The much-awaited awards ceremony will be held in Cape Town next month.
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and ILGA World (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) have announced Yahya Mavundla as the host of the first International Pride Awards Ceremony.
The much-awaited awards ceremony will be held in Cape Town next month on November 13th.
Launched on May 17 this year by UNDP and ILGA World, the award aims to celebrate individuals and their allies who have made significant contributions to advancing LGBTIQ+ equality globally.
In its first year, the award received an overwhelming response, with nominations received from 58 countries on all continents.
This year's award categories include “Movement Building in the Face of Hostility,” “Celebrating Diverse Life,” “Emerging Leaders,” “Lifelong Pursuit of Equality,” and “Extraordinary Ally.” Included.
talk to The CitizenYaya expressed her excitement, especially about hosting the event in her home country.
“South Africa has been at the forefront of LGBTIQ+ rights, not just in Africa but globally. But even with our constitutional protections and legacy of activism, we still need to do more to achieve equality. There are many.
“These awards celebrate our progress and remind us of the challenges ahead,” she said.
Also read: “Young, Talented and Queer”: A Celebration of Black Queer Voices in South Africa
Q&A with Jaya Mavundla
First of all, congratulations! Is this your first time hosting an award ceremony? How about taking this opportunity?
thank you very much! Yes, it's my first time. I'm very nervous. I feel like I just got the call and I'm so excited and so grateful. I feel like God answered my prayers to the next level.
How do you prepare for such a monumental event and what are you most looking forward to as the awards ceremony approaches?
I've been watching a lot of award shows to take notes and see what people are doing well and to identify mistakes that can be avoided. I'm grateful to be working with experienced television producer Anthony Gregory who is helping me with the preparations.
You have had a powerful journey as an LGBTIQ+ activist in South Africa. What does it mean to you to host such an important event in your home country?
thank you very much! It is a great honor and means that my work is noticed and admired by industry leaders far beyond South Africa's borders. This is also a huge milestone for myself and the transgender community. That's such a great validation.
The award received nominations from 58 countries across all continents. How do you think this reflects the progress and challenges faced by LGBTIQ+ communities around the world?
While progress has been made for some, the vast majority of LGBTIQ+ people around the world have little or no protection or rights. There is probably more work ahead of us when it comes to LGBTIQ+ rights than after us. We celebrate those who make a difference in motivating and inspiring more people to speak up for equality.
What challenges do you feel still need to be addressed in the fight for regional and international equality?
Ensuring access to opportunity, health care, and safety for transgender people. I am very happy that the International Pride Awards has helped curb the issue of access to opportunity by giving me the role of host. This helps me showcase what I can do and motivate industry leaders to reach out to us and all those who are marginalized in society.
In your view, what role do events like the International Pride Awards play in promoting acceptance, understanding and solidarity within the global LGBTIQ+ community?
Regardless of our differences, we all want to live in a world where we can feel safe and thrive. But for many LGBTIQ+ people, that is still a long way off due to the discrimination, prejudice and violence they face on a daily basis. The International Pride Awards help us collectively recognize and celebrate the resilience, courage and achievements of LGBTIQ+ people. This motivates society to respect our communities and helps curb homophobia and transphobia.
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