Watch: Cape Town celebrates annual Pride Festival

The Cape Town Pride Festival will take place on the streets of Green Point on Saturday 29 February. It is a celebration of the LGBT+ community and to highlight the struggles and challenges they continue to face in South Africa. 

A moment of silence will also be observed to honour fallen members of the LGBT+ community.

According to SABC News, mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Alderman Smith said Saturday’s Pride Festival will start at midday in Chiappinni Street in De Waterkant and move towards Reddam Field at the Green Point Urban Park.

“We are grateful to events such as Cape Town Pride for providing a space for individuals to express themselves, raise awareness and celebrate who they are. As an inclusive city, we want to reaffirm our support for the LGBT+ community through partnering with organisations such as Cape Town Pride who have committed themselves to do good in our society and continuing the fight for equality,” said Smith.

Watch: Pride Festival kicks off

Happy Pride Cape Town! #PrideMarch #prideparade ##CapeTownPride #TrueToYou #BeWhoYouAre pic.twitter.com/BRBzHJNrmb

— Mambaonline (@Mambaonline) February 29, 2020

Image via: @wynonnaafrica Twitter

Steenhuisen attends Cape Town Pride Festival 

Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader, John Steenhuisen was also in attendance to address the Cape Town Pride Festival.

“As we approach Human Rights month, the DA reaffirms its vision of a diverse society and unwavering commitment to creating a safe and supportive space for the realisation and protection of the rights to self-determination, freedom of expression and freedom from discrimination; irrespective of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

DA Leader John Steenhuisen

Great to be out with @Our_DA team at the Cape Town pride festival today! pic.twitter.com/UTpwYthxn9

— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) February 29, 2020

We getting ready to March the streets of #CapeTown for #CapeTownPride Festival also DA Intrim Leader, John Steenhuisen , will participate and address the Cape Town Pride Festival pic.twitter.com/qXPtUeoJKA

— DA LGBTIQ+ (@DA_LGBTI) February 29, 2020

Pride Festival dates back to the 90s

According to misterbandb.com, Cape Town has been hosting Gay Pride events every year since 2004. Spanning ten days from late February to early March, Gay Pride in Cape Town celebrates cultural diversity and creates awareness for LGBTQ issues in South Africa and beyond. While Cape Town Pride has only been an annual thing since 2004, the very first event took place as far back as 1993. 

Cape Town and South Africa, in general, have come a long way as far as LGBTQ rights are concerned. Homosexuality was decriminalised in South Africa in 1997, while same-sex marriage was legalized in 2006.  

10 Throwback pics from first ever Cape Town Pride parades in 1993 and 1994 https://t.co/59Uc0Oq0Oy via @iol #AllCapeTown pic.twitter.com/cl8uURMuh0

— Cape Town (@allcapetown) February 29, 2020

‘True to you — be who you are’

The Cape Town Pride Festival 2020 dates are 14 February to 1 March and the theme is ‘True to You – Be Who You Are’. This focuses on the necessity to embrace all of your individuality, despite your orientation, age, race, or faith. It aims to unite everyone despite their differences and help bridge any divisions that can sometimes exist in society.

Some other highlights you can expect: 

• Pool Party at the Glenn Hotel; 
• Drag shows; 
• Singers ;
• DJ sets; 
• Eclectic performances; and of course
• Food and drink.