The Rainbow Social x Converse PRIDE Event: Interview & Competition
JHB collective The Rainbow Social have teamed up with Converse to host a special PRIDE event this Saturday 18 June in JHB! Being held at The Nest, the event's goal, in their own words is "to create a platform for you to feel seen, loved, affirmed and held - all while having an amazing time - because you matter."
Ahead of the event this Saturday, we got to ask Landa from The Rainbow Social what their BLOC Party is all about. Read it below!
To celebrate PRIDE Month with The Rainbow Social, we are also giving away free double tickets to the event for the first 10 people to by an item from the Converse PRIDE collection at the JHB store.
How long has the event been running?
The Rainbow Social has been curating unique experiences for the LGBTQI+ community and Allies for the past 2 years.
How does your event empower the LGBTQI+ community?
The Rainbow Social's main goal is to create safe spaces by curating beautiful, unique and memorable experiences where the LGBTQI+ community can just be.
Safety, authenticity, community, self-expression and freedom are the cornerstone that builds the environment we create. The BLOC Party and all our previous events are to reinforce the message of community, love and Pride.
We want everyone to feel like they can be themselves when they attend The Rainbow Social, and their gender identity and sexuality will never be a barrier to that.
We believe that creating safe and inclusive spaces for all is a way of collectively moving forward to a fairer, kinder and empowering future.
What are the key factors you look for when partnering with brands in the space like Converse?
Brand synergy and alignment of core brand values. Converse is an empowering brand that has always celebrated freedom of expression through individuals and their movements. The brand has a legacy of bold risk takers much like our brand and the individuals who attend The Rainbow Social.
Which venues have you held parties at in the past?
We have hosted parties at pretty amazing and creative venues in the past namely Eden Poolside, Great Dane and my favourite, 99 Juta.
What are some of the highlight moments looking back on the party?
Definitely the reception from our attendees/community and the co-signs of so many prominent and amazing brands like Converse who really see the value and the importance of the spaces we are creating.
For someone attending a Rainbow Social party for the first time, what should they expect? What sets it apart from other events?
The Rainbow Social has been truly innovative for a community that is often under-catered socially. We have a wide variety of events under the Rainbow Social umbrella including outdoor movie nights, festive sundowners, a luscious brunch and intimate unplugged live music sessions as well as an annual three-day gay getaway. The range of events at the Rainbow Social is what makes it marvellous, and a truly unique experience for the different types of queer people that it attracts.
Each party concept is always different from the last. We have our brunch edition for those who like daytime experiences and live music, Sundowners for those who love the nightlife, a Gay Getaway for those who want to travel and explore with like-minded people, etc.
The BLOC Party will definitely be a one-of-a-kind experience. On the day, attendees can enjoy live performances from Pabi Cooper, Muneyi, Lamiez Holworthy, Lula Odiba, Ms Party, Kat Upendi, Your Uncle Garry and LIKKLYLKS. Attendees will also be able to customise their Converse sneakers and Converse tote bags on the day.
Do you have any plans to expand the parties outside of JHB?
We have grown a lot in the last 2 years and we are definitely very excited to take the experience to Cape Town in 2023.
Future plans for the BLOC Party?
The BLOC Party will be an annual Pride month experience. Our plan is to grow the brand, and our community and hopefully continue working on exciting brand collaborations.
The Rainbow Social BLOC Party is being held this Saturday 18 June at The Nest, 39 Voorhout St, New Doornfontein, Johannesburg, 2094. 2pm - 10pm. R100 per person.
The first 10 people to buy an item from the Converse PRIDE pack in the JHB store will be given 1 free ticket to the event.