South Africa’s first Pride March took place on October 13, 1990, marking a historic moment not just for the country but for the entire African continent.
Organised as both a celebration of the LGBTQI+ community and a bold act of defiance against the oppression and discrimination they faced, this march was a significant milestone in the fight for equality.
Even today, in 2024, the battle against homophobia, stigma, and hate crimes continues, underscoring the ongoing importance of this movement, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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The inaugural march, which started at the Great Hall at Wits University in Gauteng, was groundbreaking in many ways. It was the first of its kind in South Africa and on the African continent, signifying the growing need for an uprising against laws like the Immorality Act, which had outlawed homosexuality.
Beyond challenging this specific legislation, the march also sought to dismantle the broader system of segregation and inequality that permeated society.
With around 200 participants, the 6-kilometre march garnered support from prominent activists and community members alike.
Some participants, fearing retaliation or being outed, wore brown paper bags over their heads with cutouts for their eyes, a poignant reminder of the risks involved in standing up for LGBTQI+ rights at the time.
The march wasn’t just about visibility; it was about fighting for a society where everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, could be included and accepted.
The movement sparked by this first march has since spread throughout South Africa’s nine provinces and across the continent. Pride marches are now held annually, bringing communities together to honour the notion of pride – a cultural concept deeply rooted in the Queer community.
Pride represents solidarity, identity, and resistance to violence and discrimination. It’s a celebration where LGBTQI+ people can express their authentic selves in a space that is both safe and affirming.
Since that pivotal 1990 march, the LGBTQI+ movement in South Africa has gained remarkable momentum. In 2006, South Africa became the fifth country in the world and the first in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage.
Our country’s Bill of Rights further prohibits unfair discrimination based on sexual orientation, demonstrating a commitment to achieving equality for the LGBTQI+ community. These legal advancements reflect the strides South Africa has made, but the fight is far from over.
Queer rights advocate Tebogo Makwati recently spoke to SABCNews, emphasising the need for continuous advocacy and awareness. ‘Spaces need to be occupied for people to understand why these rights are being fought for,’ Makwati said, stressing that the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals must be persistently defended.
In summary, South Africa’s Pride movement, born out of defiance and courage in 1990, has grown into a powerful symbol of resistance and progress. While significant strides have been made, the journey towards true equality continues, with each Pride march serving as both a celebration and a reminder of the work that lies ahead.
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Picture: Charly De Blas / Pexels
