MAMELODI TO CELEBRATE INAUGURAL LGBTI PRIDE

Named MAMS Pr!de, the event will take place from 12 p.m at Moretele Park in the form of a social picnic, and will include the participation of various organisations and groups.

There will be LGBTI information stalls and mobile HIV counselling and testing (HCT) as well as food stalls and bars for participants to eat and quench their thirst.

The aim, says organiser Jay Matlou, a trainer and health offiver at OUT LGBT Well-being, is “to create a safe social space for LGBTI people and their supporters.” This includes, “celebrating and increasing the visibility of LGBTI supporters in the community, building awareness around hate crimes and mobilising LGBTI people to access HCT services.”

Matlou has urged the LGBTI community, their supporters, friends and family and local LGBTI-affirming businesses and organisations to come out for the afternoon and take part in the event.

“It’ll be fun! It’s an opportunity to meet, socialise and make our presence felt in Mamelodi – all while highlighting issues that affect our community,” he said.

For more information, please contact Matlou on matlouj@out.org.za or on 076 403 8398.