Award for CHP writing fellow a first for Africa

CHP’s resident writing fellow, Makhosazana Xaba, and co-editor Karen Martin have won the 26th Annual Lambda Literary Award for their LGBT Anthology Queer Africa: New and Collected Fiction”, published by MaThoko’s Books. This is the first time an African-produced work has won a “Lammy”.

The Lambda awards promote and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual (LGBT) literature and encourage the development of emerging writers. Queer Africa is a collection of short stories from Africa which was launched at the Wits Writing Centre in August 2013.

“The anthology has an important role to play, and this award honours the exceptionally talented authors featured in the anthology,” said Xaba. “Queer Africa invites us as readers to see our continent through different eyes, to experience the world through different bodies. The stories help to surface our shared humanity and to rethink what it means to be African and to be queer. Like all good storytellers, these writers allow us to learn more about ourselves,” she added.

CHP congratulated Xaba and Martin on their stellar work and award: “We are thrilled about the international acclaim which these co-editors have received. This important literary work spotlights groups who are often socially excluded and marginalised because of their sexual orientation. It gives them a voice, and we are very proud of this excellent work and well-deserved award. We wish Khosi and Karen every success in their future writing endeavours,” said CHP Director, Dr Jane Goudge.

The Centre for Health Policy is a multidisciplinary research unit dedicated to health policy and research excellence. Its collaborative efforts include gathering a mix of experts in various fields to support the development of the South African health system.