By Melanie Nathan, Oct 08, 2014.
The beauty of Soweto Pride could not be better expressed than through the endless photographs displayed on the Inkanyiso website. What better a way than steeped in Pride, to further the celebration of 20 years of democracy in South Africa. One feels the hope in the beauty, love and smiles, as expressed through these extraordinary photographs.
South Africa has a fully inclusive constitution- which includes equality based ons exual orientation and gender identity. However there is still an enormous amount of homophobia and misunderstanding, especially in the township communities. Soweto is a Township borne from the Apartheid era.
One cannot underestimate the importance of this Pride event, as indeed there is much hope for South Africa’s homophobic climate.
When viewing the pictures, it is hard to imagine that there is still so much homophobic crime in South Africa, – hate crimes, murders and rapes – and one can only hope that Pride celebrations will help educate and create a better understanding.
Let us hope also that government takes note of the burgeoning numbers of proud and out LGBTI (voters) so that furthering Government intervention and awareness educational campaigns, will result in much more than mere lip service.
Thanks to Zanele Muholi and the amazing photographers at Soweto Pride.
PLEASE VISIT INKANYISO FOR THE AMAZING PICTORIAL:
Reblogged this on JerBear's Queer World News, Views & More From The City Different – Santa Fe, NM and commented:
A sign of pride and hope from South Africa…