Pride Month celebrated

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - In June, the focus in South Arica is mainly on the youth, owing to the historical meaning of 16 June, National Youth Day.

But, it is also Pride Month, creating awareness of the rights and needs of the LBGTQ community.

The Social, Health & Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa (SHE), a group that supports the LBGTQ community, is hosting events in both George and Mossel Bay in celebration of Pride Month.

Locally, SHE has joined hands with the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive and the organisations are hosting the first Miss LBGTQ Africa event at the D'Almeida Civic Hall on 25 June.

Reserved tickets are R80 at the door and the cost is R100 for walk-ins on the day. The event starts at 19:00.

Not just a pageant

Juan Fortuin, who works for SHE while studying for her B Ed degree, says then event is more than a pageant.

"We want to create more awareness on the issues surrounding the LBGTQ community. That is why SHE, as a partner in the event, will have a stall at the pageant. We are also hosting a get together from 15:00 at the civic hall for all members of the LBGTQ community to celebrate diversity."

Fortuin, a former member of the Mossel Bay Junior Town Council, head leader at Sao Bras High School and Miss Gay Garden Route 2017, studied education at the University of the Western Cape. She taught at Ridgeview Primary before joining SHE full time.

"Before I joined SHE, I thought all the things I experienced as a transgender person were normal, only to realise they were abuse and a violation of human rights."

She says, however, that during her time at Ridgeview, she was treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

SHE's services to the LBGTQ community are twofold. They offer basic healthcare and drive advocacy.

Entertainment

The Miss LBGTQ Africa event is a fundraiser for the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive. This organisation actively works in the community to support the vulnerable.

Entertainment on 25 June includes cabaret performances by Sam Kannemeyer, Carly-Lee and local dancer, Summer. LBGTQ ambassador, Lady Jo-Jo will also attend the event.