SOWETO CELEBRATES PRIDE
Saturday saw protestors take to the streets to demonstrate against hate crimes as part of the annual Soweto Pride march and celebration.
Traditionally held a week ahead of the larger Joburg Pride parade, Soweto Pride aims to highlight the plight of black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in South Africa’s townships.
Hosted by the Forum for the Empowerment of Women [FEW] since 2005, the event is seen as a way of showing LGBT visibility and “reclaiming the streets of our townships” said the organisers.
Around 300 people marched from the corner of Cross and Roodepoort road to Credo Mutwa Park on Saturday morning. After a series of speeches at the park, participants were treated to music and entertainment.
The South African LGBT community has been rocked by a number of violent and deadly attacks on primarily black lesbians over the last two years.
While Joburg Pride, which is held in the suburban Rosebank area, has historically boasted up to 10, 000 participants, some activists believe that the event should take place in a township where LGBT people face more challenges.
Mpumi Mathabela, media and communications coordinator for FEW, told Behind the Mask that, “Over the years, many black LGBTI people have found it hard to attend the annual Johannesburg Pride because it is far and expensive for them to be part of it.”
Joburg Pride organisers have argued that the larger event cannot be held in Soweto or other townships in the area for logistical and safety reasons. Nevertheless, the Joburg Pride Board has helped source financing for the Soweto event in the past.
Pride in Soweto? No way. Look at the reality of Pride. 300 in Soweto. 10 000 at Zoo Lake. Zoo lake, 90% white. Racist? No – that”s what the figures say.
If Soweto Pride ups it”s attendance from a dismal 300 to even a couple of thousand, they can start demanding that Pride be held there.
Get the township gays to participate and you may have Jhb Pride in Soweto any day.
At the moement, Jhb Pride is at Zoo lake, where tha majority of attendees want it.
(I would also like to ask all the township folk to come and join Pride at Zoo Lake. Entrance costs nothing, and the R8 or R10 for traffic fare is not too much too ask. And don”t tell me yet again you can”t afford it. Because you can easily afford the fare to Sandton City or other shopping malls or to Risque or to parties. I know – because I see you there!!! Often!! lol!)
zoo lake. I must agree with you. Zoo Lake is entrance free, thus there should not be an excuse, but I also hear the sentiments about Soweto Pride. They still targeted by the mainstream in Soweto. But on the other side, Club owners charge higher entrance fee for this special night, that we celebrate ( not all)..So ja..it can be costly for those disadvantage individuals..Across the LGBT Community
True. VERY true, but hiding will not help anyone. Come out and be counted!