CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2020 OFFICIAL PROGRAMME

CAPE

2020

TOWN

PRIDE

MAGAZINE Therése Neaimé

Love always wins.

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Director Of Cape Town Pride Welcome Message

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Premier of the Western Cape Welcome Message

Executive Mayor of Cape Town Welcome Message

Take a look back at Cape Town Pride 2019

All the Pride Events leading up to the Festival Day

All the Pride Events leading up to the Festival Day

The Pride March & Festival Day

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Celebrating our Homo Heritage - a humorous look at Pride

Who designed the Rainbow Flag

Lighting up for Pride 2020

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Life Time Achievement Award goes to ...

Performing on the Pride Stage The Singers & Dancers

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What NOT to do at Pride

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

40 The Compères

58 Being a member of InterPride

The DJ's

62 Get all your Pride Paraphernalia

Pride Does Matter

Volunteer with Pride

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TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

PRIDE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE

W

elcome to Cape Town Pride 2020 … Although there have been numerous pride events in Cape Town for many years now, in fact this is the 16th year, the Outreach Africa Cape Town Pride team has only been running Pride for 4 years – making this our 5th birthday!!!

Our mission is clear and unambiguous: it is to provide a platform for every part of the City’s LGBTI+ community, (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer, intersex, non-binary, asexual, polysexual, genderqueer and gender variant people and friends & families (phew!!!) – hope that covers you all… and to assist in raising awareness of LGBTI+ issues and to help with campaigns to allow these people to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing and assist in making our diverse community visible. And the Cape Town Pride Festival, covering 2 weeks of events and workshops is doing exactly that.

Our ambition to is make Cape Town Pride not only the largest Pride on the African continent but to make it one of the World’s notable pride events … as New York’s, London’s, Sydney and Sao Paulo Pride have all become ... to this end we are now a member of InterPride, a global Pride body formed to promote Pride worldwide. The Regional Director for Africa and on the Global Advisory Council representing Africa is Cape Town Pride 2020 Director, Matthew Van As. We have also partnered with Las Vegas Pride.

The City of Cape Town have already acknowledged, by their enthusiastic support each year, the important contribution the LGBTI+ community makes to the city … Cape Town is, after all, promoted by the IGTLA (International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association) as one of the best gay-friendly destinations in the world.

Over the past 4 years we have seen the Pride Mardi Gras grow, so much so that the event had to move from the street party in De Waterkant to Reddam Field in order to accommodate the larger numbers… The March has also grown each year and this year there are more participants, as well as marching-bands,

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"tromp-poppies" and floats than ever before. In fact the City of Cape Town are opening up the “fan walk” in recognition that the event is large enough to warrant it.

This year's headline acton the Pride stage, sponsored by the Emabssy of Sweden, is Therese Neaime who is well-known as an actress and singer/songwriter, fresh from her appearance at Copenhagen Pride.

Whilst Pride IS a celebration of everything that we as the LGBTI+ community have achieved, the fight for equality and rights for those who are disadvantaged by their differences is far from over.

We still need to deal with various types and levels of homophobia which pervades all sections of society, including our own LGBTI+ community. Youngsters are still being ostracised and bullied for being gay, so-called corrective rape, that most violent crime against our lesbian sisters is still being carried out, transphobia is alive, bringing fear and misery to a group of people whose only crime is to be different. The alienation of older LGBTI+ people because they don’t fit into a stereo-typed gay youth driven society. All these issues and more still need to be tackled with education and awareness and at Cape Town Pride 2019 we have adopted some of these causes meaning that Pride can change lives for the better.

In light of this we will be increasing the number of organisations who will receive a donation this year.

Finally, without the support of the City of Cape Town and all the many sponsors as well as the wonderful LGBTI+ community in Cape Town, events like Gay Pride would not be possible, so a huge thank you to everyone involved – including artists and entertainers, bar-persons, cleaners, volunteers, marshals, officials, the South African Police, the WCLA and everyone who has contributed to making Cape Town Pride 2020 such a success MATTHEW VAN AS Festival Director of Cape Town Pride 2020

PROUDLY PROUDLY LGBTI+ Supporting

LGBTI+ Supporting Companies Companies

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TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

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ALAN WINDE PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE MESSAGE

would like to welcome each and every person visiting this year’s annual City of Cape Town Pride Festival.

The Western Cape Government is a proud supporter of the LGBTQI+ community, and we are proud to be a leading province in promoting equality and individual rights. We value each and every person in this province, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. The Western Cape is a province for all.

Research has shown that the City of Cape Town has been ranked as one of the most welcoming and LGBTQI+ friendly destinations where individuals visiting feel safe and welcome.

Every year, we celebrate the annual Pride Festival. It is an event that highlights the diversity and accomplishments of the LGBTQI+ community, while also promoting local tourism and contributing to our economy.

I wish you all a wonderful and exciting Pride 2020, and I look forward to being a part of many more Pride Festivals to come.

PREMIER ALAN WINDE Western Cape Provincial Government

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Proud sponsors of Cape Town Pride 2020 cape town

PRIDE

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

DAN PLATO EXECUTIVE MAYOR CITY OF CAPE TOWN MESSAGE

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he Cape Town Pride Festival continues to grow each year and we are pleased to be involved in an initiative which provides a platform for members of the LGBTI+ community to celebrate their identity.

The City of Cape Town is proud to be partnering with OUTReach Africa for the Cape Town Pride Festival.

As a caring and inclusive city, this administration will continue to be an ally that celebrates the visibility and diversity of the many different communities in our beautiful city.

The Pride Festival also brings together thousands of people from different backgrounds to raise awareness and educate to foster greater social cohesion.

The Cape Town Pride Festival brings in as many as 6000 visitors from outside Cape Town to enjoy the week-long event, which culminates in the Pride Parade in the streets of the Mother City.

I want to applaud the event organisers for continuing to provide a platform for members of the LGBTI+ community and friends to advance the message of inclusivity and equality.

On behalf of the City of Cape Town, I wish the organisers, patrons and supporters of the Pride Mardi Gras a wonderful event experience.

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Have a wonderful stay in our beautiful city.

DAN PLATO Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town

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COME

CREATE We have the talented creatives. We have the inspiration and innovation. We have the canvas.

Come to Cape Town and make your creative event a success. Visit capetown.gov.za/events

GREAT LOCATIONS

WIDE-RANGING CALENDAR

DIVERSE ATTRACTIONS

DIVERSE CULTURE

5-STAR HOSPITALITY

EASY ACCESS

GLOBAL APPEAL

Voted World’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2018.

Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination 2018 & 2019.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO ALL THE PRIDE EVENTS FROM

www.quicket.co.za BEAUTIFUL TICKETING MADE SIMPLE

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TRUE TO BE WHO

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PRIDE EVENTS

In the week leading up to the Pride March and Mardi Gras there are a host of events from poetry to parties, karaoke to workshops and from drag to drama... there is something for everyone... so check out the calendar and plan your 2-week "PRIDE WEEK" ....

FRIDAY

14th FEB 15th FEB 16th FEB 17th FEB SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

THE ANNUAL PINK PARTY

Participating venues are: Crew, Social Bar and Zer021 ...

The idea behind the PINK PARTY is that apart from wearing pink you pay at the first venue and all others are then free.

Entrance: R30

THE PRIDE LIFESTYLE CONFERENCE

Meet for a workshops on what it is to be part of the LGBTI+ community Venue: Radisson - Park Inn

Time: 11:00am - 16:00pm Entrance: FREE

DRAG BRUNCH

Join some of Cape Town's most famous Drag Performers for a brunch of fun and laughter Venue: TBC - Check on Facebook for final information

Time: 11:00am Entrance: See Facebook page

PRIDE KARAOKE

Come a try out your vocal talents - who knows you could be our next star!

