Johannesburg Pride has been in the news this past week as queer communities across South Africa are calling for its boycott due to its location and alleged “homophobic” performer.
However, the organisers have offered clarification in a statement made available to The Rustin Times:
Johannesburg Pride has been in the main stream media for the past month, we have had a very positive response to the build-up of the 2017 parade.
72 hours before the event, in an informal and unscheduled manner, we were approached by an “online blog site”, to comment on vague and purposefully deceptive statements – none of which was actually clearly articulated to us (the pride organisers). We were not given an opportunity to systematically respond. The information released by this media platform was inaccurate and was not what Pride Chairperson said to said journalist.
What we as a Gauteng based event, find shocking, is the negativity from people that reside outside of the province.
With regards to all performers for Pride, everyone is giving of their time and talent, at no cost to Pride – Our entertainment ambassador and headliner is Tamara Dey, who is a community favourite through-out the continent.
The theme of this year’s celebration is #RespectDiversity. For more information, click here
