Accept sexual minorities, Malawians urged.

Published: 5/17/2012

Two leading non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the promotion of minority human rights have appealed to Malawians to exercise tolerance, acceptance and respect sexual minorities.

In a statement marking the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) which falls today, the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), yesterday said many Malawians disapprove sexual minorities. The statement said the survey the two NGOs conducted in 2011 revealed that 99.5% of respondents had knowledge of the existence of sexual minorities such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community in Malawi.

However, the survey according to the statement, revealed that the majority expressed “strong intolerance and disapproval of this entirely harmless community.”
“Indeed, many chose negative words to describe their feelings towards...

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Homophobia will not Prevent HIV: SAfAIDS Executive Director's Statement on International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Published: 5/17/2012

HARARE - Today, Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS) joins the world in commemorating the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. This day reminds us as a people that we must reach out to another without stigma and discrimination for the
betterment of our African communities and countries.

Too often, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people face intolerance and stigma within their families and communities. They are ignorantly persecuted and violent attacks are rationalized by individuals claiming to have "peace" at heart.

As our communities are striving to come together to address development challenges towards a better life for all- a life which guarantees human rights to all - we need to respect the diversity of society. It is this diversity - including the social, racial,...

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