Tag: Corrective Rape

A Hijacking: The Opportunism Behind Calls to Boycott Johannesburg Pride

October 22, 2025

True solidarity starts in Africa — confronting the laws, hate, and hypocrisy that still criminalize and kill our own – rendering boycott foolish, cruel and counter-productive.  By Melanie Nathan, Oct 22, 2025 Johannesburg Pride, Africa’s oldest Pride celebration, is under attack, not from the usual homophobes or politicians, but from local activists. Several organizations are … More A Hijacking: The Opportunism Behind Calls to Boycott Johannesburg Pride

ILGA Goes Full Antisemitic Complicit in Cancelling LGBTQI Jews

October 29, 2024

By Melanie Nathan, October 29, 2024 ILGA WORLD issued the below statement refusing the Israeli member organization, The Aguda the right to  submit Tel Aviv as a host city for a vote for the World Conference 2026-2027. In doing this, ILGA also decided to suspend the member organization. African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) is the … More ILGA Goes Full Antisemitic Complicit in Cancelling LGBTQI Jews

The Elephant in the Room of Women’s FIFA World Cup Soccer

September 13, 2023

By Melanie Nathan, September 13, 2023. The is a great anomaly courtesy the ‘elephant’ in the FIFA WOMEN WORLD CUP SOCCER room, that has escaped attention and opportunity. It has been 15 long years since the brutal rape and murder of soccer player, Eudy Simelane, who played for the South African national women’s team, Banyana … More The Elephant in the Room of Women’s FIFA World Cup Soccer

Re-Publish: Very little has Changed as Christians Persecute Gays, Lesbians and Trans People

August 25, 2021

Re-Publish: Written in 2016 – NOT IN GOD’S NAME- This Continues with Little change – except an increase in the migration and decriminalization by a mere 2 countries, Botswana and Angola. NOT IN GOD’S NAME –   A brief Reflection on Violence Promoted by Christian Churches in Africa, By Melanie Nathan, African Human Rights Coalition©, … More Re-Publish: Very little has Changed as Christians Persecute Gays, Lesbians and Trans People

Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

March 8, 2019

Today is International Women’s Day #IWD2019: We celebrate and stand in solidarity with all women, noting their tenacity and fortitude, especially those who courageously survive violence and defy patriarchy.  At African HRC with global lesbians and transgender women our family, we continue to fight for the basic human right to autonomy of mind and body. Here … More Honoring Lesbian Survivors on International Women’s Day #IWD 2019

IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

May 18, 2017

Yesterday I was honored to be invited as a featured speaker for the San Francisco Castro IDAHOT rally:   Gary Virginia from Gays Without Borders organized and emceed the rally that featured speakers: • Tom Ammiano, former CA State Assemblyman; • Patrick Carney, Pride Week Pink Triangle , SF Twin Peaks; • Melanie Nathan, Executive Director, African Human … More IDAHOT 2017 Rally Pictures and African HRC Speech in Castro

IDAHOT Remembering Those Fallen to Homophobia Blaming Governments and Preachers

May 16, 2017

South Africa’s Fallen Lesbians – Victims of Homophobia –  In preparing my remarks for tomorrow’s IDAHOT commemoration in San Francisco – I decided to comb through all the articles I have written since 2009 about lesbians who had been victim to a most brutal hate crimes caused by homophobia: so called “corrective” or “curative” rape of … More IDAHOT Remembering Those Fallen to Homophobia Blaming Governments and Preachers

South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

June 7, 2016

South Africa has a relatively new Constitution, birthed soon after iconic former President Nelson Mandela was released from prison and Apartheid ended. Included in that dramatic change was equality for all, including LGBTI people. Yet, despite its all inclusive Constitution, South African gays, lesbians, and transgender community has experienced profound homophobia and transphobia, often resulting … More South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

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

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

Rapist and Murderer of South African Lesbian Sentenced

November 25, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, November 25, 2014. The South African Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court has sentenced the brutal rapist and murderer of 26-year-old lesbian Duduzile Zozo.  Lekgoa Lesley Motleleng, who pleaded guilty to the rape and murder of the young lesbian, will spend 30 years in prison. The half-naked body of  was found in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, … More Rapist and Murderer of South African Lesbian Sentenced

