To properly position LGBTQI+ offering and fully embrace diversity, destinations should look at hosting more Pride events throughout the year.

This was the key message from a recent EQUAL Africa panel discussion webinar, moderated by  LoAnn Halden, Vice President of Communications for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, which unpacked the importance of Pride events as drivers of tourism and change, especially in the African context.

The webinar’s panellists included Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir, Queer Activist, Cultural Producer and Founder of Moonlight Experiences; Michael Gladwin, Founder of Afrigay Travel and AllStay LGBTQ+ Education; Rodney Otieno, Co-Founder and Director of Policy Development and Membership for the Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa; and Nonhlanhla ‘MC’ Mkhize, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre.

The panellists explored various topics within the LGBTQ+ community, including how Pride events push countries – and the governments and businesses operating within them – to fully embrace the idea of inclusivity instead of ‘pinkwashing’ once a year in June (pride month).

‘Pinkwashing’ refers to the promotion of the gay-friendliness of a corporate or political entity in an attempt to downplay or soften aspects of it considered negative.

“Pride events, like Durban Pride, are selling the concept of pride as not just a one-day activity, but a year-long campaign and investment,” said Mkhize.

“It’s really important to think beyond the concept of ‘we welcome everyone’. We need to understand why we need to be inclusive and how we need to be inclusive – what we need to do in order to become truly inclusive. We can’t just say we are. We need to action it,” added Gladwin.

The panellists also highlighted the importance of allies in the fight for change, addressing how there was often a ‘fear factor’ at play amongst many individuals, organisations, and business owners who wished to support the community.

“The LGBTQI+ community is very complex and sometimes people get scared. ‘What if I say something wrong? What if I mess up the acronym? Or what if I say something that offends you?’ That fear, again, goes back to education. We need to have open conversations with people who are open to being our allies but don’t understand how to come into our world,” Otieno commented.

Despite the concerns in countries like Uganda, which recently signed a law that punishes 'aggravated homosexuality' with death, it is evident that Africa has taken strides towards inclusivity, and each panellist was hopeful for continued progress across the continent in the future.

Gladwin noted how much work was being done to bring the World Pride 2028 event and InterPride 2024 Annual General Meeting & World Conference to Cape Town, often seen as Africa’s LGBTQ+ capital.

“We need to create a global conversation, find the gaps, and find the solutions. Let the conversation begin in Cape Town,” he said.

Shaibu-Lenoir concluded the webinar by reminding everyone of the foundation of these Pride events.

“Anyone who wants to be an authentic ally must understand that queerness has always been political. Pride, in its foundation, is a protest. That needs to lead the way in Africa like it has in so many other countries. Pride is also a wondrous celebration, but we mustn’t forget that, at its core, it’s about change. Things can get better.”