Gauteng Tourism Celebrates 35 years of Johannesburg Pride!

Johannesburg Pride

Johannesburg is about to light up in celebration of an incredible milestone: the 35th anniversary of Pride of Africa! This year’s commemorations promise to be a vibrant and uplifting celebration of identity, love, and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

This Pride is one of particular significance, because it marks 35 years since Johannesburg’s first march for gay rights in 1990. Gauteng Tourism is set to honor this milestone by recognising the ongoing fight for safety, equality, and justice for all, including those in our LGBTQ+ community affected by gender-based violence, intimate-partner violence and femicide. Flying high above the city of Johannesburg is a powerful symbol of Queer inclusivity and resilience. Once a site of oppression and injustice, Constitution Hill is now the seat of South Africa’s democracy and for the month of October, is home to the LGBTQIA+ flag. The flag was raised on 2 October 2024, and marked the start of Pride Month in South Africa.

As the month unfolds, the city will host a number of celebrations and an exciting lineup of events.

A highlight of the upcoming celebrations includes the 16th annual Feather Awards, where individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the country’s LGBTQIA+ community are honoured. Nominees were announced early in October, and the official award ceremony will take place on 7 November 2024.

On 19 October 2024, Johannesburg Pride will throw the 3rd Annual Queer Met at Hotel Sky in Sandton. The black tie event features the drag talents of Loulou Blu and Holly Diamond, and promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Pride Month culminates in the city’s legendary Pride parade, which takes place on 26 October 2024, in Sandton. The theme is “Celebrate Yourself” and the order of the day, whether you’re part of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally, is to revel in your own individuality.

October is only one month in the year, but Johannesburg is a queer-friendly city all year round. Here are some of the spaces known to be safer for LGBTQIA+ people in Johannesburg:

  • Babylon Bar – located in Illovo, Sandton, Babylon describes itself as having “the type of mainstream appeal most LGBT+ venues can only dream of”.
  • BKHz – an art gallery in Rosebank, BKHz was founded in 2018 by eSwatini born artist, Banele Khoza.
  • The Rec Room – describing itself as the number one men’s steam room in Johannesburg, The Rec Room aims to provide a safe and secure environment for gay and bisexual men.
  • Ratz Bar – also situated in Melville, Ratz Bar hosts Hip-Hop Thursdays, Student Night Fridays, & Saturdays DJs.
  • Liquid Blue Cocktail Lounge, Bar and Restaurant – a restaurant in Melville “where great friends and great memories are made.”
  • The Playground – if you’re looking for something a bit different, the Playground Market hosts paint and sips, and live music.
  • The Royale – a vibrant, South American-inspired restaurant in the heart of Craighall.
  • The Factory on Grant – situated in Norwood, The Factory on Grant functions as “a shopping and retail destination, art gallery, and soul food restaurant”.

 

All these spaces show off the best of Johannesburg’s queer social scene, highlighting the city’s culture of inclusivity and diversity. By celebrating Pride Month and Johannesburg Pride’s 35th anniversary, we contribute to a larger narrative of love, acceptance, and equality.

Together, we can continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and pave the way for a brighter future for all. Join the celebrations, support your local LGBTQIA+ events, and let’s make this a memorable Pride Month!

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