Gay Pages Autumn 2016

MCQP CANDYLAND SA’s Mr Gay World Finalist Oelof de Meyer FULL FRONTAL

Photobook

AUTUMN 2016 LARGEST GAY PUBLICATION IN SA

IS PORN HARMFUL? DANGEROUS FOODS FOR DOGS

Singer and actor Troye Sivan Mellet GROWING APART

Gay life portrayed on TV

A letter to my younger self Our complex sexual spectrum CAR TESTS BMW X1 xDrive 20d Auto Volvo S60 T6 AWD Polestar Toyota RAV4 2.2 D GX AWD Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Auto VW Passat 1,8 TSI DSG Highline Land Rover Discovery Sport 2,2 SD 4 SE

LUXURY TRAVEL R39,00 incl VAT Other countries R34,21 www.gaypagessa.co.za

Walkersons, Dullstroom Robinson Crusoe Island fantasy FABULOUS SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAYS

Some engineers test the limits.

Ours create new ones.

The new Macan GTS. The facts: A 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine delivering 265 kW (360 hp) and 500 Nm of torque. In brief: a bold statement in design and performance. Lowered sports suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM). A sound that is more resonant and intensive. It all adds up to an intensified driving experience.

Typical in a Porsche that bears the letters GTS. Further information at www.porsche.com/MacanGTS

Fuel consumption in l/100 km: combined 8.8 • Power: 265 kW (360 hp) • Torque: 500 Nm • 0 – 100 km/h: 5.0 seconds (Sport Chrono) • Top speed: 256 km/h

www.porschesouthafrica.com

Porsche Centre Johannesburg Tel: 011 540 5000

Porsche Centre Cape Town Tel: 021 555 6800

Porsche Centre Umhlanga Tel: 031 514 3000

Porsche Centre Pretoria Tel: 012 816 7600

AUTUMN 2016 EDITORIAL

Our clouded political skies have spawned renewed democratic debate and has shown that South Africa is quite robust constitutionally and politically in our gladiatorial arena of farce, corruption and institutionalised racism by the morally indefensible.

Some enlightenment has dawned and our political landscape will never be the same again.

Remaining aloof and silent is irresponsible. It is up to us to keep the flame of fairness alive. Having survived Editor the dark days of homophobic Rubin van Niekerk persecution before, I see the need Deputy Editor/Creative Director for democratic freedom to express Alan Samons freely.

Art Director/Graphic Design We need to be aware of the Nicholas Barclay dangers that lurk not just here, but Office Manager throughout the world.

Joan Doyle This perennial struggle rages from Décor Editor Florida in the good old US of A, Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette to Putin’s slippery slide to hard-line Art and Entertainment fascism that stimulates war.

Denise Latham War is only good for the right Lifestyle and Social shareholders, while humanity and Michelle York animals suffer.

Restaurant Reviews Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons Gay rights also fly out the window.

The hardest part is to convince our Music Reviews Jacques Botha fashionably affluent, party-loving friends from the most conflictAdvertising Sales Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons remote parts of the planet, that military turmoil and refugee crises Contributors Keith Bain, Nicholas Barclay, Jacques Botha, affects everyone.

Ernst Bröcker, Gunther Dippenaar, Luke Hackney, Robin Hamilton, Joffrey Hyman, Dr Phil Joffe, Anne Kruger, Historically war seems more likely Nolan Krull, Denise Latham, Zamo Mthethwa, to flare up when commodity prices Neal McKenna, Bongani Evans Mtlhavani, John O’ Neil, Tim Owen, Jaco Pieterse, Alan Samons, Ryan Thomas, have been down for a long time.

Alan Trenoweth, Leon van Nierop, Christo Valentyn, Follow the money and some Eugene Yiga, Michelle York interesting trends emerge wherever International Contributors you choose to seek the gremlins.

Gabriel Janse van Rensburg – Canada Ken Cage – New Zealand In bad times, only the mega rich Barrie Mahoney – Canary Islands make lots of money. Yes, we know Photographers they hedge their bets so they make Gareth Dallas, Deon de Lange, Oelof De Meyer, Joffrey Hyman, Etienne Kallos, Paul Reitz, money in all times. Their real profits Shaun Smith, Rubin van Niekerk however unfold discreetly during Printing times of turbulence.

CTP Book Printers Chaos may be opportunity, but our Distribution human rights lose traction.

RNA Copyright The copyright for all material in this publication is strictly reserved. “Family Business” and “Gay Pages” are registered trademarks.

Published by: Associated Business Network (Pty) Ltd. Tel: (011) 726-1560/1931, Fax: (011) 726-6948 082 777-0830, PO Box 1050, Melville, 2109 gaypages@iafrica.com, www.gaypagessa.co.za The appearance of any person or organisation in the Gay Pages is not an indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organisations.

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CONTENTS

SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAYS

6

ON THE PLATE

8

IN THE SPIRIT

10

TRAVEL

12

ENVIRONMENT

16

MIND BODY AND SOUL

18

HEALTH

20

NUTRITION

22

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

24

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

26

CAR NEWS

30

ROAD TESTS

36

TECHNOLOGY AND TRENDS

40

FASHION

42

DÉCOR

44

DVD REVIEWS

46

MUSIC REVIEWS

47

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF TROY(E) Singer and actor Troye Sivan Mellet

48

BOOK REVIEWS

50

52 FULL FRONTAL Dylan Rosser’s sensual new photobook WHEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER START GROWING APART Negotiating relationship pitfalls

56

HOW PORN IMPACTS ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP It’s not all bad, but can be intrusive

58

MCQP CANDYLAND Tons of sweet fun

60

CONTRIBUTORS ALAN SAMONS A passionate traveller, Alan is especially fond of visiting game lodges. When travelling internationally, he enjoys museums, flea markets and shopping for beautiful books. He is an accomplished artist and has exhibited locally and in Japan. He also deals in antique art from Japan, China and Thailand, and remounts old scroll paintings. His kimono collection is vast and he has long ago crossed the line between collecting and hoarding.

JACQUES BOTHA Jacques is a project manager in the chemical industry, but his real passion lies in music. Over the past ten years he has written many music articles, reviews and conducted interviews with some of the top musicians for various publications. He also writes and records some of his own music. Travelling the world is his other passion.

JEAN-PIERRE DE LA CHAUMETTE Having spent more than eighteen years in design, décor, broadcasting and publishing, both locally and abroad, Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette is the natural choice at reporting on everything that is hot and happening in our décor and lifestyle news feature.

DANGEROUS FOODS FOR DOGS Not all human food is good for them

68

A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF If you could, what would you write?

70

72 IN THE BEGINNING Examining our complex sexual spectrum REPRESENTING US Representations of gay life on TV

76

STAYING HYDRATED Useful fitness tips for during training

81

MAN FRIDAY A Robinson Crusoe Canary Island fantasy

82

WALKERSONS Soothe your soul in Dullstroom

84

OUT AND ABOUT

88

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

90

RESTAURANTS

104

RYAN THOMAS Ryan has an MSc in Zoology and Environmental Science from Wits University. His interests lie strongly with nature and the environment, influenced by travels with his family across southern Africa when he was younger. Ryan is excited about having finished his studies and is now doing a little travelling. He is also an avid theatregoer.

NEAL MCKENNA Neal McKenna is a Canadian novelist, magazine writer and editor, based in Pretoria. Aside from writing for Gay Pages, he does theatre reviews, writes corporate/ development copy and edits thesis documents. He shares his life with partner, Navin and pussycat, Shadow.

MICHELLE YORK Michelle has been a contributor for many years and is known for her lifestyle contributions and car reviews.

She owns her own business printing t-shirts, making special outfits for horse riding competitions and can bling anything you like. Michelle’s exuberant personality and sharp sense of humour sows hilarity wherever she goes. She is mad about her dogs, especially Superduper Cooper, who is the undisputed king of her heart.

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY A Accommodation......................13, 19, 94-99 Accountants.......................................90 Adult.................................................90 Advertising and Marketing.....................90 Aids Treatment/Counselling......21, 99, 100 Airline.....................................11, 15, 25 Airport Valet Parking.....................90, 91 Alternative Healing..............................90 Aromatherapy...................................95 Art and Antiques......................45, 90, 91 Attorneys......................................90, 91 Auctioneer.......................................91 Audio Visual Production.....................102 Auditing............................................90 B Bars and Clubs..............................27, 91 Beauticians...........................93, 94, 100 Blinds................................................91 Blood Analysis.............................99, 100 Bookkeepers.....................................90 Botox.....................................93, 94, 100 Business Services.................................92 C Cars..........................IFC, 1, 92, IBC, OBC Car Rental......................................5, 92 Church...........................................92 Clairvoyants................................93, 102 Cleaning Service......................92, 95, 97 Clothing Optional Resort....................104 Commercial Opportunities..................90 Conference Facility.........................94-99 Costume Hire......................................93 Courier (Postnet).................................92 Cruises..........................................103 D Dating Service.....................................92 Debt Collection.............................90, 91 DĂŠcor......................................45, 91, 92 Dental Health................................92, 99 Dietary Supplements............................ 23 Diving Courses....................................97 Doctors......................................99, 100 Drag Lounge......................................27 E Electrical..........................................92 Entertainment...................................93 Esoteric......................................93, 102 Estate Agents.................................91, 93 Estate Planning...................................97 F Fancy Dress Hire.................................93

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Fitness Training....................................93 Florist............................................93 Furniture Removal...............................93 G Game Lodges................................93-99 Garden Design & Accessories.............101 Gay (Men Only)........................... 98, 100 Gay Contacts............................106, 107 Gay Paraphernalia.......................92, 93 Gay Travel Guide.........................98, 99 Gay Wedding Specialists.............96, 103 Grooming..............................93-94 Guesthouses............................94-99 Guide Dogs........................................41 Gym Training......................................93 H Hairstylists.....................................92, 93 Hair Removal................................94, 95 Health, Fitness and Wellness..............93, 100 Herbal Medicine/Homeopath.......................94 Holiday Accommodation..........13, 19, 94-99 Hotels.....................................13, 19, 94-99 Hypnotherapist...................................98 I Income Tax..........................................90 Interior DĂŠcor............................45, 91, 92 Internet............................................92 Introduction....................................98 Insurance...............................17, 98, 101 Investment Broker.................................96 L Labour Law.........................................90 Laser Skin Treatment...........................94 Lawyers........................................90, 91 Leather and Fetish................................ 98 Life Coaching...................................100 Limousine Hire....................................98 M Manscaping.......................................94 Marriage Officer..................................99 Marketing........................................90 Massage (Therapeutic)....................93-95 Medical.................................21, 99, 100 Mediation.........................................99 Men Only...........................................21 Menswear...................................41, 100 Metal Supply & Manufacture................91 N Nursery..........................................101 Nutrition............................................ 23 O Ocean Cruises..................................103

On-line Shopping...........41, 100, 101, 103 Optometrist...................................100 Oriental Antiques and Interiors.............45 Orthodontist.................................92, 99 P Painting.........................................101 Panelbeaters.............................100, 101 Personal Training.................................93 Pet Medical Aid.................................101 Pets.................................................101 Pharmacy.........................................100 Photography..............................101, 102 Podiatrist...................................100, 102 Printing..............................................98 Psychic........................................93, 102 Psychologists.............................100, 102 Public Relations.................................102 R Restaurants..........................27, 104-112 S Saunas and Steambaths (M2M)...........102 Scholarships.................................90, 93 Scuba Diving.......................................97 Security...........................................102 Sexual Health......................................21 Skin Care...............................93, 94, 100 Social Club.........................................98 Social Therapist.................................102 Solar Power.......................................102 Spa..............................................94-97 Surrogacy.......................................102 Swimming Pools................................102 T T-Shirts.........................................92, 93 Tax Consultants.............................90, 91 Teeth Whitening Clinic..........................92 Travel Agents and Tour Operators.........103 TV Productions..................................102 U Underwear...........................41, 100, 103 V Veterinary Clinic................................103 Vitamins............................................. 23 W Waxing and Trimming......................94, 95 Website Design & Hosting...................102 Weddings...............................96, 99, 102 Weight Loss........................................94 Wine and Spirit..................................103 Wills.............................................90, 91 Z Zulu Courses....................................103

19563OFyt

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Car Rental Because every minute counts.

GIVEAWAYS

LASTONE MASSAGE Treat body, mind and soul by experiencing the ultimate in luxury.

The therapeutic potential of this 70 minute massage treatment goes beyond measure and the physiological benefits of alternating hot and cold to the body have long been scientifically and medically proven. Heated stones bring oxygenated blood to the area of application, increasing lymph flow and metabolism, while cold stones push away unwanted congestion, inflammation and blockages. In this way, the use of alternating temperatures brings about healing, balance and rejuvenation. It also aids in the balancing of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual energies.

LaStone massage is a very good relaxant for the mind. Clients often report the feeling of being in a deep meditative state by the end of the massage.

LaStone combined with chakra balancing and meditation work wonders.

"If you are tired, you’ll feel refreshed. If you are anxious, you’ll feel serene. If you are distressed, you’ll feel comforted. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll discover a renewed clarity and purpose. And these subjective changes come with physical changes associated with deep relaxation, such as a slower heart rate and easier breathing," says Dr Pierce van Tonder.

Seven new subscribers will each receive a treatment valued at R650.

All Gay Pages readers will receive a 15% discount.

Tel: 079 346-0001 Monday-Friday 09h00 – 19h00.

Email: drvantonder@gmail.com www.naturalmed.co.za THE GODDESS FACTOR ADVANCED AESTHETICS

Every person has an inner Goddess! This tranquil, secluded retreat is situated close to both Sandton and Pretoria, but with a feeling of being in the countryside.

Cutting edge European technology is used and the clinic offers face and body treatments for men and women. Cooltech Fat Freeze is a non-invasive procedure for reducing areas of localised fatty pockets and Safyre Radio Frequency, also a

BEAUCIENCE Beaucience for Men (pronounced bo-ci-ons) has been designed to be a simple, unique and specialised skin care range that treats the needs of a man's skin.

Every product has been uniquely formulated to provide the male skin with natural essentials for healthy skin. Added to the anti-aging benefits, the men's products also provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, healing, calming and desensitising properties.

This is achieved by the incorporation of unique blends of natural extracts such as organic white willow bark, organic green tea and pure oils such as witch hazel, tea tree and sandalwood. Beaucience for Men is a functional and hygienic skin care regime.

Beaucience for Men has been designed to be a simple, unique, specialised skin care range that treats the needs of a man’s skin.

Fifteen new subscribers will each receive a men's hamper worth R510, consisting of: • 1x Men’s Toiletry Bag • 1x Men’s Face Wash • 1x Men’s Facial Scrub • 1x Men’s Revitalising Face and Body Lotion Tel: (021) 709-0362 www.beaucience.co.za Facebook/Beaucience non-surgical procedure firms, tightens and lifts the skin, and is effective for cellulite and body contouring.

They also stock the iconic Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals, an advanced skin care regime, as well as offer Dermaceutic peels, Microdermabrasion, Microneedling and Mesotherapy, Byprobe electrolysis for removal of unwanted hair and skin lesions, waxing and nail treatments and enhancements.

Clinic Manager and Senior Therapist, Megan Byleveldt, has 20 years’ experience in the aesthetics field.

Five new subscribers will receive Safyre Radio Frequency treatments valued at R2 000 each.

121 Springfield Road, Carlswald, Midrand.

Open Monday to Friday 09h00 to 17h00 and Saturday by appointment.

Tel: (011) 702-1625 Cell: 063 292-8968 info@thegoddessfactor.co.za www.thegoddessfactor.co.za

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MALEBOOTH

IL VINO DELL’AMORE PETALO PINK MANZONI MOSCATO ROSÉ This queen of sparkling wines, the Bottega Pink Gold Moscato Dolce, Vino Del Amore has the flavour and aroma of honey, roses, berries and Turkish delight. It is beautifully presented in a gorgeous rose gold pink bling bottle which simply says “I love you” in Italian.

Manzoni Moscato is a cross between Raboso and Moscato grapes and the resulting wine has the fresh and fragrant character of the original grapes, a low alcohol content of only 7% and a pleasantly sweet taste.

Naturally this sweet wine is suitable for celebrations and special events.

Twelve new subscribers will each receive a bottle of this premium Italian sparkling wine to the value of R500.

Bottega sparkling wine can be purchased at selected Makro liquor stores. www.bottegasa.co.za

Just when you thought 2016 couldn’t get HOTTER… we did it again!

Introducing the Malebooth 2016 Swimwear and Active Wear Range on our brand new Malebooth site.

Featuring top quality fabric, sourced from Italy, our locally manufactured range will include AQUA a swimwear collection in bikinis, briefs and squarecut trunks and ENERGY, an active wear collection including vests, t-shirts and shorts. The range incorporates some of our favourite inspirations from international brands with a proudly South African twist and appeals to our home market and abroad. Malebooth is also proud to announce our association with the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival Knysna 2016. The festival is celebrating its 16th Birthday and showcases several pageants and events from 27 April to 1 May. Check out the website for more information www.pinkloerie.co.za.

Five lucky new subscribers stand a chance of winning a Malebooth AQUA and ENERGY hamper, valued at R2 000 each. Subscribe today and you could be the next lucky Malebooth man.

Tel: 082 337-2258 Email: info@malebooth.com www.malebooth.com

EDITION

BOOKING DEADLINE

MATERIAL DEADLINE

PRINT DATE

ON-SALE

Winter 2016 Spring 2016 Summer 2016 Special Collector's Edition 2017 Autumn 2017

9 May 2016 20 July 2016 19 September 2016 21 November 2016 20 February 2017

10 May 21 July 20 September 22 November 21 February

11 May 22 July 21 September 23 November 22 February

23 May 8 August 3 October 12 December 6 March

ADVERTISE IN 4 EDITIONS TO RECEIVE DISCOUNT AND EDITORIAL COVERAGE

SUBSCRIPTIONS National Subscriptions: 10 Editions (two years) – R 348 postage included.

Includes 2 annual large format Special Collector's Editions.

Namibian Subscriptions: 10 Editions – R 369 International Subscriptions: 5 Editions – R 488 (US$ 33, € 30).

Airmail postage included.

International subscribers can only qualify for locally claimed giveaways.

Early advertisers receive discounts and are listed free on www.gaypagessa.co.za.

Discount offered March: 15%

Office hours: Mon-Fri 09h00-16h00 Tel:+27 (0) 11 726-1560/1931 or +27 (0) 11 025-5000 Cell: 082 777-0830

gaypages@iafrica.com

Subscribe online at www.gaypagessa.co.za and receive a great gift.

9

ON THE PLATE

RESTAURANT JAN AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS MICHELIN STAR Michelin released the results for 2016 and Restaurant Jan, a South African restaurant in the South of France, was awarded its first one Michelin star in the 2016 French Guide Michelin.

This makes owner and proprietor Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen the first South African to ever receive this prestigious accolade in the whole of Asia and Europe.

Accurately described as the Academy Awards of the restaurant industry, Guide Michelin awards stand for consistency and excellence in the food and service industry and are seen as a benchmark in the culinary world.

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen and Pascal Szafranski opened Jan in Nice in 2013 and received their first mention in the Michelin Guide a mere eight months after opening its doors. Subsequent accolades include a spot on the Condé Nast Traveler list of the World’s 15 Best Restaurants, as well as glowing recommendations by the New York Times and Gault et Millau restaurant guide.

A 28-seater fine-dining restaurant in the up-and-coming bohemian district of Nice Port, Jan is a celebration of South African hospitality and serves honest food inspired by local produce from the markets of Nice.

Originally from Middelburg in the northern reaches of South Africa, Jan Hendrik studied culinary arts and applied design in Stellenbosch, after which he worked for food publications both locally and abroad. It is during this time that he happened upon the concept of adapting and serving South African favourites like melktert and biltong to discerning culinary audiences in Europe.

Jan Hendrik was recently joined by South African chefs Kevin Grobler and Rutger Eysvogel, who now form part of the international award-winning team at Jan. www.restaurantjan.com Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

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Chantel Dartnall RESTAURANT MOSAIC AND 13 OTHER SA RESTAURANTS MAKE IT ONTO LA LISTE TOP 1000 La Liste, a new selection of the 1000 most remarkable restaurants across the globe, was recently published, with Restaurant Mosaic featuring at number 373.

Says Restaurant Mosaic's Chantel Dartnall: "We are so excited to even be included in the top 1000 best restaurants in the world, let alone coming in at number 373. And the best thing about the system used by La Liste to rank the top 1000 is the fact that it is based on reviews by food critics as well as ordinary diners," adds Dartnall.

