Johannesburg Pride spokesperson, Simone Heradien, said that the theme for this year’s “party with a purpose” is “I am human”, and that the traditionally queer event would include straight allies.
“[This] is a pride for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender and gender identity,” said Heradien.
“This much-celebrated Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual/A-gender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTIAQ) event equally incorporates straight significant others, family, friends and allies,” she said.
“The theme continues to celebrate the entrenchment of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender in the constitution, as well as some legal strides made.”
These include the 2003 Alteration of Sex Description Act and the 2007 Civil Union Act.
Heradien added that the theme will also focus on the challenges still faced within the LGBTIAQ communities.
“While pride last year addressed the challenges of homophobia and transphobia as well as hate crimes, this year’s focus will centre on the under-focused matters of bisexuality and intersex persons, noting that these issues are not exhaustive,” she said.
The spokesperson said that bisexuality asserted the observation that sexual orientation falls within a continuum.
“Any person could, at certain points in their lives, be romantically or sexually attracted to a person irrespective of that person’s biological sex or gender,” said Heradien.
“Intersex highlights the myth that the sexual identity of humans are within the binaries of male and female. Together these elements explore and focus on the fact that, no matter the permutations, we are all human.”
Pride participants, be they individuals, groups, non-governmental organisations, corporates, political parties, government and others, are encouraged to focus on additional issues by various marketing means and active participation during the day’s activities.
Johannesburg Pride will take place on 25 October at Mushroom Farm Park, Sandton.
Details: www.johannesburgpride.co.za
