Simply "Long" Fun at the First Eswatini LGBTI Pride March

Image source: FLAS

"It was small yet monumental in its essence, beautiful and peaceful…" Jerri Mokgofe (According to Jerri). 

It was a star-studded affair as the Mbabane skies and streets were filled with colour on Saturday 30 June as history was made in the tiny kingdom.

Led by Rock of Hope Eswatini and supported by the EU Ambassador to Swaziland Esmeralda Hernandez Aaragones, the peaceful march around the capital city saw freedom reign as the LGBTI community and friends came out in their numbers. Also spotted was the glamorous SA DJ and TV Maker Olwee, who was a special guest.

I’m so happy to have been a part of history at the inaugural #eSwatiniPride! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful way to end #PrideMonth! . . . #GayPride #LGBTI #Eswatini #Swaziland #Gay 👗: @_sihlemasango 💅🏾: @dami_nailszone 📸: @allthingsswazi

A post shared by Olwee 🏳️‍🌈 (@kingolwee) on Jul 2, 2018 at 6:42am PDT

Once the parade got to the renowned Prince of Wales stadium, not so far from the Swaziland Broadcasting Services studios, it was party time. From fashion shows to planned and impromptu dance contests, the comperes for the day, Lindokuhle Mthupha and Frankie "the Diva" held it down alongside seasoned deejays Master P, King Terry, Mozaik the Producer, Speech Umlangeni and other local artists.

The colourful event also had stunning stalls, showcasing the best of Eswatini craft, art and cuisine, just what the patrons ordered!

Check out all the love Rock of Hope received for this milestone:

Photo Essay: 34 Serene Moments from the Monumental #eSwatiniPride 2018. https://t.co/E9owG1Tbjd #AccordingToJerri pic.twitter.com/3ptpShY7fL

— ATJ (@AccordinToJerri) July 3, 2018

Congratulations to our friends @TheRockOfHopeSD who hosted eSwatini's first ever pride over the weekend. Such an impressive and joyous day #eSwatiniPride https://t.co/gib2A5na3K

— Human Dignity Trust (@HumanDignityT) July 2, 2018

This weekend will never leave me. #eSwatiniPride was pure love. I felt so at home - a feeling that doesn’t visit often. ❤️🌈🏳️‍🌈🇸🇿 pic.twitter.com/aBuitroIHG

— Jamil F. Khan (@JamilFarouk) July 2, 2018

Congrats to @TheRockOfHopeSD for organising the 1st #LGBTQ #Pride in #Swaziland!

— ACTSA (@ACTSA_UK) July 2, 2018

From Pride with Love. #EswatiniPride. This weekend only showed that there is Unity in Diversity. #LiveLoveLearnRespect everyone. #swazilandpride #swazitwitter @TheRockOfHopeSD @YAM_Eswatini pic.twitter.com/AtYcJmkg5K

— FLAS | Temndeni (@FLAS79) July 2, 2018

The first Swaziland Pride is over and it was a HUGE success! The community and their allies painted the streets of this country rainbow, with a beautiful, colourful parade that was literally exploding with joy. #eSwatiniPride #SwazilandPride pic.twitter.com/w2Wl2UGeCp

— All Out (@AllOut) June 30, 2018

It will always go down as one of the most amazing events we've ever witness Eswatini. Well done Rock of Hope, may your star continue to rise and may we all TURN HATE INTO LOVE and continue to spread love for one another.

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