LGBTIQ community collects toiletries for those in need
To mark this prestigious event, the organisers held a toiletry drive and collected 342 items.
Kwa-Thema – The Ekurhuleni LGBTIQ community hosted the 12th Annual Pride Celebrations on Saturday at Da Venue, organised by EPOC LGBTIQ in partnership with I Am Self Identity.
To mark this prestigious event, the organisers held a toiletry drive and collected 342 items.
Thirty-three face cloths, 79 packs of sanitary towels, seven boxes of pantyliners, 84 antibacterial bath soaps, 11 deodorants, 56 tubes of toothpaste and 72 toothbrushes were donated on the day.
Organiser Bontle Khalo Mohapi said it was important for the community to support the LGBTIQ community.
Also read: LGBTIQ+ community celebrated
“We are part of the community just like everyone and face similar challenges.
“It is crucial to stand in solidarity as the community and do away with correctional rapes, intolerance, hate crimes and also gender-based violence.
“I think education plays an important role when it comes to such issues, which is why it is important for us to empower each other as a whole with education and information,” she said.
The event was initially meant to be a picnic, but poor weather conditions saw this element of the celebrations cancelled.
Suzan Mpufane, founder of I Am Self Identity, emphasised the importance of personal hygiene.
“Good personal hygiene habits are directly related to better health and eliminate illness.
“When you are clean, you look and feel good, which in result boosts your self-esteem,” she said.
Resident Lindi Nkgau said it is difficult to live in a society where one is constantly judged.
Also read: Progress of LGBTIAQ rights across the world
“We want people to accept us as we are and to stop the name-calling.
“Even churches discriminate against us,” she explained.
Those who would still like to make contributions can do so by visiting I Am Self Identity’s Facebook page or send a WhatsApp to 067 943 2682 or 062 182 7048.
Follow us on: 
