Johannesburg Pride 2015: All the details

The 26th annual Johannesburg Pride, Africa’s oldest LGBTIAQ+ event, will take place on Saturday 31 October at the Wanderers rugby field in Illovo, under the theme of “#IAmWhoIAm.”

According to the event’s organising committee, this year’s theme is all about “not judging a person for who they are and embracing diversity and tolerance.”

They explain that despite legal and constitutional protections, LGBTIAQ+ communities continue to face discrimination, verbal intimidation and refusal of service, as well as violence in the form of hate crimes.

Elsewhere, “many face harassment, imprisonment or the death penalty just for being different. No matter where in the world you are we all should live in harmony and respect for each other as a diverse human race,” the organisers said.

Event details

Johannesburg Pride 2015 will open the gates at the Wanderers rugby field, 35 Corlett Drive (next to the stadium), from 10am

The parade will start at 12pm, proceeding down Corlett Drive towards Melrose Arch, through Melrose Arch and back to Wanderers.

As in the past three years, the parade will again not include floats. The organisers have urged pride attendees to create banners and placards with messages that carry a political stance on LGBTQ+ issues.

Expect a crowd-pleasing line up of pre and post parade entertainment at the Wanderers Rugby Club, including DJs, bands, dancers, singers, a drag show and comedian Schalk Bezhuidenhout as MC.

General entrance is free. Limited VIP clubhouse tickets at R200 are on sale, which include a private bar, private lavatory facilities, complimentary chicken/beef shawarma and soft drink and the club house area with a balcony view of the event. To book email tickets@johannesburgpride.co.za.

The Pride community village will include lifestyle and health stalls (such as free HIV testing and counselling services) as well as food, drinks and goodies on offer.

Official Pride side events

30 October, 6pm to 10pm: Masquerade Event. An evening of strings and flavour with the A String of Pearls quartet, three course gourmet snacks and sparkling wine. At the Protea Hotel Wanderers. Cost is R280 per person. To RSVP please e-mail siya.ruiters@proteahotels.com or call 011 770 5500.

31 October, 8:30pm till late: Johannesburg Pride Official After Party – The Manhunt Halloween Ball – at Arena club in Fourways. Tickets: Presale R75 (limited); R100 at the door; VIP R150 (presale only). Buy tickets at www.quicket.co.za.

For more information visit www.johannesburgpride.co.za.

Below are flyers for official and non-official Pride events.