Venue: LOU LOU'S Bar in the Cape Quarter Shopping Complex

Time: 7:30pm Entrance: R20

BOOKCASE 1

Interviewer/Host : CARLA BERNADO Featured books and authors: Becoming Him by Landa Mabenge Always Anastacia by Anastacia Tomson • Both titles are autobiographical and each one deals with a period of transition in their lives.

• An ideal narrative for persons who relate their identities as trans-gender.

Venue: Zero21

Time: 6:00pm Entrance: FREE 18

PRIDE EVENTS

TUESDAY

18th FEB

PRIDE MOVIE NIGHT 1

Negotiations are in place to have a pre-screening of the hugely anticipated South African film Moffie ... Our Facebook page will keep us updated as to all details ...

Venue: TBC - Check out ouor Facebook page

Time: Entrance: See Facebook

PRIDE COMEDY NIGHT CHANTAL JAX "OH MY GAD" ONE WOMAN COMEDY SHOW If you love stand-up, don't miss the talented Chantal "JAX" Venter at ...

Venue: Baxter Studio

Time: 7:30pm - 8:20pm Tickets: Available from www.webtickets.co.za

WEDNESDAY

19th FEB 20th FEB THURSDAY

PRIDE INTERFAITH SERVICE Venue: Pride Shelter, 1 Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht

Time: 6:00pm Entrance: FREE

PRIDE ART NIGHT

A gallery night showing off some of the most popular art by talented local LGBT+ artists Venue: Nel, 117 Long Street, Cape Town Time: 6:00pm Entrance: FREE

MR & MISS CAPE TOWN PRIDE TALENT NIGHT The Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride Talent night showcases some of the best talent in the city. Happening at Zer021 it’s an evening of glamour and glitz, sequins and satin. A not-to-be-missed night as the fabulous Diva’s strut their stuff...

Venue: Zero21 Time: 7:30pm Entrance: R30

THURSGAYS Thursgays party night Venue: Zero21

Time: 9:30pm Entrance: R50 19

PRIDE EVENTS FRIDAY

21st FEB 22nd FEB SATURDAY

PRIDE MOSQUE

Join the local Muslim community for a time of reflection, discussion and prayer Venue: Al Fitrah

Time: 12:00 noon Entrance: FREE

THE COZY POOL PARTY - PRIDE EDITION

Cape Town’s famous Pool party - Pride Edition is waiting for you. Get in to the mood for Pride with beautiful people, fabulous sunshine, hot Dj Sole Elos and uplifting house tunes. Enjoy poolside cocktails, snacks and much, much more at one of Cape Town’s best outdoor Pool Party locations.

Venue: Radisson Red, Waterfront Time: 12:00 (noon) - 7:00pm Cover charge: R190 The first 50 get a glass of ice-cold bubbly ... so get there early!

Tickets available: Frank Kosi 0711196622 and from Quicket

KASI PRE-PRIDE CHILL

Happening at Le GudLife in Gugulethu, the annual PRE-PRIDE PARTY Entrance is FREE and always draws a great crowd.

The event starts at 8pm and goes on till 2:00am.

Get in to the mood, Get in to the groove and party on down in Gugs...

PRIDE MEN'S NIGHT - "THE VAULT"

Party the night away at Pre-Pride Club Night - FOR MEN ONLY!!

Venue: The Social Bar Time: 7:00pm Cover charge: See Facebook

MR & MISS CAPE TOWN PRIDE PAGEANT

Probably the most popular event in the week leading up to PRIDE is the MR & MISS GAY PRIDE PAGEANT. The show is staged by the master of pageants, Barry, Mark and their team - they promise a glittering, glamorous night of superb entertainment culminating in the crowning of a new Mr & Miss Gay Pride.

Venue: Joseph Stone Auditorium, Time: 7pm to 11pm.

Entrance: R120 and you can buy your ticket at at COMPUTICKET

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PRIDE EVENTS SUNDAY

23rd FEB 24th FEB MONDAY

TUESDAY

25th FEB

DRAG BRUNCH

Join some of Cape Town's most famous Drag Performers for a brunch of fun and laughter

Venue: TBC (See Facebook) Time: 11:00am Entrance: See Facebook page

BOOKCASE 2

Featured books: Innie Shadows by Oliva Coetzee Because I Couldn’t Kill You by Kelly-Eve Koopman They Called Me Queer by Kim Windvogel & Kelly-Eve Koopman Author Appearance at Bookcase 2.

• Kelly-Eve Koopman - confirmed • Chase Rhys -tbc • Craig Lucas - tbc Venue: Berta’s (Woodstock) Time: 6:30pm Entrance: FREE

PRIDE COMEDY THE RELAUNCH OF GINA - EUGENE MATTHEWS COMEDY SHOW Another night of laughter as you join Eugene Matthews in a night of great comedy Venue: Baxter Studio Time: 7:30pm - 8:20pm Tickets: Available from www.webtickets.co.za

PRIDE ROCKY HORROR ROCKY HORROR INTERACTIVE

Dress up as your favourite Rocky Horror character and join in the fun of being a part of the show in this first-for-Pride Rocky Horror interactive night of fun, laughter and great times.

Venue: Lou Lou's Bar (Cape Quarter) Time: 7:30pm for 8:00pm Tickets: Available from www.quicket.co.za

WEDNESDAY

26th FEB

PRIDE POETRY NIGHT

One again Pride hosts the popular evening of poetry Venue: Social Bar Time: 6:30pm Tickets: Free

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THURSDAY

27th FEB

PRIDE DIVA'S EXTRAVAGANZA

If you loved the first show this is your opportunity to see the cream of Cape Town's drag performers again ...

Venue: Zero21

Time: 7:30pm Entrance: R50

THURSGAYS

Join us for the second Thursgays party night ...

Venue: Zero21 Time: 9:30pm Entrance: R50

PRIDE SWEDISH MOVIE NIGHT

Brought to you by the Embassy of Sweden ... Please check the Cape Town Pride 2020 Facebook page for further information Please check on the Facebook page for Venue, Time & Entrance details

FRIDAY

28th FEB

PRIDE SHABBAT

After a very well supported PRIDE SHABBAT last year, join the local Jewish community Shabbat Venue: Temple Israel (Sea Point) Time: 6.00pm Entrance: FREE

PRIDE VISA NETWORKING EVENT The gay business men and women are welcome to attend an evening networking with like minded people ...

Venue: Radisson Park Inn Time: 6:00pm Entrance: FREE but Booking on Quicket is essential

PRIDE LADIES NIGHT LOVE PROUD HOSTED BY THE CLOSET A party night especially for our Lesbian sisters ....

Venue: The Social Bar Time: 8:00pm Entrance: Please check on our Facebook page

SATURDAY

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PRIDE FESTIVAL DAY PRIDE MARCH & MARDI GRAS

Cape Town Pride's 17 days of events culminates in the Pride Festival Day where we march with PRIDE through the streets of Cape Town, followed by the biggest celebration on the African continent ... Today we will celebrate our diversity, and our togetherness. We will celebrate the strides that have been made towards achieving equality and the struggles that we have been through in the past, and still experiencing now. We will stand against homophobia.

We will remember those people who have been harmed, murdered by bullies, bigots and homophobes. We will also shout out for our LGBTI+ brothers and sisters who live on this country where intolerance thrives.

PRIDE EVENTS JOIN THE MARCH REDDAM FIELD

This year’s Pride March will form up at Prestwich Street School and Alfred Street in De Waterkant. At 12:00 (noon) the parade will leave, and will proceed along Prestwich Street, Right into Chiapini Street and right into Somerset Road .... it will then proceed along the Somerset Road “fan walk” through Green Point to York Road where it will turn right to the circle. Left into Helen Suzman Boulevard, right in to Peter’s Road finally ending at Reddam Field car park ...

