Mission Anglican Church couldn’t accommodate everyone who came to pay their last respects to Malume. Photo by: Ayanda Msiza Memorial service of…
We Honor Malume
22 September 2015Malume is Xolile Mabuza’s preferred name. He is his chosen gender pronoun. A proud Transgender rights activist and an overall human rights activist sadly passed away on the 13th September 2015. He was the founder and director of Rock of Hope and LGBTI human rights organisation in Swaziland. Iranti produced this tribute along with friends of Malume. there…
FEELING FABULOUS: A TRIBUTE TO XOLILE MABUZA by Neo Musangi, co-founder of Iranti
14 September 2015Nairobi, 14 September 2015 I have been back in Nairobi for almost three years; my understanding of Nguni languages might be waning but I do hope I can start this with a name: Xolile; one who is/has been forgiven. I barely knew him by that name. I never called him Xolile. Most of us never…
FEELING FABULOUS: A TRIBUTE TO XOLILE MABUZA
14 September 2015Article by Neo Musangi, co-founder of Iranti. I have been back in Nairobi for almost three years; my understanding of Nguni languages might be waning but I do hope I can start this with a name: Xolile; one who is/has been forgiven. I barely knew him by that name. I never called him Xolile. Most of…
VAAL LGBTI PRIDE AFFECTED BY POOR SAFETY by Nerina Penzhorn
11 September 2015Vaal LGBT banner at Vaal Pride 2015 South Africa, 11 September 2015 The Vaal LGBTI community celebrated their third annual Pride parade on Saturday, September 5, 2015. The event included a march through the streets of Boipatong, moving performances to commemorate the victims and survivors of hate crimes and an after-march gathering with entertainment at…
Iranti’s work on the Universal Periodic Review processes in Swaziland and Tanzania by Joshua Sehoole – Regional Human Rights Officer, Iranti
10 September 2015South Africa, 10 September 2015 During July and August 2015, Iranti and Pan Africa ILGA (PAI) hosted two Universal Periodic Review (UPR) workshops, in Swaziland (co-hosted by Rock of Hope and Gender Dynamix) and in Tanzania (co-hosted by Tanzania Trans Initiative). The UPR is an instrument of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council (HRC)…
Iranti’s work showcased on SABC TV
7 September 2015South Africa, 7 September 2015 Journalist, Lindile Mpanza of Special Assignment, recently made a documentary on hate crimes that was screened on SABC TV on 30 August. In the programme, she highlights issues of: recent hate crime cases of Disebo Gift Makau and Thembelihle Sokhela lack of hate crimes legislation in South Africa the Rapid…
Vaal Pride 2015
4 September 2015South Africa, 4 September 2015 The Zwakala project, funded by the Delegation of the European Union, partners with community based organisations (CBO’s) in Limpopo, Gauteng and North West to support increasing awareness of LGBTI persons and their lived experiences. This coming Saturday Iranti will be attending Vaal Pride in solidarity “Love knows no gender”.
Run For Iranti
1 September 2015“To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity” Nelson Mandela Will you sponsor the Run for Iranti team? This Sunday 30 Aug we will run/walk the 10km race of the Mandela Day Marathon in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal. We are raising funds for Iranti, a visual media NGO in Johannesburg. Iranti films stories…
Gays and Lesbians of Rustenburg (GLOR) Sports and Recreation Day 29 August 2015
29 August 2015Click to enlarge Downloads: GDSD Participants Indemnity Form2.pdf (75KB) GDSD Participation Application Form4.pdf (375KB) GDSD Stalls Application Form3.pdf (275KB) For more info: rustenburgpride@gmail.com
Shelley Barry @ Iranti
27 August 2015Shelley Barry working with the Iranti media and documentation team South Africa, Johannesburg, 27 August 2015 Iranti was honoured to have Shelley Barry, award-winning filmmaker, poet, lecturer and video trainer at our offices during August 2015. Shelley’s company, twospinningwheels productions aims to explore new languages in cinema and giving marginalised voices access to the craft of filmmaking. The…
2015 PAI Call for Applications
27 August 2015Training for African LGBTI Activists South Africa, 27 August 2015 Training for African LGBTI Activists on the African Human Rights Mechanisms DEADLINE 28 Aug 2017. Read more…
Sokhela’s rapist and murderer sentenced to 22 years
30 July 2015South Africa, 30 July 2015 On 30 July 2015 at the Pretoria North District Court, Judge Mokgosi handed a sentence of 22 years to Thabo Molefe for raping and murdering Tembelihle “Lihle” Sokhela. Read the press statement… South African Council of Churches came all the way from Benoni to support the case. Photo by: Ayanda Msiza…
2015 Thembelihle Sokhela Murder
30 July 2015Sokhela’s rapist and murderer sentenced to 22 years On 30 July 2015 at the Pretoria North District Court, Judge Mokgosi handed a sentence of 22 years to Thabo Molefe for raping and murdering Tembelihle “Lihle” Sokhela. Read the press release… or see pictures of the protesters and supporters of Thembelihle Sokela
Personal is Political
23 July 2015
Thembelihle Sokhela’s Murder Finally Goes to High Court
22 July 2015Thembelihle Sokhela’s murder finally goes to High Court South Africa, 22 July 2015 The trial of Thembelihle Sokhela, a lesbian woman from Daveyton, finally goes to the Pretoria High Court. The case of Thembelihle’s murder will commence at the Pretoria High Court from Monday 27 to Friday 31 July. Thembelihle Sokhela, a 28-year old lesbian…
Message of Condolence on the Passing of Thando Njabulo Maseko
15 July 2015South Africa, 14 July 2015 Njabulo Maseko presents on human rights violation on transgender persons at last year’s Transgender day of Remembrance November 2014,Constitution Hill, Johannesburg Njabulo Maseko with Jabu Pereira of Iranti, Gloden Thani of the Department of Education and Neloufar Khan of Social Development on Transgender Day of Remembrance 20 November 2014. Njabulo…
Trans Journeys and Safe Spaces: CFCS was epic by Dalziel Leone
14 July 2015South Africa, 14 July 2015 A hangout moment with Transgender activists at CFCS. Dalziel Leone, with Immanuela, Apako and Jabu On Sunday 14 June 2015 we were all set for the journey, the East African Trans group. It was quite a chilly morning and took a lot of effort to be at the pick-up…
SOCIO-POLITICS OF A RURAL TRANS WOMAN by Seoketsi Tshepo Mooketsi
10 July 2015South Africa, 10 July 2015 My name is Seoketsi Tshepo Mooketsi, an ambitious, Trans Activist and Feminist. I reside in a rural township named Schweizer-Reneke in the North West Province, which is surrounded by agricultural farms. There is also a lack of political will from local government in addressing issues such as sexism, homophobia, gender…
Regional media training hosted by Iranti & Witness
5 July 2015South Africa, 5 July 2015 Between 3-9 May 2015, LGBTI activists from seven countries gathered in Johannesburg for a 6-day intense training workshop on video advocacy and storytelling. This was co-hosted by Iranti and Witness, an organisation based in New York that uses video to document and advocate for human rights. This training followed the…
Daughter Language – an exhibition
2 July 2015Exhibition: Thursday, 2 July at 18h30. You’re invited! Lizamore & Assoc. Gallery 155 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg Johannesburg, 1 July 2015 In a globalized world, few marriages are still arranged for economic, social or political gain; and with it procreation, for the purpose of producing an heir, has ceased to be a primary function of matrimonial unions….
