MOHALE Motaung says members of the gay community must accept themselves before others can.
The media personality led a pride parade in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday 27 April.
He was joined by actor Wiseman Zitha and provincial DA leader Jane Sithole. The event was to celebrate Freedom Day.
Mohale said people were still scared to come out.
“This is because we fear for our lives each and every day. Every day, we are reminded of how we are not normal and how we are a waste,” he said.
“They think we just wake up and decide to be gay. I don’t think anybody chooses to be something others don’t necessarily appreciate.”
He encouraged parents to accept their children’s sexuality and not disown them.
ALSO READ | Reggae singers bounce back
“If you are gay, transgender or whatever you are, please don’t stop being yourself,” he said.
“It’s important to wake up every morning and tell yourself this is me, this is who I am and I accept myself.
“It’s important to accept yourself first before other people accept you. The reason why other people come across problems in terms of their sexuality is because they have not really accepted themselves.”
Jane pledged her support to the gay community.
“We have to fight for the freedom of everyone and the challenges they face,” she said.
“You can’t be born free and be killed by hate. We must all be ambassadors and advocates.”
