Africa’s first openly-gay politician and parliamentarian, Ian Ollis, has agreed to become a representative of the Gay Flag of South Africa.
“The gay flag of SA combines two key ideas – a free South Africa and rights for LGBTI,” commented the Democratic Alliance (DA) MP and Shadow Minster for Labour.
Ollis came out publicly on Mambaonline.com in 2009, when he was a DA city councillor in Johannesburg, just before the elections that saw him move to Parliament.
Along with his growing visibility as an MP, Ollis has become a vocal supporter of LGBT rights in Africa.
“I am proud to be a gay South African because I was present when South Africa became the first country to get a gay rights resolution approved by the UN Human Rights Commission,” said Ollis.
Ollis played a role in the adoption of the historic resolution in June when he was asked by South Africa’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva to address UN members attending an informal meeting on the matter.
He told Mambaonline that he introduced himself to the meeting as “Africa’s most openly gay politician” and told the delegates that he was deeply concerned about violence associated with homophobia. He also spoke out about ‘corrective rape’ in South Africa.
The resolution, which condemns violence and discrimination against people on the basis of sexual orientation and compels the UN Human Rights Commission to address the issue, was voted on and adopted a few days later.
The gay flag of South Africa was launched at the Mother City Queer Project party in December last year and has gained much support in the past six months.
0 Responses
Ian. Even in person Ian is an amazing guy, I’m glad I have him as a friend!
I totally disagree with a South African bloody gay flag, Are we so bored that we have to design a flag. There’s only one that unites us all and that’s the rainbow flag worldwide, imagine if every clever dick country had to bring out their own gay flag????? so stupid, obviously there is a bored queen somewhere who needs attention wants again and decided that she needs to be C R E A T I V E darling. Go and do some needlepoint bitch.
Oh I forgot to add, Ian is the business. Congratulations.
The flag is a separate issue.
also typo in previous message “wants” should read “once” lol
love it
As a black man, I am proud to say 2 things – Ian- what a wonderful comrade AND THE GFSA- I love it. Never before has so many (white) people known wht is going on in the townships for gay and lesbans thanks to the exposure the GFSA has given about the issue of corrective rape and all their hard work in parliament.. RE A LEBOGA GFSA!!!
Thanks Ian! Hope you got to see the SA gay flag on stage at the Kylie concert!!! Tell Helen We adore her! I agree with Lerato here below. I have also followed the flag wherever I see it – on TV shows, Prides etc. – LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Did you know almost every country in the world has its own gay flag? Ours is just the MOST FAMOUS!!! Eben in the USA certain states have their own like OHIO etc. to show their own differences and unique issues, as we can do in South Africa. I am also a big fan of the gay flag of ISRAEL, CANADA and the state of Ohio.
Guys, London Pride – I was soooo proud seeing the GFSA all over in the streets. people all over were asking about it (and saw it in many newspapers) WELL DONE!!! For once I feel like I BELONG!! IAN – YOU ARE INCREDIBLE- MARRY ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@”mary Me Ian” Hey – me toooo!!
FANTASTIC!!!!!! Great to see polititians work together with LGBTI like this
I fully support Ian as well as the GFSA but I also love the gay flags of UK (the pink Union Jack) as well as the gay flag of Canada. Just love those two as well!!! The Pink Union jack was very visible at London Pride as well.
Love the GFSA (Gay Flag of South Africa) and yes, Mr. Ollis is hubby material. See you all soon at JHB Pride!!!!!!
Proud
Incredible. Ian and the GFSA get my vote
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