An African Gay Traditional Wedding

Two gentlemen got married this weekend in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. What made this particular ceremony so beautiful was that it was a traditional wedding, celebrated with family and friends. South Africa remains one of the few countries in Africa where it’s legal to be gay and to marry your significant other of any sex.

For me as a West African, to have a gay traditional wedding with the full support of your family, particularly your extended family is the zenith of acceptance and no document obtained from a court will ever equal this. Unfortunately, legal acceptance is the only form that seems likely and this may not occur any time soon.

One of the grooms said:“We see no reason to hide in darkness as if there is something to be ashamed about. Our marriage is largely symbolic and a sign that black gay men can commit and build family through a happy and loving marriage.”

I wish them joy, peace and prosperity in their life together and I hope this wedding is a harbinger of the kind of total acceptance the future holds for our continent.