#holaa! loves

A night of celebration of Kenyan Queer Community: 5th Annual Upinde Awards http://holaafrica.org/2017/12/19/a-night-of-celebration-of-kenyan-queer-community-5th-annual-upinde-awards/

A night of celebration of Kenyan Queer Community: 5th Annual Upinde Awards

                      The grind is so real. When one says the words activism you conjure up images of protesting, fighting the system, being broke and being woke, and not necessarily in that order. It is not always the most dazzling of existences and couple that with doing it in the context of fighting for sexuality based rights on the continent which is a minefield of potential arbitrary arrests, government sanctioned homophobia and dodging all manner of legal and socio-political woes, as your context constantly pushes

Kenya is no different.

Although not on the international radar like its Ugandan cousin, Kenyans within the LGBTIQ space experience widespread discrimination and homophobia. This can be witnessed in instances such as the banning of a speed dating event geared at queer women which Ezekiel Mutua, CEO of the Kenya Film Classification Board termed a ‘girls only’ event a lesbian orgy or even the Kenyan courts ruling that forced anal exams as a mean of determining sexual orientation are legal there is a lot

   This is why nights such as the 5th Annual Upinde Awards, held at the very snazzy Tribe Hotel in Nairobi, by NGHLRC add some much needed glamour and shine to the fight for LGBTIQ rights whilst honoring and recognizing the work done by those within the sector.  The awards were attended by a whole host of colourful characters and people from bloggers, to artivists, from donors and human rights commissions.  Among those present were Dr. Njoki Ngumi & Jim Chuchu of The Nest (who are doing phenomenal work in curating spaces and stories of queer folks), Aida Mbowa from None on Record, Brenda Wambui of Brainstorm Kenya, Rose Njenga of Suitable Designs (who makes queer friendly dope ass clothes-check out their IG of the same name), Barry Junker of the US Embassy, David Jourdan of the Norwegian Embassy, Andy Barnard :First Counsellor and the EU Delegation to Kenya.

    The Upinde Awards Gala (formerly known as the Gay and Lesbian Awards), is an annual event organized by NGLHRC which look to acknowledge the contribution of NGOs, LGBTIQ-GNC organizations, development partners, institutions, private sector and individuals in Kenya that have demonstrated outstanding efforts in creating an egalitarian, open and democratic Kenya through their core programs.  So that no one is felt left out the also honour politicians, journalists, employers, business leaders, journalists and other allies who are committed to empowering and protecting LGBTIQ persons as well as advancing equality and social acceptance for all sexual and gender nonconforming persons in Kenya.

   These awards are held by the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) is an independent human rights institution that was created  to realize legal and policy reforms towards equality and full inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in Kenya.  NGLHRC describes themselves as ‘a dedicated team of lawyers and justice defenders whose mission is to promote and protect the equality and inclusion of LGBTIQ persons and communities in Kenya, and advance their meaningful participation in society.’

Winners and categories

The theme of the awards was Innovative Activism and the honours given came in various categories.

  Shujaa​ ​(Warrior)​ ​Award​: The award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated immense acts of courage in their protection of the human rights of LGBTIQ persons.

  Joyce Muthoni

Winner: Joyce Muthoni- is the mother of a queer human rights activist (Gigi Louisa) she has supported her daughters work extensively in national spaces by training religious leaders in collaboration with church world service, has participated in the Out and About documentary (that features parents who support their queer children in Kenya, Russia and Indonesia).

Chanzo​ ​Award​ ​(Young​ ​Human​ ​Rights​ ​Defender):​ Award recognising and appreciating the human rights work of young and upcoming human rights defenders and initiatives.

  Winner: Team No Sleep Foundation – an organisation that exists to empower and boost the lives of LGBTI refugees in Kenya who are jobless. The group is made of LGBTIQ refugees and asylum seekers from Uganda.

Nguzo​ ​Award​ ​(Pillar​ ​of​ ​Support):​ Recognising funding partners, government agencies/departments, allies, family members, media, LGBTIQ individuals and institutions whose financial, technical and in-kind support has helped make significant contributions to the health, rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQ individuals in Kenya.

