Pride and prejudice as Cape Town wins WorldPride bid
Cape Town’s historic win of the WorldPride 2028 bid has ignited a firestorm of controversy among members of the public not shy to voice their opinions on social media. The event will most likely draw thousands of visitors from around the globe and have a significant economic impact on the city. Markedly, Cape Town will be the first city on the African continent to host WorldPride.
Will the city be ready to embrace this global celebration of diversity, or will social division overshadow the event?
What is WorldPride?
WorldPride is a global event that celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and human rights. It focusses on promoting equality and also visibility around the world. InterPride, an organisation that supports Pride events globally, is the licensor of the event. InterPride works alongside representatives from hundreds of Pride organisations worldwide.
The WorldPride event made its debut in the year 2000. The event includes parades, festivals, and also a human rights conference among various other activities. Taking place every few years in various cities, the event brings LGBTQ+ communities together for celebration and advocacy.
Thousands of visitors are expected to attend this event. This will undoubtedly be a major opportunity for a positive impact on tourism.
Mixed reactions from the public
Shortly after The South African published an article announcing that Cape Town won the WorldPride bid, thousands of people commented on this and emotions ran high.
Here are some of the comments:
Cape Town preparing to host WorldPride
Cities across the globe compete to host the event.
‘Our city embodies the spirit of diversity, inclusivity, and the belief that love transcends all boundaries. This event is more than a celebration; it is a statement of solidarity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals across Africa and the globe. We look forward to sharing Cape Town’s beauty, hospitality, and warm embrace with the world’ said Cape Town Tourism’s CEO, Enver Duminy.
As Cape Town prepares to host WorldPride, a new non-profit organisation, the Queer Initiative for Africa, has been created to oversee the event’s planning and execution. The organisation’s board will comprise members from the bid presentation team, representatives from Cape Town Pride, other InterPride members in South Africa and Africa, various key stakeholders, as well as strategic LGBTQ+ organisations from Cape Town and across the continent.
What do you think of this event taking place in Cape Town?
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