| Joburg Pride kicks up its heels |
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| Written by Brenda Masilela | |
| Monday, 06 October 2008 | |
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With about 10 000 people turning out in support of gay and lesbian rights, this year's Pride Parade was enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. 
The parade went through the streets of Rosebank
THE annual Pride Parade is always a glam and festive affair, and this year - the 19th annual outing - was no exception. Zoo Lake was overflowing with an estimated 10 000 people partying with pride on Saturday, 4 October - and organisers and participants alike said it was bigger than 2007's Joburg Pride Parade. There was great jubilation and excitement in the air, with people dressed in colourful costumes and sporting strikingly odd hairstyles to complement the floats. Although the day is a happy celebration, it also has a serious message of tolerance and support. This year, there was a Community Village in which a Wall of Remembrance displayed images from the lives of people either killed because of their sexual orientation, or who had been the victims of other homophobic hate crimes. People were encouraged to sign these pictures to show their support. Sizakele Sigasa, Salome Masooa, Zoliswa Nkonyane and Eudy Simelane were just four people whose images adorned the wall. "Once again we have a strong message - Love, No Hate - aimed at increasing awareness among the gay community and the general public alike," said Tanya Harford, the co-chair of Joburg Pride. "There have been both victories and defeats for the gay rights movement this year, but we won't stop highlighting and conveying our message to the public." 
Over 10 000 people turned up for this year's gay parade
Harford said that if they could prove to just one South African that gays and lesbians were not different, it would be another victory for gay rights in South Africa. They would work to win over the country until gays and lesbians walked freely in all areas without being victimised. "Events like these are important to gay and lesbian society, because we celebrate the diversity of [that society]. At the same time we can express ourselves freely and be comfortable with who we are," said Nomfundiso Joseph, from the Eastern Cape, who came especially to the parade. "In this regard, we would also like the [general] public to come to such events so that they can understand [the society] and be free of the stereotyping and stop judging us." The event kicked off with high hopes of being even better than last year - and by all accounts it lived up to these expectations. A concert followed the parade through the streets of Rosebank, at which British singers Damian, Barbra Bush and Brian Kelly performed. And then it was time to party to the sounds of DJ Kentphonik and 5fm, the radio station. There was a strong police presence throughout, keeping revellers safe and secure. Related stories: |
