The small South African town of KwaDukuza had its ‘First Traditional African Gay Wedding’ over the weekend when a young Zulu couple tied the knot.
According to IOL News, Tshepo Modisane and Thoba Sithole, both 27, walked down the aisle in front of 200 guests at the Stanger Siva Sungam community hall.
Thoba, an IT specialist, and Tshepo, an audit manager, have dated on and off for years. They will adopt each other’s names in the hybrid Sithole-Modisane, as will their future kids; the couple is reportedly planning to have children through a surrogate.
“Family is important to us and that is the number one reason why we want to have children,” said Thoba. “We also want our children to grow up in an environment where they are loved greatly by both parents who appreciate them.”
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Tshepo and Thoba enjoyed the support of family and friends in South Africa, where gay marriage is legal. However, a series of gay murders have plagued the nation recently and, as San Diego Gay and Lesbian News points out, Zulu traditional chiefs attempted to remove sexual orientation as a protected class from the South African constitution.
Thsepo wanted to be so open about his and Thoba’s nuptials in hopes of inspiring “people out there who are still struggling to come to terms with their sexuality”.
“We see no reason to hide in darkness as if there is something to be ashamed about,” he said. “Our marriage is largely symbolic and a sign that black gay men can commit and build a family through a happy and loving marriage.”
yaoming
Totally rad.
1986
Commenting from SA. Love this!
Jazpyy
Hope there isn’t going to be another video of them being burnt to death by a lynch mob by the end of the week.
knoxxy2008
Sweet!
viveutvivas
Your authority on things South African is San Diego Gay and Lesbian News. Seriously?
Bob LaBlah
@Jazpyy: You never know. Last I heard Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe called and demanded to know why he was invited and said that he wasn’t sending a gift just before slamming down the phone.
fenrisulfr
Wow. I can’t imagine how much courage this took especially in the context of Suth Africa. Inspirational. Also, really cute!
frubino
oohh they so cute married and I’m so happy too.
ait10101
From South Africa: this is great! It was a religious ceremony as well. Looks like they have lots of support from their community. The comments have been generally positive, but not suprisingly some have not been.
seaki
Dang IT!!!!!! I am such a cornball, why do I have tears in my eyes? Must be the pollen in the air. Congrats gentlemen.
Derek Williams
Beautiful beyond words.
dbmyers
This gives me hope and happiness. Universal world-wide human rights is coming!!!
Sohobod
@Jazpyy
I totally agree with you, but fear the same.
B Damion
LMAO….ooo y’all I fell out when they started dancing lol…only black folks child. Only black folks..lol!
I loved it. Every minute!!!. If I get married one day I hope to get this much support.
Good for them.
Chiiiiiiiillld I live!
yaoming
“Being gay is as African as being black.”
-Cameron Modisane (Groom)
That guy is amazing.
LadyL
So marvelous–they’re beautiful. My very best wishes go out to them and to the friends and family who love and support them. Some here have expressed worry for their safety–I’m saying a prayer and keeping a good thought.
Will L
This is wonderful.
catsura
What a cute couple!
zapple68
This is so great! Good luck to the 2 newlyweds.
northwest
That was beautiful, I hope they have a long and happy life together.
DOFEK
From South Africa, Yahooo, how sweet hope for the best for you guys AdamHomo.
darkorient
Awesome. Just awesome.
Howard
That’s Hot.
I am so happy for them.
Way To Go!
Many Happy Years Together!