  Winner: Josephine Anudo – They have been the core of community building and security response of LBQ womxn in Nairobi living in low income areas for the past 4 years. They have continuously elaborated their raw passion in activism and advocacy for LBQ womxn in areas of health, security and community building.

  Ubunifu​ ​Award​ ​(Healing​ ​through​ ​Creativity): was presented to a person, organization, or platform that uses creativity as a site of activism whether through visual arts, storytelling, podcasting, blogging or other forms of media arts or communication.

Muthoni Ngige

Winner: Muthoni Ngige – an experienced counselor, she worked for the Solace Project which is a wellness and psychosocial support system for the LBQ Woxmn persons. Her healing work focuses on female and genderqueer bodies within the LGBTIQ spectrum.

Utumishi/Ushirikiano​ ​Award​ ​(Service​ ​and​ ​Partnership):​ T​his award honors innovative partnerships in service delivery and engagement within the LGBTIQ rights movement; recognising intersectional activism that positions Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (SOGIE) within other social identities; builds bridges between LGBTIQ persons and other marginalized groups.

Rainbow Women of Kenya

Winner: Rainbow Women of Kenya  – The group is based in Mombasa Kenya, they work for the mainstreaming of LBQ Womxn into the larger frameworks in government. They are nominated for their extraordinary initiative “Pads for Girls”, which saw that schools were provided with sanitary pads for the girl child.

      A night like this is important not only for visibility of the LGBTIQ community in the country but also to acknowledge the incredible, tiring and sometimes difficult work that activists within the country do. It is sometimes a long, arduous and treacherous journey and sometimes, once in awhile, those taking it need a pit stop in order to recharge and celebrate the journey so far.

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New Post has been published on http://holaafrica.org/2017/11/16/holaa-loves-the-feather-awards-african-lgbti-awards/

HOLAA Loves: The Feather Awards- African LGBTI awards

We got to hit up the Feather Awards and it was a glitzy, edge snatching night. There were celebs and performances where people dropped it like it was too hot and also a pink carpet. We got to see our faves win best couple and people looked nice and the good times rolled.

The stars come out to play at the 9th Annual Feather Awards

The Feather Awards yet again holds nothing back in their 9th Year

Johannesburg, 10 November 2017, The 9th Annual Feather Awards was held last night at The Theatre on the Track in Kyalami and has undoubtedly become an event not to be missed. The Feather Awards are aimed at having fun, celebrating diversity and gaining allies to help with advocacy and education around issues of gender and sexual diversities.

The theme for the 2017 Awards; Aluta Continua, ‘The Struggle Continues’ is a reflection of the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTI communities on a daily basis. It is in this spirit of Aluta Continua that we continue lobbying for and affirming social change through various forms of activism.

In this 9th chapter of the awards, guests were entertained with a stellar line-up of some of SA’s best talent, including Mshoza, Kelly Khumalo, Brenda Mtambo, Vintage Crew, DJ Tira and Zodwa Wabantu.

For a second year, the hosts for the Feather Awards were the gorgeous Khanya Mkangisa and Lumko Johnson while Ayanda Makhuzeni and Leroy Marc welcomed guests to the event on the Pink carpet.

Over the past 9 years the event has enjoyed partnerships with a range of brands, and this year sponsors include the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Starbucks SA and NYX Cosmetics alongside The Other Foundation and The Thami Dish Foundation.

“The Feather Awards is more than just another event on the Jo’burg calendar, it’s an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by the LGBTI communities and acknowledge the nominees that have been there throughout the year, supporting diversity. I also want to thank our sponsors, without you we would have not had yet another successful event, and we hope that these partnerships will be continuous and ongoing.” said Thami Kotlolo, Founder of The Feather Awards.

