PRIDE supporters made the Durban Beach spring to colour on the 27th of June, 2015. The initiative hosted a multitude of followers that pranced with high spirited attire and their loud and proud South African charisma, which brought the beachfront to life while also creating awareness for a cause that still seems to contain small mindedness. What is PRIDE?
“For the Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre, Durban Pride is a year long campaign aimed at celebrating sexual diversity within eThekwini and KwaZulu Natal. Through this campaign we identify a variety of activities towards commemorating life lost as a result of discrimination and oppression on grounds of sexual and gender identity, sexual orientation and gender expression. We remember people who have died as a result of their own or another’s attempt to make them feel like an outcast, not worthy, sinful, or that something needed to be changed in their life.” (Diversity, free to be yourself: Pride 2015, Issue No. 8).
The theme for this year’s walk was “On Common Ground” and you can bet on the fact that Durbanite’s took full advantage of claiming their pride and walking on somewhat sacred land that holds its own wealth of heritage. The Democratic Alliance (DA) were there showing their enthused support. As we march into an era that is consumed with the idea of change, there still seems to be cause for insult, for resistance to change and what one and all needs to acknowledge is: that all change isn’t bad and most importantly “change is possible”.
‘Durbanites’, as much as we are fun and loving, we can also be snooty and close minded. It was my first time to have had the pleasure of walking for a cause that is extremely close to my heart and believe me when I say, Durban PRIDE South Africa made me look at the concept of PRIDE in a positive and inspiring way.
My message to all Durbanites’ after witnessing love in all shapes, sizes and colours, would be to not make it more difficult than it is for our fellow Durbanites’ in expressing their bombastic characters and tantalizing styles; finding love is hard enough, so embrace your individualism, accept the different types of relationships that exist and most of all, don’t walk around thinking that the world and its inhabitants are meant to live in your small, inconspicuous, outdated and most obviously narrow-minded box, peak out once in a while and you may be greeted with something beautifully proud and outlandishly meant to be…
I have two very special people in my life that have had to go through immense pressure from society and family in stating their love for one another, these two people are courageous and inspire me every day and I would like to dedicate this article to them. Thanks guys for fighting for your love, it truly is priceless.
For more information about Durban PRIDE, visit www.durbanpride.org.za or email: director@durbanpride.org.za