Alfred Str PRESTWICH STREET PRIMARY SCHOOL

PARADE ROUTE 29 FEBRUARY 2020

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PRIDE WEEK EVENTS TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE SATURDAY

29th FEB

PRIDE MARCH 2020

The Pride March is the highlight of Pride Week and this year the march will be bigger and better than ever before .... we have more floats taking part, and more marchers as well ... there are even floats from the City of Cape Town’s Carnival collection and to add to the celebratory atmosphere we have original Cape Town minstrel bands and a Scottish Pipers... So hold on to your hats the gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders, intersex, curious and questioning are coming...

This year’s Pride March will form up at Prestwich Street School and Alfred Street in De Waterkant. At 12:00 (noon) the parade will leave, headed by the formidable “Dykes on Bikes” - and will proceed along Prestwich Street, right into Chiapini Street and right into Somerset Road .... it will then proceed along the Somerset Road “fan walk” through Green Point to York Road where it will turn right to the circle. Left into Helen Suzman Boulevard, right in to Peter’s Road finally ending at Reddam Field car park ... where the Pride Mardi Gras is set to blow you, your big hair, your highest heels, campest garb right off the planet!!!.

Wear sensible heels listen to the marshals and follow instructions. Don’t drink alcohol in the Parade, there’s lots of time for that later ... and it’s not allowed (duh!).

Be glamorous, be colourful, be daring , behave, but most of all be yourself!!!

CAPE TOWN PRIDE MARDI GRAS 2020

The PARTY starts at 13:00 at REDDAM FIELD where it goes on till 8pm ... This year there is an astounding line-up of artists and performers including Jarrad Rickerts, Miloh Ramai, Craig Lucas, Zoe Zana, Latheem Gabriel, Manila von Teez, 3D, 4 Tons of Fun, Lu Chase, Iconic and the Internationally famous diva, all the way from Sweden, the fabulous Therese Neaime.

There are Dj's, bars, stalls, loads of food, all of which will combine to make YOUR Pride day the biggest, best Gay Day EVER ....

SUNDAY

1st MAR 14 24

DRAG BRUNCH

Your final opportunity to mix, mingle and marvel at the creme-de-la-creme of the City's drag community ... SAME TIME, SAME PLACE

GOODHOPE MCC PRIDE SERVICE

An Inter-faith service organised by the Goodhope Metropolitan Community Church (GHMCC) in Green Market Square. The service begins at 18:00

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ALL THE FUN OF THE DAY

PRIDE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

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ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND TUTU

orn in 1931, the countrys well-loved and respected Archbishop has spent his life fighting against injustice. Firstly the gross injustice of the apartheid regime and more recently the inequality of the LGBTI+ community. As a human rights activist Archbishop Tutu beacame a house-hold name throughout the world wehen he was selected to chair the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, post apartheid, to investigate past human rights abuses committed by both pro and anti-apartheid groups. Since apartheid's fall, Tutu has campaigned for gay rights and spoken out on a wide range of subjects, among them the Israel-Palestine conflict, his opposition to the Iraq War, and his criticism of South African Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma.

The Archbishop polarised opinion as he rose to notability in the 1970s.

White conservatives who supported apartheid despised him, while many white liberals regarded him as too radical; many black radicals accused him of being too moderate and focused on cultivating white goodwill, while Marxist-Leninists criticised his anti-communist stance.

But he was widely popular among South Africa's black majority, and was internationally praised for his anti-apartheid activism, receiving a range of awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize. He has also compiled several books of his speeches and sermons.

During his college years, ArchbishopTutu attained his Transvaal Bantu Teachers Diploma, and he also took five correspondence courses provided by the University of South Africa (UNISA), graduating in the same class as future Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe.

In 1954, he began teaching English at Madibane High School; the following year, he transferred to the Krugersdorp High School, where he taught English and history.

In 1956 he decided to join the clergy and was admitted to St Peter's Theological College in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, which was run by the Anglican Community of the Resurrection. Tutu studied the Bible, Anglican doctrine, church history, and Christian ethics, earning a Licentiate of Theology degree, and he also won the archbishop's annual essay prize for his discussion of Christianity and Islam. He was ordained in 1960 as an Anglican priest at St Mary's Cathedral.

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In 1962 he moved to Great Britain be trained as a theology teacher at King's College London. In London, the Tutus felt liberated experiencing a life free from apartheid and the pass laws of South Africa; he later noted that "there is racism in England, but we were not exposed to it". He was also impressed by the freedom of speech available in the country, especially that at Speakers' Corner. Tutu was academically successful and his tutors suggested that he convert to an honours degree, which entailed him also studying Hebrew. He received his degree from Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in a ceremony held at the Royal Albert Hall.

Nearing the end of his bachelor of arts studies, he decided to continue on to a master's degree, securing a TEF grant to fund it; he studied for this degree from October 1965 until September 1966, completing his dissertation on Islam in West Africa.

In 1966, the he left the UK and travelled to East Jerusalem. Spending two months in the city, where he studied Arabic and Greek at St George's College.

From there, the family returned to South Africa. After a spell as the Anglican chaplain to the University of Fort Hare. In January 1970, he accepted a teaching post at the University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland (UBLS) in Roma, Lesotho where most of his fellow staff members were white expatriates from the U.S. or Britain, the university's policy being non-racial and inclusive.

In March 1972, he returned to Britain as TEF's director for Africa, and he became honorary curate of St Augustine's Church in Bromley.

In 1975, he was nominated to be the new Bishop of Johannesburg, although lost out to Timothy Bavin who suggested that he take his newly vacated position, that of the dean of St Mary's Cathedral, Johannesburg. he cathedral's congregation was racially mixed but with a white majority; this mixing gave Tutu hope that a racially equal, de-segregated future was possible for South Africa.

He attempted to modernise the liturgies used by the cathedral's congregation although found that this was not desired by most. He also divided opinion among the congregation for his support of the ordination of women and for replacing masculine pronouns with gender neutral ones in his sermons and liturgy.

Tutu used his position to speak out about what he regarded as social injustice.

He met with Black Consciousness Movement figures like Mamphela Ramphele and Soweto community leaders like Nthano Motlana, and publicly endorsed international economic boycott of South Africa over its apartheid policy. In May 1976, he wrote a letter to Prime Minister B. J. Vorster, urging him to dismantle apartheid and warning that if the government continued enforcing this policy then the country would erupt in racial violence.

In 1978 he was elected as the South African Council of Church's first black leader. At the time, the SACC was one of the only Christian institutions in South Africa where black people had the majority representation. He was determined that the SACC become one of South Africa's most visible human rights advocacy organisations, a course which would anger the government. His efforts gained him international recognition; in 1978 Kings College London elected him a fellow while the University of Kent and General Theological Seminary gave him honorary doctorates; the following year Harvard University also gave him an honorary doctorate.

In 1985 Bevin retired as Bishop of Johannesburg and he was enthroned as the sixth Bishop of Johannesburg at a ceremony in St Mary's Cathedral in February that year. He held this post till 1986 when he was enthroned as Archbishop of Cape Town. Tutu became one of the church leaders involved in mediating conflicts between black protesters and the apartheid Government's security forces.

After FW De Klerk released Nelson Mandela, he spent his first night of freedom at the Archbishop's residence in Bishop's Court.

In 1996 he retired as Archbishop and although retired archbishops normally return to the position of bishop, the other bishops bestowed on him a new title: "archbishop emeritus" and President Mandela awarded him the Order for Meritorious Service, South Africa's highest honour in recognition of his untiring fight against apartheid and for his support of equality for all the country's citizens .

Archbishop Emeritus Tutu had become an icon for many South Africans of all races - his stature among them rivalled only by Mandela.

Cape Town Pride honours the Archbishop for his tireless fight for equality for everyone, especially the LGBT+ community and to a lifetime devoted to making the world a better place for everyone regardless of race, colour, creed or sexual orientation.

