Thousands march at Pretoria Pride’s 10th anniversary

Queer people from across Gauteng came together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pretoria Pride on Saturday, October 7.

Pretoria Pride aims to raise awareness of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community with a march and celebration.

This year, more than 6 000 people meandered from Centurion Rugby Club through the local streets, before enjoying entertainment by queer and allied performers.

South Africa celebrates Pride in October to mark the first Pride march on African soil, on October 13, 1990 in Johannesburg.

The theme of this year’s march was “Be your alter ego”, with the aim of standing up for equality, celebrating diversity, and embracing individuality.

The procession was led by Mr and Miss Gay Pride Pretoria, Wouter De Beer and Aroura Crysis (Luan Van Deventer), and the African Skye Pipe Band to set the pace.

Aroura Crysis told Rekord they made the decision to walk at the head of this year’s march, instead of leading from a float to be alongside the queer community.

“It’s such a symbol of power and unity. I just felt that it wasn’t about us, this was for the community,” she said.

“This is something we need as a community. It sometimes feels like we can grow apart, and Pride brings us together to stand with each other in support.”

Aroura said while queer people fought for and won important rights locally, in many other countries they are not able to enjoy the freedoms available in South Africa.

“So pride is still about us fighting for our rights and our safe spaces where we belong. Pride is our way of showing others that there is a safe space for them. You do have a family that accepts you for who you are,” she said.

Aroura led Pretoria’s queer community in a moment of silence in honour of the people that fought for these rights, and led the way to where the community is today.

“We have lost a lot of people in the fight for our rights. I feel like the people who fought for our rights too often get forgotten, and the younger queer generation need to realise that though these people helped build a safe place for us, the work isn’t over.”

She said she was honoured to lead the 10th anniversary pride march, as the movement has empowered who she is today.

“I was bullied a lot as a child so I keep myself reserved because I know that my safe space isn’t everywhere.

“As soon as I get into drag, I get this whole other persona that allows me to stand up for myself and what I believe in. It helps bring out that part of the people around me too. Drag brings out the activist in me.”

She said she aims to do more charity work in the overall community for the remainder of her reign.

“I want to show that we don’t only care about the queer community, but about everyone, and we have something that we can give back.”

Entertainment after the march was MCed by popular comedian and drag performer, Tollie Parton, with musical performances by Alter Ego, Milho Ramai, DJ Pieter, Scallywag, the Johannesburg Queer Chorus and more, including many local drag queens.

Mr Gay Pride Pretoria said the event was important for growing and securing safe spaces for queer people.

“This was my first Pride ever, so for me it was a special experience,” De Beer told Rekord.

“It was a big honour. I looked at Aroura, and told her to just look back – to realise that there were over 6 000 people behind us!

“I think it is important to have pride, to show people in our community and those outside that Pride isn’t just about the celebration and the colours, it means something to every person who attends,” said De Beer.

“It helped me to grow as a person, and it helps others in the same way too. This is a community that accepts and supports everyone black, white, straight, gay, non-binary, trans – it is a celebration of love, life, and what makes you, you.”

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