On 13 October 1990, a small group of brave people marched through Johannesburg in what became the first Pride march on the African continent. It was led by activists including Simon Nkoli and Bev Ditsie, years before apartheid ended and before South Africa had the protections it has today. Some marchers wore paper bags over their heads to hide their identities, because being seen could cost you your job, your family or your safety. Six years later, South Africa became the first country in the world to protect sexual orientation in its constitution. In 2006, it became the first country in Africa to legalise same-sex marriage. Pride didn't just celebrate those wins. It helped make them happen.