Eco-Pride at Soul Fam is a first-of-its-kind, boutique Pride event taking place during Cape Town Pride Week — a celebration where queer visibility and environmental responsibility meet. Hosted at Soul Fam Hostel in collaboration with Hostelworld, this plastic-free, locally sourced, community-driven gathering reimagines what Pride can look like beyond the rainbow. It’s about joy and impact. Celebration and care. Visibility and sustainability.

We’re partnering with leading LGBTQ+ rights NGOs to create a space for educational talks, sustainability workshops, and storytelling circles — amplifying voices that are too often marginalized, including trans, lesbian, bi, and non-binary travelers. Allies are welcome, with queer voices intentionally centered.

At its heart, Eco-Pride is about showing that Pride and the planet can coexist beautifully. Expect reusable cups and utensils, recycling and compost stations, and locally sourced food and drinks — including queer-owned pop-ups and sustainable vendors. These small, conscious choices reflect a much bigger message in a country defined by its ecological and cultural diversity. Eco-Pride embodies the theme of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” showcasing how hostels and travel spaces can champion eco-awareness, social inclusion, and community impact at the same time.

What to Expect

Event Schedule:
17:00 – 17:30 | Attendee arrival, check-in & networking
17:30 – 17:45 | Welcome & Introduction with Rayan (Hostelworld) and Chase (Soul Fam Hostel)
17:45 – 18:15 | Keynote address – Keith Roman (Zero Waste Association of South Africa)
18:15 – 18:30 | Sustainability presentation – Paul Rubin (Nude Foods)
18:30 – 18:40 | Break
18:40 – 19:20 | Workshop – Queer Food Growing Collective & Triangle Project
19:20 – 19:30 | Break
19:30 – 19:45 | Discussion – Desmond Tutu Health Foundation
19:45 – 20:00 | Closing remarks – Chase & Rayan

Eco-Conscious Practices:
– Plastic-free event with reusable cups and utensils
– Recycling and compost stations
– Locally sourced food and drinks
– Partnerships with eco-friendly suppliers and local producers

Community Talks & Awareness:
– Conversations led with LGBTQ+ organizations
– Discussions on queer rights, health, sustainability, and conscious travel
– Storytelling circles for LGBTQ+ travelers to share their lived experiences
– Inclusive, affirming spaces that center queer voices

Workshops & Interactive Experiences:
– DIY eco-friendly Pride crafts and merch (tote bags, reusable flags, more)
– Mini workshops on sustainable travel and mindful tourism
– Hands-on creative activities connecting expression, education, and care