African Investigative Journalism Conference 2020
In the past decade, the issue of “LGBTQ rights” has exploded, sometimes violently, onto the African scene - with the media playing a pivotal role, sometimes inciting hatred, and sometimes providing much needed information. How does one report, fairly and accurately, on an issue that has been for so long underground, and that provokes such strong reactions? What role does foreign support play, and is this a double-edged sword? Are attitudes changing, and what role does the media play in this? What risks do LGBTQ journalists and their subjects face, in this challenging environment? Why is the gay story such a good story - and, if so, how to tell it?
Panelists
Mark Gevisser is one of South Africa’s foremost journalists. He is author of the just-published The Pink Line: Journeys Across the World’s Frontiers, in which he reports from (among other countries worldwide) South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt. His previous books include Lost and Found in Johannesburg: A Memoir, and the award-winning biography, Thabo Mbeki: A Dream Deferred. His journalism and commentary have appeared in The Guardian, The New York Times, Granta, The New York Review of Books, and many other publications. He teaches narrative long-form journalism and is a judge for the Gerald Kraak Award, an annual prize for writing and photography on the themes of gender, sexuality, and human rights in Africa.
Vincent Desmond is an award-winning writer and journalist who covers culture and identity in Nigeria. He has reported for and contributed to global titles like Dazed, i-D, VICE, PAPER, NYLON, Mail and Guardian, Guardian Nigeria, Reuters and so many more.
Nickita Maesela, South African freelance journalist started her journey of telling stories from the LGBTIQ community just over a year ago at City Press, with her role being supported by the organisation The Other Foundation. Her work highlights stories of queer activism and events in Southern Africa, the intersections of faith, gender and sexuality and for people who use art to find healing in a world that restricts their freedom. She completed her Bachelors degree at the University of Cape Town in Politics and Economic History with some courses in Gender Studies. Since learning more about the power that mainstream media has in humanising people's experiences to masses she has been motivated to collaborate in creating more inclusive and affirming story-telling in this life-time.
Johnson Mayamba is a Ugandan award-winning human rights journalist with over ten years’ experience. He is an editor at the Daily Monitor, Uganda’s most influential media house under the Nation Media Group. He is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University, and currently pursuing his Master of Philosophy in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria. He has extensively reported about LGBTQ+ persons rights in Uganda, specifically the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and the eventual murder of David Kato, who was an LGBTQ+ rights defender in Uganda.
Kevin Mwachiro is a writer, podcaster, journalist, and queer activist based in Kenya. He is also a former BBC journalist. His book Invisible - Queer Stories from Kenya was published in 2014. He is also a co-founder of the Out Film Festival, East Africa's first LGBTQ+ film festival.