Palapye Pride march to champion equality for LGBTQIA+

The event, set for 7 am to 8 pm, will start at the Kediretswe clinic open space and be completed at the Riverview mall courtyard.

In an interview with Mmegi Online, Seipone Boitshwarelo, event coordinator and director at Agang Community Network, said the walk will be pivotal in advocating for the marginalized group.

“The aim is really to assert existence and rights. It is to directly challenge and ensure that the LGBTQIA community is visible in Palapye through celebration and advocacy throughout,” she said.

Boitshwarelo said the walk will not entirely focus on advocating for their voices to be heard but will aim to phase out any habits that always make their environments hostile.

“The event will focus on creating safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ expression, and this will establish Palapye’s first public platform where LGBTQIA can celebrate their identities without fear,” she said.

In addition, through community education and solidarity building, Boitshwarelo said the walk would also focus on addressing the LGBTQIA violence incited against them.

As Agang Community Network, Boitshwarelo said their vision is to phase out stereotypes that have traversed all these years and continue to take precedence even in the present.

“Our mission is to build bridges of understanding between LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, faith communities, and broader society through advocacy. Healing-centered engagement, capacity building, and inclusive dialogue rooted in human rights,” Boitshwarelo said.

In conclusion, Boitshwarelo said she hoped that the walk would receive overwhelming support from the LGBTQIA community and the community at large.

“We hope to have direct engagement with traditional leaders, resulting in formal recognition of LGBTQIA community members. Enhanced family acceptance and support for the LGBTQIA community members,” she said.