A colourful group of the South African LGBTIQ+ community gathered at Constitution Hill

A colourful group of the South African LGBTIQ+ community gathered at Constitution Hill earlier today to raise the rainbow PRIDE flag in celebration of Pride Month. Commemorating the first day of October, also known around the globe as Pride Month, the flag-raising is a deeply symbolic gesture for the LGBTIQ+ community especially during the month of Pride.

This hoisting on the rainbow flag event not only symbolises a celebration of the rights and inclusion of the South African LGBTIQ+ the community which are enshrined in our constitution, but is also a reminder of the journey this community had to face to gain their basic human rights in this country.

And with the recent surge in targeted brutal and violent murders, an utter loss of young lives in the LGBTIQ+ community, now more than ever is the time to speak up against these atrocities.

Raised at Constitution Hill, home of the highest court in the land - the Constitutional Court, the PRIDE flag alongside the South African flag will be flown high for the entire month of October in celebration of the LGBTQI+ community.

“The raising of this flag is very personal and so symbolic that we are here as a community. We are proud and we celebrate the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community in a democratic South Africa. Needless to say the community faces abuse and homophobia on a daily basis. The event happened to remind us all that we deserve more, we also demands inclusion, dignity, respect and equality for everyone.” stated Thami Dish Foundation founder Thami Kotlolo who was in attendance at the ceremony.