The number of South African restaurants to make in onto the list totalled 14, with 12 of those in the Western Cape and two in Gauteng.

The top 5 rated establishments worldwide – according to La Liste are: 1st Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville (Crissier, Switzerland) 2nd Per Se (New York, USA) 3rd Kyo Aji (Tokyo, Japan) 4th Guy Savoy (Paris, France) 5th Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland) To determine the winners, La Liste used score averaging and semantic across 200+ food guides, review sites, gourmet blogs, social media, and major national and local publications in 48 countries. The result is 1 000 outstanding restaurants highlighting most-loved food destinations worldwide.

Overall, Japan comes top with more than 126 mentions, France is second on 118 and America third on 101. Britain has 46, while restaurants from 45 other countries also get mentions.

The 14 South African restaurants that made the list are (with ranking in brackets): La Colombe (228); Tasting Room (362); Greenhouse (368); 500 at The Saxon (372); Restaurant Mosaic (373); The Restaurant at Waterkloof (409); The Test Kitchen (425); The Pot Luck Club (447); Terroir (494); Jordan Restaurant (516); Massimo's (749); 96 Winery Rd (762); La Boheme (782) and The Roundhouse (816).

For the complete top 1000 restaurants visit www.laliste.com/ country/world/laliste/view.

HIGH TEA AT THE TABLE BAY HOTEL The tradition of High Tea has been observed by royalty and commoner since the mid-1800s. It comes as no surprise that it has become a tourist attraction at Cape Town’s luxury hotel, The Table Bay. Against the backdrop of Table Mountain, nestling at one end of the working harbour, the setting is superb for High Tea. And all the rules and etiquettes associated with the pomp and splendour of High Teas of old are applied at The Table Bay. Pastry chef, Bobby Kumar, is renowned in the industry for his

delicious sweet delicacies. His citrusy lemon and granadilla meringue tart is legendary; the green tea and vanilla Swiss roll delicious, his saffron and cardamom crème brûlée sublime. And no tea table would be complete without Chef Kumar’s light as air, buttery scones.

Tea is taken in the lounge, with its spectacular view of Table Mountain, between 14h30 and 17h50 every afternoon from Monday to Sunday. www.suninternational.com

SPICED CHOCOLATE TIRAMISU

by Jason Whitehead My passion for the old time favourite tiramisu was re-ignited when I had lunch at Pesce Azzurro just before embarking on my European tour in early August last year. It was probably one of the best tiramisus I have had in a long time, so when I was in Venice, I made it my mission to find the best tiramisu, none of which seemed to impress me. So I decided to make my own upon arriving back home in Cape Town, giving it my own little twist by adding some allspice and a dash of chocolate! I am ashamed to say that I made enough for at least eight portions, but it only took two of us to inhale the whole lot.

cocoa powder in a medium-sized bowl and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Now create a double boiler by placing a glass mixing bowl on top of a pot of simmering water and whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and port until you get the consistency of a nice thick custard.

Remove from heat and whisk in the mascarpone, spices and salt until the mascarpone completely melts into the mixture and is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Using an electric whisk, beat the cream and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. Then fold the mascarpone mixture into the whipped cream until smooth.

To assemble, dip a ladyfinger into the instant coffee mixture and place it at the bottom of the dish you are using (glass is always nice so that you can see the layers). Now add your spiced mascarpone mixture and then smooth over with the back of a spoon. Do not tap the dish or push down too hard as you don’t want to get rid of any air in the mixture you have created by folding the cream into the custard.

Thereafter dust enough cocoa powder over your tiramisu to cover all of the mascarpone mixture, then cover and refrigerate it for at least four hours and allow it to set. www.jasonwhitehead.co.za

INGREDIENTS 1 packet of ladyfinger biscuits (use as many as it takes to line the bottom of whatever dish you are using) 1 cup of boiling water 2 tablespoons of instant coffee 1 tablespoon of sugar 1 tablespoon of a good quality cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting (I used NOMU) 4 egg yolks 1/2 cup of sugar 1/3 cup of port 1 tub of mascarpone Pinch of salt 3/4 teaspoon allspice Pinch of nutmeg Pinch of cinnamon 1 teaspoon of honey 1 cup of cream 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla essence 1 Cadbury’s flake chocolate To make the coffee infusion to dip your ladyfingers into, combine your boiling water, instant coffee, sugar and a teaspoon of

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IN THE SPIRIT

BABYLONSTOREN MCC Four years after the first Chardonnay grapes to be grown, harvested and vinified on the estate, Babylonstoren have released their maiden Méthode Cap Classique sparkling wine. In keeping with the estate’s reputation for elegant simplicity this delicious Blanc de Blanc is dubbed, simply, Sprankel (sparkle).

While the name may be uncomplicated, the wine is anything but. This is a complex sparkling wine made in the time-honoured Champagne method, a wine that required both dedication and patience.

For after secondary fermentation in the bottle had taken place, the wine was matured on the lees for a full 48 months before disgorgement. Happily, that patience has been richly rewarded.

The curvaceous Cuvée de Sacres bottle boasts a striking butterfly-themed design by Buenos Airesbased artist Peet Pienaar, and arrives cradled in an arresting orange carton that allows the Sprankel’s stunning butterfly motif to shine through.

With only 5000 bottles of the maiden vintage available, this superb sparkling wine, costing R495 per bottle, will only be available from the revamped Babylonstoren tasting room, and in the estate’s two acclaimed restaurants. www.babylonstoren.com WORLD’S BEST WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR South Africa produced the world’s best winemaker of 2015.

Abrie Beeslaar, cellarmaster at Kanonkop wine estate in Stellenbosch, was crowned as the International Winemaker of the Year during the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) gala award ceremony in London. He also won the title in 2008. Apart from the trophy for International Winemaker of the Year, Kanonkop was also named the South African Producer of the Year, as well as the winner of the trophy for Best Pinotage for the Kanonkop Pinotage 2012.

“Despite a wine industry with a history that stretches back to 1659 and the quality of our wines, South Africa struggles to maintain an image of premium quality in the international marketplace,” said Beeslaar. “Therefore accolades such as this one from the International Wine and Spirit Competition is particularly significant, as it shows the world that as far as quality and identity go, our country’s wines can compete with, and even trump, the best from France, Italy, Australia and the US.” www.kanonkop.co.za

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GLENMORANGIE SIGNET CELEBRATES ART AND NATURE An innovative artwork which harnesses the natural beauty of Glenmorangie Signet's terroir, was unveiled at the distillery's Highland home. The spiralling stone structure takes its inspiration from the landscape which informs Glenmorangie's most unnecessarily well-made single malt whisky, Glenmorangie Signet – itself a marriage of man's artistry and nature's gifts.

The award-winning single malt is the culmination of the Distillery's 170-year dedication to crafting whisky and is the first to be created from high-roasted “chocolate” malt, and incorporating some of Glenmorangie's oldest stocks, Glenmorangie Signet epitomises the Distillery's reputation for combining innovation with tradition.

The art installation, named Rock Springs, is the creation of environmental artist Dan Snow. Made from some 80 tons of locally sourced stone, and reflecting the spiralling patterns of the Cadboll Stone, this swirling dry stone sculpture, measuring 9,75 metres by 13,4 metres and standing 1,21 metres tall, the sculpture hints at the timelessness of nature that is reflected in the whisky. www.glenmorangie.com JOSE CUERVO LAUNCHES PREMIUM SIPPING TEQUILA IN SA Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado (meaning rested) is made from the highest quality 100% blue agave spirits, doubledistilled and rested in white oak barrels, hand-crafted in small batches and follows an unaltered recipe since 1795.

Tradicional is the original tequila produced 220 years ago by Jose Cuervo, the world’s number one tequila. It is unlike any other tequila and due to the fermentation and distillery methods is produced specifically for sipping. It is rested for no less than four months, which mellows and refines the tequila, producing a combination of superb smoothness and great taste. It is best served chilled in a snifter glass or sipped from a caballito shot glass with craft beer.

South Africa is currently ranked the 4th largest tequila market in the world, behind Mexico, USA and Russia.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional sells for R230 per bottle. It is available at all major bottle stores. www.esnell.com

TRAVEL

MAGALIES MOUNTAIN VIEW COTTAGE Break away from the city and revitalise in the beautiful countryside of Hekpoort only about an hour-long drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. A charming two-bedroom timber-frame cottage with panoramic mountain views is self-catering, which is a perfect excuse to explore the area’s many restaurants. You can also stock up on excellent home-made foods from several outlets, ranging from cheese at Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, to the best chicken liver paté at Die Ou Pastorie. Cycle or take a slow walk along country roads, enjoy a balloon or microlight flight over the area to enjoy the spectacular view. Or just chillax and listen out for the cry of the fish eagle. You’ll be ready to face the rat race in no time!

Call Sue on 082 888-2724 to book, or email her on sueoxb@iafrica.com.

THE SECRET TO SHANGRI-LA If the rat-race is wearing you out and you need a break not too far away from the city, then Shangri-La Country Hotel & Spa, a mere hour outside Johannesburg and 14 kilometres from Modimolle, has everything you need and much more.

Named for a fictional, mystical place described in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, Shangri-La is synonymous with this hidden paradise – permanently happy and isolated from the outside world. The hotel, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is the ideal destination for couples or families.

If you need to unwind, book a treatment in the spa or relax on a lounger on the pool terrace, play a game of tennis, snooker or go for an early-morning run along one of the trails. For the more adventurous, there's game viewing, zip-lining, 4x4 trails, hot-air ballooning, horse-riding and abseiling in the area which enjoys a mild year-round climate.

The hotel provides a unique country setting for your destination wedding and also offers well-equipped conference facilities.

A unique aspect is the hotel’s fenced game breeding programme and guests are spoilt with views of springbok, impala, nyala and rare breeds of antelope. A hike to the majestic 350-year-old wild fig tree, situated on the outskirts of this earthly paradise, makes for an exhilarating outing.

Guests of Shangri-La will be spoilt for choice and enjoy the greatest selection of fine dining, country cuisine and clever cooking with a South African touch. Sous chef, Carlo van der Linde, fresh from a three-year working experience in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, joined Shangri-La in October 2015. With exceptional skills and training received from some of the world’s top chefs, including Italian maestro Giorgio Locatelli, van der Linde has worked in restaurant kitchens of 4- and 5-star hotels in the United Arab Emirates. www.shangrila.co.za

LUFTHANSA EXPRESS CARSHARING AND CAR2GO Lufthansa Express Carsharing has been launched throughout Europe. In co-operation with the worldwide operating carsharing company car2go, Lufthansa passengers can make the most of preferential conditions when using the car2go service.

Lufthansa Express, passengers can find various options for comfortable and convenient travel to and from the airport – along with their flight − all in one place. In addition to buses, trains and even helicopters, Lufthansa Express Carsharing offers passengers yet a further option for easy transport to the airport.

This is a particularly attractive service for passengers travelling alone or as a pair. At the airport, passengers can park the smart fortwo vehicles provided by Lufthansa's partner car2go in specially designated parking spaces near the terminal.

Customers can register for the service by visiting LH.com/ carsharing. Lufthansa guests will then be redirected to the car2go homepage. The Daimler subsidiary currently offers its service at a total of 31 locations in Europe and North America and operates a fleet of more than 14 000 vehicles used by over 1 million customers. www.lufthansa.com

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TRAVEL

Akabeko Hotel

Protea Hotel Manor PINK WEEKENDS IN MAGALIESBURG, RUSTENBURG AND MORE The revival of a great concept – men-only breakaways – has been enormously successful. In fact, the past events were so popular, they were sold out and people who hadn’t booked had to be turned away. Building on this strong community support, exclusive gay weekends will be hosted at the Protea Hotel Malaga and Protea Hotel Hunter’s Rest regularly this year. The weekends will be filled with activities and interests for gay men to enjoy.

Derick Tait, Managing Director of Fortis Hotels

Protea Hotel Malaga • Pink Weekend – Xmas in July Date: 8-10 July Venue: Protea Hotel Manor • Pink Weekend – Spring break Date: 14-16 October Venue: Protea Hotel Malaga • Pink Weekends – Exclusive Upmarket Date: 3-5 June and 26-28 August Venue: Akabeko Hotel

To book or for more information, call reservations on +27 (0) 14 537-8300 or email reservations@huntersresthotel.co.za.

ROOTS RESTAURANT AT FORUM HOMINI HOTEL The boutique hotel in the heart of the Cradle for Humankind received a special honour from Bookings. com for its consistently high service ratings. According to the booking platform Forum Homini and roots received an average client rating of 9,2 out of 10 for 2015.

Bookings.com is part of the Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group and is widely considered to be the world leader in the online booking of accommodation. The platform reserves on average 950 000 room nights every day across the world and its rating platform attracts reviews from customers across the world.

Forum Homini and roots restaurant celebrated its 10th birthday last year. www.forumhomini.com

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ENVIRONMENT WHAT BUG IS THAT? Insects of South Africa is a new pocket guide that covers both common and interesting insects from South Africa, making it possible to identify a wide range of local species. Some 431 insects are featured, many of which can be spotted in our houses and gardens.

Each is described with its key identification features, a colour photograph and distribution map.

An illustrated quick-reference guide on the inside front and back covers makes it quick and easy to navigate to the correct insect group.

Authored by Charles Griffiths and Mike Picker, this field guide will help you with just about any gogga.

ISBN: 978 1 77584 195 1 | R150.00

SURVIVAL – ADDING IT UP

By Ryan Thomas Many animals rely on camouflage or crypsis to avoid detection by potential prey or predators. They make use of a variety of features to accomplish this, including their body shape, colour and patterning, or by remaining motionless. Not all animals use vision to locate their prey however. Some rely on their highly evolved sense of smell, meaning that animals which rely solely on visual crypsis to keep them hidden can still be detected via other means. The Alexander Herp Lab at the University of the Witwatersrand has, however, recently demonstrated for the first time that a terrestrial animal uses chemical crypsis. Published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the researchers relate how the puff adder (Bitis arietens) not only uses visual crypsis, but also chemical crypsis for survival.

One of the lead scientists on the project, Ashadee Miller, trained dogs and meerkats from Montecasino Bird Gardens to test how smelly some snake species are. While the trained animals were able to detect the scent of all other species of snakes easily, they struggled to detect the scent of puff adders.

This may explain why animals such as dogs, mongooses and porcupines have been observed walking straight over puff adders without being aware of their presence. How puff adders manage to achieve this is still a mystery, which the Alexander Herp Lab is trying to figure out, but one reason may be because of the uniquely-orientated, microscopic features of the snake’s scales. The research team suspect that there are likely many more scentless species out there; we just have to find them.

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BOTSWANA SELLS FRACKING RIGHTS IN NATIONAL PARK Licences for more than half of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, one of Africa’s largest conservation areas, have been granted to drill for shale gas. The Botswana government has quietly sold the rights to frack for shale gas in one of Africa’s largest protected conservation areas.

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which spans the border with South Africa, is an immense 36 000 square kilometre wilderness, home to gemsbok desert antelope, black-maned Kalahari lions and pygmy falcons. But conservationists and top park officials – who were not informed of the fracking rights sale – are now worried about the impact of drilling on wildlife.

Prospecting licences for more than half of the park were granted to a UK-listed company called Nodding Donkey in September 2014, although the sale has not been reported previously. That company changed its name to Karoo Energy.

Park officials said that no drilling has yet taken place, but investigators for the Guardian found oil sediment on the ground near a popular camp site. There was an overwhelming smell of tar and a drill stem protruded from an apparently recently drilled hole. It is not known who had carried out the drilling or when.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Botswana’s growing tourism industry is the second biggest income earner after diamonds and employs 32 000 people. Commercial development in the park will make it much less attractive to visitors and will devastate tourist income. The move is driven by short-term economic motives and is a microcosm of what we are doing to the whole planet, as long as it’s going to make someone some money, that seems to be all that’s important.

MIND BODY AND SOUL

by ALAN SAMONS

CREATING A PERSONAL SACRED SPACE. Ever since man has been conscious of other dimensions, he has made altars and sacred spaces. From a simple fallen log adorned with found items, to the lavish displays seen in Catholic churches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, or small, personal ones in the home, these spaces focus the mind and aid in contemplation, reflection and religious practice.

Personal altars need not be of a religious nature. They can be comprised of a small collection of personal objects, a candle and some incense that provide a sense of spiritual upliftment or they can be of a religious nature. Most people have similar spaces or collections of objects with sentimental value – indeed, most had such collections of ‘treasures’ as small children – even though they might not even be aware that they might have made an altar. Collecting together a group of personal items is enjoyable, but it can also help with the setting of and intent to succeed in study, career, or grieve for a loved one or pet.

These personal spaces can be quite beautiful and some can be fascinatingly over the top. You can proudly display yours, or keep it private in your bedroom, or in a small cabinet where it can be hidden from view. Some can be so small, they even fit on a tray. And if you feel uncomfortable thinking of it as an altar, think of it as a collection of meaningful objects. A collection that changes as new objects are added and old ones removed.

It’s a process, a journey; not a destination and there are no set formulas.

Making such a collection can be a meditation in itself, and aid to quiet the mind, and can be of assistance in making difficult decisions or receive inspiration. Whatever your reason for having such a space, it’s good for the soul.

ARTS OF JAPAN

By David Volkwyn The word Japanophile means an interest in, or love of, Japan and everything Japanese.

As a teenager I read the book Shogun by James Clavell which was popularised by a miniseries of the same name in eighties. Ever since then I have been deeply fascinated with Japan its people arts and culture. Perhaps I was Japanese in a previous life.

The Japanese aesthetic of flawed beauty, or wabi-sabi, is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and profundity in nature, influenced by the Buddhist idea that nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.

Japanese art evolved developing unique techniques, traditions and aesthetics as the country's artists were isolated from the rest of the art world for over 300 years. When Japanese art entered the world stage in the 1860s, it changed everything. A good example of this was that Japanese art was one of the inspirations for the Impressionist movement in Europe and America. Some of the finest works of art were made in the Meiji period, as many sword makers, sword fitting makers and armours were out of work because of the banning of samurai, so they turned their hand to making decorative arts.

Dealing in all genres of Japanese art, I can offer pieces from screens, porcelains, sculptures and arts of the samurai. Should you be interested in assistance in curating a collection or even buying a single piece of art from Japan, please feel free to either email david@intertank.co.za or call me on my mobile on 083 601-0895.

WHY DO WE COLLECT? Sticks and stones and ancient bones… Feathers, fans and vintage prams… Collectors seem to get hooked onto the strangest things.

But why do we do this and what is it good for?

Any collector worth his salt will tell you it’s good for the soul. It feeds an inner, ineffable need. For most collecting is simply the quest and is a lifelong pursuit that is never complete.

For some, the satisfaction comes from experimenting with arranging, re-arranging and classifying parts of a-big-worldout-there, which can serve as a means of control to establish a comfort zone in one’s life, for example calming fears or erasing insecurity.

Where collecting runs into trouble is where it gets out of

proportion – a place well past the temperate climes of hobby and deep into the tropics of unruly passion. Quite simply, collecting becomes a problem when the time, energy, or money expended on acquiring, maintaining, displaying, updating or upgrading the collection drains the collector of resources needed for family, friends, community, work or self.

When collecting becomes a desperate and misguided attempt to deal with unresolved emotional issues, a line is crossed. No longer a liberating spiritual activity and a means to a fuller life, it becomes a psychological straight jacket and the things we own end up owning us.

Whatever you collect, know that in some way, you are feeding your soul. Just don’t go overboard!

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HEALTH

FOUR SEASONS THE WESTCLIFF LAUNCHES NEW SPA OFFERING The Four Seasons Spa Westcliff, at Johannesburg’s iconic hotel, has launched a new treatment by Biologique Recherché of Paris – ‘Seconde Peau’ (Second Skin). The skincare company has a global following for their clinical approach to skincare. Seconde Peau, which took ten years of research and development, uses electrospun hyaluronic acid that’s produced using a machine similar to a 3D printer. The woven patches of medical grade hyaluronic acid lifts and evens out the skin. The technology was inspired by a medical process used to treat patients who have suffered severe burns. Hyaluronic acid is an exceptional molecule capable of supporting 1 000 times its mass in water. The acid used in the treatment is medical grade, 40 times more concentrated than the average commercial skincare product. This active ingredient plays a crucial role in cellular regeneration, increasing firmness, reshaping facial contours and reducing wrinkles.

The treatment is available as a 60-minute facial, and a more intensive 90-minute facial that includes the usage of an Electroporation machine, applying a cocktail of active regenerating ingredients into the skin cells for optimum nourishment and results.

Also available is the spa’s local skincare range Terres d’Afrique.

