SATURDAY, June 16, 2018—This was going to be like just any other day for the BGMC while we are in South Africa but it became so much more.
Originally, we were to participate in various workshops with GALA (Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action), Men 4 Men and the Holy Trinity Church LGBT Refugee outreach program. These three groups have major significance and impact in and for the South African communities for the work they in the fight against HIV/AIDS, refugee safety and acceptance and tolerance. But as can happen in life, plans change. We were presented with an amazing opportunity and—as the representatives of Men 4 Men said at the performance at the Soweto Theatre benefitting the Kiptown Youth Program (with the Mzansi Gay Choir)—when an amazing opportunity comes along, we should take it.
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa greets a member of the Chours.
The amazing opportunity was an invitation to participate in the 2018 Youth Day Parade with South African President Cyril Ramaposa! Before the march began, President Ramaphosa welcomed us to the country in his opening remarks, during which he talked about the need to foster acceptance of all people.
He also talked about the events of June 19, 1976, which the Youth Day march commemorates. What started as a peaceful protest by South African youth fighting for social and economic justice, took a wrong turn when the police tried to disperse the crowd of young people by firing a shot into the air. Unfortunately, a stray bullet hit 12-year-old Hector Pieterson, who was not participating in the protest, and the crowd went wild and retaliated throwing stones and bottles. They were no match for a police force with guns and many young lives were lost. As sad as this was, this action empowered the young people of South Africa who to this day are more vocal about what is right and fair and they continue to carry the banner for those rights and for those who were lost.
Youth Day is a holiday in South Africa (and activities are planned throughout the month of June). It is spiritual and uplifting all at the same time. Reminds me of the civil rights protests of the 60s in the USA. What they did both in the USA and South Africa reminds me of a quote by Bayard Rustin. Loosely stated, he said that every community needs the voices of angelic troublemakers. This clearly continues with the young people of South Africa.
On Youth Day we marched from the school where it all started to the huge stadium where those lost were honored and celebrated and the future of the country was and will be recognized by the young people working with the government but always strong enough to raise their voices against any injustice towards and persons of South Africa.
So was I sad that we did not participate in the events planned by GALA (Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action), Men 4 Men and the Holy Trinity Church LGBT Refugee outreach program. Absolutely! But I (and everyone associated with the BGMC) was so honored to meet the new President and most importantly the many people who embraced us as much as they embraced each other!