Hundreds of people march to mark the 35th anniversary of Johannesburg Pride in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Hundreds of people marched in the South African capital Saturday to mark the 35th anniversary of Johannesburg Pride, an annual event that played a pivotal role in securing equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

The march in Johannesburg’s Sandton area was a colorful spectacle, but also an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community to highlight important issues such as the discrimination that most members of the community still face, despite South Africa’s progressive stance on equality.

Johannesburg resident Alice Mpholo was one of those who supported the march.

“Pride really brings to mind the rights and opportunities that this community has fought so hard for,” she said. “And it’s not just in South Africa. It’s all over the continent.”

Mpholo said there are still many countries on the African continent where LGBTQ+ rights are not recognized.

“They are being held accountable. They are killed simply for existing. So a day like this is a day of celebration, but it’s a day to appreciate the privilege of being yourself and being with people like me,” Mpholo said.

Bruce Conway, another attendee, said the event provides a safe space for the community to express themselves.

“I’m here today to celebrate myself and other people who embrace their identities in radical ways and ways that we don’t usually appreciate in everyday life. And I’m here to experience love in different capacities,” he said.

Traffic in central Sandton was diverted to accommodate the march.