Gay Pages Winter 2018 by gaypages

in the heart of the action at

MR.GAY WORLD

Death by Heartbreak

PROFILE

John Trengove

WINTER 2018

PHOTOS

CAPE TOWN PRIDE

LOVE, SIMON

a gay film triumph

GAY SINGER Calum Scott

TOXIC

MASCULINITY COMPLETELY NEW RESTAURANTS

FAG HAGS FOREVER CAR TESTS BMW M240i Coupé Polo Vivo 1,6 Highline Land Cruiser Prado 3,0D VX-L Nissan Qashqai 1,5 dCI Tekna Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2,0T Super Q4 Hyundai 1,25 Grand i10 Fluid Auto Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2,4 D4 4x4

R42.37 incl VAT Other countries R36,85 www.gaypagessa.co.za

STEAMY

SHOWER FANTASY

TRAVEL & LEISURE Packing for ‘The Parks’ FABULOUS PRIZES WITH ALL NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS!

A partnership built on unparalleled precision. Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner.

Limited to 50 handcrafted cars, with two allocated to South Africa, the Hallmark Series pairs the Musanne’s celebrated design DNA with exquisite details curated by Mulliner. Making each one as rare and desirable as the elements that inspired its creation. Discover more at johannesburg.BentleyMotors.com or contact +27 10 020 4000. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2018 Bentley Motors Limited.

BENTLEY JOHANNESBURG Power: 395 kW (530 bhp); Torque: 1,100 Nm; 0-100 km/h: 4.8 seconds; Combined fuel consumption: 14.6 l/100 km; CO2 Emissions: 342 g/km Model shown: Mulsanne Hallmark Series.

Big moments get bigger if you share them. The new Cayenne Models.

Porsche Centre Johannesburg Corner Witkoppen and Wroxham Road, Paulshof Telephone 011 540 5000 www.porschejohannesburg.com

Porsche Centre Cape Town Corner Century Avenue and Summer Greens Drive, Century City Telephone 021 555 6800 www.porschecapetown.com

Porsche Centre Umhlanga 49 Meridian Drive, Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre, Umhlanga Ridge Telephone 031 514 3000 www.porscheumhlanga.com

Porsche Centre Pretoria 452 Botterklapper Street, Off Lynnwood Road, The Willows Telephone 012 816 7600 www.porschepretoria.com

The new Cayenne V6: Combined fuel consumption: 9.0 l/100 km; Power: 250 kW (340 hp); Torque: 450 Nm; 0-100 km/h: 5.9 seconds; 4 Priced from R1 131 000 including a 3 year/100,000 km Driveplan

WINTER 2018 Editor

FROM THE EDITOR

Deputy Editor/Creative Director

It was a huge honour to be nominated as the head judge at the Mr. Gay World Competition where 19 of the most gorgeous guys from all over the world flocked to Knysna to represent their countries in the tenth annual Mr. Gay World competition. This international event attracts massive worldwide attention and placed the limelight on Knysna where the Pink Loerie was held simultaneously. South Africa is the only country where this competition has taken place three times. Being a judge changes your perspective on these dishy guys who are not shy to reveal their soft compassionate side. Discovering some of the incredible humanitarian work that they do back home is truly inspirational. I loved the experience of being one of the judges, while Kevin adored playing photographer. While I was spending my days and most evenings at Villa Castollini, he had more time to explore the town and ended up entering the Mr. Pink Loerie competition. And he won! Congratulations Kevin! Later, when the parade started I got promoted to photographer and it was heart-warming to see how the Mr. World finalists embraced Kevin and included him in their group. The atmosphere was electric, as is clear from the pictures. Don’t miss the Loerie, whatever you do, make sure you go next year. Competitions like Mr. Gay World remind us that gay people still have acceptance issues in many countries. Gay marriage is now legal in most progressive countries, but we are still persecuted in numerous others. Competitions such as Mr. Gay World do much to raise the profile of gay society and helps mainstream society to understand us better. This competition is very tough on the finalists, as well as the judges. It’s exhausting, as it goes on for a week where you start early and finish very late every day. These are not just a bunch of pretty boys with charming personalities, as winners must have high energy levels and a positive mental attitude with strong linguistic and ambassadorial skills. Complex questions are asked, so being bright and quick-witted certainly helps. This event provided positive news that is shared with the world about South Africa that is enormously valuable for inbound gay tourism. Gay events around the world are growing and airlines like KLM have remained focussed on that for decades. Mr. Gay World opens many doors everywhere and after the previous two Mr. Gay World competitions in South Africa, many contestants have returned to visit. I would like to thank Mango Airlines and the organisers for hosting us. We relished being surrounded by so many hunks in such a gorgeous town.

Rubin van Niekerk Alan Samons

Art Director/Graphic Designer Kevin du Plessis

Office Manager Joan Doyle

Décor Editor

Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette

Art and Entertainment Denise Latham

Lifestyle and Social Michelle York

Restaurant Reviews

Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons

Reviews

Jacques Botha, Leon van Nierop, Alan Samons, Rubin van Niekerk

Advertising Sales

Rubin van Niekerk, Alan Samons

Contributors

Keith Bain, Jacques Botha, Kevin du Plessis, Luke Hackney, Reg Hart, Denise Latham, Dr Phil Joffe, Hannes Kruger, Nolan Krull, Zamo Mthethwa, Neal McKenna, Bongani Evans Mtlhavani, Ryan Thomas, Leon van Nierop, Christo Valentyn, Michelle York

International Contributors

Gabriel Janse van Rensburg – Canada Ken Cage – New Zealand Barrie Mahoney – Canary Islands

Photographers

Gerhard Meiring, Kevin du Plessis, Rubin van Niekerk,

Printing

CTP Book Printers

Distribution

RNA, Magazine Distribution Services

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.com The appearance of any person or organisation in the Gay Pages is not an indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organisations.

Cover Photography: Gerhard Meiring

CONTENTS 6

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SUBSCRIPTION GIVEAWAYS

IN THE SPIRIT

ON THE PLATE

TRAVEL

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

ENVIRONMENT

HEALTH & WELLNESS

PETS

CURRENT AFFAIRS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

DÉCOR

FASHION: ANTONY MORATO

TECH & TRENDS

CAR NEWS

ROAD TESTS

DVD REVIEWS

MUSIC REVIEWS

MUSIC: CALUM SCOTT

BOOK REVIEWS

SEXY SHOWER FANTASY

GROW A PAIR, DON’T GHOST

FAG HAGS FOREVER

MR. GAY WORLD

DEATH BY HEARTBREAK

NO TO EXERCISE MARKETING

SENSASIONAL LOVE, SIMON

PROFILE: JOHN TRENGOVE

TOXIC MASCULINITY

TRAVELS WITH TOYOTA Packing for the Parks

CAPE TOWN PRIDE

OUT & ABOUT

A-Z BUSINESS DIRECTORY

106

ALL-NEW RESTAURANTS

CONTRIBUTORS ALAN SAMONS

Travel, art, healthy food and all the finer things in life fuel Alan’s passions. When not hard at work at Gay Pages, he enjoys painting, sculpting, making silver jewellery and reading non-fiction. An inveterate bargain hunter, you’ll often find him tracking down his next big find at auctions, flea markets and second-hand bookshops, which means he needs a bigger house.

KEVIN DU PLESSIS

Kevin comes from a background working in the visual arts industry and project management, he is an award-winning photographer, a graphic designer, writer, and the Gay Pages Art Director. He has an honours degree in English literature and has hopes and dreams of being a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race one day just to drop all the one-liners he has been saving up.

MICHELLE YORK

Michelle has been a Gay Pages contributor for more years than she will admit to for fear of revealing her age! Her articles concentrate on her two main loves – animals and motoring. She is the newly appointed General Manager of the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists, but she will still remain a contributor. We have no doubt another pet adoption is probably around the corner.

WOUTER LOMBARD

Wouter has worked for some of SA’S leading advertising agencies, and over the past 14 years contributed to advertising campaigns for brands such as Takealot.com, Nando’s, Nedbank, Heineken, Castrol, Schweppes, Valpré and Weylandts. Wouter joined M&C Saatchi Abel in 2010 and since 2014 has managed all HR, people development and transformation.

JACQUES BOTHA

Jacques is a chemist, coach and consultant by day, but music makes his heart beat faster. He has been doing music articles and reviews for various publications over the past 15 years. His own music collection “sings” praises to a diverse taste ranging from Rachmaninov to Rammstein to Rihanna. He is also an amateur music composer and fitness instructor.

ZAMO MTHETHWA

Zamo Mthethwa is a content maker. His writing has appeared in various print publications. A writer by day and reader by night. Zamo makes his home in Mpumalanga with his family of two cute Pomeranians – Blossom and Bonita, – a large undisciplined garden and a growing number of incomplete home DIY projects. 7

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

A Accommodation.........................15, 91-100 Accountants..................................92, 93 Adult................................................. 92 Advertising and Marketing.....................21 Aids Treatment/Counselling..........101, 102 Airline..........................................19, 31 Airport Valet Parking............................92 Alternative Healing.........................92, 97 Aromatherapy................................96, 97 Art and Antiques.................33, 35, 92, 93 Attorneys......................................92, 93 Auditing............................................92 B Bars and Clubs...............................90, 93 Bathrooms...................................93 Beauticians............................95-98, 102 Blinds................................................93 Bookkeepers.....................................92 Botox....................................95- 97, 102 Branding......................................95 Business Services............................93, 94 Beard Grooming Products....................93 C Cars.......................IFC, 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, OBC Car Rental.................................. IBC , 94 Church...........................................94 Clairvoyants.............................103, 104 Cleaning Service.........................97, 100 Conference Facility.......................96-101 Costume Hire......................................95 Cargo & Logistics................................95 Cruises..........................................104 D Debt Collection.............................92, 93 DĂŠcor...............................33, 35, 93, 94 Dental Health.....................................94 Doctors.......................98, 101, 102, 104 Digital Magazine................................13 E Electrical.......................................94, 95 Entertainment.............................. 95, 104 Esoteric......................................95,104 Estate Agents...................................... 95 Estate Planning...................................92 F Freight & Logistics...............................96 Financial Consultants........................... 95 Fitness Training..............................95, 96 Florist............................................95 Furniture Removal...............................95

G Game Lodges........................97, 98, 100 Gardens.....................................100 Gay Paraphernalia........................95, 96 Gay Travel Guide............................. 101 Gay Wedding Specialists....................105 Graphic Design...................................21 Grooming..............................95-97, 104 Guesthouses...............................96, 101 Gym Training...............................98, 104 H Hair Loss............................................97 Hairstylists.....................................95, 97 Hair Removal................................96, 97 Health, Fitness and Wellness......95-97,102 Herbal Medicine/Homeopath...............94 Holiday Accommodation...........15, 95-100 Hotels........................................15, 97-100 Hypnotherapist.................................100 I Income Tax..........................................92 Interior DĂŠcor and Design........33, 35, 92 Insurance....................................94,96 J Japanese Art and Antiques...................33 L Landscaping & Gardening..................100 Labour Law...................................92, 93 Laser Skin Treatment............................98 Lawyers........................................92, 93 Leather and Fetish.............................100 Life Coaching........................92, 95, 102 M Manscaping..................................96, 97 Marriage Officer.......................100, 101 Marketing.....................................21, 92 Massage (Therapeutic)...........96, 98, 101 Medical........................98, 101, 102, 104 Mediation.......................................101 Men Only..................................... 90, 92 Menswear..............23, 92, 102, 104, 105 Metal Supply and Manufacture.............93 N Nursery............................................103 NSPCA.............................................25 O Ocean Cruises..................................105 Online Shopping............33, 102, 104, 105 Ophthalmologist..............................101 Optometrist...................................102 Oriental Antiques and Interiors.......33, 92

P Painting.........................................103 Panelbeaters................................103 Personal Training.................................98 Pet Medical Aid.................................103 Pets..............................25, 100, 102, 103 Pharmacy.........................................101 Photography................................ 21, 103 Podiatrist...........................102, 103, 104 Printing.........................................21, 95 Psychic...............................95, 103, 104 Psychologists.............................102, 105 Public Relations.................................104 R Restaurants...............................106-112 S Sanitaryware......................................93 Safety and Insurance Solutions.............94 Saunas and Steambaths (M2M)...........104 Scholarships.................................. .....95 Scuba Diving......................................99 Skin Care...............................95-97, 102 Social Therapist................................104 Solar Power.......................................104 Spa................................................104 Sports Massage Therapist...................96 Swimwear....................................23, 102 T T-Shirts.............................................95 Tax Consultants.............................92, 93 Teeth Whitening Clinic...................94,101 ThailandTourism...................................104 Travel Agents and Tour Operators...17,104 U Underwear............23, 92, 102, 104, 105 V Veterinary Clinic................................105 W Waxing and Trimming.....................96, 98 Weddings......................................105 Weight Loss...................................95, 96 Wine and Spirit..................................105 Wills.............................................92, 93 Z Zulu Courses....................................105

ADRENALINE ON THE ROAD. Are you ready to take on the challenge? Grip the wheel and experience the performance. That thrilling sensation of open top driving. That unique feeling you get when you drive an Abarth 124 Spider, when pure adrenaline runs through your veins.

