A Time Traveling Adventure: South Africa’s Mother City Queer Project Revives

A time-traveling adventure awaits as the Mother City Queer Project (MCQP) makes a comeback in Cape Town on December 16, 2023. The annual LGBTQIA+ event, which has been on a three-year hiatus, has been a platform for imaginative self-expression and solidarity for over 20 years. This year’s “Back to the Future” theme encourages attendees to interpret it as they wish, with the event honoring the past, present, and future of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ legacy. Through live performances, entertainment, and refreshments, MCQP offers a warm and welcoming environment for the community while raising funds for African LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants.

The Birth and Growth of MCQP

After taking a break for three years, the Mother City Queer Project (MCQP) is set for a grand comeback in Cape Town on 16 December 2023. For over 20 years, this annual LGBTQIA+ spectacle has entertained and emboldened the community, presenting a stage for imaginative self-expression and solidarity. Now under the guidance of Southern Live Events, MCQP is preparing to embark on a time-traveling adventure back to its origins, with this year’s theme called “Back to the Future.”

In 1994, Andre Vorster and Andrew Putter established MCQP with the ambition to generate an all-embracing space for the queer community to display their ingenuity and self-expression through themed clothing. Throughout the years, MCQP has drawn hundreds of attendees from all over Mzansi, fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for the LGBTQIA+ community and its supporters.

With a diverse array of themes, MCQP has annually encouraged its participants to stretch their creative limits, resulting in a one-of-a-kind blend of astonishing flamboyance and inclusiveness. Some previous themes have featured “Bollywood,” “The Love Ball,” and “Drag Race,” to name a few.

Back to the Future: Honoring the Past, Present, and Future

This year’s “Back to the Future” theme encourages attendees to interpret it as they wish, with boundless possibilities for costumes and fashion, whether they opt for Victorian steampunk, disco-inspired outfits, or futuristic cyberpunk attire. The event’s objective is to guide participants on a voyage through time, commemorating the past, present, and future of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ legacy.

Ronen Klugman, co-founder of Southern Live, shared his excitement about taking charge of MCQP, remarking, “We want to go back to the roots of collaboration and celebration and are excited to welcome everyone home.” The Cabo Beach Club will undergo a transformation into a realm where different time periods collide, resulting in a brilliant burst of nostalgia and imagination.

A Display of Artistry and Community

MCQP is more than just a celebration; it represents South Africa’s multifaceted community, offering a warm and welcoming environment, and an opportunity to pay homage to the event’s shared history while embracing a thrilling future together in a secure space. Guests can anticipate live performances, entertainment, and refreshments throughout the evening, allowing them to fully engage in the revelry.

Giving Back: Assisting African LGBTQIA+ Asylum Seekers, Refugees, and Immigrants

This year, MCQP will hold a donation drive for Passop, a community-based non-profit organization committed to assisting African LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. The funds raised from the event will help supply essential resources and support to those in need, reaffirming MCQP’s dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Event Information

The Mother City Queer Project will occur at Cabo Beach Club, situated at 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town. The event is scheduled to run from 12 pm to 2 am on 16 December 2023, with tickets priced at R350. Attendees can buy tickets through Howler, with ticket sales opening in the near future.

In summary, the eagerly awaited return of the Mother City Queer Project promises a night filled with inventiveness, festivity, and community spirit. With its “Back to the Future” theme, MCQP invites participants to delve into the past, present, and future of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ heritage, offering a platform for self-expression and unity.

1. What is the Mother City Queer Project (MCQP)?

The Mother City Queer Project (MCQP) is an annual LGBTQIA+ event in Cape Town that has been on a three-year hiatus and is now set to return on December 16, 2023.

2. What is the theme of MCQP 2023?

The theme of MCQP 2023 is “Back to the Future,” which encourages attendees to interpret it as they want, with the event honoring the past, present, and future of South Africa’s LGBTQIA+ legacy.

3. Who established MCQP?

MCQP was established in 1994 by Andre Vorster and Andrew Putter with the goal of creating an all-embracing space for the queer community to display their ingenuity and self-expression through themed clothing.

4. What is the mission of MCQP?

MCQP mission is to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community, with an emphasis on imaginative self-expression and solidarity.

5. What can attendees expect from MCQP?

Attendees can expect live performances, entertainment, and refreshments throughout the evening, allowing them to fully engage in the revelry.

6. Where will MCQP take place?

MCQP will take place at Cabo Beach Club, situated at 12 South Arm Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town.

7. How can attendees buy tickets for MCQP?

Attendees can buy tickets for MCQP through Howler, with ticket sales opening in the near future.

8. Will MCQP be supporting any organizations?

MCQP will hold a donation drive for Passop, a community-based non-profit organization committed to assisting African LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. The funds raised from the event will help supply essential resources and support to those in need.