Cutest Couple of the Year Mandisa Nduna and Thishiwe Ziqubu with their squad

African Feather Of The Year: Ricki Kgositau

Kelly Khumalo

Winners of the Feathers

BEST-STYLED FEMALE – Kelly Khumalo

BEST-STYLED MALE – Trevor Stuurman

MEDIA AWARD – Phatu Makwarela

HOT CHICK OF THE YEAR – K Naomi

HUNK OF THE YEAR – Fezile Makhanya

CUTEST COUPLE OF THE YEAR – Mandisa Nduna and Thishiwe Ziqubu

DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE – Carol Bouwer

FAG-HAG OF THE YEAR – Kelly Khumalo

SOCIALITE OF THE YEAR – Basetsana Khumalo

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR – Kwesta

SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – Wayde Van Niekerk

ROLE MODEL OF THE YEAR – Ricky Kgositau

DRAMA QUEEN OF THE YEAR – Zodwa Wabantu

FEATHER OF THE YEAR – Amstel Maboa

HOLAA Loves: Feeling Brand New (an audio compilation) we got a little digital mix from one of our contributors! Yaaaasssss! http://holaafrica.org/2017/10/28/holaa-loves-feeling-brand-new-an-audio-compilation/

HOLAA Loves: Feeling Brand New (an audio compilation)

Artist/ Mixologist: MremboSafi

Medium: Audio compilation

Genre – Pop

Length: 37:17

We asked for a few words on what this mix was about and the artiste got lyrical on us.

“you know I got that futuristic fire.”

I value the benefit to regenerate and feel anew. much like the phoenix, it is possible to build your own pyre, ignite a fire and bury the dirt and experiences of the past – whether beautiful or repulsive. To wake up to a hope of a glorious rising after death is freedom. To not linger, but to carry on. The reward of the confidence to start a new. To make new rules worth breaking. With knowledge that all this is temporary.

Here is the playlist:

Emeli Sande, Aine Zion, Jay Electronica – Garden

Y’akoto – Take Him Back

Jorja Smith – Imperfect Circle

Ray BLK – Doing Me

Bonzai, Mura Masa – Nuggets

Beyonce, J. Balvin, Willy William – Mi Gente

Missy Elliott – I’m Really Hot

Kari Faux – Supplier

Kelela – LMK

Kelis – Bossy

Rihanna – Same Ol’ Mistakes

Kehlani – Personal

Jorja Smith – Get It Together

What does breaking your virginity mean when you are queer? (Podcast) http://holaafrica.org/2017/10/18/holaa-loves-what-does-breaking-your-virginity-mean-when-you-are-queer-podcast/

HOLAA Loves: What does breaking your virginity mean when you are queer? (Podcast)

Question: If you have never been penetrated but have had tonnes are you still a virgin? What about touch me not dykes and gold star lesbians? What is their virginity status? Also, what about the fact that you can lose your hymen from riding a bike?

At the end of the day what does this virginity thing even mean for everyone let alone queer women? We sat down and spoke about being queer and ‘losing your virginity’ with our faves from Zambia and Botswana!

Queer Africa 2 is a collection of stories that explores everything from childhood crushes to unemployment, and dating a married man. It is an exploration of the African queer existence in all its intertwining, messy and beautiful glory and adds to the growing narrative of the LGBTIQ existence on the continent. http://holaafrica.org/2017/08/14/queer-africa-2-shows-sexuality-is-more-than-sex-and-subjugation/

Book Review: Queer Africa 2 shows sexuality is more than sex and subjugation

Queer Africa 2 is a collection of stories that explores everything from childhood crushes to unemployment, and dating a married man. It is an exploration of the African queer existence in all its intertwining, messy and beautiful glory and adds to the growing narrative of the LGBTIQ existence on the continent.

Queer Africa 2 is a collection of queer stories that follows on the heels of the award-winning Queer Africa. It is an offering from MaThoko Books, an imprint of GALA (Gay and Lesbian Archives), that lets us peep into a myriad existences that either touch on overt matters of sexuality or simply allow these notions and issues to linger in the background of a larger narrative. With 26 stories from Kenya, South Africa, Somalia, Uganda, the United States, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Rwanda, the stories mirror the range of contributors who are all speaking to an array of experiences.

This anthology seeks to take away the ‘othering of the other’ and bring LGBTIQ experiences into the everyday reality of contemporary Africa. It tackles ideas of sexuality within the framework of life, shifting the conversation away from the dominant discourse that defines queer people in terms of subjugation and death. Instead, it moves them into the continent’s histories by centring them as wives, students, soldiers, lovers, doctors – as people who are happy, sad or simply existing.