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ALL THE FUN OF THE DAY

THE PERFORMERS THERÉSE NEAIME Cape Town Pride 2020 and the Embassy of Sweden are proud to bring to the Pride 2020 stage the headline performer, Swedish actress, singer and songwriter, straight from her crowd-breaking performance at Copenhagen Pride, the fabulous, TheréŞe Neaime.

She began her singing career at the age of 15 with the Stockholm East Gospel Choir and later toured the world as a backing singer and dancer with several international artists. Over recent years Therése has built a loyal audience in her homeland and the region surrounding her father’s ancestral country of Lebanon. Growing up in Sweden as the daughter of a Swedish mother and a Lebanese father, the singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and motivational speaker decided early on to take charge of her own destiny. Whenever she feels called upon to try something new, she commits to the challenge wholeheartedly. “Obviously, talent is important,” Therése explained, “but work ethic, belief in oneself, and a positive attitude are even better predictors of a person’s success in life.”

She has played concerts in the US, Europe and the Middle East with her own band, Neaimé. She has performed for NATO troops in Afghanistan and opened for Simply Red on their European tour. She was selected by the Swedish Government as a notable personality for the cause of Swedish-Arab relationships. Therése has been the Brand Ambassador for Volkswagen Middle East and an Ambassador for the Swedish Foundation for Children with Cancer.

She has performed for the King and Crown Princess of Sweden and at numerous VIP events. As an actress, she has had lead roles in both film and theatre. Spending time in Hollywood, studying at the Musicians Institute. She set up her own band NEAIMÉ and toured the Los Angeles and San Diego club circuit and co-starred opposite Ben Affleck in Therése is also an author who recently published her book, From dream to Reality.

With a string of hit songs both in Europe and the USA under her belt, Cape Town Pride Welcomes this amazing performer to the Pride stage - get ready to be blown away!

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JARRAD RICKETTS

A new comer the Pride stage is Cape Town born hit maker, Jarrad Ricketts, who has been wowing South African and European crowds with his captivating live performances and chart-topping radio hits. Having established a solid fan base with the hit singles, Dismissed, Take Me To Your Heart and New Life, His latest release Thinking Bout is sure to endear him to the Cape Town Pride community.

The singer songwriter fronted his first band at the age of 15 and since then has performed with groups and solo at events such as the Cape Town International Festival, Cape Town Jazzathon and the V&A Waterfront Nelson Mandela Birthday Celebration. He also had the enormous privilege of performing the British national anthem God Save The Queen at Newlands Rugby Ground at the start of a South Africa / England Test match in front of a capacity crowd of 40 000 people. It was broadcast to 150 countries internationally.

As a solo artist Jarrad has charted in the top 10 multiple times on every major regional radio station in Cape Town. His hit song Dismissed charted regionally and nationally in South Africa, as well as internationally on Ryan Seacrest’s globally simulcast radio show.

Jarrad is a force to be reckoned with, having performed in Spain, Finland and Sweden ... Jarrad will be on stage at Pride 2020, so get on your feet for this remarkable talent.

MILOH RAMAI Another new comer the Pride stage is an upcoming young Pretoria-North pop star, Miloh Ramai. He is hoping to take the world by storm with the release earlier this year of his first official single, Run. Here in South Africa , radio stations across the country have been giving the song plenty of airplay and seems to being well received.

“It has been doing surprisingly well and the [music] video has already raked in a staggering 31 000 views on Facebook, which is surprising for a new artist with no previous releases and no backing from a major label,” Miloh said.

He most recently performed at Pretoria Pride in October 2019 and the Smoking Dragon Festival in December, Miloh is confident and positive about the future, saying “My goal is to prove to the world that South African artists can compete on an international platform if they have what it takes.

He draws inspiration for his music from international artists such as Lady Gaga, The Weekend and David Bowie.

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LATHEEM GABRIEL Another local boy who needs no introduction, having performed at Pride last three years.

Latheem is a singer/songwriter who comes from a talented creative family. His grandfather sang on radio, and both his parents were musical. However, despite this he was encouraged to "get a real job" rather than take up music as a career - music should rater be a sideline, thought he parents. Latheem, however, thought differently, knowing that music was the core of his being and embarked on a musical career which is grows year by year.

After school he got involved in charity work and activism, joining The Inner Circle where he co-directed and wrote the documentary Fitrah which focused on issue faced by queer Muslims.

One feather in his cap is that he shared the stage with the famous Nakhane performing at the invitation of the Mayor of Stockholm, Sweden.

Performing alternative music, with his musical inspiration being his own life experiences. Human rights activism and the changing social and political landscape in South Africa, Latheem is sure to never run out of material.

Always a keen supporter of PRIDE and LGBTI+ causes, issues and events it’s a pleasure to have this enormously talented musician back at Pride again!!

ZOE ZANA Pride 2020 is happy welcome that the fabulous, highly energetic and entertaining ZOE ZANA back on the Pride stage.

Zoe needs no introduction having performed at Pride for the past 5 years.

Zoe sky-rocketed to stardom after reaching the finals of South African Idols in 2013. Since then she has performed both locally and internationally as well as appearing in musical theatre productions. At the Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees she performed in the musical theatre production Droom and later in the Afrikaans theatre musical Gly. After her success in Idols she began working with Loyiso Bala of Loyiso Music in establishing her solo career.

She has always dreamed of a career as a singer and was supported and encouraged by her father especially. She loves appearing at Pride saying, "gay audiences are the most supportive crowd to perform to... no judgment, just happiness and fun times, when I sing to gay folk I feel loved and supported".

Her goal is to be "the biggest baddest musician in the world."

With her big voice and huge personality, Zoe is set to have you on your feet throughout her performance. . Always a crowd pleaser especially the Pride crowd Zoe will blow you away with both new and some of her standbys.

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27 Somerset Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005

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CRAIG LUCAS He blew you away with his outstanding performance at Pride 2019, and he is back again to entertain you with hhis fabulous voice, incredible talent and dare I say it ... drop dead good looks! Craig who blew the judges away at his blind audition and ended up winning The Voice (S2). Craig has been writing and performing his amazing music with his songs being played on all of the country's main radio stations daily.

And not only is he one of us, he also hails from Cape Town!

Craig who has always loved singing made a promise to his mother that he would finish his degree first, before embarking on his singing career. He studied politics, philosophy and economics at UCT before doing his Honours in Finance.

His coach, Kahn Morbee describes him as the love child of Freddy Mercury and John Legend. Such is the respect that he has for this young man's talent.

Craig is a self-confessed foodie ... and admits that he will eat pretty-much anything, but prefers his food on the spicy side, the hotter the better. In fact he says he has actually been sick from eating food that is too spicy ... admitting that it's an addiction.

Craig Lucas, told the world that he is a gay man in an open letter on social media to his family, friends and fans, endearing himself even more to his LGBTI+ fans ... he's one of us!!! and we're proud of him, his courage, his humanity, love and above all his music!!!!

NATALIA DA ROCHA For the first time on the Pride stage we welcome the popular TROLLIE DOLLIES with their over-the-top wigs, outrageous somewhat blue humour, in an act filled with innuendo, they will most surely have the crowd cringing, laughing and enjoying the zany new show "Non-Specific".

Headlined by the ever-fabulous Cathy Specific who is larger than life, immaculately made up and has a sharp, quick wit. Appearing along side her are Molly and Holly.

The resident act at Gate 69, they have had a number of successful shows under their seat-belts, dressed in high heels with massive wigs and representing the archetypical air hostess of the 1980s, but played by 6ft men in drag, brace yourself for a night of laughter. Gate 69 is a dinner "cabaret" venue ... The food they serve is very tasty and ample with a nice selection to choose from a platter of cheeses, olives, patĂŠs and meats ... and there's no shortage of drinks from the bar.

These three "girls" will have you cheering for more after you enjoy a sampling of their act...

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adapt in a

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ICONIC Iconic has burst on to the scene with their slick, professional act which by all accounts will have you boogieing like people possessed ... and shouting for more!

