“The community is here to seek dialogue with the government and address issues affecting us,” said Eric Sambisa, who leads the Nyasa Rainbow Alliance. The organisers of Malawi Pride used the parade to deliver a petition addressed to the president calling on the government to repeal laws that criminalise same-sex unions. I know in the past we would not be able to do this.” I think this is historic and the moment we have been longing for. “Even in the political space I am not represented and am not allowed to have my say. “It was hard for me because no one wanted to associate with me. They shared stories of being denied housing, blackmailed by police, bullied in school, rejected by their families and forced to hide their sexuality in public.Ĭhrispine, 30, faced reprisals at his school and church when his sexuality was discovered and was thrown out of his family home at 18. Many of those on the march said they still faced stigma and persecution and lived their lives in a state of fear. No crowds lined the pavements, though a few passing cars sounded their horns in support.ĭespite the celebration, most of those taking part wore masks, not because of Covid-19 but for fear of revealing their identities in a country where a conviction for homosexuality can lead to 14 years in jail for men and five for women. They marched largely alone through quiet streets.
Marchers donned shirts with rainbow colours and emblazoned with words such as “embracing our queerness”, “pride unites world”, “love first” and “Malawi is for us too”, as they danced and chanted “Viva LGBTI!”. I’m lucky that I have a loving family which accepted me the way I am.” I have been through a lot, including insults and discrimination. “To be a gay in Malawi is tough and it takes a lot of guts to be open like I am. “I feel so happy to be part of this,” he said. Those on the streets of Lilongwe on Saturday, however, expressed joy that in a year during which events had been cancelled across the world, their parade was at last taking place during annual Pride month.Īndreas, 29, said it was a huge moment for his community as he danced to the music and raised a placard above his head.