Speaking out on National Youth Day
13 June 2015South Africa, 13 June 2015 Thirty-nine years ago, on June 16 1976, young learners from Soweto organised a national resistance campaign against apartheid. The racially segregated system meant that Black students were subjected to an inferior education system and Afrikaans was enforced as a language of instruction. Equally, young people witnessed how their families suffered…
Letter from TIA to the Minister of Education
11 June 2015Johannesburg, 11 June 2014 A needs assessment report by Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA)has indicated that among a sample of 500 transgender people, 32% do not have a matric certificate. Most of them dropped out of school before grade 12 because of bullying. Read the entire statement.
QUEER IN AFRICA: CONFRONTING THE CRISIS
11 June 2015Cape Town, 11 June 2014 A photogallery on the Critically Queer exhibition curated by Jabu Pereira from Iranti, and the colloquium on the crisis in Africa, curated by Dr Zethu Matebeni from Huma, UCT. Neo Musangi performed at the Jammie Stairs at UCT. Their performance is titled, Killing The Dead. Neo Musangi writes on the…
Disebo Makau Judgment is a victory
26 May 2015South Africa, 26 May 2015 On 20 May 2015, in the Potchestroom High Court, Judge Kruger, stated that Disebo’s perpetrator showed no remorse to the heinous crime he committed. Sexual orientation must be protected and that hate crimes such as these can’t be condoned within South Africa’s democracy. Iranti followed this case from the beginning…
Daveyton Mall comes alive on IDAHOT
21 May 2015Hundreds of Daveyton residents enjoy the flash-mob. Photo by: Ayanda Msiza South Africa, 21 May 2015 Uthingo – The Rainbow held a successful flash mob and dance event at the Daveyton Mall on Sunday 17 May. The street theatre group, Joint Minds, performed ‘Un-tag me’, in-front of 100s of people outside the mall. Our…
Iranti’s signs an agreement with the EU in SA
19 May 2015Johannesburg, 19 May 2015 On Monday 18 May, Emilia Potenza, the Chairperson of the Iranti Board signed the formal contract in the presence of Roeland van der Geer, the Ambassador of the EU Delegation to South Africa. Iranti is one of three organisations in South Africa to have been awarded an EU grant under the…
Disebo “Gift” Makau’s alleged perpetrator goes on trial at the Klerksdorp High Court
13 May 2015South Africa, 13 May 2015 Disebo Makau, a 24 year old lesbian woman was brutally murdered in Ventersdorp, North West province in August 2014. Pule Stoffel Botlhokwane will stand trail at the Klerksdorp High Court from 18-22 May 2015. Click here to read the press release and click here to listen to the podcast.
IDAHOT 2015
13 May 2015South Africa, 13 May 2015 VIDEO. Young Lesbian, Gay and Transgender learners face discrimination at South African schools. They further face discrimination at their homes, in public space, and all this affects how young learners relate to wellness, self-esteem and safety. Iranti is hosting a national campaign addressing how school uniforms are used by teachers…
Disebo ‘Gift’ Makau
13 May 2015South Africa, 13 May 2015 VIDEO. Disebo ‘Gift’ Makau a young lesbian from Ventersdorp, North West province of SA was raped and murdered because of her sexual orientation. Iranti along with FEW, and LGBTI groups in the town has advocated for justice to served. This story is about the love and loss families and loved…
2015 Disebo Gift Makau Murder
13 May 2015Disebo Makau’s alledged perpetrator goes to trial South Africa, 13 May 2015 Pule Stoffel Botlhokwane, Disebo Makau’s alleged perpetrator goes for trial at the Klerksdorp High Court from 18-22 May 2015. Read the press release.
Disebo “Gift” Makau’s alleged perpetrator goes on trial at the Klerksdorp High Court
13 May 2015South Africa, 13 May 2015 Disebo Makau, a 24 year old lesbian woman was brutally murdered in Ventersdorp, North West province in August 2014. Pule Stoffel Botlhokwane will stand trail at the Klerksdorp High Court from 18-22 May 2015. Click to listen to the podcast.
S.H.E. Director Speaks Out
2 May 2015Leigh Ann van der Merwe is the Director of the Social Health Empowerment forum better know as SHE. Transgender awareness became an interest for the South African media when Bruce Jenner in the US came out. Leigh Ann is interviewed on this and speaks about the struggles we face in South Africa as trans* person….
Collective Action against Xenophobia: is “POWER”
2 May 2015South Africa, 2 May 2015 On 23 April 2015, the “THE PEOPLE’S MARCH” against xenophobia took place in the city centre of Johannesburg. The march started at Pieter Roos Park in Hillbrow, and proceeded through the Johannesburg central business district, ending at the Mary Fitzgerald Square off in Newtown. Man in chains, photograph by Iranti …
In memory of Kayla Glover
25 March 2015South Africa, 25 March 2015 Every person that speaks of Kayla Glover, described her as generous in her ability to be kind to people, loving towards her friends and her community and openly out regarding her sexual orientation. Iranti worked with Rock of Hope the LGBTI human rights organisation in Swaziland in documenting and reporting…
Iranti invites you to an IDAHOT plenary meeting
23 March 2015South Africa, 23 March 2015 Please join us on 28 March for the meeting and on this important day and make your voices heard. THEME FOR THE DAY: SCHOOL UNIFORM. Please wear any school uniform as we celebrate our youth with diversity. Download the full invitation.
Anti-gay attacks on the rise in Swaziland
20 March 2015By Jabu Pereira, South Africa, 20 March 2015 Kaylo Glover murdered in Swaziland Kaylo Glover a young lesbian from Nhlangano, Swaziland, stepped into a bar with her friends on the early hours of Sunday morning. She was killed by an enraged man who did not want to be in the presence of lesbians. He left…
Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) demands that their rights be protected
17 March 201517 March 2014 LEGABIBO members designing placards in preparation for the court case. Photo by Gugu Mandla Botswana. The LEGABIBO organization demands to be registered as an association group and not a group that promotes homosexuality or same-sex relationships. On 12 March 2012, their registration application was rejected by the Director of the Department of…
JUSTICE PREVAILS – LEGABIBO JUDGMENT
17 March 2015Botswana, 17 March 2015 On the 12 March 2012 LEGABIBO was denied the right to register as an NGO. According to the Director of the Department of Civil and National Registration, Botswana does not recognise homosexuals and that the objectives of the organisations are contrary to section7(2) of the law. On 14 November 2014 LEGABIBO…
Kalamazoo College Global Prize – $25,000
16 March 2015Global, 16 March 2015 The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership (ACSJL) is an initiative of Kalamazoo College whose mission is to support the pursuit of human rights and social justice by developing emerging leaders and sustaining existing leaders in the field of human rights and social justice, creating a pivotal role for liberal…
The Gay and Lesbian Network is hosting a hate crimes exhibition “don’t be silenced”
20 February 2015Pietermaritzburg, 20 February 2014 The Gay and Lesbian Network is hosting a hate crimes exhibition which is taking place from 7 February – 7 March 2014 at the KwaZulu Natal Museum, 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg. The purpose of the exhibition is to provide a space to educate and create awareness about hate crimes. The…
Jabu Pereira addresses Quorum about LGBTIQ rights
18 February 2015South Africa, 18 February 2015 This week from #Quorum: In this stirring tribute, activist and media strategist Jabu Pereira talks about the intersections of racial and gender oppression in #SouthAfrica, and urges us to remember those who have fallen. Stand with me — watch and share via quorum.thedailybeast.com. #humanrights #LGBT #equality
2014 TDOR Report
17 February 2015Transgender Day of Remembrance 2014 South Africa, 17 February 2015 TDOR Report – To commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) 2014, Iranti and Transgender Intersex Africa (TIA) hosted a Social Dialogue on Transgender Learners in South African schools on 20 November 2014 at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg. Click here for the activity report.
