JOHANNESBURG — On Saturday, a significant celebration took place in the South African capital, marking 35 years of Pride Johannesburg. This annual event serves as a crucial platform for advocating equal rights and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community.

The vibrant march, held in the Sandton area of Johannesburg, not only showcased an atmosphere of festivity but also provided an opportunity for participants to shed light on the ongoing discrimination many LGBTQ+ individuals still encounter, despite South Africa’s relatively progressive views on equality.

One of the attendees, resident Alice Mpholo, expressed her support for the march, stating, “Pride is a reminder of the rights and opportunities that this community has fought so hard for,” emphasizing that the struggle goes beyond South Africa and extends throughout the African continent.

Mpholo noted that numerous countries in Africa continue to deny recognition to LGBTQ+ individuals, citing severe repercussions such as persecution and violence. “They are being prosecuted. They are being killed just for existing. So a day like this is not only a celebration but also a moment to reflect on the privilege of being able to express my true self among like-minded individuals,” she elaborated.

Bruce Conway, another participant, highlighted the importance of such events in providing a safe environment for personal expression. “I’m here today to celebrate myself and those who proudly embrace their identities in ways that aren’t often acknowledged on a daily basis. It’s also about experiencing love in various forms,” he shared.

The march led to the diversion of traffic in Sandton’s central district, accommodating the large gathering and the festivities surrounding this important occasion.