JOHANNESBURG (AP) – Hundreds of people marched in South Africa on Saturday to mark the 35th anniversary of Pride Johannesburg, an important annual event in advocating for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
The march in Johannesburg’s Sandton neighborhood was a colorful spectacle, but it also highlighted important issues for the LGBTQ+ community, including the discrimination that most members of the community still face despite South Africa’s progressive stance on equality issues. It was also an opportunity to focus on
Johannesburg resident Alice Muholo was among those who supported the march.
“Pride is really a reminder of the rights and opportunities that this community has fought so hard for,” she says. “And it’s not just South Africa. It’s across the continent.”
Muhoro said there are still many countries on the African continent where the rights of LGBTQ+ people are not recognized.
“They’re being prosecuted. They’re being killed just for existing. So days like this are celebrations, but it’s also about being able to be who you are and being able to support others like you. It’s a day to be grateful for the privilege of being with them,” Muhoro said.
Bruce Conway, another participant, said the event provides a safe space for the community to express themselves.
“I came here today to celebrate myself and others who are embracing their identities in radical ways and ways that we don’t appreciate on a daily basis. I’m here to experience love in,” he said.
Traffic around the central area of Sandton was diverted to accommodate the march.
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This story corrects references to Johannesburg as the capital.
