Jou Ma Se Pride?

It is with interest that we, as LGBTIQ people, have to endure the lack of consideration of the Pride Committee.

I am glad to see a changing face in the Chair this year, Glen De Swaart, I believe will bring wonderful changes, many we can be proud of in time to come, but this year I am not proud of his leadership, lack of inclusiveness and consideration towards coloured people by assuming that we all take on the derogatory statement of the subject line.

I am sure, better insight and clarity could have been sought months ago regarding the theme for this year and how it would affect Gay Proud People... What a laughing stock we will be with such a theme. Absolutely no correspondence were ever sought by the community it affects, and these white males - like the Apartheid years, take on the superior role by going with a theme decided among themselves.

Although I have no objections to the appointment of a new Chairperson, I believe a time has come to elect a leader who truly represents the greater demographics of the Cape Town districts, one who understands the issues of the community and who is in tune with the festivities it warrants.

There are +- 30-40 events at this year’s Pride festival and about 10 of it is classified "Free", so where’s the inclusiveness in that? Surely someone had to tell these people that not all Gays are middle aged white males, with pockets filled deep. To be quite honest, the "free" ones are not really that interesting. Not all poor gays want to listen to seminars, book reviews and attend church services - they also want to see the glamorous Diva`s and be able to party at least to one free event of its kind - an opportunity lost forever.

I think more thought and planning would have proved a different outcome, and it seems there was a lack of interest and consideration to include people from different backgrounds.

So due to all of the above, the derogatory statements and the lack of inclusiveness in taking Cape Town Pride to all communities, leaves little to be proud about, and so my presence at the Pride Festival certainly cannot support such a decision.

For those brave enough to ignore the obvious, I wish you well with the festivities.