JOBURG PRIDE SET FOR ROSEBANK

The chic suburb of Rosebank has been chosen to host the eighteenth Joburg Gay and Lesbian Pride celebrations. The ‘Coming of Age’ street parade will be held on Saturday 6 October 2007, followed by a festive ‘mardi gras’ and celebrations at Zoo Lake Sports Club.

The week preceding the parade will also see Rosebank – one of Johannesburg’s most vibrant areas and soon-to-be home of a major Gautrain station – becoming the hub of a seven-day-long “Pride Festival.”

Joburg Pride is an annual celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) identity and sexual diversity – the largest gay event on the African continent.

“Rosebank and Zoo Lake remain the best options for Joburg Pride thanks to fantastic infrastructure such as ample venues, parking and easy access, as well as Rosebank’s trendy vibe,” says Joburg Gay Pride Festival Chair Tracy Sandilands. “Plus,” she adds, “We aim to provide transport for communities that may find it difficult to get to Rosebank on the day of the Parade.”

The Councillor for Rosebank, Ian M. Ollis, has added his support for the celebrations taking place in his ward.

“Pride is not just about gay people ‘flaunting it’. It is an opportunity for every citizen and resident to celebrate our hard-won freedoms. I aim to invite the business community, the malls, the media, residents, tourists and of course the gay community to participate in a week of celebrating Joburg Pride,” says Ollis.

The Joburg Pride Festival kicks off on Sunday 30 September and will include official Pride events such as an art exhibition, ‘real drag’ racing, a cabaret show, a black tie fundraising event, a theatre production and seminars and workshops.

In addition to these official Pride events, it’s anticipated that a number of “fringe” events – such as nightclub parties and other entertainment – will take place around the city and across Gauteng. The week-long celebration culminates in the customary Pride Parade and Mardi Gras on Saturday 6 October.

The Joburg Gay Pride Festival Company

Joburg Pride 2007 is being organised by a newly-formed not-for-profit Section 21 Company, which is run by a board of volunteers. The company – named the Joburg Gay Pride Festival Company – was officially registered on 9 May 2007. This is an unprecedented milestone in the history of Joburg Pride; one which reflects the board’s commitment to sustainability and transparency.

Call for volunteers

The Joburg Pride 2007 board has put out a call for volunteers to assist the organisation by contributing their time and resources. The Pride team is especially keen on volunteers that have organisational, eventing, design and marketing skills. If you are able to play a part in helping Joburg Pride ‘come of age’, please contact Thuli on thuli@joburgpride.org.

For more information on Joburg Pride 2007, visit the official website at www.joburgpride.org.