PA GOES QUEER

THE Patriotic Alliance has launched its LGBTQIA+ League.

The event which was held at the Factreton community hall on 26 July had lekker and vibrant guest speakers speaking to the young generation of the community.

Ward councillor Cheslyn Steenberg told the Daily Voice that the league aims allow marginalised groups a seat at the table and to have their voices heard.

Steenberg says: “As a political party, it is the importance of celebrating diversity and accepting that people have their own stories to tell within the context of where we find ourselves as people.

“We live in a time where we need to embrace diversity from a point of humanity and to celebrate who we are as people and to show love without condition, empathy without questioning and show compassion without having to look at the colour of your skin, gender or sexuality.”

Ashley Sauls, better known as Oom Biza, delivered the keynote speech.

He said that the party is a "god-fearing" party and said some party members or the public might not agree with the league. 

He added that "to speak from a place of truth but it needs to come from a place of love".

The event also saw extravagant performances by local community member and diva Dakota.

Meanwhile, chairperson of the league Ricardo van Niekerk told the Daily Voice that their aim is to gain more members within the area of Factreton, but also the greater area ward 56 itself which includes Kensington and Maitland.

Van Niekerk says: “We want to firstly thank God and the Patriotic Alliance for the platform we as LGBTQI has been given for creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ members and the community at large, regardless of race, gender or religion. 

“We aim to have an educational drive to inform everyone of who we are, not just entertainers, but what we can contribute towards society and our own community if we work hand in hand making the difference we hope for.”

He added that as Heritage Day approaches in September the league hopes to spend the day with elderly mense and more details will be provided.