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2014
17 February 2015South Africa, 17 February 2015 TDOR Report – To commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) 2014, Iranti and Transgender Intersex Africa (TIA) hosted a Social Dialogue on Transgender Learners in South African schools on 20 November 2014 at Constitutional Hill in Johannesburg. Click here for the activity report.
Uganda President Museveni will likely sign Anti-Homosexuality Law
28 January 2015Boston, 28 January 2014 Dr Kapya Kaoma writes about the Anti-Homosexuality Law (previously known as “Kill the Gays” bill), that the version passed in December had eliminated the death penalty but maintained a punishment of life imprisonment for “aggravated” homosexuality—namely, having sex with a person who is under 18 years old or disabled, or instances in…
Binyavanga Wainaina profile
27 January 2015Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan author, journalist and winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing. His first book was a response to anti-gay laws passed in Africa. He has been given the Young Global Leader award, that is given to people who have the potential to contributing to changing the world. He has written for many…
Disebo Gift Makau
25 January 2015The Iranti media team will be heading to Ventersdorp this week to monitor and lobby the judicial system on the case of Disebo Gift Makau. Disebo Gift Makau, a 24 year-old lesbian was found half naked and strangled on 15 August 2014. She had a wire around her neck with an open hosepipe pushed down her throat….
Sloppy work by SAPS delays Thembelihle Sokhela’s case
16 January 2015South Africa, 16 January 2015 The police have also been slack in the gathering vital evidence, leaving beind the victim’s clothes, her underwear and the blanket that wrapped her body at the scene of the crime. We call upon all civil society organisations to join Iranti on 4 February when another mass action will be…
Sloppy Work by SAPS Delays Thembelihle Sokhela’s Case
16 January 2015Sloppy work by SAPS delays Thembelihle Sokhela’s case South Africa, 16 January 2015 The police have also been slack in the gathering vital evidence, leaving beind the victim’s clothes, her underwear and the blanket that wrapped her body at the scene of the crime. We call upon all civil society organisations to join Iranti on 4…
Thembelihle ‘Lihle’ Sokhela Mass Action
13 January 2015On Tuesday 13 January, Bukeni will join the Iranti media and documentation team to the Benoni High Court to hear the case of Thembelihle ‘Lihle’ Sokhela (see press release), a 28 year old lesbian from Daveyton, killed in September 2014. Iranti and CBOs from various locations in Johannesburg have planned a mass action outside the court, demanding a fair…
Thembelihle Sokhela’s Case Returns to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court
12 January 2015On Tuesday 13 January 2015 at 09h00, Thembelihle Sokhela’s case returns to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court, after being postponed on at least five occasions. The court is located at 29 Harpur Avenue, Benoni. Thembelihle, a 28-year old lesbian woman from Daveyton was murdered on 14 September 2014. She was found wrapped in a blanket and…
Thembelihle Sokhela’s Case Returns to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court
12 January 2015Johannesburg, 12 January 2015 On Tuesday 13 January 2015 at 09h00, Thembelihle Sokhela’s case returns to the Benoni Magistrate’s Court, after being postponed on at least five occasions. The court is located at 29 Harpur Avenue, Benoni. Thembelihle, a 28-year old lesbian woman from Daveyton was murdered on 14 September 2014. She was found wrapped…
END 2014
31 December 2014Click on the pic to get a closer look
FAQ: JABU PEREIRA A CONVERSATION WITH THE SELF
23 December 2014Over the past months and in some cases years I have engaged with some of you regarding my transition, all my fears, my concerns related to my feminism and conflicted, and never wanting to be embodied in any particular binary of being male or female, I still hold true to this. I thought I should…
2014 New York Quorum
13 December 2014Jabu Pereira from Iranti to speak with other global leading LGBT activists in New York on 10 December New York, 4 December 2014 “Quorum: Global LGBT Voices” at the New York Public Library, featuring talks and panels highlighting the struggles and triumphs of LGBT people worldwide. The Daily Beast, in collaboration with nine leading international…
World’s leading LGBT activists to speak in New York
4 December 20144 December 2014, New York The Daily Beast to host “Quorum: Global LGBT Voices” at the New York Public Library, featuring talks and panels highlighting the struggles and triumphs of LGBT people worldwide The Daily Beast, in collaboration with nine leading international human rights organizations, will host an unprecedented gathering of leading LGBT activists…
Social Dialogue
20 November 2014THURS 20 Nov, 9:00-13:00 Social Dialogue – Iranti.org and Transgender Intersex Africa (TIA) at Con-Hill, Johannesburg South Africa, 20 November 2014 Transgender and gender non-conforming learners in South Africa are experiencing discrimination and find themselves being ridiculed, taunted and shamed, often by those in positions of power. In response to and addressing the issues…
Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA), Sat 8 Nov
7 November 2014SATURDAY 8 Nov, Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA) to host an event at Con-Hill, Johannesburg to raise awareness about intersex issues – Intersex Genital Mutilation (IGM), unnecessary hormonal treatment and many others. For more information contact: Tshepang Magendisa Admin and Communications Officer Transgender and Intersex Africa +27127972612 Tshepimag.tia@gmail.com Download The Invite
2014 Johannesburg People’s Pride
7 November 2014Statement on the position of JPP South Africa, 7 November 2014 All decisions are made by full consensus, all ideas are debated and discussed with equal measure, all our short-falls are exposed, accounted for, and ways forward that are responsive to these are proposed and decided on by all of us who form the collective…
Statement on the position of Johannesburg People’s Pride (JPP)
7 November 2014South Africa, 7 November 2014 All decisions are made by full consensus, all ideas are debated and discussed with equal measure, all our short-falls are exposed, accounted for, and ways forward that are responsive to these are proposed and decided on by all of us who form the collective and who are committed to making…
Consultative Forum with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dealing with gender-based violence
6 November 2014Benoni, South Africa, 6 November 2014 An invitation to the Consultative Forum with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) dealing with gender-based violence. Read more on the invite…
Women Leadership Training at ILGA 2014
28 October 2014by Jabu Pereira Mexico, 28 October 2014 After a 24 hour journey to Mexico city and a 2 hour road trip without my luggage, I had felt rather stressed and jet-lagged and wondered if the universe was sending me a message. ILGA LAC’s amazing women leaders, Gloria Careaga and Josefina Valencia Toledano invited…
Malawi. Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP)
21 October 201421 October 2014 Malawi. Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP) 2014 Report on Human Rights violations on the basis of real or perceived Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Malawi. Read the report…
Department of Home Affairs finally acts
13 October 2014South Africa, 13 October 2014 This morning amidst all the long queues at the Roodepoort office of the Department of Home Affairs, was Nadia Lally Swanepoel, waiting at counter 8. Nadia could end her liquid and hunger strike, and just like any capable bureaucrat should have done years ago, was to change Nadia’s gender…
2014 Nadia Swanepoel Hunger Strike
12 October 2014Nadia Swanepoel’s hunger strike delivered justice South Africa, 12 October 2014 Gender DynamiX, Iranti, S.H.E. and TIA are elated that Nadia’s name and gender identity have been changed in the population register. She has been assured that she will receive a temporary ID on 13 October at Home Affairs. They have also amended her marital status from civil union to…
Nadia Swanepoel’s hunger strike delivered justice
12 October 2014South Africa, 12 October 2014 Gender DynamiX, Iranti, S.H.E. and TIA are elated that Nadia’s name and gender identity have been changed in the population register. She has been assured that she will receive a temporary ID on 13 October at Home Affairs. They have also amended her marital status from civil union to a heterosexual identified marriage according to…
Nadia Swanepoel’s hunger strike reaches 5 days
10 October 2014South Africa, 10 October 2014 Read the Press Statement by SHE asking South African Home Affairs to act swiftly. Nadia Swanepoel has been on a hunger strike for five days to appeal to Home affairs to change her gender on her identity documents. Home Affairs has ignored her for three years. Please sign the petition to support…
Transwoman Goes on Hunger Strike as Home Affairs Fails Her
9 October 2014South Africa, 9 October 2014 Nadia Swanepoel started trying to change her gender and name according to the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act 49 of 2003 (Act 49) three years ago. Because of the endemic discrimination inherent within the administrative process at Home Affairs; Nadia has not received a new identity document…
Nadia Swanepoel on why she went on a hunger strike
9 October 2014Johannesburg, 9 October 2014 Nadia Swanepoel, a transgender woman, has gone on a hunger strike until Home Affairs issues her a valid ID recognising that she is not a man. She has been unable to get a job as a result of this.
