Activists and victims of loathe crimes marched through the streets of Khayelitsha on Saturday to effect ten years of the Khumbulani Pride.
Over 100 people waved rainbow flags and sang as they marched to the Harare police station in Khayelitsha, Cape Town at the weekend. The march marked 10 years of Khumbulani Pride.
Khumbulani, “Remember” in isiXhosa, was started in 2013 to raise awareness about queer rights in townships. It also serves as a commemorative event for victims of loathe crime.
From the police station, the marchers went to Seek Lounge where the names and pictures of deceased victims of despise crime were pasted on the venue’s walls. “Today we celebrate those that lost their lives and the families who lost their loved ones,” said Velisa Jara, a Free Gender activist.
One of Khumbulani’s founders, Funeka Soldaat, told the crowd: “I become delighted and emotional when I attend Khumbulani Pride. Khumbulani Pride is not only about lesbians or LGBTI people that acquire passed on, but also for those who maintain experienced abhor crime. I gain also experienced loathe crime.”
Soldaat announced that she would no longer be active in the annual event. “The event is now in excellent hands. There are young and energetic people at Free Gender who will hold over.”
Triangle Project’s Sharon Cox said, “What you see here is what Pride is about. It’s about remembering those who gain been murdered, raped, assaulted, honest for being who they are. There are no other spaces like this, and we need to be proud of the fact that we made spaces like this exist.”
The Dream Academy’s Nyasha Zhakata from Zimbabwe said she ran away from her home in 2007, leaving behind her three-year-old daughter.
“I gain had instances where people asked me why I maintain a child even though I’m lesbian. They don’t know that I was raped and that’s how I conceived. I’m thankful that I’m now reunited with my daughter.”
Another person who introduced themselves as Lwethu told GroundUp about the challenges of not being accepted in church. “We are not welcomed in church. Even if you want to fade to church you can’t because of your sexuality,” said Lwethu.
The walls of Seek Lounge were covered with pictures of victims of detest crimes. Participants lit coloured candles in their memory.
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apex
Now Now – immediately / soon. A confusing phrase for non-locals meaning sometime soon – sooner than just now but quicker than right now.Example: “We’re going to the beach now now!” (But first we have to pack our swimming gear, stop at gas station and maybe get some snacks…).
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The E in South Africa stands for electricity