Reforming Gender? Reflections from a consultation of the World Communion of Reformed Churches

The recent consultation hosted by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) brought together theologians and church leaders to explore the role of advocacy in addressing systemic injustices....

“Imminent but Not Fully Realised”: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Recognition at the MCSA Proudly Conference

The first Proudly Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) marked a historic moment as LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies from different regions and generations gathered for...

Southern Africa Diverse Community of Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries holds strongly that for social transformation to occur, partnering with different organisations and community partners are important. Working together allows for meaningful impact to...

Statement from Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) on the Provincial Synod’s Decision Regarding Same-Sex Blessings and Civil Union Prayers – 27 September 2024

We at Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) are deeply disappointed by the Provincial Synod’s decision to reject the proposal to allow bishops to approve the blessing of couples...

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries Statement of Belief

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries was founded in 1995 on the principle that the South African struggle for liberation sought not only racial liberation but a holistic approach to...

“this might save someone’s life”: A reflection on our time with seminarians at the Seth Mokitimi Methodist Seminary

CSE Round Table Engagement

On Friday, 26 April 2024, IAM convened an Education Round Table engagement focusing on the intersectionality of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and enabling teaching environments for learners with...

Reflections on African Spirituality and Queer Identities by Mx Vusikhaya Wenzile Khumalo

Learning to see differently – Knowledge Production Incubator with University of KwaZulu-Natal

During April, IAM held our annual workshop with Master students in the Gender, Health, and Religion programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. This incubator aims to create a...

Statement on the passing of Ms. Vandy Fourie

“Claiming Space” at Stellenbosch University

IAM once again bore witness to how transformational a constructive, intentional engagement with ‘space’ can be during our annual engagement with the Gender Unit Conference and the Master...

“My body is my best advocacy.” Faith Leaders witness to integrating faith, identity, and calling.

On Monday 12 February IAM celebrated an intimate evening of storytelling at Suzies Coffee Shop in Kuils River to mark Pride Month in Cape Town. Our “Queer Expresssions”...

Pride Month: How can I be an ally in my church?

February marks Pride Month in Cape Town, which offers an opportunity for organisations and churches across the world, to demonstrate allyship to LGBTIQ+ people. Allyship refers to the...

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries Statement on the Israel-Palestine Genocide

Our hearts have – for the past few months – been broken by the state of affairs in Palestine. With every new development our despondence has met the...

Wishing Michelle Boonzaaier a heartfelt goodbye

If you’ve met Reverend Michelle Boonzaaier, you’ll agree that one of the first things you noticed about her is her affectionate smile and affirming gaze. Spending a little...

IAM’s 4th Ecumenical Queer Think Tank: Queering Allyship

IAM’s 4th Ecumenical Queer Think Tank took place in November at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town. This three-day gathering created a space for...

Pride Month: How can I be an ally in my church?

International Pride Month offers an opportunity for organisations and churches across the world, to demonstrate allyship to LGBTIQ+ people. Allyship refers to the practice of being in solidarity...

Our Father for our time

HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA PROTEST IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE UGANDAN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

JOINT PRESS RELEASE24 March 2023 The protest follows the recent vote by Uganda’s Parliament to criminalize LGBTQ+ people. PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA— Access Chapter 2 (AC2) together with partners...

A new narrative for queer clergy in the Dutch Reformed Church

Drawing from learnings that have been developed over a long period of change-making pertaining to sexual diversity in the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC), a four-day convening took place...

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) statement on the airing of Sê Jou Sê “Is it okay to be gay” episode

– Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) was recently invited to take part in an episode of kykNET talk show Sê Jou Sê, hosted by Aden Thomas. This particular...

Training of Trainers 2022: A Reflection

Embodied facilitation can loosely be described as a process that allows the bearer to hold space in a conversation in such a way that an audience, or recipient,...

