On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Goethe-Institut invites you to an inspiring evening of queer solidarity and visibility on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Here’s all you need to know.
What is the Goethe-Institut’s commemorative IDAHOBIT event about?
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia falls on 17 May each year and is dedicated to inspiring communities and allies to take action against discrimination and violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ people.
The Goethe-Institut is commemmorating this important day with an evening of inspiring panel discussions, a screening of a queer film, music, and networking all in the name of queer allyship. This year’s IDAHOBIT theme is “The Power of Communities: Gender, Language and Power”. Under this theme, members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community stand together for diversity, solidarity, and visibility.
A film screening that explores Black queer identity
The evening begins with arrivals and a welcome reception before screening the film Young, Gifted & Queer by Renaldo Schwarp, who introduces the film with opening remarks.
Renaldo is an award-winning filmmaker, author, and creative producer whose work spans television, digital storytelling, publishing, and film. His passion lies in creating content that amplifies and celebrates underrepresented voices and challenges mainstream narratives, with a distinct focus on the intersection between culture, identity, and positive representation.
Young, Gifted & Queer is a bold and deeply human portrait of Black queer identity in South Africa. Through the lives and voices of artists and activists like Andiswa Dlamini, Umlilo, S’bo Gyre, Dr. Bev Ditsie, and Lula Odiba, the film explores how art, representation, and community intersect in powerful and often unexpected ways.
Beyond celebrating queer joy and resilience, the documentary is also a call to action — spotlighting how storytelling can shift narratives and drive real social change.
An inspirational round table discussion and informal networking session
Following the film screening is a roundtable discussion moderated by Sentle Nell featuring three speakers whose work aptly embodies this year’s IDAHOBIT theme.
The panel includes Young, Gifted & Queer filmmaker Renaldo Schwarp, Dr. Kudzaiishe Vanyoro who specialises in Gender Studies at the Wits Centre for Diversity, and Dr. Danai Mupotsa who specialises in Feminist & Queer Theory at Wits University’s African Literature Department.
Finally, to end off the evening, emerging local queer cultural icon, producer, writer and DJ, Lelowhatsgood hits the decks as guests network and engage in informal exchange until the evening is over.
Cost: FREE entry
When: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 from 5pm to 9pm
Where: Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, 119 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg
Get in touch
Website: goethe.de/ins/za
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 011 442 3232
Instagram: @goetheinstitut_southafrica
Facebook: @goethe.joburg
