townships not ready for pride

By Lesego Masike (BtM intern)

February 23, 2007: Even though the Cape Town Pride Parade proved to be a success, concerns were raised by participants about the limited number of people who attended the gay street Parade in Gugulethu Township, compared to those who attended celebrations held in the city.

This year’s Pride aimed to reach out to people in communities especially in the townships of Gugulethu which has most gay bars and clubs, with a view to engage them in all matters concerning the gay community as this has not been case before. However the outreach event in Gugulethu saw a decline in attendance.

Lack of support from the people in townships has been said to be the reason for poor attendance. “Poor attendance is caused by lack of support form the black community in the townships and those in town as well. Pride is for us [gay people] to meet, intertwine all cultures and celebrate who we are”, said Ronnie Ngalo, member of the Cape Town Pride Committee

Others feel that organizers set the wrong example as they also do show up for township events. “It is only after the Parade that people start to show up and most of the white people do not even come. Pride is an identity and an event to support when you are gay, and if you do not support what is done at home how the rest of the world can understand the importance of the event,” Nkuli Kubule who attended the Gugulethu gay street parade said.

According to Brian Kruger, a member of the Cape Town Pride Committee, the lack of attendance in Gugulethu result of people negative attitude towards townships. “The difficulties that we came across do not mean that we have failed. We are going to look at the outcomes and hopefully have something better next year, this is a step in the right direction,” he said.

The Mother City will be filled fun, colour and flamboyance as Pride continues until 25 February 2007.