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Luiz DeBarros : Building visibility, one story at a time

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Recipient of the Simon Nkoli Award  | Feather Awards 2024 For more than two decades, Luiz DeBarrows has been at the foredront of telling South Africa's queer stories. As the founder of MambaOnline , the country's longest-running and leading LGBTI+ news and lifestyle platform, he has created a space where queer South Africans could be seen, heard, and understood.  When MambaOnline launched in 2001 , representation of LGBTI+ people in South African media was almost non-existent. DeBarros recognised that silence - and decided to fill it. His platfrom become a vital source of news, opinion,and cultural conversation, amplifying queer visibility at a time when few dared. Through his leadership, MambaOnline has informed and united a community, while holding institutions accountable and celebrating everyday moments of pride.   But his work goes far beyond journalism. In 1995 , DeBarros co-founded Underdog Productions , where he served as a Creative Director for over a decade. T...
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Mr. & Miss Cape Town 2025: Here's All to Know

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Kendall and Wesley, the current title holders of Mr. & Miss Cape Town Pride, are expected to handover their respective crowns to the incoming king and queen on February 8, 2025.  Mr. & Miss Cape Town Pride 2023, Abu Dhabbi and Zoe Robyn Seloanes The beauty pageant forms part of events that are set to warm up the atmosphere for the annual Cape Town Pride which will take place in March.  Last year 24 contestants from different backgrounds and races competed for the title held at Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone.  Kendall Leigh, a 25 year-old transgender woman from the dusty streets of Athlone took the Miss Cape Town Pride 2024 crown. This was her first attempt at pageantry. And the Mr. Cape Town Pride 2024 tittle was snatched by the 22 year-old Elsies River born professional dancer, Wesley Ourson.  Events details   The annual ceremony will take place at Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone. Doors will be opened at 6pm and event will commence at...
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MK Party's Growth, Should the South African LGBTQIA+ Be Worried?

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  Guys! It looks like I'm the only one worried about the growth of the MK Party. It is growing exponentially. It has attracted leaders of great calibre. Majority of these new leaders migrating from the EFF. Some of them very instrumental in the formation of the red sea political party. And more South Africans seem to be gravitating towards the MK Party.  Why aren't you all worried fam?  Guys, you have to remember the founder and president of this party, former president Jacob Zuma, it's no secrete that he isn't fond of our community. That is a well documented fact. Google that and you'll find a few articles written on this. The man when campaigning for the 2024 national and provincial elections, he said that, the legalization of same-sex marriages by the South African government, it was madness, and that if elected to the office, that would be history.  Remember, one of the policies of the MK Party, is to change the country's constitution. Apparently they not pl...
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MK Party Growing, SA LGBT+ Should Worry

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The South African queer community is so relaxed while a political party of a former statesman who has publicly demonstrated his strong dislike of the community is growing exponentially.  This does not come as a surprise though as the community is often ignorant on political issues that could potentially affect their lives. This was in full display when the National Health Insurance Bill was in the process of being signed into law. There were no vocal voices from this community publicly expressing how the passing of the bill could improve the access of healthcare services for our people. And that is happening again with the stalling of the Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill. Our people are quite and not making noise even one equivalent to a scream of a mouse.  We are simple not bothered.  Here are the reason why as an LGBTQIA+ person living in South Africa you should be a bit worried about the growth of the MK Party; Former President Jacob Zuma disapproves of our community. ...
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Eastern Cape Lesbian Teens introduced "Blesser" Culture

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  Eastern Cape teen lesbians of the early 2000's invented the culture of "Blessers" through the relationship concept known little about referred to as "AmaTshikini".  This type of a relationship took the form of a mother and daughter but with the twist of romance.  Even though majority of these relationships were innocent, some were genuine to such an extent of being sexual.  It was rare to find a pair of the same age in this relationship situation. It had always been between a couple with the age difference.  An older teen was mostly seen as the provider. And the younger one was always treated as if a queen. She was protected from harm and showered with gifts.  For instance, if the young teen were to be involved in an argument during the day in school and the mean girls challenge her on a fist fight after school, the older teen would step in and protect her.  another example would be when the parents of the older teen have went to town and brought som...
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Picnic in the Park: A Chance to Make Friends

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The Uthingo Network in collaboration with an organization called The Parents, Families, and Friends of South African Queers, have issued an invitation to all interested parties to join them on a fun and educational Sunday picnic in the park. The picnic will be held on August 25th, 2024 at KZN Botanical Gardens, 2 Swartkop Rd, Prestbury.  The event will start at 10am and conclude at 4pm. We all know the prevalence of loneliness in our community, and this particular event, presents an opportunity to network and possibly find that  special somebody.  The organizers promise a day filled with fun and education.  Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are urged to invite their families, friends, and allies to the gathering. Just say yes! Wait before you say yes, according to the poster, you must RSVP by Thursday, which is August 22nd, 2024 to a person named Meluleki via the email mzondi@uthingonetwork.org.za or you can simple send a DM on Instagram or Facebook....
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The World Observe International Pronouns Day

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 International Pronouns Day began in 2018 and takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of October each year.  The campaign has no central body but however has an official website dedicated with all the resources for individuals and organisations that wish to create an inclusive environment.  People are encouraged to use the hashtag on this day #PronounsDay. And even with that suggestions people are encouraged to be creative and come up with hashtags that will speak to the core business of this day.  What is this day all about? On this particular day, we are to learn about the importance of using the correct pronouns when referring to others.  The importance of using the correct pronouns  Believe it or not, referencing others especially people who identify as transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming, and gender-fluid, has serious negative effects on their mental health.  When people opt to use pronouns that an individual prefers, in that instance, that per...
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