According to the editors, Makhosazana Xaba and Karen Martin, the anthology wanted to speak to ‘the range of human experiences and emotions that abound in the lives of Africans’. This is echoed by one contributor, Emma Paulet, who said she loved that her piece was included as it allowed her to ‘speak on an experience often left to the literary margins’.

The stories range from centring ideas of queerness to whispering them in passing, which causes the reader to begin to understand that who you are attracted to is not the be all end all of your existence – as many presume of the queer community.

Not just about who you are sleeping with

The stories deal with queerness in different contexts, from war to religion, from high school to looking for employment, to living in a warm coastal town as someone’s ‘beard’. Although there is sex in some of them, it is notably absent in others, which supports the book’s theme that there is more to a person’s sexual identity than simply being naked.

Personally, I am a sucker for a great sex scene and the whiff of the erotic is still present in a number of these stories. I was particularly drawn to a story titled Iyawo, written by Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etahgene. The story explored cross-continental love with the central character straddling Nigeria and the United States. The story is an exploration of heartbreak and a want that is real and raw, as reflected in the beautiful line:

“…the soil in Naija is my favourite shade of red, with orange as passionate as the wetness between my legs… when there is wetness between my legs.”

Other stories manage to explore themes such as the rough and tumble act that is wrestling of notions of masculinity, family and belonging witnessed in S Van Rooyen’s Mirage of War. The story moves through the gritty realms of memory to explore a forbidden engagement and family secrets. Another story that uses the tool of memory is The Voice is the first to Go by Alexis Teyie, a beautiful tale of longing that entrances by reading almost like a poem. It flows between the past and the present, riding the wave of memory to explore the nostalgia for a past love and a discontentment with the present that anyone can relate to.

Deeper existential notions within queer narratives are punctured by lighter stories such as Maimuna Doesn’t Know by Wilfred Jean-Louis, which takes the taboo issue of being closeted within a marriage and filters it through the playful lens of a night out, a conversation between friends, and the world of dating, deception and denim jeans. Trying to balance religious beliefs and homework whilst in the midst of teenage love is explored in Bishara’s story Is it love That Has You, which moves forward with a youthful energy.

Due to the eclectic nature of anthologies there are some weak wolves in the pack; as not everything is going to be for everyone. However, the strong stories far outnumber the ones that don’t quite land themselves. The collection provides such a range of lenses that a kaleidoscope is formed, allowing for the multiplicity of lives described to shine through.

An eclectic collection

What makes this collection of tales so interesting is the fact that they come in a whole host of forms, subverting the idea that there is one queer African experience. From the different ways in which English is used, allowing one to envision different dialects and accents, to the various societal, personal and legal experiences faced by the characters, there is a lot to engage with in this body of work. Anyone can find themselves in it, queer or not; African or not.

The stories are soaked in life. Queer Africa 2 is a collection that seeks to add to the canon by showing that queerness manifests in many ways and is affected or affects many aspects of one’s life. It chronicles an existence on the continent that can no longer can be silenced, sidelined or ignored.

This was first published on This Is Africa. 

So, I am masculine presenting, where is MY pleasure? http://holaafrica.org/2017/08/08/holaa-loves-so-i-am-masculine-presenting-where-is-my-pleasure-podcast/

HOLAA Loves: So, I am masculine presenting, where is MY pleasure? (Podcast)

Why can I not be masculine presenting and squirt? Why does my dyke swag mean that I have to initiate sex? When is it my turn to have the dildo inside me? When can I have my turn with the strap on? Can I be a pillow princess and rock these dope jeans?

These are some of the questions that come with being a woman who sleeps with other women…whilst being dressed in converse sneakers/baggy jeans/ waistcoats etc.  How the world sees you when you have your clothes on can affect what someone (or some people) expect from you with your clothes off. We sat down and spoke about the politics of presenting and pleasure with two incredible women from Zambia and Botswana. We chatted about how the way they looked to the outside world affected what happened in between the sheets. Also, they really want to be on the receiving end of pleasure too.

They really do.