Nadia Swanepoel consulting with Jabu Pereira from Iranti
9 October 2014Johannesburg, 9 October 2014 Nadia Swanepoel holds her resilience on her 5th day of her hunger and liquid strike.
LEGABIBO repetitioning the Botswana courts 14 October
9 October 2014Botswana, 9 October 2014 The Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana, LEGABIBO are back in court on 14 October 2014, to petition the court for registration based on the fundamental rights enshrined in the Consititution of Botswana. Please attend, and find out more…
Community Social Dialogue
5 October 2014Ventersdorp, 5 October 2014 Community Social Dialogue in Ventersdorp about Gift Makau on Sun 5 Oct at Tshing location, Ext 2 Community Hall, from 1200. Read the press release
2014 Murder of Gift Makau
3 October 2014Ventersdorp Community Dialogue Press release 3 October 2014, South Africa Community Social Dialogue in Ventersdorp about Gift Makau on Sun 5 Oct at Tshing location, Ext 2 Community Hall, from 1200. Read the press release
2014 SOGI Resolution
26 September 2014Resolution A/HRC/27/L.27 Rev.1 on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. On behalf of the Republic of South Africa, by H.E. Abdul Samad Minty, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations and other International Organisations at Geneva. 26 September 2014 Mr. President The belief that no person should fear for their safety or be…
SA must lead at the UN
22 September 2014SA must lead in ensuring that all LGBTI citizens across the world are protected from violence and discrimination. Vote yes for reporting on good practices and violations. Read more at the Daily Marverick: Crucial Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity UN resolution: SA’s vote will lead the way – but what will it be?
When will government speak out against Hate Crimes?
22 September 2014South Africa, 22 September 2014 by Dolar Vasani and Kokeletso Legoete Protest demonstration in front of the Ventersdorp court for Disebo Gift Makau’s case. Photo by Gugu Mandla The accused’s mother in the murder of Lihle Sokela in Daveyton speaks to Iranti. Photo by Gugu Mandla The official crime statistics report released on…
Sexual rights, reproductive justice, and the links between human rights and development
19 September 2014See below an excellent speech by South Africa’s Minister for Social Development at an event on SRHR at the margins of the UN General Assembly. She discusses sexual rights, reproductive justice, and the links between human rights and development. Address by Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, MP, on the occasion of the United…
SOUTH AFRICA VOTES YES on SOGI 2014!
26 August 2014Today, 26 August 2014, SA along with 24 other states voted in favour of the resolution. The resolution calls on the UN High Commissoner on Human Rights to update the report on violence based on SOGI and to report on good practice. Mr President, on behalf of the Republic of South Africa, by H.E….
POEM BY MIMI MIYAGI
24 August 2014Male, female, trans or intersex… by Mimi Miyagi (2014) Male, female, trans or intersex… Forget the physical and focus on my soul Most people too often will turn their backs, And do nothing to try to stop these attacks. When violence is committed against another Male, female, trans or intersex… Forget the physical…
Suspect arrested for murder of Ventersdorp lesbian woman
24 August 2014Source: eNCA reports from Ventersdorp, on the murder of a proudly-out lesbian, Mpho ‘Gift’ Makau.
South Africa’s dangerous ‘normalisation’ of violence
24 August 2014South Africa, 24 August 2014 Jabu Pereira, Iranti executive director, speaks out on hate crimes in South Africa. An interview with eNCA on the recent murder of a young lesbian, Gift Makau, in Ventersdorp.
Justice must prevail for Disebo Gift Makau and the LGBTI community of Ventersdorp
24 August 2014by Jabu Pereira South Africa, 24 August 2014 The marquee is down, the crowds of mourners have retreated back to their homes, and yet there is an eery presence in this tiny town. It is a presence of fear and uncertainty about the future, and the acceptance of loss. Gift will no longer walk…
Lesbian murdered in Ventersdorp
16 August 2014South Africa, 16 August 2014 BREAKING NEWS: Lesbian is brutally killed in Ventersdorp. The perpetrator has been arrested. “Continued silence from the State about hate crimes has to stop. The Hate Crimes Task Team needs to upscale its work.” says Jabu Pereira, Iranti. Read the entire press release. Read the Fact File
“Chained sexualities”: A photography exhibition by lesbian youth
16 August 2014Date: 16 August, 13:00 (opening) – 16:00 Venue: Mbekweni Community Hall, Paarl RSVP: Photovoice Exhibition The University of Cape Town, in collaboration with Triangle Project, has been working with a group of 15 young women who identify as lesbian or bisexual from Zonwabele LGBTI Organisation in Mbekweni, Paarl. The aim of this project is to use photography…
Zethu Matebeni of UCT speaks at the 12th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Dialogue Series
12 August 2014Cape Town, 12 Aug 2014 Chilean President Michelle Bachelet joined UCT Chancellor Mrs Graça Machel and distinguished panelists to participate in a Gender-in-Dialogue event in UCT’s Jameson Hall on 10 August as part of the 12th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Dialogue Series. Live streamed from the UCT homepage, the lively discussion featured influential thought-leaders, including…
Cheryl Clarke and E. Frances White Feminist Scholars Reader Seminar
12 August 2014Johannesburg, 12 August 2014 Group picture: An amazing feminist gathering. From L-R. Back Row. Dineo Bopape, Ellen Eisenman, Jabu Pereira, Lame Olebogile, Nxy McClean, Gugu Mandla, Vanessa Agard-Jones, Kaykay Legoete, Cheryl Clarke, guest from ISS, Kate Muwoki. Front row: Fran White, Myesha Jenkins, Zikhona Gqozo, Lindeka Qampi, Lindokuhle, Zanele Muholi and Tanya Pretorius. A seminar…
Call for Abstracts
6 August 2014Africa, 6 August 2014 Call for ABSTRACTS for 2015 AGENDA Journal – ‘Non-normative’ sexual and gender diversities in Africa Deadline: No later than 20 August 2014 Guest Editors: Zethu Matebeni and Thabo Msibi. Download more info
WORKSHOP @ WISER
5 August 2014Johannesburg, Aug 5-7, tour on 8th The Arts of Human Rights. Collaboration between Bard College and Wits Click to download programme Click to find out more
Cape Town Declaration
28 July 2014Cape Town, 28 July 2014 Gender Incongruence in Childhood The Declaration addresses WHO ICD-11 proposals for a pathologising diagnosis for gender diversity in childhood, and calls upon WHO to discard the current Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood diagnosis and refrain from replacing it with any new pathologising diagnosis, including the proposed Gender Incongruence of Childhood…
UN resolution and definition of the family
26 June 2014United Nations, 26 Jun 2014 Votes on Draft Resolutions under Agenda Item:3 – Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic,social and cultural rights, including the right to development. Agenda of the Human Rights Council meeting Relive the experience over webcast Explanation of the vote – Brazil Explanation of the vote – India Result of the vote
2014 TIA letter to the Minister of Education, South Africa
11 June 2014Organisation: Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA) Press release 11 June 2014, South Africa A needs assessment report by Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA) has indicated that among a sample of 500 transgender people, 32% do not have a matric certificate. Most of them dropped out of school before grade 12 because of bullying. Read more…
Press Release: International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2014 Commemorations in Botswana
22 May 2014Botswana, 22 May 2014 by Onkokame Ratanang-Mosweu, LGBTI Health and Human Rights Programme Coordinator, LEGABIBO Download the press release here for distribution. The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) is commemorated globally and annually on the 17th of May. This year’s commemorations are celebrated under the theme “Freedom to Express”. The day is set…
