Comments on: OPINION: JOBURG PRIDE â€“ WE ALL NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

By: @ Observer

@ Observer — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I just have to set the record straight. Some NGO directors and representatives receive not a single cent for their efforts and contributions and pay for the upkeep of the NGO out of their own pockets (meaning they have day jobs and do activism work after-hours). They are thinly spread and unfortunately cannot contribute where they would like to due to the demands of a job and a life replete with responsibility. Don't make the mistake of thinking that *all* NGOs are just riding the gravy train.

So in short, I support the views of Luiz, and the statement that board members have to make space in their busy schedules and that so much is taken for granted. We owe much to these people and their selfless contributions.

I am proud of Joburg Pride because it is very well run. Any attempts to sow division just erodes our community.

By: Observer

Observer — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I agree – and I should have made it clearer. Not all NGOs – those with foreig and other donors – like oneinnine (1 in 9) …

By: User?

User? — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Those who are arguing that the 9 in 1 protest was illegal are rather ignorant. Guess what? Not so long ago being gay was illegal in SA but 'radical' politics changed that! Desperate times call for desperate measures.

The problem isn't so much black and white. It's more the have vs the have not. Jo'burg is the capital of capitalism in Africa. Nothing wrong with that but one must have a conscious. Perhaps we should do a little less finger pointing and a little more deliberation as how we can move forward in a more united and productive way.

I think it's great that there is finally a conversation taking place. That is the best thing that came out of this and for that I thank 1 in 9. Like any other family, the LGBT community does have it's issues. It's how we go about solving these issues that matter.

I would suggest having one pride in Gauteng taking place in Jo'burg CBD; the neutral ground and center of our metropolis. I'm sure some will say it's not 'safe' but it's us the people who can change that and things are progressing in the city.

Secondly, let's make the pride march a serious political event and party after. This is what the gay pride parade was initially about.

"What's needed now is for both the Joburg Pride board and people like the One in Nine campaign to step outside of their respective comfort zones and put the needs of their community first". I second that emotion.

By: Pride Fan

Pride Fan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

1in9 is a Woman’s Movement, not a LGBTI movement. They are no family of mine.

By: Sceptical

Sceptical — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The Director of OUTmakes R540 000 per year. Their salaries are more than R2 and a half million per year – and where are they? Their annual repor is on their website.

By: 1in10

1in10 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Article is spot on …

By: Lance Weyer

Lance Weyer — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Well said Luiz. Couldn’t agree more. It seems increasingly that LGBTI people are their own worst enemy in SA.

By: Donovan Steyl

Donovan Steyl — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Lance Weyer. Dito! Well said Luiz.

By: Rolando

Rolando — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Sceptical.

OUT is not an activist organisation per se – they provide professional services to the community in PTA. HIV testing, medical services, they have a nurse and a clinic. If you read their annual report properly you’ll see “where they are” and what they do…

By: Emma Jordan

Emma Jordan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Where were you when I was looking for someone to write a meaningful story on Pride for SANDTON mag? Getting comment on the gay scene was akin to hen’s teeth….