Category: Africa

Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

December 17, 2015

This is for those Other Sheep who recklessly expose the names and faces of LGBTI people in Africa. By Melanie Nathan, December 09, 2015. A few months ago, I was contacted by a man identifying himself as a gay pastor from an African country.  The man sought emergency help. He was on the border between … More Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

Reassuring LGBT Refugees – Donald Trump is not the Voice of America

December 8, 2015

Trump’s remarks are so outrageous and irresponsible that at this point, although we are not a political organization, we cannot keep silent, to reassure the Muslim community of refugees and to condemn these statements. It is our opinion that all civil society organizations, especially those in the field of equality and human rights should speak out vehemently against Donald Trump’s continued use of the presidential campaign as a security risk and bully pulpit. … More Reassuring LGBT Refugees – Donald Trump is not the Voice of America

Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

November 26, 2015

” Organizations involved with LGBT issues and human rights defenders will be especially hard hit as the onerous legislation will impinge upon basic  freedoms, democracy and human rights. Democracy weeps!” Melanie Nathan, Executive Director,  African Human Rights Coalition. By Melanie Nathan, November 26, 2015. We have received a report that the Ugandan Parliament, today,  passed … More Uganda Passes Repressive Anti NGO Bill

Bias Media Reports on 21 Nigerian Students Allegedly Involved in Homosexual Activities

November 22, 2015

|Melanie Nathan, November 22, 2015. Police in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria have arrested 21 students who they allege are   homosexuals. We have  not independently verified this report. Several agencies are reporting and it originated in PUNCH News. According to Punch News, a reliable source reported that the suspects were arrested at two state-owned polytechnics (names … More Bias Media Reports on 21 Nigerian Students Allegedly Involved in Homosexual Activities

BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

November 10, 2015

While Failing to Note that the Choices are Few to None! By Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. Here is a BBC TV report for which I provided consultation.  I have posted the BBC transcript report here.  The TV version with pictures can be seen on the BBC website. The report  while providing crucial exposure, leaves … More BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

Rugby Breakthrough as First Openly Gay Referee Chosen for World Cup Game

October 28, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, October, 28, 2015. In the traditionally macho sport of rugby, the World Cup will break new ground this weekend, when for the first time it will be refereed by an openly gay man. While we look forward to the day when homosexuality is so acceptable that sexuality warrants no mention,  and … More Rugby Breakthrough as First Openly Gay Referee Chosen for World Cup Game

Ugandan Trans Activist Brutally Assaulted by Anti-LGBT Mob

October 22, 2015

  By Melanie Nathan, October 22, 2015. A well known Ugandan transgender activist is in hospital after being beaten by an angry anti-LGBT mob in Uganda, today. Beyonce Karungi, 35, went into hiding after receiving several hate threats. When she emerged, she was attacked by a group of five unknown men, sustaining serious facial and  … More Ugandan Trans Activist Brutally Assaulted by Anti-LGBT Mob

History made as South African Church Votes to Bless Same-sex marriage and Ordain Gay Ministers

October 8, 2015

YES! for Gay People in Dutch Reformed Church – NG Kerk  – There were Tears of joy after the announcement. By Melanie Nathan, October 08, 2015. History was made in South Africa today, when the synod of  what was once probably the most conservative church on the planet, the Dutch Reformed Church, (NG Kerk/ DRC) … More History made as South African Church Votes to Bless Same-sex marriage and Ordain Gay Ministers

Ugandan Chris Mubiru Sentenced to 10 years in Sodomy Case

September 18, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, September 17, 2015. Buganda Road Court in Kampala, Uganda, has sentenced the former soccer manager of the team Uganda Cranes, Christopher Mubiru Kisingiri, to 10 years in prison and ordered him to pay restitution of fifty million Ugandan Shillings, approximately $14,000 USD. In the highly controversial case, Mubiru was found guilty of … More Ugandan Chris Mubiru Sentenced to 10 years in Sodomy Case

Ugandan Sports Club Manager Convicted in Sodomy Case

September 8, 2015

The former Uganda Cranes Manager, Christopher Mubiru Kisingiri has been convicted of sodomy. By Melanie Nathan, September 08, 2015. The Court in Kampala, Uganda,  has convicted  former Uganda Cranes Manager, Christopher Mubiru Kisingiri, of sodomy. Mubiru,  also the former Sports Club Villa manager, could be sentenced up to 18 years in prison. The Magistrate, Flavia … More Ugandan Sports Club Manager Convicted in Sodomy Case

Uganda Pride 2015 The Proud and Brave Revisited

August 10, 2015

This week has been a coup for Uganda’s LGBTI community, as yet again, despite the anti-gay atmosphere in that country, the LGBT leadership and community pulled together a great week of Ugandan Pride.. Ugandan Pride has since come a long way – despite the odds- with great overseas interest, and participants from around the world in attendance. … More Uganda Pride 2015 The Proud and Brave Revisited

Teacher Denies Riot at Ntare School was due to Homosexuality

August 6, 2015

Accusations of Homosexuality causes Mob Justice, Violence at School and Police Closure By Melanie Nathan, August 06, 2015. A near riot occurred at a reputable all boys school in Uganda, with conflicting reports as to the reason behind the violence, which caused police and administrators to send the students home, closing the school early before … More Teacher Denies Riot at Ntare School was due to Homosexuality

See Shackled Rapist Murderer of South African Lesbian as Judge announces Sentence

August 1, 2015

Sitting in the dock, shackled in chains, a murdering rapist awaits his fate.  By Melanie Nathan, July 31, 2015. Thabo Molefe, 47, has been sentenced to a concurrent 22 years for murder and 12 years for raping Lihle Sokhela, 28, a lesbian from Daveyton, Gauteng, South Africa. A large group of lesbians and supporters descended … More See Shackled Rapist Murderer of South African Lesbian as Judge announces Sentence

Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

July 29, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 29, 2015. The Ugandan media has named the issue of homosexuality as a reason President Obama may have snubbed Uganda by not visiting that country while on his recent trip to Africa.  The President visited only two countries; Ethiopia and Kenya. I think that President Obama did not overlook Uganda. I … More Did President Obama Snub Uganda because of its Anti-Homosexuality Stance?

