Students see Pride Month as a time of free expression
Pride Month is a month for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves, to be who they are without being pressured or being discriminated against. This is according to Morwesi Sefularo (26), a BA honours in communication with development communication student at the North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom.
Sefularo said that this month is all about being oneself, being free without any fear. She also said that this is a month where a lot of people come out about their sexuality to their families. “This month is basically more about raising awareness, amongst other things and for others to say that … hey, I’m gay and it’s okay being gay,” she added.
threestreamsmedia spoke to students about Pride Month, celebrated in June and dedicated to recognising the LGTQIA+ communities all over the world. According to CNN this month is for the “LGBTQ communities to come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.”
Otshepeng Mahlaela (22), BCom honours in information systems student at the NWU Mahikeng campus, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, said that he thinks setting aside a month is an “amazing initiative” and that it should not be only for people within the LGBTQIA+ community. He said that a month is not enough and that pride should be celebrated throughout the year because there are still challenges that people within this community faces.
“The fact is that, if you say you are gay, then you are expected to act a certain way or do certain things to prove your sexuality,” he said. According to Mahlaela there is still resistance to change and there are people who still hate “gays”.
“Sometimes one is afraid of going out to certain places because we are truly not safe. Yes, the world is progressive to be accepting and acknowledging of us but we are not safe,” he said. Mahlaela encouraged the LGBTQIA+ community to take pride in who they are. “Let Pride colours be worn with pride. Let the LGBT+ live it up because it’s their time to live it up,” he said.
In support of the LGBTQIA+ community the NWU has a rainbow-painted wall at Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campus and, according to Louis Jacobs, spokesperson of the NWU, “the painting on the Vanderbijlpark campus is currently underway.”
Jacobs said that the Pride Wall in Potchefstroom was painted in 2019, whereas in Mahikeng it was unveiled on 13 May 2021. “The purpose is in line with the meaning of the multi-coloured flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, and also demonstrating the NWU’s support,” said Jacobs.
According to NWU News the Pride Wall at NWU Mahikeng campus represents the LGBTQIA+ community on the campus and they are aimed at recognising and celebrating the lives and experiences of these members. The NWU Pride Wall is a symbol of the institutions’ care and support for the LQBTQIA+ community.