Theme. I think the theme is appropriate; we are at a point where we need to take stock of where we have come from and not take the freedom we have achieved as a community for granted. The rights the LGBTI community in South Africa enjoys are unheard of even in what is considered first world countries. We live in an era of obscene fundamentalism and we need to show that we will protect the human rights we have come to enjoy. The threat of a reversal in sentiment is always there, and we cannot be complacent about it.

Theme. John, were you at the annual general meeting of the Pride organisers, where anyone is welcome (and that were advertised on THIS site a few weeks ago? No?
If you feel that Pride is getting weaker, why not put your money where your mouth is and actually get involved. You could have voiced your opinion on the theme there.

Why is it that the community is so very quick to criticize everything but nobody ever wants to get involved in the actual organising of things?

I’d say, if you feel that strong about something as little as the theme, then don’t attend. If you were at last year’s pride, you would have seen that it is actually getting stronger and much better than it ever was. Or perhaps, DO attend this year, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Just one suggestion, how about a massive afterparty (perhaps in a tent) on the grounds afterwards?

http://www.joburgpride.co.za. Oh, why is the OFFICIAL website not updated yet?

Reply…. Firstly everyone is entitled to their opinion, I don’t think majority of goers actually really care about the theme, just about the party. If you look at Mm comments. Secondly, i have tried to get involved but you have to part of clique in order to get even recognised. I think the theme should have been put to a vote to the whole gay community, talk about getting everyone involved and not just a bunch of people who think they are the gay rulers of the Gay and lesbians in JHB. You talk about myself getting involved, why not get everyone involved by putting up certian themes on different gay sites and asking the public to vote.

What is the real meaning of “Pride needs you”, if you ask me it’s the same as Kylies song your disco needs you. Not original at all! Sorry My opinion and mine alone! For most gay guys it’s just one hell of party!!

Ok. Point taken about the votes and the cliques, but you know as well as I do that even if they DID put it out for a vote, and one won, there would be just as many people bitching about the theme. What I am trying to say is, who cares about the theme, the fact that we can HAVE this day is reason enough to support it, and do recognise that there are some people that makes an effort to host and organise the thing.

K. I totally agree with you and i never put down the reason why we have pride. To me the theme is just as important. I have been to London Pride and you don’t understand how seriously people take the theme and it’s just not the theme, it’s everything. I wonder if any of the organisers have been to another pride? I do agree that there will be bitching if people had to vote but at least there will be a vote. It frustrates me that there a handful of people that sit there and actually decide what good for the community. There is no involvement and we in the community just accept it!

Anywho! Pride is there for what it is!