It was Thursday evening in the city of Mbabne, eSwatini (as Swaziland was officially renamed in April).

Melusi S. Simelane, communications manager of LGBT advocacy organization The Rock of Hope, told The Daily Beast that he wanted a drink and then to get some sleep. One could sympathize. Simelane is the lead organizer of the southern African country’s first ever Pride, which is set to take place in Mbabne on Saturday.

The event, originally reported on by The Daily Beast in April, is going ahead, despite threats to the safety of those attending received by the police and organizers. “This is the first event of its kind, our first opportunity to show our faces to the world and to our country. I am not scared,” Simelane told The Daily Beast.

Male homosexuality is outlawed in eSwatini. An anti-sodomy law is still on the statute books, a British-rule hangover. LGBT couples cannot marry or adopt children.

The country is also Africa’s last absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III, who reportedly described homosexuality as “satanic.” Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini has described homosexuality as “an abnormality and a sickness.” Simelane said Dlamini had once contended that there wasn’t even a word in Swazi vocabulary for homosexuality. “Now he will be forced to address that we are here,” said Simelane.

Despite its anti-LGBT rap sheet, the country’s government has not forbidden the Pride celebrations or obstructed their planning. Read more via Daily Beast