December in SA brings sunshine, social events and, for many LGBTQIA+ folks, a chance to explore connections, from playful flirtations to new relationships. To help you navigate holiday romance and dating safely, we’ve put together some thoughtful tips. 👇🏿  www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/20/a...

🚨 November 2025’s LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch is out 🚨 Every month, we track LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa. November saw the Joburg Grindr Gang survivor testify, while a trans prisoner's rights were upheld in court. Read the report here ⬇️ www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/17/s...

🚨 Alarming development in West Africa: Burkina Faso has jailed an individual for same-sex intimacy, the first conviction under a recently enacted ban on homosexuality. Details here 👇 www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/18/r...

The case against the alleged killer of queer teenager Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi has been postponed by the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court, leaving his father distraught ahead of his son’s funeral. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/17/j...

A community mourns. Family, classmates and activists gathered on Tuesday to remember 16-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi, murdered in a brutal suspected homophobic hate crime in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.  www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/17/n...

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to say thank you. 💚 Your support made this an incredible year of growth, impact and queer storytelling. What a year it’s been! #2025inreview #highlights2025 #queermedia #queernews #gaynews #LGBTQnews #queerafrica #gayAfrica #mambaonline🇿🇦🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️👌

The festive season can be a challenging time for many LGBTQIA+ people. Tinashe Kushata of Queerwell provides expert advice on how to manage homophobic or hostile family environments - an LGBTQIA+ holiday survival guide!  www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/13/h...

South African psychologists have been recognised on the global stage for advancing LGBTQIA+ mental health and human rights, and challenging conversion therapy practices - in the country and across the continent. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/13/s...

South Africa is outraged. A suspect in the murder of Cape Town gay teen Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi will appear in court on 17 December. A second suspect is still at large. Here’s what we know so far. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/12/c...

The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Pride Match was meant to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Instead, Egypt and Iran’s selection to play has exposed global tensions around queer visibility in football. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/11/w...

“This year’s 16 Days of Activism hit differently — heavier, louder, and impossible to ignore.” Itumeleng Lets’oala reflects on why 2025 felt like the year awareness finally demanded accountability. 👇🏾 www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/10/o...

Ground-breaking in SA: The first national Chemsex Harm Reduction Guidelines have been released — finally putting stigma-free health, consent and queer safety first. Why this matters ⬇️ www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/10/q...

A new queen reigns! At just 18, Vukosi Mathye has become the youngest Miss Drag South Africa ever! Read how this impressive change maker from Tzaneen in Limpopp slayed the stage AND the judges. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/09/l...

A young queer life stolen in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. Sixteen-year-old Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi is brutally murdered in a suspected hate crime amidst the 16 Days of Activism Campaign. His family and community are calling for justice. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/09/o...

Their wedding went viral. Then came the backlash. In this exclusive video interview, Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo sit down with MambaOnline to talk love, tradition and standing proud. 🎥 Watch the full interview! www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/08/w...

Happy Pansexual Pride Day to everyone who loves beyond gender! 💗💛💙 But what is pansexuality exactly? How is it different from bisexuality? Here’s everything you need to know 👇 www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/08/q...

Eudy Simelane was loved, talented, fearless. 17 years after her hate crime murder, Deputy Minister Steve Letsike says: “That body was important. That life deserved to live.” Here's her powerful memorial lecture in honour of Eudy. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/05/d...

🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Buffalo City marched — loudly, proudly, unapologetically. Colour, community and resistance filled the streets in the metro's 3rd Inclusive Pride. Explore this gallery of photos and relive a day of queer joy, protest and belonging. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/03/i...

South Africa continues its reign as the world's bottom capital! Grindr Unwrapped 2025 spills the tea on roles, star signs, trends and queer culture highlights of the year. Find out more here.👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/04/s...

The UK Girlguiding organisation has banned trans girls from participating as Girl Guides or Brownies, further shrinking public life for trans people in the UK. It's being called a “betrayal” of inclusion. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/04/b...

This is what youth-led activism looks like! Cape Town youth led a powerful World AIDS Day and 16 Days of Activism event, using performance and advocacy to demand justice and healthcare access for LGBTQ+ communities. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/03/c...

“We are queer, African and proud.” Buffalo City’s Inclusive Pride organisers speak out against hate, erasure and violence — and reclaim their place in Africa’s story. Here's what happened at Saturday's Pride march in East London. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/02/q...

From a lockdown dream to one of Joburg’s most joyful queer community hubs — the Johannesburg Queer Chorus is redefining what belonging sounds like. Ahead of their Dezemba festive show, we dive into their story, their impact, and the magic they’re creating. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/01/j...

World AIDS Day 2025 arrives at a dangerous moment. With vital LGBTQ+ health services slashed this year, South Africa faces a potential HIV resurgence. Our op-ed breaks down how 2025 became a turning point — and why urgent action is needed now. www.mambaonline.com/2025/12/01/o...

Gauteng Health has opened a dedicated Wellness Centre for LGBTQIA+ people and sex workers in Johannesburg — helping to fill the gap left after major HIV funding cuts. A step forward for dignity, safety, and accessible care. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/28/g...

