International Day Against Homophobia: Time to speak up
Today marks International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
The day is annually observed in more than 120 countries worldwide and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBTI rights violations.
PrideTV is a digital platform that offers the gay community with news and content and it acts as a voice of the LGBTI community.
"Homophobia is prejudice directed at one's sexuality and should be confronted in the same way we confront other forms of prejudice," says PrideTV spokesperson, Joanne Raphael Katz.
She explains that the Constitution guarantees freedom of sexual orientation.
Protection of LGBT rights in South Africa is based on Section 9 of the country's Constitution that forbids discrimination on the basis of sex, gender or sexual orientation.
According to PrideTV there are ways to battle homophobia that defend LGBT Constitutional rights without having to go to extremes.
Katz encourages the LGBTI supporters to openly display the community's Rainbow Flag.
"This is an immediately recognisable symbol of tolerance that needs to make its way onto more of the vehicles and clothing of LGBT supporters across the length and breadth of the land," says Katz.
Listen to Newswatch's 6am bulletin below for more details on International Day Against Homophobia.