Queering with God: Recent Episodes
Nkosi Mlambo
Queering with God is passionate about taking stories of the LGBTQ+ community to everyone. The stories are from an African context, specifically in the South African context. I will post audio versions of my blogs and interviews with different people. Here at Queering with God, we care about inclusion, justice, equality, and love. Enjoy!
In episode 7, I am with Ashley Walton Massey, and it's the second last episode for this season. We are speaking about affirming churches and progressive Christianity in this episode. Affirming churches welcome LGBTQ+ people without any discrimination and they affirm them. We also speak about how affirming churches can also be progressive. Ashley is a wonderful friend and a black American woman who is queer and a Christian. She also shares how we can cultivate our spirituality as queer people. Enjoy episode 7.
Links:
- https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/prayers-gods-blessing-same-sex-couples-take-step-forward-after-synod
- https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/living-love-and-faith
- https://anglicanchurchsa.org/statement-on-human-dignity-and-marriage-march-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1011nbp4EuZpFwDUf-r7cfAiZaRXCD8eVsDc9rbFSQopE0UPdX1UCaIhw
- https://www.qchristian.org/community/groups
Credits:
The beat Starstruck is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot. The background song is Submerge by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC), sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
Please follow us on our social media pages. I am @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram. Also, follow, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform.
In episode 6, I (Nkosi Mlambo) speak to Venesch Williams about LGBTQ+ Allyship. Venesch takes us into his journey on how he started thinking about queer people and advises on how heterosexual people can start engaging in the conversation about the LGBTQ+ community. In this episode, sexuality, race, and the bible intersect as we speak about LGBTQ+ allyship. It is an episode for LGBTQ+ people, allies, and anyone and everyone interested in the issue of allyship.
Resources:
Venesch and Autumn Williams are part of an organisation called Courageous Care in South Africa. They provide different knowledge, care, and intervention around trauma and healing. Check them on the following details:
- Website: https://www.courageouscaresa.org/
- Email address: admin@courageouscaresa.org
Credits:
The beat Neo Rage is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot. The background song is Never Get Enough by Makaih Beats, sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
Please follow us on our social media pages. I am @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram. Also, follow, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform.
I (Nkosi Mlambo) spoke to Mercury Duma about loving God and people as a transgender man. It was beautiful to witness Mercury speak about his faith and spirituality because queer people have been denied faith in how they feel called to express and experience God for the longest time. In addition, Mercury speaks deeply about mental health and depression for himself and queer people. Last, we also speak about Duma Literacy Foundation and Siyafundisana Bookclub.
Mercury’s Projects:
- Instagram: @duma_literacy_foundation
- Facebook: Duma Literacy Foundation
Resources:
- If you ever need assistance with mental issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. For A Suicidal Emergency, Contact them at 0800 567 567, 24hr Helpline at 0800 456 789 or visit their website at https://www.sadag.org/.
Credits:
- This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy in South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa. Views expressed here do not represent those of American Corner or the US Embassy South Africa.
- The beat Neo Rage is provided by https://freebeats.io and Produced By White Hot.
- The background song is Stereo Funk by M33 Project, sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
- Please follow us on our social media pages. I am @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram. Also, follow, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform.
I (Nkosi Mlambo) spoke to Mercury Duma about loving God and people as a transgender man. It was beautiful to witness Mercury speak about his faith and spirituality because queer people have been denied faith in how they feel called to express and experience God for the longest time. In addition, Mercury speaks deeply about mental health and depression for himself and queer people. Last, we also speak about Duma Literacy Foundation and Siyafundisana Bookclub.
Mercury’s Projects:
- Instagram: @duma_literacy_foundation
- Facebook: Duma Literacy Foundation
Resources:
- If you ever need assistance with mental issues, please don’t hesitate to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group. For A Suicidal Emergency, Contact them at 0800 567 567, 24hr Helpline at 0800 456 789 or visit their website at https://www.sadag.org/.
Credits:
- This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy in South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa. Views expressed here do not represent those of American Corner or the US Embassy South Africa.
- The beat Neo Rage is provided by https://freebeats.io and Produced By White Hot.
- The background song is Stereo Funk by M33 Project, sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
- Please follow us on our social media pages. I am @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram. Also, follow, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform.
I (Nkosi Mlambo) spoke to Nhlalonhle Makhathini about coming out. Different people have different views about coming out. Some believe it’s essential, and others believe we should discard it. Whatever you believe, it’s going to stay for now. The concept of coming out is discussed in this episode. Pros and cons are also discussed. So is coming out overrated?
Resources:
- The MambaOnline article about the pros and cons of coming out - https://www.mambaonline.com/2021/10/09/the-pros-and-cons-of-coming-out-the-closet/
- An article from Matt Nightingale on being queer enough even in the closet - https://mattnightingale.com/queer-enough-in-or-out-of-the-closet/
- An article about tolerance and love written for Queering with God blog - https://queerwithgod.wordpress.com/2022/09/21/tolerance-not-enough/
Credits:
- This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy in South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa. Views expressed here do not represent those of American Corner or the US Embassy South Africa.
- The beat Slow Ride is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot.
- The background song is Intuition or hope- you’re choice by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC), sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
Please follow us on our social media pages. I am @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram. Also, follow, subscribe, and rate us on your preferred podcast platform.
In this episode, I speak to Brian Sibeko about standing with the LGBTQ+ community locally and internationally. He is gay, married, a father, and a director of the Uthingo Network.
He faced bullying as a child because of his sexuality. The experience shaped his passion for standing with LGBTQ+ children. Last, their organisation supports the LGBTQ+ community in various ways and stands with victims of hate crime and their families.