Pule Botlhokwane Gets Two Life Sentences for Murdering Young Lesbian, Disebo Makau
21 May 2014On Wednesday 20 May 2015, at the Potchesfstoom High Court, North West Province, Judge Kruger sentenced Pule Stoffel Botlhokwane two life terms and fifteen years for robbery. He was charged for: (i) Murder (ii) Rape (iii) Robbery See the full press release here
IDAHOT: Free to our express our sexual and gender identity
17 May 2014Johannesburg, 17 May 2014 by Gugu Mandla and Jabu Pereira Director of Iranti, Jabu Pereira, goes in-depth about IDAHOT. Photo by: Lebo Ntladi Iranti in partnership with several LGBTI organisations such Transgender Intersex Africa (TIA), Vutha LGBTI in the Vaal region and Uthingo-Daveyton, were hosted by Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. Constitution Hill’s Public Programme…
IDAHOT 2014
17 May 2014Johannesburg, 17 May On the 17 May 2014, The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) is being held in more than 120 countries around the world, Transgender and Intersex Africa (TIA) joins many other organisations in the country in commemorating the day. The day seeks to raise awareness on the continuous homophobia and transphobia against LGBTI…
COMPLIMENT FROM ASTRAEA
1 May 2014Jabu I’m so glad to hear the workshop went well and that it brought good resources to the participants. I really look forward to collaborating again in future trainings. I’m hoping to be able to lead the Septemeber RFSL media training and build off of your work last week. We just launched the…
GALZ press statement on Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s remarks
31 March 201431 March 2014, Zimbabwe Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s statements as reported in the Sunday Mail, 30 March 2014 perpetuate hate and wrong perceptions about LGBTI people. Manipulating the authority of the church tofight political battles is the most blatant sin and that he prays for a day when the question of one’s sexuality will become irrelevant…
Statement for General Discussion on behalf of the Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus
23 March 201423 March 2014, New York #CSW58 ~ statement by 76 organizations about the status of lesbian, bisexual, transgender and others with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities status. Download the full CSW58 statement.
Sex Work is Work
19 March 2014New York City, 19 March 2014 19 March 2014, 14:30-16:00, Boss Room, Church Centre United Nations #CCUN, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York City Sponsors: American Jewish World Service, Urgent Action Fund, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Mama Cash, Open Society Foundations and Red Umbrella Fund. Download invite to Sex Work is Work event at United…
Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana (LEGABIBO) demands that their rights be protectedc
17 March 201417 March 2014 LEGABIBO members designing placards in preparation for the court case. Photo by Gugu Mandla Botswana. The LEGABIBO organization demands to be registered as an association group and not a group that promotes homosexuality or same-sex relationships. On 12 March 2012, their registration application was rejected by the Director of the Department of…
The Gay and Lesbian Network is hosting a hate crimes exhibition “don’t be silenced”
20 February 2014Pietermaritzburg, 20 February 2014 The Gay and Lesbian Network is hosting a hate crimes exhibition which is taking place from 7 February – 7 March 2014 at the KwaZulu Natal Museum, 237 Jabu Ndlovu Street, Pietermaritzburg. The purpose of the exhibition is to provide a space to educate and create awareness about hate crimes. The…
May Sally Gross’ soul rest in eternal peace by Kokeletso Legoete
18 February 201418 February 2014, Johannesburg “I am intersexed, born, like most of the people born with bodies which are such that intersexuality has a significant impact on their lives, with ambiguous genitalia…,” said Sally Gross. Read more…
Ricky Nathanson speaks about the treatment she received at the hands of Bulawayo police
17 February 2014South Africa, Johannesburg, 17 February 2014 ABOUT THE PODCASTER Jabu Pereira, founder and director of Iranti, was born in Port Elizabeth South Africa. Jabu now resides in Johannesburg and is a photographer, videographer, curator, researcher, activist and a leader in human rights.
HATE CRIME EXHIBITION KWAZULU-NATAL
7 February 2014Global Interfaith Network launched in SA
5 February 2014South Africa, 5 February 2014. On the 22-26 January the Global Interfaith Network was launched in South Africa. Over 70 delegates from across the world gathered to dialogue on the intersections of religion, sexuality and gender identities. The committee comprises an amazing team of leaders representing a diverse range of regions and identities. Iranti was a…
Zimbabwean Transgender Activist, Ricky Nathanson, is Acquitted
5 February 2014Zimbabwe, 5 February 2014 Ricky Nathanson is a self-identified transwoman, she is an energetic businesswoman and a fierce activist against all forms of injustice in Zimbabwe. In mid-January, while attending a meeting at a prominent hotel, a Zanu PF youth leader threatened Ricky and tried to extort money from her, claiming that he would have…
2014 GALZ press statement on Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s remarks
31 January 2014Organisation: Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe Press release 31 January 2014, Zimbabwe Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s statements as reported in the Sunday Mail, 30 March 2014 perpetuate hate and wrong perceptions about LGBTI people. Manipulating the authority of the church tofight political battles is the most blatant sin and that he prays for a day when the…
2014 Global Action for Trans* Equality (GATE) Funding Report
29 January 2014Organisation: Global Action for Trans* Equality (GATE) Press release 29 January 2014: Survey of Trans and Intersex advocacy organizations reveals glaring need for support, partners Funding report summary: The state of Trans and Intersex organizing Funding report: The state of Trans and Intersex organising: A case for increased support for growing but under-funded movements for human rights…
Nigerian LGBTIs in Diaspora condemns signing of the ‘Jail the Gays’ bill
29 January 2014Nigeria, 29 January 2014 Nigerian LGBTIs in Diaspora Against Anti-Same Sex Laws feels it is a shame that President Goodluck Jonathan appended his signature to such a draconian, irresponsible and undemocratic bill, thereby criminalizing an innocent section of Nigerian populace. It is unfortunate that a supposedly democratic nation would actively seek to criminalize a section…
Uganda President Museveni will likely sign Anti-Homosexuality Law
28 January 2014Dr Kapya Kaoma writes about the Anti-Homosexuality Law (previously known as “Kill the Gays” bill), that the version passed in December had eliminated the death penalty but maintained a punishment of life imprisonment for “aggravated” homosexuality—namely, having sex with a person who is under 18 years old or disabled, or instances in which the “offender” is…
Organisation: Global Action for Trans* Equality (GATE) Press release 29 January 2014: Survey of Trans and Intersex advocacy organizations reveals glaring need for support, partners Funding report summary: The state of Trans and Intersex organizing Funding report: The state of Trans and Intersex organising: A case for increased support for growing but under-funded movements for human rights “Beyond the usual challenges that any organization might face in raising money, trans* and intersex groups are particularly left adrift by the fact that few funders understand the nuances of their work or include trans* or intersex people in their giving priorities.” Read more…
27 January 201427 January 2014. Binyavanga Wainaina speaks on the fear of imagination ~ Part 1: Bring Me The Obedient Children (1 of 6).