The certified organic range is a unique collaboration with the Namibian Himba tribe, and is beautifully expressed in their Red Nomads Revitalizing Top to Toe treatment. The 90-minute body mask treatment combines antioxidant-rich plant extracts of rooibos and baobab, and the natural moisturising Kalahari melon and coconut oils, reducing the negative effects of free radicals, evening out skin tone and improving skin elasticity and hydration.

Generous hydrotherapy facilities – saunas and steam rooms, ice fountains, a Jacuzzi, and an outdoor, 25-metre and heated lap pool take pride of place. The panoramic views also inspired Après Spa, a rooftop lounge for outdoor relaxation. Guests also have the option to enjoy the street-level Westcliff Deli, the perfect spot for meeting friends for lunch or simply to enjoy a freshly pressed organic juice or locally roasted, artisanal coffee. www.fourseasons.com/johannesburg/spa

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NEW TYPE OF GYM MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES ACCESS TO GYMS ACROSS SA FitKey is a new type of gym membership that gives you access to fitness classes at different gyms and studios across South Africa.

For an affordable monthly fee of R495 (R250 trial), gym-goers can use FitKey's website or mobile app to book their favourite classes and discover new classes by location, time and the type of fitness class they want to do.

“Science shows that people who sign up for a class are far more likely to show up for and complete their workout, and have more fun doing it,” says Evan Walther, co-founder of FitKey. FitKey has partnered with more than 160 partner locations with more than 6000 classes per month, offering exercise classes including CrossFit, bootcamp, boxing, spinning, yoga, zumba, pilates, aqua-fitness and kickboxing. Users can request an invite and sign up on FitKey.co.za. Once signed up, they can book a fitness class through the mobile app or the website, for up to three per studio per month. With no commitment, they can cancel their membership at any time.

FEEL EVERYTHING WITH SKYN Ansell, the makers of Skyn condoms, have introduced two new personal lubricants in the Skyn Collection.

Skyn Natural Feel and Skyn Maximum Performance can help add a little excitement to the intimate side of your relationship.

Both lubricants are compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms and support the body’s natural lubrication to create a long-lasting, silky-smooth sensation.

Natural Feel is a premium water-based lube blended with aloe vera and Vitamin E, while Maximum Performance is an extra long-lasting lube with a silicon-based formula that is proven to last longer than water-based lubes.

Available at Clicks and Dischem at R129.99. www.skyncondoms.com/za

NUTRITION

The Dangers of Nightshades Eating the wrong fruits and vegetables can make pain worse.

Pain. Rheumatism. Arthritis. Inflammation of the joints. Gout. This might sound like a list of ailments only experienced by the old and infirm, but young people can, and do, suffer pain in all its guises. If you are a gym fanatic, you’ll know pain can be an almost constant companion.

When it comes to pain, what you eat can have an immense impact on your health and there is one food group that can have a devastating impact on being pain-free.

Nightshade. Sounds ominous, and really, it can be.

Nightshades are a specific group of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family which includes over 2000 species and are also some of the most popular foods consumed today. They include tomatoes, potatoes, all types of peppers and eggplant.

They contain alkaloids that induce and exacerbate inflammation. Other plants, such as blueberries, huckleberries and goji berries contain the same alkaloids.

The chemical that induces inflammation is solanine, which researchers now believe is a gastrointestinal tract irritant and when absorbed into the bloodstream, it destroys red blood cells.

Solanines are not water soluble, are not destroyed by cooking, and are not broken down inside the body but must be excreted as alpha-solanine. Alpha-solanine is classified as a neuro-toxin. Interestingly most “foods” that contain alpha-solanine also contain at least five other neurotoxins including atropine and nicotine.

One of the major problems attributed to

24

nightshades is arthritis, with one in three arthritics reacting badly to nightshades.

Some researchers believe that arthritis is often misdiagnosed in people who may in fact only be experiencing the effects of nightshade consumption. Researchers recommend that all individuals with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other joint problems like gout eliminate nightshade foods from their diet.

The nightshade list is long, and includes tomatoes (all varieties, including tomatillos), potatoes (all varieties, not sweet potatoes), eggplant (aubergine), okra, artichokes, peppers (all varieties such as bell pepper, wax pepper, red and green peppers, chili peppers, cayenne, paprika, etc.), goji berries, gooseberries, vodka (made with potatoes) and homeopathic belladonna, to name a few of the most commonly consumed varieties.

If you want to know if nightshades negatively affect you, take the three month challenge. Avoid all nightshades for three months. (It’s called a challenge for a reason). Become a label reader as some homeopathics, prescription and over the counter medications, as well as numerous processed foods contain nightshades.

After three months begin to reintroduce one nightshade at a time and take note of any aches, pains, stiffness, loss of energy, headaches, respiratory problems or any other symptoms. You may find that the quality of your daily health will dramatically improve after eliminating nightshades from your diet.

THE NUTRI BALANCE CENTRE

Health & Diet Excellence

The Nutri-Balance Centres offer: • A superb array of vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies.

• A wonderful selection of gluten, wheat and sugar-free foods to address all allergies.

• On-site Body Sonic and darkfield microscopy blood analysis.

• Trained consultants offering professional assistance in all health matters.

• Open 7 days a week • Deliveries available NUTRI-BALANCE CENTRES

Shop L57, Sandton City, Tel: +27 (0) 11 884-8753, Orders: E-mail: wellness@mweb.co.za Web: www.nutri-balance.co.za

Where true beauty starts from within

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

MARCH Miami 2 - 7 March. Winter Party Miami Amsterdam 3 - 7 March. Amsterdam Bear Pride Sydney 5 March. Mardi Gras Parade Stockholm 12 March. Melodifestivalen Final San Juan 12 - 19 March. Atlantis Southern Caribbean Gay Cruise Tignes 12 - 19 March. European Snow Pride Mammoth Lakes 16 - 20 March. Elevation Mammoth Gay Ski Week New York 19 March. The Black Party Alpe de Huez 19 - 26 March. European Gay Ski Week Barcelona 23 - 28 March. Bearcelona Berlin 23 - 29 March. Easter Leather and Fetish Week Barcelona 24 - 27 March. Matinee Easter Weekend Berlin 26 March. Snax Club New Orleans 27 March. Gay Easter Parade Los Angeles 27 March - 3 April. LA Fetish Pride APRIL Sölden 2 - 9 April. Gay Snow Happening Tahiti 4 - 11 April. Atlantis Gay Tahiti Cruise Miami 8 - 10 April. Miami Beach Gay Pride Palm Springs 8 - 11 April. White Party Palm Springs Amsterdam 9 April. Eurovision in Concert Bangkok 13 - 15 April. Songkran Thai New Year Washington D.C. 14 - 17 April. Cherry Amsterdam 27 April. Kings Day Amsterdam Knysna 27 April - 1 May. Pink Loerie Mardi Gras Cleveland 28 April - 1 May. Claw Leather Awareness Sitges 28 April - 1 May. International Bear Week Madrid 29 April - 2 May. Sleazy Madrid MAY Gran Canaria 1 - 15 May. Gay Pride Maspalomas Sitges 4 - 10 May. Delice Dream Palm Springs 5 - 8 May. Blatino Oasis Stockholm 10 - 14 May. Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Gran Canaria 11 - 16 May. Circuit Festival Gran Canaria Dallas 13 - 16 May. Purple Party Brussels 14 May. The Belgian Pride Puerto Vallarta 17 - 28 May. Puerto Vallarta Pride Los Angeles 21 - 22 May. Long Beach Pride New York 21 - 28 May. Atlantis All-gay Cruise New York Vienna 25 May - 29 Apr. Vienna Fetish Spring Miami 26 - 30 May. Sizzle Düsseldorf 27 - 29 May. CSD Düsseldorf Chicago 27 - 30 May. Bear Pride Washington D.C. 27 - 30 May. DC Black Pride Chicago 27 - 30 May. International Mr Leather Las Vegas 27 - 30 May. Matinee Las Vegas Festival Birmingham 28 - 29 May. Birmingham Gay Pride Orlando 31 May - 6 June. Disney Gay Days

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The only difference from home is waking up in a different continent KLM presents its new World Business Class. With Dutch Design at its heart, it offers the perfect mix of comfort, individuality and personal space.

The full-flat seats with smart privacy screens provide 207 centimeters of horizontal space. Together with the personal attention of our crew, the new WBC has all the comforts of home. Except home doesn’t bring you to the other side of the world.

Visit klm.co.za

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

GERMANY Trans fitness model snags Men’s Health cover shoot.

Transgender fitness model Ben Melzer won a cover model contest to feature on the cover of German Men’s Health. He is the first trans person to ever cover a men’s fitness magazine in Europe.

He hopes he can use the publicity he’s receiving to give hope to other trans individuals. “Many ask me: Why do you do this, why did you go public and tell your story? But that’s easy to answer. When I was in that situation, I had nobody to talk to, nobody to ask all [these] questions. That’s what I want to do. I want to give the community a face, stand up and answer those questions for people. If there is one person out there I can help, I will succeed.”

Last year, trans bodybuilder Aydian Dowling became the first trans person to grace the cover of a Men’s Health magazine after entering U.S. Men’s Health‘s ‘Ultimate Guy’ contest and placing as a top five finalist.

UK Stephen Fry deletes his Twitter account over BAFTA criticism.

Stephen Fry, who was one of the earliest proponents of Twitter

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USA Ryan Reynolds is totally open to getting Deadpool a boyfriend.

In a red-carpet interview with Variety, actor Ryan Reynolds made it known that he’s well aware his character, Deadpool, is pansexual and he hopes to take his sexuality even further in any sequels.

Pansexual means “not limited in sexual choice with regard to biological sex, gender, or gender identity.” Basically, it’s a sexual free-for-all.

“I love that about Deadpool. I love that he can break any boundary. In the future, I hope we get to do that more,” the actor quipped.

And as for a boyfriend for Deadpool?

“I certainly wouldn’t be the guy standing in the way of that. That would be great.” as a digital platform, has deleted his account over the criticism he has faced as the host of the BAFTA awards.

The gay comic, mental health advocate, writer and broadcaster presented awards to Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Star Wars’ John Boyega.

After costume designer Jenny Beaven accepted her BAFTA for her work on Mad Max: Fury Road, he told viewers: “Only one of the great cinematic costume designers would come to an award ceremony dressed as a bag lady.”

Twitter users soon criticised Fry for his choice of joke, to which he replied: “So just a word to the tragic figures who think calling Jenny Bevan a bag lady was an insult. She’s a dear friend and she got it. Derrr.”

He also tweeted: “Will all you sanctimonious fuckers fuck the fuck off Jenny Beavan is a friend and joshing is legitimate. Christ I want to leave the planet.”

Following the rant, he deleted his account.

Kiki Coqtail Lounge, conveniently located close to the N14 highway (Jean Ave offramp) in Centurion, promises to add a fresh new dimension to Gauteng nightlife.

The hostess, infamous drag artist Genevieve Le Coq, promises patrons spectacular original cocktails, mixed by the hottest barmen in town, alongside expertly prepared scrumptious tapas meals.

Outstanding and unique dĂŠcor and design, including the glitter-infused floor, provides the ideal setting for a sparkling experience comprising a variety of performances, some by the Queen of Kiki herself, and other events.

72 Lyttelton Road, Clubview Corner, Centurion, Pretoria Cell: 073 798 9565

Email: kikicoqtail@gmail.com

Kiki Coqtail Lounge

@kikicoqtail

@kikicoqtail

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MR MARDI GRAS SOUTH AFRICA TO COMPETE IN MR GAY WORLD The plumes have barely been packed away in Knysna after hosting Mr Gay World 2015 and it has just been announced that the town can look forward to sending the winner of the Mr Mardi Gras South Africa, as the South African representative, to Mr Gay World 2017. This competition forms part of the ever popular Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival hosted in Knysna for the past sixteen years.

A brand new partnership between Mr Gay World and the license holders for South Africa, Grab Corporations (Pty) Ltd, Mr Mardi Gras South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Pink Loerie Mardi Gras Festivals Southern Africa cc will now see the winner of the Mr Mardi Gras South Africa Competition representing SA at Mr Gay World in future.

The words ‘beauty pageant’ will no longer be associated with Mr Mardi Gras South Africa and the winner will not only be judged on his looks and physique, but more importantly his ability to become a relevant ambassador for the LGBTI community.

The sixteenth Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival will be held in Knysna from 27 April until 1 May. Oelof de Meyer, the 2013 Mr Mardi Gras winner, and our cover model, will represent South Africa in Malta in April this year. www.pinkloerie.co.za www.mrgayworld.com NEW SPARTACUS AMBASSADOR EXPLORE THE GAY WORLD The international travel guide for gay and

© patrickmettraux.com; Model: Ben

bisexual men, the Spartacus International Gay Guide, now in its 45th year, offers tourists not only a worldwide list of bars, hotels, saunas, beaches and self-help groups, but also provides an overview of the applicable laws on homosexuality around the world.

For the 26-year-old Ben Dingenskirchen, the classic among the gay travel guides already had a special significance for him as teenager.

When he discovered and bought his first copy of the Spartacus in his home town of Villingen30

UK Olympic gymnast Louis Smith responds to gay rumors: “Why would it be an issue?”

The gymnast for Team GB (Great Britain) tore into an Instagram user who left a comment on one of his posts saying that the reason he recently broke up with his girlfriend is because he’s gay. The comment read, “Did no one else pic up on the fact Louis is gay?” As British tabloid The Sun noted, the commenter has since deleted the remark. But thatv wasn’t before Smith had a chance to respond and before screen grabs could be taken.

Smith has also been outspoken against homophobia in sports, commended Tom Daley on coming out, and talked about how he doesn’t mind some of the more outlandish comments he gets from his gay fans on social media (such as, “Sit on my face”).

Smith told Attitude, “You know what, 99 percent of the time they’re fine. But now and again you do get the odd tweet – whether it’s from a girl or a gay person – that does kind of cross the line! But you have to have a laugh and have a giggle.

I mean I like a dirty joke as much as the next person so I do laugh about it. Smith also told Gay Times that he would “go gay” for Will Smith.

Schwenningen it was an important step in his coming out.

Today he is the face on the new edition of Spartacus. Ben travels a lot and enjoys being on the move. He even met his Irish partner on Mykonos. Those who travel around so much in the world are also often asked for travel tips from their circle of friends. "With friends I sometimes feel like I am myself an international gay guide," says Ben. "Spartacus suits me."

The Spartacus International Gay Guide 2016 is published by Bruno Gmünder and offers on 970 pages around 21 000 useful listings: from bars and hotels as well as saunas to trendy shops in over 135 countries. All the tips, where gay and bisexual men can feel at home on their travels were researched and updated. www.spartacusworld.com

USA American Idol’s Rayvon Owen comes out in debut music video for his debut single Can’t Fight It. The season 14 finalist, who placed fourth in the competition, kisses a man in the closing scene. But the ending was not initially envisioned that way. The director’s original idea was that Owen would leave a nightclub with a beautiful girl.

“When I read that treatment, I knew I couldn’t be dishonest,” the 24-year-old told Billboard, “not that I ever lied to people in the past, but the truth had been omitted.”

Asked why he stayed in the closet while on Idol, Owen candidly admitted: “I was afraid. Here’s a show that reaches so many people, including a lot of small town, conservative people, who grew up in the same environment I grew up in. I was afraid that if I shared this part of my life, would people vote for me?”

USA Newcomer Staz Nair to don the gold speedo for Rocky Horror remake.

In addition to Dr. Frank-n-Furter’s fishnets, one clothing item will always come to mind when thinking of 1975 cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The gorgeous actor and musician is of Russian and Indian decent, and we simply can’t wait to see him in a gold speedo.

Only we hope he won’t have a bad blonde dye job like Colin Farrell in Alexander.

Laverne Cox will be playing Frank-n-Furter in the two-hour made-for-TV movie that will be called The Rocky Horror Picture Show Event.

MALDIVES Popular for same-sex honeymoons, but it’s illegal to be gay there.

According to data from one tourism company, the top destination for gay honeymooners is the Maldives – despite it being illegal to be gay there.

Mark Duguid, vice-president of commercial and product management of Kuoni (www.kuoni.co.uk), revealed that the idyllic destination is more popular than even Thailand and the US (comprising the top three).

According to the ILGA, sexual conduct in the Madives is regulated by uncodified Muslim Sharia law, which criminalises sex between two men and two women. Men face banishment for nine months to one year or a whipping of ten to thirty strokes, while women face house arrest for nine months to one year. The situation varies greatly from island to island.

Duguid added that same-sex honeymoons bookings at his company have grown 279% in five years, including a 76% spike in the last two years. “There’s a real growth opportunity in the market,” he said.

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BOLDER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL Unleash yourself in the striking new rear-wheel drive Lexus GS 200t EX The Lexus GS features impressive agility and begs for enthusiastic driving through twisty roads without ever compromising on comfort.

Engaging performance from this highly specced midsize luxury sedan makes the GS 200t EX and the GS 350 F Sport highly desirable for driving enthusiasts and connoisseurs of luxury.

Being the epitome of style and refinement, it has a powerful presence that is emphasised by the beautiful Lexus signature spindle grille. Framed by elegant satin chrome trim and flanked by distinctive Bi-LED headlights, it conjures a unique nocturnal Lexus identity.

• The new GS 200t EX model has a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

• A restyled front end with bolder Lexus spindle grille, Bi-LED headlights, revised tail lamps and rear bumper treatments.

• Standard navigation on both GS 200t EX and GS 350 F Sport.

• A larger 4,2-inch multi-information display places vital vehicle data at a quick glance in the driver’s line of sight.

• Upgraded multimedia technology includes side “enter” buttons on Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and full screen map capability.

INTERIOR UPDATES Reinforcing the roominess of the interior, the elegant, uncluttered dashboard has new, full-width metal ornamentation that anchors the redesigned air vents and an automatically adjusted analogue clock.

Climate control has a new, high-contrast, Electro Luminescent Display for improved visibility of temperature settings to the threezone air-conditioning system.

Lighting quality has been improved through the adoption of a centrally-mounted LED rear room lamp, and a change in ambient lighting hue from the current Silky White to Warm White.

The GS 200t EX’s contemporary, beautifully crafted, premiumquality interior is available in Ivory and Black, while the GS 350’s is available in F Sport Black and F Sport Red.

SUPERIOR HANDLING Optimised body strength and rigidity achieves high levels of crashworthiness and durability, as well as lower interior noise levels and vibration. It provides a stable platform for the suspension, improving handling stability and ride comfort. The GS Line upper-cowl area has been further refined by adding sound-absorbing material to enhance cabin quietness.

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MODERN MULTIMEDIA A 12,3-inch screen gains full-screen map capability and is equipped with navigation. Multimedia includes enhanced voice recognition and graphics. A split screen shows different functions, such as navigation, audio and climate control information.

NEW POWER AND EFFICIENCY The new 2-litre turbo engine delivers 180 kW and 380 Nm, giving outstanding all-around performance with acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 7,3 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. In the GS 350 F Sport the muscular 3,5-litre V6 is retained and paired with the eight-speed automatic. The V6 sprints from 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 235 km/h.

CONVENIENCE AND SAFETY FEATURES Many standard features – including Drive Mode Select – makes it one of the most attractive value-formoney luxury sedans in the market.

The range-topping GS 350 F Sport boasts a number of signature elements, including a leather F Sport steering wheel, Steering EPS + VGRS, Leather Sport seat material, 19” Alloy Wheels, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Rear Spoiler, F Sport badging and Four-wheel Active Steer.

Pricing: GS 200t EX: R688 600 • GS 350 F SPORT: R777 700 Both GS models come with a 4-year/100 000km service/maintenance plan. www.lexus.co.za 33

CAR NEWS

GIOVANNI SOLDINI AND THE MASERATI TEAM FINISH 4TH IN 71ST ROLEX SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE The VOR 70 Maserati crossed the finish-line fourth in the 71st edition of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, one of the most gruelling events on the international sailing calendar. The Italian racing yacht covered the 628-mile distance between Australia and Tasmania in 2 days, 22 hours, 54 minutes, 33 seconds.

The VOR 70 Maserati, manned by Giovanni Soldini and his 11-strong crew, lined up for the start of the 71st Rolex SydneyHobart Yacht Race on December 26. Every year the event, known for the extreme conditions that can be encountered, attracts top-level, meticulously-prepared craft that battle it out for the honours of taking home this much sought-after trophy.

