Over the past few months, cities around the world have been celebrating their respective LGBTQ+ pride events and in October 2019, Johannesburg pride will be celebrating its 30th anniversary with parties and events happening the entire month.
Building on last year’s theme of ‘Authentically You’, this year’s theme is aptly titled ‘Pride Of Africa’ and will officially be introduced in 2019 as a unified platform and voice for a diverse community. The platform will see the introduction of a lifestyle conference and youth shelter, in addition to supporting events being hosted across Africa. This includes the continent’s longest running pride event: Johannesburg Pride. The intent is to build individual and collective pride within the communities across Africa.
After 30 years of advocacy, Johannesburg Pride has grown to become the most established and well-attended pride event in South Africa. Attracting an increasing number of supporters throughout Africa every year; it has become a key supporter in the African LGBTQ+ME space. As a result, it has adopted a much bigger cause, going beyond the parade and beyond its own borders, striving to foster a culture of authenticity, acceptance, and support.
In order to capture the intention, collaboration, and strength of Pride of Africa, a new visual identity was created to represent equality and acceptance across the continent. Underpinning this new identity is a symbol of liberation and unity: a flag inspired by those of all 54 African countries. A flag that helps to create a positive stance for a continent where the community faces such overwhelming negativity. A flag that says you are accepted, you are welcome, and you are safe where this flag flies.
This year’s pride celebrations are expected to be bigger and better than ever before – with an array of events happening throughout the month of October – and we’ve got the low-down on everything you can expect if you’re planning on attending this year.
30th Johannesburg Pride Parade
The 30th Johannesburg Pride Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, 26 October 2019 in Sandton. Gates will open at 12h00 and the march will start at 14h00.
Venue Change
This year, the annual Johannesburg Pride parade will be moving away from its beloved home in Melrose Arch to a bigger venue in and around the Sandton CBD. “It is with great sadness we have to inform you that we have outgrown Melrose Arch. It is with tremendous joy we tell you that will be conquering Sandton,” the organizers have said in a statement. “Yes, Johannesburg Pride is set to move to the streets of the new central business district and economic hub of Johannesburg, Sandton.”
In addition to the Johannesburg Pride March and Festival, the Pride of Africa will also be hosting:
28 September 2019: Pride of Africa Opening Ceremony
The event is targeted towards the Media Partners, Key mainstream media, Influencer partners, sponsors and key architects instrumental in making this Pride of Africa Month possible. Attendees will be entertained by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Detox who was the runner-up in the show’s second season.
5 October 2019: Pride of Africa Fashion Show
A little bit for everyone, the first of its kind in the Fashion Show industry. The fashion show caters for everyone from the bears to trans, from drag and the Lesbians the designers are creating proudly African authentically you look.
12 October 2019: Pride of Africa Lifestyle Conference
Authentic dialogue is a vital part of our development. Pride of Africa Lifestyle Conference is a platform where we promote dialogue and to ensure we impart the most authentic and positive messages and information we seek subject matter experts to facilitate key discussion during the conference. Building on last year’s successful Lifestyle Conference join us this year for deep dive seasons into the Relevance of Pride, Insightful discussion around gender identity and sexual orientation.
19 October 2019: Pride of Africa Awards
Reward is key to ensure continued commitment. In the LGBTQ+ community we have unsung heroes who work in their own time at their own cost to empower and enrich the lives of others. The Pride of Africa Awards was created specifically to recognise and highlight the phenomenal work these game changers and what they are doing towards LGBTQ+ ME upliftment.
20 October 2019: Pride of Africa Brunch
What’s a Pride of Africa Month without the glitz and the glamour? To balance the critical hard hitting conversations, we bringing you a fun morning with one of the most popular RuPaul Drag Race stars Brooke Lynn Hytes – including the opportunity of a meet n greet with the blonde bombshell. Brooke Lynn will also serve as the 30th Johannesburg Pride Grand Marshall.
26 October 2019: Johannesburg Pride Parade and Festival Weekend
Pride weekend kicks off with a pre-pride party at Babylon the Joburg Bar. This will be followed by the official parade on the 26th October 2019 which is set to razzle and dazzle everyone. To round of this event, Babylon the Joburg Bar will host a Johannesburg Pride after party.
More information is available at www.johannesburgpride.co.za.
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