South Africa: Commemorating and fighting with pride

Johannesburg, 26 September: It is that time of year again when South African communities march to celebrate diversity and stand in solidarity for the continued fight for equal human rights and non-discrimination. A number of Pride marches have already taken place this month across the country, with the 10th Soweto Pride tomorrow and more set to take place in October.

Last Saturday, people from different townships and suburbs converged at Mponeng Park in Tsakane, East Rand for the 6th Annual Ekurhuleni Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) Pride march. Rainbow flags flew under the theme “Be proud and be yourself.”

Organiser and activist Musa Maxam said the main purpose of the event was to create awareness. “We want people to know that we are also human beings and our rights should be respected. It is imperative for people to attend pride marches because they mark a return to human rights activism, especially against hate crimes.”

Despite strong legislation in South Africa that bans all forms of discrimination, protects the rights of LGBTI people and recognises same-sex marriages, homophobia, transphobia and hate crimes persist in many communities.

Xolani Nkwatheni, Media and Communication Officer for Ekurhuleni Pride Organising Committee (EPOC) said, “We are here to mobilise and create awareness with regards to the hate crimes. We are tired of hearing stories of our brothers and sisters being killed because of their sexual orientation.”

Among those remembered was the late gay activist, Muntuza Masombuka who passed away in January this year, as well as Thembelihle Sokhela and Gift Makau, two women who were recently raped and murdered because of their sexuality.

Pastor Teboho Moema said that Gay Pride 2014 is especially important because it also signifies 20 years of democracy in South Africa. “I’m a pastor, I’m gay and I am very proud. We have come a long way and this is a milestone. I believe that every living being has God in them regardless of their sexuality,” he said.

Under the banner “Reclaiming freedom and autonomy”, the 10th Queer Soweto Pride march, hosted by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) takes place tomorrow 27 September. The University of Witwatersrand is also hosting its annual week-long Pride programme next week from 29 September-3 October, under the theme is All Oppression is Connected.

Esau Dlamini is a freelance journalist and activist based in Johannesburg. This article forms part of a Gender Links News Service special focus on LGBTIAQ rights during Pride month in South Africa.