The VOR 70 Maserati was joined by 110 other hopefuls, ranging in size between 9 and 30 metres, from no less than 28 different nations. www.maserati.com

OPEL ADAM ROCKS

by Michelle York Opel has added a limited edition derivative of the Opel Adam to its South African line-up, the Adam Rocks. It has added details such as a swing top canvas roof, increased ride height, chunky cladding around the wheel arches and along the sills, and front and rear skid plates. On one hand it’s a micro-crossover and on the other a free-spirited baby convertible. Using the luscious Adam Glam as a starting point, the Rocks is designed to cocoon its occupants with top-of-the-line interior features.

Adam Rocks shares the same three-cylinder one-litre turbo Ecotec engine as the other Adam derivatives as well as the Corsa, and it can proudly outperform many four-cylinder engines of larger capacity while sipping on only 5,0 litres/100 km. This city sized, rural friendly all-rounder will inspire a whole new breed of urban adventurer.

Priced from R 273 400. www.opel.co.za

SA-BOUND LEXUS LC 500 WINS TWO AWARDS IN DETROIT The stunning 2017 Lexus LC 500 – a luxury performance coupé – captured top honours for the best-designed production car and the best interior at the 10th annual EyesOn Design awards at the Detroit Motor Show. Awards are decided by a high-powered group of notable automotive designers and academics, and are handed out by the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology.

The LC 500 was created by Lexus Design in Japan. The car's development marks a significant shift in approach for Lexus, with unprecedented collaboration between the design and engineering teams. This close co-operation from an early stage was critical in successfully preserving so much of the original concept's quality in a viable production model. The visual drama of the LF-LC has been maintained in the LC 500, signalling a future exhilarating and progressive design direction for Lexus.

The LC 500 has been confirmed for the local market and is expected to land on South African shores in the fourth quarter of 2016 or first quarter of 2017. However, details and specification of the local model will only be shared closer to the time of launch. www.lexus.co.za

FORD MUSTANG Arguably the most anticipated new model introduction in Ford South Africa's illustrious history, the launch of the Ford Mustang, has finally become a reality, to the delight of motoring enthusiasts countrywide.

The new Mustang is Ford's most revered and recognisable nameplate, having become an automotive icon the moment it was launched in 1964, followed by more than 50 years of continuous production and over nine-million cars sold to fans around the world.

The latest Mustang, unveiled on 17 April 2014 to mark its remarkable 50th anniversary, is now finally available for sale in South Africa following the commencement of right-hand drive production for the first time at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. It was the world's best-selling sports car in the first half of 2015 and is the world's most-liked vehicle on Facebook (with more than eight million likes), and has made more than 9 000 appearances in television, music and video games.

Loaded with innovative technologies and delivering dazzling performance and style, it is available in a comprehensive lineup spanning six model derivatives, including the sleek and seductive Fastback, as well as the stunning Convertible. www.ford.co.za

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MERCEDES-BENZ TAKES FIRST PLACE FOUR TIMES Mercedes-Benz has maintained its lead in the readers' poll Auto Trophy 2015 World's Best Cars, securing first place in four categories. The C and S-Class won the categories Best Midsize Car and Best Luxury Saloon. In addition, Mercedes-Benz was voted the world's best brand and the brand with the fewest complaints in the Quality Trophy.

Readers of the car magazine Auto Zeitung chose the C-Class and

the S-Class for the second time since. This innovation prize was jointly awarded by international editorial teams and the technical inspection agency GTÜ. In 2015 the Auto Trophy took place for the 28th time. Readers were able to vote on 441 different models in 23 categories and numerous brands. A total of almost 75 000 readers and online users of Auto Zeitung and international car magazines from the Bauer Media Group participated. www.mercedes-benz.co.za

SUZUKI VITARA

By Denise Latham The new Suzuki Vitara is a cute, compact and contemporary SUV. At the same time it is spacious with frugal fuel economy and CO2 emissions. There are five models – all equipped with the same, highly efficient four-cylinder petrol engine. Maximum power output of 86 kW at 6 000 rpm is coupled to a torque peak of 151 Nm at 4 400 rpm.

The Vitara with AllGrip all-wheel drive senses when additional traction is needed and divides power between the front and rear axles. One can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Driving the Vitara on the forest roads and beautiful mountain passes between George and Knysna was a pleasant experience. The car is very capable and comfortable even on steep dirt roads and tight corners with good ground clearance of 185 mm.

The new Vitara attained a full five-star safety rating under the latest, stringent EuroNCap crash safety tests.

The price ranges from R239 900 for the 1,6 GL Manual and R319 900 for the 1,6 GLX Manual AllGrip. www.suzuki.co.za

KIA SOUL DIESEL SMART Kia’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which made its global debut at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva in March 2015, is now available in the range-topping KIA Soul 1,6 CRDi SMART. The new DCT is capable of handling larger torque outputs than KIA’s existing sixspeed torque converter automatic transmission (up to 300 Nm), while the faster gear changes, lower emissions and higher fuel economy is set to significantly enhance the already dynamic persona of the sporty-looking Soul.

The new transmission is the first of its type from the KIA brand, and has been developed in-house by KIA’s research and development teams at its Namyang, Korea R&D centre. More fuel-efficient than KIA’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, the new DCT has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.

KIA’s Soul combines the compact dimensions of a crossover with the functionality and practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle.

It comes standard with a 5-year/150 000 km warranty and three years unlimited roadside assistance. Also included as standard is a 4-year/90 000 km service plan. The new KIA Soul 1,6 CRDi SMART DCT retails for R399 995. www.kia.co.za

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CAR NEWS

PORSCHE 911 TURBO AND 911 TURBO S The 911 Turbo and 911 Turbo S have 15 kW more power, a sharper design and further improved features. Driving dynamics are enhanced by innovative solutions like the new Dynamic Boost function and the new standard Sport Chrono Package, improving responsiveness significantly. Both models are available in coupé and cabriolet versions.

A 3,8-litre six-cylinder engine with twin-turbo charging and variable turbine geometry chargers, generates 397 kW in the 911 Turbo and 427 kW in the 911 Turbo S. The performance Sport Chrono Package comes with four programmes and the Sport Response button for the best possible intermediate acceleration as standard. The 911 Turbo Coupé sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 3,0 seconds, and the 911 Turbo S in 2,9 seconds. This is the first 911 to reach a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time in the two second range and both have higher top speeds as well. Surprisingly fuel efficiency for both have improved to 9,1 and 9,3 l/100 km respectively due to higher fuel injection pressure for better fuel induction.

The Porsche 911 Turbo has standard rear axle steering and an automatic post-collision braking system. An optional lift system at the front axle increase ground clearance with 40 mm under the front lip at low speeds.

Navigation and a state-of-the-art touchscreen is as easy to operate as a smartphone and offers improved online capabilities, like traffic information in real time, Google Earth and Google Street View. It networks with a smartphone, thus providing access to many more apps. Optimised drive systems ensures gains in spontaneity and dynamism.

Porsche is still the only manufacturer to employ two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry in a petrol engine that enables blistering acceleration and overtaking acceleration. Visually the new generation 911 Turbo is based on the distinctive design of the Carrera models. www.porsche.co.za

BRILLIANT BMW 7 SERIES BMW has redefined what an exclusive, luxurious driving experience should be, using groundbreaking technologies, intelligent connectivity and a stunning interior ambience.

Using carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in the body structure and a new generation of power units provides new levels of rigidity and responsiveness. Comfort features include just about everything, from a Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof to a smartphone holder with an inductive charging station. Touch display and BMW gesture control, as well as Touch Command, has to be seen to be believed!

The BMW 740e sees the arrival in the luxury sedan segment of BMW eDrive technology as introduced in BMW i cars. The plugin hybrid model is powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, which generates 240 kW. Average fuel consumption is 2,1 litres per 100 kilometres as calculated in the EU test cycle for hybrid vehicles and a combined electric power consumption of 12,5 kWh per 100 kilometres. Highly responsive acceleration and emission-free driving at speeds of up to 120 km/h for about 40 kilometres is bliss.

The latest update of the Integral Active Steering system and the Executive Drive Pro system with active roll stabilisation reduces body roll.

Long-wheelbase versions are available with a Sky Lounge Panorama glass roof, which is one of a kind in the luxury sedan segment. When it gets dark, light emitted from side-mounted LED modules is directed onto the glass surface, illuminating an imprinted motif, mimicking a starry sky.

Manoeuvring in or out of forward-parking spaces or garages can be done by a Remote Control Parking option, without a driver behind the wheel.

BMW Laserlight is dazzle-free and can be specified as an alternative to the standard full-LED headlights. Laser headlights generate a particularly bright, pure white light as well as providing a high-beam range of 600 metres, double that of the LED headlights.

A dazzling array of features includes the Traffic Jam Assistant to help with semi-automated driving. www.bmw.co.za

KYALAMI GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT – THE LEGACY CONTINUES Extensive construction included a complete refurbishment of the iconic track, as well as changes to the layout. The pit building will soon incorporate an International Convention Centre. Outdoor exhibition platforms, a dynamic driving area as well as the handling track are also undergoing construction. The significantly improved 4,5 km circuit now boasts a longer straight, ending in a new complex of challenging corners that aim to recreate the excitement of the original Kyalami. The width of the circuit has been increased in certain areas, runoffs improved and safety systems completely

overhauled in line with FIA regulations.

Kyalami was purchased by well-known Porsche entrepreneur and racing driver, Toby Venter, and is situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria. The International Convention Centre offers ample parking, ease of access and spectacular views, adding appeal to Kyalami for premier events.

The SA Festival of Motoring organised by South African Shows Messe Frankfurt in partnership with NAAMSA will be hosted at Kyalami from 31 August until 4 September 2016. www.kyalamigrandprixcircuit.com

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KIA SORENTO

BMW i3

HONDA HR-V

CITROËN C4 CACTUS

FORD FUSION

PEUGEOT 308

2016 WESBANK/SAGMJ CAR OF THE YEAR

By Rubin van Niekerk I think it’s important to share some important developments in the evolutionary process of the WesBank/SAGMJ Car Of The Year (COTY) competition. The South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) was established in 1961 by Robin Emslie and Barry Curtis, making it the oldest and largest body for professional motoring journalists. The competition started in 1985, with the first evaluation days held in 1986, which means that the competition turned 31 this year. Over the years, the rules were adjusted slightly from time to time, but major changes were instituted in 2010, whereafter minor adjustments were made after various consultative workshops.

Our first statistical hurdle in 2011 was having too few points to allocate, which made it difficult to create a statistically sound picture of the winner. Gradually our points increased and we were eventually allowed to score every finalist in the competition.

Having only 50 points and up to 12 finalists meant a juror scoring every car would end up with low averages. As a result, when Porsche entered three brilliant cars from 2012 to 2015, they made history by being the only manufacturer ever to win COTY three times consecutively. This raised some questions about the WesBank/SAGMJ COTY and a workshop was held in 2015 at WesBank, where many role-players from WesBank, the manufacturers, and the SAGMJ attended.

Many good ideas came from this meeting that was chaired by the enigmatic Robin Emslie. After this, a small COTY sub-committee comprising of two representatives from the motor industry, four experienced jury members, including Roger McCleery our President, Bernard Hellberg Jr our Chairman, Roger Houghton and myself was formed. It was our task to take a massive pool of suggestions and streamline it into a workable document, where particular focus would be on the rule structure and points allocation. Eventually we ended with another thick document that was presented to the new SAGMJ committee. We all received different portfolios that we would be responsible for and another where we would form a sub-committee with one of our other committee members who would head that sub-committee.

The SAGMJ Chairman, heads the COTY sub-committee that I

VOLVO XC90

JAGUAR XE

OPEL CORSA

MAZDA2 HATCH

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT

OPEL ADAM

am a member of and I am the head of the membership portfolio.

Essentially, it meant that the two of us had a mountain of work ahead of us, but this great challenge turned out really rewarding.

Our statistical analysis of the competitions since 2011 clearly showed room for improvement and we presented a new scoring system to the University of Pretoria’s statistical department for evaluation, suggestions, and feedback. We got the green light and a new scoring system for 2016 was implemented.

Every juror has more points, but limitations on how many extreme scores could be allocated. This highly refined system required digitalisation, to tally the numbers and loadings accurately. Our score pattern is now much closer, with much smaller standard deviations just like we anticipated.

Ultimately this brought us into partnership with MAPO, who assisted us with the digitalisation process from early on. The system’s first trial run was the election of jurors by their peers, which, for the first time, could be conducted on any smartphone once you received the link. Later we had to supply all the data for the semi-finalists and their main competitors, which was a massive task for Gerhard Coetzer from MAPO, Bernard Hellberg Jr and myself. Once we had our finalists, a free downloadable app was created (COTY SA is available as a free download from the App Store and from the Google Play Store) and by midJanuary 2016 it appeared that the world’s first COTY app was born! We Googled and searched, but yet have failed to find another, which is quite satisfying to think that South Africa won this race. Our next hurdle was to compile all the relevant data for each finalist and its competitors up to 120,000 km.

MAPO certainly did a fantastic job of the new scoring app and the first fully digital WesBank/SAGMJ Car Of The Year was born on 3 February 2016. At the press of a button, jurors gained access to more information than was ever previously available.

It was quite overwhelming, but our quantum leap into the future was beyond doubt the greatest achievement for the WesBank/ SAGMJ Car of the Year competition since its birth in 1980s. It was a deeply rewarding process to work with Gerhard Coetzer and Bernard Hellberg Jr. We all learned from this exercise and more COTY refinements will continue to be implemented.

Join in the conversation on Twitter (@WesBankCOTY) or Facebook 37

ROAD TESTS

by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK

output and also beats it on price. Being more geared towards off-roading with generous ground clearance and shorter overhangs than its rivals should help to carve a niche despite the overvalued pound. The second row of seats can move up to 160 mm to create a bigger boot or more legroom.

SATNAV on both Jaguar and Land Rover could still improve but it remains as reassuring as Milo on a cold day, quirky or not.

It felt slightly sluggish initially, but the turbo quickly speeds things up for a vehicle that weighs almost two tonnes. At Gerotek it performed well even when its tail started wagging on the wet track. Excellent ride quality makes the Disco Sport ideal for any road conditions and a Terroir Response System is confidence inspiring when venturing off the beaten track.

Land Rover Discovery Sport 2,2 SD 4 SE

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desperately wanted a Freelander when they came out many years ago, they were sexy and charming… and they rattled! Soon Land Rover’s reputation took a knock with the little Freelanders. A few years later, Ford bought the company and invested heavily in the brand that made such a dramatic turnaround.

The new Land Rover Discovery Sport has evolved way beyond the Freelander whose name has been archived. Essentially it’s a baby Discovery rather than a new generation Freelander. The fact that it was one of the finalists for the Wesbank/SAGMJ Car of the Year competition says it all. Any finalist in this competition is seriously good and had to jump through many hoops to get this award.

It has a premium feel with an upmarket slick looking interior.

The gearing is not as smooth as BMW’s X3 that matches it on

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Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 2179 cc Power 140 kW @ 3500 rpm Torque 420 Nm @ 1750 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 9,0 seconds Top Speed 188 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 9,5 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120 km/h 6,2 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 8,0 lt/100 km Load Capacity 981-1698 lt Turning Circle 10,8 m Ground Clearance 212 mm Approach Angle 25º Departure Angle 31º Weight 1862 kg Price R640 320 5-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan CO2 Emissions 166 g/km

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Auto

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he SLK remains a favourite and looks like a million dollars.

Average Joe Publics see the lines, the heritage and the sex appeal and they love it, while bowing to you as you try to emerge from within as gracefully as the dying swan from Swan Lake. Such sex appeal demands yoga and a diet! You’ll know what I mean when you regally wave at the paparazzi at your next red carpet event!

On a more serious note this low slung baby roadster is a future classic and the fantasy of most schoolboys who do not play with Barbie dolls. Even this entry level goes like a rocket and clings to the road, while you hope your sunglasses and toupee remain loyal. The innovative vario roof has been around since 1996 and politely deals with the most intrusive weather conditions in subdued, elegantly hushed tones.

A new engine generation, four cylinder SLK models have thirdgeneration direct injection and multisport ignition provides responsive driving fun. Our entry level SLK 200 had such a lively character that I could not believe such a small engine performed so well. An optional, but highly recommended ninespeed G-Tronic transmission that allows slick gear changes keeps you in the optimal power bank all the time. Extended standard equipment includes LED daytime running lamps in a rod design. An LTE-capable exterior onboard aerial is also new in conjunction with the optionally available Convenience

VW Passat 1,8 TSI DSG Highline

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never glanced at a Passat twice before, until I recently had the pleasure of its company over the December holiday period.

Heading for far away horizons with the Passat reveals why it is hard to beat in this class, as it is so well geared, solidly built and comfortably spacious, without being unwieldly.

I quickly got used to the relatively large dimensions of this family saloon and saw why Passat has sold 22 million models since 1973.

The eighth generation has shorter overhangs and it’s lower and lighter than its predecessor. It surprised with its responsiveness and overtaking acceleration, where the 7-speed DSG transmission operated like greased lightning. Two levels of trim,

Telephony. High transfer rates of this high performance radio allows even better quality of reception and transmission, while the Command Online Multimedia System has extremely fast internet access and intuitive operation. Typically the safety features are mind-boggling and includes autonomous partial braking for doddering drivers who fail to react. A panoramic vario roof with Magic Sky Control means that this gorgeous glass roof can be lightened or darkened at the touch of a button, providing a beautiful sky view any time when you wish.

A massive boot by roadster standards encourages some serious traveling while competitive pricing and excellent resale values make for a compelling argument in favour of this handsome future classic.

Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1991 cc Power 135 kW @ 5500 rpm Torque 300 Nm @ 1200 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 6,9 seconds Top Speed 233 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 8,7 lt/100 km Load Capacity 335 lt Weight 1470 kg Price R645 700 6-year/100 000 km Warranty CO2 Emissions 133 g/km namely Comfortline and Highline offer high levels of standard features and in the Highline trim level there really should be little else to wish for. Most importantly it is the three-zone Climatronic air-conditioner that takes all the frustration out of driving with backseat drivers, especially when you are better suited to polar bear conditions, as opposed to the not-so-well-padded rear seat passengers.

Direct competitors like the Ford Fusion and the Lexus ES also offer you the kind of dealer network peace of mind that you would get with the Passat.

Thinking about future value, insurance and roadside assistance has become fundamentally important in purchasing decisions.

As far as I am concerned even staff turnover serves as a barometer of the dealership’s stability. Most of us give these thoughts no space in our cluttered minds, but we should.

In a climate of currency volatility the future cost may well escalate uncomfortably, so the running costs and maintenance plan would determine your trade-in value at a later stage.

Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1798 cc Power 132 kW @ 5100 rpm Torque 250 Nm @ 1250-5000 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 7,9 seconds Top Speed 232 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 8,4 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 7,3 lt/100 km Load Capacity 479 lt Turning Circle 11,7 m Weight 1480 kg Price R444 200 5-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan CO2 Emissions 130 g/km

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ROAD TESTS

by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK

BMW X1 xDrive 20d Auto

T

he first X5 raised eyebrows two decades ago, but it appealed to me. As an early adopter of the X5, I saw merit and knew it would be copied slavishly by everybody. Sure it took a while to get the looks that the X5 and X1 deserved, but now they all look damn good. I’ve owned many BMWs, mostly because I like their sturdiness, sportiness and caveman fire glow orange ambient lighting that I insist remains as comforting as popcorn and Whispers at the movies. Having owned the rather ugly first

Toyota RAV4 2.2D GX AWD

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by MICHELLE YORK

remember twenty years ago when the Toyota RAV (stands for Recreational Active Vehicle) made waves in South Africa and was the forerunner in today’s valuable and hugely popular compact SUV market. It left competitors scrambling for their own market offerings, but by then Toyota had clinched the win and it took some manufacturers five years to launch their own SUVs. With each new generation of RAV it gets a little bigger and meaner and has gone from a softer SUV to one with some muscle.

The new RAV is much sleeker than the outgoing model, more in line with the new Auris and Yaris. New LED-equipped headlamps, grilles, bumpers, tailgates and mudflaps have all been revised with the addition of chrome accents. The interior has had similar treatment including a 4,2-inch colour multiinformation display in the instrument binnacle.

Having spent a few days behind the wheel I can see why it’s such a popular choice – more than 5,5 million units of the four generations of RAV4 have been sold worldwide. The comfortable seats with lumbar support, the ergonomic cabin layout and

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generation X3 with its xDrive system that chased Audi’s Quattro engineers back to the drawing board, I understand their Spartan appeal. The next generations of the X5, X3 and X1 all took a quantum leap. I still drive the first generation X1 23d that I love.

