She says that she also is hoping for a bigger representation from North Africa, and is considering an Arabic translation of the original anthology. “We’re looking for stories from many more countries, which relate to more experiences,” says Xaba, who this year is also accepting stories in translation.Ĭo-editors Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba and Karen Martin. Now, Xaba and Martin are working on a second volume.

The first volume, published by MaThoko’s Books, brought together eighteen authors from six sub-Saharan countries.

That’s not to say that all the problems have gone – there’s definite problems, with perceptions and such – but I feel there’s greater acceptance,” she says. “There’s acceptance, if you like, of our lives, and the tone is beginning to change. Makhosazana (Khosi) Xaba, who co-edited the book with fellow South African Karen Martin, says that the anthology’s publication pointed towards an opening up of attitudes in Africa. AFP PHOTO/ ISAAC KASAMANI (Photo credit should read ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP/Getty Images) ISAAC KASAMANI/AFP/AFP/Getty Images/fileĬelebrating gay pride in Uganda: 'We want to show that we're not aliens' Branded draconian and 'abominable' by rights groups but popular domestically, the six-month old law which ruled that homosexuals would be jailed for life was scrapped on a technicality by the constitutional court on August 1. Uganda's attorney general has filed an appeal against the constitutional court's decision to overturn tough new anti-gay laws, his deputy said on August 9. The writers showcase their artistry in storytelling in thought provoking and delightful ways.A Ugandan activist poses as she takes part on Augin the first gay-pride march since the anti-gay law was overturned, in Entebbe, Uganda.

Centred in these stories and in their attendant relationships is humanity. The stories are representative of the range of human emotions and experiences that abound in the lives of Africans and those of the diaspora, who identify variously along the long and fluid line of the sexuality, gender and sexual orientation spectrum in the African continent. There are stories on desire, disruption and dreams others on longing, lust and love. In Queer Africa 2: New Stories, the 26 stories by writers from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda and the USA present exciting and varied narratives on life. Sello Duiker, To Molefe, Roger Diamond, Dolar Vasani, Raheim Whisgary, Monica Arac de Nyeko, Annie Holmes, Natasha Distiller, Richard de Nooy, Wame Molefhe, Barbara Adair, Beatrice Lamwaka, Matrin Hatchuel, Mercy Minah, Lindiwe Nkutha, Davina Owombre, Emil Rorke, Wawumi Mbao.

Queer Africa 2 by Karen Martin