Obama tells African Union Nobody should be president for life

July 28, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 28, 2015. United States President Barack Obama concluded his visit to Africa today after speaking at the African Union’s headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. This was the first time a sitting US president addressed the AU. President Obama asserted that Africa would not advance if its leaders refuse to … More Obama tells African Union Nobody should be president for life

Obama Defies Kenya Anti-Homosexuality Stance by Speaking for Equality

July 25, 2015

And warns that treating people unequally leads to bad things By Melanie Nathan, July 25, 2015. At a news conference held in in Nairobi with U.S. President Barack Obama and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, both spoke in agreement on all issues, except that of gay human rights.  President Obama responded to the question with brazen … More Obama Defies Kenya Anti-Homosexuality Stance by Speaking for Equality

President Obama Arrives in Kenya in Climate of Anti-Gay Sentiment

July 24, 2015

 By Melanie Nathan, July 24, 2015. United States President Barack Obama has arrived in Kenya on the first visit to that country, since serving as US president. During his two-day visit the President will hold talks with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and other top officials.  Arriving in  Kenya, where his father was born, he was … More President Obama Arrives in Kenya in Climate of Anti-Gay Sentiment

Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

July 23, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 23, 2015. A new revealing report on persecution and discrimination against Uganda’s LGBTI community has been released by the Consortium on Monitoring Violations Based on Sex Determination, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. The report refers to 89 verified documented violations in 2014 in Uganda. That was the year the Anti-Homosexuality Act … More Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

Trial to Commence as Justice sought in rape and murder of South African Lesbian

July 22, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 22, 2015. After sloppy police work, as alleged by the organization IRANTI, the trial against Thabo Molefe, charged with the murder of Thembelihle Sokhela,  a lesbian from Daveyton, will finally be heard at the Pretoria High Court on Monday July 27. Lihle was a 28-year old lesbian from Daveyton,  murdered on … More Trial to Commence as Justice sought in rape and murder of South African Lesbian

Historic Traditional Zulu Marriage Ending in Divorce

July 15, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 16, 2015. Back in April 2013, the reporting of a very special wedding story went viral as a young South African same-sex couple from Zulu and Sotho traditions held a traditional wedding ceremony to celebrate their marriage. Now, 2 years later,  it is with sadness that one of the couple is … More Historic Traditional Zulu Marriage Ending in Divorce

Ugandan Law Team Questions Functionality of Constitutional Court

July 9, 2015

PERENNIAL LACK OF QUORUM MEANS CONSTITUTIONAL COURT FAILS IN ITS OBLIGATION TO HEAR CASES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST EXPEDITIOUSLY – OR AT ALL? Posted by Melanie Nathan, July 9, 2015. The legal team in the case of Jjuuko Adrian v. Attorney General, asks if the Constitutional Court in Uganda is taking issues of non-discrimination in … More Ugandan Law Team Questions Functionality of Constitutional Court

Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

July 6, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 7, 2015. Kenyan anti-gay protesters took to the streets in Nairobi Monday, warning US President Barack Obama not to speak about gay rights when he visits Kenya, “the country of his ancestors,” later this month. (As the Ugandan Monitor put it!) The march today, was organized by the Evangelical Alliance of … More Kenyans March Against Gays Warning Obama No Gay Talk

Landmark SCOTUS Case Confirms Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in All U.S. States

June 26, 2015

America Has Marriage for All | History Made in Landmark SCOTUS Decision Melanie Nathan, June 26, 2015 There is no union more profound than marriage and now the Supreme Court of the United States of America  has ruled that every single person in the USA have an equal right to marriage! This morning at 10.00 … More Landmark SCOTUS Case Confirms Equal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in All U.S. States

Courageous Nigerian LGBT Program Hits the Airwaves

June 24, 2015

Asking for Global participation through support by listening and cash donations for studio equipment | See Fundraiser at bottom By Melanie Nathan, June 24, 2015. In early 2015, a Nigerian journalist and broadcaster, Mike Daemon launched an LGBTI weekly podcast, taking on the form of traditional radio programing, The show NOSTRINGS, includes periodic interviews and … More Courageous Nigerian LGBT Program Hits the Airwaves

South African Doctor Winner of Grand Challenges Explorations

June 18, 2015

June 17, 2015, Posted By Melanie Nathan. Gateway Health Institute Receives Grand Challenges Explorations Grant for Groundbreaking Research in Global Health and Development Pretoria – Gateway Health Institute announced  today that it is a Grand Challenges Explorations winner, an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Dr. Coenie Louw will pursue an innovative … More South African Doctor Winner of Grand Challenges Explorations

Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science

June 12, 2015

Crucial tool for lobbying to misinformed African politicians June 11, 2015, by Melanie Nathan This month by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) countering the notions that underpin homophobia and the criminalization of LGBTI people in Africa and the impact on HIV. Eleven respected experts, mostly academic scientists based in South Africa, authored … More Breakthrough African Academic Report Shows Basis for Anti-Homosexuality Laws Fail Science