Pride 2025 is making history, with South Africa witnessing a landmark moment at Cape Town Pride over the weekend, as Minister Dion George became the first openly gay cabinet member to introduce his husband.
Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Dion George shared his own experience as an openly gay South African while addressing attendants.
Minister Makes Historic First by Introducing Husband at Pride Celebrations
Speaking during the celebrations, George highlighted that he is very proudly the first openly gay Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South African history.
George expressed his joy at the progress made in politics towards inclusivity while introducing his husband to march goers:
“Today, I introduced to Cape Town Pride my husband, Craig. Craig is the only same sex husband in the National Cabinet and the first in South African history. Celebrate today this truth: We are proudly everywhere!” George said.
Pride has evolved since the minister’s first attendance
Reflecting on his journey, George also shared his experience attending South Africa’s first Pride March in 1990, which was another historic moment for him personally and for the LGBTQ+ community.
Unfortunately, the experience was terrifying for some attendant who feared backlash over their sexual orientation. George shared how some attendants had gone to great lengths to hide their identity:
“I did not wear a paper bag over my head like many others who had no option because they would be fired from work or get beaten up if they openly expressed who they were.”George recounted.
George shared that every Pride March since the first in the country had seen some form of backlash from those who oppose same-sex relationships. However, the community banded together and stood firm in their mission.
“Every year after then, the struggle was clear to see as we got insulted, had objects thrown at us and some got physically assaulted. But we never blinked, and instead stood together, united in the fight for our freedom, to be who we are, and to love who we choose.”George said.
Struggle for unity still ongoing in South Africa
In line with this, the minister says that the fight against hatred towards the community continues to this day.
“Today, that fight is still on because we are still not free. As a nation, we’ve come a very long way, but still have very far to go. Some who choose to hate came out to the sidelines of our celebration today. Some who choose to hate want to paint over the rainbow crossing in the road that we walked across earlier today.” George continued.
George made it clear that the backlash only fueled the fight for equality, ensuring that the freedoms gained will never be taken for granted.
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