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GIVEAWAYS

KURLAND HOTEL – A SENSE OF ABUNDANCE Kurland Hotel in the Crags, near Plettenberg Bay, is a place where guests return time and again to simply enjoy the good life. This 5-star boutique hotel offers just twelve ultra-luxurious suites, each individually designed and decorated, on a 700 hectare estate ensuring total privacy. Whether it’s multiple culinary styles in the Kurland Restaurant or the Café Complet High Tea served all day, both offer a unique culinary experience. Guests can make use of the first class equestrian facilities, relax in the Spa or enjoy a mountain or quad bike ride to discover more of this pristine estate. The surrounding area, including the Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve, offers a multitude of choices for adventure enthusiasts and as a meeting, conference and wedding venue, Kurland is ideal, ensuring each wedding is

BEAUCIENCE FOR MEN Beaucience for men has been designed to be a simple, unique, and specialised skin care range that treats the needs of a man’s skin. Men have a natural extra anti-ageing defence in thicker layers of skin, larger pores and more oil glands. Nevertheless a proper skin care regime is still needed to delay the effects

absolutely unique. The drive along the Garden Route is breathtaking and guests are encouraged to make this part of their holiday en route to Kurland Hotel, which is considered the most desirable address on the Garden Route. Three new Gay Pages subscribers stand the chance to win a weekend two-night stay for two guests sharing, including breakfast. The prize is valued at R18 000 per subscriber and is valid until August 2019. The prize does not include other meals, flights, transfers, spa treatments or drinks, and may not be exchanged for cash or passed on to a third party. It is also subject to availability, room type and excludes peak season, weekends and public holidays. www.kurland.co.za

of skin ageing, reduce discomfort and result in healthy looking skin. Every product is uniquely formulated to provide a man’s skin with natural essentials for healthy skin. Added to the anti-ageing 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 willow bark, organic green tea and pure oils such as witch hazel, tea tree and sandalwood. Beaucience for men results in a functional and hygienic skin care regime. Ten new subscribers will each receive a hamper valued at R1 500, containing the following Beaucience for Men products: Toiletry Bag, Facial Wash, Facial Scrub, Aftershave Balm, Protective Moisturising SPF15 Cream, Masque, Face & Body Revitalising Lotion, and Anti-Ageing Moisturising Cream. This proudly South African brand is available from www.beaucience.co.za and www.takealot.com. Tel: (021) 709-0362 Facebook: Beaucience Instagram: beaucience Twitter: @Beaucience

BODYSENSE TREATMENTS WILL SET YOU RIGHT Today’s fast-paced lifestyle means we need time out more than ever before. Alan Trenoweth of Bodysense offers male grooming, waxing and a range of wellness treatments of which his massages are tailored to the individual for relief of tension and stress knots. As a Reiki practitioner, Alan has garnered a loyal following and by combining a full body massage with the healing energy of Reiki to saturate the senses and soothe body and mind, you are assured of being re-balanced, revitalised and relaxed. Wintertime means

EDITION Spring 2018 Summer 2018 Special Collector’s Edition 2019 Autumn 2019 Winter 2019

BOOKING DEADLINE

19 July 2018 17 September 2018 26 November 2018 18 February 2019 20 May

dry skin and Alan offers body scrubs that will get rid of old, dead skin and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Combined with a full body massage, these treatments are designed to help guys feel amazing and spoil themselves. Five new subscribers will each receive a treatment valued at R600. Linden Wellness Centre, 24 8th Street, Linden, Johannesburg. Alan Trenoweth: 082 685-9811 E-mail: body.sense@hotmail.com

MATERIAL DEADLINE

20 July 18 September 27 November 19 February 21 May

PRINT DATE

ON-SALE

23 July 19 September 28 November 20 February 22 May

13 August 8 October 17 December 11 March 10 June

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 495 (US$ 38, € 32). 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 June: 15%

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IN THE SPIRIT

RECIPROCAL WINE TRADING

TEQUILA IS MUCH MORE THAN A BOTTLED HEADACHE Believe it or not, tequila is much more than a low-quality shot that gave you headaches at university. It can be an exquisite experience similar to the fine cognacs and single malts we enjoy as South Africans. A wave of upmarket restaurants that celebrate Mexican culture and cuisine have taken root in our country and with this, the demand for 100% agave tequilas has increased. Enter Fortaleza, one of the world’s finest premium smallbatch tequilas which is hand-crafted in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, in Mexico. Fifth generation tequila maker, Guillermo Erickson Souza, makes tequila using the same production methods employed by his forefathers. This includes old-world machinery and practices that allow you to experience tequila the way it tasted 150 years ago, without the technology and processes of the modern era. www.tequilafortaleza.com www.trumanandorange.com

For almost half a century the Reciprocal Wine Trading Company has been South Africa’s primary source of the finest international wines. With a focus on the major family-owned estates and wineries of Europe, Reciprocal imports Champagne Louis Roederer, estate Burgundies from Latour, Jadot and Malandes, profound Loire sauvignons from Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, the greatest Rhone wines in the world from Marcel and Philippe Guigal, Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Perrin family at Beaucastel, Right Bank Bordeaux from the Moueix estates (La Fleur Petrus and Latour a Pomerol) and the legendary Cru Classe wines from the Médoc. Complementing these French classics are top Riojas from Marques de Riscal, Tio Pepe sherry from Gonzalez Byass, Tuscan wines from the Frescobaldi family (vineyard owners and wine producers for over 700 years), Cloudy Bay from New Zealand, and fabulous rieslings from the Mosel and Alsace. Reciprocal is also the source of the varietal-specific stemware developed over several generations by the Riedel family in Austria, and Cellarax Wine Racks, handcrafted in wrought iron stands to optimise wine storage in the most space efficient way. www.reciprocal.co.za

WORLD’S FIRST NON-ALCOHOLIC BOTANICAL MICRO-BREWERY

Coco Safar, couture espresso and patisserie in Cape Town, recently launched its new micro-brewery along with four refreshing house brewed drinks which are made completely from natural botanical ingredients and “superfoods”, at their Sea Point flagship store. With the rising societal awareness of health problems associated with excessive sugar and alcohol intake, the non-alcoholic beverage market is currently experiencing unprecedented growth. The founders of the brand took a bold decision to not only develop a bespoke cold brew coffee and rooibos beverage line, but to also create a streetlevel in-house botanical micro-brewery to deliver a signature collection of lightly sparkling bottled drinks that can now be enjoyed at home, and soon in world-class 5-star hospitality establishments across Africa. www.cocosafar.com

22904 OLD FRIENDS YOUNG TALENT

www.kiastinger.co.za

LONG

L I V E DRIVING

Long live the journey. Long live roaring engines, screeching tyres and heart-thumping hairpin bends. Long live perfect launches, perfect shifts and taking the wheel like itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the last time you ever will. Introducing the fastest and most powerful KIA ever created. Stinger. Long Live Driving. To experience the future of driving, visit kiastinger.co.za.

ON THE PLATE

GRILLED SIRLOIN AND RED WINE MUKBANG, AN ONLINE FOOD TREND Say what? If you haven’t heard this word before, get ready for a concept that’s fast taking the internet by storm. The idea originated in Korea and can now be seen on many YouTube channels. And, the viewing numbers attest to the popularity of…watching people eat. Mukbang is an online audio-visual broadcast in which a host eats large quantities of food that they have either prepared themselves, or bought, while interacting with their audience. It’s been around for a while, but the idea is now fast taking hold among anyone with a YouTube channel worth its salt – from food vloggers to cooks, to fitness instructors and fashionistas. Some hosts interact with their viewers live, while others pre-record videos that can last for up to a few hours. It is thought this type of food voyeurism satisfies the human need for companionship and that of sharing a communal meal. The word mukbang is derived from the Korean words for “eating” (meokneun) and “broadcast” (bangsong). We know you you’ll be hitting YouTube after reading this!

Winter is red wine season! Chef Kerry Kilpin of Steenberg’s popular Bistro Sixteen82 recommends a delicious grilled sirloin drizzled with a whisky and black pepper jus and a green pea and tomato salsa to go with it.

YOU WILL NEED (Serves 2)

2 x 220g sirloin steaks Olive oil Salt and pepper 50g wild rocket GREEN PEA AND TOMATO SALSA 80g cooked peas 80g cherry tomatoes quartered 5g chopped parsley 10ml olive oil Squeeze of lemon juice ½ red onion chopped Combine all the ingredients for the salsa and season with salt and pepper. BLACK PEPPER JUS ½ red onion chopped 4 button mushrooms chopped Canola oil 250ml beef stock 250ml cream 3ml crushed black pepper 60ml whisky

PREPARATION

THE MEATLESS BURGER THAT BLEEDS Impossible Foods’ meatless burger went mainstream when it was first served by an NYC restaurant – David Chang’s Momofuku Nishi – in 2016. It has since been hailed as a viable meat alternative for both vegetarians and carnivores alike. The meatless burger’s appeal is all thanks to heme (pronounced heem from the Greek word ‘blood’), a molecule that gives meat its pink color, makes it bleed, and gives it its flavour. BBC named heme a top trend for 2018, calling it “a possible stepping stone to more environmentally sustainable meat alternatives”. 14

Sauté the onion and mushroom with a little oil until brown, deglaze with the whisky and bring to the boil. Add the black pepper and stock and reduce by half. Add the cream and reduce by half. Blend with a stick blender and season with salt. Taste and, depending how strong you like your black pepper, add more if necessary. Season the sirloins with salt, pepper and olive oil. Preheat your pan until nice and hot. Pan fry your steaks to desired cooking degree. Allow your steak to rest for 2 minutes before slicing. Slice the sirloin in half, place on a bed of rocket, top with the green pea and tomato salsa and drizzle the black pepper jus on the plate. Serve with a glass of delicious Steenberg Merlot which is available at a cellar door price of R175. www.steenbergfarm.com

g a y p a g e s s a . c o m

DIGITAL

Visit our sexy all-new website and keep your eyes peeled for the release of our digital magazine! Print subscribers get a free digital copy every issue.

TRAVEL

THE SUGAR SHACK This fisherman-style cottage located in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster will ensnare your imagination with dreams of an almost impossible picture perfect holiday worthy of postcards. And the best part of it is that it is completely affordable. A two-minute walk from the beach, you can enjoy cocktails whilst relaxing in a hammock on the upstairs deck or have a braai on the spacious veranda which is sheltered from the weather. The kitchen is a dream fitted out with Le Creuset pots next to an open plan dining and sitting room. It has DSTV Premium, a DVD player, Wi-Fi, a large selection of board games and a roaring fireplace in the living area

that awaits those chilly romantic West Coast winter evenings. With traditional white walls, pretty candy pink shutters and Moroccan blue and white tiles on the stairs and in the outdoor olive garden shower, it is adorned with beautiful art and carefully chosen whitewashed furniture. A locally based housekeeper meets and greets guests on arrival and is on call for the duration of your stay. Sugar Shack can house 2-6 guests very comfortably with its three beautifully appointed double bedrooms (two with showers and one with a Victorian bath). It also has secure enclosed parking for two cars and an alarm and security beams around the property. All of this for just R3 000 a night for the whole cottage. An absolute dream. www.sugarshackcollection.com

DINING WITH THE FISH Europe’s first underwater restaurant is set to open in early 2019 in Lindesnes, in the south of Norway. The planned concrete structure features an 11-metre wide panoramic window and is designed to become part of the marine environment, with a menu that will focus on seafood. The restaurant called Under, was designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, famous for its work on the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet and the Bibliotheca Alexandria in Egypt. It will stand on the seabed five metres below the surface, with thick walls to withstand the variable sea conditions. Environmental considerations have guided the design, which is housed in a coarse concrete shell to invite mussels to cling on. Outside opening hours, the unit will double as a marine biology research centre. 16

BANGKOK VOTED BEST CITY DESTINATION IN ASIA PACIFIC Bangkok has been voted as the “Best City Destination in the Asia Pacific” for the third consecutive year by readers of DestinAsian magazine, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine. The cosmopolitan capital of Thailand was recognised “for its vibrant mixture of historic sites, cuisine and nightlife”. Bangkok is known the world over for its superb attractions, outstanding cuisine and gastronomical delights, excellent hospitality, friendly people, exemplary service standards, all at great value for money. Over the next few years, you will see even more positive changes and improvements in what is known as the “City of Life”.

