News24 proudly presents Pride Pulse, a four-part podcast celebrating Pride Month this October. The podcast will fire up critical conversations about the multiple realities lived by the LGBTQIA+ community.
The podcast was born from this dire need: to create a space where queer voices can be heard and to provide a moment for listeners – members or allies alike to reflect, analyse and celebrate life in all its queerness.
For many queer people, finding a supportive community can be rather difficult. Pride Pulse fills that gap – it is a site for candid discussions of critical issues that make a difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
A safe and inclusive space for those who might not have access to a larger community – every listener tuning in will, for the first time, experience queer joy, work out their identity, and share in the collective experiences of others.
The podcast
OPINION | Bringing queer voices to the forefront: critical conversations and cultural celebrations
As a Black trans woman, I've spent years navigating my identity and existence within a society that is often unkind to people like me.
In the company of my cisgender, heterosexual and queer friends, I've been fortunate to engage in open and honest discussions about what it means to live as queer people in a world structured by cisgender, heterosexual norms.
Despite the empathy and support from some allies, there remains a significant gap in how society understands our experiences, challenges, and the urgent need for visibility.
This is why I created Pride Pulse, a four-part podcast series set to air during October, South Africa's Pride Month.
Each week, we'll bring forward discussions, with prominent guests from the LGBTQIA+ community, talking about issues that impact queer people daily - issues that too often go unheard.
This podcast is not just another special project, but a vital platform for creating space where queer voices can be amplified, and our stories can be told by those who love them.
It's a celebration of diversity, an acknowledgement of our struggles and, most importantly, a place where we can foster genuine dialogue about what it means to be queer in South Africa today.
EPISODE 1
The first episode of Pride Pulse is all about understanding Pride - its history, its significance, and its future.
While Pride Month is often reduced to rainbow flags and festivities, the more profound message lies in resistance and reclamation.
It's about the fight for equality, safety and dignity. When we reflect on Pride's historical roots, particularly within South Africa, we see the intersection of race, class and gender, further complicating what it means to be queer in this country.
In episode 1, Iviwe is joined by the remarkable Yaya Mavundla, a multi-award-winning transgender activist, disruptor, and multidisciplinary artist. Yaya has worked tirelessly to bring visibility to transgender issues and has been a driving force in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights in South Africa.
EPISODE 2
In this episode of Pride Pulse, host Iviwe Mzandisi delves into the critical topic of mental health and well-being within the LGBTQIA+ community.
The episode features activist Roche Kester, renowned filmmaker and activist Dr Bev Ditsie, and social entrepreneur Dr Dulcy Rakumakoe.
EPISODE 3
In this episode of Pride Pulse, we examine the state of LGBTIQA+ rights in South Africa, where progressive laws often face resistance from deeply rooted social challenges. Guest, human rights advocate Motlatsi Clive Motseoile, offers expert insights into the legal and social hurdles still affecting the queer community.
With over 12 years of experience in the legal and human rights sectors, Motseoile has advised government bodies, NGOs, and corporate clients on policies that promote social justice. Together, we discuss the progress made, ongoing barriers, and what it will take to achieve true equality and inclusion across South Africa and the continent.
EPISODE 4
In the season 1 finale of Pride Pulse, we're celebrating the vibrant and transformative impact of queer culture. We explore how queer identity and creativity are shaping South Africa's cultural landscape, bringing unique voices and stories to the forefront.
This episode highlights the ways queer culture fosters community and authenticity, inspiring people within and beyond the LGBTIQ+ community.
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Oupa Bopape | Gallo Images
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Facebook | Robin Malan
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Journalist: Iviwe Mzandisi
News24 Lifestyle Editor: Chrizelda Kekana
Production and design: Sharlene Rood
Image credits: Vice Media | Getty Images; LWA | Dann Tardif | Getty Images; D-Keine | Getty Images; Willie B. Thomas | Getty Images; Juan Moyano; JARAMA from Getty Images; formatoriginalphotos
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