Pride comes to Joburg

The 26th annual Johannesburg Pride was a burst of colour, entertainment and festivities at the Wanderers Stadium.

Thousands marched through the streets of Illovo in the name of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) equality, freedom and visibility under the theme of #IAmWhoIAm.

Marchers held rainbow coloured flags and umbrellas as they all marched in unity many wearing T-shirts with slogans of I am who I am.

“Today is about the importance of the community coming together, working together to see that we are a part of society who are also doing their thing. We are not different, we may have a different sexuality but we are still human,” said Craig Magg Mr Gay South Africa 2015 as he marched.

HIV awareness and sexual health was one of the focuses of the event. WeTheBrave.co.za joined the march to campaign and create awareness around the importance of looking after one’s sexual health.

“There is not a lot out there about sexual health, especially for gay men and men who have sex with men. This is about creating awareness and offering support, people have got to be proud of who they are while being safe and educating themselves about sexual health” said Selby Mkhize, who recently joined the campaign.

He added that will he has been gay for 26 years and said there are still people out there who do not feel free to come out.

The WeTheBrave.co.za campaign is spearheaded by the Anova Health Institute and funded by the Elton John Foundation. It informs people about what measures they need to take to keep themselves and their partners safe.

Free HIV testing was provided Health4Men, which set up a gazebo, with Mkhize visiting to offer support. “Are you Brave enough to get tested?” he asked.

After the march, food stalls, entertainment and socialising kept the event going and all attendees partied into the afternoon while celebrating being proud.

Details: www.johannesburgpride.co.za