In Malawi’s Central Region district of Dedza, Tamanda (not her real name) had a seemingly typical childhood. Yet, beneath the surface, she grappled with the weight of a profound secret; living between her true self and society’s expectations.

Several gay Christian men in Lilongwe this reporter spoke to said they have never been outright rejected from a church but have heard pastors preach discriminatory homilies against homosexuality.

As Jana Gonani hurried past security guards to meet her visitors, her chequered shirt was half open, showing off a multicoloured necklace.

“I just like the necklace because the peace colours resemble rainbow colours, the colours that show who I am. I have no intention to hide my identity even whilst here in prison,” she said in an interview with openDemocracy and PIJ in November.

Gender and sexual minorities in Malawi say discrimination is a major factor making it hard for them to benefit from the government’s social protection programs after Cyclone Freddy devastated the southern region of the country in March 2023.

BLANTYRE, Malawi — With new research revealing that 3.5 percent of adults in Malawi identify as LGBTI, some faith leaders are acknowledging the existence of sexual and gender minorities and preaching messages of love, peace, inclusion, respect and equality.

BLANTYRE, Malawi — The Arizona-based pastor, known for his hate speech against sexual and gender minorities, says homosexuality is a crime worthy of death and is trying to spread this message in Southern Africa.

LILONGWE, Malawi — Activists say the religious beliefs and affiliations of health workers and their institutions often contribute to anti-LGBT discrimination.