2014 Indian Transmen Approach Government
27 January 2014Organisation: South Asian Human Rights Association for Marginalised Sexualities and Genders Press release 27 January 2014 “We would like to first of all thank the Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment for taking up the issue of trans people in the country. We would also like to appreciate the steps taken by the ministry to address the…
How to Write About Africa
27 January 2014Kenya, 27 January 2014 Binyavanga Wainaina writes about the mistakes everyone makes when writing about Africa. Always use the word ‘Africa’ or ‘Darkness’ or ‘Safari’ in your title. Subtitles may include the words ‘Zanzibar’, ‘Masai’, ‘Zulu’, ‘Zambezi’, ‘Congo’, ‘Nile’, ‘Big’, ‘Sky’, ‘Shadow’, ‘Drum’, ‘Sun’ or ‘Bygone’. Also useful are words such as ‘Guerrillas’, ‘Timeless’, ‘Primordial’ and…
On The Fear Of Imagination
27 January 2014Binyavanga Wainaina speaks, Part 1: Bring Me The Obedient Children (1 of 6). Part One of “We Must Free Our Imaginations” – a six-part series in which Binyavanga Wainaina speaks on the fear of imagination.
I Am A Homosexual, Mum
27 January 2014Binyavanga Wainaina writes about coming out to his mother. ‘Nobody, nobody, ever in my life has heard this. Never, mum. I did not trust you, mum. And. I. Pulled air hard and balled it down into my navel, and let it out slow and firm, clean and without bumps out of my mouth, loud and clear…
Indian transmen approach their government
27 January 2014ORGANISATION South Asian Human Rights Association for Marginalised Sexualities and Genders PRESS RELEASE 27 January 2014 Appeal to the Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment “We would like to first of all thank the Ministry of Social Justice Empowerment for taking up the issue of trans people in the country. We would also…
Binyavanga Wainaina profile
27 January 2014Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan author, journalist and winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing. His first book was a response to anti-gay laws passed in Africa. He has been given the Young Global Leader award, that is given to people who have the potential to contributing to changing the world. He has written for many…
2014 Zimbabwe Arrest of Ricky Nathanson
23 January 2014Organisation: Sexual Rights Centre Press release 23 January 2014 “We condemn the arrest of Ricky Nathanson, a transgender person, who remained in police custody for two days. The premise of the arrest was that Ricky had used the ‘Ladies’ toilet. Can it possibly be justified to arrest someone for such a reason under the new Constitution…
A response to Nigeria’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill
22 January 2014Nigeria, 22 January 2014. Recently, president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan signed into law a ban on same-sex marriage, even as another bill, which many Nigerians believe would curb corrupt practices in the oil and gas industry, suffered setback after setback in the Parliament. The result: Nothing has been done to end corruption involving the single most…
[WATCH] Binyavanga Wainaina’s 6 part series calls out BS behind “African” homophobia
21 January 201421 January 2014. Binyavanga Wainaina’s wonderful essay in six witty, moving, thoughtful, hilarious, essential, truthful parts – “We Must Free Our Imaginations”, or as he called it on Twitter: @AfricasaCountry and Website: Africasacountry last night, “What I Have to Say About Being Gay”. There are too many highlights to quote all of them here (like the bit about “the politician” who promises…
2013 Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
20 January 2014Organisation: Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) Press release 20 January 2014: Expanded Criminalisation of Homosexuality in Uganda: A Flawed Narrative. Empirical evidence and strategic alternatives from an African perspective “SMUG remains committed to pursue all possible lawful means to challenge the existence of such an intrusive law on Uganda’s statute books, and to defend the fundamental human rights…
2013 Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill response from SMUG
20 January 2014Organisation: Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) Press release 20 January 2014: Expanded Criminalisation of Homosexuality in Uganda: A Flawed Narrative. Empirical evidence and strategic alternatives from an African perspective “SMUG remains committed to pursue all possible lawful means to challenge the existence of such an intrusive law on Uganda’s statute books, and to defend the fundamental human rights…
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
20 January 2014ORGANISATION Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) PRESS RELEASE 20 January 2014 Call on President of the Republic of Uganda H.E. Gen. Yoweri K. Museveni not to sign the bill “SMUG remains committed to pursue all possible lawful means to challenge the existence of such an intrusive law on Uganda’s statute books, and to defend the fundamental human…
American Scott Lively accused of crimes against humanity by Sexual Minorities Uganda
19 January 2014United States, 19 January 2014. May 2014 hearing set for Lively accused in 2012 of fanning anti-gay flames in Uganda. Read more at Mass Live – by Stephanie Barry at The Republican
American Scott Lively accused of crimes against humanity by Sexual Minorities Uganda
19 January 2014United States, 19 January 2014. May 2014 hearing set for Lively accused in 2012 of fanning anti-gay flames in Uganda. Read more at Mass Live – by Stephanie Barry at The Republican
President Yoweri Museveni to reject “Fascist” Anti-Gay Bill; Plans to introduce new legislation
18 January 2014Kampala, Uganda. 18 January 2014 A delegation from the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center) met with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today at State House in Entebbe, Uganda, to discuss the Anti-Homosexuality Bill passed by Uganda’s parliament on December 20, 2013. Last month Kerry Kennedy, President of the RFK Center,…
2014 Nigeria Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Bill
15 January 2014Organisation: Former Mozambican President, Joaquim Chissano Press release 15 January 2014: An Open Letter to Africa’s Leaders “I urge our leaders to draw from the lessons of the past, but also to heed current realities. And to look ahead to what the future is calling forth – because this new development agenda will affect the lives of…
Nigeria Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Bill
15 January 2014ORGANISATION Former Mozambican President, Joaquim Chissano PRESS RELEASE 15 January 2014 An Open Letter to Africa’s Leaders “I urge our leaders to draw from the lessons of the past, but also to heed current realities. And to look ahead to what the future is calling forth – because this new development agenda will affect the…
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
15 January 2014ORGANISATION Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law PRESS RELEASE 15 January 2014 International community response guidelines “Faced with this sudden turn of events, we are aware that there are many suggestions and plans as to what to do and in what way to respond on the part of our international partners and allies….
