More people were “proud to go out” this year (Image: Rock of Hope/Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minority)

Despite living in a country where sexuality is prohibited, hundreds of people bravely gathered to celebrate their pride.

Ever since Britain was colonized by the African country in the 19th century, it was illegal to be gay in the Kingdom of Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland.

Activist Mangaliso Mdzebele told us that the country, one of only three monarchies left on the continent, has historically viewed LGBTQ+ people as “evil.”

Former Prime Minister Mafeb Dramini said in 2018 that “gay was unusual and sick”.

According to local activists, most LGBTQ+ people in Eswatini still live in closets.

British common law criminalizes sodomy between two men and does not specify anything for women, but is considered to absolutely prohibit same-sex relationships.

Although the law has not been enforced by police and courts for decades, the LGBTQ+ community still claims to “face human rights abuses” in everyday life.

This is because society is afraid of losing their jobs, being separated from their loved ones, and suffering from prejudice.

However, more than 300 people gathered and celebrated last Saturday.

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This year marks the fifth pride celebration in South Africa (Image: Rock of Hope).

People in t-shirts reading their profession and looking at the other side of the camera.

LGBTQ+ people in Ezwatini are often afraid of losing their jobs depending on who they are (Image: Rock of Hope).

Bring hope. Every time there is a pride event, it gives us hope,” said Sisanda Mavin Bella, one of the pride organizers.

The crowd grew overnight as Sisanda felt it was safe for people to celebrate only when their identities were hidden in the dark for the past several years, when pride was not limited to the Covid-19 pandemic. I explained how to do it.

But this year, more people were “wild and proud” during the day, Sisanda said.

Maxwell Gumby went to Pride for the first time last weekend and now he really enjoys it, saying, “It should happen twice a year.”

She said she was “proud to stand up for her rights” that day.

Two women with rainbow flags talking on stage.

Compared to last year, there were more “wild and proud” people this year (Image: Rock of Hope)

A woman in typical costume waves a flag.

Mr. Sisanda said it is important for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate in their own country (Image: Eswatini sexual and sexual minorities).

A crowd of people in the field for the pride of Ezwatini.

Over 300 people took part in the 2022 Eswatini Pride event (Image: Rock of Hope)

Eswatini won its first pride in 2018. At the time, international pressure allowed the community to gain permission and protection to march in the street.

But since then, that hasn’t happened, and charities and activists struggle to plan and fund pride events.

Sisanda’s organization, Eswatini Sexual & Gender Minorities, joined seven other NGOs this year to create a “safe place” for LGBTQ+ people.

They created country clubs in the town of Manzini, paid for personal security, organized entertainment, and invited their business and government allies to show their support.

The Ministry of Health was reportedly the only government agency there.

The Parliament of Eswatini was contacted for comment.

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