This funky, eclectic 5 star hotel was fashioned from the old power station and has emerged as one of the most luxurious hotel and spa experiences in Knysna. The 26 individually decorated bedrooms and suites offer rich and stylish detail, while the two unique dining options cater to every taste. For the ultimate in pampering, visit our lavish spa. Book direct at www.turbinehotel.co.za for the best rates and specials. Tel:+27 (0)44 302 5746| E-mail: reservations@turbinehotel.co.za

This elegant country house hotel, nestled in the rolling hills of Dullstroom, is often blanketed in early morning mist, giving way to blue skies and spectacular sunsets. Unwind in its perfect blend of elegance and charm, and the understated service you would expect from this 5 star country house and spa. Selfcatering options available. Book direct at www.walkersons.co.za for best rates and specials. Tel:+27 (0)13 253 7000 | Cell: +27 (0)82 807 7507 | E-mail: reservations@walkersons.co.za

TRAVEL

IS THE FUTURE OF AIR TRAVEL CARGO HOLD CABINS?

HOT PILOT TO FOLLOW AROUND THE WORLD Isai Ortiz is a pilot for Delta Airlines and he has been catching all kinds of gay attention on Instagram recently. Ortiz regularly posts hot selfies of himself in and out of uniform, and often includes his just as cute boyfriend in them! He is a down-to-earth hottie standing at 1,92 meters tall with a body to die for. Originally from Puerto Rico he now lives in New York City. Follow him around the world as he carts passengers to their dream destinations. isaior

Soon people will be able to book cabins in the cargo holds of planes. Airbus, the European plane-maker, has struck a deal with a company called Zodiac Aerospace to develop sleeper modules that can be swapped out with regular cargo containers on specific flights. “This approach to commercial air travel is a step towards changed passenger comfort. We have already received very positive feedback from several airlines on our first mockups,” said Airbus cabin and cargo chief Geoff Pinner. The first planes to get this option, in 2020, will be Airbus’s A330s – airlines will be able to have their jets retrofitted with the modules, or buy new aircraft with them in place. Airbus is also looking at the possibility of fitting the system in its A350 XWB airliner. Quantas recently said it was considering using part of its cargo holds for sleeping berths to make its BrisbaneChigago route bearable. According to Agence FrancePresse, Air France-KLM also came up with a similar concept in late 2016 with the intention of offering more comfort to economy class passengers.

AIR FRANCE ADDS FIVE NEW MEDITERRANEAN DESTINATIONS For those of you wishing to escape the winter months in South Africa, Air France is adding Bari in Italy, Cagliari in Sardinia (Italy), Dubrovnik in Croatia, Ibiza in Spain, and Perpignan in France to its destinations for the European summer. These new destinations are in addition to a range of seasonal services that Air France offers as a response to its customers’ expectations and meeting them in the best possible way. The fewer trips made by business travellers in July and August enable the company to redeploy its aircrafts in European summer times. www.airfrance.com 18

INTERNATIONAL EVENTS JUNE

Düsseldorf 1-3 June. CSD Duesseldorf Orlando 1-4 June. One Magical Weekend Vienna 2 June. Lifeball Sao Paulo 3 June. Gay Pride Sao Paulo Key West 6-10 June. Key West PrideFest Washington D.C. 7-10 June. Capital Pride Tel Aviv 8 June. Tel Aviv Gay Pride New Orleans 8-10 June. Gay Pride New Orleans Zürich 8-17 June. CSD Zürich Shanghai 8-18 June. Shanghai Pride Athens 9 June. Athens Pride Rome 9 June. Gay Pride Rome Los Angeles 9-10 June. Los Angeles Pride Sitges 14-18 June. Gay Pride New York 15-24 June. NYC Gay Pride Vienna 16 June. Vienna Gay Pride New York 17 June. Folsom Street East Toronto 21-24 June. Prism Festival Dublin 21-30 June. Gay Pride Dublin Lisbon 23 June. Gay Pride Lisbon Chicago 23-24 June. Chicago Pride San Francisco 23-24 June. San Francisco Pride Minneapolis 23-24 June. Twin Cities Pride Barcelona 23-30 June. Gay Pride Barcelona Rio de Janeiro 24 June. Gay Pride Rio Helsinki 25 June - 1 July. Helsinki Pride Oslo 27-30 June. Oslo Gay Pride Paris 30 June. Gay Pride Paris

JULY

Madrid 5-8 July. Madrid Gay Pride / Orgullo Madrid Cologne 6-8 July. Cologne Gay Pride - CSD London 6-8 July. Gay Pride London Budapest 7-8 July. Budapest Gay Pride Provincetown 7-15 July. Bear Week Munich 7-15 July. CSD Munich London 8-15 July. Fetish Week London Barcelona 9-16 July. The Cruise by La Demence Stuttgart 13-29 July. CSD Stuttgart Luxembourg 14 July. GayMat Gay Pride Glasgow 14-15 July. Glasgow Pride San Diego 14-15 July. San Diego Pride Frankfurt 20-22 July. CSD Frankfurt Tilburg 23 July. Roze Maandag Berlin 27-29 July. Gay Pride Week / CSD Berlin Belfast 27 July - 5 August. Belfast Gay Pride Festival Hamburg 27 July - 5 August. Hamburg Pride Stockholm 27 July - 5 August. Stockholm Gay Pride Amsterdam 28-29 July. Milkshake Festival San Francisco 29 July. Up Your Alley

AUGUST

Amsterdam 3-5 August. Amsterdam Gay Pride Brighton 3-5 August. Brighton Gay Pride Rome 4-11 August. Atlantis Rome to Barcelona Gay Cruise Paris 4-12 August. Gay Games 2018 Vancouver 5 August. Vancouver Gay Pride 20

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ENVIRONMENT

A hempcrete house in Australia by Steffen Welsch Architects

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO HEMPCRETE COULD CHANGE INFLUENCE PRODUCTS THE WAY WE BUILD EVERYTHING By RYAN THOMAS How we react to the thought of a shopping trip can vary considerably between people but regardless of how we feel, it’s a necessary part of life. What we base our purchasing decisions on however, are not so set in stone; something retail is very much aware of. A sizeable amount of money is spent every year on understanding the complexity of what consumers want. Some consumers are willing to sacrifice more of their budget in favour of perceived high-quality goods, others prioritise price above all else (promos for the win), some are impulse spenders and others take an inordinate amount of time pondering a purchase before eventually relenting at the check-out. It is this decision-making behaviour that puts consumers in a very powerful position and dictates how a retailer approaches making a sale. From product sourcing to packaging, to price and store design, shoppers can influence it all. This influence can motivate retailers to be more conscious of the impact that operations and product procurement have on the environment. How, though, do you know whether the store you shop at thinks environmental sustainability is important or not? Visiting their website and looking for related policies or sustainability reports is a good start. Then there’s just simple observation. For example, look out for solar panels which show support for renewable energy, ask about their position on fur trade and sustainable seafood, check labelling to see whether they support local manufacturers and if the packaging is recyclable. When you shop, thinking about how your purchase will promote responsible and sustainable retail, which ultimately benefits you and your fellow shoppers. 22

Hempcrete is a building material that incorporates hemp into its mixture resulting in a versatile and hardy building material that is fireproof, waterproof, and rot-proof, provided it’s used aboveground. Derived from the shiv or inside stem of the hemp plant, it’s then mixed with a lime base binder to create the final, negative carbon footprint product. Hempcrete is much more versatile and pliable than concrete, making it an easier material to work with. In fact, earthquakes cannot crack these structures, as they are three times more resistant to damage than regular concrete. Hempcrete also requires less energy to produce, since lime doesn’t need to be heated to the same degree as industrial concrete. Because it contains cellulose, it also sequesters carbon. Strong, lightweight, and breathable, Hempcrete takes humidity from the external environment and holds it until it is ready to be released again when the air becomes dry. While lime takes longer to harden than concrete, since it contains cellulose, it is incredibly strong. Over time, the lime turns back into rock, so the material becomes harder and harder until it petrifies completely. Since hemp grows to maturity in just 14 weeks, it is a very powerful, cheap, and sustainable solution. Hemp also requires no fertiliser, weed killers, pesticides, or fungicides to grow, and can be used in nearly limitless capacities. Hemp seeds can be harvested as a nutritious food rich in Omega-3 oil, amino acids, protein, and fibre, while the outer fibres can be used for clothing, paper, and many other everyday items. This truly is a remarkable plant, and its use in the mainstream should be a no-brainer. From www.collective-evolution.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

THE 30-MINUTE IN-AND-OUT GYM Do you want to get in shape but there is just not enough time in your day? Tired of exercise gimmicks and programs that’s all just passing fads and trends? Well, there might be a solution for you. Known for its precision focus on efficiency, Ritual Gym has given thousands of timestarved working professionals in cities around the world just the workout they need and the first one in South Africa recently opened its doors in Illovo, Johannesburg (in the same building as our beloved gay bar, Babylon). Using proven techniques based on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Ritual Gym’s 30-minute workout concept was first tested and proven in one of the most densely populated cities in Asia – Singapore. Squeeze in a workout that is focussed on the concept of ‘Train. Shower. Refuel. Out’. Members aren’t even required to wear shoes, as the floors are shock absorbent. Gym clothes, shower accessories and towels are all provided. A smoothie bar is on site to provide quick and nutritious refuels on the way out. Only ten clients can train at a time and you can book your session two days or two minutes before your workout on the Ritual app. To sign up or book a trial session at this unique boutique gym visit www.ritualgym.com/en-gb/trial/za.

6WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NIGHT

IT’S TOTALLY OKAY TO WEAR MAKE-UP More makeup options for men signal that beauty norms are changing. Brands such as CoverGirl, Rimmel and MAC have put men at the centre of their marketing materials, and cult favourite brand Milk blurred the lines with its genderfluid approach to beauty. But we’re not totally there yet. It’s still seen as a little out of the ordinary for guys to use concealer or foundation to hide a blemish or two, likely because makeup is largely marketed to women. Men are hopping on the makeup bandwagon because it lets you put your best face forward. It can give you selfconfidence if you have an important event. It can correct an issue or enhance features in your face – but also promotes overall awareness to taking care of your skin at any age. The desire for men’s products is there, but the shift toward total acceptance isn’t going to happen overnight. Men don’t want to walk down the street with red blotches and blemishes on their face, and if they can get rid of it without anyone knowing that they have a blemish or that they’ve covered it, wouldn’t that be the ultimate goal? It can be a real confidence-booster if used with a light touch. 1. Get a better night’s sleep. At least eight hours, and try avoid sleeping on your face as this will reduce puffiness and swelling. To do this properly, no caffeine after 15h00 and drink at least six glasses of water every day. 2. Wash your face before you go to bed. If you wear any kind of product you can benefit from a double cleanse using an oil-based cleanser to get rid of sweat and product and then a face wash for the oily residue. 3. Use a night-time skincare product. This is probably the longest time a product stays on your face and the slight increase in body temperature at night can help with absorption. 4. If you wake up with a puffy or sluggish face you should wake up your skin with icy water. Take your shower and shave, and when you are done turn the faucet to cold and splash away to shrink your pores and avoid ingrown hairs. 5. Night time skincare can leave your skin sensitive, so be sure to use at least a 15 or 30SPF day moisturiser. 6. Hydrate around your eyes. A hyaluronic acid-based eye cream is best, the hydrogen offers immediate softening.

