Johannesburg Pride has announced the launch of a new fellowship program aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and helping community members build professional skills. The program is part of this year's Pride celebrations, which will take place throughout October. According to Johannesburg Pride Chairperson Kaye Ally, the fellowship is designed to provide more than just a celebration, but a chance for the LGBTQ+ community to grow and develop themselves.
The fellowship program will consist of two parts. The first part will include a business clinic for LGBTQ+ small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and connect entrepreneurs with multinational companies offering mentorship and practical tools to help grow their businesses. This will provide valuable guidance and support to LGBTQ+ business owners, helping them to overcome challenges and achieve success.
The second part of the fellowship will make around 500 licences available for certification programs in areas including project management, data analytics, data science, and cybersecurity. This will provide opportunities for LGBTQ+ community members to develop new skills and enhance their employability. The program will be launched at Johannesburg Pride's Empowerment Summit, which will feature a range of activities and events.
In addition to the fellowship program, Johannesburg Pride will also host a range of other events throughout the month. These will include rooftop cocktails, an inner-city celebration, and the Queer Met, a play on the Met Gala that will double as a networking opportunity. The events will bring together media personalities, celebrities, and community leaders, providing a chance for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate.
The month-long celebration will culminate in Johannesburg Pride Day on 31 October. The event will feature a march through the Sandton CBD, which will be attended by members of the City of Johannesburg's executive team. Actress Pearl Thusi has been announced as a headliner, alongside a line-up of queer artists. The event is expected to draw large crowds and provide a safe and welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Kaye Ally, the celebrations remain rooted in Pride's core purpose of creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people can feel safe, visible, and accepted. The events will provide a chance for the community to come together and celebrate their identities, while also promoting empowerment and opportunity. The fellowship program is a key part of this effort, providing valuable support and resources to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals.
The Johannesburg Pride events will take place throughout October, with the Pride Village gates opening at midday on 31 October and the march setting off at around 2 pm. The City of Johannesburg's Executive Mayor and team are expected to show their support for the event. Ally emphasized that the celebrations are about creating a feeling of welcome and a sense that the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ people matter.
Key points
- Johannesburg Pride introduces a fellowship program to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and professionals.
- The program includes a business clinic and certification opportunities in areas such as project management and cybersecurity.
- The events will culminate in Johannesburg Pride Day on 31 October, featuring a march and a range of celebrations.
