Pink tourism
Fireman’s ball. Photo courtesy la4ko
Gauteng has a vibrant, diverse gay culture supported by strong community structures, great places to meet and hang out and lots to do. South Africa has one of the most progressive Constitutions in the world, enshrining gay, lesbian, bi and trans-sexual rights – from same sex marriage to alternative lifestyles – and creating an environment where people can be themselves to enjoy everything fantastic Gauteng has to offer.
Gay events
- Gay Pride is an annual event that has been taking place for the past 21 years and drew an around 18 000 people in 2010. The parade winds through the streets of Rosebank in Johannesburg in early October in a riot of colour and gives guys and gals a chance to show off their early summer tans. The event finishes up at Zoo Lake with a massive look-see party.
- The Fireman’s Ball is the after-party event following Gay Pride, where the hottest DJs keep hard-core partygoers on their feet till dawn.
- Out in Africa (OIA) are the organisers for the South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, now in its 18th year. OIA holds other events including a design competition and theatre event.
- Gay and gay-friendly clubs for guys in Johannesburg include Ramp Divas in Boksburg, Risqué in Fourways (both hot lesbian spots too), Simply Blue in Braamfontein and The Factory Bar in the city centre.
- In Pretoria, venues include Detour in Moreleta Park, Q-Bar at the Glen Village Shopping Centre, Camp David Private Nude Bar in Alphen Park, GLBT Dance Studio in Centurion and Legends in Brooklyn.
Accommodation
Gay-run places to stay in Gauteng are a great place to start to get the low-down on the bash of the day and find out all about Joburg, Pretoria and beyond.
- Twin Oaks is centrally located in the beautiful suburb of Houghton. It’s a snazzy bed and breakfast with an outdoor drinks and braai area and also offers long-term rates and full board.
- 222 On Silver Oaks is a magnificent venue in Pretoria offering four-star amenities and lots of info for visitors to Gauteng.
- Majestic Waters at Hartbeespooort Dam, west of Joburg, offers a range of “pink specials”.
Publications
- EXIT is a monthly community paper lots for everyone.
- Gay Pages is South Africa’s largest gay publication, a high-end, high-gloss teaser of everything fabulous under the African sun.
Gay organisations
LBGT flag. Photo courtesy theodoranian on www.wikipedia.org
- Behind the Mask is a non-profit media organisation that publishes a news website about gay and lesbian affairs in Africa.
- Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW)
- The Gay and Lesbian Archives (GALA) is a dedicated resource at Wits University where historical and cultural material relating to lesbian, gay, bi, transgender/sexual experience in South Africa is archived.
- Lesbian and Gay Quality Project conducts advocacy and legal work on behalf of the gay community.
- Gay and Lesbian Policing Network. Call 088 128 1902.
- Gay Parents’ Support Group
- SKEEF is an organisation for lesbian and gay students at the University of Johannesburg.
- OUT is a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) wellbeing organisation that hosts support groups, sexual health and well-being services from the Prism Lifestyle Centre in Hatfield, Pretoria.
- Gay Sports South Africa.
There are a number of spiritual organisations serving the community including the Al-Fitrah Foundation, Contemporary Catholic Community, Gay Christian Community, Gay Muslim Outreach, Jewish OutLook and Inner Circle (a Muslim group).