Pride month is a time to recall the hardships that the LGBTQIA+ community has endured, and it is a month to commemorate and celebrate just how far we have come in the fight against hate crimes directed at the gay community.
It is important to focus on the needs of the gay community to create a future that is better, and fair. Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQIA+ unit endure tragic levels of violence and discrimination on a daily basis. We don’t know how many hate crimes are committed against members of the gay community exactly, but the Gay and Lesbian Alliance of South Africa (Glasa) feels that there has been an upsurge in premeditated murders directed at members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
While we’re proud of the great strides that have been made in the fight for equality in this minority group, there is still a cluster of society that refuses to understand and accept members of the gay population. It is crucial for us to inform ourselves and create awareness about this issue, and the challenges faced by the gay community to facilitate understanding and non-discrimination.
What can we do to help?
Speak up against these crimes and raise awareness. There is a shortage of care and a general unfairness that makes it difficult for victims to report hate crimes. Educate yourself and the members of your society about these injustices, and advocate for the rights of the gay population. Join the Pride Movement or PFLAG South Africa. Speaking up against these hate crimes will encourage victims to come forward with their stories.
Get help. Love not Hate helps victims to report hate crimes. Contact them for assistance.
The Triangle Project helps victims of hate crimes by offering support and protects the rights of the gay community. Contact them for support.
Don’t join the bigoted conversation against the LGBTQIA+ community but call out those who treat them unfairly. After all, love is love. Grab our flag and wave it with PRIDE!
Have a wonderful Pride Month!