Human Rights Day
20 December 2013ORGANISATION United Nations PRESS RELEASE 20 December 2013 A 20-20 Human Rights Vision Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, for Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013 Read more…
Death of Nelson Mandela
13 December 2013Iranti honors the memory of LGBTI activists in South Africa, Africa and the World, who like Mandela stand up each day and fight against homophobia and transphobia. Long live the spirit and legacy of Nelson Mandela, Simon Nkoli, David Kato, Duduzile Zozo, Eudy Simelane, FannAnn Eddy, Thapelo Makhutle, Vuyisa ‘’Norizana’’Dayisi and many, many more… …
Mandela Leaves SA with Freedom in Our Hands and India Dishonors LGBTI Rights
11 December 2013Shame falls on the India Supreme Court on international human rights day. As the grey skies covered Joburg and the rain fell over the city we mourned the loss of a great human leader and as India’s President paid his respects to Nelson Mandela, its Supreme Court just re-criminalized same-sex relationships. As President of South…
Invitation to the Annual Core Group International Human Rights Day Event
10 December 2013New York City, 10 December 2013 Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) at the United Nations headquarters in New York City next week. The theme, panel make-up, title of the event, and much else have been subject to the usual back-and-forth for these types of events. Feel free to voice your…
2013 Human Rights Day
9 December 2013Organisation: United Nations Press Release 9 December 2013: A 20-20 Human Rights Vision Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, for Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013 Read more…
GALZ Chairperson summoned
4 December 2013Zimbabwe, 4 December 2013 GALZ Chairperson, Martha Tholanah summoned to appear In the Rotten Row Magistrate Court for running an ‘unregistered’ organisation, says Tonderai Bhatasara, member of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights. Read the official GALZ Alert.
Third International Intersex Forum
1 December 2013Malta, 1 December 2013 Between 29 November and 1 December 2013, the Third International Intersex Forum, supported by ILGA and ILGA-Europe, took place in Valletta, Malta. This event brought together 34 activists representing 30 intersex organisations from all continents. The statement starts with, “We affirm that intersex people are real, and we exist in all…
Rainbow Leadership Training in Sweden
28 November 2013Some of the attendees, Thabinky Maqhubela (CAL), Georgina Adhiambo (Nyawek), Leigh van der Merwe (S.H.E), Juliet Mphande (Friends of Rainka) Sweden, 28 November 2013 In October 2013, an amazing group of LGBTI leaders from all over the globe were selected by RFSL Sweden. Jabu Pereira was one of the leaders selected for a three-week…
Pan-African ILGA (PAI) meeting and Iranti workshop
28 November 2013South Africa, 28 November 2013 In November ARC was invited by Pan-African ILGA to join part of their meeting in South Africa to co-facilitate a session with ILGA on the development and history of SOGI issues at the UN, along with providing a progress report and contributing to a group discussion on the SOGI resolution….
22 years in jail for the man who raped a lesbian to “show her she was a woman”
27 November 2013by Xolani Koyana Cape Town, 27 November 2013 In 2011 Andile Ngcoza raped Millicent Gaika, a lesbian, to force her to have a baby so that she would recognise her role as a woman. Ngcoza showed no remorse in court and has a slew of previous convictions, including rape and anal rape. Free Gender, a…
Transgender Day of Remembrance 2013, Nairobi
26 November 2013Kenya, 26 November 2013 Neo Musangi writes on the Transgender Day of Remembrance activities in Nairobi. “The speech from Njugush starts with an exercise on acceptance and acts of love. Njugush, is a transman in his forties, a board member at TEA and a member of the Intersex, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming group, Jinsiangu. Njugush asks all trans…
GATE Statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
26 November 2013South Africa, 26 November 2013 GATE joins today a new commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We note with deep concern and rejection that trans* women continue to be, one of the most constant but invisible targets of gendered violence that strikes with particular virulence, especially against trans* sex workers,…
IRANTI’S LGBTI MEDIA-MAKERS TRAINING PROGRAMME:
25 November 2013IRANTI’S LGBTI MEDIA-MAKERS TRAINING PROGRAMME: Shifting LGBTI Human Rights Reporting, Reporting Safely with Media Digital and “Analogue” Tools Submission deadline: 25 November 2013 When: first week February 2014 This training programme is a pilot programme aimed at developing a more comprehensive training strategy for creating an LGBTI Africa Media and Documentation Network. Download the call to…
Chalwe Charles Mwansa
25 November 2013Zambia. Chalwe Charles Mwansa holds a law degree from the Zambia Open University and has sound knowledge of human rights which he uses to develop and implement advocacy and training programs for the LGBT advocacy organization, Friends of RAINKA, where he works as the Advocacy and Policy Officer. Read more…
Juliet Mphande
25 November 2013Zambia. Juliet Mphande, the Director of Friends of RAINKA, an LGBTI human rights organisation based in Lusaka, Zambia. Juliet sits on various human rights and corporate policy making bodies notably: The Global forum for Civil Society through the US Embassy, the Bi-lateral initiative on Human Rights and the African Association of Communication Directors to mention…
Transgender Day of Remembrance
20 November 2013Light a candle for TDOR… join and support the international transgender community today in commemorating those who’ve lost their lives to ignorance and hate Johannesburg, 20 November 2013 “This day brings to our attention that transphobia is evident in both public and private spaces, and that systemic transphobia and gender-motivated killings are on the…
20th Out In Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 2013
18 November 201318-27 October 2013 We are back – the 20th Out In Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival’s 2013 final edition takes place in Johannesburg at Nu Metro Hyde Park and in Cape Townat both Nu Metro and Cinema Nouveau V&AC Waterfront from 18-27 October. For film trailers, workshops and all other info, check out…
Critically Queer exhibition at FADA Gallery
17 November 2013Johannesburg, 10-17 September 2013 Critically Queer challenged and explored, through visual arts and documentary forms, ways in which sexuality and gender don’t conform to traditional norms, and the abuse faced by those non-conforming. The exhibition formsed a part of a larger festival at the University of Johannesburg called, THATSOGAY.
Iranti team presents to ARC International
17 November 201317 November 2013, South Africa ARC International, a partner of Iranti, is an important organisation in the area of LGBTI documentation and lobbying at the UN level. ARC International’s directors, Kim Vance and John Fisher, visited the Iranti team at their offices to view a presentation on human rights documentation and the SOGI Resolution (Sexual…
Onkokame Ratanang Mosweu
11 November 2013Botswana, 11 November 2013 “Mr O” as he is affectionately known to many who love and appreciate his sense of humor, character and work ethic. Mr O identifies 100% as city boy having been born in the center of the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone. Read more…
Rainbow Leaders workshop in Sweden
11 November 2013Growing Global LGBTI Leaders with Introspection and Hard Work By Ratanang Mosweu – “Mr O” Sweden, 11 November 2013 Many a times in LGBTI movements we become so “accustomed” to the training and workshops provided by different stakeholders, that sometimes we fail to take the privileges and opportunities provided through these sessions seriously. Read…
Navi Pillay – Highlights from First-Ever Ministerial Meeting on LGBT Rights at the UN
26 September 2013United Nations, 26 September 2013 Leaders from the UN’s core group of countries working to end violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people met in New York for the first-ever ministerial meeting at the UN on LGBT rights. Here, Free & Equal — the unprecedented UN public information campaign for LGBT…
Westgate Mall attacks
25 September 2013Kenya, 25 September 2013 I am still in pain regarding the Westgate Mall attacks. Yesterday I almost couldn’t breathe. Today I am anxious. Very anxious. The pain has become almost tangible. It is all over. By the time I got news of Kofi Awoonor’s death, I was already tweeting in verse. These are my tweets…
Contextual issues to attacks on lesbians on the East Rand of Johannesburg ~ death of Duduzile Zozo
25 September 2013South Africa, Johannesburg, 25 September 2013 ABOUT THE PODCASTER Kelebogile Ntladi works in the realm of fine art, social documentary and portrait photography.
