A friend sent me a link to Johannesburg Pride this morning. I was in awe as I watched the image and videos of people celebrating. As a queer woman in Ethiopia, I admired the resilience and unity. It is the first Pride event in Africa, and it stands as a bright light in a world where being ourselves can feel hard. When I see people celebrating love and authenticity, it reminds me that I’m not alone in this journey. Johannesburg Pride inspires me to hope for a future where I can express who I am without fear of rejection or harm.

I read about how Johannesburg Pride started as a small march and grew into something so powerful. Here in Ethiopia, where being LGBTQ+ often comes with many challenges, witnessing this kind of unity makes me feel hopeful. It shows me that we can create safe spaces for ourselves and support one another. Every person who stands up against hate and discrimination adds to our strength and helps us push for real change. This gives me hope that we can build supportive communities, even if we’re miles apart, and together challenge the norms that hold us back.

As Johannesburg Pride celebrates its history, I feel a sense of hope. Like everyone else, I want to live openly and be proud of who I am. This celebration encourages me to dream of a future where my identity is accepted. 

Looking at Johannesburg Pride has inspired me to create my own spaces in Ethiopia. It reminds me that, together, we can build a place where everyone can proudly say, “This is who I am.”