Pride Month: 3 Mzansi LGBTQIA stars proudly share how they celebrate with joy and support

October is Pride Month in South Africa and a time for the queer community to celebrate while raising awareness of the social issues and prejudices they still face.

Briefly News We met some of Mzansi’s proud LGBTQ stars and influencers who are playing a key role in educating others about accepting their identities and accepting others.

1. Khaja Dladla

The actor and radio personality believes that Pride stands for identity, peace, safety and security. I’m talking to Briefly NewsDladla said:

“I have partnered with Midrand Rainbow Pride, which takes place every year in October. This year it falls on October 5 in Midrand.”

Khaja said Briefly News that while Pride is a time of celebration, it is also a time to reflect on what government and society can do to help the LGBTQ community.

“Communities need to learn what gender is and how people should be addressed. For example, creating unisex toilets. But most importantly, murders and kidnappings are taking place on dating sites. I feel like we need to approach these issues with more sensitivity.”

Khaja added:

“In schools, the education system must play a role in including LGBTQ conversations in the curriculum.”

2. Somizi

The loud and proud media personality kicked off Pride Month by launching special edition Sompire Kids merchandise.

When the brand launched, it was met with backlash as many believed that Somizi’s lifestyle should not be associated with children. Somizi reacted to the reaction, taking to social media and saying:

“Sompire encourages children to be themselves. Encourages boldness. It’s all about having a positive attitude, loving yourself and being confident enough to be who you really are.”

3. Boo

Briefly News I caught up with Bujy, who will be celebrating Pride Month by continuing honest conversations about sexuality.

“Pride Month reminds us where we come from and how far we have come. We are done hiding, but now we have to have uncomfortable conversations when it comes to where we are as queer people.”

Bujy also highlighted some of the challenges they face in the community:

“When things are going well as a queer person, it’s easy for anyone to say you’re cool, but if you don’t meet certain standards, the punishment is severe. You’re easy to replace.”

Like Khaya Dladla, Bujy stressed the importance of government intervention to protect members of the LGBTQ community.

“I lost a friend whose case isn’t even investigated, who was killed by a stranger, and I ask myself, if it had been a heterosexual person, would they have been rejected in this way?”

Speaking out against some widespread homophobia, Bujy said:

“We stand out. We are beautiful people and we are a blessing, not a curse.”

Somizi flirts with Sol Phenduka

In other news Briefly News reported that a video of Somizi Mhlongo flirting with radio personality Sol Phenduka has gone viral and left netizens giggling. The media personality said that she finds Sol attractive and would not mind dating him. Somizi Mhlongo also took the opportunity to attack MacG who is his partner in crime and co-host Podcast and relaxation. Mzansi reacted to the video and ridiculed Somizi Mhlongo’s courage and Sol Phenduka’s shyness.

Source: Short News