EDITORIAL: Fight for justice ends on high note
On Saturday, Namibian streets lit up with banners, dancing, chants and music during what could arguably be described as the biggest Namibian Pride parade in our history.
As the procession wound through Windhoek’s centre, passers-by on foot or in cars stopped to cheer them on, a welcome response deeply in contrast to hate-filled social media comments that continuously greet any LGBTQ related news. An indication of the reality on the ground, a welcoming and tolerant Namibia, as opposed to the keyboard warriors who often give the impression of intolerance.
The cheery atmosphere also contrasted sharply with LGBTQ marches that took to the streets over the past year, in protest against government decisions that flouted constitutional promises of equality and dignity.
This year, Namibia’s LGBTQ community and its allies entered the national consciousness as never before, speaking out against homophobic legislation and demanding their rightful place in the Namibian house.
The movement’s rise is driven by young Namibians - old enough to vote, brave enough to stand up for their rights and energetic enough to keep on going for as long as it takes.
Politicians should not dismiss their power, nor their will to get things done.
Saturday’s Pride parade marked a fitting end to a year that has seen the rise of a community intent on claiming its constitutionally promised right to equality and their human right to choose who they love and build a family with.
Like any civil rights battle, it will take time to change minds and legislation. But what this year has shown is that the forces campaigning for these rights will not stop until they have succeeded.
As the procession wound through Windhoek’s centre, passers-by on foot or in cars stopped to cheer them on, a welcome response deeply in contrast to hate-filled social media comments that continuously greet any LGBTQ related news. An indication of the reality on the ground, a welcoming and tolerant Namibia, as opposed to the keyboard warriors who often give the impression of intolerance.
The cheery atmosphere also contrasted sharply with LGBTQ marches that took to the streets over the past year, in protest against government decisions that flouted constitutional promises of equality and dignity.
This year, Namibia’s LGBTQ community and its allies entered the national consciousness as never before, speaking out against homophobic legislation and demanding their rightful place in the Namibian house.
The movement’s rise is driven by young Namibians - old enough to vote, brave enough to stand up for their rights and energetic enough to keep on going for as long as it takes.
Politicians should not dismiss their power, nor their will to get things done.
Saturday’s Pride parade marked a fitting end to a year that has seen the rise of a community intent on claiming its constitutionally promised right to equality and their human right to choose who they love and build a family with.
Like any civil rights battle, it will take time to change minds and legislation. But what this year has shown is that the forces campaigning for these rights will not stop until they have succeeded.
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Namibian Sun
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