The spokesperson for the Triangle Project, Ling Sheperd, said that despite legal protections, many queer South Africans still face discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.

As Pride Month is marked worldwide, LGBTQIA+ rights groups in the country are calling on government to take stronger steps to enforce laws protecting queer communities.

The theme in 2025 – "One story, one future" – speaks to unity, shared experiences, and the continued fight for freedom and equality.

The spokesperson for the Triangle Project, Ling Sheperd, said that despite legal protections, many queer South Africans still faced discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.

"The community faces discrimination, violence and social stigma still, access to affirming health care remains limited, and many still experience exclusion in workplaces and in their families, which is how many queer folks end up being unhoused."

Sheperd said that while legal progress has been made, practical implementation is lagging.

"Our decision makers, and those that run the country and those that are writing these laws and having them passed, there needs to be some kind of oversight on how implementation happens. Pride Month goes beyond one month."

*This article was first published by Eye Witness News