Describing herself on her Instagram page as "Drag Artist and Pageant Queen." and having won Miss Cape Town Pride is Maxine Wild an integral part these Iconic Diva's.

Appearing with Maxine is Ina Propriette. Hailing from Strandfontein, this Diva also has a title to her name, having recently won the Miss New Woodlands pageant.

Making up the trio is the talented Khalani Khaliefa who is well-known for her stunning, crowd-pleasing, sought-after appearances at Club Zero21 in Cape Town.

Pride are pleased to welcome Iconic to the Pride stage and look forward to a performance that promises to blow your's and everyone else's mind!

LU CHASE Lu Chase is a South African singer, songwriter, radio DJ and actress best known for fronting the band Iridium Project, with their hit Lu's Control.

She has performed and traveled extensively in countries such as Singapore, Bali, Indonesia, Russia, Italy, UK, USA New York, Germany, Dubai and The Dominican Republic.

She also performs live burlesque shows.

She is a familiar voice on Radio with experience at Heart FM, Fine Music Radio and Bush Radio. Her theatre credits include Black Nativity, Independent Woman and Ghetto Fabulous.

She has just returned to Cape Town after a very successful spell in Paris, France ...

Beautiful and talented, she's absolutely brilliant Welcome to the Pride stage!

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3D THREE DIVAS - 3D are back on stage this year. Their act is show-stopping with amazing lip-sync impersonations. Be prepared to be blown away by their incredible professionalism, this trio, well-known on the Pride stage will once again have you on your feet, with an act that would be comfortable on any Pride stage anywhere in the world.

4 TONS OF FUN Performing once again in the Pride line-up are those fabulous larger-than-life ladies, who are quite litterally TONS OF FUN and this year there are four of them!

Well-known in the city, the vivacious foursome have been entertaining us for years. Covering classic standbys and gay torch-songs they are known for getting the party on its feet and the crowd boogieing and begging for more.

So get ready for the ride of your life ... these 4 ladies are going to knock your socks off with their energy, star-quality and vibrant personalities and above-all their great music!

MANILA VON TEEZ The fabulous, MANILA VON TEEZ is back on the Pride stage this year after a triumphant, exciting and very busy year As a finalist in SA's Got Talent, Manila is a professional consummate performer, whose act is nothing short of mind-blowing. "I love performing, and see myself being more involved in theatre as time moves on," she said in a recent interview. Manila does his own make-up and is very involved in the choreography, but is helped and advised by Junaide Abrahams, Tylor Spelman and Nathanian Jacobs all very talented choreographers.

With her special brand of originality, loads of talent and perfect choreography Manila will have you cheering for more again this year.

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M I N I M U M R E Q U I R E M E N T: D E G R E E / D I P L O M A ( O R R E G I S T R AT I O N ) A L L C U LT U R A L G R O U P S W E L C O M E P L E A S E C O N TA C T G R E G ( S P E R M B A N K ) 021 506 4136 S P E R M B A N K @ A E V I TA S . C O . Z A 41

ALL THE FUN OF THE DAY

THE COMPÈRES CHANTAL "JAX" VENTER Openly gay comedienne CHANTAL JAX VENTER will be compeering the Pride stage. Hailing from Gauteng and described on Twitter as “The shortest stand up comedian who delivers on the tallest of orders!.”. dubbed as the fearless comic, she has leveled up on every stage she grazed with her “straight”-up, witty and satirical stand-up comedy leaving the audience with a refreshing take on everyday situations. Her blunt, authentic approach will definitely tickle your funny bone.

Cape Town Pride is proud to welcome this gifted performer back to the Pride stage ...

EUGENE MATTHEWS Eugene Mathews with his striking good looks and amazing hair has etched himself into the concrete of Cape Town’s comedy scene. His keen wit and razor sharp tongue will tickle your brain as well as your funny bone. He has played various comedy venues on the Cape Comedy circuit with rip roaring success.

Astute, shrewd and wickedly funny, Eugene will have you quoting him in the morning Cape Town Pride is proud to welcome this gifted comedian to the Pride stage ...

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ALL THE FUN OF THE DAY

THE DJ'S GROOVY Q GROOVY Q also needs no introdution ... one of the most popular DJ’s in town, Groovy Q plays a great selection of fag-trash, which we love by the way - real patsy sounds that will keep you on your feet between the performers ...

SPINSISTA MITZI Someone who needs no introduction is Spinsista Mitzi, having performed at Pride in the past, and currently resident DJ at the Social Bar, we welcome her to the Pride stage where she will have you on your feet, dancing to her superb mixes...

ZERO21 RESIDENT DJ'S 42

Crew from 16:00 Tau from 20:00 Free entry with Pride Day Pass until 20:00, thereafter R30, VIP R100 Two Dancefloors 6 Bars | 8 DJs Gogo Dancers Drag Performers VIP & Girls Only Area

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46 Canterbury St, Zonnebloem, Cape Town, 7925

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TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

WORDS: John French

CELEBRATING OUR HOMO HERITAGE GAY PRIDE IS THE MOST COLOURFUL EVENT IN OUR LGBTI+ CALENDAR. FAIRIES FROM FAR AND WIDE FESTOON TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR FABULOUS HOMO-HERITAGE AND CULTURE AS WE DEMONSTRATE TO THE WORLD THAT THE RAINBOW FLAG REALLY IS THE EMBODIMENT OF OUR COLOURFUL CULTURAL HERITAGE ...

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ay culture is more varied than even the most versatile of our species, and more prancy than the proverbial tail-spreading peacock. At Pride we get to behold everything from extravaganza - stella'd feathers and frocks to infested foot fetishes and fuel-injected fisting lesbians, on this most auspicious and glittery of days.

Every homo on terra ("I must be firma") can remember their first Gay Pride celebration. Most of us hid from the inquisitive old SABC cameras and anyone else who might know our moms and dads!

Ironically most moffies would do anything (or anyone) to avoid the army and anything else to do with marching. But they turn out enmasse to march and mince in the Gay Pride parade.

"We're here, we're fab and we're queer ... so get over yourself dear!"

I guess the march is an exhilarating statement of gay self-expression where we can shout to the world, "We're here, we're fab and we're queer ... so get over yourself dear!" Its a tremendous affirmation to ourselves, as well as to the world, about who we are. Its also an acknowledgment of the struggle that most gay people have embarked on to gain acceptance in a world that often discriminates against our sexual orientation and gender identities.

Gay Pride is that day when that fabulous diva with the explosive personality (who lurks inside many a grey-suited gay man), explodes out of the socially accepted corporate mask, and makes his/her declaration to the world about what utterly fabulous talents and legs God has blessed her with.

Every dyke with a bike in her garage kick-starts her Harley engine like a donkey being branded on the arse, and joins her fellow larger-than-

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life ladies in a cavalcade of exhaust fumes and enough leather to have made even the late Winnie Mandela jealous.

Floats in the Gay Pride March range from the utterley, fantastically fabulous to the tired old diesel trokkies that actually look more trashy than the queens, balanced precariously on their stiletto heels, who are on them.

Floats like Crew & Beefcakes always seem to carry the "Scene Hotties on Steroids Support Group". These beefy blow-up boys in Lycra hot pants and tight Speedo's, padded out with socks and cock-rings, always draw wolverine whistles and colourful Clora comments from the plethora of pedestrian onlookers.

Older drag artistes and well known trannies are transported through the through the parade on a string of bumper-to-bumper bakkies and sedans. They vainly hold on to their hair and hats in the wickedly mischievous South-Easter that eloquently blows longer and harder than

any gay boy can! These old girls decoupage their whole car just for the parade, prepare their faces with lavender facials and enough oil paint to paint the Sistine Chapel twice over, and ex foliate their favourite goldfish before heading out. They finally place a garden gnome with a Brazilian wax as the must-have mascot on the bonnet of their luxury float-mobile.!

