Despite Rastafarianism’s purported principles of unity, justice, and equality, many Rastafarians discriminate against and marginalize gender and sexual minorities.
Category: Stories
The following stories stem from Taboom’s regular workshops for journalists, editors and media professionals around the world. Since 2014 we have trained and mentored hundreds of journalists from more than 50 countries.
“We need to coexist, we’re not criminals,” Uganda’s LGBTQI+ people plead
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which came into effect in May 2023, has fostered fear and uncertainty among LGBTQI+ people in the country.
Reprieve for Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community as more churches open their doors
Although many churches in Kenya have openly expressed their opposition to LGBTQ+ persons, some are seeking to change this narrative by preaching inclusivity and welcoming gender and sexual minorities.
Churches in Botswana called to peacefully coexist with LGBTQI community
In Botswana, where nearly 80 percent of people identify as Christian, religion permeates society. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) people face widespread stigma, exclusion and discrimination, including in education, employment and health care.
Eswatini Religious Leaders Express Need for Sensitisation on LGBTQI Issue
In August 2018, at a rare meeting between Eswatini’s LGBTQI community and religious leaders, most of the 15 pastors in attendance walked out because they were uncomfortable with the discussions. Since that meeting, some local faith leaders have expressed willingness to meet with and learn more about the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex Emaswati.
Nightlife: a false sense of security for LGBTQIA+ people
In a country where homosexuality is considered a crime, how do LGBTQIA+ people manage to live life to the fullest? In the artistic and nightlife scene, some spaces claim to be – discreetly – open to the LGBTQIA+ community, giving them access to bars and theaters where they can be themselves. Even so, Anas, Imene, Nour, and many other patrons still feel unsafe.
How traditional healers are helping members of the LGBTQ+ community gain acceptance in South Africa
“We are not here to change you, we are here to connect with your ancestors,” Thuli Mbete tells a middle-aged man who has just entered the room. Mbete is a sangoma, a traditional South African healer.
South Africa: Story Of Triumph For Inter-Racial And Inter-Faith Same-Sex Couple
Last year the interracial and interfaith same-sex couple crafted a wedding ceremony that incorporated elements from South Africa’s major religions, namely Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Traditional African Spirituality and Hinduism. Jacqui belongs to the progressive Jewish community while Xoli belongs to a Christian faith that is rooted in Traditional African Spirituality.
Burundi’s LGBTQI+ Community Finds Room to Breathe at “Community Center”
BUJUMBURA, Burundi — Based in Bujumbura town, Community Center provides psycho-social support and medical care in a safe space where Burundi’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community can gather.
Study Reveals Barriers Faced by South Sudanese Media in Covering LGBTQI+ Issues
Concern over government repercussions, and newsroom resistance, it takes a great deal of enthusiasm and some courage to launch such a pitch or idea, writes Garang Abraham Malak.
Taboom Media 