Uthingo Network contact details:
- Website - http://www.gaylesbian.org.za/; Contact details - 033 342 6165; Email address - info@uthingonetwork.org.za; Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) – Uthingo Network
Other Resources:
- An ENCA video where Brian is part of the panel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5VmNel8Bwo&ab_channel=eNCA;
- A Newzroom Afrika Interview about new proposed LGBTQ+ guidelines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCuyr9D3xNk&ab_channel=NewzroomAfrika;
- An article from Independent Online - LGBTQ+ friendly policy set for W Cape schools in the near future - https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/lgbtq-friendly-policy-set-for-w-cape-schools-in-near-future-66efb95e-b428-4b03-b2f7-947f586e7298;
- An article from Mamba Online - Western Cape first to introduce LGBTQI+ guidelines for schools - https://www.mambaonline.com/2020/07/01/western-cape-first-to-introduce-lgbtq-guidelines-for-schools/;
- An interview by Clement Manyathi from 702 FM podcast on guidelines by the South African Department of Basic Education - https://www.702.co.za/articles/453912/education-dept-drafting-guidelines-to-make-schools-more-lgbtqi-inclusive;
- Last, learn more about the hate crimes and speech bill here - https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201804/b9-2018preventioncombatingofhatecrimeshatespeecha.pdf;
Credits:
- This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy South Africa. The views expressed in this episode do not reflect those of American Corner Pietermaritzburg or the US Embassy South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa.
- The beat Starstruck is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot. The background song is Single Steps by Ketsa, sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
- Instagram - @nkosi.mlambo
- Twitter - @nkosi_bcq
In this episode, I speak to Brian Sibeko about standing with the LGBTQ+ community locally and internationally. He is gay, married, a father, and a director of the Uthingo Network.
He faced bullying as a child because of his sexuality. The experience shaped his passion for standing with LGBTQ+ children. Last, their organisation supports the LGBTQ+ community in various ways and stands with victims of hate crime and their families.
Uthingo Network contact details:
- Website - http://www.gaylesbian.org.za/; Contact details - 033 342 6165; Email address - info@uthingonetwork.org.za; Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) – Uthingo Network
Other Resources:
- An ENCA video where Brian is part of the panel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5VmNel8Bwo&ab_channel=eNCA;
- A Newzroom Afrika Interview about new proposed LGBTQ+ guidelines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCuyr9D3xNk&ab_channel=NewzroomAfrika;
- An article from Independent Online - LGBTQ+ friendly policy set for W Cape schools in the near future - https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/lgbtq-friendly-policy-set-for-w-cape-schools-in-near-future-66efb95e-b428-4b03-b2f7-947f586e7298;
- An article from Mamba Online - Western Cape first to introduce LGBTQI+ guidelines for schools - https://www.mambaonline.com/2020/07/01/western-cape-first-to-introduce-lgbtq-guidelines-for-schools/;
- An interview by Clement Manyathi from 702 FM podcast on guidelines by the South African Department of Basic Education - https://www.702.co.za/articles/453912/education-dept-drafting-guidelines-to-make-schools-more-lgbtqi-inclusive;
- Last, learn more about the hate crimes and speech bill here - https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201804/b9-2018preventioncombatingofhatecrimeshatespeecha.pdf;
Credits:
- This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy South Africa. The views expressed in this episode do not reflect those of American Corner Pietermaritzburg or the US Embassy South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa.
- The beat Starstruck is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot. The background song is Single Steps by Ketsa, sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
- Instagram - @nkosi.mlambo
- Twitter - @nkosi_bcq
Nkosi Mlambo and Bulelani Mzila did this episode. We look at the topic of LGBTQ+ activism and politics. Bulelani speaks candidly about how sexuality, activism and politics have intersected in their lives.
See more work from and about Bulelani in the following links:
Isibani Civil Society Forum - https://isibanicsf.org/; https://soundcloud.com/isibani-civil-society-forum;
Taboom Media - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqE-YYwXBsk; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1cG_YsjNik;
Hopes and Dreams That Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa is the anthology produced by Taboom Media where Bulelani is featured - https://taboommedia.com/resources/
Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct - https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/blog/31voicesforpride-31yearsofpridecatalogue-bulelani-mzilas-letter;
We also mention a story about politicians who don’t see themselves representing the LGBTQ+ community with their political influence. Here is an example - https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/26/south-africa-appoints-gay-minister-lynne-brown.
Last, learn more about the hate crimes and speech bill here - https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/201804/b9-2018preventioncombatingofhatecrimeshatespeecha.pdf.
This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa. The beat is provided by https://freebeats.io and produced by White Hot. The background song is Desert Sea by Independent Music Licensing Collective (IMLC), sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Social Media:
Instagram - @nkosi.mlambo
Twitter - @nkosi_bcq
This episode is my story from internalised homophobia to full acceptance. Internalised homophobia is self-hatred faced by a person of the LGBTQ+ community because of the societal discrimination and intolerance they have faced.
This episode is made possible by the generosity of American Corner Pietermaritzburg, which is powered by the US Embassy South Africa. Find them on Facebook and Instagram - @usembassysa. Background music in this episode is from Mr Smith - Bittersweet. It is sourced from Free Music Archive - https://freemusicarchive.org/home.
Let us continue the conversation on my social pages. It's @nkosi_bcq on Twitter and @nkosi.mlambo on Instagram.
This audio is an introduction to Queering with God podcast and the coming out season. The introduction is combined with music from M33 Project - Stereo Funk. Enjoy!
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://queerwithgod.wordpress.com/2022/07/25/lgbtqia-allies-the-least-mentioned/
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://queerwithgod.wordpress.com/2022/08/15/wins-woes-of-comingout/