It simply ticks all the boxes and kicks the butts of its classmates in a rainstorm in October when Johannesburg and Pretoria’s jacaranda trees shed their flowers and the roads become as treacherous as ice. After assessing the new X1, I assure you its xDrive – its core attribute – is even better. It looks better, drives better, sounds better and the interiors feel better. However the general feeling of safety while driving make it a very sensible vehicle. The 2,2-litre diesel engine, although sometimes a little noisy, can certainly get the job done easily regardless of the challenge. This is the type of vehicle you can pack and head into the mountains. On the subject of packing, it is wonderfully spacious and takes larger loads with ease. Having had twenty years to tweak their design I probably would expect nothing less from Toyota.

If I can let you in on a little secret – I miss the first-generation RAV. The latest RAV is great, but who didn’t love that little 1995 snub-nosed SUV with those large wheel arches? Can we please have a retro version with 2016 technology, but all the character of the first one?

Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 2231 cc Power 110 kW @ 3600 rpm Torque 340 Nm @ 2000-2800 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds Top Speed 190 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 7,3 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 8,4 lt/100 km Load Capacity 547-2078 lt Turning Circle 10,6 m Ground Clearance 160 mm Approach Angle 28º Departure Angle 24º Weight 2170 kg Price R409 900 5-year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 149 g/km

new X1’s front seats are shorter leaving more of your thighs unsupported and with less body-hugging you tend to fall about a bit more. Locking and unlocking the doors took a while to figure out as the control button has moved to the door handle.

Not so clever, as a passenger previously could unlock the door at the logically located central switch. The new X1 has bulked up and feels more cumbersome than its predecessor, while the deliciously smooth 8-speed gearbox compensates for all those little niggles.

Ultimately sales tell a story that stands the test of time and fickle motoring scribes, and with over 730 000 units sold since generation 1, is impressive by any standards.

The latest X series share all the character traits of its siblings and attractiveness is a given. The interior is much more spacious than before, with substantially more legroom and luggage space. A much more premium ambience and aesthetically more pleasing interiors meets greater mechanical efficiency, as is evident from the fuel consumption figures, body weight and performance data.

Typically BMW though, you get a long list of tempting options that inflates your price tag substantially. With my X1, I decided that what was good enough for the Spartans was good enough for me, as I valued the substantial engineering advantages that the Germans are renowned for. Whether I would do that again is another question, as our playing field changes all the time and Mercedes-Benz has a vast choice of great products.

Your relationship will more than likely be a long one and BMW’s maintenance plan extends to seven years and once expired, both BMW and Maserati offer roadside assistance for life, even if it comes with a price tag. Run flat tyres are also totally addictive.

Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1995 cc Power 140 kW @ 4000 rpm Torque 400 Nm @ 1750 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 7,6 seconds Top Speed 219 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 7,8 lt/100 km Fuel Consumption @ 120 km/h 5,0 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 6,5 lt/100 km Load Capacity 505-1550 lt Turning Circle 11,4 m Ground Clearance 183 mm Weight 1150 kg Price R498 000 5-year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan CO2 Emissions 133 g/km

Volvo S60 T6 AWD Polestar

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by MICHELLE YORK

he Volvo S60 Polestar recently arrived in SA and became an overnight sensation as most of the 25 cars allocated to the local market were pre-sold weeks before the units even arrived in the country. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on one for a test drive, much to the chagrin of some of my colleagues.

Polestar is a badge of honour saved for high performance Volvos. Development of the car has been on-going over the past few years, picking up from the Polestar C30 and S60 Concept cars as well as the Australian S60 Polestar race car.

Thousands of development kilometres have been driven on twisty mountain roads, on the Autobahn and test tracks from the south of Europe to the frozen north of Sweden.

I may not have been on the Autobahn or a test track, but I certainly wish I was. This extremely agile blue bullet jets around with 258 kW of power and does 0-100 km/h in a rather fun 4,9 seconds. In comparison to the S60 R, the Polestar’s chassis offers up to 80% stiffer springs and high-performance Öhlins shock absorbers, 20” wheels and 371-millimetre ventilated front discs brakes and six-piston Brembo calipers. In a nutshell without too much techno-jargon everything possible has been done to take an already great vehicle and elevate it to much more than a mere mode of transport.

As with all Volvos Scandinavian design is exemplified by beautiful, elegant shapes and sleek surfaces without the clutter

and this can be seen in every aspect of the Volvo S60. What stands out most on any Volvo are the incredibly technologically advanced safety features like Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Driver Alerts, Active High Beam Control, Cornering Lights, Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Information System, City Safety system, Queue Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control and Distance Alert.

Engine Turbocharged 6-Cylinder Inline T6 Engine 2953 cc Power 258 kW @ 5250 rpm Torque 500 Nm @ 3000-4750 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4,9 seconds Top Speed 250 km/h Urban Fuel Consumption 8,5 lt/100 km Overall Fuel Consumption 12,1 lt/100 km Load Capacity 380 lt Turning Circle

11,3 m Weight 1766 kg Price R735 000 5-year/100 000 km Warranty CO2 Emissions 231 g/km

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TECH AND TRENDS

HP ENVY CURVED ALL-IN-ONE Take your entertainment experience to the next level with the world’s widest curved All-in-One 34-inch diagonal curved display. The 21:9 aspect ratio, high resolution curved PC is pure sensory overload. State-of-the-art Audio by Bang & Olufsen transforms your PC into a soundstage where entertainment comes alive with sound you can feel. With a 6th generation Intel Core processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and NVIDIA GeForce 960A graphics, you’ll have more than enough power for everything you do. $1799.99 www.hp.com

TESLA WANTS TO POWER SA Negotiations are currently underway to determine whether a large Tesla factory might be set up in the Western Cape to manufacture Tesla Powerwall batteries, which can store sufficient electricity to power an entire home. They are charged by solar panels.

Western Cape MEC for economic opportunities, Alan Winde, says the factory is now a step closer to becoming reality after Tesla recently poached Evan Rice, chief executive of GreenCape, and appointed him business development manager for South Africa.

South African-born Musk is building a $5-billion gigafactory in the Nevada desert, in the US, to produce Powerwalls. It will be one of the world's biggest buildings.

Should SA get a gigafactory, it might make nuclear power generation obsolete. Musk said 900 million Powerwalls would make all the world's electricity primarily solar. The Tesla Powerwall for residential use comes in two models, 7 kWh and 10 kWh, and both are set to answer one of the main questions relating to solar energy – that of storage. The company also produces a larger, utility-scale storage product geared for businesses wishing to store backup amounts of solar or wind electricity.

SAMSUNG GEAR S2 Gear S2 is all about being intuitive beginning with its design. It’s a sleek timekeeper that comes in a choice selection of different materials.

With its stylish variety of bands and watch faces it’s a new look any time you want. Checking the current weather in London, your heartbeat, replying to texts or playing the song that keeps you going. It’s all with a turn of the rotating bezel. You can customise it − from the dial to the hands. Changing bands on your Gear S2 is superbly easy as well.

You only need to decide which band fits the occasion. Stay in the loop, keep fit, and when it’s time for a recharge simply place it on its wireless charging dock. The Gear S2 is compatible with an ever wider range of Android devices. You can leave your phone behind and step out with a streamlined version of it on your wrist.

From US$299 www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-s2/

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Look into our eyes

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind is a non-profit organistation that relies entirely on the generous donations of caring citizens and companies.

By donating to the Association either by a monthly debit order or by single donation you enable us to continue to train young dogs to be the eyes of those who are either partially sighted or blind

VISIT OUR WEB SITE: www.guidedog.org.za

Your gift will enable us to give the gift of sight, and without exception, unconditional friendship.

HEAD OFFICE P.O BOX 67585, BRYANSTON, 2021 TEL: (011) 705-3512 CAPE TOWN OFFICE P.O BOX 2674, CLAREINCH, 7740 TEL: (021) 674-7395 DURBAN OFFICE P.O BOX 1267, UMKOMAAS, 4170 TEL: (039) 973-0387

SOUTH AFRICAN GUIDE-DOGS

association for the blind 000758 NPO

FASHION

Get ready for

Winter

SCARFS Change your look with a variety of lengths and colours. Checks and thick colour solids are the must-have this season.

GLOVES They can add a pop of colour, make a statement, and be fully functional all at the same time.

SHOES Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, going out for drinks or are asked to a function your shoes can really make or break your look.

SNEAKERS Sneakers go great with your favourite pair of jeans on your way to the bar and can bring some style to your work wardrobe.

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DÉCOR

by JEAN-PIERRE DE LA CHAUMETTE Nude, salmon or flesh… no matter what you call it, this sophisticated palette is hot right now. It’s also the perfect tone to mix with shades of blue and metallics like copper. Sitting somewhere between beige and pink, we just love it!

Bamboo Bench R36 120 (excl. 1m fabric) Classic Revivals www.classicrevivals.co.za

Saraphina, Fiora fabric in Amber by Fabric Library Campbell R1 170 per meter www.homefabrics.co.za

Scribble Rug designed by Front For Moooi Carpets R48 838 www.edgeinteriors.co.za

Kettal’s latest Vieques and Landscape collections all feature this colour trend Available at Marlanteak www.marlanteak.com

Rower Lovers Chair R7 974 (excl. fabric) www.leonat219.com

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Five Pouf in Tangerine R21 100 Crema www.cremadesign.co.za

Cathay, Jinsha 3 fabric

by Nina Campbell R3 213 per metre www.homefabrics.co.za

Ox Head Statue R2 495 www.weylandts.co.za Modern Stranger “Fishing” Scatter R650 www.bofred.co.za

ALAN SAM NS Oriental Art Antique, Vintage and Contemporary

Specialising in Chinese and Japanese scroll paintings, Japanese chawan (tea ceremony bowls), kimono, obi and fukusa (gift covers). Selected sculptural pieces from South East Asia also available.

Bespoke Remounting Service

In order to appeal to Western interiors, scrolls and screen panels, as well as textiles, are remounted with fully reversible archival glue onto solid panels, thereby retaining their original aesthetic.

Japanese-style Paintings

Paintings and screens on silk or gold-leaf can be custom ordered to suit any interior.

Sourcing

With over 20 years’ experience, I am able to source specific items from all over Asia for decorators and lovers of Oriental art and decorative crafts.

082 900-3607 alan@alansamons.com By appointment Killarney, Johannesburg

Two carp swimming among reeds.

Ink and light colour on silk.

Japanese – Meiji (1868-1912) or early Taisho (1912-1926).

Rigid mount with silk and gold-leaf border.

R15 000.00

DVD REVIEWS

by LEON VAN NIEROP All DVDs available from www.amazon.com

DROWN Starring Matt Levett, Jack Matthews and Harry Cook | Directed by Dean Francis Internalised homophobia, a man getting in touch with his vulnerable, feminine side, struggling against gay urges and bullying an object of desire are all themes explored in this provocative Australian film. It concerns three hunky life savers who get emotionally involved. One, played by Jack Matthews is openly gay, while the other two have hidden their desires up till now. And then all hell breaks loose on a beach. Although made on a shoestring budget, the film looks good, boasts excellent cinematography, rhythmic editing that helps the film move effortlessly between its various themes and times and supports the actors’ excellent performances. Be warned: the protagonist’s behaviour is often overstated to the extreme and the victim’s easy submission doesn’t always convince, yet it remains a watchable film.

THE IMITATION GAME Starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley | Directed by Morten Tyldum This is the harrowing true story of a genius, the mathematician Alan Turing (in a career-making performance by Benedict Cumberbatch) who tries to decrypt the enigma code which would eventually save millions of innocent lives. Unfortunately he was hounded and terrorised for being gay during and after World War II as bigots and tormentors allowed their own hypocrisy and selfish agendas to ruin a brilliant life. Not only is the film about the atrocities of World War II, but also about the brutal attack on human and gay rights in a time when the world seemed to be going mad. An excellent, highly recommended film.

OUT IN THE DARK Starring Nicholas Jacob and Michael Aloni | Directed by Michael Mayer What a pleasure to watch a gay-themed film that has been directed with so much artistic constraint, good taste and honesty. The film is about the gay relationship between two impossible opposites, an Israeli lawyer and a Palestinian student. How they manage to keep their relationship going, and the inevitable finality of their fate form the backbone of this film which not only addresses gay issues, but also socio-political ones. It is especially the reserved performances by Nicholas Jacob and Michael Aloni and the first-rate cinematography and dark, brooding atmosphere of forbidden desires that will keep you riveted. One of this edition’s finest films.

PRIDE Starring Dominic West and Ben Schnetzer | Directed by Matthew Warchus It is sad indeed that this gorgeous film did such bad business in South Africa last year. For those who missed it, it concerns a group of gay and lesbian friends who supported the Welsh miners during their 1984 strike against Margaret Thatcher. The tale is told with humour, panache and sympathy, but also with a sense of fun, exuberance and restraint. But it is the life-affirming way in which gay and straight people reached out to each other and how openly gay support helped the miners through tough times which is so beautifully captured. If you buy one DVD this month, make it this brilliant and soft-spoken yet powerful tribute to friendship, love and the power of being gay.

WASP Starring Hugo Bolton, Elly Condron and Simon Haycock | Directed by Philippe Audi-Dor Simon Haycock, one of the sexy angles in the ménage a trois of sorts, has a very unfortunate surname as he seems to be the one character who goes completely haywire in this drama loaded with sexual tension and suffocating desire in which nothing happens beautifully every twenty minutes. It depicts designer suffering in various shades of mauve as two lovers, one who has recently decided to go gay, stay in a breathtaking house yet have ugly thoughts about each other’s infidelity. The problem is when a girl accompanies them on the weekend. Did Haycock and Condron … or didn’t they? You will never know. This is stylish gay cinema in which every stolen glance is longingly and beautifully filmed and every face seems to be caressed by a longing camera. To be enjoyed with caviar and champagne.

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DVD REVIEWS

by JACQUES BOTHA A GREAT BIG WORLD – WHEN THE MORNING COMES (Sony) Ian Axel and Chad King first came to the forefront when their track This Is The New Year was done by the Glee cast, but as a band their duet Say Something with Christina Aguilera really turned them into a worldwide success. On their debut album, they pushed the gay envelope with a track called Everyone is Gay and they continue to do so. Hold Each Other is sung by both straight Ian and gay Chad. The lyrics cleverly address love from both their points of view and use the proper pronouns. Musically the album is folky pop that is both theatrical and emotional. A poignant album that is both simple on the ear, but sonically complex.

TORI AMOS – THE LIGHT PRINCESS (Universal) Tori has never been scared to take risks. Breaking away from her normal alternative pixie princess style, she meets up with Samuel Adamson to create a musical based on the original book by George MacDonald.

The musical might disguise itself as a fairy-tale, but the themes of confrontation and fear takes one on an emotional and sometimes uncomfortable journey. This is not a double disk sung by Tori herself, but rather music and lyrics penned by her. However, the album does end off with Tori’s solo takes on two of the tracks from the musical. An adventurous and bold, but successful move by an artist that I have respected for a very long time.

ENYA – DARK SKY ISLAND (Warner) Since the first moment I heard Orinoco Flow, I was a full-on Enya fan. When I saw the title of the album, I sort of expected a dark experimental affair, but found out later that the title refers to the island of Sark, which has been designated the world’s first dark-sky preserve, i.e. free from artificial light pollution. The album is further inspired by a series of poetry books on islands by Roma Ryan. Two of the tracks are sung in Loxian – a language created by Roma herself. So, if you are familiar with Enya’s work, there is nothing radically new in her style. What is refreshing is that this album has a lightness to it that flutters gently from up-tempo tracks to piano driven ballads. A marvellous Celtic journey.

ADAM TAS – ‘N TAS VOL CASH (Sony) Johnny Cash is definitely one of the most prolific singer-songwriters of the 20th Century. Adam Tas can be seen as the new Leonard Cohen of Afrikaans music. Bring the two together and you are in for a treat. Adam’s husky vocals suit Johnny’s repertoire perfectly. All the big hits are included such as Redemption Day and God’s Gonna Cut You Down. A Boy Named Sue brings some tongue in cheek humour to the package. A further treat lies in store with a medley at the end as well as the title track, an original Afrikaans composition that sits comfortably next to the cover songs. Despite a number of tribute albums being recorded locally recently, this has got to stand out as one of the best so far.

SHAMIR – RATCHET (Just Music) This album came highly recommended to me by a friend who knows I like avant-garde music. Shamir Bailey is from Las Vegas and defines himself as genderqueer, meaning that he doesn’t identify himself as male or female. His voice also has a very androgynous countertenor quality. Just as difficult to place is the music style.

At best one can call it dance-pop, but elements of jazz, R&B and disco soul shines through, with subtle hints of Prince and the Scissor Sisters. Lyrically, the ten songs are honest and in your face. An album that will be outside your comfort zone, but worth investigating.

JUSTIN BIEBER – PURPOSE (Universal) As someone who couldn’t stand JB, I have to confess with great sadness that I like him now. It all started with the track Where Are U Now? that was done with Skrillex and Diplo. From the moment I heard the track and saw the video, I loved it. I thought it was just an anomaly, but then came What Do You Mean? and I couldn’t stop singing it. Now there is Sorry... It is probably one of the best pop albums I have heard in the past year. It is funky and sexy at times, but at other times it goes painfully honest and soul-baring. Call me a Belieber.

DAVID GUETTA – LISTEN AGAIN (Warner) David always had a way of working on my nerves one moment and then instantly winning me over the next. The last album was not on my wow-list. This one blew me away from the start. I am a closeted Nicki“Anaconda”-Minaj fan, so the track Hey Mama (also featuring Afrojack) instantly had me feeling twerky. Then I heard What I Did For Love with the brilliant Emeli Sandé and Bang My Head with Sia and I was in full bounce mode. Add to the list of guest artists names like The Script, John Legend and our very own Ladysmith Black Mambazo and you can just see how big this album really is. The bonus disk with some great remixes just adds to what is already a dance explosion.

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Welcome to the Neighbourhood of Troy(e)

by JACQUES BOTHA It all started when I spotted the video for a song called Wild. Both visually and lyrically I was instantly drawn in. “Never knew loving could hurt this good... And it drives me wild. ‘Cause when you look like that, I’ve never ever wanted to be so bad... It drives me wild.” The video forms Part One of the Blue Neighbourhood Trilogy and tells the story of two boys who are best friends and how their friendship develops into a teenage love (and lust) relationship. In between the playfulness, there is a dark angle, showing the friend’s alcoholic father figure, which obviously sets the tone for Part Two which is called Fools.

T

he story picks up with the two teenage boys kissing (and then some). The friend’s father finds out about the relationship. His reaction is violent and he threatens to kill the both of them. This results in the friend breaking off the relationship – and then dating a girl just to please his father. The lyrics beautifully echo the frustration of Troye’s character: “I am tired of this place, I hope people change. I need time to replace what I gave away. And my hopes, they are high, I must keep them small... Though I try to resist I still want it all.”

Part Three consists of the amazing song Talk Me Down and from the opening lyrics it just explodes with emotions: “I wanna sleep next to you, but that’s all I want to do right now.” The story starts with the funeral of the friend’s father. Troye stands on the side watching the friend with his “new” girlfriend. Later on they sneak away and share a secret loving embrace, but the girlfriend interrupts the moment. The friend’s “gay” guilt gets the better of him and he ends up jumping off a cliff.

Now the story may not be anything new, but the honest and emotional way with which Troye depicts the story sends out a powerful message about gay relationships, coming out, selfacceptance and societal rejection. Troye himself came out publicly on YouTube in 2013, exactly three years after he came out to his parents – he was fifteen at the time.

But let’s take a step back first... Troye Sivan Mellet was born in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1995. His parents relocated to Perth, Australia when he was only two years old, due to the

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rising crime. His singing career actually started in 2006 already, but he was only officially signed to a label in 2013 – something which he kept secret for a year. In August 2014, he released his first EP called TRXYE which topped the iTunes charts in sixty-six countries. The second EP Wild was released just over a year later and sets the tone for the album which was released at the end of last year called Blue Neighbourhood.

However, for many people Troye Sivan was first known as a celebrated actor. He starred in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, where he played the teenage James Howlett (aka Logan aka the Wolverine himself). Many of us though would probably recognise him as the lead actor in the Spud movie trilogy, which was filmed here in South Africa.

But let’s get back to the music and especially the album.

The standard edition consists of a well-constructed ten songs that clearly shows that effort and time were taken to craft each one into a masterpiece. All three tracks from the trilogy are included. What makes the album so intriguing is musically it could be played in the background and not be disrupting or depressing, but the true beauty really comes when one really immerses oneself into the lyrics, musicality and detail of the production. The sixteen-track deluxe edition is a musical treat of epic proportions and includes some excellent bonus tracks.