Youth in Focus: Kyle Barkley

As youth month comes to a close, what better way to celebrate the agility, prowess, and smarts of some of the faces behind South Africa’s youth development movement...

Rev. Laurie Gaum: A devotee of the values of the Gospel, changemaker and Queer activist

Anybody who has had the pleasure of being in the presence of Reverend Louis Laurens Botha (Laurie) Gaum can attest to his gentle demeanour, inviting nature, and unwavering...

Statement on the passing of Reverend Siyabulela Gidi

The staff and board of Inclusive and Affirming Ministries note with sadness the passing on of Reverend Siyabulela Gidi, who was a changemaker and pioneer by any standard....

The Queer invitation of Lent

Louis van der Riet, Process Coordinator The season of Lent is an invitation to move with Christ into suffering, darkness, pain and loss. These 40 days leading up...

IAM Staff Profile: Irma Greyling

In this monthly series, we hand over the blog platform to IAM’s staff to share their own journeys, stories, and insights in their own words. Though our journeys...

Broadening IAM’s impact: Training our regional and local partners as catalysts for change

IAM’s annual Training of Trainers workshop was held again at the end of 2021, albeit in a modified format to account for COVID-19. The training aims to build...

IAM Staff Profile: Louis van der Riet

Louis van der Riet, Process Coordinator working in our Faith Partnerships program, reflects on his journey to understand his own spirituality and identity, and how that has shaped...

A fond farewell to Hanzline Davids

IAM’s Hanzline R. Davids starts a new chapter with UNISA in December 2021. The IAM team shares here what Hanzline has meant to them and the organization during...

Collective action in reducing the gap between health research and the community

IAM collaborated with the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation Trials Unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in hosting a health and advocacy day in Dec 2021, bringing together health service...

Ujamaa and IAM pilot a contextual Bible study for trans diverse inclusion

As one way to combat the exclusion and erasure of diverse bodies from conversations in church, academy, and society, Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) and the Ujamaa Centre...

Growing safety concerns impact IDNOWA’s LGBTIQ+ work in Ghana

Davis Mac-Iyalla, the Executive Director of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), reflects on how recent anti-LGBTIQ+ sentiment in Ghana impacted IDNOWA’s participation in IAM’s regional...

Counter Communities of Care

IAM and UKZN’s recently hosted Queer Clergy Think Tank brought together queer clergy, traditional healers, allies and students to co-create a space where the LGBTIQ+ community could find...

Launch of The Bible and “Homosexuality”: A Toolkit

IAM has created a new resource, “The Bible and Homosexuality: A Toolkit.” The publication was officially launched 30 Sept 2021, with panellists and participants invited to contribute to...

Activism from a place of rest and reflection

IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on the need for rest and reflection to keep our activism work moving forward, and how IAM is building those principles into our work...

Schools Out: Research synthesis report

From 2018-2020, IAM took part in the Schools Out project looking at the role of faith and religion in comprehensive sexuality education across seven countries in Africa. In...

Reflecting on and celebrating the bisexual journey

This month IAM celebrates Bisexuality Awareness Week with a blog piece written by Red Luminah reflecting on the history of the bisexuality movement and the beauty in the...

Schools Out: Research synthesis report

From 2018-2020, IAM took part in the Schools Out project looking at the role of faith and religion in comprehensive sexuality education across seven countries in Africa. In...

Jon Qwelane was guilty of hate speech – take note, Faith Communities!

IAM’s Hanzline R. Davids looks at the recent Constitutional Court ruling that found Jon Qwelane guilty of hate speech, what it means for the wider faith community, and...

Reflections from IAM’s Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity workshop

Earlier this year, IAM partnered with the Faculty of Theology at the University of Stellenbosch to host the annual Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity workshop for students in...

A call to action to end the violence against the LGBTI community

In an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, IAM’s Greyson V. Thela notes that though actions have been taken they are not yet enough to truly protect the...

