Some 40 people are expected to participate in the first gay pride
march to be held in Keetmanshoop, a city in southern Namibia, on
Saturday. The historic event, which has generated some criticism, is
being sponsored by People in Need (PiN), a Czech Republic–based NGO.

PiN plans to launch a new project focusing on LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS during the celebration. The project is called Ada Ma/Hao, or “Let’s Stand Together,” according to AllAfrica.com.

Some regional legislators questioned the need for the pride march and project. Sodomy is illegal in the southern African country, though LGBT groups typically operate without incident.

“Members of the Karas Regional Council described the gay and lesbian initiative as ‘funny’ after a presentation at a council meeting at the end of July,” reported AllAfrica.com.