Unathi Obose – Published on : 2023/06/ – By News24

Members of the Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and others (LGBTQIA+) community from various organisations in the Metro marked the 10th anniversary of Khumbulani Pride on Saturday 20 May.

They gathered near Harare Police Station to celebrate the event before marching to Seek Lounge in Ilitha Park for the day’s proceedings.

Khumbulani Pride is an annual event where the LGBTQIA+ community remembers all those who died due to homophobic attacks in the community and the survivors.

Speaking on behalf of Khumbulani Pride, Velisa Jara described the event as a way of highlighting their plight as the LGBTQIA+ community. She described the march as a symbol of raising awareness in the community.

Jara said they felt marginalised in some sectors of society.

“There is a lot that we are facing in our communities. Our members have been harassed, attacked and killed every day. We feel as if we are not safe and welcomed in the community,” said Jara.

She accused the justice system of dragging its feet. She claimed that there were many pending court cases and some were thrown out of the courts.

“The sad thing is to see someone who raped or killed one of our members roaming the streets while he committed an atrocious act. Sometimes the courts give the culprit bail without even informing the families of the deceased members. As an LGBTQIA+ community, we are fighting a losing battle because no one is prepared to hear us,” she said.

Jara called for an end to the attacking and killing of gays and lesbians.

Nyasha Masi Zhakata, the founder of Pachedu – an organisation that supports the LGBTQIA+ community and migrants in South Africa, stated that they were in solidarity with those killed because of their sexual orientation. “All Africans are facing the same challenges. Our members have been attacked and killed for nothing. We want justice to be served for all those who killed our members. We are also saying no to xenophobia,” said Zhakata adding that it’s high time to stand up for themselves.