GaySA Radio awarded grant from US Embassy

Much to Pastor Steven Anderson’s annoyance, the recently launched GaySA Radio station has received a small grant from the US Embassy in Pretoria.

As the only online LGBTI radio station in Africa, GaySA Radio is giving a voice to the LGBTI community. Since starting test transmissions earlier in 2016, the station has quickly found its feet and currently reaches thousands of listeners in 136 countries.

The initiative was officially launched at Pretoria Pride on Saturday.

GaySA Radio says it has proven its commitment to the LGBTI community by arranging the vigil for the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting held in Centurion earlier this year. The station also successfully lobbied the Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, to ban anti-gay pastor Steven L Anderson and his group from coming to South Africa.

We’re happy to report that the donation deeply irked Anderson. The hate-evangelist recently posted in response: ‘This is where your tax dollars go, patriotic fools…”

Station Manager Hendrik Baird explained that, “GaySA Radio is staffed by 30 unpaid volunteers and has as yet had no major income from advertisers, and so applying for funding was crucial in order to successfully launch the station at Pretoria Pride on 1 October.”

The $8,000 grant from the US Embassy will have a big impact on the station, enabling it to buy some much needed equipment and branding material.

“We sincerely thank the US Embassy for its support and trust that our own Government will also show their support for this venture,” said Baird. “South African LGBTIs need this voice and we are proud to play a role in protecting and developing this niche community.”

Baird further urged advertisers to support the endeavour and to make use of its affordable advertising rates. GaySA Radio works closely with Mambaonline.com and the Exit newspaper for combined advertising opportunities that will deliver advertising across these various channels to the LGBTI market.

GaySA Radio transmits via the internet and can be found on its website www.gaysaradio.co.za.