Is my queer body not strong enough? Pan-African writings & artwork

Edited by Layla Cassim & Meryl C. du Plessis
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This anthology of writing and artwork by queer people and our allies includes 95 entries by 78 contributors from across Africa and spans almost 500 pages. The book will be available in hard printed copy and as an e-book. The entries cover a wide range of genres, from articles and critical analyses to personal reflections, poems and short stories, to music, photographs and videos. 

The authors and creators have engaged with a comprehensive array of topics:

  • Political developments
  • The effects of colonialism on indigenous constructions of gender and sexuality
  • Experiences of being queer during apartheid
  • Anti-LGBTQIA legislation in different African countries and community-based queer organising
  • Analyses of mainstream representations of gender and sexuality

As well as more personal reflections on:

  • Their experiences of being queer
  • Coming out or the decision not to
  • Love, loss, relationships and the struggle to be a parent
  • Religion and spirituality
  • Experiences of asexuality
  • The challenges facing older LGBTQIA people
  • Barriers experienced by LGBTQIA learners at schools in rural areas
  • The meaning of allyship
  • Sexual health and sex positivity
  • The continued fight against HIV/ AIDS
  • The effects of COVID-19 and the lockdowns on queer people
  • Mental health
  • The violence that queer people are confronted with on a daily basis, in particular the sexual violence perpetrated against lesbians, often by family members and friends

It is an unflinchingly honest, brave and intimate glimpse into queer African experiences.         

BOOK LAUNCH

Date of launch: Saturday 5 November 2022

Time: 10h00 – 12h00 South African time (GMT+2)

Platform: Online on Zoom

Cost: Attendance at the launch is at no cost. The book will be available for sale. 50% of the book sales go to a queer shelter

RSVP: Please email me at Lcassimers@gmail.com by 31 October 2022

Editors of the book: Layla Cassim, PhD & Meryl C. du Plessis, PhD

Publishers: Layla Cassim ERS Consultants CC & RedChord (Pty) Ltd