Another South African Lesbian Murdered in Daveyton as Known Rapist Turns Himself In

September 17, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, September 17, 2014. Distraught South African LGBTQI community is reporting another  murder of a lesbian, Thembelihle,  described by friends as a butch lesbian who lived at Sgodi Phola Section in Daveyton, a South African Township in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng. Affectionately known as Lihle by her friends, she was last … More Another South African Lesbian Murdered in Daveyton as Known Rapist Turns Himself In

Horrific Brutal Murder of South African Lesbian

August 18, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, August 18, 2014. According to sources in South Africa and media reports another South African woman has been raped and brutally murdered in what appears to be another lesbian “corrective” rape, torture and murder. The half naked body of Gift Disebo Makau was discovered in the Tshing Township, in Ventersdorp, in the … More Horrific Brutal Murder of South African Lesbian

South Africa ‘Corrective’ Rapist Given 22-year Sentence

November 27, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, November 27, 2013 A South African man has received a 22-year sentence for the ‘corrective’ rape of a lesbian.  Andile Ngcoza, a man with a long history of violent crime, raped Millicent Gaika from Gugulethu to “show her she was a woman” by impregnating her. OBLOGDEE reported extensively (see links below) on the Millicent … More South Africa ‘Corrective’ Rapist Given 22-year Sentence

Arrest in South African Lesbian Murder Case

October 19, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, October 18, 2013. According to Sapa, police in Gauteng, South Africa have confirmed that a 22-year-old man was arrested in Tokoza in connection with the horrific and brutal murder of a young lesbian, Duduzile Zozo. The man is scheduled to appear for charges, in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, according … More Arrest in South African Lesbian Murder Case

Moving pictures as slain lesbian laid to rest amidst controversial memorial

July 14, 2013

The South African political party showing up for votes is reprimanded and words are not enough as LGBTI community screams for action By Melanie Nathan, July 14, 2013. A rainbow flag flies amidst the dust as Duduzile Zozo is laid to rest. The beloved daughter and lesbian community member from Thokoza township, Johannesburg, was remembered … More Moving pictures as slain lesbian laid to rest amidst controversial memorial

Outrage at South African Government over Lesbian Murder

July 7, 2013

Heartbreaking Video expresses the scourge of  Corrective Rape while the South African Task Team Sleeps By Melanie Nathan, July 07, 2013. Last week, a memorial service was held pending the funeral of a beloved lesbian from Gauteng, bringing home the horrendous truth, that “corrective rape” and violence against lesbians continues uncontrollably, despite acute awareness on … More Outrage at South African Government over Lesbian Murder

South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

June 21, 2013

Please tell other Monarchs, especially in Africa, that being gay is OKAY By Melanie Nathan, June 21, 2013 The Crown Princess of Norway, Her Royal Highness Mette-Marit, met famed South African photographer, filmmaker and LGBTI activist Zanele Muholi recently at an exhibition of Muholi’s work in Norway. The event took place last night at the Kunstplass … More South African Lesbian photographer’s big ask of Norway’s Crown Princess

Call to SA Government Task Team for action on rape of lesbians

May 14, 2013

AND HOMOPHOBIC VIOLENCE | PETITION: It is time to invigorate the sleeping SA Task Task team – we must fight the violence with transparency and a plan By Melanie Nathan,  May 14, 2013 Activists in South Africa are calling for immediate invigoration, transparency and action by the Task Team that was established to combat so … More Call to SA Government Task Team for action on rape of lesbians

Fallen lesbians and gays remembered amidst calls for justice

April 24, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 24, 2013. Today, April  24, on the two year anniversary of the brutal rape and murder of 24 year old  LGBT activist, Noxolo Nogwaza,  a day of remembrance was held at Ekhaya Center (PicknPay), Kwa-Thema, a short distance from where Noxolo’s body was found, while activists called on the South African … More Fallen lesbians and gays remembered amidst calls for justice

Ugandan Speaker Kadaga speaks out on violence against women at Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference

February 20, 2013

Are lesbians not women too? CALLING SPEAKER OUT IN AFRICA AS A HYPOCRITE by Melanie Nathan, February 20, 2013. Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature hosts the fifth Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians’ (CWP) Africa Region conference8 Feb 2013. Delegates and observers of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association attended a the Commonwealth Women Parliamentary (CWP) Conference,  in East London, South … More Ugandan Speaker Kadaga speaks out on violence against women at Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Conference

