More details about this Saturday’s Johannesburg Pride in Sandton, which will include a march, have been released by the organisers.
The event, which was set to take place on September 28, was controversially postponed at the last minute after the Johannesburg Pride Planning Committee said that the original Newtown inner city location was unsafe.
Johannesburg Pride will now take place at the George Lea Sandton Sports Club in Sandton on Saturday 26 October.
“This year’s theme ‘Going back to our Roots’ is both celebratory in nature but equally an avenue to raise the challenges still faced within the LGBTIAQ community. Challenges firmly supported through the diamond sponsorship of Lovers+,” commented Johannesburg Pride’s Kaye Alley.
THE MARCH
Participants are requested to gather at 9.30 am in Sutherland Road, off William Nichol Drive in Sandton, which is the main parking area and also where the march will kick off at 10.00am.
Parade Route
The committee has urged participants to use placards, t-shirts and banners to draw attention to issues affecting the LGBT community, including the “scourges of homophobia and transphobia, hate crimes and ‘corrective’ rape”.
THE POST-MARCH EVENT
The day’s line-up at the park includes a host of artists; from DJs, singers and dancers to female impersonators strutting their stuff. Due to the date change, Lira, the previously announced headline act will not perform on the day.
Performers will include Catherine Grenfell, Jamalie, Solly P, Lizz, Miss Le Coq and Stuart Hillary, among many others.
Food and beverages will be on sale throughout the day. No alcohol will be permitted to be brought in or out the gate.
While general entry the event is free, VIP tickets are available at webtickets.co.za for between R150 and R250. These include benefits such as access the Pride Garden and food hall, spirit bar, shooter bar, media and celebrity hangout – as well as secure VIP parking.
The committee explained that participants can walk back to the march starting point/main parking area (about a 5 minute walk) or take Tuk Tuks which will be available at a fee. (Disabled parking can be arranged with the organisers on request).
PRIDE AND PREJUDICES PRE-PRIDE EVENT – Wed 23 October
This pre-Pride event will celebrate 25 years of LGBTIAQ history. It’s described as a pop and cultural experience.
Hosted by Café Culture in Fourways, the evening will include speakers showcasing the LGBTIAQ community’s ability to change legislation and perceptions and to address pertinent issues through parades and parading.
Legislative changes that will be celebrated include the Civil Union Act (2006). Sebastian Matroos, one of the activists who made submissions to Parliament will recount his experiences.
Another legislated milestone is the Alteration of Sex and Sex Description Act (2003). Pride Board member Simone Heradien formed part of an alliance of only three activists who petitioned Parliament and assisted the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee in the final drafting of the bill.
The event will also include a photo exhibition by David Penney and GALA of the first Johannesburg Pride parade in 1990.
At 8.30pm, DJ Stuart Hillary takes over as the guest DJ for the official Johannesburg Pride Pre-Pride Party, which will rock on until 2am.
Buy VIP tickets via Webtickets for R120, which includes Stoli cocktails and snacks, or a basic ticket (entry only) for R50 at the door.
Alternatively, purchase a full access VIP-ticket for R250 per person from Webtickets and get access to this Pre-Pride event and the VIP area on Pride day in Sandton.
Cafe Culture is situated at Pineslopes Shopping Centre, The Straight Avenue, off Witkoppen Road, north of Montecasino.
For more info visit Joburg Mardi Gras
Via http://www.mambaonline.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment