Pride Month 2025 celebrates African identities with a vibrant Johannesburg Pride March
The month of October marks the vibrant celebrations of Pride Month 2025 in South Africa, organised by the esteemed Pride of Africa Foundation.
It is explained that this year, the festivities centre around the evocative theme “Purely, Queerly, African”, which honours African queer identities while advocating for empowerment, visibility, and community solidarity throughout the continent.
The celebrations leading up to the Johannesburg Pride March on Saturday, 25 October 2025, will include community dialogues, curated performances, and local art showcases. This event serves as the flagship of the month and stands out as one of the largest LGBTQ+ advocacy gatherings on the continent.
Kaye Ally, founder and director of the Pride of Africa Foundation, tells the Saturday Star that this year’s Pride aims to unite thousands of participants, allies, and supporters from across South Africa, Africa, and the world.
This year’s theme is “Purely, Queerly, African.” What does that theme mean in the context of Johannesburg Pride 2025?
“Purely, Queerly, African” is a celebration of our unapologetic existence. It’s about embracing our queer identities within an African context, proudly and authentically. Johannesburg Pride March 2025 is about claiming space, visibility, and narrative, showing that being African and being queer are not just compatible but inherently powerful together.
How does this year’s Pride aim to celebrate and amplify African queer identities in particular?
We’re doing this through the stories we tell, the voices we uplift, and the cultural spaces we reclaim. From community dialogues to curated performances and local art showcases, our aim is to put African queer talent, history, and lived experience front and centre. This Pride of Africa Day isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about recognition, affirmation, and amplifying voices that have historically been sidelined.
How has the inclusion of cultural showcases and community dialogues deepened the impact of Pride beyond celebration?
By including these elements, Pride becomes a space for learning, reflection, and healing. We’re fostering conversations that challenge stigma, elevate queer African histories, and provide a bridge between generations of activists and the community at large. Pride is both a celebration and a catalyst for social change.
What challenges does Pride continue to face in terms of representation, safety, and inclusivity?
Representation is always ongoing work; we still need to ensure that all queer identities feel seen and included. Safety is a constant concern, especially in public spaces, and inclusivity means more than access; it’s about creating spaces where people feel truly welcome, respected, and empowered to participate fully. These are battles we continue to face with creativity and commitment.
What message do you hope participants and allies will take away from this year’s Pride?
I want people to leave with the understanding that queer African identities are vibrant, resilient, and central to our society. Pride is not just a day; it's a reminder that visibility matters, that solidarity is powerful, and that everyone has a role to play in pushing for equality and justice.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of Pride of Africa and queer advocacy across the continent?
I hope for a future where Pride is no longer a fight for recognition but a celebration of full equality and integration. I want Pride of Africa to continue growing as a platform for advocacy, education, and empowerment across borders, cultures, and generations. Ultimately, I hope for a continent where queer Africans can thrive openly, safely, and proudly, without compromise.
Saturday Star
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