Rosebank chosen as venue for Gay Pride festival

15 May 2007- South Africa's 18th Gay and Lesbian Pride celebrations will be held in the streets of Rosebank, Johannesburg, it was announced on Tuesday.

A street parade themed 'Coming of Age' on Saturday October 6 will be followed by a mardi gras at the Zoo Lake Sports Club.

The days preceding the parade will also see several other activities presented in Rosebank as part of a week-long Pride festival including an art exhibition, a cabaret show, fund-raising and theatre events and something called "real drag" racing.

The Johannesburg Pride is the largest gay and lesbian event on the continent, and celebrates South Africa's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities.

This year's event is being organised by a newly formed, not-for-profit company run by a board of volunteers. Past events have been tarnished by accusations of mismanagement and unpaid debts running into thousands of rands.

The new Jo'burg Gay Pride Festival Company "is an unprecedented milestone in the history of Jo'burg Pride; one which reflects the board's commitment to sustainability and transparency", it said in a statement on Tuesday.

In previous years, marches were held through Hillbrow, Newtown and Rosebank.

"Rosebank and Zoo Lake remain the best options for Jo'burg Pride thanks to fantastic infrastructure such as ample venues, parking and easy access, as well as Rosebank's trendy vibe," said Pride festival chairperson Tracy Sandilands.

"Plus," she added, "we aim to provide transport for communities that may find it difficult to get to Rosebank on the day of the parade."

Rosebank city councillor Ian M Ollis has voiced his support for the celebrations, saying Pride is "not just about gay people 'flaunting it'".

"It is an opportunity for every citizen and resident to celebrate our hard-won freedoms. I aim to invite the business community, the malls, the media, residents, tourists and, of course, the gay community to participate in a week of celebrating Jo'burg Pride," he said.

A number of "fringe" events, such as nightclub parties, will also take place around the city and across Gauteng during Pride week.

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