Nelson Mandela Bay Pride - Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
Set for the 24th of September, the Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) Gay Pride's theme for this year will be "Born This Way". The Gay Pride will feature drag shows, musical events, The King & Queen of P.E. Gay Pride competition which will be held prior to the gay pride, and much much more.
So make sure you start making your accommodation reservations today in order to not miss this excellent event. Besides the great fun factor, a portion of the funds raised would go to local charities, including an Aids orphanage.
The update so far:
Two weeks prior to the event Prince and Princesses will be elected from around the Eastern Cape to take part in the King and Queen of PRIDE contest on the 23rd September. the Port Elizabeth heats will be held in Shakes, North End.
Our designated Charities will be The House of Ressurection Haven, Salsoneville, The Luleki Sizwe Corrective Rape Project, and ECGLA.
On the day prior to this event (23rd) Rocco De Villiers will be appearing at the Steytlerville Karoo Theatrical Hotel from 7.30 pm, and donating his fee to the designated charities. Belizza in Heugh Road will be hosting the King and Queen of the Eastern Cape competition from 7pm - 9pm thereafter a pre-PRIDE disco will be held.
Saturday the 24th September will start at 1pm with a March from Stanley Street (Richmond HilL) across Cape Road, along Rink Street and into St George's Park. On completion of the March performers will give a live concert from a stage in the Art in the Park area,(by the wishing well). Performers confirmed so far are :- Lola Fine, Sean Achilleos, Three Diva's Cabaret, Jooma Mize, Terry Tiger Victor, Kevin Ellis, Sam Marais, and Ebrahim, awaiting confirmation from Melanie Lowe, Shannon Hope, L'loyd Cele and many more. this entertainment should finish around 6pm. On completion there will be two alternative after PRIDE parties one at Belizza and the other at Shakes. Stalls will be around the park selling various items including a range of PRIDE memorabilia. Anyone wishing to have a stall contact David on this email or 0849606258 for terms and conditions.
Many local and national businesses have stepped up to the plate to donate prizes for the Prince and Princesses, King and Queen of Pride, best Costume, etc. Local hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are offering discounted rates for the weekend, and some also donating free weekends for Prize winners, these include The Admiral's Lodge, The Lemon3Lodge, The Steytlerville Karoo theatrical Hotel, The Hub hotel, and The Hopefield House Hotel.
The theme "Born this Way" has been picked to help spread tolerance, and understanding, we have this inherited predisposition for the same sex, but we have not got something that is a disease you can catch. We welcome members from across the spectrum of sexual orientation and we have the backing of the Nelson Mandela Tourism Board and a local branch of the ANC. We will be led out by riders from the Harley Davidson Book Club and they will carry flag bearers of the various organisations taking part in the parade as pillion passengers. The participating groups will include, the Eastern Cape Gay and Lesbian Association (ECGLA), PEBears, Masipume, Parents/Families/Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Without Prejudice (Group representing people against discrimination for any reason (race, sexual orientation, religion)), SA Leathermen (Eastern Cape), Lifeline, Outspoken Radio, EC LGBTI, an many more.
Come see for yourself, some of us may be a bit more flamboyant than the 'norm', but we love to have fun, and the live acts will make this a day to remember.
More program details will be posted closer to the date, and you can also visit their Nelson Mandela Bay Pride 2011 Facebook page.
