No regrets for Malawian jailed for gay wedding
By Justine Gerardy (AFP) – 8 hours ago
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5grDO-A4HwF19AccE8Njc0PZNsXeACAPE TOWN — Thrown into jail for 14 years under Malawi's anti-gay laws, Tiwonge Chimbalanga has no regrets about the marriage ceremony that became a symbol of Africa's intolerance toward homosexuality.
In the first press interview since being granted asylum in South Africa, the 24-year-old, who was freed amid global pressure, urged more Malawians to come out from the shadows as the country's ban on same-sex relationships eases.
"I don't have any regrets, I didn't do anything wrong," Chimbalanga, who identifies as a transgender woman despite being tried as a gay man, told AFP.
Known as Aunt Tiwo, Chimbalanga and partner Steven Monjeza drew a harsh spotlight on deeply conservative Malawi after the couple were arrested for holding a traditional engagement ceremony in late 2009.
