By: George Barasa

While Ugandan human rights defender Kasha Jacqueline led the NYC Pride as Grand Marshal, the London Pride was also virtually being led by more African LGBTI activists.

Out And Proud Diamond Group celebrated the unrecognised heroes in one of the biggest Pride events to date; they carried placards with names written on them as a way of honoring the many who have sacrificed their freedom for the African LGBTI community. Those that were honored include fallen, surviving and struggling activists.

“I feel privileged and humbled to honour my heroes. These people started the journey for liberation. It is our duty to finish it. They don’t get much appreciation and recognition like other heroes in Africa, but London has given us this opportunity to honour them,” Tony Kitara a Ugandan LGBTI activist with Out and Proud Diamond Group said.

The OPDG used the event to appeal to all African Governments to pay tribute to these heroes just like they do people that are accomplished in numerous fields and those that have contributed tremendously to various struggles.

Several people in Africa have put their lives at stake at they fight for the rights and freedoms of LGBTIA persons in Africa and we earnestly believe they deserve to be recognized. Some of these include

Uganda: David Kato Kisule (RIP), Dr. Frank Mugisha, John Abdallah Wambere, Kasha Nabagesera, Pepe Julian Onziema, Bishop S Christopher Senyonjo among others.

Cameroon: Alice Nkom and Eric Lembembe

Kenya: Binyavanga Wainaina, Mary Muthui, Denis Nzioka

Zambia: Paul Kasonkomona, Rev. Canon Kapya Kaoma

Nigeria: Rashidi Williams

South Africa: Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), Edwin Cameroon, Jabulani Chen Pereira

Ghana: Aba Taylor

Senegal:  Joël Gustave Nana Ngongang

Sierra Leone: Fannyann Viola Eddy (1974–2004)