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PET NEWS

PROPER HEALTHY FOODIE FOODS FOR DOGS As the gap between pet and human food is growing smaller, discerning pet owners have begun to evaluate their dogs’ nutrition as closely as their own. The high-end pet food retail landscape has entered the age of humanisation, with customers placing increasing significance on the quality of their dog’s food. To meet their needs, Field + Forest, produced by Montego Pet Nutrition, is a new elite range of grain-free nutrition for dogs, crafted in smallbatch recipes and containing wholesome ingredients like butternut, oranges, chickpeas, cranberries, peas, carrots and apples. The new formulation is comprised of 60% highquality animal proteins and nutrient-rich meats, 40% fruit,

vegetables, herbs, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains no added grains or poultry by-products. Now dog lovers can provide their pets with meals that replicate the natural ancestral diets they were born to eat. With all ingredients steam-cooked in their own natural juices, and with no added water, Field + Forest has produced something special – a product fit for man’s best friend. Suitable for all ages and breeds, the range is available in three primary flavours: Turkey + Duck, Game + Lamb, and Salmon + Tuna. This trio comes in pack sizes of 2kg (R210 per bag), 7kg (R600 per bag) and 12 kg (available soon). www.fieldandforest.co.za

BABY-SPEAK AND DOGS Dog dads out there who speak to their dogs in cutesy baby voices can finally say that it isn’t just because they are weirdos. There is some science behind it, Huffpost Pets recently reported. Researchers at York University in the UK wanted to test whether using “dog-directed” high-pitched speech facilitates understanding for dogs. The researchers did a series of speech tests with 69 adult dogs in which the doggos listened to one person using high-pitched, dog-directed speech containing phrases such as “You’re a good dog” and “Shall we go for a walk?” Another person used adult-directed speech with no dog-related content (like “I went to the movies last night”). Researchers observed the dogs’ levels of attention during the speeches, and then prompted them to choose which speaker they wanted to play with. The speakers then mixed dog-directed speech with non-dog-related words and adult-directed speech with dog-related words, to determine if it was the high-pitched emotional tone or the words themselves dogs were attracted to. In the end, the scientists found that dogs were more likely to engage with the speaker who had used both dog-directed speech and dog-related content. 26

RADEMENESA THE HEALING CAT Animals don’t like going to the vet, but one Polish rescue cat is making the experience much better for sick animals recovering at the vet by providing comfort and companionship. Rademenesa is a black cat that was diagnosed with an inflamed respiratory tract when he was 2 months old. Veterinarian Lucyna Kuziel-Zawalich nursed the cat back to health before adopting him. Now, Rademenesa works as Kuziel-Zawalich’s assistant at the shelter in Bydgoszcz, where he has a very important role. The small black cat does everything in his power to make his fellow animals feel comfortable while they are undergoing treatment. He cuddles other felines who are recovering from treatment and even snuggles next to canine patients at the shelter. Rademenesa’s small acts of kindness bring joy to the other animals at the shelter and the affectionate feline has become an important part of the office staff. And while Rademenesa might not have any technical veterinary skills, he definitely has the ability to heal sick pets.

LOCAL TOPICS

PROTEST RAISING THE DRINKING AGE We are supposed to be a free society, where we can dress as women if we want, and have a damn drink if we want! Raising the drinking age from 18 to 21 is a ridiculous and condescending move on the part of our government, yet they seem intent on steaming ahead with the Liquor Amendment Bill, the Free Market Foundation reports. All of us should resist this tyrannical law from coming to fruition, as it will be taking away the rights of individuals who are deemed mature enough to vote, marry, choose their own careers, and enter into contracts. If passed, alcohol might only be advertised between 10 PM and 6 AM in addition to raising the legal drinking age. Trade and industry minister Rob Davies has argued that the human brain only fully develops in the mid-twenties. To which Temba Nolutshungu from the FMF said, “Why doesn’t he apply this reasoning to people joining the army or people getting married at the age of 18? He has to be consistent. It just doesn’t make sense.” Besides these issues, this law would only force those aged between 18 to 21 to drink in secret and in uncontrolled environments. The fact of the matter is that it will just be ignored, as it is in other parts of the world, and it will become a needless leech on the taxpaying wallet of South Africa. Twinks should also be allowed to have a good time.

BIANCA DEL RIO IN SA Who the best of the best is from Rupaul’s Drag Race is a contentious issue amongst the gay community, but if anyone tries denying that Bianca Del Rio is way at the top of the heap, they are sorely mistaken. And she is coming to see her fans right here in South Africa. When it comes to insult comics, Bianca is in a class of her own. Fierce, funny, and fabulous – a would-be love child sired by John Waters and birthed by Joan Rivers – Bianca sandblasted her name in the annals of pop culture on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Thanks to her snarky frankness, impeccable comedic timing, and politically incorrect humour, she became the show’s breakout star, winning its sixth season. In Blame It On Bianca Del Rio, Bianca shares her opinions loudly and proudly, offering raucous, hilarious, no-holdsbarred commentary on the everyday annoyances, big and small, that colour her world, and make it a living, albeit amusing, hell for anyone who inhabits it. A collection of biting advice from Bianca’s twisted universe, Blame It On Bianca Del Rio will shock you and keep you laughing. But be warned: it is not for the faint of heart! Performances on 10 August at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town and at The Teatro at Montecasino on 11 August. Better get those tickets because they won’t be hanging around waiting for you!

YOUNG HEROES TACKLING CYBERBULLYING

South Africa has the fourth highest rate of cyberbullying in the world, with 24% of teens experiencing it in some form, and what’s more, gay teens experience nearly three times the harassment online. This according to a global study by Mental Health America. Results found that cyberbullying made teens feel depressed and helpless with some even experiencing suicidal thoughts. With gay youth being more than twice as likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol to cope with stress, two and a half times more likely to harm themselves and three times more likely to attempt suicide, the potential impacts on them are so much more severe. Riaan Norval is the project manager for Young Heroes – a campaign run by Anova Health Institute and funded by the Elton John Aids Foundation that aims to empower adolescent youth, especially young gay and bisexual men, by equipping them with information, safe spaces, resources and a supportive community. The project also ensures they have access to healthcare, including mental health support. Find out more at www.youngheroes.co.za

KEEP THE RAINBOWS, GIVE US REPRESENTATION By WOUTER LOMBARD Internationally, brands like Banana Republic and Tiffany has successfully featured same sex couples and gay audiences in their advertising as part of an attempt to be more inclusive. And yet South Africa, famed for our diversity, continues to represent homosexuals either as clichés or stereotypes. This has to change. Marketing budgets need to work extra hard these days. And the gay audience is very much a niche market. Put these two facts together, and it’s understandable why so few brands have created advertising specifically targeting it. That’s fine. I don’t expect brands to reach out to every single market segment – funds simply don’t allow. What’s not fine, though, is that our ‘normal’, mainstream media is noteworthy for its lack of inclusivity. This means that gay people – especially young gay people – seldom (if ever) see anyone whom they can identify with, either on screen, on radio or in print. Apart from further isolating young people struggling with issues of identity, it also skews heterosexuals’ view of what it means to be gay, because they have very few references – and that only further fuels the stigmas. One of the problems here is that big brands want to play it safe. They’ll avoid anything contentious, in case it alienates their audience. In this instance, it means keeping the gay community out of advertising. And, when they do include us, they often do so in a way that isn’t quite appropriate. Gays and lesbians are either stereotyped (think of the flamboyantly camp Harold of the Netflorist campaign), or used as comic relief – or, the attempt at normalisation gets

A Banana Republic ad campaign including a gay couple

buried under hype (remember how 7de Laan’s onscreen gay kiss in 2017 actually made headlines?) Most often, it’s treated as niche advertising for a niche market, appearing only in niche media – such as gay publications. Or, most egregious of all, the gay and lesbian characters included in advertising have little going for them besides their sexuality – it’s as if they have no purpose besides, well, being gay. So, what needs to change? For a start, it would be great if a big brand with a big budget stepped forward to show the rest how it should be done. As for how it should be done: the answer is, with authenticity. I don’t simply want ‘gay ads’ aimed at me because I am gay. I don’t want everyday products repackaged with a big gay bow just so that they can appeal to my ‘pink rand’. And I don’t want to have to seek out gay publications or go to gay events in order to find messaging that appeals to me or see other people who are like me. Instead, I want advertisers to recognise that being gay is the least interesting thing about me. I want normal ads, which just so happen to feature gay people. Advertisers are losing out on a chance to tap into real, powerful insights about the community. Ideally, we would see greater representation throughout all media, not just in advertising – especially in a country as diverse as South Africa. So, let’s start the conversation. Let’s throw away those stereotypes – and start creating content that displays society in all its real, diverse glory. After all, it’s our diversity that lies behind the magic that is the Rainbow Nation. So let’s not forget the rainblow flag either.

GAUTV’s GAY PROGRAMME TO HELP GAY PEOPLE COME OUT TO THEIR FAMILIES I Was In The Closet, a gay focussed programme chronicling people’s coming out stories on DSTV channel 265 will be around for another season. The show allows the audience to experience this wholesome approach both as religious and spiritual members of the gay community. I Was In The Closet season two will see Reverend Dr. Tebo Moema more on the ground in communities assisting members of the gay community who wish to come out to their parents, family and loved ones. As such, members from the gay community who would like to come out to their family members – either to their parents or sibling/s – are invited to email their contact details through to ngwako@gautv.co.za. 29

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Vatican City, Italy

POPE FRANCIS TELLS A MAN THAT GOD MADE HIM GAY Entertainment

‘BLOOM’ ABOUT BOTTOMING? The prince of gay pop Troye Sivan just keeps growing in his artistic expression on generally sensitive gay content. His phenomenal success globally has not been slowed down by the fact that he is openly gay, sings about his gay love affairs, casts porn stars in his music videos and now, not even by the fact that his new single Bloom (the second release from his upcoming album) is about the experience of bottoming. Sivan hinted at the true meaning of the lyrics in an interview and when asked by Dazed about this he shyly replied “It’s 100 percent about flowers! Call it whatever you wanna call it. I wanna play that song at every Pride. There’s almost a radicalism in just truth, you know?” The lyrics in question include: “It’s true, babe / I’ve been saving this for you / Promise me you’ll hold my hand if I get scared now / Might tell you to take a second baby slow it down / You should know I bloom, I bloom just for you.” Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO, with uniform models

Juan Carlos Cruz, a Chilean who was sexually abused by a Catholic priest, met with the Pope. He said that his sexual orientation came up in the conversation because some bishops in Chile had said he was a pervert who was lying about the abuse. “He told me, ‘Juan Carlos, that you are gay does not matter,’” Cruz said. “‘God made you like this and loves you like this and I don’t care. The Pope loves you like this. You have to be happy with who you are.’” The Catholic Church has no official stance on the origin of homosexuality, so the comments don’t represent a change in doctrine. The remarks show, though, that the Pope doesn’t believe that people choose to be gay. On the other hand, the Catholic Church does not consider homosexuality sinful as long as it’s not acted upon. However, active homosexuality is considered to be “an intrinsic moral evil”. Christopher Lamb, Vatican correspondent for The Tablet the said that the Pope’s remarks to Cruz go “beyond ‘who am I to judge?’ to ‘you are loved by God.’” A spokesperson for the Vatican did not comment on the conversation Cruz had with the Pope.

Australia QANTAS ISSUES GUIDANCE TO STAFF FOR USING GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE The airline’s People and Culture Group reportedly sent employees an information pack regarding appropriate use of gendered language. It advised staff to drop terms such as husband and wife in favour of partner and spouse. ‘Parents’ will be used instead of ‘mother’ and ‘father’ to ensure inclusivity on flights. The language is not only to create a safe space for fliers but also for employees who may identify as LGBTQ+. A spokesperson for the company said that they have a “long and proud history of promoting inclusion among our people, our customers and society. We want Qantas to be an inclusive workplace,” the spokesperson said. The same information pack was reportedly distributed to 150 companies in the country.

Brazil TRANS STUDY REVEALS NEW TRUTHS Researchers at the University of São Paolo’s Medical School have compared the brains of trans and cisgender adults and discovered that they are significantly different. In the study, it was found that the insula – a region in the brain – had a distinct volume depending on whether it was in the brain of a trans or cis subject. The insula plays an important role in people’s body image, self-awareness and empathy. Giancarlo Spizzirri, first author of the study – which was published in Scientific Reports – said that the result led them to believe that people are already trans in the womb. “We found that trans people have characteristics that bring them closer to the gender with which they identify, and their brains have particularities, suggesting that the differences begin to occur during gestation,” he said in a statement. Carmita Abdo emphasised that the study showed being trans was not a product of society. “The evidence is building that it’s not a matter of ideology. Our own research based on MRI scans points to a detectable structural basis.”