Queering days of remembrance for LGBTIQ+ wellness

IAM’s Hanzline R. Davids reflects on his own journey and how remembering and reconstructing the meaning of our past can itself be a path towards wellness and healing...

Reinterpreting ancient texts to end the violence against LGBTIQ+ people

With the backdrop of the recent escalation of violence against the LGBTIQ+ community in South Africa, IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on Acts 8:26-40 as a call for faith...

Inclusive & Affirming Ministries (IAM) mourns the passing of Reverend Phumzile Mabizela

Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Rev. Phumzile Mabizela, board member and ally in the struggle towards a more inclusive and...

Focusing on the rainbow behind the dark clouds

Despite the hope that is celebrated by many in the LGBTIQ+ community worldwide in June, the continued violence and fight for our lives in South Africa leads many...

Can faith be trusted as a sanctuary for LGBTQI+ people during a pandemic of violence?

International Day against homophobia, biphobia, intersexphobia and transphobia (IDAHOBIT), IAM took part in a powerful webinar moderated by Justice Edwin Cameron, with guests Dr Anastasia Thomson, Siya Khumalo,...

Counter Communities of Care: IAM’s third queer think tank

IAM has hosted two queer think tanks since 2015, each building on the previous learnings and providing a space for queer clergy, faith leaders and allies to analyse,...

‘You are Muted, Unmute Yourself:’ An Open Letter to South African Church Leaders on the Plight of the LGBTIQ+ People

It is a silent genocide! People whose sexuality is diverse and whose gender identities do not conform to heteronormativity – namely, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-diverse, intersex, and queer...

#EnoughisEnough: Faith leaders denounce LGBTIQ+ Hate Crimes

Over the past several months, a fresh series of brutal hate crimes have torn through the South African LGBTIQ+ community. Together IAM and faith leadership call for the...

Incorporating lived realities of trans and gender diverse persons into the South African Identification System

The South African Department of Home Affairs is considering a new ID policy that would, among other things, make changes to how sex and gender are represented on...

Reclaiming Humanity Through Acceptance: Rev Jacques Jacobs, URCSA

Reverend Jacques Jacobs of the Nababeep URCSA congregation spoke with IAM about his own journey towards embracing an inclusive church, the work he asked IAM to do with...

Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Access to Reproductive Health and Rights from a Religious Perspective

The IAM team came together with our seven regional partners in Feb 2021 to co-create contextual interventions that work to advance comprehensive sexuality education and access to reproductive...

#CelebratingLove

In Feb and March, IAM asked our community to reflect on what love means to them, and we invite you to share their stories and contribute your own...

Leading with Love: Rev Johan van Niekerk and the Omgeegemeente

Rev Johan van Niekerk, minister at the Dutch Reformed Church in Somerset West, speaks with us about encouraging his congregation to love unconditionally, find common ground with those...

Looking forward: Imagining IAM’s future

As we close our year of looking back at IAM’s work over the past 25 years, IAM’s Director Ecclesia de Lange takes a moment to share our vision...

Remembering IAM’s past, celebrating the people

As we come together to celebrate IAM’s 25th anniversary, we take time to remember and honour our staff, leadership, board, and partners without whom we would not have...

Travelling the road with the Dutch Reformed Church

IAM’s early and continued work with the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) in South Africa has been foundational to how we approach transformation within the church. The power of...

Actions speak louder than words

On this year’s International Transgender Day of Remembrance, IAM staff and Trans activist partners reflect on the losses the community continues to suffer, the impact of COVID-19, and...

IAM at 25: Learning institution partners reflect – UKZN

IAM’s partnerships with tertiary learning institutions form an integral part of the way that IAM works. We reached out to a number of our partners that we’ve worked...

IAM at 25: Faith partners reflect on their work with IAM (Bishop Raphael Hess)

IAM works closely with faith partners in various denominations in our community to effect lasting and transformative change. We reached out to several faith partners we’ve interacted with...

