LGBT story report
Clergy counselors stoke LGBT fears at Ghana high schools
By Prince Appiah — December 29, 2016
In Ghana, LGBT students are expelled for “sexual misconduct” or silenced for fear of being demonized by school counselors who double as religious leaders.
Nigerian megachurch’s claim to ‘pray the gay away’ bristles LGBT activists
By Anthony Akaeze — December 28, 2016
Megachurch pastor and televangelist T.B. Joshua's Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN) claims to “drive demons” out of sexual minorities on live television. LGBT activists and psychologists say the practice can bring about new harms.
A columnist looks back and looks ahead
By David P. Gushee — December 27, 2016
(RNS) "After 30 years attempting to advocate for a particular kind of American public life," writes David Gushee, "I feel a deep sense of powerlessness in relation to where our culture and politics are going."
Cameroon’s outlawed sexual and gender minorities face a ‘cemetery peace’
By Mbom Sixtus — December 25, 2016
“Some people may think LGBTI+ people live in peace in Cameroon. Their lives can only be compared to the peace and serenity of a graveyard. They are silent but live in distress.”
Zambia’s LGBT Community Pushes For Official Recognition In HIV Fight
By Paul Monde Shalala — December 22, 2016
A consortium of Zambian civil society organizations championing the rights of LGBT people has embarked on a campaign to advance their rights in the soon-to-be-launched 2016 – 2019 Zambia National AIDS Strategic Framework.
Gay ornament pulled from store after protest
By Kimberly Winston — December 21, 2016
(RNS) Jesus had two mommies -- until a Christian group protested.
Striking out in South Africa, anti-gay American pastor Steven Anderson brings his message to Malawi
By Edwin Nyirongo — December 18, 2016
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.
In Uganda, parents seek controversial genital surgery for intersex babies
By Yasin Kakande — December 18, 2016
An intersex rights group says operations carried out in Uganda are unnecessary and sometimes botched, advising parents to wait until after children have reached puberty before making any decisions on surgery.
Namibian Christians vest hopes in ‘pray the gay away’ tactic
By guest — December 16, 2016
WINDHOEK, Namibia (RNS) Judgmental attitudes towards gays and lesbians are common in the nation’s Christian churches.
Church condom restrictions in rural Zimbabwe linked to rise in teen pregnancies
By Ray Mwareya — December 15, 2016
With Zimbabwe's government deep in debt, churches play a critical role in providing free or subsidized sexual health clinics, maternity homes, and schools. Their support comes at a price.
LGBT Malawians face homophobia and discrimination at public health facilities
By Mirriam Kaliza — December 15, 2016
Activists say the religious beliefs and affiliations of health workers and their institutions often contribute to anti-LGBT discrimination.
Trump’s secretary of state pick may anger social conservatives
By David Gibson — December 13, 2016
(RNS) Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson helped convince the Boy Scouts to admit gay youths and the oil giant contributes to Planned Parenthood.
Outcry greets Vatican decision to reaffirm ban on gay priests
By Josephine McKenna — December 8, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A decision to reaffirm Rome's opposition to gay priests has angered activists fighting for change within the Catholic Church.
Kenyan rights groups and churches spar over third gender option
By Winnie Kamau — December 6, 2016
Ryan Muiruri is an intersex activist fighting for the official recognition of a third gender option in Kenya. Church leaders across the country oppose the campaign.
Queer-inclusive prayer spaces in Cape Town
By Cara Mazzola — December 3, 2016
Even in Africa’s “gay capital,” sexual and gender minorities can feel invalidated or rejected by religious communities. Here are three inclusive prayer spaces in Cape Town that work to reconcile rifts between faith, sexuality and gender identity.
