Two Men Tie the Knot In Africa’s ‘First Traditional Gay Wedding’

[rug]

Apr 9, 2013
By NewsOne Staff

Two 27-year-old South African men, Tshepo Cameron Modisane (pictured left) and Thoba Calvin Sithole (pictured right), tied the knot Saturday in a ceremony that is being heralded as the nation’s first gay wedding, according to the Huffington Post.

The couple was married in the town of KwaDukuza and stood before 200 guests as they exchanged their vows. On a continent that views homosexuality as vile lifestyle, both men were brave enough to proudly proclaim their love for one another in a public setting.

Modisane and Sithole met three years ago as students studying in Durban but then lost touch for a few months. They later bumped into each other at a gym and became fast friends, supporting each other during workouts. As their chemistry grew, the men soon realized that their relationship was moving past mere friendship.

According to Modisane, who spoke to Mamba Online, “The great step that we took in our relationship as a gay couple was introducing each other to our families. We are so blessed to have supportive families who care about us. Even though we are gay they still love us.”

http://newsone.com/2366847/south-african-gay-weddings-tshepo-cameron-modisane-thoba-calvin-sithole/

I put this in the Lounge instead of GD because this is, at heart, a friendly, welcoming story for everyone and not about politics.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. DU Rec.

[Aristus]

2. Man, that is beautiful!

K&R, and

[BlancheSplanchnik]

3. so sweet! Makes me smile!

Tear up a little too. :,)

[riderinthestorm]

4. So brave and lovely! Hope they have many happy years ahead! nt

[MiddleFingerMom]

5. It is VERY nice to read that, even in a society that vilifies homosexuality, there is...

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.
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... enough of a "support group" that they did this in front of 200 supporters!!!
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There is hope and at least pockets of light that have the potential to grow --
even in the most human-rights-antagonistic of places.
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.

[freshwest]

6. 'Made for each other.'

[Nonhlanhla]

7. So proud of South Africa

South Africa is a country with a great many problems, but if there is one thing I am very proud of as a South African (even though I now reside in the US), it is that it has such a liberal constitution, with a strong emphasis on human rights. (This is obviously much needed in a society that has not had, and still does not always have, a great track record on human rights.) It was also among the first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage.

I hope this couple has a long and happy marriage.

[rug]

9. A belated welcome to DU!

[SunSeeker]

8. K&R

[SwissTony]

10. Two beautiful young men. Gorgeous.

I wish them all the happiness in the world.