On the Australian record company’s website (EMI), Troye himself said about the album: “As far as the song writing goes, I’m a pop freak and I love pop music. As far as outside references go, a lot of it is pop music right now because I feel that pop music is in a really exciting place, so there’s a lot of 2015 in this record. But structurally, I wanted to make sure these songs did not rely entirely on the production and I wanted to be able to strip down any of these songs and play them only on piano and for the songs to make sense.”

“It’s all autobiographical. It takes place in both the suburbs of Perth where I’ve grown up, which I consider to be my blue neighbourhood, but then also in this fast-paced, crazy, whirlwind life that I’m now living in hotel rooms and planes. And it takes place inside the mind of a twenty-year-old kid. I wanted to make sure that youthfulness was there; I worked mostly with really, really young people on this record.”

Even though it could be said to be a youth or pop album, the themes are anything but age specific or immature. The Quiet deals with the frustration of getting the silent treatment from someone, whereas Heaven explores the theme of religion versus sexuality.

What is refreshing though is that we have an artist who came out even before his first CD came out. Hiding his sexuality just wasn’t an option and very little noise was made about it in the press. Even the likes of Taylor Swift and Sam Smith publicly praised the young Troye as gifted musician.

Troye himself couldn’t have summed it up better: “It’s all about keeping it honest, real and truthful. For me, my truth is an LGBTQ one. So it was important to me that the context was also apparent in the record. It’s an important message to send out to people.”

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BOOK REVIEWS

JAN SMUTS – Unafraid of Greatness | Richard Steyn | Jonathan Ball | 9781868426942 | R250.00 Unafraid of Greatness is a re-examination of the life and thoughts of Jan Smuts. It is intended to remind a contemporary readership of the remarkable achievements of this impressive soldier-statesman. The author argues that there is a need to bring Smuts back into the present, that Smuts’ legacy still has much to instruct. A highly readable account of Smuts’ life.

Unafraid of Greatness does not shy away from the contradictions of its subject. Smuts was one of the architects of the United Nations, and a great champion of human rights, yet he could not see the need to reform the condition of the African majority in his own country.

ICARUS | Deon Meyer | Hodder & Stoughton | 9781473614390 | R335.00 Police Captain Benny Griessel has been pushed close to breaking point. A former friend and detective colleague has shot his wife and two daughters, then killed himself. He moves into a hotel and starts drinking. Again. Now he must help investigate another crime – the high profile murder of Ernst Richter, MD of a new tech startup, Alibi, a service that creates false appointments, documents and phone calls to enable people to cheat on their partners. It has made Richter one of the most notorious people in South Africa. Can Benny pull together the strands of his life in time to catch the killer?

THE MOUNTAIN SHADOW | Gregory David Roberts | Little, Brown | 9781408701621 | R355.00 Shantaram introduced millions of readers to a cast of unforgettable characters through Lin, an Australian fugitive, working as a passport forger for a branch of the Bombay mafia. Now, two years later, he must find his way in a Bombay run by a different generation of mafia dons, playing by a different set of rules.

He has lost his father figure, Khaderbhai, and his soulmate, Karla, now married to an Indian media tycoon. Returning from a smuggling trip, the city seems to have changed. Many of his old friends are gone, the new mafia leadership has become entangled in increasingly violent and dangerous intrigues, and a fabled holy man challenges everything that Lin thought he’d learned about love and life.

TRIGGER MORTIS – A James Bond Novel | Anthony Horowitz | Orion | 9781409159537 | R360.00 It’s 1957 and James Bond has only just survived his showdown with Auric Goldfinger at Fort Knox. By his side is Pussy Galore. The USSR and the West are in a deadly struggle for technological superiority.

And SMERSH is back and plans to sabotage a Grand Prix race. Then Bond observes a suspicious meeting between SMERSH’s driver and a sinister Korean millionaire, Jai Seong Sin, and soon he is pitched into an entirely different race with implications that could change the world. Together with American agent, Jeopardy Lane, he uncovers a plan that will bring the West to its knees. Trigger Mortis is also the first James Bond novel to feature previously unseen Ian Fleming material.

UP AGAINST THE NIGHT | Justin Cartwright | Bloomsbury | 9781408858233 | R345.00 Frank McAllister has become wealthy in England, where he has lived for thirty years, but he feels alienated there and is preparing to go to South Africa with his lover, Nellie. He is also waiting for his daughter, Lucinda, to arrive from California, where she has been in rehab.

Frank is a descendant of the Boer leader, Piet Retief, who was murdered by the Zulu king Dingane in 1838. Frank’s Afrikaner cousin, Jaco, has become moderately famous on YouTube for having faced down a huge white shark and has now joined the Scientologists in America. His chaotic and violent life spills over on to Frank who is drawn into a world of violence and delusion that threatens the family.

THE LONG WAY TO A SMALL ANGRY PLANET | Becky Chambers | Hodder & Stoughton | 9781473619807 | R335.00 When Rosemary Harper joins the crew of the Wayfarer, a patched-up ship that’s seen better days, she gets everything she could possibly want: a small, quiet spot to call home, adventure in far-off corners of the galaxy, and distance from her past. The crew is a mishmash of species and personalities, but life on board is more or less peaceful. Until they are offered the chance to build a hyperspace tunnel to a distant planet. They’ll earn enough money to live comfortably for years, if they survive the trip. But everyone has secrets to hide, and the crew will soon discover that space may be vast, but spaceships are very small indeed.

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THE SECRET SOCIETY – Cecil John Rhodes’s Plan for a New World Order | Robin Brown | Penguin | 9781770229204 | R350.00 Cecil John Rhodes made a fortune from diamonds and gold, became prime minister of the Cape, and had a country named after him, but his ambitions were far greater than that. When he was still in his twenties, he set up a secret society with the aim of establishing a new world order. It became his lifelong obsession, and after his death it lived on and grew under the leadership of his executor, Lord Alfred Milner. Robin Brown unpacks this astonishing and largely unknown history. He brings Rhodes, his companions and his successors to life by drawing from diaries and letters, and sheds new light on Rhodes’s homosexuality.

THE STORY OF EGYPT | Joann Fletcher | Hodder & Stoughton | 9781444785180 | R714.00 Professor Joann Fletcher pulls together the complete story of Egypt – charting the rise and fall of the ancient Egyptians while putting their whole world into a context that we can relate to. She uncovers some fascinating revelations, from Egypt’s oldest art to the beginnings of mummification almost two thousand years earlier than previously believed. She also looks at the women who became pharaohs on at least ten occasions, and the evidence that the Egyptians built the first Suez Canal, circumnavigated Africa and won victories at the original Olympic Games.

GOD’S BANKERS | Gerald Posner | Simon & Schuster| 9781416576594 | R390.00 From a master chronicler of legal and financial misconduct, a magnificent investigation nine years in the making, this book traces the political intrigue and inner workings of the Catholic Church. The book is about the church’s accumulation of wealth and its byzantine entanglements with financial markets across the world. God’s Bankers has it all: a rare expose and an astounding saga marked by poisoned business titans, murdered prosecutors, mysterious deaths of private investigators and questionable suicides. Part thriller, part financial tell-all, this book shows how the Vatican has evolved from a foundation of faith to a corporation of extreme wealth and power.

MAGICIANS OF THE GODS – The Forgotten Wisdom of Earth’s Lost Civilization (Hardcover) | Graham Hancock | Thomas Dunne Books | 9781444785180 | R537.00 Twenty years after writing Fingerprints of the Gods, Graham Hancock reveals new scientific and archaeological evidence proving that an advanced civilization that flourished during the Ice Age was destroyed in global cataclysms between 12 800 and 11 600 years ago. The survivors travelled the world doing all in their power to keep the spark of civilization burning. These ‘Magicians of the Gods’ brought with them the memory of a time when mankind had fallen out of harmony with the universe and paid a heavy price. A memory and a warning to the future.

PRASHAD AT HOME – Everyday Indian Cooking from Our Vegetarian Kitchen | Kaushy Patel | Salt Yard | 9781444734744 | R698.00 Since winning everyone over on Ramsay’s Best Restaurant, Prashad has grown in size and reputation, and so too has the Patel family. In this, their second book, Kaushy returns the focus to the heart of Indian home cooking. Traditional recipes have been simplified using readily available ingredients and these are the quick dishes that can be prepared in the evenings when you’re tired after work, meals to leave bubbling away while you relax at the weekend and feasts for special occasions – as well as everything you need to serve alongside: the breads, the rice and the chutneys.

KAMERS WAT INSPIREER | Isabella Niehaus | Jonathan Ball | 9781868426287 | R295.00 Van die wereld van ’n kunskurator tot ’n dag in die lewe van ’n jong bakker wat weekliks honderde brode met die hand vorm. Van fynproewerskos tot unieke juwele. Van handgemaakte kaartjies tot die fynste porseleinskeppings, helende lyfprodukte, unieke wyne, klassieke klere en antieke meubels.

Sielskos wat jou weer sal laat droom en jou ’n kykie gee in die lewens van mense wat hul passies uitleef. Hierdie boek vier die wonderlike suksesverhaal van Kamers en die skeppende geeste wat jaar na jaar bydra om Kamers die grootste vertoonvenster van plaaslike talent in Suid-Afrika te maak.

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FULL FRONTAL Dylan Rosser Photo Book | 160 Pages 21,5 x 28,5 cm | Softcover ISBN 978-3-95985-009-4 www.brunogmuender.com €29,99 Dylan Rosser is one of the most renowned photographers of erotic male images. His works touch us because of his finely-tuned aesthetic sensibility and the directness of his compositions. In Full Frontal, Bruno Gmünder showcases Rosser’s best work in recent years.

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Photos by Dylan Rosser, www.DylanRosser.com, Bruno Gmünder GmbH

Photos by Dylan Rosser, www.DylanRosser.com, Bruno GmĂźnder GmbH

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Photos by Dylan Rosser, www.DylanRosser.com, Bruno GmĂźnder GmbH

Photos by Dylan Rosser, www.DylanRosser.com, Bruno GmĂźnder GmbH

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The growth of an individual within a committed relationship can be tricky, at times even difficult or painful. How does one honour and follow their individual path while at the same time respecting their relationship? What happens when one partner is growing and the other remains stagnant? What if you feel alive and stimulated by your new passion and your partner feels it’s nonsense? What do you do? Many people fear they need to take an either/or approach. They believe that either they have to give up their new passion in an attempt to keep the relationship together or leave the relationship in order to remain true to who they are. However, there are lots of other choices.

I sat down with clinical psychologist and relationship coach who works with couples, Dr. Liezel Molapo to explore both the questions and possible answers.

FACE THE FEARS “Fear is a good starting point for figuring out what’s going on with someone,” says Dr Molapo.

A possible scenario where fear might play itself out, is when your partner is afraid that you’ll leave them once you start going to the gym and start working out and improve your fitness and by consequence, appearance it can provide an insight into some of the issues going on with them. For example, is it bringing up past fidelity issues? Do they not feel secure within the relationship at the moment?

“These aren’t easy or particularly fun questions to deal with, but its stuff that needs to be done and dealt with in a relationship,” cautions Dr. Molapo.

HAVE THE CONVERSATION And really, talk it out. Be honest and upfront about what it is

that you want and why you want it. Talking about all the details whether big or small might help to bring a degree of certainty and comfort to both partners.

Dr. Molapo proposes that, “partners must learn to share their intentions for whatever it is they want to do, sharing will make it easier for your partner to support you. If your partner understands the underlying reasons for why you’re doing something, it will hopefully make them give more support to you as you go about what it is that you want to do.”

SENSE OF DETACHMENT For many people, change is associated with loss. In a way, that’s an undeniable truth. Whenever you change one aspect of your life, for instance getting a new job, another aspect of your life is

affected you might get home later, or you might have to work weekends. That’s why talking about why you’re doing something is so important.

“Sharing that you’re changing careers because you want to save up for a deposit on a home together, will make having less time to socialise with friends more bearable. It also engages both partners and in a way, something what was solely a “me” thing, becomes a “we” thing – in a good way,” stressed Dr. Molapo.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT Before you can share your motivations for wanting to make a change, you yourself need to have some stuff figured out in your head. Do you want to take up a new hobby because it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, or are you unhappy in your relationship and just looking for an excuse to get out of the house?

Dr. Molapo advices that you can’t expect a partner to be cool with something if, firstly, you haven’t really figured it out yourself and secondly, you’re not communicating what’s really going on in your head.

Change always starts within yourself, so it’s important that you take as much time and space, as you need to figure out what you want.

CALLING IT QUITS In the overwhelming majority of cases, relationships can handle one partner going through a period of change and growth. Some bumps during the adjustment period are normal. Ultimately, it’s worth it though and both partners end up happier. As a result, the relationship ends up being stronger.

“Sometimes, that’s not the case. It’s a fact of life that people do grow apart. Sometimes, it can be because the partners want two separate and incompatible things – one partner wants to live in Cape Town, and the other wants to live Johannesburg. Other times, it can be a case of one partner stopping the other partner from getting what they want, like having kids, having a career; it could be a number of things. In both of these cases, it might be better to move on,” recommends Dr. Molapo.

After all, you’re either going to have to do something you don’t want to, or give up on something you had your heart set on. In the long-term, will either of these two choices make you happy?

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How porn impacts your relationship

by ZAMO MTHETHWA Whether or not you watch porn yourself, chances are you have an opinion about it. Gay porn has its fair share of fans, as well as critics. But have you ever wondered whether gay porn is actually helpful or harmful to you and your relationship with your partner?

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his isn’t a trick question. There’s no right or wrong answer.

In fact, there isn’t a universal, one-size-fits-all answer.

We all answer this question differently because we all experience gay porn differently.

I recently had the privilege of poking the brain of a renowned sex therapist and best-selling author, Dr. Joe Kort to put this discussion into perspective.

Why do you think, gay men in particular consume pornography?

I don’t think that gay men look at gay porn any more than straight men do. "It is a guy thing, not a gay thing,” I always say.

The difference

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is that gay men are more out about looking at porn and it doesn’t threaten their partner the way looking at porn causes pain for women. Women tend to compare themselves to the porn their husbands watch and while gay men might do that too they understand that they both have different types and it isn’t personal.

What are some of the misconceptions or myths about gay men who consume pornography?

That we look at it more than our straight counterparts. This is not true. Another myth is that we are addicted to porn and can’t have healthy relationships. This is false. Straight men look at porn too – they are just closeted around it.

Pornography and monogamous gay relationships – can it co-exist? In other words can it form part of a ‘normal’ relationship?

It is my opinion that pornography helps maintain monogamy.

The partner watching the porn can enjoy different men and different fantasies without ever leaving the relationship. It absolutely can – and does – help.

Should it be a solo thing or can a couple consume porn together?

This is up to the couple. Some like it together some like it separately. I am all for sexual privacy amongst partners. Some people get into things they may never tell a partner and that is

just fine. It isn’t about secrecy, it is about privacy. We all should have the ability to have private thoughts and fantasies and watch the types of porn we enjoy alone.

Some critics of pornography say that it can create a wedge in a relationship, distorting intimacy and creating unrealistic expectation about sex and body image. What’s your take on this perception?

This is true about everything we watch in the media. We only see romantic relationships and it gives us the false impression that conflict in relationships is wrong and bad. Sex is the same way.

What is important is to keep communication open about what pornography brings up for each partner. It isn’t the porn, it is the reaction and projections to the porn.

Under what circumstances does viewing porn harm a relationship?

When it is preferred over a partner and the partner wants a sexual relationship. Porn can be an escape. Porn never says no, it unconditionally gives and there is nothing to negotiate. With partners all of that exists. If a partner wants a better sex life and the other escapes into porn instead of also focusing on the sex within the relationship then the viewing of porn is a problem.

Again not the porn, the person’s relationship to the porn is the problem.

Would you say porn-free relationships are stronger as compared to those that are actively using porn?

No way. People who judge porn and then judge those who watch it say that. Some relationships are strengthened by porn and other aren’t. It depends on the couple and how they negotiate porn use in their relationship or not.

How can gay couples navigate their relationships in a porn saturated world?

Communication. Talking about porn and how they both feel about the use of it.

This would be true for all couples.

Gay male couples are more likely to talk openly about it over straight couples.

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MCQP

Candyland T

photographs and article by JOFFREY HYMAN

he venue for December 2015’s Mother City Queer Project was Harrington Street, downtown Cape Town. Several of the clubs, restaurants and other shops and even parkades were taken over for the evening and sweetly decorated from top to bottom with candy. It was a bit confusing with so many alleys and passageways and levels making it hard to know if you had found all thirteen dance floors and entertainment areas. The two clubs Assembly and Dragon Room were full of passages and balconies and interesting areas to add to the sweet mystery.

The Mother City’s notorious wind forced everyone to have a blast by howling through Harrington Street. The streets and

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outdoor stages, bars, food trucks and other entertainment were a little dampened by the bad winds, but a good turnout and the great vibe everyone brought to the party built up quite an electric atmosphere, especially in the inside areas.

As always the amazing outfits were simply candy to the eyes!

People dressed as every kind of candy and then every sweet and candy-like idea that could be imagined.

All in all a bit of a slow and windy start in a slightly grungy area that ended up in an awesome electric vibe despite everything.

The spirit of the people was very refreshing to see. www.mcqp.co.za

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by ALAN SAMONS Who can resist those eyes and cute doggie grin? Can a little reward from the table really hurt your dog? Well, that depends on what it is and what’s in it – there’s a lot of “people food” your dog should never eat. It’s not just because they might get fat, but some foods are downright dangerous for them.

Some of these common foods may surprise you.

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Avocado Avocados contain a substance called persin that’s harmless for humans who aren’t allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs.

Milk and other dairy products On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream with your dog. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhoea and other digestive upsets, as well as set up food allergies (which often show up as itchiness). Your dog will also delight you and your guests with the most abominable farts.

Coffee, tea and other caffeine Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal and there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee − including beans and grounds − caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull.

Raw eggs There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog’s coat if she’s been eating them for a long time.

Onions and garlic Onions and garlic in all forms – cooked or raw – can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But eating a large quantity just once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning.

Fat trimmings, bacon and bones Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn’t eat as well as bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, he can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog’s digestive system. It’s best to just forget about the doggie bag.

Macadamia nuts As few as six raw or roasted macadamias can make them ill and more can be fatal.

Sweets Many sweets, baked goods and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. It can cause more insulin to circulate through your dog’s body, causing his blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure.

Alcohol Alcohol has the same effect on a dog’s liver and brain that it has on humans, but it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma and even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.

Chocolate Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs.

The toxic part is theobromine. It’s in all kinds of chocolate, even white. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating it, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhoea and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death.

Sugary foods and drinks Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.

Grapes and raisins Although it isn’t clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, she’ll become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.

Raw meat and fish Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes “fish disease” or “salmon poisoning disease.” If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.

Safe to eat in moderation are slices of apples, oranges, bananas and watermelon, which make tasty treats for your dog. Be sure to remove any seeds, stems and leaves first, because they can cause serious problems. Apple cores (the seeds) are not a good idea.

Your dog can have a healthy snack of carrot sticks, green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini slices. Even a plain baked potato is OK, but don’t let your dog eat any raw potatoes or any potato plants it might have access to in your garden.

Cooked white rice and pasta are fine, and a serving of plain white rice with some boiled chicken can also provide welcome relief from gastrointestinal upset.

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by OLDER SELF

Don’t we all wish we’d had a mentor, just a few years older than ourselves while growing up and battling with hormones, adolescence and young adulthood, and the intense feelings and emotions that accompany that difficult stage in a young man’s life? Not a father, but someone young enough to relate to. A gay man who’d been through it all and who could serve as a guide through those formative years. I certainly could have done with a few tips on how to make sense of life during my late teens and early twenties.

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o, now, as a middle aged gay man, I’m going to take the time to write myself a letter and hopefully, help a young man or two with some aspects of growing older and becoming a happy, healthy and wiser man. Here goes…

Above all, know it will pass. Whatever it is. School, bullying, falling in and out of love with guys who don’t even know you exist. All of it. You will grow past it, you will get over it and you’ll move on with your life. These things are steppingstones on the path – not the end of the journey.

Don’t be afraid if you don’t fit in. That’s a good thing. Not fitting in means you’re not part of the herd and you have your own personality and way of being. Most importantly, it shows you can think for yourself. Be proud of your difference. Embrace it and be true to yourself. And to hell with the rest. Find the courage to be different and you will make a friend for life – yourself. You will learn you can count on yourself in any situation far sooner than the kids who fit in.

Other people’s opinions are just that – their opinions, especially the negative stuff. You will encounter people who dislike some aspect of you all your life. They don’t matter. Not one bit. We all have opinions about everything, so leave them to theirs and keep yours to yourself (this attitude has served me especially well). You will meet plenty of people throughout your life, who will have a good opinion of you. Make them your friends.

