Same Love Toti stands proud for Pride Month

Same Love Toti will host its first pride event, while the month of June is a celebration, the focus should also be placed on hate crimes faced by members of the community daily.

“Pride month is a time when the LGBTQI community is allowed to express themselves. The laws in South Africa protect the community and we celebrate this however, we have had a lot of murders recently. In the past three months, there have about 12 murders across the country. This is very concerning because there is no hate crime law and since 2016 we have been trying to get the law passed. We are now demanding that it gets passed. There are corrective rapes and assaults that also need to be taken more seriously,” said the founder of Same Love Toti Foundation, Kim Lithgow.

The organisation recently spoke with the department of justice and constitutional development to address the hate crime bill.

“We also conducted a training session with the department of home affairs due to the number of transgender people who found discrimination when they go there. Once people are equipped with the knowledge they are a lot more considerate and sensitive. Sensitisation at schools was also covered for teachers as a way to prevent further discrimination in classrooms. This is not a moral or a value issue, but a human rights issue where LGBTQI people exist.”

Same Love Toti and Friends Family Restaurant will host a month-long celebration and on Saturday, 26 June, an art explosion will take place. Poets, spoken word artists, musicians and any creative individuals are welcome to express themselves. The event will take place from 2pm to 4pm. There will entertainment throughout the day such, live music, dress-up and other exciting activities.

“But aside from the fun events, we will hold a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives in general. The US consulate will also be at the event.”

For more information on the event, call 082-654-8635.

ALSO READ: Same Love Toti campaign to make schools safer

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