Headlines
JOBURG PRIDE ANNOUNCES 2012 THEME
Wed, 20 June 2012
Joburg Pride has recognised the recent attacks on the constitutional right to equality of LGBT South Africans in its newly-announced theme for 2012.
The theme for this year’s event, taking place at the Zoo Lake Sports Club on Saturday 6 October, is “Protect Our Rights”.
The organisation said in a statement that the theme underscores Joburg Pride’s ongoing support of basic human rights, as highlighted in South Africa’s Constitution.
In May, protests were held by LGBT groups in reaction to a proposal by the House of Traditional Leaders to remove the term "sexual orientation" from section 9 (3) of the Constitution, which prohibits unfair discrimination.
While the ANC and the DA said that they do not back the proposal and it is unlikely to be taken further, there has been concern that it went as far as being considered by the Constitutional Review Committee of the National Assembly.
“Human rights cannot be taken for granted – as highlighted with recent calls from some political quarters to change South Africa’s Constitution to remove clauses pertaining to sexual orientation," said the Joburg Pride board.
"Hence, this year’s loud-and-proud message – that South Africa’s LGBTI community should stand together as one, protecting and supporting the Constitution and its protection of fundamental human rights. Ultimately, a strike against the human rights of South Africa’s LGBTI community is a strike against the human rights of ALL South Africans."
It added: "Of course, as a reflection of the LGBTI community, Joburg Pride will – as always – offer a frisky mix of fun, flair and finesse, rounding out its important messaging."
Thus far, reaction to the theme announcement on Facebook has been positive. Robert Quintin Collins commented: "Congrats on your Theme this year. I take my hat off to the team that voted in the Theme. Well done and good luck for Pride in Jozi this year."
Joburg Pride is the African continent’s first and largest annual LGBTI celebration and in 2011 attracted an estimated 22,000 participants.
What do you think of the 2012 Joburg Pride theme? Tell us below.
Comments
werner 9/21/2012 5:31:03 PM
Hi its a very nice theme it means show the people what you are and not for jumping back in the closet , rather jump out dress to impress be a wild cowboy
As long you dont forget your home made flag 23rd annual pride / to include Sexual Orientation clause in the Bill of Rights .
This is our right
Yusoof Abdullah 9/11/2012 2:11:40 PM
In reply to the theme and history of the Gay Pride Parade and this year being the 23rd Annual Gay Pride March. The oldest Gay Parade in Africa. The committee must continue to brand the year as this is so important to the young community. Knowing the age of the Parade and why it was started. As Co-Founding member, the late Simon Nkoli, the late Michael Watkins, Yusoof Abdullah, Kevin Botha, Zakie Agmat and Carol Brown were instrumental in the first document that highlighted the following to start Gay Pride.
1. To Prepare for the coming Constitutional Bill to include Sexual Orientation clause in the Bill of Rights
2. Pride to be a visible Platform to raise continuous Gay issues and struggle and strive
3. To see that these rights are protected further into our established democracy
These are just a few items that were highlighted on why the Parade was started. Recently we had an attack on this by cultural organizations including powerful church movements in this country. Note, this will continue and in order to protect the legacy of my colleague Simon Nkoli and his dream, that we have a firm Constitutional Right enshrined in our Constitution. Therefore, we call upon all those passive and armchair communities to really be conscioustized and appreciate the ongoing movement of this Gay Parade.
Celebrating our 23rd Pride
Yusoof Abdullah - Co Founding Memeber, Veteran, Activist & Ex-Chairman of Gay Parade
9/11/2012 1:09:47 PM
Why don't the committee at least brand the year and make the young gay community aware that PRIDE STARTED IN 1990 And its now at the 23 annual pride is imperative , as people are asking how old is the Gay Pride Annual March / Parade .
Tracy Loader-Mambagirl Editor 6/22/2012 12:33:41 PM
A theme to motivate us all. looking forward to seeing our entire community in Johannesburg and welcoming the rest of communities from around the country to show up in full force for this year Pride.
Sweet Rose' 6/22/2012 11:23:17 AM
excellent theme. i think the theme is perfect, considering what is happing in SA our right need to be protected abd the more we potray it to them the better. Our voices has to be heard and our rights need to be protected....
bruce 6/21/2012 6:16:46 PM
Theame is good.
Lets hope they have the histoty of pride and tell the people what they might lose if we dont stand together.
They younger genaration must know what was done to det the freedom we have now
Stefan 6/21/2012 2:25:29 PM
Theme is good and approriate. Not sure about the really boring design? Is that the theme design?
werner 6/21/2012 2:25:29 PM
Hi its a very nice theme it means show the people what you are and not for jumping back in the closet , rather jump out dress to impress be a wild cowboy
As long you dont forget your home made flag 23rd annual pride / to include Sexual Orientation clause in the Bill of Rights .
This is our right