GALA - Queer Archive

16/06/2026

Today we honour the courage of the young people who stood up against injustice on 16 June 1976 and changed the course of South African history.
The student uprisings that began in Soweto sparked a nationwide movement for freedom, dignity, and equal education. Among those inspired to take action were Simon Nkoli and Zackie Achmat, whose experiences during the uprising ignited lifelong commitments to anti-apartheid activism, LGBTQIA+ rights, and HIV/AIDS justice.
As we commemorate Youth Day, we remember not only the voices that were heard, but also the stories that were never documented. Their courage lives on in our collective memory, reminding us that young people have always been at the forefront of social change.

***r

01/06/2026

OPEN CALL — q***r animators across Southern Africa.
We're looking for creatives from Angola, Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa to bring real stories of LGBTQI+ decriminalisation to life — through short animation work.
This is a paid opportunity. It's rooted in research, real interviews, and the lives of people who fought for — and won — legal change across the region.
You don't need to know the law. You need to know how to tell a human story.

Follow the link to apply: https://gala.co.za/2026/06/01/documenting-decriminalisation-call-for-animators/

27/05/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: TEMPORARY OFFICE CLOSURE

The GALA Q***r Archive Offices will be closed from 3-5 June 2026 for staff strategic planning sessions. Offices will reopen on the 8th of June.

The Trans and Gender-Diverse Support Group scheduled for the 3rd of June will still take place at the GALA Q***r Archive Library.

08/05/2026

Check out this article about the GALA Youth Forum’s first hangout of the year! Creating community — how q***r spaces save lives by Keri Lae explores the importance of q***r community in a time of erasure through reflections from attendees.

auroras & sad prose. Click to read betweenthebindings, by keri lae, a Substack publication. Launched 2 months ago.

07/05/2026

TODAY IN HISTORY

On the 7th of May 1986, an article written by the Wits Gay Movement , titled "Right to be Gay" was published in the Wits Student publication. The piece challenged common myths and misconceptions about homosexual people that were widespread at the time, contributing to broader conversations around LGBTQ+ visibility during apartheid-era South Africa.

The article forms part of the GALA Q***r Archive holdings within The Wayne Sampson Collection, an important archive preserving the history and experiences of q***r communities in South Africa.

17/04/2026

COME VIBE, THRIVE AND BE GAY WITH US!

GALA Youth Forum is kicking off its first engagement of the year on 24 April - and you’re invited! Whether you’re a first-year or a returning member, there’s a place for you here. Join us as we build a space for community, connection and learning.

The invitation is open to LGBTQI+ youth who are in or around Johannesburg.

17/04/2026

SALON KEWPIE: THE LEGACY BALL IS TODAY!

Join us as we celebrate Kewpie's legacy- with Wesley Lebaby Le Cap on the mic and Hypoestes on the decks!

Attendees are invited to bring gifts to Kewpie’s Birthday Ball, to be donated to the Kensington Home for the Aged, where Kewpie spent her final years. The Home would be especially grateful for:
● Hand-knit beanies, scarves, etc.
● Bedding for single beds.
● Toiletries (roll-on deodorant, Vaseline, soap, adult diapers in M, L, XL, linen savers, baby powder, Ingram’s camphor cream).

Purchase your ticket here: https: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/361407-salon-kewpie-the-legacy-ball-2026/?ref=events-list #/tickets

16/04/2026

1 DAY TO GO UNTIL SALON KEWPIE:THE LEGACY BALL

Salon Kewpie, in collaboration with District Six Museum and GALA Q***r Archive, proudly invites you to Kewpie’s Birthday Ball - a celebration of legacy, love, and unapologetic expression.

Get your tickets here: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/361407-salon-kewpie-the-legacy-ball-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRNvUhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFRYzNhRmFXdVNHNWhkbmRLc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgtXhV9cZCP3aNo0orn2kg2gIJIsw6DTsCwdUABP4MIwqe1fjf7Vdd9Erl24_aem_I9y1thM7Wms25u-f9hs4cA #/

Tickets will also be available at the door!

15/04/2026

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY VENUE CHANGE FOR TRANS AND GENDER-DIVERSE SUPPORT GROUP

The next support group meeting will be taking place on the 22nd of April 2026 at the University of Witswatersrand (main campus). Non-Wits personnel must have a form of identification (ID, passport or license) to access the campus.

Sessions will resume at GALA Q***r Archive Library on the 6th of May. Contact [email protected] to RSVP.