​Lerato Mailoane
Members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) community gathered in large numbers at the Emoyeni Fitness Club in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday to stand united against Gender-Based Violence and all forms of discrimination.
The daylong event kicked off with a 5-kilometer march, urging the public to embrace tolerance and reject discrimination based on sexual orientation. 
Participants marched proudly, showcasing vibrant colours and sharing a powerful message of acceptance and unity.
This year marked the 17th annual Ekurhuleni LGBTI Pride March, an event designed to foster solidarity among communities, families, non-governmental organisations, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, and healers. Attendees from across Gauteng joined in to celebrate the joyful and resilient spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Event and director of Trans Guardians Alliance Donwell Mpofu said, "the 17th Ekurhuleni LGBTQIA+ Pride March is a reminder of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and solidarity in the ongoing journey toward equality and inclusivity for all. 
"It is a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in Ekurhuleni."
Mpofu said the event aimed to create awareness of all the prejudices and offer support to those who don't have anywhere to go for support.
"Remember, you are perfect just the way you are and don't need anyone else's approval. We promise to do our best as marginalised queer individuals in the fight against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersex phobia."
Addressing adoption challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community, author of Unbreakable Limpho Seeiso said it's never been easier for this community to become parents as there are still a lot of prejudices that exist. 
"We can now adopt and serve as foster parents in the country, all thanks to advancements in assisted reproductive technology, innovative co-parenting, and known-donor arrangements. We also have more biological children. 
"Despite this progress, a complex network of laws, regulations and restrictions affect many of our most common paths to parenthood, meaning would-be parents can face a far more complicated legal landscape than our straight counterparts."
Seeiso said her book explores these challenges and what government can do to make it easier for the LGBTQIA+ community. 
She further urged the public to take responsibility and educate themselves about same-sex marriage and parenting.