Thousands took to the street of Cape Town on Saturday morning to celebrate gay Pride 2010 and to take a stand against homophobia, locally and in Africa.
Colourful floats and marchers wound their way through the city centre to the sound of thumping dance music.
"It was the biggest yet," said Cape Town Pride Chairperson Glenn De Swardt, who estimated that up to 8,000 people took part in the event.
He noted that this year's parade was particularly focused on political issues, especially the deteriorating human rights of LGBT people across Africa, including the rape and murder of lesbians in South Africa.
The minster of arts and culture, Lulu Xingwana, also came under fire from participants for recently walking out of an exhibition featuring intimate photographs of lesbian couples.
"We're very cognizant that while we are partying we are also marching for people's rights," said De Swardt.
He pointed out that the official Cape Town Pride float consisted of numerous placards making statements in support of lesbian and gay equality.
The Parade was launched with speeches, including an address by the Very Rev Rowan Smith, Dean of St. George’s Cathedral in Cape Town.
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