What I’ve learned about transformation from living alongside mental illness

In honour of October’s focus on mental health awareness, IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on lessons she’s learned from living alongside mental illness for over 25 years that we...

Show some respect! Using people’s preferred personal pronouns

Telling her story: Nombulelo Khumalo

Nombulelo Khumalo is an Honours student, queer activist and student Methodist minister in KZN. She spoke with IAM about how showing up and telling her story is one...

IAM at 25: Faith partners reflect on their work with IAM (Rev. Stefan Hippler)

IAM works closely with faith partners in various denominations in our community to effect lasting and transformative change. We reached out to several faith partners we’ve interacted with...

IAM staff reflects on what Heritage Day means to them

This South African Heritage Day, IAM staff took a few minutes to reflect on what the day means to them. From food to dress, to identity and legacy,...

Bisexuality Awareness week 2020

Bisexuality Awareness week is celebrated globally from the 16th to the 23rd of September. The week, also known as #BiWeek, serves to celebrate, educate, and raise awareness on...

IAM at 25: Faith partners reflect on their work with IAM (Graham Goodwin)

IAM works closely with faith partners in various denominations in our community to effect lasting and transformative change. We reached out to several faith partners we’ve interacted with...

The School’s Out project: how do religion and faith impact comprehensive sexuality education in high schools across Eastern and Southern Africa?

IAM’s Regional Programme Coordinator Marlow Newman-Valentine introduces us to IAM’s newest initiative: collaborative research partner on the School’s Out Project, focused on the role of religion and faith...

IAM at 25: Faith partners reflect on their work with IAM (Robert Steiner)

IAM works closely with faith partners in various denominations in our community to effect lasting and transformative change. We reached out to several faith partners we’ve interacted with...

IAM at 25: Faith Partnerships (Part 2)

In celebrating our 25th anniversary, the IAM team reflects on the diverse partners and projects that inform and shape our work. In this series, we spoke with a...

IAM at 25: Faith Partnerships (Part 1)

In celebrating our 25 th anniversary, the IAM team reflects on the diverse partners and projects that inform and shape our work. In this series, we spoke with...

IAM at 25: Civil Society partners reflect on their work with IAM (Jacqui Benson)

Investments in partnerships with individual activists and organisations in our community form an integral part of how IAM is effecting change. We reached out to several civil society...

IAM at 25: Civil Society partners reflect on their work with IAM (Melanie Judge)

Investments in partnerships with individual activists and organisations in our community form an integral part of how IAM is effecting change. We reached out to several civil society...

Women’s Day reflection: “Gatvol yet Hopeful”

As we contemplate Women’s Day 2020 in South Africa, IAM reflects on the powerful call to action by leaders and laity in the Anglican church, and hope that...

Q&A with Megan Robertson, PhD and IAM-supported scholar

Megan Robertson spoke with IAM about her recent PhD research at UWC looking at the complex relationship between institutional power and the ordinary lived realities of clergy in...

IAM at 25: Civil Society partners reflect on their work with IAM (Linda Chamane)

Investments in partnerships with individual activists and organisations in our community form an integral part of how IAM is effecting change. We reached out to several civil society...

IAM at 25: Civil Society partners reflect on their work with IAM (Imam Muhsin Hendricks)

Investments in partnerships with individual activists and organisations in our community form an integral part of how IAM is effecting change. We reached out to several civil society...

AIDS2020: Truly representing the voices of the African Continent?

IAM’s Greyson V. Thela looks at the recent AIDS2020 conference and its stated goals of spotlighting the needs of populations left behind and asks if the online platform...

IAM at 25: Civil Society Partnerships

In celebrating our 25th anniversary, the IAM team reflects on the diverse partners and projects that inform and shape our work. IAM’s Thuli Mjwara looks back at our...

IAM at 25: Learning institutions reflect on their work with IAM (Professor Sarojini Nadar)

IAM’s partnerships with tertiary learning institutions form an integral part of the way that IAM works. We reached out to a number of our partners that we’ve worked...

