Johannesburg - There was an impressive and lively turnout at the Johannesburg Pride this past weekend, despite alarming reports that there would be terror attacks in Sandton on Saturday.
The 33rd edition of the Pride March saw scores of LGBTQI+ community members and supporters march through Sandton, painting the city with all rainbow colours to embrace their sexuality.
The explosive parade was aimed at fighting for the inclusion of the LGBTQI+ community across the continent.
The success of this year's Johannesburg Pride came a few days after the US Embassy issued a statement warning that there would be a possible attack on October 29 in Sandton.
Johannesburg Pride issued a statement revealing that it had assessed the situation and consulted various authorities.
"We have spent the last 24 hours assessing the situation, consulting authorities and managing the situation from a planning standpoint, and we have learnt that there are a number of large public events taking place in the surrounding areas. From a South African perspective, we believe that all lives matter."
They added that Johannesburg Pride had not been directly threatened and further urged people to remember why it all started.
"It was, for all intents and purposes, a protest action; we, as a continent, have a very marginalised LGBTQI+ community. We live under constant attack and there is a constant fear of being arrested in 33 out of 54 countries. Countries where LGBTQI+ people are criminalised. Despite our constitutional rights, we are marginalised in South Africa. The threat has provided an opportunity for homophobes to emerge, inciting a series of homophobic comments directed at Pride and our LGBTQI+ community, the reason for our existence."
The statement pointed out the significance of taking to the streets and asserting the visibility of Johannesburg Pride.
"Remember Pride began as a defiant campaign and we will not be subjected to threats based on our sexual orientation and gender identity. This is precisely why we take to the streets and march. We must assert our right to exist once more. We must maintain our freedom of movement and freedom of expression. We are confident that the 33rd Johannesburg Pride March and Pride of South Africa Celebrations can go ahead as planned."
Police were on high alert as the march painted Sandton streets with bright colours as thousands showed up to celebrate and engage in this affair.
The Star