In photos: Durban celebration marks end of Pride Month
“Every person deserves respect and the freedom to live without discrimination” says Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature
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The streets of Durban’s city centre were filled with rainbow flags and jubilation at the weekend as people came out to mark the end of Pride month. Photos: Tsoanelo Sefoloko
The streets of Durban’s city centre were filled with rainbow flags and jubilation at the weekend as people came out to mark the end of Pride month.
The day’s festivities started off with a march through Gugu Dlamini Park to Dr Pixley KaSeme Street. Participants sang, danced, and chanted slogans while celebrating diversity and raising awareness about the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Event organiser Sboh Khumalo said many families and friends joined the march. “We are celebrating Pride Month because we are proud of who we are. We decided to march through the streets of Durban to show people that we exist and deserve to be recognised and respected.
“We are marching with our families and friends because their support shows that they understand us and accept us. We are also grateful for the support from the Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and a Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality representative,” said Khumalo.
Marshall Naidu, one of the event marshals, said Pride Month is an opportunity for the community to celebrate their identity while educating the public.
“Some people still stigmatise gay and lesbian people. I am happy with the turnout today and encouraged that government recognises us, as shown by the presence of several government departments,” said Naidu.
Marshall Naidu and Cassandra Garofallou attended the Pride festivities at Gugu Dlamini Park.
Siyamthanda Shezi said he joined the march in memory of a friend who was murdered earlier this year, allegedly because he was bisexual. “Many people still fail to accept us, as if being gay is a choice. Because of fear and rejection, many people hide who they truly are instead of living freely,” said Shezi.
Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality councillor Thuleleni Khanyase said she hopes similar Pride celebrations will be held in her municipality to promote awareness.
“Many people still hold negative attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community, and that is worrying. Being gay is not a choice but part of who a person is,” said Khanyase.
Speaker of the KwaZulu-Natal legislature Nontembeko Boyce said, “Every person deserves respect and the freedom to live without discrimination. While some people still insult members of the LGBTQIA+ community, it is encouraging that more people are beginning to understand and accept them.”
Pride marchers walked through Gugu Dlamini Park to Dr Pixley KaSeme Street on Saturday.
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