WATCH: Two locals on what Pride Month means to them

June marks Pride Month, which is celebrated annually to honour the 1969 Stonewall riots and the efforts made to address issues faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people.

In light of this, the Advertiser caught up with local LGBTQ+ activist Robbie Robinson of Sunward Park.

The former school teacher, who is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, said growing up he fell victim to bullying just for being gay.

“People failed to understand that being gay is not a choice, you are born this way. It’s not about how you look, but how you feel.

“I realised I was gay while still in primary school. Because it wasn’t allowed or welcomed at the time, everything was pushed under the carpet. I came out when I was a bit older,’ said the 54-year-old Robinson.

“The perspective of people has now changed compared to the olden days. People now see we are normal people. However, there are still a lot of people who remain discreet regarding their identity because of stigma and fear.

“We live in a society where men must carry the family surname, so due to pressure they don’t come out. Many people come out many years later and thereafter tend to have regrets that it took so long. The delay was to make someone else happy, such as the family.”

Robinson quit his job as a teacher because he always wanted to open his own business.

“I use my business, a pub, as a platform to educate people about the LGBTQ+ community. I get parents who come to me at the pub asking for advice regarding their children’s sexuality. I then tell them to love them even though they are gay or transgender because it doesn’t matter.

“Parents must love their child for what they are, not what they want them to be.

“As we celebrate Pride Month, we as the LGBTQ+ community we must stand together and be proud of who we are because our happiness comes first. “People should learn to stop treating the LGBTQ+ as second-hand citizens.”

Drag queen Dean Sweeney of Brakpan, who is a regular performer at People Like Us, also shared his journey with the Advertiser.

The 23-year-old, whose stage name is Dené Melrouche, said he knew four years ago that he was gay.

“When I came out it was tough for people to accept me. My mother at first wasn’t thrilled, but as time went by she supported me. She has now become my biggest fan as she made one of my stage dresses,” he said.

He started performing at various clubs in 2018 when he was 19.

“My personality doesn’t change when I transition into Dené Melrouche on stage. I am always friendly. I want to help young queens to thrive in this drag world.

“My friend and co-drag queen Paris Daring has also held my hand as a mentor throughout the years.”

He said it hurts when others don’t accept people’s sexual preference.

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