The minister of women affairs and the clash with civil society ~ death of Duduzile Zozo
25 September 2013South Africa, Johannesburg, 25 September 2013 ABOUT THE PODCASTER Selogadi Mampane describes herself as an activist who utilises inter-disciplinary arts mediums to explore social issues.
Mafikeng Pride 2013
14 September 2013Mafikeng, 14 September 2013 Mafikeng Pride took place on 14 September 2013 at the North West University. Mafikeng was a former homeland under apartheid, and has broken the shackles of oppression by organising LGBTIQ students on the campus and in the surrounding community. Kokeletso Legoete and Tumi Mkhuma from Iranti attended the festivities. Iranti is committed…
“Critically Queer” celebrates sexuality, gender identity in Africa
10 September 2013Johannesburg, 10-17 September 2013 “CRITICALLY QUEER” is an exhibition coordinated by Iranti, a Lesbian, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming human rights and visual media organization. This exhibition challenges and explores through visual arts and documentary forms, ways in which sexuality and gender don’t conform to traditional norms, and the abuse faced by those non-conforming. This exhibition…
Jack “Judith” Halberstam “No Church in the Wild: Anarchy and Gaga Feminism” at HUMA UCT
19 August 2013Cape Town, 19 August 2013 Prof Jack Halberstam was a guest at HUMA and the English Dept at UCT. Jack presented on 19th August, their work focused on the published works on Gaga Feminism, Female Masculinity and The Art of Failure.
Germany To Become First European State to Allow “Third Gender” Birth Certificates
17 August 2013German parents will no longer be legally obliged to register their newborn child as male or female, and will instead be officially allowed to assign the baby a “third gender” if the sex cannot be clearly identified at birth. The new law will come into force on November 1, on the back of a constitutional…
Historic Ruling Confirms LGBTI Rights as Internationally Recognized
14 August 2013United States, 14 August 2013 Springfield, MA – Today, in a first-of-its kind case brought by a Ugandan LGBTI advocacy organization against a prominent U.S. anti-gay extremist, a federal judge ruled that persecution on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a crime against humanity and that the fundamental human rights of LGBTI people…
Upcoming Events
1 August 2013WORKSHOP with Dr Jian Chen Johannesburg, 8 August 2013 Media Innovations for Queer and Transgender Social Change Approaches with Dr Jian Chen. Iranti will host Dr Jian Chen, an assistant Professor of English from the Ohio State University. They/He is an independent curator, a media and art activist. Chen’s work explores the technological…
Zethu Matebeni
1 August 2013South Africa. Zethu Matebeni holds a PhD, started at Yale University and finalized as a PhD fellow at Wizer (Witwatersrand Institute for Social and Economic Research). Read more…
GET MORE INVOLVED
1 August 2013Click to go through to our Getting Involved Section for more ideas on what you can activate around.
About Chelsea Manning
1 August 2013United States, Aug 2013 Janet Mock and Scott Long weigh in on the broader context of Chelsea Manning coming out as Trans. Read more…
UNITE to end violence against women – United nations
22 July 2013Global, 22 July 2013 Voices of Survivors’ tells the stories of survivors of violence against women in their own words. They speak of the impact violence had upon them, and how they have found the resources to move forward in their lives. Their stories remind us why taking a stand to prevent violence against women…
United Nations Announcement
22 July 2013UNITE to end violence against women – United nations. Voices of Survivors’ tells the stories of survivors of violence against women in their own words. They speak of the impact violence had upon them, and how they have found the resources to move forward in their lives. Their stories remind us why taking a stand…
A big vision
21 July 2013South Africa, 21 July 2015 Iranti started in 2012 with one camera and a big vision. To date we have reported on over 40 stories and are on the road to becoming a truly African Lesbian and Trans* organisation that combines documentation, reporting and direct action. Over the past three years, we have given…
Rape and murder of Duduzile Zozo, 30 June
7 July 2013South Africa, 7 July 2013 Duduzile Zozo was 26 years old. She lived in Tokoza, east of Johannesburg. Her body was found on 30 June 2013 in her neighbour’s yard, her pants was pulled down to her ankles, a toilet brush was forced into her vagina. She was beaten with a concrete brick and clearly…
Audrey Mbugua is not new to gender identity controversies
1 July 2013Kenya, 1 July 2013 Neo Musangi speaks about Audrey Mbugua. Audrey Mbugua is not new to gender identity controversies and the corridors of justice. She has been in the Kenyan news for a while now. A few years back she was suing the then Minister for Health, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o because the biggest government hospital,…
Audrey Mbugua is in the News (again): Be/Becoming/Being Transgender in Kenya
27 June 2013So, the Kenyan state, and almost the entire nation, is going insane over Audrey Mbugua’s court case against the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) and the Attorney General’s Office. Interesting. Indeed, Audrey Mbugua is not new to gender identity controversies and the corridors of justice. She has been in the Kenyan news for a while…
Patricia Mashigo murdered, still no investigation
26 June 2013South Africa, 26 June 2013 Iranti is documenting the death of Patricia Mashigo, a lesbian mother murdered on 21 April 2013 in Daveyton, Johannesburg. The SA Police Services have not yet investigated the case. Instead, the police had stopped Iranti from documenting the case and created bureaucratic obstacles. We are working with the LGBTI community…
A Letter to Angelina Jolie by an Indian Transman
2 June 2013Dear Angelina Jolie, Thank you for coming out. I mean about your mastectomy. You have no idea what this can mean for a transman like me who went through the exact same procedure as yours; well almost! You didn’t have to come out, but you did. Especially since during your mastectomies you kept it private…
I Dare You to Be Ambiguous/Queer. Anywhere. Say Maybe in Kenya.
27 May 2013When I first tweeted #KOT (yes, if you don’t get Twitter Lingo that’s read: Hashtag, Kenyans on Twitter), and cc’d. Dennis Nzioka, Eric Gitari and many others at the beginning of May 2013, I was optimistic. No. I was, in fact, super excited. This was a few days before one of the most important dates…
Sham package for Intersex: Leaving sex entry open is not an option
15 February 2013Germany, 15 February 2013 On its website, the German Bundestag proclaims: “In the future it will be possible to leave the gender specification in the birth registry open for children who are born without a clear gender.” What we need is an end to the externally determined gender assignment, the practice of sexed standardization and…
Gone @ 20 – The Lucky Ones Are Not Yet Born!
22 August 2012Famous people die in their twenties. Many would remember the American Rhythm &Blues (R&B) singer, Aaliyah, who died in a plane crash. She was 22 at the time of her death. Controversial supermodel Gia died at the age of 26. Some still don’t believe that Tupac Shakur is dead. He was 25 when they gunned…