Beteseb

As queer people, we tend to emphasise our similarities over our differences. We accept one another because of our shared identities, similar experiences, and the understanding of the challenges that come with navigating a heteronormative world in a queer body. The ties we forge are particularly precious because of our openness to the infinite ways that family and friendship manifest.

Twin Souls

She called me immediately after that last message and without knowing why, I picked up. It was the most beautiful and sincere conversation I had ever had. At no time was I afraid of the unknown. The universe had guided me to this stranger, and from then on, our simple “hellos” turned into long and interesting conversations.

Family And The See-saw Of Coming Out

Coming out can be an incredibly freeing experience for some of us as we are liberated to finally openly identify as who we are. Freed from all those expectations that are placed on our lives by family and friends; the lies we tell to thwart suspicion; the silences we respond with to situations that demonize our identities; the damaging relationships we endure because they come with the territory of being in the closet; the fears we live with over one day being found out; living as ourselves secretively.

Homoparentality: A Revolution Through Love

Homoparenting, in Europe as in Africa, is not new. What is new is visibility.

Dolly Ma Brigitta: Queer babydoll mythography in Trinidad and Tobago carnival

Dolly Ma Brigitta is a cross-temporal masquerade performed through photography, film, and theatre. The timeline begins with Brigette Delamar and Cynthia Betancourt in late 19th century Trinidad experimenting with Vodou in the Lapeyrouse cemetery. In one of their attempts, they summon the goddess Maman Brigitte (a lwa who operates as an intermediary between the living and the dead and, the guardian of cemeteries) who opens a portal and guides them through it and allows them passage to other periods…

Papa, If I was to tell that I am a Lesbian, Would You Still Love Me?

The day Sifa (well, let’s call her that) called me saying, “We are coming to see you”, somehow I knew we wouldn’t be talking about the latest hip bar, the latest hot woman or who was dating whom.