LGBTI proud and unafraid
LGBTI community in Ekurhuleni came out in numbers to show solidarity against gender based violence, at KwaThema Stadium on Saturday.
Kwathema – LGBTI community in Ekurhuleni came out in numbers to show solidarity against gender based violence, at Kwathema Stadium on Saturday.
The Ekurhuleni Pride organising committee successfully hosts the 9th annual Gay Pride for the region.
“Ekurhuleni has one of the highest rates of violent crimes against the LGBTI in the country.
And that must change,” says Nontyatyambo Makhaphela, former Ekurhuleni Aids Council woman representative.
She says that the community needs to accept and respect the lifestyles of every person.
“If you are a parent love your child.
We thank all the parents who have come today to support us, because we are all your children.”
Rev Teboho Moema of EPOC explains that the initiative started after the brutal rape and murder of Eudy Simelane in 2008.
“We will not rest until we live in a society that is fully inclusive.”
He says that Eudy’s murder drew the community’s attention to an issue that has been ignored for decades.
Eudy’s mother, Mally Simelane encourages the community to stick together.
“Lomzabalazo mawuye phambili! (This cause must persist)
I am here on behalf of all the parents to encourage you to keep fighting.”
She encouraged the youth to study and seek to become productive citizens.
“We love you and we only want the best for you.”
Huysamen Elbrecht from the Jozi Cats invites the youth to participate in activities that will unite them.
“We started with only four members in 2015, now we are more than 60.
The Jozi Cats are Africa’s first gay and inclusive rugby club.
Capt Thabo Sibuyi of Kwathema SAPS says they are committed to promoting community safety and tolerance.
There was high police visibility.