Then of course there are the fag foot-soldiers. The countless gay supporters who come along for the fun and festivities, wanting to feel part of this colourful and complex community. Of course they're secretly hoping to meet the man/queen/bull dyke/threesome twink of their dreams. Many soon discover that is in not so easy to walk 5-kilometres in new high heels, and that suntan lotion would have been a better option than the tub of Clarins applied that morning!

This gay army finally arrives at the Pride Festival Mardi-Gras venue

PEOPLE WITH A TASTE FOR LIFE.

Pride is about hope. It is about celebrating our struggles and successes. It is about self-expression. where the celebration party to our freedom and lifestyle choice really begins. Beer flows like the streets of Brisbane and suddenly everyone becomes Dora!

Clusters of pansies eye each other up and the good times roll. Pride entertainers sing their melodies and entertain the throngs. People dance, people laugh, people live! The Pride Party is a seemingly endless patsy and rages for hours till the day ends and the clubs suck everyone in for a night of high-tech super Pride partying!

Each one of you reading this, I'm sure has their own interesting Pride story: a friend they met, a lover they enjoyed, or a moment in the march that will go down in the annals of embarrassing gay history.

But whatever Pride means to you, I hope that you will celebrate your SELF and your special soul this Pride day. Pride is something which should be expressed and felt inwards, just as much as it is demonstrated and performed outwardly to the world. Pride is about hope. It is about celebrating our struggles and successes. It is about those who cannot live openly. It is about self-expression. It is about YOU!

Happy Pride EVERYONE!

www.spur.co.za

Customer Care: 0860007787

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WORDS: John French

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WHO DESIGNED OUR PRIDE FLAG

t’s Pride Month in Cape Town, baby!! Chances are you’ll be gallivanting around town in multicolour tight t’s and waving that iconic LGBTQ Pride Flag.

Yes, that beautiful iridescent banner to which everyone east of center on the Kinsey Scale pledges allegiance. Sometimes it feels like we take this flag granted, as if it has always been around. But every flag has to be designed by someone, so which queer vexillographer do we have to thank for this iconic piece of stitching? And what if I told you the flag didn’t always look the way it did?

The story begins in San Francisco, 1974, when the highly influential gay activist and leader Harvey Milk challenged another activist named Gilbert Baker to come up with a symbol for gay rights. Baker, a skilled seamstress and designer, got to work. Some say his original design was inspired by OG queer-icon Judy Garland’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Regardless, what he ended up with was an eight-striped flag with unique colors, representing Sex, Life, Healing, Sunlight, Nature, Magic/ Art, Serenity and Spirit. But the flag we all fly today is not exactly how Baker originally designed it.

and the implied hues in between stand for everyone of every non-cis, non-hetero gender and sexuality. And that’s what we love it so much.

Any good flag is simple, elegant and easily reproduced, and not every flag meets this standard. The LGBTQ pride flag has stood the test of time because its essentially a well-designed flag. But, as it turns out, the eight stripe design proved to be little bit too much for pragmatic mass production. And after the assassination of Harvey Milk in 1978, the demand for the rainbow flag skyrocketed. Everyone needed one to show their pride and commitment towards equality. In order to accommodate this insane amount of demand, the hot pink stripe was removed (apparently hot pink fabric was the most difficult to get). And then around 1979 the flag was redesigned once more to feature only six stripes--this time indigo and turquoise were combined into royal blue.

And thus, the pride flag as we know it today was born.

Recently, some activists, do-gooders, the politically correct - call them what you want, have tried to incorporate a brown stripe or a black stipe and some have even tried to reintroduce the pink stripe - these are to represent people of colour but, none of the original stripes represented skin colour ... they haven’t worked - the iconic six-striped flag is the only true ”Pride Flag”.

Since then, innumerable variations have been fashioned. Rainbow itself has practically become a symbol of the LGBTQ community. And therein lies the genius of this flag. It’s meant not only to represent gay men, but the entire spectrum of human diversity. The six stripes of the flag

So next time you see a pride flag, know that it stands for much more than just gay pride. The flag is a love letter to how colourful and unique people can be. The flag shows us that all of them are equal, all the way from red to purple. Wave or wear it with Pride!

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Baker died at home in his sleep on March 31, 2017 at age 65, in New York City. The New York City medical examiner’s office determined cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Upon Baker’s death, California state senator Scott Wiener said Baker “helped define the modern LGBT movement”.

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

WORDS: John French

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LIGHTING UP FOR PRIDE

very year, all over the world, iconic buildings are lit in the Pride rainbow colours to celebrate Pride month as well as other events where the city or government wants to show that they are allied to the LGBT+ community, such as the mass-shooting at the Pulse Gay Club in Orlando Florida where 49 people were killed and 53 were wounded.

Cape Town Pride 2020 approached the City and Clr Rob Quintas took on the task. Rob has worked tirelessly in over-coming all objections to facilitate this immense achievement - we owe him our deepest thanks and gratitude for persuading the powers that be to show the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape's DA-led Provincial Government support for our community.

For the the first time on the African continent, the Cape Provincial Administration have lit up the Legislature Building ... So do yourself a favour and take a drive along Whale Street in the city and check it out!

In 2015 President Obama ordered the White House lit in the "gay" colours, pictured below, other famous landmarks include the Empire State Building, The British Houses of Parliament and the Eiffel Tower in Paris ... The City of Cape Town can now hold its head high as a supporter of the LGBT+ community.

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Welcome to The City of Cape Town's annual

Message from the DA Metro LGBTQI Chairman The Democratic Alliance would like to wish all locals and visitors a warm welcome to the City of Cape Town’s annual Pride Festival.

The DA has a proud and long association spanning more than a decade with this event and historically have been the only political party to take part in a meaningful and committed manner.

Pride speaks to many of our party’s core values, and this expression of freedom, equality, inclusivity and diversity resonates deeply with who we are and what we stand for in the DA. We are the first to admit that society still has a very long way to go in the real and lived acknowledgement of LGBTQIA+ rights and fair treatment, and we are committed to walking that walk together with all queer communities.

Gay rights are human rights, and we as the DA will stand by those rights for you and with you.

In the City of Cape Town and Western Cape where we govern, health and law enforcement agencies are sensitized to LGBTQIA+ issues and health services provide free PREP to M2M and sex workers at our clinics and hospitals.

Research also shows that LGBTQI residents of our City and Province feel safer here with our governments than in other parts of the country.

This speaks to our commitment to a safer, more caring society where we govern.

The festival which this year takes place over two weeks will cover many of the more poignant and burning aspects of queer life in Cape Town, and will culminate in the well loved and supported Pride Parade and Festival.

The festival is an opportunity to celebrate how far we as LGBTQIA+ persons from across many societies, cultures and racial groups have come, and gives us the opportunity to be present along with our straight allies without fear.

The DA Metro Region of Cape Town wishes you all a fun, safe and meaningful Pride 2020.

Councillor Roberto Quintas

Chairman: DA Metro LGBTQIA+ Committee

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

WHAT NOT TO DO AT PRIDE WORDS: J Matthew Cobb 2019 was the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the spark that led to the genesis towards the Gay Liberation movement, LGBTQ equal rights and what led to the first gay pride marches (which later evolved into parades). Today, there are literally thousands of Pride celebrations held all over the world.

We’ve come a very long way as a marginalised people. We endured being falsely defined by science that we were mentally ill, we survived the turbulent AIDS crisis of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s and fought against politicians who tried to undermine our existence and survival. And yet, we still have a long way to go in achieving equal rights on the global stage.

And so, we should take great pride in celebrating Pride, not just during Pride season but all year round. It’s not just a celebration on how we’ve evolved and how we’ve over-comed, it’s a time to celebrate who we are.

Still, all the rainbow flags and “jou ma se qween” chants in the world can’t hide the fact that there are a few things we must avoid at all costs.

