Members of Lesbian, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others (LGBTQIA+) community celebrated the Freedom Day in style on Saturday by having a special gathering at Desmond Tutu Community Hall in Makhaza.
The event was organised by Ubuntu Queer Collective organisation, their mission is to create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community in the Cape Flats.
The event was attended by parents, some of whom have children who are in the same-sex relationship.
The co-founder of Ubuntu Vilonia Sidukwana said their main objective is to unite and have fun as the LGBTQIA+ community.
She said they also want the communities to feel their presence.
“We are trying to promote unity and integration as an LGBTQIA+ community. We also invited other groups from outside Cape Flats, including the refugees to be part of us. We decided to gather together and have fun and people see us,” she said, adding that they also played netball for fun.
However, she stated that some parts of the community are reluctant to accept them.
Founder of Pachedu LGBTQIA+ Collective, Nyasha Zhakata thanked Ubuntu Queer Collective for inviting them to be part of the event. Pachedu is an organisation that supports the LGBTQIA+ community and migrants in South Africa. She cited that part of their challenges is being secluded and being bullied by the community.
“As migrants, we feel welcomed and loved when we are in such spaces. Even though some are still xenophobic against us, we take this event as part of networking and socialising. This is a good space for us,” said Zhakata.
Parent Nandi Jovuka, who has a gay son, urged other parents to support their children. She appealed to the community to stop harassing gays and lesbians.
“Also, parents need to stop being brutal to their children. They need to welcome and love them. It is sad to see a parent chasing away a child because of his or her sexual orientation,” said Jovuka.