Sascha-Lee Joseph and Ayanda Radebe
South Africa’s largest township lit up this past Saturday as communities came together in celebration of Soweto Pride at Dorothy Nyembe Park in Dobsonville, Soweto on Saturday, 28 September 2024.
It marked a significant milestone for the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) as they proudly celebrated 20 years of Soweto Pride. Over the last 20 years, Soweto Pride has grown to include not only the LBQ community but also the broader LGBTQI+ community, local civic organisations, and allies from various sectors of society. Families, friends, and supporters from all over the country now join in solidarity, creating a broader network of support for the LGBTQI+ movement.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health and Social Development in the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Ennie Makhafola, reaffirmed the City’s support and celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQI A +) persons and all people of diverse sexual orientations.
In a statement, Cllr Makhafola said: “The City acknowledges the existence of the other involving acronyms and terms that people use to describe their gender, sexuality, and sex characteristics. Our diversity is our strength, and we stand together to honour the rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
The celebration served as a joyous occasion, but also as a platform for raising awareness about the challenges faced by LGBTQI A+ communities. Various organizations provided resources and information on health and social support, highlighting the need for continued support and access to essential services.
Hundreds of people joined the pride march taking to the streets of Soweto an effort to renew the fight for justice, safety, and equality for all LGBTQI+ individuals. It was a reminder that while much has been achieved, there is still more to be done in the quest for a world where every person can live with pride, free from fear and discrimination.
Once the march concluded at the heart of this year’s celebration, Deputy Minister for Women, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, delivered a heartfelt message reflecting on the event’s significance for the LGBTQI A+ community.
With deep passion and personal narratives, she highlighted the journey of pride and resilience that has unfolded over the past 20 years. “We are fighting for violence and discrimination to stop in South Africa, ongoing struggles faced by the LGBTQI A+ community, particularly black lesbian individuals. This call to action resonates with everyone in attendance, reinforcing the need for awareness and advocacy in addressing systemic issues.”
She added that civil society is crucial in this fight. Organisations and community groups are not only vital in raising awareness but also play an essential part in partnering with the government to ensure accountability.
“By working together, we can push for policies that protect the rights of all individuals and promote inclusivity,” said Minister Letsike.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