Friends are more important than family. Being a gay man means you will come into conflict with family members. Be nice, but realise they are not your friends. Build friendships and you’ll have people in your life who genuinely care about you and love you regardless. You define who your family is, blood doesn’t.

You will hear the following statements often. “Be a man.”

“Grow a pair.” “Boys don’t cry.” There are many in a similar vein. Ignore them. Define your own masculinity, or not.

That’s up to you. And I can tell you, a good private cry can be a cathartic experience. Tearing up in public – at

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the movies, or reading a sad story – shows you are a sensitive individual and therefore a person people would want to know.

“Sucking it up,” – another of those statements, is total bull. Be a “sissy.” It will serve you well.

No, there’s nothing wrong with masculinity – until it’s used as a gauge for measuring and excluding people, whether

they’re women or other men, or people who don’t identify as either. Regardless of whether masculinity appeals to you, either as something to embody or to simply admire in others, understand that it’s purely a matter of personal taste and has nothing to do with personal value.

Grow at your own pace. Some guys are just more mature than others and some manage to retain their childlike innocence later into their lives. You are who you are and there are no rules. None of us wake up one morning and say to ourselves, “From today I am a man.” Or a grownup, or however you want to categorise yourself.

Rather try not to categorise yourself. People don’t belong in categories.

Define yourself. Don’t let other people do it. They don’t know you as you do. If you want to be a muscle man, an eccentric fashionista, grow a beard, wear your hair long or whatever, make no apologies. Societal norms are crumbling and that includes what being a man is, or a woman, or gay, or bi, or any other label that helps society describe individuals. You are more than your nationality, gender, skin colour, language or sexuality. Things are changing and you will grow with the world.

Sex is complex, wonderful, messy and can be good (if you’re lucky), OK (mostly) or bad (rather often). Don’t worry about how your sexual experience, or absence of it, stacks up. Boys, especially at school and university, brag about their prowess and conquests. Don’t believe them. Guys, both gay and straight, are under enormous pressure so they feel they have to bullshit about their experiences.

Forget the word ‘virgin,’ as a descriptor for both yourself and others. It’s an archaic, irrelevant word, meant to stigmatise and shame people. It oversells a person’s first sex act as some grand, transformational experience, which supposedly vindicates a young man and spoils a young woman. It’s an obsolete, religious, judgmental word. Let’s leave it behind.

Some people find a soulmate, others don’t. Some have several great loves, others perhaps one, some none. Spending too much time looking for ‘true love’ can be a distraction and will actually prevent you from living your life. Love takes work and effort and lots of compromise. It isn’t what Hollywood makes it out to be. Realise that early on and you’ll spare yourself a lot of heartache.

Respect yourself and those who deserve it. Build a life that is true to how you want to live. It will make you the type of person people will want to be around. Some of those people might just end up as more than friends. There will be ups and downs in life, and there will be lonely times – a great many of those – but you will learn to cope as best you can.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We all lose our way, need directions, advice, or a shoulder to cry on. Life is tough, so you’ll have to learn that there will be times when you won’t be able to rely purely on your own resolve to get you through the bad times. Pick up the phone, call a friend, call Life Line or see a therapist, but whatever you do, if you are suffering, don’t do it alone.

Now, my dear younger self, go out there and be who you are meant to be, not who other people want you to be. If I could, I’d give you a great big hug now, because I am the man you’ll grow up to be and I really like myself, so you’re going to be OK.

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In the beginning‌

by NEAL MCKENNA

Everything was pretty darn simple.

Humanity and all other mammals were to be heterosexual; they were to go forth and to multiply. ‌And it was good.

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ut as the fates would have it, Murphy’s Law – if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong – came into effect at just about the same time. From then on, things got a lot more complicated. Now, there were all sorts of idiosyncratic beings – heterosexuals, bisexuals, homosexuals, lesbians, hermaphrodites, and much later in humans, transsexuals. But since a plethora of heteros who perpetuated the species existed, they became the norm. Thus, any other form of sexuality was labelled deviant and relegated to the far fringes of society.

Following this, several millennia whisked by and suddenly the 21st century arrived. By now, straights, gay guys, lesbians, bis, etcetera had splintered themselves into a vast array of subgroups. In alphabetical order they are: aromantic, asexual, demiromantic, demisexual, lithromantic, panromantic, pansexual, polysexual, queerplatonic, and skoliosexual. For convenience and the prevention of intracranial scrambling, the sidebar on the last page of this artile provides brief definitions of each. However, what/who we will focus upon here are pansexuals, polysexuals and most of all, the newest kid on the block – the skoliosexual.

Okay, everyone on the planet, including my maiden Aunt Orma, generally knows what the LGBTIs are about, so let’s merrily skip on to the pansexuals who really seem to have a lot going for them.

Pansexuals have the capability to be attracted to others regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. It’s not at all about the plumbing, but rather the object of affection – the person himself/herself/itself. I know, I know, I’m more than verging on political incorrectness here, but currently there aren’t many generally known pronouns versatile enough to cover such a broad swath. But wait, wouldn’t such a person be a bisexual? No, apparently not. Bisexuality is wider than hetero or homosexual, but it is still binary; pansexuality is not. Celebrity pans include Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury and Miley Cyrus.

So, what is this gender binary thing being bandied about?

Well, according to Gender Spectrum(2), Western culture has come to view gender as a dualistic concept, with two rigidly fixed options: male and female. Both are grounded in a person’s physical anatomy. When a child is born, a quick glance between the legs determines the gender label he or she will carry for the rest of their life. But even if gender is to be restricted to basic biology, a binary concept still fails to capture the rich gender variation occurring across a continuum of infinite possibilities. Wow! I feel dizzy!

Okay, let’s get back to the pansexuals. To my layman’s over-simplified way of thinking, they are best described as enormously complicated bisexuals. Of course the “pans” are not going to see it that way. Be that as it may, people who refer to themselves as pansexual may be attracted to the third gendered, transgendered, two-spirit people, genderqueers, intersexed as well as any other available possibility.

However, pansexuality does not have to be the exclusive attraction towards non-binary genders, although it can be that way. They march to their own drummer, so pansexuals may still be attracted to one or both binary options – meaning heteros.

So, now when you see “it’s complicated” on Facebook, you’ll

have a clue about what’s really going on. With that said let’s move on to the polysexual.

As to be expected, polysexuals are very modern individuals and given there are at least fifteen sexualities beyond their own, they believe the term bisexual is exclusionary. To label oneself bisexual is to imply there are only two genders and in 2016, this is obviously not the case. So it seems the garden variety bi is eventually going to follow the dodo into extinction.

Thankfully, for the moment, the old stand-by L-G-B-T-I seems to be safe.

Polysexuality encompasses many, but not necessarily all, sexualities. People who adopt this self-identity seek to clearly express that gender does not factor into their own sexuality.

People possessing this degree of sexual fluidity may or may not be attracted to trans, genderqueer or other people who do not fit into the mainstream gender categories of male and female.

However, this does not mean people who identify as polysexual are fixated on traditional notions of gender. It’s not an either-or kind of deal. If polysexual, pansexual and bisexual are terms that best fit you, then you should use all three. Finally, to be perfectly clear, the term “fluid” articulates that the polysexual’s balance of homosexual and heterosexual attractions exist in a constant state of flux and will likely change over time.

Now at last, we can move on to the skoliosexual. This little puppy is a complicated bit of business making the pans and polys seem pretty-much mainstream. To begin with, there is no easy definition of a skoliosexual. Should you meet one and he or she says: “I’m not really into binary men or women, I’m skoliosexual,” this means their gender identity does not at all conform to the typical gender binary.

Still groping in the fog? Well, let’s take baby steps through Skoliosexuality 101. First of all, the term does not generally describe an attraction to specific genitalia or birth assignments.

Rather it is an inclusive term referring to sexual attraction to non-binary identified individuals or those who do not identify as cisgender – where sexuality is congruent with genitalia. The quick and dirty of it is: if the kid has dangly bits and grows up to be obsessed with boobs, then he is a hetero. The word “skoliosexuality” was coined for inclusion into the Purple-Red Scale of Attraction created by Langdon Parks in October, 2015.

Despite having no sexology credentials whatsoever, Parks created a scale which quantifies attraction in two dimensions.

By measuring “who you are attracted to” by degrees from 0 to 6 and “how you are attracted” by degrees from A to F, the Purple-Red Scale makes it easier for most people to express their sexual and romantic attractions. Created to simplify determining human sexuality, it still allows for considerable complexity. Moreover, it is likely to replace the long venerated Kinsey scale of sexuality introduced in 1948.

Up until now, the Kinsey scale was the most diverse means of defining someone’s sexuality, compared to exclusively using the traditional labels of gay, straight or bisexual. Using it, people would plot themselves on a scale of sexuality from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual) and it has provided a fascinating representation of human sexuality.

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THE PURPLE-RED SCALE OF ATTRACTION

ATTRACTION TYPE

ORIENTATION

F6

F5

F4

F3

F2

F1

F0

E6

E5

E4

E3

E2

E1

E0

D6

D5

D4

D3

D2

D1

D0

C6

C5

C4

C3

C2

C1

C0

B6

B5

B4

B3

B2

B1

B0

A

A

A

A

A

A

A

ATTRACTION TYPES • A (Aromantic Asexuality): Experiences no attration, besides friendship and/ or aestheic attraction.

• B (Romantic Asexuality): Not interested in sexual relationship whatsoever, but open to romance, touch or bond stronger than friendhip.

• C (Tertiary Sexuality): Experiences no sexual attraction, but willing to do it for other reasons, such as to have children, pleasing their partners, etc.

• D (Secondary Sexuality): May develop lustful feelings over the course of a relationship, but not at first.

• E (Primary Sexuality): Sexual desire is established from the get-go, even if it is not acted upon. However, other components (such as companionship) are essential to these individuals.

• F (Hyper Sexuality): Sex is the be-all-end-all purpose of any relationship.

Everything else is just a consolation prize or means to and end.

For example, according to the UK’s Office for National Statistics(3), only 1.6% of the population identify as LGB, but clearly there has to be significantly more. However, when asked to plot their sexuality on a numbered scale, almost half (47%) of a sample of 1 632 young people in Britain indicated they do not identify as exclusively straight. But, generally speaking, this can be attributed to young people being more confident about exploring their sexuality, as well as increasingly more open mindedness around sexuality.

In a further set of questions, respondents were asked could they

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ORIENTATIONS • 0: Exclusively attraced to opposite sex.

• 1: Mostly attracted to the opposite sex.

• 2: Prefers the opposite sex, but is also

attracted to the same sex.

• 3: Equal attraction (bisexual or biromantic).

• 4: Prefers the same sex, but is also attracted

to the opposite sex.

• 5: Mostly attracted to the same sex.

• 6: Exclusively attracted to the same sex.

conceivably be attracted to, have sex with, or have a relationship with someone of the same sex if the right person came along at the right time. Interestingly, 35% said hypothetically, there was the possibility of having homosexual feelings and experiences.

So that’s it. When it comes to the sexuality of Homo sapiens, it remains as clear as mud. I suppose the bottom line is – if it feels good to you and your partner of whatever proclivity, then do it. No matter how the players identify themselves, good sex is hot sex and it’s there to be enjoyed. My suggestion is everyone should get to it sooner rather than later.

GENDER CLASSIFICATIONS Think of the following definitions(1) as a sexuality safari ride careening down a slippery slope to the precipice of infinity.

Agender – individuals who believe they have no gender identity, although some define it as a neutral gender identity.

Asexual – those who do not experience any sexual attraction. Asexuals may regard other people as aesthetically attractive without feeling sexual attraction to them. Some asexuals also experience the desire of being affectionate to other people without it being sexual.

Aromantic – one who experiences little or no romantic attraction to others. However, aromantics do not lack emotional/personal connection. They simply have no instinctual need to develop connections of a romantic nature. Aromantics may have needs for just as much empathetic support as romantics, but these needs can be fulfilled in a platonic way. Being aromantic is usually considered to be innate rather than a personal choice, in the same way asexuality is considered innate.

Graysexual – those who are described as something more fluid between sexuality and asexuality. Those who identify as graysexual might also identify as gay or straight or any other sexual identity inside or outside the binary.

Demisexual – someone who identifies as demisexual does not typically feel sexual attraction unless they have already formed a strong emotional bond with another person. However, this bond may or may not be romantic in nature.

Cisgender – applies to heterosexuals. Based on visible genitalia at birth, the child is declared male or female. If the child grows up to be heterosexual, he or she is then cisgendered.

Demiromantic – similar to a demisexual, this individual doesn’t feel romantic/sexual attraction until after becoming emotionally attached to someone Lithromantic – this term is ascribed to a person who experiences romantic love, but does not want their feelings to be reciprocated.

Panromantic – is a person who is romantically but not sexually attracted to others regardless of their sexuality or gender.

Pansexual – refers to those who feel they are sexually/emotionally/spiritually capable of falling in love with all genders.

Polysexual – is similar to a pansexual, but the polysexual may be attracted to some gender variant people, but may not have the capability or desire to be with some others.

Queerplatonic – refers to relationships not romantic in nature, but they involve very close emotional connections often deeper or more intense than what is traditionally considered a friendship. The name for a partner who is involved in a queerplatonic relationship is zucchini – as in “he’s my zucchini.”

Skoliosexual – refers to sexual attraction to non-binary identified individuals or those who do not identify as cisgender. However, this does not generally describe an attraction to specific genitalia or birth assignments, but rather it is an inclusive term.

OTHER TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Gender Binary – the classification of sex and gender into two distinct, opposite and disconnected forms of masculine and feminine. It applies only to heterosexuals.

Nonbinary Gender – an umbrella term covering any gender identity not fitting within the gender binary of male/female and is similar in scope to genderqueer.

Third Gender – this term attempts to represent an intermediate state between man and woman, a state of being both such as “the spirit of a man in the body of a woman,” It also includes the state of being neither – neuter, or the ability to cross or swap genders, or another category altogether independent of men and women. This last definition is favoured by those who argue for a strict interpretation of the “third gender” concept. In any case, all these characterisations define gender and not the sexual apparatus biology provides to living beings.

1 Definitions provided by Gender Queer 2 Information provided by Gender Spectrum 3 Information provided by the Office for National Statistics, United Kingdom

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Representing us

Penny Dreadful

Looking

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Keith Bain reflects on representations of gay life on TV.

bout a decade ago, I decided to take a permanent break from television, liberating myself from the ceaseless bad news and all those disgusting shows where you watch people sleeping, loafing, arguing or bickering about how best to complete some annoying task. But even before the increasing spate of banal ‘reality television,’ what should have concerned me most about actual scripted programmes was the lack of attention paid to any realities that exist outside the traditional heterosexual paradigm. Of course, when you grow up in an overwhelmingly heterosexist world, you don’t notice the bias of representation that infuses every inch of society – and television was simply another component of a great big socialising machine designed around a very narrow understanding of what constitutes humanity. The unsubtle chauvinism and pervasive homophobia of everything that was broadcast into our homes was simply an extension of the way things were. Who knew to question or complain?

When GLAAD (formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) began tracking the numbers of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender TV characters twenty years ago, you

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could literally count them on a single hand, writes Sarah Kate Ellis, the organisation’s CEO and President, in her introduction to the 2015–2016 report, Where We Are on TV. Growing up in the 1980s, I recall having almost zero sense of homosexuality having any legitimate place on the social landscape. Not only was it marginalised (and, in South Africa, illegal) in the reality of my childhood, but on television, any reference to being gay seemed to underscore the notion that it was something so beyond the ordinary, weird, and abnormal, that it amounted to a kind of aberration. I remember, for example, the seminal sit-com Three’s Company, in which John Ritter pretended to be gay as a way of sidestepping conservative tenancy regulations. It was as if being gay, or at least pretending to be, precluded him from ‘normal’ life. It’s impact so influenced my psyche that I even wrote a play based on this notion of a kind of closet heterosexuality, where a character fakes a gay identity as a mask to avoid detection as ‘normal.’

Despite incidental gay characters and gay references, and even gay-themed plot twists (including occasional glimpses at the impact of HIV), television’s overt exclusion of gay life

continued through most of the 1990s. Even in programmes that had dared include gay characters, virtually any reference to their sexual behaviour was kept beyond the edges of the screen.

The ’90s, in fact, was also when a gay kiss was controversially cut from an episode of Melrose Place, in which Doug Savant played one of mainstream TV’s very first openly gay lead characters. The same thing happened in Friends, when the episode entitled The One With the Lesbian Wedding had its nuptial kiss expunged.

So, gay people existed and had rights, but they couldn’t even

kiss in front of mainstream audiences.

And then, of course, Will & Grace arrived in 1998, and attitudes steadily softened. In the early part of the new millennium, HBO began earnestly breaking new ground, starting with Six Feet Under, which included that network’s most fully fleshed out gay couple, and offered close-up examination of repressed and conservative gay men wrestling with their sexuality. Increasingly, it was becoming possible to glimpse actual sexual activity between gay characters. The rough prison drama, Oz, spared few punches, nor did the groundbreaking gay British series,

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Queer as Folk (which resulted in a longrunning American remake). But, still, these shows were the exception rather than the norm.

According to Ellis, since GLAAD’s report first appeared ten years ago, there have been “amazing changes in the television landscape, especially in the quantity of LGBT characters.” Much of this has to do with the impact of independent cable networks (such as HBO and Showtime), which have for quite some time been producing quality, landscapeshifting programming. Plus, there’s been the impact of cult status shows such as True Blood, which ignored all rules and assumptions about what compels grown-ups to turn on their televisions. More recently, the advent of streaming television (like Netflix and Hulu) has brought an even greater capacity for non-heterosexual characters to exist and have fully-evolved story arcs.

Admittedly, these are developments I would have missed had I not discovered series binge-watching, where entire seasons are condensed into marathon nights of square-eyed compulsive viewing. I came fairly late to the game, when a friend forced me to sit down and tuck into a few episodes of Starz’s blood-and-sex-saturated Spartacus.

It is by all accounts wall-to-wall with all the elements of good, trashy exploitation: lots of flesh, loads of sex, and ceaseless, lengthy scenes of bloody violence. Plus plenty of hammy acting and bad accents – but all magnificently offset by bulging biceps and rippling torsos, full-body nudity (male and female) and compulsive use of the most creative swearing ever to hit the small screen (‘Jupiter’s cock,’ was – according to the show – a popular Roman vulgarity).

But Spartacus knew how to play its cards evenly. Its producers did a clever job of filling the screen with handpicked man candy, and always had a few handsome leading men who could mix a full rage of emotions with some well-spoken verse, and also fight convincingly to the death while looking fantastic in nothing but a fully-stuffed leather thong – or absolutely naked. These were images of male physical beauty in a diversity of forms, but packaged with enough brutal and bloody man-on-man violence to make it digestible by heterosexual male viewers, too.

Clever.

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Queer as Folk

Penny Dreadful

Sense 8

But that’s not all. Although it’s by no means a gay series, Spartacus portrays gay relationships just as freely and openly as straight ones, and love affairs – both happy and troubled – exist between pairs of toned, muscle-rippling men without anyone batting an eyelid. Somewhere during my long sabbatical from television, producers had decided to let more male actors whip it out, swing it about, and even put it to good use in sex scenes that happen in front of the camera. No longer was gay sexuality confined to programmes made exclusively for gay audiences (such as Queer as Folk).

Finally, it existed in the same world as everybody else’s sex lives.

And Spartacus wasn’t alone. Although it’s hardly bursting with homosexual lovemaking, cult status Game of Thrones has had its share of beautiful gay and bisexual male characters, and has delved thematically into gay rights, even tackling – head-on – radical religious intolerance as a central storyline in later seasons.

And it wasn’t too far into season one of Penny Dreadful before the discovery that Dorian Gray, played by impossibly beautiful Reeve Carney, is not only bisexual, but capable of seducing Josh Hartnett’s hunky werewolf, Ethan Chandler.

TV’s newfound tolerance for gay sexuality doesn’t end with rippling muscles, glimpsed penises and a few sweaty, between-the-sheets man-on-man encounters in historical and fantasy settings, though.

The gripping, fast-paced law drama, How to Get Away with Murder, has gone further than many primetime broadcast network shows, and is proving to be extremely progressive. Not only is the show’s central character, attorney and law professor Annalise Keating (Viola Davis), revealed to be bisexual, but handsome Jack Falahee’s gay law student has a boyfriend who tests positive for HIV. Meanwhile, in Scandal, a robust political drama that’s partially set in the White House, much focus is brought to the private life of the president’s gay chief-of-staff – and the

man he calls his husband. And none of these relationships are handled as mere off-screen references – they’re very much part of unfolding storylines.

