LGBT video-on-demand channel launches in South Africa

© georgejmclittle via 123RF

PrideTV will unashamedly tell the stories of Africa's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to South Africa and the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, with an affordable and growing library of LGBT movies and series.

“Traditional TV channels have historically offered only small smatterings of one-dimensional LGBT content, which ironically reinforces stereotypes, instead of shattering them,” explains Joanne Raphael Katz, Pride TV content manager. “PrideTV reverses the trend to restrict access to LGBT themes by South African and African broadcasters.”

The demise of the Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival has dramatically reduced access to independent LGBT films, while homophobic and transphobic viewer complaints and repressive censorship laws across the continent devastate diversity.

The service is accessible via broadband internet or Wi-Fi connection and can be viewed on smart televisions, desktop computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones – both iOS and Android operating systems are catered for.

It has launched with over 200 content titles from all over the world and across all genres; from classic and edgy to new and heart-warming. There are comedies, sexy college boy thrillers, horrors, love stories, gripping dramas and doccies about LGBT issues and personalities. Around 65% of the content is gay male focused and 35% deals with lesbian and transgender themes.

New content will be loaded onto PrideTV on a regular basis, especially more big screen classics, new independent releases and TV series. The platform is curated with best selections from top producers and filmmakers that have won awards and festivals.

“We believe that there is a gap in the market. It is about time that the neglected LGBT community has a voice with content that spans all the issues that people can relate to. Not to mention the entertainment value that we are offering.

“We know that LGBT people are early adopters of technology, so we’re confident that they will join the online streaming revolution. The best part is that we can reach anyone in Sub-Saharan Africa,” concludes Katz.

“We want to create not just a movie site, but also a lifestyle site for the LGBT community that works with and supports the community,” says Alicia Antill, marketing media officer for Pride TV. Go to www.pridetv.co.za to subscribe at R79 a month with no cancellation fees - or sign up for a year at R790 and only pay for ten months.