PRIDE ROCKS JOBURG

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While there were fears that Pride would not take place this year, the 17th annual Joburg Pride parade – the largest lesbigay event in Africa – took to the streets of Rosebank this weekend with few hitches.

Approximately 2 000 to 3 000 people walked the six kilometer circular route from Zoo Lake, starting at around 11.30 on Saturday morning. Although there appeared to be less than the usual floats this year, and despite a particularly warm spring day, the vibrant crowd was in fine form. This year saw no change in the increasingly diminishing annual participation in the event; the parade has in the past attracted up to 20 000 people.

While the parade’s theme was centered on raising HIV and AIDS awareness there was little to reflect this during the event. Instead, from gay parents and determined activists to outrageous drag queens there seemed to be two key issues on the minds of the participants: the community’s opposition to the Civil Union Bill and anger toward Jacob Zuma’s recent homophobic comments.

After the parade, participants settled in at Zoo Lake for drinks, food and entertainment into the late afternoon. However, Mambaonline received numerous complaints about the R30 cover charge as well as disappointment at the lack of diversity and “big names” in the entertainment line-up.

Various clubs held after-parties around the city – at venues such as Ramp Divas and Citrus Lounge – into the early hours of the morning. The most anticipated and publicised, the QC Mega Pride party, was relatively well attended – although not to capacity – but the promised live performances by Jaqc and Danny K were cancelled due to lack of interest among patrons who seemed more intrigued by the promise of the dancefloor.

Organised by the controversial Gary Bath – who still owes monies to suppliers of previous Pride events – some expected that this year’s Pride parade would not take place due to a perceived lack of financial and community support.

A new non-profit company has been set up to organise Pride from next year.

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