To kick off Cape Town Pride, the Radisson Red Hotel at the V&A Waterfront decided to show support for the LGBTIQA+ community by launching its Love is Love campaign last Thursday, February 9.
The hotel unveiled its new rainbow-coloured window at the OUIBAR restaurant, in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.
While International Pride Month is annually celebrated in June, Cape Town Pride usually runs from around the end of February, with different events held around the city culminating into the Cape Town Pride Parade, which will be held in Green Point on Saturday March 3.
The curator at Radisson Red, Leonie Andereya, said the hotel receives visitors and guests from all walks of life, and they wanted to show that they are an inclusive, welcoming space for everyone.
She said everyone is encouraged to be themselves – even the staff. “We don’t want anyone to be boxed in, or feel different. We welcome anyone for who they are and what they are.”
Though there are many different Pride Flags around the world, the artwork chosen for the hotel window was the six-color Pride Flag, designed by Gilbert Baker for the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Celebration – an iconic symbol of hope and unity for the LGBTQIA+ community, said Ms Andereya.
The symbol is derived from the original six-color Pride Flag in which each hue holds a special meaning: red is life, orange represents healing, yellow embodies the sun, green symbolises nature, indigo stands for harmony, and violet, the soul.
The marketing manager at Radisson Red, Dale Theunissen, said while this seems like a small gesture of solidarity, plans to grow the campaign is in the pipeline.
The colourful window will remain up until the second week of March, said Mr Theunissen, and will be displayed again in June during International Pride Month.
Ms Andereya said education and awareness are key to promoting inclusivity and breaking down the barriers of discrimination.
That’s why we have brought together people from all walks of life, with a shared vision to educate and connect, breaking the stigma and celebrating Pride Month in style.“
Guests at the launch were treated to a performance by drag artist Cheshire Vineyard.
To find out what is happening around the city as part of Cape Town Pride, visit cptpride.org
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