Queer comrades, Pride is almost upon us.

The theme for this year’s events, taking place between February 22 and March 3, is “I am me”, which proposes an unapologetic expression of the self.

The meaning behind the theme is open to interpretation. It’s about expressing your identity, your personality and your sexuality openly and without apology, regardless of which stripe (or stripes) on the rainbow flag you call home.

In the words of RuPaul, “We’re all born naked and the rest is drag”.

The promo video hits the nail on the head:

The Main Event and highlight of the Queer Calendar is the Pride March taking place on Saturday, March 2, at the Gallows Hill Traffic Department in Green Point at 12PM (midday).

The Pride Mardi Gras will take place after the Pride March at Reddam Field, located in the Green Point Park, with a variety of entertainment on stage to enjoy

These include some of the best drag acts, live bands and singers that the city has to offer.

As for the city – you can call her Mother. 

In the build-up to the big event, you should also look out for local brands and products getting into the Pride spirit over the next few weeks.

Fitch & Leedes, crafters of fine mixers, have produced an LGBTQIA+ can for their iconic pink tonic water to show their support for the Queer community.

The can is limited edition and will be available at selected outlets throughout Cape Town.

Fitch & Leedes had the following to say about the initiative:

“The LGBTQ community has shown tremendous support to Fitch & Leedes over the last couple of years and we want to recognise that support and show our support back (even though it is small) by using our can as a platform to reach more people.”

All allies welcome!

You can check out the Fitch & Leedes Facebook page for more info.

See you at Pride!