Triarc was thrilled and proud to be a major sponsor of Cape Town Pride 2015.
Last week was all about being out (and about) in Cape Town, with the final crescendo being the Pride Parade and after party. You couldn't miss our giant pink arch - but more importantly we didn't miss you Cape Town! We saw and loved you all, and armed with a camera and recorder we asked the crowds "What does Gay Pride mean for you?"
The lovely Wendy LaRosa - Miss Cape Town Pride 2015 (left)
"It's my 3rd Pride and it's a celebration of our human rights. It's a show of support to other countries where it's illegal to be openly gay. We show our brothers and sisters that it's ok to be who we are. We celebrate all our differences."
Marnus and Deon were one of our favorite couples.
They've been to over 10 Pride Parades, and Marnus (on the right) gave us goosebumps when he spoke with such passion:
I studied during the 80's when being gay was still illegal. I was a captain in the army, and nobody could know that I was gay. The progress we've made since then is enormous. It's hard to explain to the younger guys how important it is to go through this process and to celebrate being proud and out. I think it's amazing how far we've come"
We loved that Mandy brought along her kids, Ethan and Caleb. It was her 2nd Pride
"I can be free to be me. I have my kids here and can show them that I'm proud to be me and so should they be."
It was Rory's first Pride experience:
"It's a liberating experience to be here with my friends and with people who are like minded - that share and enjoy life. I've been seeing it grow and just had to be part of it this year."
Anthea and Felicity
Felicity: "I've been coming for 5 years. I supported my children and now they support me. I have two gay children. It's liberating coming out and showing people that this is who I am.
It was Alana's first Pride and she was there with her husband:
"I'm bisexual and married to a man. It's fantastic and I'll be coming every year. My friends are gay and we are celebrating our togetherness."
Pedro is from Angola and is straight. He was there to hand out promotional material but loved the party and stayed on.
Nathan and Emour
Nathan (left): "This is our 4th Pride. It's about expressing ourselves.
Emour (right): "And expressing our diversity. We should celebrate it everyday!"
It was Chad's 3rd Pride:
"It's a celebration of who we are!"
Elize was at her 2nd Pride.
She came to work, but stayed for the party and hopefully to meet someone nice.
Ashley went to her first Pride at 18. This was her 5th:
"It's a celebration of what we achieved after years of struggle to reach equality"
Angelique was also at her 5th Pride:
"It means no shame! No shame! No shame! Just be who you want to be!"
Mornè celebrated his 7th Pride:
"This is being out and happy with who you are and about being yourself.
Ralf and Frank are visiting from Germany and "love the great people of Cape Town"
Alex (left), from Durban and studying in Cape Town, attended his first Pride:
"I love it. I can be out and be myself and have a joll!"
Carmen and Elizma
It was Carmen's (left) 3rd Pride: "It's awesome as always. It's a sociable event with so many amazing people and everybody gets together and there just proud of being gay."
Ingrid has been to at least 10 Prides:
"I love walking around and 1 in 10 people are straight and maybe 9 out of 10 gay but we're all just getting down and celebrating life together. It's wonderful."
This was Louise's 7th Pride event:
"It's become more of a party in Cape Town but we need to remember and honor other countries where it's still illegal to be gay."
It was Hlonela and Asanda's first Pride
Hlonela (right): "Pride is about embracing who you are, no matter what your sexuality or preferences."
Asanda (left) is straight: It's my first pride and it's awesome! Everybody can be free to be what they want to be. No judgement."
Shane (left) was at his 4th Pride:
"It's and expression of freedom. We totally still need pride. There is still a lot of prejudice even though we have laws against it."
Adrian has been to at least 10 Pride events:
"My first was in New York and it's a party!"
Pierre (left) is our gorgeous photographer. Be sure to check out his website www.eksteenphotography.com
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We love you Cape Town, and fell a little bit in love with each and every one of you!
Thank you for making this year's Pride week so amazing.
We can't wait to welcome you at next year's event.
Stay Proud and be kind to one another!
Lots of love
The Triarc Team