South Africa’s LGBTQ+ group has all kinds of tales which have considerably contributed to literature, cinema, and podcasting.
These mediums not solely replicate the various experiences of queer South Africans but additionally provide insights into the broader African LGBTQ+ narrative.
Right here’s a information to some important books, movies, and podcasts that shine a highlight on these views.
Books to learn this Delight 2025
Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction
This anthology brings collectively 18 tales from writers throughout the African continent, celebrating the range and complexity of queer African experiences. Printed by MaThoko Books, an imprint of the Homosexual and Lesbian Reminiscence in Motion (GALA), it provides intimate narratives that problem stereotypes and supply genuine representations.
This highly effective assortment of tales explores queerness throughout numerous settings, celebrating the richness and fluidity of each queer and African identities. In accordance with okayafrica, the e-book provides a daring reimagining of life on the continent, difficult standard narratives. Awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Greatest Anthology in 2014, it has since grow to be a key textual content within the educating of queer concept at a number of South African universities.
Robert: A Queer and Crooked Memoir by Robert A. Hamblin
On this candid autobiography, visible artist and activist Robert Hamblin chronicles his journey of gender transition and self-discovery.
The memoir delves into his experiences rising up in South Africa, his inventive endeavours, and his advocacy for transgender rights.
Should-read Queer African books
Brittle Paper has highlighted a number of the books printed inside the final 20 years which have began culture-shifting conversations across the illustration of queer life and experiences in African literature.
The compilations provide a various vary of narratives that discover id, love, and resilience inside the LGBTQ+ group.
In Frieda Ekotto’s Don’t Whisper Too A lot, romantic love between African ladies is offered for the primary time in a optimistic gentle.
Buki Papillon’s An Unusual Marvel is critical for being the primary Nigerian novel to centre on an intersex character.
Judie Idibia’s Strolling with Shadows is the primary West African novel targeted on a homosexual protagonist.
Movies to look at in March
Moffie (2019)
Directed by Oliver Hermanus, Moffie is a poignant battle drama primarily based on André Carl van der Merwe’s autobiographical novel.
The movie portrays the lifetime of a younger, closeted soldier within the South African Defence Pressure throughout apartheid, highlighting the brutal realities of conscription and internalised homophobia.
Darkish and Beautiful, Gentle and Free (2000)
This documentary follows a community of queer hairstylists and their pals, showcasing how they create secure and expressive areas inside their communities. It provides a novel look into the intersection of magnificence, id, and queerness within the nation.
The Legend of the Underground (2021)
Whereas specializing in Nigerian non-conformist youth, this documentary gives broader insights into the challenges confronted by LGBTQ+ people in Africa. It sheds gentle on their struggle for freedom and acceptance amidst societal and authorized adversities.
Podcasts for the individuals
LGBTQ+ South Africa
Hosted on Apple Podcasts, this sequence delves into varied subjects pertinent to the LGBTQ+ group, together with psychological well being, activism, and private narratives. Every episode provides in-depth discussions that resonate with each native and international audiences.
AfroQueer
Produced by None on File, AfroQueer tells tales about queer Africans dwelling, loving, surviving, and thriving throughout the continent.
In accordance with Mambaonline, the podcast explores a big selection of subjects, from private anecdotes to broader societal points, offering a platform for voices typically marginalised.
Queer and Now
This podcast highlights LGBTQ+ movies by the years, providing critiques, discussions, and insights into queer cinema.
It’s a beneficial useful resource for these curious about exploring the evolution and impression of LGBTQ+ illustration in movie.
These choices provide a glimpse into the wealthy cultural panorama of the LGBTQ+ group. Participating with these works gives leisure and a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and on a regular basis lives of queer South Africans.
Which of those books, movies, or podcasts has left an enduring impression on you?
Tell us by leaving a remark beneath, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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