Cape Town Pride 2026 unfolded as both a celebration and a call to action. Under the theme of #IAmBecauseWeAre, Saturday’s event kicked off at Prestwich Street, where LGBTIQ+ participants and allies gathered for the annual parade amid rising excitement.
Among the sea of rainbow flags, a group of activists rallied under the banner Queers Demand Homes Not Walls, using the platform to protest the City of Cape Town’s proposed R114 million security wall near the Cape Town International Airport.
“So, we’re marching to resist the pinkwashing of Cape Town city,” said Sir Leo. “Pinkwashing is a strategy used by parties to portray themselves as inclusive but still put forward policies that are segregationist. We are here to resist that.”
As the crowd gathered, the return of the group Free Gender to Pride after several years’ absence brought both emotion and urgency.
Members marched carrying pictures and banners of queer people who lost their lives to violence, including Kwakhanya Mhlanganisi and Imam Muhsin Hendricks. Their presence turned the march into a moving tribute, as they chanted songs of freedom, resistance, and queer pride.
“Free Gender will join Cape Town Pride to raise awareness about ongoing hate crimes in our communities….,” the group shared on Facebook ahead of the march. “We call all supporters, allies and community members to join our banner as we continue the fight against homophobic and hate crimes in our societies.”
It also highlighted systemic barriers, adding: “We are currently facing challenges regarding the visibility of LGBTIQ individuals in court proceedings. Ensuring safety for all remains our priority,” while calling for support ahead of the resumption of the Kwakhanya court case in May.
When the march began, the streets came alive with song and movement. Thousands danced, sang, and celebrated their identities as bikers led the procession through the city, ending at the Green Point Track for the Pride Mardi Gras, where the festivities continued.
Hosted by Stella Rose, the event blended celebration with civic messaging.
“This city stands proudly with the LGBTQI+ community,” said Mayoral Committee Member Roberto Quintas. “People are welcome here, and we are determined to ensure that our residents feel safe.”
Ward Councillor Ian McMahon reflected on progress and responsibility: “This is not just a celebration, this is democracy in colour, rights written on paper mean nothing if they’re not defended in reality.”
He urged continued participation in democracy, reminding the crowd that “rights are protected by people who show up.”
Cape Town Pride CEO Tommy Patterson closed with a call for community support and donations as the city prepares to go to Amsterdam WorldPride to officially receive the hosting torch for WorldPride 2028, a first for Africa.
Performances by artists including 3 Tons of Fun, Jimmy Nevis and Craig Lucas followed, before rain brought an early end to the festivities.
The proceedings marked the culmination of a three-week Pride Festival that began on 6 February and featured film screenings, celebrations, book readings, comedy shows and a host of other queer events.
Even as the skies darkened, the message of Pride remained clear: remembrance, resistance, and joy, all marching forward together.
