As human rights month draws to a close, Economic Freedom Fighters’ proportional representation councillor in Ward 109 Patricia Mabidilala has shifted her focus to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

She is hosting an event intended to provide them with a platform to speak openly about the violation of their rights, away from the everyday realities of judgment, mistreatment, and marginalisation that she said they are often subjected to.

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Mabidilala explained that she has seen how many people continue to struggle with acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Despite years of LGBTQIA+ campaigns promoting equality and rights, she said members of this community are still exposed to spaces where they feel excluded and unwelcome because of their sexuality. She recalled one incident involving six young people close to her. “I once took them to an event, but when they came back, they did not feel good at all because of the way they were mistreated.”

@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: Proportional Representation Councillor Patricia Mabidilala says the decision to host a dialogue focused on the LGBTQIA+ community was driven by the realisation that many people are still struggling to accept LGBTQI+ members. Video: Itumeleng Maloka #Alex #LGBTQIA ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Mabidilala added that such experiences highlight the pressing need for dialogue in Alexandra. “A lot of people still cannot accept members of the LGBTQIA+ community. So, we are coming together with the hope to change that.”

The councillor emphasised that the event, which is open to the public, is intended to serve as a crucial platform for inclusive dialogue between the wider community and LGBTQIA+ members. She hopes it will foster understanding and acceptance. “We intend to listen to their challenges so that we can be better informed, and in turn tell the community to accept them the way they are.”

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Although the event comes just days after Human Rights Day celebrations, she emphasised that it highlights the importance of continuing to promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. Mabidilala stressed that these rights must be upheld and protected. “People must know that they also have their own rights, which ought to be upheld and protected.”

She noted that the community is welcome to attend. The event will take place on Wednesday and Thursday between 11:00 and 13:00 in Setswetla along Viola Crescent Street.

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