Q-Zine Numéro Spécial Arts Visuels: Appel à Contributions http://holaafrica.org/2017/07/03/q-zine-numero-special-arts-visuels-appel-a-contributions/

Q-Zine Numéro Spécial Arts Visuels: Appel à Contributions

Date limite de soumissions: 10 Septembre 2017

La scène artistique Africaine est en plein essor ! Les artistes du continent et de la diaspora, émergent-e-s et chevronné-e-s, initié-e-s et outsiders, sont en train d’élargir et de redynamiser les diverses pratiques visuelles du continent à travers de nouveaux langages, de nouvelles images et de nouveaux médias, créant ainsi des œuvres authentiques et expressives qui traitent de l’expérience Africaine de manière subtile et efficace.

Il s’agit d’un moment très important dans l’histoire des arts visuels Africain. En effet, ceux-ci sont en train d’être façonnés par l’internet qui démocratise progressivement les pratiques artistiques et permet aux artistes Africain-e-s de communiquer et d’échanger de façons qui auraient été inimaginables il y a quelques années.

Pour le prochain numéro, Q-zine se tourne donc vers ces nouveaux développements qui s’opèrent dans le monde des arts visuels Africain, mais sous une perspective queer. En tant que seul et unique magazine digital sur l’art et la culture LGBTQIA+ Africaine, nous sommes dans une position unique pour examiner la façon dont cette présente explosion de créativité artistique peut édifier l’expérience queer Africaine.

Pour notre 15ème numéro, nous invitons les artistes visuels de l’Afrique et de la diaspora à partager des créations qui parlent de l’expérience queer au sens large. Nous sommes intéressé-e-s par toute œuvre explorant les questions de l’identité, la communauté, l’appartenance, l’authenticité, la modernité, la sexualité, le genre et la différence.

Photos, peintures, illustrations, vidéos, art digital et tout autre support visuel seront les bienvenus. Nous encourageons les artistes à divers stades de leur carrière à soumettre leur travail, mais les artistes émergent-e-s sont particulièrement encouragé-e-s à contribuer.

Ce que nous recherchons :

Bandes dessinées et illustrations

Peintures

Documentaires et portraits photographiques

Revues d’exhibitions, festivals, danses, pièces de théâtre, films, web-séries, programmes télé et sites internet

Portraits et interviews d’artistes

Photos de mode, maquillage et coiffures

Art : Chaque image devra être accompagnée d’une légende commentative (max. 100 mots) et chaque fichier électronique devra être clairement lié à sa légende respective. Le lieu et la date devront également être indiqués. Toutes les images devront être envoyées sous format TIFF ou JPG de haute résolution (au moins 1000 pixels sur la longueur).

Photographie, Style et Mode : Les images, les photos de mode, de maquillage, ou de coiffures peuvent être en couleur ou en noir et blanc. Elles devront été accompagnées du nom du/de la designer, des mannequins, des maquilleurs/ses et des photographes. Vous devrez également inclure une brève description de l’œuvre, les contacts de l’artiste (y compris leur page Facebook), site web, adresse physique de la boutique et prix des œuvres figurantes. Toutes les images devront être soumises sous format TIFF ou JPG de haute résolution (au moins 1000 pixels sur la longueur).

Portraits et Interviews d’artistes : Les portraits et interviews peuvent porter sur des artistes, acteur-e-s, photographes, cinéastes ou toute autre personne impliquée dans le monde de l’art visuel. Les interviews devront inclure une brève introduction de l’artiste ainsi qu’un commentaire critique sur leur travail. Elles devront également être éditées de façon à créer une fluidité narrative. Une simple transcription de questions-réponses ne sera donc pas appropriée. Longueur préférable : entre 1000 et 1200 mots.

Revues d’exhibitions, festivals, pièces de théâtre, films, web-séries, programmes télé, danses : les revues peuvent être rétrospectives ou se focaliser sur des productions en cours ou sur le point d’être diffusées. Elles peuvent porter sur une seule production ou un ensemble de productions. Longueur préférable : environ 1500 mots.

Vous pouvez envoyer vos contributions en Français ou en Anglais à [email protected]. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter Mariam Armisen à [email protected].