USA LAUNCH OF THE “FIRST GENDER-FREE STORE IN THE WORLD” The new store in Noho is stocked full of apparel, accessories, shoes, cosmetics, beauty products and gifts. However, there’s one thing it doesn’t have: gender distinctions. The Phluid Project calls itself “the first gender-free store in the world” and is part retail, part community space and part Instagram-friendly immersive experience. Its own label accounts for about half of the offerings, with the rest rounded out by a curated selection of brands with gender-free products. “The Phluid Project exists to empower individuals to be themselves. To express themselves openly, without judgement or fear. We aspire to challenge ideas of the past, so that we can clear the path for a bright, beautiful future,” their website states proudly. The store, located at 684 Broadway, sells items ranging from $35 to $500 and has a coffee and juice bar for community events and socialising. www.thephluidproject.com

France

GAY GAMES TO BE HELD IN PARIS Since 1982, the Gay Games have brought together people from all over the world, with diversity, respect, equality, solidarity and sharing. With sport a common theme for inclusion, the Gay Games are open to all, young or old, athlete or artist, experienced or novice, gay or straight. This year, will see the games take place in Paris in August and nearly 7 500 participants have already signed up. More than 80 countries will be represented, celebrating diversity around sport, cultural exchange, and having plenty of fun! The organisation was created in 2012 by the gay and lesbian sports federation and thirty sports associations. It is also recognised by the local sports department (DDCS). www.paris2018.com 31

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United Kingdom SIR ELTON JOHN MET WITH SENIOR RUSSIAN OFFICIALS TO PRESS THEM ON LGBT RIGHTS The singer made the revelation to the New York Daily News at a gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The veteran singer opened up about his engagement with the Kremlin to speak about HIV/AIDS and raise concerns about the country’s anti-LGBT ‘gay propaganda’ law. He said: “We met with the Russian health minister in Moscow in December, and it is all about taking just a little step at a time.” Sir Elton added he still hoped for a meeting with Putin himself, saying: “I am just a pop star, but I have a foundation and he is a president.” The Rocket Man singer previously

spoke on the phone with Putin, after a hoax incident in which pranksters called him pretending to be the Russian leader. Of the call with the real Putin, Sir Elton said: “[Putin] phoned me up and I know they want dialogue, but it is one foot at a time.” Russia has taken a distinct turn against LGBT rights in the past decade, with Vladimir Putin, the Russian Orthodox Church and nationalist vigilantes forming an ‘unholy trinity’ of oppression for gay people. Putin signed a ‘gay propaganda’ law in 2013 outlawing “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships”.

United Kingdom & Australia

CANNES FILM FEST GAYER THAN EVER BEFORE If you know movies at all you will know that the Cannes Film Festival is legendary and that it debuts the most anticipated films each year. But in a gay (as in happy) turn of events this year it has gone heavy on the homo themes. A record-smashing fourteen gay themed films, twice last year’s tally, showed at this year’s festival, just one year after the AIDS drama BPM won the Palm d’Or, the festival’s highest honour. Cannes has long welcomed queer cinema among its official selections, but in recent years, the festival has taken steps to court more films featuring gay themes. 2010 saw the festival introduce the so-called “Queer Palm,” a special prize awarded to movies of the gay genre. This year’s selections represent the growth of gay cinema on a worldwide scale, with the movies coming from nations as varied as Argentina, Kenya, Sweden and South Africa. 32

Australia FIRST GAY MARRIAGE CUT SHORT DUE TO TERMINAL ILLNESS Unbeknownst to a series of couples who were married at midnight when Australia’s same-sex marriage bill was passed, Jill Kindt and Jo Grant were granted a special license to get married just six days after marital registrations came into effect. This was due to the fact that Grant was suffering from a rare form of terminal cancer. “I am honoured to reveal today that on December the 15th last year, despite what you may have seen reported in the media, Australia’s first same-sex marriage was in fact actually held in Queensland.” said Queensland’s state Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath. Married among friends in their own back garden in Queensland, the pair celebrated 48 days together before Grant sadly passed away on 30 January, 2018.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS USA

GAY ADULT FILM STAR JAILED FOR MARIJUANA TRADE Chris Bines has been sentenced for just under five years in prison for selling $3,5million worth of marijuana in Florida. As Bines, he was an exclusive model for Falcon Studios and appeared in several scenes with Randy Blue and Men.com. Legal name Steven Sholly, he was one of several that was part of the felony conspiracy. The courts found Sholly shipped packages from California to Florida. Sholly then sold the marijuana in Florida with the assistance of others. The cash was then laundered through bank accounts, and later mailed to addresses in California. Sholly was ordered to self-surrender by 21 May and begin his near five-year sentence. On his release in 2023, he will be on supervised release for another three years.

Brazil

NETFLIX SHUTS DOWN HOMOPHOBE POLITICIAN If you stream your entertainment content from the internet you no doubt have Netflix, and no doubt know that Netflix is very progressive with their gay representation in both originals and licenced programs. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the streaming giant told a homophobic politician off on Twitter in the most hilarious way. Flavio Bolsonaro is a businessman and conservative politician from Rio de Janeiro. He tweeted that Netflix was interested in producing a movie about his father, Jair Bolsonaro. Jair Bolsonaro is currently running for president on an uberconservative platform and is a major homophobe. So his 36-year-old son, also a major homophobe, tweeted: “If the left is terrified by the ‘mechanism’ series, imagine if they knew that @NetflixBrasil might be interested in doing a series on Bolsonaro.” Netflix Brasil replied to the tweet saying, “Você está louca, querida”. This roughly translates to “You’re crazy, hun!” The word “querida” was used specifically in the feminine form to enhance the insult, as gay men address each other in this sarcastic/funny way. 34

Internet

EROTICA WITH AUTHENTIC EMOTION Prominent gay YouTuber Davey Wavey says the erotica we have been watching all our lives isn’t good enough, and seeing as it is one of the only places gay men learn about sex with other men, it misses the mark by a long shot. He has recently started up a project that portrays more authentic emotion and communication into sex scenes for gay men to watch. The response has been overwhelming with most of his research pointing towards audiences wanting more of this kind of content. It talks about consent, self-expression, exploration and really knowing your partner. “The mission of Himeros.tv is to enhance gay men’s experience of sex and sexuality through sexual exploration, connection, and ecstasy,” he said. www.himeros.tv

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DÉCOR | By Jean-Pierre de la Chaumette

KEEP IT COZY …AND LOCAL

Do winter like a Northman! As temperatures cool down, Jean-Pierre scours the local décor scene for some cozy style finds that will warm your heart. To the shops, my Viking stylistas! a gorgeous glow to dull wintery indoors with this copper 1 Add light by décor and design luminary Liam Mooney. Perfect for your home office or a bedside table. Turn on summer with a flick of a switch. Retails at R5 500. www.liammooney.co.za

modern take on a wingback is the perfect perch when 2 This things are chilly. Called the ‘Take A Line For A Walk’ chair, it’s designed by Alfredo Haberli, and retails for R51 870. www.truedesign.co.za

like a handwoven rug to add some warmth 3 Nothing underfoot. This one is available in customisable sizes, colours and designs. We love that it’s made from natural fibres and woven locally. Cotton rugs start at R1 900 per square, with mohair from R7 000 per square. www.coralandhive.com

19 offers a wide selection of must-have furniture and 4 Studio décor items. We’re especially keen on their sexy combination

of dark hues, fur, leather and metallics. Here is their Y-server and Shady Butler table lamp, R6 750 and R7 100 respectively. www.studio19.co

3 4

DECORATIVE ANTIQUES, CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE & ACCESSORy STORE ANTIQUES COST MUCH THE SAME AS NEW UPMARKET FURNITURE AND INCREASE IN VALUE

Over 5000 gorgeous items to choose from

FASHION

LUXURIOUS FASHION

IMITATING NATURE

ANTONY MORATO

Coat: R5 490 Shirt: R1 790 Pants: R2 690 Shoes: R3 990

Coat: R9 990 Sweater: R2 690 Pants: R2 490 Shoes: R4 790

Nature in its purest form â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Earth, Water, Fire, and Air were the four elements that inspired and brought the Antony Morato Autumn Winter collection to life. The use of black is inspired by the contrast between Earth and Man. A contrast which becomes the heart of a metropolitan design, which combines military style with glamorous touches, fur inserts and embroidery with woollen threads. Jackets in damask fabrics with satin reverse reinterpret the informal jacket. Shades of the North Sea water, blues and greys that imitate cold and humid conditions. Minimal details and contrasting inserts enrich a style based on rigorous cuts, where the immaterial graphics come through the overlapping of urban and natural elements, like metropolitan scenes, sectioned minerals and the braiding of branches. Antony Morato stores are located in Mall of Africa and Sandton City. Find them on Facebook and Instagram @antonymoratosa.

Belt 1: R1 390 Belt 2: R1 190

Jacket: R4 590

Jacket: R3 990

Coat: R5 990 Sweater: R4 190

TECH & TRENDS

| By Kevin du Plessis

EMBALM YOUR BRAIN FOR FUTURE IMMORTALITY

e have seen the dream in many sci-fi series and movies and we have read about what would be the ultimate breakthrough in preserving human consciousness: by uploading it to a computer. A new startup called Nectome wants to make this a reality for people who are alive today even though the technology has not been invented yet. Their premise is to preserve brains in microscopic detail using what MIT Review describes as a “high-tech embalming process”. This involves a process called vitrifixation, also known as aldehyde-stabilised cryopreservation. The team behind the project won the Brain Preservation Prize (which is totally a real thing) for preserving a complete rabbit connectome, a complete map of all the neural connections in the brain. This process has also been carried out on larger brains, including the first human brain this past February.

So how does it work? Basically, you can pay Nectome to carry out its brain embalming process after your death which requires a deposit of $10 000. It is refundable, if you have a change of mind before your death. They cannot guarantee immortality, but their website does suggest that mind uploading is the ultimate goal if the technology is ever perfected. “Our mission is to preserve your brain well enough to keep all its memories intact: from that great chapter of your favorite book to the feeling of cold winter air, baking an apple pie, or having dinner with your friends and family,” the company writes. “We believe that within the current century it will be feasible to digitise this information and use it to recreate your consciousness.” So far they have received over $2 million in funding. www.nectome.com

REMEMBER THE NOKIA 3310? Well, forget it, because this is the Nokia 8 Sirocco. An ultra-compact powerhouse smartphone that takes creative storytelling to a whole new level. Delivering powerful storytelling features including enhanced DualSight, ZEISS optics (which is amazing) and carefully tuned acoustics with Nokia spatial audio. It is definitely Nokia’s most beautiful smartphone. The Sirocco’s premium curved glass covers 95% of the phone and seamlessly meets a frame precision milled from a single piece of stainless steel. The Nokia 8 Sirocco comes with pure, secure and up-to-date Android One for more storage space and battery life out of the box and the latest Android innovations to stay ahead of the game. Retailing from R499.00/month for 24 months on Post-Paid Operator deals.

