By Melanie Nathan, October 09, 2013.
Johannesburg People’s Pride (JHBPP) took place in Constitution Hill on the 5th of October 2013. The theme People’s Pride indeed spoke for itself, because it embodied all kinds of People. JHBPP was not only for LGBTI people even heterosexuals were there.
Lebo Mashile (poet) also graced the day with her presence. She recited a poem about the human body. Also in attendance were interesting individuals and activists from different townships around South Africa.
Well perhaps South Africa continues to serve as an example on many levels. An example of people coming together in the face of everything that is wrong in society.
The hope is that divide becomes unity. That the promise of the new South Africa from so many years ago will finally be realized. Now it is up to politicians to make that happen as given the resources, the people will be willing.
Quote Inkanyiso: – “There was a group that played Jembe, creating music as part of the performances which ignited the spirit of mostly queer audience. We then marched to Hillbrow where the first pride took place, the throngs of marchers sang and chanted struggle songs remembering late activists like Simon Nkoli and our friends who died because of their sexuality.”
What do the people of South Africa want?
As I understand it and please feel free to add to my list, noting this is not in any order of importance as many of these issues carry equal gravitas:
End corruption at all levels of Government
Deliver basic services to all – electricity, water, medical, dental, HIV/AIDS drugs
Jobs
End homophobia, bi-phobia, transphobia, lesphobia etc.
Bring justice and accountability for the mine massacre
END RAPE
Financial justice
End Poverty
End child abuse
End Child trafficking
END Hate speech
Bring real hate crimes legislation
and these words and more rang in what can be termed asthe World’s first ever PEOPLE’s PRIDE and the photos from INKANYISO speak volumes……
Photo album by Collen Mfazwe
Location: Constitution Hill, Hillbrow, Johannesburg. South Africa.
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Queer spots pointed for our first Johannesburg People’s Pride
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PoochParkWear customizes hoodies and t-shirts, the good, the naughty, the in between, whether proud or quirky let them be seen. We also offer biker jackets, croc or pleather collars, a variety of collar charms, and our special Zinja beaded collars made by a co-op of HIV-positive South African women, the Sisonke women who weave the beads onto the collars.
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