CASSIDY BESSA
Pride is an important event for many people – not just for those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a chance to celebrate gay rights and the community in a way that uplifts everyone. Take your friends and family out to enjoy a day that is full of fun and excitement. Join hundreds of people as they celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. Johannesburg and Pretoria have been key supporters in this cause through their festivities.
The Centurion Pride festival was celebrated on 5 October at the Centurion Rugby Club. This was the sixth annual Pride festival in Centurion and included live performers and DJs, which included the popular local DJ, Pink Panther. Drag artists were also involved and made the event more inclusive and entertaining. There event also featured flea markets, food stalls, bars and relaxation areas. Topless bartenders were also on show at the VIP area. The event also offered informative and educational talks on safe sex, as well as free HIV testing. As the main event drew to a close, attendees could head to an after-party to continue the fun.
The Mr and Mrs Pretoria Gay Pride Pageant was held at the Rockwood Theatre on 2 September. The winners were Miss Gay Pride Pretoria Scarlett Rose and Mr Gay Pride Pretoria Conrad Jonus. An art exhibition was on show from 27 September–7 October and showcased LGBTQ+ artists and included augmented reality technology within the exhibit. The Centurion Pride Parade has become one of the most popular Pride parades in the country. The Pride of Africa Lifestyle Conference was held on 12 October and included key discussions around sexuality, pride and gender identity. The Pride of Africa Awards happened on 19 October and celebrated those that have uplifted and added something to the community. They also celebrated how far the LGBTQ+ community has come, the strides they have made in society and how they have begun to change people’s minds.
The Johannesburg Pride Parade will be held on 26 October in Sandton. This will be the 30th Johannesburg Pride Parade. This year, there will be an introduction to a lifestyle conference and a youth shelter, in order to diversify the event. A new flag was created, that was inspired by the 54 African countries. The flag represents all Africans and should make you feel welcome, safe and seen, no matter what you identify as. The flag celebrates both the community and the individual. The Pride Parade on 26 October will be a march through the streets of Johannesburg to take a stand against homophobia. At this event, early bird attendees will be able to meet the Queen of the North. Yes, that is right, Brooke Lynn Hytes – from RuPaul’s Drag Race – will be attending Johannesburg Pride this year. This will be the highlight of the parade for many people. You can attend the after-party which will take place at the Babylon Bar in Johannesburg. It is highly anticipated and offers great potential to be the party of a lifetime.
Hopefully, those who missed the Centurion Pride event will be able to make the Johannesburg Pride event. If not, may this offer you some inspiration to attend the events next year and join in on the fun.
