Pride in our city

NELSON Mandela Bay celebrates Pride on the weekend of September 23 – an event aimed at generating positivity and support of the local gay community.

The event will feature a massive parade on September 24 from Stanley Street in Richmond Hill through to Parliament Street with an impressive line-up of local and national artists who will be performing. In addition to the parade there are a number of fringe events including a huge dance party with the n_mb city project at the Old Brewery building at the bottom on Albany Road.

“We have chosen the theme Born this Way for this year’s inaugural Pride event to help spread tolerance, and understanding of the fact that we have inherited a sexual predisposition for those of the same sex, but we don’t have a disease you can catch,” said organiser, David Hessey.

“We are an open, generous and loving community that share the same ideals and values as everyone else and we want to show that. One way we are supporting tolerance and diversity is through fundraising and creating awareness on topical issues like ‘corrective rape’ and HIV/Aids. Ndumie Funda from Luleki Sizwe will give a talk on ‘corrective rape’. HIV and Aids specialist, Dr Nortje will speak on HIV and AIDS.”

Organisers’ designated charities are The House of Resurrection Haven, Salsoneville, the Luleki Sizwe Corrective Rape Project, and ECGLA.

In a lead up to the pageant a Princes and Princesses will be elected from around the Eastern Cape to take part in the King and Queen of Pride contest on the 23rd September. The Port Elizabeth heats will be held in Day-Zees in Parliament Street.
 
Day-Zees will also host the Eastern Cape King and Queen competition from 9pm on Friday September 23 along with the pre-Pride disco. For those interested in an all-night party on September 23, local creative collective youth organisation the n_mb city project are bringing top national DJs Fletcher (CT), Haezer (CT) and Blunted Stuntman (JHB) to play at dance party, Concrete Zoo. The event will be held at the Old Brewery building near the Albany Road turnoff. The event promised to be “an awesome show of hugely talented DJs and local performances with a light show”.

“The n_mb city project supports the Pride initiative because we want to show that South African and Nelson Mandela Bay youth are open, tolerant and appreciate diversity. We welcome all Pride participants to come jam at a Pride fringe event bar none,” said Jacques Nel, co-founder of the n_mb city project.  The project represents the creative industry youth of Nelson Mandela Bay.
 
The main programme is, however, what the city is encouraged to take part in. On September 24 the Parade will kick-off at 1pm from Stanley Street (Richmond Hill) across Cape Road, down Robson Street, and up Parliament Street to the stage outside Day-Zees church. 

A hot line-up of performers are confirmed including, Will Jensen, Lola Fine, Jooma Mize, Terry Tiger Victor, Kevin Ellis, Sam Marais, the New Afroteens, Mbuzobuciko, Wayword Sun, Taryn De Koning, Odidiva, Monique Walker, Wesley Thomas Chippett , Ziyanda Yono, Darren Green from KFM, Thabz Soulstar and Ebrahim. This will be followed by an after party at Day-Zees in Parliament Street.
 
Local and national businesses have stepped up to the plate to donate prizes for the Prince and Princesses, King and Queen of Pride, best Costume, and more.  Local hotels and B&B are also offering discounted rates for the weekend, and some also donating free weekends for prize winners, these include the Lemon3Lodge, Gulu Private Reserve, George Sorensen – Walmer Park, SHQ Massage, the Steytlerville Karoo theatrical Hotel, The Paxton and Hopefield Country House Hotel and Guest Farm.
 
“We welcome members from across the spectrum of sexual orientation and we have the backing of the Nelson Mandela Tourism and a group from the local branches of the ANC and DA,” added Hessey.

“We will be led out by riders from the Harley Davidson Book Club and they will carry flag bearers of the various organisations taking part in the parade as pillion passengers.”

Participating groups include, the Eastern Cape Gay and Lesbian Association (ECGLA), PEBears, a group from the Lorraine Methodist Church, Masipume, Parents/Families/Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Without Prejudice (Group representing people against discrimination for any reason (race, sexual orientation, religion)), SA Leathermen (Eastern Cape), Lifeline, the Red Cross (PE), Continental Cars, The Harley Davidson book Club, Outspoken Radio, EC LGBTI, the Gay Flag of South Africa, the n_mb city projects and many more.
 
“Come see for yourself, some of us may be a bit more flamboyant than the 'norm', but we love to have fun, and the live acts will make this a day to remember,” quipped Hessey.

For more information visit: www.nmbpride.co.za.