IAM at 25: Learning institutions reflect on their work with IAM (Dr. Miranda Pillay)

IAM’s partnerships with tertiary learning institutions form an integral part of the way that IAM works. We reached out to a number of our partners that we’ve worked...

IAM at 25: Learning institutions reflect on their work with IAM (Revd. Canon Dr. Vicentia Kgabe)

IAM’s partnerships with tertiary learning institutions form an integral part of the way that IAM works. We reached out to a number of our partners that we’ve worked...

IAM at 25: Learning institutions reflect on their work with IAM (Professor Julie Claassens)

IAM’s partnerships with tertiary learning institutions form an integral part of the way that IAM works. We reached out to a number of our partners that we’ve worked...

IAM at 25: Our university and seminary partnerships

In celebrating our 25th anniversary, the IAM team reflects on the diverse partners and projects that inform and shape our work. IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier looks back at the...

Youth Day 2020 Reflections

IAM invited a variety of youth to contribute their reflections on this Youth Day 2020. We encouraged them to reflect on Pride, the protests (internationally and nationally) and...

Opening churches…for ALL

IAM’s Ecclesia de Lange reflects on the “reopening” of places of worship, and how this new-found awareness that spiritual leaders have of the pain of being isolated and...

Breaking the silence and celebrating our voices

IAM’s Hanzline Davids and Thuli Mjwara reflect on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2020 (IDAHOBIT), Mother’s Day and the 2020 Khumbulani Pride event that was cancelled...

Status check: IAM team reflection

As part of IAM’s #CommunityofCare series, IAM’s team reflects on where they are at five weeks into working remotely and struggling together through the COVID-19 crisis. The team...

Sustaining our creative communities through connection

As part of IAM’s #CommunitiesofCare reflection, we asked ourselves “how do we reformulate who we are as a creative community, holding onto the best parts of who we...

Reflections on family, in all its varied forms

As part of our #CommunityofCare work, the IAM team reflects upon a variety of things that might be of help to our community in these troubling times, from...

I Pray that Hope is Around the Corner for All

IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on Resurrection Sunday in a time of the global pandemic, trying to see the celebration through the eyes of transgender and gender non-conforming people...

A Reflection on the International Transgender Day of Visibility

IAM’s Greyson V. Thela reflects on International Transgender Day of Visibility with thoughts around the legal, personal, and interpersonal challenges that still face many trans bodies, particularly in...

The changing nature of work in these COVID-19 times

As part of our #CommunityofCare work, the IAM team reflects upon a variety of things that might be of help to our community in these troubling times, from...

The power of rituals, symbols and practices to create meaning

As part of our #CommunityofCare work, the IAM team reflects upon a variety of things that might be of help to our community in these troubling times, from...

We are more than COVID-19 hate speech

We are concerned that those who are vulnerable in our society can easily become the scapegoat for collective and unfounded hate speech, leading to stigma and even violence....

I AM a community that cares

2020 marks the 25-year Celebration of Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM). As we reflect and celebrate our 25 years, we are also in the midst of a viral...

Pride celebrations: Today, tomorrow, maybe never?

In the wake of Cape Town Pride 2020, IAM’s Greyson V. Thela reflects on the evolution of the Pride movement, how it isn’t representative of all queer lived...

#LoveisLove

IAM Staff Profile: Greyson V. Thela

Greyson Thela, IAM’s Intersectional Process Coordinator, has always gravitated towards work focused on the protection and defense of those who can’t do so themselves. Read more about Greyson’s...

IAM Staff Profile: Marlow Newman-Valentine

Marlow Newman-Valentine joined IAM as Regional Coordinator in October 2019. His professional journey has been varied, moving from banking to inclusive church leadership to community development, yet throughout...