South African Township Lesbians March for Justice against Corrective Rape

February 2, 2013

Claiming the streets in protest for justice By Melanie Nathan, February 02, 2013. Today a large group of lesbians, carrying signs and the South African gay flag,  from a variety of Townships around the Cape Town area, took to the streets singing and chanting for justice to draw attention to the issue of corrective rape … More South African Township Lesbians March for Justice against Corrective Rape

March planned to hunt rapist Andile Ngocza wanted for ‘corrective’ rape of lesbian

January 19, 2013

Cape Town, South Africa  join the march to help catch brutal rapist By Melanie Nathan, January 19, 2013. In 2010 I broke the story of the brutal rape of a lesbian in Gugulethu, a Township near Cape Town, in an article that went viral around the world, causing outrage, “The Face of Corrective Rape.”  I … More March planned to hunt rapist Andile Ngocza wanted for ‘corrective’ rape of lesbian

Another young South African soccer player murdered for being a lesbian

November 11, 2012

By Melanie Nathan, November 1o, 2012. I have received reports of the yet another horrific murder of a young South African lesbian. According to Ndumie Funda, the founder and Executive Director of Luleki Sizwe, an organization that assists young lesbian victims of  so called “corrective rape”  a young woman was murdered by a group of … More Another young South African soccer player murdered for being a lesbian

South Africans to Protest Traditional Chiefs at Trial of Accused Murderer of Young Lesbian

June 4, 2012

Intolerance encourages violence as traditional leader chiefs try to rob LGBT South Africans of their entrenched constitutional rights –   Are the Traditional Leaders providing a license to rape lesbians? By Melanie Nathan, June 04, 2012. In September 2010 Nontsikelelo Tyatyeka a young 21 year old lesbian disappeared in Nyanga township, Cape town. Her body … More South Africans to Protest Traditional Chiefs at Trial of Accused Murderer of Young Lesbian

South African National Protests by Gay Rights Activists Sheds Light on ANC Weakness

May 20, 2012

What happened to the Madibe and ANC assurance that all South Africans will be protected from persecution? Now SA Gays are under attack by members of the ANC. By Melanie Nathan, May 20, 2012. South Africans may have been surprised today as hundreds of people took to the streets of Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and … More South African National Protests by Gay Rights Activists Sheds Light on ANC Weakness

Cape Town With Love and Pride Pictures and Reflections

March 4, 2012

SOUTH AFRICA KEYNOTE SPEECH – CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2011 MELANIE NATHAN 03/02/2011 Greetings, comrades, lesbians, gays, queers, LGBTQI people, allies, and everyone in between. It is a great honor for me to be here tonight -thanks to my fellow bloggers, Marriage Equality USA MEUSA, and my family and friends back home in the US for … More Cape Town With Love and Pride Pictures and Reflections

South Africa Lesbian Killers| Zoliswa Gets Justice at Last

February 1, 2012

Lesbian Murderers Receive 18 years and Magistrate sets hate crimes acknowledgment precedent by Melanie Nathan, February 01, 2012. A cheer rang out and the crowd sang and danced outside the Khayelitsha Courthouse, Cape Town, South Africa, the scene of over thirty postponements in a murder trial that shocked the world, taking five years to meter … More South Africa Lesbian Killers| Zoliswa Gets Justice at Last

2011 Reflections- The Face of (so called) Corrective Rape in South Africa

November 29, 2011

Ndumie Funda attended to the brutally beaten Millicent Gaika and I was asked to show the world the face of  so called “corrective rape” of lesbians  in South Africa. I followed the story from three days after the brutal attack until the time of the court proceedings, only to witness the lack of solicitude, funding, … More 2011 Reflections- The Face of (so called) Corrective Rape in South Africa

London Pride: Politicians MIA, the SA Gay Flag and More

July 6, 2011

July 06, 2011,  by Melanie Nathan (USA)  and Henry Bantjez (SA), One million or more took part in the annual Pride Parade through London today, through streets lined with curious onlookers.  This year, unlike in the past, the march took place around the old BBC building in Portland Place, going down from there to Oxford … More London Pride: Politicians MIA, the SA Gay Flag and More