Pride 2025: Books, films and podcasts celebrating queer Africa

As we celebrate Pride 2025, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the vibrant and diverse voices of South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community.

South Africa's LGBTQ+ community has a variety of stories that have significantly contributed to literature, cinema, and podcasting. Image: Pixabay

South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community has a wide variety of stories that have significantly contributed to literature, cinema, and podcasting.

These mediums not only reflect the diverse experiences of queer South Africans but also offer insights into the broader African LGBTQ+ narrative.

Here’s a guide to some essential books, films, and podcasts that shine a spotlight on these perspectives.

Books to read this Pride 2025

Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction

This anthology brings together 18 stories from writers across the African continent, celebrating the diversity and complexity of queer African experiences. Published by MaThoko Books, an imprint of the Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA), it offers intimate narratives that challenge stereotypes and provide authentic representations.

This powerful collection of stories explores queerness across diverse settings, celebrating the richness and fluidity of both queer and African identities. According to okayafrica, the book offers a bold reimagining of life on the continent, challenging conventional narratives. Awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Best Anthology in 2014, it has since become a key text in the teaching of queer theory at several South African universities.

Robert: A Queer and Crooked Memoir by Robert A. Hamblin

In this candid autobiography, visual artist and activist Robert Hamblin chronicles his journey of gender transition and self-discovery.

The memoir delves into his experiences growing up in South Africa, his artistic endeavours, and his advocacy for transgender rights.

Must-read Queer African books

Brittle Paper has highlighted some of the books published within the last 20 years that have started culture-shifting conversations around the representation of queer life and experiences in African literature.

The compilations offer a diverse range of narratives that explore identity, love, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community.

In Frieda Ekotto’s Don’t Whisper Too Much, romantic love between African women is presented for the first time in a positive light.

Buki Papillon’s An Ordinary Wonder is significant for being the first Nigerian novel to centre on an intersex character.

Judie Idibia’s Walking with Shadows is the first West African novel focused on a gay protagonist.

Films to watch in March

Moffie (2019)

Directed by Oliver Hermanus, Moffie is a poignant war drama based on André Carl van der Merwe’s autobiographical novel.

The film portrays the life of a young, closeted soldier in the South African Defence Force during apartheid, highlighting the brutal realities of conscription and internalised homophobia.

Dark and Lovely, Soft and Free (2000)

This documentary follows a network of queer hairstylists and their friends, showcasing how they create safe and expressive spaces within their communities. It offers a unique look into the intersection of beauty, identity, and queerness in the country.

The Legend of the Underground (2021)

While focusing on Nigerian non-conformist youth, this documentary provides broader insights into the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Africa. It sheds light on their fight for freedom and acceptance amidst societal and legal adversities.

Podcasts for the people

LGBTQ+ South Africa

Hosted on Apple Podcasts, this series delves into various topics pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community, including mental health, activism, and personal narratives. Each episode offers in-depth discussions that resonate with both local and global audiences.

AfroQueer

Produced by None on Record, AfroQueer tells stories about queer Africans living, loving, surviving, and thriving across the continent.

According to Mambaonline, the podcast explores a wide array of topics, from personal anecdotes to broader societal issues, providing a platform for voices often marginalised.

Queer and Now

This podcast highlights LGBTQ+ films through the years, offering reviews, discussions, and insights into queer cinema.

It’s a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the evolution and impact of LGBTQ+ representation in film.

These selections offer a glimpse into the rich cultural landscape of the LGBTQ+ community. Engaging with these works provides entertainment and a deeper understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and everyday lives of queer South Africans.