South Africa: a unique LGBT media landscape on the continent
Audio 02:21
Copies of the South African monthly newspaper Exit intended for the LGBTQI community.
© RFI / Romain Chanson
By: Romain Chanson Follow
5 mins
South Africa is reputed to be the most open African country on the issue of gay rights.
The progressivism of the South African Constitution does not solve all the problems of the LGBT + community.
How can you make your voice heard, highlight the difficulties of the community, meet and share your experiences?
For this, South Africa can count on a unique media landscape on the continent, especially aimed at young people.
Publicity
From our correspondent in Johannesburg,
“
Hi everyone, welcome to Gay SA Radio, the radio where you are part of the family,
” said the host. It's 6 p.m. on Gay SA Radio and it's time for the daily show:
Cocktail Hour
. “Cocktail Hour
is the show where I review the top 5 current issues in the LGBTQI community
,” she announces.
Gay SA Radio aims to inform, entertain and educate.
The majority of listeners are between 18 and 35 years old.
It is the only LGBTQI radio station in South Africa and on the continent according to its founder Livio Del Gallo, which makes it indispensable.
“
For people who are coming out, who are starting to accept themselves, they don't always know what to do, where to go, who to contact.
Well, we have a voice,
”reassures Livio Del Gallo.
Models for young people more representative of Africa
For tips and daily news, the LGBTQI community can also visit the Mambo.online site. Veteran of the media landscape with 20 years of existence. Today, its founder Luiz De Barros, endeavors to highlight personalities. "
LGBTQI people who are unique, artists, who are successful entrepreneurs, visible people and who move the lines in our country ... I think it is important for young people to have role models
", believes Luiz De Barros.
LGBTQI media are predominantly detained and target white males.
But since last year, the monthly Exit has been taken over by black South Africans, including Petros Abraham.
He wants to offer a newspaper that speaks to everyone.
“
Our content is intended to be representative of Africa.
We tell authentic African stories.
We go to villages and townships and the target of our electorate is young people,
”explains Petros Abraham.
These different media are fighting for their survival, because advertisers are scarce.
In the newspaper Exit, a strange advertisement rubs shoulders with intimate classifieds.
An advertisement for funeral directors intended for homosexuals.
You are never too young to think about your future.
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