SOWETO PRIDE OUR LIVES MATTER (front)
SAFETY JUSTICE FREEDOM ARE OUR RIGHTS (back)


Soweto Pride is a political project initiated by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW) in 2004 to confront homophobia and discrimination experienced by gays and lesbians in South Africa, particularly those living in the townships. There is also emphasis placed on creating a political and social space for Black lesbian women, who are often marginalised in other gay organisations and who have been brutally targeted through so-called 'corrective rapes'.

When the event started in 2004, a small number of gays and lesbians marched through the streets of Soweto, despite the fear of being attacked. However, attendance has grown with not only LGBTQI+ people marching, but also their friends, families, and other allies showing solidarity.

SOWETO Pride Week starts on Heritage Day (24th September) every year, with the Pride March taking place on the last Saturday of September, annually. The programme includes cultural activities and film screenings.