Monday, April 08, 2013

Africa's 'First Traditional' Gay Wedding


This blog looks at all the bad things that often face LGBT individuals, much of it driven by hate filled, ignorance embracing religious zealots and the spineless politicians who prostitute themselves to these purveyors of hate and division.  But, from time to time it is nice to look at something positive and down right happy.  Something such as the marriage of Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithol (pictured above) were married in the town of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.  The two 27 year old men  were married in what is being described as a traditional ceremony that united Zulu and Tswana traditions.  On can only imagine the convulsions this must have set off amongst the American Christofascists exporting homophobia to Africa and endeavoring to brainwash Africans into believing that homosexuality is a western world import.   (I find it telling that South Africa is the only nation in Africa that has gay marriage and it is also the only country that isn't a veritable basket case economically and socially - perhaps Uganda could learn a thing or two from South Africa).  Huffington Post and Mambaonline.com both have details.  Here are highlights from HuffPo:

Two men have tied the knot in what's been proclaimed Africa's first traditional gay wedding.  Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithol were reportedly married in the town of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa before some 200 guests, in a ceremony that united Zulu and Tswana traditions. The newlyweds, both 27, will also have a second, more intimate ceremony in Johannesburg later this year, according to reports.

"The great step that we took in our relationship as a gay couple was introducing each other to our families," Tshepo told Mamba Online in February. "We are so blessed to have supportive families who care about us. Even though we are gay they still love us."

The men say they also hope to have children through a surrogate.   “Family is important to us and that is the number one reason why we want to have children," Thoba said. "We also want our children to grow up in an environment where they are loved greatly by both parents who appreciate them."
More information on the lead up to the ceremony from Mambaonline:
On a continent where homosexuality is often seen as foreign and unnatural Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithole are loudly proclaiming their love for each other. Meet this proudly gay and engaged-to-marry couple who're determined to live and love freely.
The now 27-year-old men first met and became friends while studying in Durban but lost touch after Tshepo returned to Joburg. Thoba, who is originally from KZN, later moved to Gauteng in 2011.
They then bumped into each other at the Sunninghill Virgin Active gym, reigniting their friendship and becoming gym partners; supporting and motivating each other in their workouts. "We were helping each other with weights, training exercises and eating health plans," explains Tshepo.
The chemistry between them grew and they soon realised that they were becoming much more than friends. "We finally made it official and were an item,” says Tshepo.
“The great step that we took in our relationship as a gay couple was introducing each other to our families. We are so blessed to have supportive families who care about us. Even though we are gay they still love us."
The relationship strengthened and, one Friday evening at home in June last year, Tshepo proposed to Thoba. He accepted and the couple decided to do things the African way; respecting the traditions and customs associated with marriage.
"We communicated our intentions to get married to both our families as we wanted to have a traditional African ceremony and also have a traditional Western 'fairytale white wedding,’” explains Thoba.
With their families’ support, the couple have set the date of 6 April to have the African ceremony in Thoba’s hometown of Stanger. They expect over 200 guests and the guys will dress in their respective traditional clothing (Tshepo is Tswana and Thoba is Zulu).
Here's a video clip:

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