Reclaiming humanity through acceptance: bringing the message home

Bonganjalo (“Bonga”) Mbenenge studied theology at Stellenbosch University and took part in a number of IAM trainings and sessions, including the 2017 Queer Think Tank. In this three-part...

Reclaiming humanity through acceptance: Meet Bonga Mbenenge

Bonganjalo (“Bonga”) Mbenenge studied theology at Stellenbosch University and took part in a number of IAM trainings and sessions, including the 2017 Queer Think Tank. In this three-part...

Journeying together towards empowerment as queer people of faith

Each year IAM holds a Journey of Hope workshop as part of our work to support the empowerment of strong, mature LGBTQIA+ people with well-integrated spirituality and sexuality....

Intersex activism – Lungile Maquba’s journey

There are many journeys to becoming an activist and staying engaged in a cause. Lungile Maquba shares her personal journey to becoming a photographer and writer focused on...

The journey towards the World Council of Churches 2021 Assembly: ensuring global LGBT voices are included

The Global LGBT Coalition has met annually since the 2013 World Council of Churches Assembly in Busan, South Korea to continue to advocate for inclusion of all voices...

Allying Intersex People

What does it mean to be an effective ally to intersex people? Are we at IAM doing so in our work? IAM’s Thuli Mjwara reflects on the binaries...

Moving from toxic to transformative masculinities as gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and heterosexual men and boys

While taking part in a Methodist Church vigil at the post office where Uyinene Mrwetyana was raped and murdered, IAM’s Hanzline R.Davids’ asked himself, “how do I feed...

Embodied dialogue as a powerful tool

IAM’s Michelle Boonzaaier reflects on a recent event addressing sexual violence, how powerful embodied protest can be, and how to foster a more diverse dialogue in our work...

IAM LGBTIQ Scholarship Recipient: Tracey Sibisi

Tracey Sibisi was awarded IAM’s 2019 scholarship for study at the Gender and Religion Programme at the University of Kwazulu Natal. Tracey talks about the challenges promoting human...

Taking stock of IAM’s impact in the region: IAM Regional Network MEL Consultation

IAM recently hosted members of its regional network in Johannesburg for a three-day MEL consultation, taking stock of successes the partners have achieved since the last meeting in...

Bostwana – LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana)

LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) is a national membership organisation formed in 1998 to raise awareness, tolerance and celebration of sexual diversity. LEGABIBO was only officially...

Decolonizing sexual orientation, gender identity and expression: A feminist perspective

Thuli Mjwara reflects on IAM’s participation in the recent Global Feminist LBQ Conference, identifying the need for more inclusive, affirming words in our traditional languages with which to...

Stonewall: Embodied resistance of love 50 years of Remembrance and LGBTI Movement Building

50 years ago, a group of courageous people stood up for the rights of the LGBTI community in the Stonewall uprising. IAM staff, taking part in the 50th...

Reflecting on Youth Day: IAM embarks on intergenerational learning

For almost 25 years, IAM has been working in faith communities. In our work towards opening minds, hearts and doors, we have grown as an organisation in our...

IAM Regional Partners Profile: Matrix

In this series we introduce you to IAM’s regional partners. The team from Lesotho’s People’s Matrix Association (Matrix) reflects on the role that their partnership with IAM has...

IAM Staff Profile: Abby Haricombe

Abby Haricombe, IAM’s Administrator since 2018, is IAM’s newest staff member. Her short time with IAM has reinforced her belief that there is room in God’s heart for...

MEDIA STATEMENT: BOTSWANA HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT ON THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF OFFENCES WHICH CRIMINALISE CONSENSUAL SAME-SEX SEXUAL CONDUCT

On 11 June the Botswana High Court ruled in favour of the case of LM vs. the Attorney General of Botswana that challenged the constitutionality of sections 164(a)...

IAM Regional Partners Profile: ZANERELA+

In this series we introduce you to IAM’s regional partners. The team from Zambia’s ZANERELA+ tells us about the work the organisation is undertaking to tackle the continued...