Imagine you’re at a concert, or in a crowd and want to find your friends. Or you need to give someone your precise address for a delivery. Or you are in a foreign country and need to find your way. You can do all that with just three words. This handy geocoding system has divided the globe in 57 trillion 3x3 meter squares and the unique three-word address makes it so much handier than GPS coordinates and much easier to remember. What3Words is used by corporations from Mercedes, to Mongol Post and will also be used for drone deliveries. The best thing is that the app works even when you don’t have a data connection and it is available for free download. Whilst you can’t yet type a 3 word address straight into Google Maps, you can find a 3 word address in the what3words app and then import that destination straight into Google Maps to get directions. Keep an eye on this innovation because it will be everywhere soon! www.what3words.com

1000 NOTEBOOKS IN YOUR POCKET Some of us are slightly traditionalist when it comes to putting pen to paper. We love to write our ideas down or sketch them out while on the go, because inspiration can come at any time and if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pen it, it gets lost. But then again notebooks get full, you have trouble finding a lost page, and who wants to use a stylus and sketch on a phone screen? It is just not the same. Indiegogo has come up with the perfect solution, the Rocketbook Everlast Mini. It is an endlessly reusable, cloud connected, pen and paper notebook that fits in your pocket! It feels like a traditional notebook and you even use a real pen. The Pilot Frixion line of pens are specially engineered to work with the special paper of the Everlast Mini pages, so you write on them endlessly without

smudging or any whiteboard weirdness, but add a little water and you can erase all the ink from a page instantly. This brilliant, sustainable and forever reusable product works with the Rocketbook App which allows you to scan the page which has a very small QR code in the bottom left corner, the scan enhances the page and you just pick which cloud server from Dropbox to Google Drive (or any other facility) you wish to upload it to. It is instantly available on all your devices and you can erase the original from the page without losing a thing. A must for all creatives and forward thinkers! The cost of five Rocketbook Everlast Minis is US$70 plus shipping and the App is available for free. www.indiegogo.com

BEOSOUND MOMENT WILL LEARN EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC TASTES Bang & Olufsen is a trusted brand in sound and music products, and it feels like with every new product they just keep getting better. Introducing the new Beosound Moment. It is an intelligent, wireless music system that organises your digital tracks, radio and streaming services. The product itself is gorgeous just to look at, with two interactive sides, you can hide the refined aluminium full screen and just use a pure wooden touch sensitive panel that still allows you to skip tracks, add to your favourites, adjust volume and more. But of course, it is in the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intelligence that the magic really lies. Searching for music, moods and sounds is always a simple intuitive swipe away and then as you progress by using it more and more Moment will learn the way your moods work, on which days and times you would prefer which sounds using the innovative PatternPlay function. It also has an impressive MoodWheel which works with colours and a ring system, where you just plot where you feel your mood is at on the wheel, and an appropriate playlist pops up! It is the perfect companion to your speakers. www.bang-olufsen.com

CAR NEWS

| By Rubin van Niekerk

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

xcellence is celebrated with numerous prestigious awards bestowed on the new Volvo XC60 midsize SUV that has also just been named World Car of The Year 2018 at the New York Auto Show, which is a first for Volvo. Earlier this year it received the highly esteemed North American Utility of the Year Award, while the slightly smaller XC40 won the European Car of the Year award at the Geneva Motor Show. One of the safest cars ever made, it is fully-loaded with new technology and is the fourth model based on Volvo’s SPA platform. Steer Assist has been added to the groundbreaking City Safety System. A new safety system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation uses Steer Assist to help mitigate head-on collisions, while Volvo’s Blind Spot Indication System now uses Steer Assist functionality to reduce the risk of lane-changing collisions. An optional Pilot Assist semiautonomous driver assistance system controls acceleration and braking on well-marked roads up to 130km/h. The flagship T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid delivers 300kW and reaches 0-100km/h in just 5,3 seconds. Locally, Volvo has launched with the D4, T5 and T6. The T8 will follow, but at this stage there’s no fixed introduction date. A CleanZone four-zone climate system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside. Infotainment and connected services offer Sensus Connect, and the Volvo On Call app, both having received a graphical update with improved usability. Care by Volvo and the Volvo on Call App go hand-in-hand. The App, which provides access to the full Volvo on Call service, will be introduced next year. In the meantime, rest assured you’ll still get award winning cars, guaranteed buy-back, tailor-made finance and rental. Volvo Versatility Finance is the new guaranteed future value finance product available through Volvo Car Financial Services, on any new Volvo car and also offers a new Volvo-

XC60

personalised insurance scheme with highly-competitive insurance premiums. It presents best-in-class guaranteed future values which enhances the Volvo ownership experience by guaranteeing buyback at a predetermined value and within limited mileage after three years of ownership. Volvo Versatility Finance also makes it easier for Volvo owners to ‘always drive new’, allowing you to buy their existing Volvo outright, or simply to return it. “We want to be able to present existing and potential new Volvo buyers with a simplified, more modern and more cost-effective financial option, over and above traditional finance agreements,” says Greg Maruszewski, Volvo Car South Africa Managing Director. A new ‘Care by Volvo’ subscription service will make having a car as transparent, easy and hassle-free as having a mobile phone with a national, ready-negotiated monthly fee, combined with getting a new car every 24 months. The Care by Volvo business model and related services are under scrutiny for local introduction and the aim is to have it available within the next year. This premium subscription differs from existing lease offers in a number of important ways. Care by Volvo offers a convenient package of services allowing customers to enjoy their car whilst Volvo Cars handles everything else. Private leasing is an entry-level offer without any additional services included in the price, while even full service leasing covers only parts of the services available in Care by Volvo. For example, none of the digital services to be offered via Care by Volvo are currently part of existing leasing packages. Care by Volvo encompasses flexibility and customers can switch cars temporarily depending on their needs, while removing the practice of price negotiations. Customer research shows that this is one of the elements of the carbuying process that customers dislike the most. Care by Volvo has no customer geographical or age-related price differences.

“ONE OF THE SAFEST CARS EVER MADE”

The Volvo brand is synonymous with the best in Swedish design and was established in 1927. Volvo’s superb safety features are an added plus, while the combination of beautiful, luxurious design with class-leading technology and value for money makes the compact crossover XC60 the intelligent choice. Environmentally conscious buyers will be pleased with its fuel efficiency, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain is not availeble locally yet. The incomparable XC60 offers incredible value and engagement and the same kind of quality that has made the XC90 so successful.

Rent a Volvo V40 or V40 Cross Country starting from only R8 500 p.m.* for 24 months. Offers for 6 and 12 months also available.* Rental offer includes: - 20 000 km p.a. pro rata (excludes fuel). - Tracker and 24/7 roadside assistance. - Comprehensive insurance. - All maintenance costs inline with the Volvo 5 years maintenance plan. - Tyres subject to reasonable wear and tear. www.volvocars.com/za/cars/offers/v40-rental-scheme

‘BUILT BY US. DRIVEN BY THE WORLD’ A new chapter in South Africa’s automotive story has begun as BMW Group South Africa started production of the new BMW X3 at its Rosslyn plant. With customer vehicles now rolling off the line, BMW Group once again demonstrates its commitment to its operations in South Africa. In 2015, BMW Group announced a R6-billion investment into South Africa in order to prepare BMW Group Plant Rosslyn for the BMW X3 production. This is the culmination of three years of hard work and planning resulting in production starting on time in Rosslyn.

The Rosslyn plant was the first plant built by the BMW Group outside of Germany. The plant built the BMW 3 Series for 35 years, manufacturing a total of 1 191 604 units during the period, and increasing production with every model. With a planned maximum capacity of 71 000 units of the BMW X3, which was later increased (with an additional R160-million investment) to 76 000, BMW Group Plant Rosslyn has the opportunity to flexibly match volumes to demand, and to build more cars than ever before. www.bmw.co.za

CAR NEWS

| By Rubin van Niekerk

MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD

The Range Rover Velar has been judged the most beautifully designed vehicle on the planet, winning the World Car Design of the Year title at the 2018 World Car Awards. The distinctive design of the Range Rover Velar features perfectly optimised proportions and a stunning silhouette. Its super-slim Matrix Laser-LED headlights, flush deployable door handles, and sleek Touch Pro Duo infotainment are all hallmarks of Range Rover’s reductionist design philosophy. www.landrover.co.za

TOYOTA AND LEXUS VEHICLES WILL ADD AMAZON ALEXA THIS YEAR

LAND ROVER ANNOUNCES 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Toyota is the latest automaker to adopt Amazon’s Alexa in its vehicles, announcing a partnership that enables the assistant to work with its newest infotainment platforms. Vehicles with the Entune 3,0 infotainment system, and Lexus models with the Enform 2,0 system, will start to get Alexa capabilities this year. The automaker did not announce in its release which specific models would get it, but Entune 3,0 debuted last year on the 2018 Toyota Camry. The automaker said more models would be compatible with Alexa in 2019. With the Toyota and Lexus systems, Alexa’s skills for smart homes – as well as directions and media controls – will be enabled through the infotainment system. That’s a departure from some automakers using voice assistants that perform limited vehicle functions to control lights, locks, and engine starting. Panasonic has announced Alexa and Google Assistant capabilities for future infotainment systems it makes for automakers, while Kia said a handful of its 2018 models would get some Google Assistant capabilities. And Google itself said its assistant is coming to Android Auto. www.toyota.co.za | www.lexus.co.za

After 70 years of all-terrain adventures and global expeditions, Land Rover has once again taken the Defender to new heights. Stretching over 250 metres, the most remote Defender outline was imprinted on the side of a mountain in the French Alps. The unique snow art was created to announce World Land Rover Day on 30 April, exactly 70 years since the original Land Rover was first shown to the world at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show. The unique image is a tribute to the moment when the engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the shape for the original Land Rover in the sand of Red Wharf Bay and proposed the idea to his brother Spencer, Rover’s managing director. The forward-thinking design was christened the “Land Rover”, the outline of which we now recognise as the Defender. Snow artist Simon Beck, who specialises in creating geometric outlines on foot, braved sub-zero temperatures to start the celebrations by creating the Defender outline 2 700 meters up at La Plagne in the French Alps. To produce the high-altitude Defender outline, Beck walked 20 894 steps and 16,5km through the French Alps. www.landrover.com

GRAND CHEROKEE SRT WINS AUTO BILD SPORTS CARS READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

PHASING OUT OF PETROL AND DIESEL VEHICLES ON THE CARDS

The high performance Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has been honoured by readers of the influential German magazine Auto Bild Sports Cars. The powerful Jeep model scooped the readers’ choice award for best import in the Vans and SUV category. This is the first time the famously knowledgeable readers of the magazine have chosen a Jeep model as a winner, underlining the huge appeal of the sports inspired premium SUV. The 2017 edition of the awards saw a total of 110 models compete across 15 categories. Among the standout features that saw the Grand Cherokee SRT win its category, was its 6,4-litre HEMI V8 naturally-aspirated engine. Generating 344kW of power and an impressive torque of 624Nm at just 4100rpm without turbocharging from its hemispherical combustion chambers, it’s considered one of the last high-performance naturally-aspirated engines. Available locally with a full line-up of 5 trim levels and the new Trackhawk, the Grand Cherokee has sold more than 6 million units worldwide since its introduction twenty-five years ago, which is an exceptional lifespan. www.jeep.co.za

Britain has announced plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by the year 2040. The plan follows a similar move in France, and it will invest £1 billion towards promoting low-emissions cars, with £100 million devoted to boosting charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. More money could go to a green bus fund, cycling and walking infrastructure, and low-emission taxis. Scotland will be phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2032. China has also announced a plan to ban the sales of fossil fuelburning vehicles. They don’t have a date set yet, but regulators and the government are working on a timetable. A ban would be a boon for China’s electric car industry, and could have a huge impact on the country’s notoriously awful air quality. France‘s president Emmanuel Macron wants to make his country carbon neutral by 2050. To work towards that goal, environment minister Nicolas Hulot unveiled plans to ban the sale of new vehicles that run on diesel and petrol by the year 2040. Hulot said the country will ban the polluting vehicles then, but does have a few plans to make the transition a little easier. Leading the charge, Volvo will only sell electric cars starting in 2019.