Ellis explains that streaming services have more freedom because they aren’t shackled to the same revenue models as broadcast television. The result, she says, is greater creative freedom – and more storyline diversity.

The proof of the success of this more inclusive television writing has played out in the commercial successes of such shows as the Netflix prison Spartacus dramedy Orange is the New Black. Both are strong examples of sexual fluidity and diverse identities meaningfully finding their way into popular programming.

And there are more changes with respect to human diversity in the offing. Until very recently, for example, television didn’t seem even remotely aware of the existence of transgendered people.

Although GLAAD identified no trans characters in broadcast television, streaming services now include four transgender characters, including two leads – in Transparent and Sense8. The latter is also the first foray into television by the creators of The Matrix trilogy, the Wachowskis.

Lana Wachowski, of course, is also well-known for activism around her own recent gender reassignment procedure and the siblings’ show features both a gay male couple and a lesbian couple (one of whom is a trans woman).

Ellis believes the changes we’re witnessing come down to audiences wanting stories they haven’t seen before. No longer is the oft-repeated ‘coming out’ narrative the only one in the gay pantheon worth repeating. According to GLAAD’s report, which covers only American-produced television, more LGBT characters will soon make their debuts. And, significantly, they’ll be playing their part in relevant, substantial storylines while increasingly being permitted to live their truths openly and honestly – without their sexual identities constantly being some kind of white elephant in the room.

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Staying

hydrated

by PHIL JOFFE Our long, hot days are to be enjoyed, but remember to stay hydrated. If you feel thirsty, it probably means you have already dehydrated. Instead, drink water regularly, throughout the day, and especially during any physical workouts. Further, for the exercisers who ask whether the drinking of alcohol has any deleterious effects on their goal of increasing muscle mass and cutting superfluous body fat, the answer is a resounding YES!

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lcohol contains few nutrients and represents empty calories that are directly converted to fat by the body. Alcohol has a powerful effect on the metabolism, encouraging the storing of fats, rather than releasing them to be burned as an energy source. The following calorie scores indicate what popular alcoholic drinks contain: One small regular beer (153), a light (103), a regular tot of liquor (98), red wine (125), white (121), Pina Colada (490), Margarita (168). Alcohol, then, provides around seven empty calories per gram. It reduces blood flow to the muscles, causing weakness and deterioration. It reduces testosterone in the blood and increases the conversion of the former to oestrogen, causing increased fat deposits and fluid retention. It

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creates imbalances in the liver, which can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), fatty liver and hyperlipidaemia (build-up of fats in the bloodstream). Cutting off the supply of oxygen to the brain, alcohol kills off thousands of brain cells, and, further, acts as a depressant and it suppresses the brain's ability to function.

As we all know, balance, reaction time, hand-eye coordination, accuracy and endurance are all decreased. As a diuretic, it causes dehydration, which will impair physical performance long after the drinking has occurred. It disrupts sleeping patterns, causing fatigue and stress. It also inhibits the breakdown of nutrients by decreasing secretions of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. By damaging the cells lining the intestines and stomach, it impairs nutrient absorption. This litany of negative factors will compromise both physical performance and recovery, necessary to build and maintain muscle mass.

Safe consumption is considered to be no more than two drinks a day for males, only one for women. The good news is that research indicates that this moderation may actually increase HDL cholesterol (the 'good' one) within a week or two, and help reduce stress levels and reduce insulin resistance.

A popular, faddist method of compensating for different forms of over-indulgence (too much eating, drinking, partying) is that strange new-age practice of 'detoxing.' Supposedly, its intention is to 'purge' the body of harmful toxins-food additives, pesticides, pollutants and other synthetic compounds that are poisoning the systems. The basic premise is that the body retains huge amounts of toxic waste that can be removed only by forcing oneself to undergo a severe regime of deprivation,

deserved punishment for being such a naughty adult and selfabusing oneself for so long! Fasting is top of the list of required retribution. Days of only liquid nourishment are prescribed.

Brown rice and steamed vegetables are introduced after the early days of fasting. Coffee, nicotine, alcohol and red meat are eliminated, and herbal laxatives, colonics (enemas) and probiotics rigorously endured.

There is NO scientific support for the belief that harmful chemicals accumulate in the body. The kidneys and liver function 24/7 to eliminate body toxins. Their natural functions ensure that there can be no build-up of accumulating poisons polluting the body. The normal functioning processes of the skin, lymph nodes and the gastrointestinal tract also contribute to the detoxing work of the body. The fictional model of a blocked sewage system, while dramatic, is spurious. Enemas clearing the blocked drains are a silly metaphor. Toxicologists show that most chemicals of concern are fat-soluble and so are stored in the fat. The best way to get rid of these potential toxins is through fat weight loss (sensible nutritional practices and exercise). Fasting or imbibing too much fibre and laxatives and suffering colonics, all are potentially dangerous, leading to metabolic disturbances, fainting fits, dehydration, muscle cramps and often leave practitioners protein and nutrient deficient. It certainly makes good sense to cut out unhealthy components of our lifestyles. We could all improve our health profiles by eating less, cutting out over-processed junk foods, nicotine, too much caffeine and alcohol. Sensible moderation is the best advice for all seeking a rational route to fitness and good health.

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The Man Friday Experience Letters from the Atlantic

by BARRIE MAHONEY

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La Graciosa

Islands have always fascinated me, and I also love a good story, which is probably why one in particular sticks in my mind. That book is Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, which was first published in 1719. It is the story of a castaway who spends thirty years on a remote tropical island. It is hardly a carefree holiday for the poor man, since Crusoe has to contend with mutineers, captives and cannibals before he is finally rescued.

S

till, it was not all bad sailing; apart from his talking parrot, dog and goat, Robinson finally met the potential lunch of a group of cannibals, who was shackled and waiting to be cooked later in the day. After he rescued the poor boy, Robinson decided to keep him on as a kind of 'servant' and named him 'Man Friday;' after all he did find him on a Friday, and calling the boy Justin really would not have worked. Robinson taught Friday the English language, as well as advising him that cannibalism was not such a good idea when trying to make friends and influencing people. Eventually, loyal Friday returned to England with Robinson where they lived happily ever after. Or did they?

The exact location of Robinson's Crusoe's island has always been a bit of a mystery, with many saying that the story is based on an island off Chile, some refer to Fiji, whilst others believe that a tiny Canary Island was the setting. I have even read an account that claims it was based in Cornwall. Initially, readers thought that the book was an autobiography, but it was later discovered that the story was based on the life of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish castaway, who lived for four years on the Pacific Island called MĂĄs a Tierra, which is now part of Chile. To add to the confusion, the country's tourism chiefs cleverly changed the name to Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966. No doubt Defoe intended the book to be just a good story and not an exact account of a real life incident, and so I guess the location is really one based within the reader's imagination.

Personally, I like to think it is the Island of La Graciosa, a small Canary island, just a short ferry ride off the coast of the island

of Lanzarote. Most of the island's current visitors are those from neighbouring Canary Islands and Spanish holidaymakers. La Graciosa, and 'gracious' it certainly is, is a small, volcanic island, and one of the very few places where there are no tarmac roads, just white sandy tracks; to use the old clichĂŠ, it is just like stepping back in time. The island and nearby islets form part of the Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve, which is the largest marine reserve in Europe, as well as being an area of exceptional landscape value and beauty.

Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited on La Graciosa, other than a few special purpose vehicles. The island has a small community of around 700 people living there, supplemented by a steady stream of day-trippers. There are few shops, and even fewer restaurants. Indeed, in typical post World Financial Crash fashion, its only bank closed a few years ago. It is not an island to visit if your main interest is shopping and nightlife. However, if you like visiting beautiful deserted beaches, walking, cycling and admiring breathtaking views, this little treasure could be just the thing to help blow away the stress accumulated from the outside world.

I doubt that many will find their Man Friday on the island, since the nightlife is pretty poor, and the cannibals left long ago.

However, if you do visit one day, I am certain that it will be a visit to remember. Now, do please keep all this information quiet, because the island really is a well-kept secret, and we don't want too many to know about it, do we? Meanwhile, do dig out that old copy of Robinson Crusoe.

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Walkersons Hotel & Spa

soothe your soul

by ALAN SAMONS

We have known Walkersons for years and for us, as for many other regulars, the hotel is a place of refuge in beautiful natural surroundings, where you can enjoy divine food, relaxing spa treatments, leisurely walks and explore the nearby area’s rich natural beauty.

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art of the attraction is that the hotel is a mere two-and-ahalf-hour drive from Johannesburg, making a weekend in Dullstroom a more relaxing and less expensive option than flying to the coast. The drive is a pleasure, with great roads (apart from around Belfast) and one arrives fresh enough to start exploring immediately, or not, as in my case. And I had a perfectly valid reason not to go gallivanting – the spa.

As soon as we had checked in and were shown our suite, we headed off to the Amani Spa for our facials – a most suitable way to kick off a weekend break. As luck would have it, it was drizzling softly and the short walk to and from the

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spa was incredibly pleasant. I couldn’t help but be reminded of a weekend spent at the Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo some years ago, as the weather was quite similar. Gentle foggy clouds and rolled over the green hills and birds and insects chirped and twittered undeterred by the damp.

This was to be a lazy weekend filled with reading, relaxing, food and wine, and a bit of light exploring and perhaps a spot of shopping at one of the many interesting shops in town.

Walkersons is quite conducive to the elegant art of relaxing and our Honeymoon Suite was superbly comfortable. Spacious and with a beautiful view of the lake where red bishops can be seen

busying themselves among the reeds, it is elegantly decorated with an extra-length king-size four poster bed, two marble-tiled bathrooms – one with a Jacuzzi bath – and a lounge complete with an enormously comfy electric massage bed. The latter was in continuous use… A Morsø fireplace provided ample protection against the slight evening chill, even though it was

the height of summer. A small kitchenette added to the creature comforts. The Honeymoon Suite is the only one equipped with an electric massage bed, so be sure to book it especially for that added touch of luxury.

Walkersons is built in an Old Transvaal style, with rock buildings and red roofs hearkening back to the town’s original

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style of practical farm-style building. A touch of Scotland can be seen in the décor that proudly displays gleaming silver, antique furniture and a beautiful collection of antique paintings I’d happily give my left, em… eye tooth for.

Eighteen kilometres of walkways and trails criss-cross the estate, and we saw a group of incredibly skinny speed walkers practicing every day. Poor things, they could have just headed a bit further down the road to the restaurant… The natural beauty of Walkersons Estate is stunning. A network of paths extends throughout the 800 hectare estate up into the mountain reserve and down the valley along a picturesque mountain stream that feeds a series of trout dams. Incredible birdlife and wildlife such as zebra and springbuck can be enjoyed while hiking. Golf carts, bicycles and fishing rods can be hired and with a specially prepared picnic basket, you’ll be set for the day. Fly fishing is by all accounts quite addictive and guests can hone their skills on a catch and release basis.

Horsey types can go riding on a neighbouring farm, but since my back had been giving me much trouble of late (due in no uncertain terms due to many, many restaurant visits and zero gym visits) I sadly declined, though I used to enjoy riding in fitter days.

A skilled team of chefs headed by award winning Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Chef Adri van Wieringen prepare culinary delights and dinners are especially memorable with multiple courses served in the sandstone-walled dining room that’s gently warmed by a log fire. The atmosphere is one of hushed conversation and attentive service. One could almost imagine being a guest at a

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very exclusive private hotel somewhere in Scotland – an image reinforced not only by the décor and stunning paintings, but by the staff who all wear kilts.

Breakfast is enjoyed on the patio if the weather permits, and in our case it did. I’m particularly in favour of the oats prepared with whiskey… And if you are planning an excursion into the hills, order a picnic basket. Alternatively, head off into town for lunch.

The town of Dullstroom is a foodie’s delight, with offerings ranging from pancakes with a gazillion types of fillings at Harrie’s Pancakes, to finer dining, as at one of our all-time favourite restaurants, Mrs Simpson’s. The décor here looks as though it was done by a demented drag queen who’d enjoyed too much hooch with her morning oats. An homage to Wallis Simpson, the place is adorned with vintage shoes, handbags and frocks

and the off-beat frivolity adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of the very fine food. Convivial hosts Bryan Wolmarans and Stephen De Meyer are consummate professionals and take the time to meet their guests and share a laugh or two. Great food has never been this unpretentious!

Walkersons is also a wedding venue par excellence and owners Geoff Engel and Dandré Lerm celebrated their nuptials here.

With so much to be enjoyed at Walkersons, we’ll be sure to add an extra day or two to our future trips to the Kruger National Park, or to just pop over for a weekend every now and then.

Reservations: +27 (0) 13 253-7000 Email: reservations@walkersons.co.za www.walkersons.co.za

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OUT AND ABOUT

BLOEMFONTEIN

SHISA GUEST FARM Joe 083 324-4466 or Francois 083 954-4428 www.shisafarm.com RELIGIOUS GOOD HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH Pastor Marlow Valentine 083 668-5935

BARS & CLUBS BUZERANT ESTATE Ferreira Road, Bloemfontein. Straight-friendly gay bar with garden and swimming pool.

Open until late, Wed, Fri, Sat. Tel: 082 783-5684 STUDENT SOCIETY out@kovsies admin.outatkovsies@gmail.com

CAPE TOWN

BARS & CLUBS ALEXANDER BAR Bar café and theatre. 76 Strand Street.

Tel: (021) 300-1088. www.alexanderbar.co.za AMSTERDAM ACTION BAR Gay bar in Cape Town's Gay Village. 10-12 Coburn Street, De Waterkant. www.amsterdambar.co.za BEAULAH BAR Bar with a lounge and a dance floor. Open from 21h00-04h00, Fri., Sat., and eve of public holidays.

28 Somerset Rd. CREW BAR Stylish décor, gorgeous bartenders and top Cape Town DJs. 30 Napier Street, Green Point. Open MonSun 19h00-04h00. Genevieve: 073 798-9565 COMMUNITY SERVICES HEALTH4MEN OFFICE 1st Floor, 24 Napier Street, De Waterkant, Green Point. Tel: (021) 421-6127. info@health4men.co.za. www.health4men.co.za.

LGBTI PARENT SUPPORT GROUP FOR GAY PARENTS. Email Heather at Health2@triangle.org.za Tel: (021) 448-3812, www. triangle.org.za PRIDE SHELTER TRUST Short-term accommodation for GLBTI people during times of crisis. 1 Molteno Rd, Oranjezicht.

Tel: (021) 423-2871, Cell: 083 218-6081, www.pridesheltertrust.co.za EVENTS CAPE TOWN PRIDE The Cape Town Pride week festival and the parade usually takes place around 28 February annually.

GAT PARTY Deon 082 821-9185 www.facebook.com/gatpartyfans.

MCQP With an annual dress-up theme, it is regarded as the party of the year in Cape Town. Every December. www.mcqp.co.za MEN ONLY HOT HOUSE Upmarket European-style steam bath venue. 18 Jarvis St, Green Point. Mon-Thurs 12h00-02h00, Weekends 24hrs. Tel: (021) 418-3888, www.hothouse.co.za

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THE INNER CIRCLE QUEER MUSLIM ORGANISATION (021) 761-0037/4434 or 082 892-3519 info@theinnercircle.org.za, www.theinnercircle.org.za STUDENT SOCIETY Rainbow UCT uct.rainbow@gmail.com

DURBAN

BARS & CLUBS THE LOUNGE Gay club with 5 bars, 3 dance floors, 2 balconies. 226 Mathews Meyiwa Road, Morningside. Tues to Sat. www.thelounge.za.org

EAST LONDON

BARS & CLUBS CLUB EDEN Atlas Rd. Arcadia, East London, Tel: 079 305-4018

GRAHAMSTOWN

STUDENT SOCIETY RHODES UNIVERSITY – OUTRHODES SOCIETY outrhodes.society@gmail.com www.outrhodes.soc.ru.ac.za

HARTBEESPOORT

MEN ONLY VOËLKOP Men only, clothing optional. Holiday resort, open daily.

Glenn: 082 880-7497 or Paul 082 228-0614 www.voelkop.co.za

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (Primarily Gay & Lesbian) Parktown North Methodist Church Hall, 7th Avenue, Parktown North. Wednesdays 19h30.

Contact: Lee 071 890-8001 or Nadia 082 464-7800 AA South Africa: www.aanonymous.org.za SOWETO HEALTH4MEN SIMON NKOLI CLINIC HIV & STI testing & treatment. Tel: (011) 989-9756/9865.

Mon-Fri: 08h00-16h00. www.health4men.co.za.

SPORT TOGS Federation of Gay Games Representative Shane: 083 654-5411, gaysportssa@mweb.co.za MEN ONLY FACTORY 6th Street, cnr Voorhout, New Doornfontein.

Macho cruise bar, uniform, leather, fetish.

Tel: 083 965-2227. www.thefactorybar.co.za REC ROOM Steam bath with secure parking.

Sun-Thurs: 13h00-01h00, Fri-Sat: 07h00-03h00.

Malibongwe Drive, Phoenix Centre, Shop 1, Randburg.

Tel: (011) 792-1288. www.recroom.co.za RELIGIOUS DIE REFORMERENDE KERK 44 Vyfde Straat, Linden, NG Kerk Gebou.

Ds. Trevor Skinner: 084 305-1670 GAY CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY Quaker House, 3 Gordon Terrace, Doornfontein.

David: 071 233-0650, Peter: 083 232-8001 RECREATION HIKING Monthly day hikes for both sexes www.gayhikers.co.za STUDENT SOCIETY WITS ACTIVATE activatewits@gmail.com

KNYSNA

JOHANNESBURG

BARS & CLUBS AMUSE CAFÉ Funky lounge café. Tues-Sat: 16h00-24h00.

Shop 12, Manlam court, Corner 4th Avenue & 5th Street, Linden. Tel: 084 555-5252.

BABYLON BAR 198 Oxford Road, Oxford Centre, Illovo.

RATZ BAR MELVILLE Gay owned and gay friendly bar. No 9, 7th Street, Melville. Tel: (011) 482-9965 COMMUNITY SERVICES GAY & LESBIAN LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES WITS University (011) 717-1483/1963/4239 www.gala.co.za GAY & LESBIAN POLICING NETWORK Jaco le Roux: 072 434-3368

EVENTS PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS Week long annual pride and parade – April/May. Email: info@pinkloerie.co.za. www.pinkloeriemardigras.co.za

POTCHEFSTROOM STUDENT SOCIETY POUT 082 589-7540

PIETERMARITZBURG

COMMUNITY SERVICES PMB GAY & LESBIAN NETWORK Tel: (033) 342-6165 Helpline: (033) 342-6500 Friday – Sunday 18h00 – 22h00

PORT ELIZABETH

BARS & CLUBS AQUA NIGHTCLUB Corner York Road and Prince Alfred Road. Open Wed., Fri., Sat. 20h30-04h00. www.clubaqua.co.za STUDENT SOCIETY NMMU ELOQUOR KNIGHTS Celeste: s213285665@nmmu.ac.za EASTERN CAPE GAY & LESBIAN ASSOCIATION 63 Heugh Road, Walmer.

Tel: (041) 581-2414

PRETORIA

BARS & CLUBS BABYLON CENTURION Open Saturday nights. Secure parking.

South Lake Centre, cnr Lenchen Street and South Road.

Tel: (012) 663-7862 KIKI COQTAIL LOUNGE Clubview Corner, 72 Lyttelton Road (just off N14 Jean Ave offramp), 0157 Centurion, Gauteng Cell: 073 798 9565. www.facebook.com/kikicoqtail ETC-ZONE CENTURION Gay bar. Open Mon-Sun 18h00-02h00.

Gables Shopping Centre, Ivan Street, Bronberrick.

Christo: 072 799-7639 COMMUNITY SERVICES OUT LGBT WELL-BEING HIV Counselling & Testing, STI screening and treatment. 1081 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Tel: (012) 430-3272, Counselling line: 0860 688 688. Email: neld@out.org.za, www.out.org.za STUDENT SOCIETY Tukkies UP & OUT gay@tuks.co.za

STELLENBOSCH

STUDENT SOCIETY STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY www.sun.ac.za/lesbigay

WELKOM

BARS & CLUBS CLUB IGO Gay club. Straight friendly. 3 Alma Road (Next to SPCA) Open Wed., Fri., Sat from 20h00. Tel: 083 688-1189

GENERAL

SOCIAL SA BEARS (nationwide network) www.sabears.co.za SA LEATHERMEN www.saleathermen.org.za

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