A LOT still needs to be done in Mzansi to ensure that everyone is accepted for who they are irrespective of their sexual orientation.
This was said by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu while leading a walk against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia at the Botanical Gardens in Tshwane on Friday, 24 November.
Zulu said this is about violence in general in the country as this is a big problem.
“We want everyone to be protected. We heard of late of bullying at a school that led to a life lost. South Africans need to understand that we are different and should be able to tolerate each other,” she said.
The minister highlighted the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasising their struggles with acceptance in families, society, and workplaces.
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The walk served as a pre-launch for the 16 Days campaign against violence on women and children, officially set to launch in Mpumalanga.
Zulu said the walk is the beginning of showing that such campaign are needed everyday so that this fight can be won.
One of the participants, Karabo Meyambo, who is the founder of West Phoenix Women and LGBTIQIA+, said this is one of the walks to say to the society they are here and visible and they belong.
“We need to be free and belong. We are all human beings and just because my sexuality is different, no one must treat me differently,” Karabo said.
Kgomotso Baloyi from Peacemakers LGBTQIA+ from Ivory Park said the area is too homophobic and the level of rape is also out of hand.
“We are all made in the image of God and I'm standing here today to say we are here, and no one should go against what God has created,” said Kgomotso.
