LGBT members envision a future of equal rights

MBOMBELA – The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community from all over Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North West gathered in the CBD on Saturday, to speak with one voice during the third annual Mpumalanga Gay Pride March.

It was a demonstration of legal rights for same-sex marriages.
The group demanded that they be treated as human beings.
They are citizens of the country who want their rights to be respected and their voices to be heard.  The group marched through various streets in Mbombela, brandishing placards with various thought-provoking messages. They are proud of themselves, and cannot simply change because of discrimination and abuse by society.

Some revealed that they have been victims of assault and gender-based violence. The celebrations included live performances by Amstel Maboa and other local artists at the Valencia Sports Complex.  An after-party was held at Shisa Nyama Coyotes.

The chairperson of the Lowveld LGBT, Ms Joy Kunene said, “It’s about time homosexual people come out of their closets and face the world.  We are living in a country where everybody is entitled, and has the right, to be safe and free. Discrimination has to come to an end as we are human beings who deserve to be treated equally,”
she said.

Ms Nkululeko Nhlabathi said, “I love myself the way I am. I am not ashamed that I’m lesbian and my community is treating me with love and respect. I love Pride because that is where we feel free and are able to engage with fellow homosexual friends.”