Russia has convicted a dead man of “LGBT extremism” for running an LGBTQ+ travel agency, after he died in custody. This shameful verdict exposes the regime’s continued war on LGBTQ+ people. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/27/s...

Queer. African. Unapologetic. In an exclusive interview, Crosby Jodwana and Sean Nhlapo share the real story behind SA’s most talked-about traditional wedding that sparked celebration and condemnation. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/27/q...

Historic win! The EU’s top court has ruled Poland MUST recognise same-sex marriages from other EU countries. A judgment that could reshape LGBTQ+ rights across Europe. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/25/t...

"Inclusion is non-negotiable." South Africa’s LGBTIQ+ Workplace Equality Index isn’t just another survey — it’s a benchmark for real inclusion. Here’s why organisations should be part of it. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/25/s...

On 26 November, we celebrate the birthday of Simon Nkoli, an iconic figure in South Africa’s queer liberation movement. So who was he, and what is he remembered for? Discover why Simon's legacy still matters today. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/25/q...

The global anti-gender movement is growing — and its impact on education, freedom and democracy is alarming. Here’s what you need to know. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/24/g...

South African queer filmmaker Oliver Hermanus has been honoured by the Mayor of Cape Town for his internationally acclaimed work, which often explores queer identity and belonging. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/22/s...

“Being a Black queer woman in South Africa means carrying three bullseyes on my back.” Nompilo Gwala’s searing op-ed on GBV, resistance, and marking the national Women's Shutdown. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/21/o...

Trans activists are being murdered. A new global report shows their killings have doubled in two years. Experts say it’s a deliberate attempt to silence the movement. Here's what the data reveals 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/19/a... #TransDayOfRemembrance #TDoR2025

“If Parliament passes it, I will sign it.” President Mahama has confirmed he’ll approve Ghana’s revived anti-LGBTQ+ bill — an extreme law that could jail people for simply being LGBTQ+. Here's what you need to know. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/19/g...

“I will not call myself guilty for exercising a fundamental right.” Unprecedented in the EU: Hungary may imprison a teacher for organising a Pride march. Civil society says the case aims to “scare everyone into silence.” www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/19/h...

🚨 October 2025’s LGBTIQ+ Rights Watch is out 🚨 Every month, we track LGBTIQ+ rights violations in South Africa. October saw students and pupils impacted by homophobia, while hate speech made national headlines. Read the report here ⬇️ www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/18/s...

Who will be the queen? Miss Drag South Africa is set to return to the Artscape Theatre this December — bringing visibility, activism and pure drag excellence to the stage. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/17/m...

Nelson Mandela Bay Pride 2025 brought colour, visibility and celebration to the streets of Gqeberha on Saturday. Click to see how NMB celebrated love and community. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/17/n...

"There’s so much shame around addiction." Singer Craig Lucas shares the truth behind his comeback — and why his new EP is his queerest work ever. Raw and unfiltered. One of our most powerful interviews. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/17/c...

A new study has revealed that cohabiting same-sex couples are about as common in South Africa as in other countries where same-sex unions are also legal. Here's what else the study found. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/15/h...

🚨 LGBTQ TV wipe-out? A new GLAAD report reveals that nearly half of all queer characters on US TV and streaming platforms won’t return next season. Here’s why representation is at risk 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/15/l...

For the first time in G20 history, African queer activists have entered the room — and they came with demands. The Q20 Declaration was unveiled in Johannesburg, calling out LGBTQIA+ erasure. A powerful moment you need to read about. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/14/a...

Transgender Awareness Week reminds us how vital it is to celebrate trans voices. We’re proud to honour these stories through Project Transcend — a collection of powerful articles written with and by trans and gender-diverse people. Explore them here: www.mambaonline.com/project-tran...

Nine months. No answers. No justice. Imam Muhsin Hendricks’s Al-Ghurbaah Foundation has spoken out on the stalled investigation into his brutal assassination. Their message is powerful. Read it here. 👇🏿 www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/14/o...

🌈 Our readers got an exclusive first look at I Wish You All The Best — a powerful coming-of-age queer film about finding yourself and your people. It's now in cinemas, so don't miss it! In the meantime, check out photo highlights from the screening! www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/13/m...

"His life mattered." After four long years of heartbreak, the family of murdered gay man Zimasile Shabangu may finally see justice. His sister opens up about years of silence, frustration, and her hope that the upcoming trial will bring closure. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/13/f...

All you need to know in one email! 📢 Get the latest local and global LGBTQ+ news and views in your inbox! Subscribe now to the FREE Mamba Wrap weekly newsletter here. 👇🏾 www.mambaonline.com/subscribe-jo...

The Equality Court in Johannesburg rules that prison authorities must provide gender affirming health care to a transgender prisoner, acknowledge her as woman and allow her to express her gender identity. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/11/v...

Grindr Gang Trial Day 3: “I know who I saw and who hurt me.” The Grindr Gang trial in Johannesburg took a tense turn on Monday as the victim faced intense cross-examination — and refused to back down. www.mambaonline.com/2025/11/11/g...