IAM Staff Profile: Alida Bergman

Alida Bergman, IAM’s Financial Administrator since 2013, knows firsthand how important tolerance, respect and understanding are in the face of difference – without them she might not be...

IAM Regional Partners Profile: NYARWEK

In this series we introduce you to IAM’s regional partners. The team from NYARWEK (the Nyanza, Rift Valley and Western Kenya LGBTI Network) tells us about the work...

Justice and Protection For All?

On 17th May, the global community celebrated the International Day Against, Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB). IDAHOTB was created to raise awareness of the violation of the human...

IAM’s Wheel of Change in Focus: Care for Changemakers

Support and care is an important key to IAM’s theory of change. At IAM our team is our greatest asset. Part of building a sustainable organisation is to...

IAM Regional Partners Profile: SPREC Uganda

In this series we introduce you to IAM’s regional partners. Andrew Talemwa, Program Manager for IAM’s partner in Uganda, St. Paul’s Reconciliation and Equality Centre (SPREC) tells us...

IAM’s Wheel of Change in Focus: Open Doors

IAM’s Wheel of Change has been developed as a tool for dialogue over the past 24 years. During training we invite participants to position themselves at any place...

Understanding Radical Love

Sarah Lane, a graduate student at UKZN, reflects on a recent workshop with IAM, challenging the performance of Christ’s radical love in the season of Passover, and examines...

Laying the foundations for change

IAM’s work with the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) and role in the recent landmark court case The Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) is one of the many denominations within...

The genesis of IAM’s regional partnerships

In November 2009, IAM and The Rainbow Project (TRP) Namibia hosted the First African Dialogue on Christian Faith and Sexuality. 77 Participants from 13 African countries participated. This...

IAM Partner Profile: Madalene Isaacks/TULINAM

A blessing because I realised what it was that always set me apart from the rest of my peers/friends. What is was that made me shy away from...

IAM Staff Profile: Ingrid Schoonraad

Ingrid Schoonraad, IAM’s Regional Program Manager, has collaborated with IAM since 2003. Working with LGBTI and faith organisations throughout the region, Ingrid realises that the struggle that LGBTI...

Queer Theology: Blowing Bubbles of Resistance?

The term queer was adopted by activists and advocates to destabilise the identity politics of the gay and lesbian civil rights movement, bringing into focus issues of intersectionality...

IAM Staff Profile: Hanzline R. Davids

Hanzline R. Davids, IAM’s Process Coordinator, has walked a long road to reconcile his faith and his sexuality, facing the often vast chasm between what the church publicly...

LGBTI persecution in Zimbabwe – Hillary Mugari’s story

Throughout the African continent, LGBTI individuals face harsh realities of persecution, discrimination and often violence. In many instances, the church itself is complicit in the injustice, and doesn’t...

IAM Staff Profile: Michelle Boonzaaier

In this monthly series, we hand over the blog platform to IAM’s staff to share their own journeys, stories and insights in their own words. Though our journeys...

Gogos share a message of inclusion and diversity in South Africa

At 76-years old, Lizzie Venfolo is an perhaps unlikely champion of LGBTI rights in her Nyanga community in South Africa. Yet she has become a vocal advocate, reaching...

IAM Staff Profile: Nokuthula “Thuli” Mjwara

In this monthly series, we hand over the blog platform to IAM’s staff to share their own journeys, stories and insights in their own words. Though our journeys...

Ecclesia’s Journey

In this monthly series, we hand over the blog platform to IAM’s staff to share their own journeys, stories and insights in their own words. Though our journeys...

How IAM creates safe spaces for dialogue

Safe spaces are one of the main requirements for IAM to be able to carry out its transformative work embodied in the Wheel of Change. In this post,...

IAM’s Wheel of Change Unpacked

Since its inception in 1995, IAM has learned through trial and error that there is a way to create change around a contentious and controversial issue like homosexuality...