Foreword by Sylvia Tamale:

This collection is­ another rich offering from Gala and CEDEP ­that captures the often unheard voices of lesbians, bisexual and gender­nonconforming Malawians. These deeply personal tales are a reminder of the human impetus to survive in site of harsh realities. The contributors pay tribute to Steven and Tiwonge (Auntie Tiwo), whose love and commitment to each other was cut short by repressive laws. By bringing together personal reflections, letters, poems and drawing – all of which are filled with love, intimacy and desire – the collection humanizes the very real challenges facing lesbians, bisexual and gender­nonconforming Malawians. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in what it means to be an LGBTI person in Africa. ­

-Zethu Matebeni, PhD, HUMA, University of Cape Town

This groundbreaking collection brings together the life stories of eleven lesbian, bisexual ad gender­ nonconforming Malawians. Told in the contributors’ own words, these powerful narratives shed light on a daily struggle to live freely and with dignity. Each story is an intimate portrait of its author, who shares with the leader their hopes and dreams, their struggles and achievement, their loves and losses.

By focusing on lesbian, bisexual and gender­ nonconforming people, the collection offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in Malawi. It reveals the complex realities of those marginalized not only because of their sexual orientation but also because of their gender and class.