Local LGBTQIA community celebrates inaugural Pride celebration
The Newcastle community got together to launch the towns first Pride celebrations on November 27 at the Majuba TVET college stadium, Madadeni.
In an effort to show support, spread awareness, and create a sense of community within the LGBTQIA local community, participants began the day by marching around section 2 Madadeni holding banners that read “Gay,” “Transgender,” and “Queer.”
The event culminated in speeches and a fun time for all who attended.
With the rainbow flag flying high, people from all walks of life came together to convey a strong message that said, “We refuse to be invisible and we demand recognition and respect.”
Attendees emphasised that the march is not merely a parade but a communal gathering, creating a safe space for individuals to connect, share experiences and build a supportive networks in environments that at times feel unaccommodating.
Host Basadi Foundation did a stellar job in organising and successfully pulling off the event, which is hoped to be the first of many and thanked all that contributed to the event’s success.
“We would also like to thank Amajuba college ,Ncedeka Security, Exhibitors, DJs ,Performers ,Newcastle Radio, Mc’s, NNPL,uThingo ,Lesbian and gay community centre and everyone that drove to come support this beautiful movement,” commented Basadi Foundation founder Thandeka Sibeko.
“Next year’s event promises to be even bigger and better,” they concluded.
Facts on LGBTQIA rights in South Africa
-South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution was the first in the world to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and South Africa was the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage.
-According to a recent study done by website MyDatingAdviser.com, who released a report on ‘The Best Countries for LGBTQ+ Travel in 2023’, South Africa features as the 11th best LGBTQ+ travel destination in the world. This is as a result of the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2006, adoption rights for same-sex coupl;e granted in 2002 and the country having good anti-discrimination laws.
-54% of the South African public is accepting of homosexuality, according to a ‘Global Attitudes & Trends’ survey by Pew Research.
-How did the rainbow flag become the symbol of LGBTQ pride? The flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and drag queen. The various colours came to reflect both the immense diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ community.
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