Charities that will be represented at Pride 2003 on 27 September will include, among others the following: Hospice West Rand, CHOC, Beauty without Cruelty (monkeys), Butterfly Beauty Project, Animals in Distress, Irwin's Animal Rescue (dogs), Friends of the Cat, Sparrows Nest, Cotlands and SPCA.

MEC Mary Metcalf opened the event calling for the LGBT community to continue to fight for their rights. Director of Lesbian and Gay Equality Project Every Knoesen praised the organisers for yet another successful event and notably an increase in numbers of people in attendance. Gary Bath, organiser said, "It is very pleasing to see both heterosexual and the gay community uniting together on this "Tourism day in Johannesburg."

Though the 38 floats, largest number to date, got off to a late start there was joyous celebrations and smiles from all participants in the parade through the streets of Rosebank. Loads of spectators lined the streets to get a glimpse of all the floats. Particular attention was given to the 94.7 Highveld stereo and Ramp Divas float (which walked off with the Best Float trophy.) The judges were Zuraida Jardine, Brendan Polecut, Mathew Stewardson and Michelle McLean; they were hosted by The Casting Company to a breakfast before the beautifully decorated floats strut their stuff down Jan Smuts Avenue.

At 13h00 the parade returned to Zoo Lake to be greeted by the live band Drop Dead Gorgeous which was a first time that a live band performed at this event. Some 18 000 people attended an incident free event. This is up on the figure of 15 000 in 2002. There was strong visibility by the City of Johannesburg Disaster Management team for which the organisers were thankful for as their presence gave a professional organisational aspect to the event. "Without the support and infrastructure of these departments namely Emergency Medical Services, Netcare 911, SA Police services, SANDF and Metro Police events attracting large numbers in attendance could lead to disarray," says Gary Bath.

The sponsors of this year's event were Halewood International SA, Club De javu, Pretoria; South African Breweries; 94.7 Highveld stereo (for their 3rd year) and Nandos plus National Car Rental; Gauteng Tourism; City of Johannesburg and Safilo Group (SA).

The raffle which was conducted for the first time to encourage participation from all in attendance to contribute a minimum donation of R10 was not well supported despite the loads of prizes that were drawn and not collected. "The LGBT community and all in attendance should not expect next year's event to be of the same standard if they do not assist in the financial matters to host and organise an event of this nature." said Yusoof Abdullah responsible for sponsorship for the event.

Again there were a large contingent from other African states marching in the parade and flying their national flag, they are always welcome.

Pink Tea Party at the Fair Day

"For their third year now we had 94.7 Highveld stereo who hosted our first time ever, in the park, Tea Dance", said Gary Bath of Pride Communications.

94.7 Highveld Stereo played host to this year's Gay Pride Festival's After (Tea) Party. Themed on the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. The afternoon was sizzling with dancers at Zoo Lake, where they grooved, grind, and bumped to the sounds of Joburg's Number One Hit Music Station. Many danced the day away against the backdrop of the sun setting against the Joburg city skyline - "Celebrate our City".

The Pride Communications team of volunteers and staff were professional and friendly and extended a welcome to all the visitors to Pride 2003. Volunteers always make or break an event of this size.

The Official After Party

Hundreds supported the launch at what promises to be one of Johannesburg's most talked about upmarket lesbian and gay venues at Kulcha situated at Northcliff Corner Shopping Centre, Beyers Naude Drive, Cresta.

Pride Communications introduced their Pride partner; the newest and only upmarket lesbian and gay venue Kulcha situated Roof top level, Northcliff Corner Shopping Centre, cnr Beyers Naude Drive & Lawley Rd. Cresta. This upmarket Lesbian and Gay venue opened its doors on 27 September 2003 and will be open every Saturday from 21h00 another venue for the community to choose from. Patrons gracefully enter on a red carpet to be greeted by formally dressed doorman welcoming you to the 'nite of your life'. DJ line up include: Kevin Lee (94.7), Ricardo (guest Surgery 5fm) and Thelma Klench, and Groovy Q.

2 Themed Dance floors

Blue Retro room; enjoy the festivities from our VIP mezzanine, which overlooks the dance floor. The Cave - your escape to the secret jungles of Africa. Picturesque surroundings of rock face walls, palm trees, leopard print couches and hidden cave rooms - womyn space available.

Visit: www.kulcha.org.za or contact 083-311-2005 for more information.

Up-to-date Pride 2003 information

If you have missed anything this year we apologise (snooze you loose!) please diarise our 15th Annual SA Lesbian & Gay Pride events 19 - 26 September 2004.

You are still encouraged to check the following websites www.sapride.org, www.mambaonline.com, www.qmax.co.za and last but certainly not least www.highveld.co.za for updates to the Pride schedule.

Pride volunteers

We the organisers would like to say thank you to all the volunteers that have committed themselves to our event and special hanks to Louis and Nadia who have been working long hours to assist us in bringing you yet another "smash hit" event on the Johannesburg Events calendar.

The organisers of Pride 2003 would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone in advance for their attendance and support. It is with your contribution that we are able to celebrate our 15th Anniversary.