Mauritius Pride Celebrates Newfound Freedom for LGBTIQ+ Community

The recent Mauritius Pride march saw LGBTIQ+ individuals and allies come out to celebrate the freedom to openly be themselves after homosexuality was decriminalised in the island nation last year.

On 27 July, dozens of vibrant and enthusiastic participants marched through the streets of Rose Hill, just outside the capital, Port Louis. The procession featured a huge rainbow flag held aloft by marchers.

Organised by LGBTIQ+ group Collectif Arc-en-Ciel (CAEC), Mauritius Pride was supported by the attendance of the US, UK, and French ambassadors. The day also included community activities and music and festivities that ran into the night.

This year’s Pride march marked the 19th year of CAEC celebrating Pride and was held under the 2024 theme “Ouver to leker sans laper,” which translates to “Open your heart without fear.”

In October 2023, the Supreme Court of Mauritius ruled that the country’s 185-year-old colonial-era ban on same-sex intimacy was discriminatory, un-African, and unconstitutional. Until that point, LGBTIQ+ Mauritians faced the prospect of up to five years in prison if found guilty of the “crime of sodomy”.

“The decriminalisation of homosexuality by the Supreme Court has been a significant milestone for the LGBTIQ+ community in Mauritius,” Annie Osawaru, CAEC Office Manager, told MambaOnline.

“It has not only provided legal protection but has also helped to increase visibility and acceptance. Many people now feel more empowered to express their identities openly and with pride.”

While the decriminalisation of homosexuality was a crucial step, Osawaru acknowledged that there is still work to be done to ensure full acceptance and inclusion.

“We need comprehensive anti-discrimination laws, greater representation in media and politics, and continued public education to combat stigma and prejudice,” she explained.

Osawaru asserted that the Mauritius Pride event “not only provided a platform for visibility but also fostered a sense of community and solidarity among participants. It was a celebration of our progress and a reminder of the work still ahead.”

The public response to the march was overwhelmingly positive. “Many onlookers expressed their support, and we saw a lot of solidarity from various sectors of society. It was heartening to see such widespread acceptance and encouragement.”

Osawaru expressed the organisation’s gratitude for the support of Mauritius Pride as a platform to foster inclusivity and dialogue. “It’s moments like these that inspire us to keep pushing for a more accepting and equal society.”