Q-Zine Numéro Spécial Arts Visuels: Appel à Contributions http://holaafrica.org/2017/07/03/q-zine-numero-special-arts-visuels-appel-a-contributions/

Q-Zine Numéro Spécial Arts Visuels: Appel à Contributions

Date limite de soumissions: 10 Septembre 2017

La scène artistique Africaine est en plein essor ! Les artistes du continent et de la diaspora, émergent-e-s et chevronné-e-s, initié-e-s et outsiders, sont en train d’élargir et de redynamiser les diverses pratiques visuelles du continent à travers de nouveaux langages, de nouvelles images et de nouveaux médias, créant ainsi des œuvres authentiques et expressives qui traitent de l’expérience Africaine de manière subtile et efficace.

Il s’agit d’un moment très important dans l’histoire des arts visuels Africain. En effet, ceux-ci sont en train d’être façonnés par l’internet qui démocratise progressivement les pratiques artistiques et permet aux artistes Africain-e-s de communiquer et d’échanger de façons qui auraient été inimaginables il y a quelques années.

Pour le prochain numéro, Q-zine se tourne donc vers ces nouveaux développements qui s’opèrent dans le monde des arts visuels Africain, mais sous une perspective queer. En tant que seul et unique magazine digital sur l’art et la culture LGBTQIA+ Africaine, nous sommes dans une position unique pour examiner la façon dont cette présente explosion de créativité artistique peut édifier l’expérience queer Africaine.

Pour notre 15ème numéro, nous invitons les artistes visuels de l’Afrique et de la diaspora à partager des créations qui parlent de l’expérience queer au sens large. Nous sommes intéressé-e-s par toute œuvre explorant les questions de l’identité, la communauté, l’appartenance, l’authenticité, la modernité, la sexualité, le genre et la différence.

Photos, peintures, illustrations, vidéos, art digital et tout autre support visuel seront les bienvenus. Nous encourageons les artistes à divers stades de leur carrière à soumettre leur travail, mais les artistes émergent-e-s sont particulièrement encouragé-e-s à contribuer.

Ce que nous recherchons :

Bandes dessinées et illustrations

Peintures

Documentaires et portraits photographiques

Revues d’exhibitions, festivals, danses, pièces de théâtre, films, web-séries, programmes télé et sites internet

Portraits et interviews d’artistes

Photos de mode, maquillage et coiffures

Art : Chaque image devra être accompagnée d’une légende commentative (max. 100 mots) et chaque fichier électronique devra être clairement lié à sa légende respective. Le lieu et la date devront également être indiqués. Toutes les images devront être envoyées sous format TIFF ou JPG de haute résolution (au moins 1000 pixels sur la longueur).

Photographie, Style et Mode : Les images, les photos de mode, de maquillage, ou de coiffures peuvent être en couleur ou en noir et blanc. Elles devront été accompagnées du nom du/de la designer, des mannequins, des maquilleurs/ses et des photographes. Vous devrez également inclure une brève description de l’œuvre, les contacts de l’artiste (y compris leur page Facebook), site web, adresse physique de la boutique et prix des œuvres figurantes. Toutes les images devront être soumises sous format TIFF ou JPG de haute résolution (au moins 1000 pixels sur la longueur).

Portraits et Interviews d’artistes : Les portraits et interviews peuvent porter sur des artistes, acteur-e-s, photographes, cinéastes ou toute autre personne impliquée dans le monde de l’art visuel. Les interviews devront inclure une brève introduction de l’artiste ainsi qu’un commentaire critique sur leur travail. Elles devront également être éditées de façon à créer une fluidité narrative. Une simple transcription de questions-réponses ne sera donc pas appropriée. Longueur préférable : entre 1000 et 1200 mots.

Revues d’exhibitions, festivals, pièces de théâtre, films, web-séries, programmes télé, danses : les revues peuvent être rétrospectives ou se focaliser sur des productions en cours ou sur le point d’être diffusées. Elles peuvent porter sur une seule production ou un ensemble de productions. Longueur préférable : environ 1500 mots.

Vous pouvez envoyer vos contributions en Français ou en Anglais à [email protected]. Pour plus d’informations, veuillez contacter Mariam Armisen à [email protected].