PORSCHE WINS 2018 SOUTH AFRICAN CAR OF THE YEAR TITLE The Porsche Panamera won the 2018 WesBank South African Car Of The Year competition. Fantastic cars took part and every single one of them were great and probably the best cars in their segments, but the Panamera is the most exceptional car in its class and overall, in the opinion of 26 of South Africa’s most experienced jurors. A little-known fact is that the Panamera has also sold the most cars in its class by a substantial margin from September 2017 to January 2018. Standard deviation amongst jurors have never been lower than now at only 1,29 and the top ten jurors operated in a range of less than 1,10. This simply means that this jury is very objective as measured by a highly refined mathematical and statistical process. Annual jury turnover has remained at about 17% or about 4 new jurors per annum for many years. The top ten finalists scored within a small 12% score range which indicated that the standard amongst finalists was very high and that South Africa’s Car Of The Year competition rewards excellence and remains one of the best in the world. 45

CAR NEWS

| By Rubin van Niekerk

70 YEARS

OF PORSCHE SPORTS CARS

BMW M5 VOTED WORLD PERFORMANCE CAR 2018 This will be the seventh time BMW has received a World Car Award from the World Car of the Year organisation. There was a total of eleven vehicles in this category – all performance-oriented cars of which at least 2000 units are produced per year and which are available for purchase on at least two continents from 1 January 2017 until 31 May 2018. Selection and voting in all categories was carried out by an international jury made up of 82 leading automobile journalists from 24 countries. The BMW M5 is fitted with the latest version of the 4,4-litre V8 engine with M Twin Power Turbo Technology delivering an output of 441kW and 750Nm of torque which propels it from 0-100 km/h in just 3,4 seconds. An M specific all-wheel drive system, M xDrive, along with the new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic ensures ultimate handling. Having spent the day of the launch comparing the various M models, like the X5 M, the BMW M2, 3 and 4, the DTM Champion Edition and the M240, I was left in no doubt that the M5 is the ultimate performance car. It drives in supreme comfort and glided effortlessly around Kyalami at scary speeds, justifying its performance crown. www.bmwgroup.com

The first vehicle to bear the Porsche name was registered in 1948, it was the 356 “No. 1” Roadster. The Type 356 turned Ferry Porsche’s dream of a sports car into a reality. “His vision at that time embodied all of the values that still define the brand to this day”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. He continued to explain that 70 years along the line it is a commitment to tradition and core values that has brought the brand so far. Here’s to 70 more, Porsche!

MINI AND SA FASHION WEEK JOIN FORCES TO FIND NEW TALENT By KEVIN DU PLESSIS Earlier this year, MINI joined forces with SAFW to showcase MINI Scouting Menswear, in association with GQ Magazine. The competition, previously known as SAFW Scouting Menswear, is in line with the global MINI FASHION strategy that has seen the brand open itself to new ideas and areas of business. The night was filled with inspiring menswear on the catwalk and all-round beautiful people in the audience. The competition closed for entries in February, but was open to fashion designers intent on establishing their brands within the South African fashion industry. Congratulations to Sandile Mlambo, designer of Kumkani Bespoke, who is the 2018 winner of MINI Scouting Menswear. Kumkani Bespoke brought the African Warrior to life on the SAFW runway and will be given the opportunity to showcase its collection at 2019 SAFW Autumn/Winter collection (scheduled for October 2018), as well as an all-expenses paid trip to Pitti Immagine Uomo in Florence, Italy. www.mini.co.za

ALFA ROMEO SEDUCES THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN The Kyoto 2018 Concours d’Elegance, brought together emblematic classic car models from three continents. The Best of Show title went to a 1951 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Super Sport Villa d’Este, one of just thirty-six of this model built by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan between 1949 and 1952. Two other historic Alfa Romeo models emerged victorious: the 1939 6C 2500 Sport Berlinetta Touring, (Touring Early Italian class) and the 1900 Super Sprint Touring dating from 1955 (Touring Classic Italian 19521961 class). Alfa Romeo was the best represented brand in the winners’ enclosure with its classic cars winning three of the twelve awards on offer. www.alfaromeo.co.za

THE NEW BMW X2

This BMW is totally lovable and I adored its willingness to be as hot as any hot hatch, but this extroverted individualist aims at a younger market that cannot afford it. A solid chassis ensures driving fun, while cutting-edge engines ensure sporting dynamics and exceptional efficiency. Alongside its bigger brothers, the X4 and X6, the BMW X2 makes a lovely addition that would appeal to many. Its smaller than the X1, yet has the same wheelbase with short overhangs and a stretched, coupé-style roofline. Another striking detail more typical of a BMW coupé is the placement of the brand logo on the C-pillars. An elevated position provides an excellent all-round view when changing lanes. The petrol variant has the sporty 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission, which sprints from 0-100 km/h in 7,7 seconds and the diesel has xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive as standard and generates 140 kW. BMW Connected+ provides a digital bridge between smartphones and the car, which delivers the next level of incar personalisation and smartphone content integration on the Control Display. Connected+ service has Share Live Trip Status, that shares your current location and time of arrival. Pricing ranges between R 572 000 and R 694 000 and includes a 5 year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan. www.bmw.co.za

THE VW BUS IS COMING BACK, AND IT’S ELECTRIC The I.D. Buzz concept will go into production, sparking a new generation of microbus fans. Driven by popular demand, Volkswagen announced it is planning on selling a production version of the award-winning I.D. Buzz concept of the electric vehicle in 2022 for the United States, Europe and China. It is the second concept electric vehicle concept that VW has revealed for production, along with the original I.D. concept

slated to enter production around 2019 as a 2020 model, while the I.D. Crozz concept has shown how an electric SUV could look. All three use VW’s Modular Electric Drive kit (or MEB, for its German acronym). Designed to recall the original Type 2 Microbus without mimicking it, the I.D. Buzz concept has won several awards. www.vw.com

ROAD TESTS | By Rubin van Niekerk

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2,4 D4 4x4

had the opportunity to experience the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport on a very tough off-road 4x4 track and the satisfaction of winning the offroad racing challenge with my co-driver Adam Ford! Hell hath no fury like dust covered off-road enthusiasts! Most satisfying, I confess. The most notable change is the sophisticated car-like driving dynamics and a best-in-class 8-speed automatic transmission coupled to a marvellous highly responsive turbo diesel engine. A new Super

Hyundai 1,25 Grand i10 Fluid Auto

his little car with its solid build quality and reputation for reliability is a well-priced charmer. Based on the hugely successful Hyundai Getz that it replaced in 2014, the Grand i10 bridges the gap between a small A-segment car and a larger B-segment car. Being the smallest car in the local Hyundai range, the remarkably spacious interior is a pleasant surprise. Even very tall males fit comfortably in the front, and rear seat occupants up to about 1,85cm will still have headroom. Observing the car from outside, this space-maximising engineering feat in such a small car deserves a standing ovation. It has more rear seat space than most larger B-segment cars. Beside roominess, dropping the rear seats presents over 1200 litres of space, which is one of the best in its class. 48

Select 4-II 4WD system with advanced electronic assistance like Hill Descent Control and OffRoad Mode Control for superior traction is better than anything I have experienced yet. On steep embankments where you feel the car’s rear is about to forward-flip, the Pajero just quietly putters along while you just have to steer and stay calm. Once completed you step out like John Wayne and do a slight nod through slit eyes at your admiring audience! In 1933 Mitsubishi launched the world’s first passenger vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive and 84 years later, Mitsubishi presented their new Pajero Sport. A luxurious purpose-built sport utility vehicle with refined driving dynamics that challenges many spacious and luxurious sedans, for far less than its peers. Electronic assistance allows the driver to select either the Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock setting to suit surface conditions and optimise engine output, transmission settings and braking for superior traction. A lockable rear differential ensures great road holding under any conditions. Pajero is synonymous with a soft drive and feel,

A sleek exterior contributes to very low noise levels that is also aided by a non-protruding windscreen sealing that improves aerodynamic airflow. Noise levels as measured in decibells are lower than many premium sedans at highway speeds. Powered by a “Kappa” 1,25-litre engine with many outstanding features such as a maintenance-free long-life timing chain, the Hyundai’s responsiveness on steep uphills was impressive. High seating positions and large windows provide excellent allround views, that combined with light electric steering makes manoeuvring in traffic and tight parking spaces a breeze. Unsurprisingly therefore, it attracts a wide demographic from young first-time buyers to much older people who also appreciate the high standard specifications. Our flagship test unit had all the bells and whistles, including electrically heated side mirrors that fold at the press of a button and a large full-colour touch-screen where many functions could be controlled. I recommend spending the R2 500 extra on an SD memory card that activates the navigation on the infotainment system. Engine 4-Cylinder Inline Transverse 1248 cc Power 64 kW @ 6000 rpm Torque 120 Nm @ 4000 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 14,2 seconds Top Speed 167 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 6,9 lt/100 km Load Capacity 256-1202 lt Turning Circle 9,8 m Ground Clearance 167 mm Weight 1078 kg Price R206 900 2-Year/30 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 147 g/km

a quiet cabin with very low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), as well as modern styling. A commanding view is as ideal in traffic as in conquering any terrain, while built-in roof rails improve aerodynamics and directional stability at higher speeds. LED driving lamps with auto levelling and DRLs, including a headlamp washer for the 4WD version and a LED highmounted rear stop lamp on the tailgate provides more safety. Double wishbone coil springs with a stabiliser bar in the front and multi-link suspension with stabiliser bar in the back and a strong ladder-frame design absorbs high levels of NVH and gives a car-like ride. A luxurious interior offers comfort and space with soft-feel leather seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. A second row of seats offers a 60:40 split with tumble, reclining and sliding function while the third row of seats folds flat into the floor to maximise cargo space. Rear park distance control with a rear-view camera, dual automatic air conditioning, an electric parking brake and a multi-function leather steering wheel are just some items on the long list of standard features. The Pajero is one of the safest sport utility vehicles available, with just about every conceivable standard electronic safety feature. Nothing in the 4WD segment matches it in terms of value for money.

Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline Diesel 2442 cc Power 133 kW @ 3500 rpm Torque 430 Nm @ 2500 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds Top Speed 180 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 10,8 lt/100 km Load Capacity 193-813 lt Turning Circle 11,2 m Ground Clearance 215 mm Weight 1935 kg Price R599 995 5-Year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 214 g/km

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2,0T Super Q4

lfa Romeos have always been head turners and that’s what red-blooded Romeos do. If Venezia Giacomo Girolamo Casanova lived today instead of the late 1700s he would have driven the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. As a connoisseur of seduction, he would have loved the seductive nature of the Stelvio! Alfa Romeo was born in Milan on 24 June 1910 and the name has become synonymous with performance and sex appeal. Few brands have such an aura of nostalgia that draws a very patriotic and brand loyal client base. The Stelvio is the firstborn SUV to the Alfa Romeo family and being named after Italy’s iconic and highest pass, Stelvio Pass, which has 75 hairpin bends over 20 kilometres, is an honour. Balanced weight distribution, the most direct steering in the segment and state-of-the-art lightweight material like a carbon fibre drive shaft sets a benchmark. Being curvaceous, it looks less bulky in the flesh than some boxy competitors. Both the Giulia and the Stelvio enjoy the same marvellous suspension that swallows bumps and clings to the road. If you like the Giulia, you’ll love the Stelvio, as they are very similar interior-wise. Rear vision is rather limited though and the tyre repair kit seemed complex to operate. South African conditions are demanding, and the lack of a full-size spare wheel confronts our adventurous spirits. The powerful all aluminium twin-turbocharged engine challenges its rivals, but their acceleration stats are still clustered closely together. An eight-speed ZF transmission channels power to permanent all-wheel drive, while a lockup clutch gives in-gear acceleration zing and the DNA

selector adds more spice. Perfect weight distribution bolsters dynamic characteristics, especially on low grip terrain! Oh Romeo, Romeo wherefore art thou so hot? Engine Twin-Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1995 cc Power 206 kW @ 5250 rpm Torque 400 Nm @ 2250 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 5,7 seconds Top Speed 230 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 12,4 lt/100 km Load Capacity 499-1600 lt Turning Circle 11,7 m Ground Clearance 200 mm Weight 1660 kg Price R810 000 6-Year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan CO2 Emissions 161 g/km 49

ROAD TESTS | By Michelle York

Land Cruiser Prado 3,0D VX-L

he Land Cruiser is the most widely available model in the global Toyota product range – being sold in more than 190 countries worldwide. The cult-like South African following with off-roading enthusiasts is well deserved as this behemoth lets very little stand in its way. At the launch a few months ago, Toyota let us cruise the Sani Pass. I use the word “cruise” because regardless of how daunting the pass was, the Cruiser sailed through it in absolute comfort. Seldom has a vehicle been more aptly named! The all-terrain support systems help even unskilled drivers make the most of off-road performance. They also make the Prado one of the most technically advanced, safe, pleasurable and easyto-use 4x4 vehicles in the world. Driving it after the launch let me experience it under my day-to-day driving conditions. Its powerful road presence and high levels of on-board