Yes, sometimes even we get things wrong. Here’s a mini guide to the no-no’s one should remember before attending a pride event.

DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

If you’re touching the bottle for the festivities, have Uber or another taxi service downloaded somewhere on that smartphone of yours or have a sensible designated driver with you. We are not gonna take lives out for what should be a festive and memorable celebration.

DON’T FROWN UPON PEOPLE WHO ARE DIFFERENT THAN YOU.

We’re supposed to be one happy family, a rainbow of many colours. But often, we’ll witness prejudice and discrimination in our own backyard.

Yeah, it happens more often than you think. Where the hell you think the “no fats no fems” term came from? And in some circles, younger tribes scoff at older gays, bringing on turbulent attitudes of ageism. If you’re gonna bring those attitudes to Pride, you’re probably ignorant of what Pride means and what it should represent. Don’t be closed minded. Learn how to celebrate the differences. It’s what makes us all unique and special.

DON’T ASSUME IT’S JUST A BIG SEX PARTY.

Yes, sex is good. Being sex positive is good too. But let’s not feed the narrative of the stereotype, that Pride is just one big sex party. While it’s okay to discover new adventures and levels of sexuality, it’s unfair to lump everyone into the same category. Not everyone comes to Pride for those reasons. And let’s not forget; not everyone that attends Pride is queer. Remember, allies are welcome too.

And if you get turned down because someone’s not as out there as you (or umm, there not that into you) and start to feel shamed, don’t take it seriously. Everybody isn’t into everyone.

DON’T BE A PARTY POOPER.

I understand, not everyone is into the hoopla and the extravagance of Pride. And introverts totally need their space. But if you’re going with a downcast spirit, TRY to boost up your esteem and enjoy what you can.

Surround yourself with friends that will keep you on the right path.

And hey, if you’re ever totally depressed about something, reach out to someone. Indeed, these are dark and turbulent times we’re in and it’s easy to fall between the cracks of depression and distress, but don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

DON’T DRESS OFFENSIVELY.

I know you’ve seen the inappropriate costumes but please try not to do the cultural appropriation thing. Sure, fashion is fashion, but don’t be a dick just because you want to show off. There are plenty of other ways to stick out in public without stepping on reverential and cultural traditions. If you’re going this route and want to incorporate other cultural trends into your look, be respectful when doing it.

Presentation is key.

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Glamazon helps make Amazon a great place to work by educating and informing employees about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and/or Queer (LGBTQ) issues, events, meetings and information. The group mentors employees (LGBTQ and allies) and promotes diversity and visibility in recruiting and throughout Amazon. The group sponsors events and PRIDE parades around the globe. Glamazon supported the creation of a Transgender Toolkit for managers and employees to use when going through a gender transition in the workplace. In 2019, thanks to the efforts of Glamazon working with leaders across the company, we were honored again to receive a 100 Score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index, a US benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQ employees.

DON’T ASSUME EVERY PRIDE CELEBRATION IS THE SAME.

Not every Pride is going to book your household name superstars.

And not every Pride is going to have a parade full of Mardi Gras-styled floats and half-naked hunks. Depending where you are, you just might get see something very simple or something totally outrageous for your taste buds. It just depends.

For those new to the Pride experience, there’s nothing wrong with stepping outside the box and trying something new. If you’re tired of the same old regimen, wear something you’ve never worn and hop on the train of discovery.

DON’T FEED THE TROLLS.

We know about the pesky vitriol of those religious zealots who stalk the parade. With every Pride event, there they are on the sidelines, spewing their dangerous rhetoric and attacking our freedoms, our identities and our culture. It’s a sad reality we face, there are people making our quest towards equality an agonizing challenge for us all.

Being that we live in a nation where freedom of speech is a right, we have to respect their decision to protest. Sure, it sucks, but it doesn’t help us when we fight back using violence or weapon of hate at them.

Great civil rights people, the like of Simon Nkoli, Nelson Mandela, Harvey Milk, the great Mahatma etc., have taught us that nonviolence is the answer. And so, in their memory, for those who carried the mantle of wisdom on their shoulders, we must not ignore their example.

There’s a way to fight back, and with smarts: Let’s always strive for the higher ground.

IF YOU’RE NOT COMFORTABLE IN IT, DON’T WEAR IT.

Summertime and the agonizing torture of sweat and humidity calls us all to wear less during the peak season of Pride. I’m down with body positivity, but let’s cut right to the chase. A lot of people are wearing stuff that’s not flattering, stuff in the wrong size and clothing outside of our comfort zone. Ask yourself before going out: Am I looking my best? And be honest with yourself. This is supposed to be a celebration of pride. If you’re not feeling proud, not feeling your best and if your self-esteem doesn’t match the apparel, you need a re-do. Henni, you might need to binge-watch a few seasons of Queer Eye and soak in JVN’s fashion wisdom before making that outdoor plunge.

DON’T GET DEHYDRATED.

There’s a good chance that you’re probably going to be basking in the hot sun outdoors during Pride festivities. So, it’s best for you to stay hydrated with lots of water. It’s that simple. Keep a reusable bottle on you and fill it up before going. And remember, alcohol drains you and can easily bring you fatigue, so make sure you counter it with healthy doses of water. It’ll also help in eliminating some of the sting out of that hangover in the morning.

DON'T GET SUNBURNED

It's peak summer season in Cape Town and if last year is anything to go by, the mercury will be hovering around 34 degrees ... bring, beg or borrow it, you MUST use sunscreen. Last year there were lots of people who were wearing the bare minimum and who must have felt the sting that night when they got home. Sun burn and at worse skin cancer is painful, unsightly, stupid and can be avoided.

DON'T FLASH YOUR VALUABLES

At any big event where there are large crowds it is advisable to carry your money. cellphone, cards and wallet in a zip-up bag. Be aware that there are pick-pockets, con-men, crooks lurking, ready to relieve you of any of these items. Stay safe and be aware of who is brushing past you, bumping in to you etc. There are syndicates working who will steal your phone and pass it on in seconds - just be vigilant - after-all you don't want your day to be spoiled by an unnecessary mishap.

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Go ahead have a fabulous Pride celebration, just try and be sensible ...

DRINK IT WITH PRIDE NOT FOR SALE TO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

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TO ALL OUR SPON

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O YOU YOU ARE

NSORS THANK YOU

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WE ARE A MEMBER OF INTERPRIDE

atthew Van As attended the InterPride World Conference & AGM 2019 in his capacity as the Festival Director of Cape Town Pride, Regional Director for Region 16 (Africa) and the Global Advisory Council member for Africa.

The 2019 InterPride World Conference and AGM was held in Athens, Greece where over 300 Pride organisers from all over the world attended from the 17th October to 20th October, 2019.

Matthew said, "Attending this conference opened my eyes to what is happening all around the world, where we can take Prides on the African continent but more importantly spread the news on what is actually happening on African continent from the point of Human Rights and the atrocities happening on our beautiful soil."

Each day consisted of Board meetings to discuss where InterPride is going in the future and what goals they want to achieve as a Global community, but more importantly there were multiple lectures given by world renowned speakers in their fields in regard to Pride.

Some of the lectures that he attended were: Stonewall Myths, Inclusivity In Prides, Telling Your Pride Story in a Locally relevant way, Volunteer Empowerment, Global Pride partnerships and The Pride experience for LGBTI+ refugees.

He added that, "The most important experience that happened at the conference was the ability for various Prides from around Africa to sit in one space to discuss what is happening on the African continent and see how we can help each other." In attendance were people from South Africa, Uganda, Kenya Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo and Côte d’Ivoire. There was a unanimous decision to create an organisation of Pride event organisers called ‘The United Prides of Africa’. This group will be used to supply support, information and crucial Human Rights messages to our governments to support and recognise the LGBTI+ communities in the various countries involved. Each person has made a commitment to reach out to Continued on page 56

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One of the greatest feelings is to be in a space where you can just be yourself and not have to explain anything. This was the InterPride World Conference and AGM

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TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

various Pride Events in their countries and also Pride Events in neighbouring countries to offer support.

