In a bold display of unity and resilience, Pride of Africa hosted its emPOWERment summit at the Sandton Hotel on October 10. It was a transformative gathering, designed to amplify queer voices and strengthen community bonds.

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The summit, the second of four events planned by Pride of Africa, created a platform for dialogue, storytelling, and lived experiences, while introducing corporate partners committed to uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community.

Speaking at the event, Pride of Africa and Johannesburg Pride’s Kaye Ally said the summit’s mission was not only to inspire, but also to confront the growing challenges faced by queer individuals, particularly the alarming rise of online homophobia and transphobia. “Today’s emPOWERment summit is about dialogue, connection, and purpose. As the second of four events, it creates a platform for storytelling and sharing lived experiences, while introducing key partners who help develop, enrich, and empower our community.”

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She highlighted that Pride of Africa operates without formal funding and depends on the generosity of brands that champion inclusion and equality. “The challenges we have seen over the past year remind us why pride still matters. After 36 years of pride on this continent, there’s still work to do in breaking stereotypes and promoting acceptance.”

The emPOWERment summit forms part of a broader effort to drive systemic change through advocacy, networking, and collaboration with corporate allies, reinforcing the message that visibility and unity remain central to progress. “These platforms give us the strength to stand up for ourselves and our community. We are queer, and we are not going anywhere.”

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