Celebrate inclusivity at the third annual Sick Pride parade in Arderne Gardens

The third annual Sick Pride parade will return to Arderne Gardens in Claremont on Sunday, November 16, shining a spotlight on those living with chronic, energy-limiting illnesses and the urgent need for visibility and inclusion.

Unlike traditional pride marches, Sick Pride is designed for people living with energy-limiting chronic illnesses — including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Long Covid — who are often too unwell to participate in typical parades. Instead, attendees are invited to “lounge in style,” celebrating visibility, solidarity, and self-expression at their own pace.

The event is organised by the Society for the Inclusion of Chronic Knowledge (SICK) and supported by ME and Long Covid Unite South Africa (MELCuSA), both advocating for greater awareness and inclusion of those living with chronic energy-limiting conditions.

MELCuSA representative, Sam Pearce said this year’s theme is, Comfort in Community, and it kicks off a year of monthly meet-ups to build strength. 

“Come and hang out with your fellow spoonies, bring a picnic and help make our ‘invisible illness’ visible,” she said.

Ms Pearce said this year they are celebrating the Decode ME research discovery of eight genetic markers proving the neurological and immunological basis of energy-limiting chronic illness.

This will be a Covid-19-safe masked event; N95 respirators will be made available.

For more information, Whatsapp Mlindeni Gabela on 078 937 9393 or Ori McGarry on 079 032 8339, or email Sam Pearce samfleurpearce@gmail.com or follow @sick pride_sa on Instagram.