Other than all the serious matters discussed there were also a lot of fun activities. There was Reception held at the Dutch Embassy in Athens where the Ambassador made a commitment to the LGBTI+ worldwide that the Netherlands would support and always fight for the rights of the LGBTI+ community.

There was a Party hosted by Athens Pride at the most fabulous club called Shamone in Gazi (the LGBTI+ area of Athens). All 300+ Festival Directors had a chance to let their hair down and party the night away. For those of you planning to visit Greece just remember that everything only starts at 11pm and goes onto 5-6am.

Finally, there was Dinner and Gala at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre hosted by the City of Athens. The glitz and glamour came out in full force which was supported by performing artists from the 3 Competing cities for World Pride 2023.

On that note: Sydney Mardi Gras won the bid for World Pride 2023, which means that World Pride will be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time EVER and we, at Cape Town Pride and Africa, cannot wait to support our brothers and sisters in Australia for this momentous occasion. The bids from Montreal and Houston were also absolutely amazing and hopefully, in the future, Cape Town will bid for World Pride.

Finally, Matthew was recognised and received an award by Fondo de Asistencia Para el sida and Tijuana GLBTI Pride Mexico for the work he is doing in developing regions across the world. Accepting the award Matthew said, "it was a great privilege and I was humbled by the experience and the award."

He also thanked the Directors at OUTReach Africa and Cape Town Pride "for allowing me to represent Africa in such a big way. To all the friends that I made at InterPride, especially all the crazy Canadians and Australians that made the trip unforgettable. Finally, for Africa putting their trust in me to represent them on such a Global scale."

Heres to Cape Town putting their bid in for the Mid-Year InterPride Conference

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Cape Town has put in a bid for the Mid-year InterPride World Conference and AGM

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GETTING YOUR PRIDE PARAPHERNALIA Cape Town Pride 2020 are selling a variety of goods to wear on Pride day or just to keep as souvenirs ....

THE PRIDE BASEBALL CAP Available in black only and printed with the Cape Town Pride Logo R80 if purchased online with your Pride ticket R100 normal price without the ticket special

R90 if purchased online with your Pride ticket R110 normal price without the ticket special

Printed with the Cape Town Pride Logo on both sides

Available in black and embroidered with the Cape Town Pride Logo Sizes: S, M, L , XL & XXL

R70 if purchased online with your Pride ticket

R230 if purchased online with your Pride ticket

R90 normal price without the ticket special

R250 normal price without the ticket special Printed with the Cape Town Pride Logo on one side R80 if purchased online with your Pride ticket R100 normal price without the ticket special

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Available in all colours indicated and printed with the Cape Town Pride Logo.

Sizes: S, M, L, XL & XXXL

PRIDE COFFEE MUG

PRIDE GOLF SHIRT

PRIDE TOTE BAG

PRIDE T-SHIRT

Go to www.capetownpride.org and get your souvenir with your ticket to Cape Town Pride 2020 or book with Quicket and get your souvenir for the special ticket price.

You can also visit our stall at Pride Mardi Gras 2020 on the 28th February and buy you souvenir on the day!!

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Unit 1B, Spearhead Business Park, Montague Drive, Montague Gardens, Cape Town021 555 0433 - New Age Promotions sales@naprsa.co.za 64

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

PRIDE STILL MATTERS! Words: Cary Gee

As an lgbt+ community – many, but not all of ud have now achieved most of the rights we have faught for. So is there a need for pride anymore? This writer thinks there is…

T

ravelling home from central Landon on the Tube, late one night, I found myself in a carriage, deserted but for two couples. One young, one old. The older couple held hands and snored gently, letting their theatre programmes fall to the floor, while the one half of the younger couple rested her head on her boyfriend’s shoulder while he whispered things in her ear that made her smile.

Utterly unremarkable, and yet, had either of these couples been of the same sex, the very ordinariness of the tableau they presented would have elicited some kind of response from the ethnically mixed, gender balanced group of teenagers that boarded at the next station.

At best, I’d like to think the teenagers would’ve delighted in the fact that they were growing up in the world’s most diverse capital city. At worst they might have violently abused the couples sharing their space, forgetting for a moment, that when 200 Gay Liberation Front pioneers first marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square more than 40 years ago when London was a very different place. A place where white, black and Asian youths could not mix freely without being subjected to some levels of abuse still suffered by gay people today. As for the girls in the group, well they wouldn’t’ have been allowed out at all!

People did not just wake up one morning and decide that regardless of the colour of your skin, or whether or not you had a penis, you were entitled to some freedoms, opportunities and dignities as everyone else. NO! These human rights were fought for. People paid with their liberty, some paid with their lives, and in many parts of the world they are still paying!

So, for those gays who would rather spend an afternoon shopping for their same-sex wedding than join in their local Pride celebration, march for those who are unable to march. Celebrate the rights that we have already won and take Pride in defending them. Remember, these rights can be taken away as easily as they were granted. It is up the entire LGBT+ community to ensure that it never happens.

Feminism would never have succeeded without the support of men, racial equality would be non-existent without the support of whites and blacks wanting to work together, and gay equality will never be achieved without our heterosexual allies. Pride is a time for gays and straights to walk together, arm-in-arm to express solidarity, strength and love. Essentially Pride is what makes us human, when all too often a heterosexual public discourse dehumanises those whom it ignores or denigrates.

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Gay Pride matters to school children, gay and straight, who are subjected to homophobic bullying. It matters to the families and friends of the disproportionately high numbers of gay, lesbian and transgender suicides. It matters to gays from countries as diverse as Uganda, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Iran which share only a desire to punish a genetically determined minority. It should matter to you!

“But why march? Why ram it down our throats? Can’t you celebrate quietly at home with your queer friends?” we have all been asked.

Afterall “Straight people don’t have Straight Pride.”

Except of course they do. 365 days of the year, 366 this year! Spend a night out in any town centre, any day of the week, and you will see girls with full make-up, high-heels and little else snogging the face off a young man who resembles a gay from 20 years ago, his best jeans, shirt and hair all ironed to within an ‘nth of its life.

What exactly are they exhibiting, without silence or shame, if not Pride?

TRUE TO YOU BE WHO YOU ARE

C team.

VOLUNTEER WITH PRIDE ape Town Pride is run entirely by volunteers. Some of us work on short-term projects or campaigns – and some of us work all year round as part of the core team. Taking part is an incredible experience and we’d love you to join the

Cape Town Pride is wholly run by a group of volunteers who are passionate about equality and diversity. We are a not-for-profit organisation, and any surplus funds we raise are used to support the LGBTQ+ community and improve the events.

Together, we run the South Africa’s biggest, most diverse pride, and our job is to make sure we provide a platform for every part of Cape Town’s LGBTQ+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, questioning, intersex, non-binary, asexual, polysexual, genderqueer and gender variant people) to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and campaign for the freedoms that will allow them to live their lives on a genuinely equal footing.

From Pink Party, which helps to raise funds for the events for the Pride week, to our annual Parade through the heart of the Cape Town and the amazing 1 week, city-wide festival that precedes Pride weekend, everything we do is designed to give LGBTQ+ people a platform to be visible and speak loudly to the rest of the city about what we have achieved, how far we have come and what is still needed.

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Cape Town Pride includes people of every race and faith, whether disabled or able-bodied, and all sexualities and genders including lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, queer, questioning, intersex, trans*, genderqueer, gender variant or non-binary as well as straight and cis allies.

Around 15 people volunteer year-round to help us deliver what has become a world-class Pride. We are already a pretty diverse bunch, but we are looking to add to our diversity. So if Pride is for you, then climb on board for the wild ride that is Cape Town Pride!