Nissan Qashqai 1,5 dCI Tekna By KEVIN DU PLESSIS he Qashqai is the original urban crossover and the new model will continue its market success as it is a real looker and perfect for “cityproofing” yourself. It has all of the cool gizmos that help you have a more relaxed driving experience in crazy urban traffic situations, including blind spot monitoring, intelligent emergency breaking, forward collision warning, cross traffic alert, moving object detection, and an around view camera monitor system. It offers a smooth ride, but suffers from a turbo lag that necessitates constant gear shifting. I enjoyed the car on the freeway, it handles confidently, and does not let a speed bump tell it what to do. Its fuel economy is truly excellent, on a trip from Joburg to Midrand it hit an average of 5,9 litres per 100km and there’s a nifty app that calculates your eco

technology mark it down as a premium 4×4. Considering the Cruiser is almost 5 metres long and close to 2 metres in width and height it’s a whole lot of vehicle to drive! Having to transport some larger items the space just boggled the mind. The interior was chock-full of luxury and sophistication and eventually I had to stop playing with all the gadgets or I would never have left my driveway. Once on the road I had to constantly fight the urge to simply cruise down to the coast for an impromptu holiday. I must admit that the tyre pressure warning system had me seeing red as, even after three stops at garages I could not get it to switch off. Other than that, I had very little to complain about. The standard convenience specification list is befitting the stature of the Land Cruiser Prado – and I had loads more extras. Besides being short and almost needing a step ladder to hoist myself into the driver’s seat, once on my throne I was truly the queen of the road. Engine Turbocharged Diesel 6-Cylinder Inline 2982 cc Power 120 kW @ 3400 rpm Torque 400 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 11,7 seconds Top Speed 175 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 9,3 lt/100 km Load Capacity 104-974 lt Turning Circle 11,6 m Ground Clearance 215 mm Weight 2435 kg Price R969 600 5-Year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 226 g/km

driving score based on pull aways, cruising, and deceleration. The interior is gorgeous, spacious and quiet with enough storage compartments. Its front seats have been completely redesigned and are very comfortable. The panoramic glass roof opens the vehicle up in a delightful manner, although I cannot decide how I feel about the fact that it can’t be opened. Loading space is more than adequate, but I would have given up a few litres to fit in a spare wheel, which it does not have. The tyre repair kit is a scary idea. The infotainment has USB, SD, CD, Aux, and two 12V sockets. Navigation and entertainment features work well despite feeling old-tech, especially without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The redeeming quality is the sevenspeaker Bose Premium sound system which truly brings out the fun and trendy side of the Qashqai. On the outside, an all-new front design with signature “boomerang” daytime running lights and sexy 19-inch alloy wheels enhance sex-appeal. It looks best in a bright colour! Engine Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Inline 1461 cc Power 81 kW @ 4000 rpm Torque 260 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 11,9 seconds Top Speed 182 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 7,8 lt/100 km Load Capacity 430-1585 lt Turning Circle 10,72 m Ground Clearance 182 mm Weight 1875 kg Price R434 000 3-Year/90 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 109 g/km

Polo Vivo 1,6 Highline

ith almost 194 000 units sold since its market introduction in 2010, the Volkswagen Polo Vivo Hatch has been the best-selling passenger model in South Africa for the past seven years. It’s also proudly South African – the only locally built model in the segment with nearly 76% of parts sourced locally. It had the class-leading residual value in its segment in the used car market. Those are some pretty impressive stats! The new Polo Vivo is based on the fifth-generation Polo and has a sharper front and rear design, fresh colours, and new interior materials. The 1,6-litre Highline is fairly loaded compared to the Trendline – 16-inch alloy wheels, colour-coded side-mirror caps and door handles, soft touch facia, height-adjustable driver’s seat, adjustable leather-clad steering wheel with audio controls, electronic stability control, hill hold assist and more. It has Bluetooth connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With all these extras I was a little puzzled as to why side mirrors are still manual and not electric – but if that is the only fault, that’s good going. The drive was noteworthy and the 5-speed gearbox was a joy with the electrically assisted steering system being, in my opinion, one of the better I have driven in this segment. This is hardly surprising as the Polo Vivo is essentially a pared down version of the outgoing Polo model allowing use of the existing base and technology. With a great gearbox and

a decent engine VW may have done it again. While jokes that owners of the outgoing Polo might be a smidge disgruntled, new Polo Vivo owners will be most gruntled (yes that is a word. Google it). Engine 4-Cylinder Inline 1598 cc Power 77 kW @ 5250 rpm Torque 153 Nm @ 3800 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 12,8 seconds Top Speed 188 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 7,6 lt/100 km Load Capacity 280-952 lt Turning Circle 10,6 m Ground Clearance 143 mm Weight 1540 kg Price R214 900 3-Year/45 000 km Service Plan CO2 Emissions 147 g/km

BMW M240i Coupé By KEVIN DU PLESSIS hrilling! When you fire this sexy monster up and it hums with powerful pleasure underneath you, you can’t help but feel like the envy of everyone on the road. This rear-wheel drive (unique to its segment) sporty car offers exceptional comfort, intelligence and performance with that sexy BMW sophistication the world has come to love. Listen, if you are hitting the highway or the track, or even a bumper-to-bumper situation, this car is just everything. Its handling is superb, like it can read your mind. Turbo lag? What turbo lag? With the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and EfficientDynamics 3-litre engine combined with an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox (with manual shift paddles), you really have to be a pain in the neck to find any issues with performance. Just remember, lots of power requires lots of juice, and in all fairness for what it is, it is an immensely lightweight car. Add to that its Eco Pro driving mode and you have manageable fuel consumption figures. The interior is perfection. Beautiful contrast stitching black leather, combined with high-gloss black and aluminium finishes. The newly designed cabin has very few joins which gives it a calmer presence. The 8,8-inch central display is the face of a very advanced infotainment and stats system, which is easy to use once you explore it thoroughly. Both touchscreen and a touchpad for fingertip writing are available and to my surprise the voice activation feature is actually not bad. The exterior upgrades include a more striking front end with adaptive full-LED headlights and more powerfully contoured

surfaces. But honestly, it looks like a BMW, and that’s that. Its boot space is quite big, which comes at the cost of having only a tyre-repair kit instead of an actual spare wheel, and talking of space, bear in mind that when you buy a two-door coupé your passengers in the back will not have a lot of room. Engine TwinTurbo 6-Cylinder Inline 2998 cc Power 250/340 kW @ 5500 rpm Torque 500 Nm @ 1520-4500 rpm Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4,8 seconds Top Speed 250 km/h Overall Fuel Consumption 11,8 lt/100 km Load Capacity 390 lt Turning Circle 10,9 m Ground Clearance 130 mm Weight 1475 kg Price R719 102 5-Year/100 000 km Maintenance Plan CO2 Emissions 179 g/km

DVD REVIEWS | By Leon van Nierop All DVDs available from www.amazon.com

SUMMERTIME

Starring Jessica Rothe, Taylor Frey and Joseph Haro Directed by Gabriele Muccino This is one of those easy-going movies you watch on a Saturday night on Netflix when you don’t want to go out. An Italian couple (who aren’t necessarily involved) visits a gay couple in San Francisco. A friendship starts which none of them expected. What is so refreshing about this romance is that there are no big issues that are addressed with exclamation marks. The film also doesn’t walk a cliché-ridden path, is characterised by good acting from four charming actors, great scenery (it was one of the first American films to be filmed in Cuba) and an ordinary story. It gets a little long-winded towards the end though.

GOD’S OWN COUNTRY

Starring Josh O’Connor and Alex Secareanu Directed by Francis Lee Together with Call Me By Your Name, this may be one of the best films ever in the LGBT-genre. It is tender, almost wordless, gut wrenchingly emotional without getting sentimental and soulsearchingly good and directed with great sensitivity. A young Yorkshire sheep farmer (the brilliant Josh O’Connor) needs help on his remote sheep farm. Support arrives in the complex, handsome form of a Romanian migrant worker, played by Alex Secareanu. They fall in love in a modern gay version of Wuthering Heights. It’s been called the British Brokeback Mountain, but is better than that. It is nuanced, doesn’t deal with the usual issues of gay identity, neither is it about homophobic prejudice. It is original, touching and a brilliant, balanced evocation of gay love.

MY FRIEND DAHMER

Starring Joss Lynch and Alex Wolff Directed by Marc Meyers He came so close to death yet was perhaps saved by an unconscious decision to leave the notorious Jefferey Dahmer’s house. This rather cold yet disturbingly realistic film is based on the recollections of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s best friend, John Backdef. We see Dahmer as a strange nerdish psychopath who didn’t fit in at school and was fascinated by handsome men, dead animals and exploring the inside of corpses. He started his vicious killing spree shortly after matric. Fans of the handsome Joss Lynch might find him unrecognisably good as the young Dahmer, and we witness how the killer inside him was formed and finally started living out his fantasies. A tough but rewarding biography.

BOYS ON FILM 17: LOVE IS THE DRUG

Starring Sebastian Deery and Ezra Fienemans Directed by André D. Chambers, Brendon McDonnall and Dawid Ullgren Have you always had a fantasy of getting involved with a handsome handyman who fixes more than a few loose screws? How does idealised sex on a beach sound? Readers may, by this time, be used to the experimentation of various cinematic techniques, nudity, how far LGBT-cinema’s limits can be pushed, and provocative experimentation. Since its inception, this series has become more and more daring and there is constant renewal with every new compilation of stories. This one is no exception. One of these directors may one day be responsible for the new Call Me By Your Name of which there is now a sequel in the works, if you are interested...

I AM MICHAEL

Starring James Franco and Zachary Quinto Directed by Justin Kelly This one is quite taxing and, frankly, a difficult sit. It is based on the true story of Michael Glatze (James Franco) who has an intimate relationship with his boyfriend Bennett (Zachary Quinto) in several happy, often explicit scenes. But one day Michael begins to doubt his own sexuality upon meeting a beautiful girl (Emma Roberts from Nerve) and identifies himself as heterosexual eventually. Bennett is devastated and cannot understand that sexuality can change. This at times awkward and often preachy film explores Michael’s identity crisis. Only recommended if you have had serious issues with your own sexuality. It often feels patronising with heavy-handed direction. 52

By Jacques Botha | MUSIC

REVIEWS

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE – MAN OF THE WOODS | Sony

Once one gets past all the Brokeback Mountain jokes and actually give this album a listen, it comes as quite a pleasant surprise. The first single Filthy served as a reminder of who Justin was on his previous albums, but after that, expect to be dragged into nature. The title track is a catchy piece of country funk pop that will literally take you Outside (no George Michael references intended). Other tracks such as Flannel, Livin Off The Land and Supplies might seem like he is taking it a bit too far, but overall the album does not feel artificial. Of course, Pharrell Williams’s crisp production really adds to enhancing the overall experience. It might not win a Grammy, but as a piece of pop, it is catchy and accessible.

KYLIE MINOGUE – GOLDEN | Warner

Kylie has a unique way (very much like Madonna and Cher) to reinvent herself. It might not always be fresh and new, but she knows how to nestle into a genre that fits her vocals in a way that makes her shine. You might have already heard the first single Dancing with its country guitar undertones and killer catchy melody…well, the rest of the album can best be described as Nashville disco! Even Ms. Minogue herself describes it as “Dolly Parton standing on a dance floor”. Now, the concept might have been done before, but Golden is a unique experience that will get any party going. A Lifetime To Repair is probably the one song that got me going musically, but then the lyrics just took me by surprise. This is not just dance…this is slices of life with twang!

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER – UNMASKED | Universal

One cannot ignore the effect that Mr. Webber has had on theatre and the musical industry. With musicals such as Phantom, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Aspects of Love, he has literally written some of the best-loved songs of all time. This album plays tribute to some of his best hits but also some fresh takes on older ones. The classics are there, such as Sarah Brightman (Phantom of The Opera), Michael (Love Changes Everything) and Boyzone (No Matter What), but the biggest surprise has to be the Lana Del Rey cover of Madonna’s You Must Love Me (Evita). There is also an amazing version of Memory (from Cats) by Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls). Even the Glee cast makes an appearance. Somehow it all feels exceptionally and fabulously gay!

NAKHANE – YOU WILL NOT DIE | Warner

Our favourite gay Xhosa is back with his sophomore album. Nakhane has been featuring quite extensively in the news lately due to his role in the movie Inxeba, which openly addresses the traditional ritual of ukwaluka (a Xhosa tradition into manhood which includes circumcision), but also sexual identity in the form of a gay love story. Since the release of his debut album, he has been unashamed about his sexuality and on the first single from the new album Clairvoyant, he takes his sexuality into visual media. Nakhane is an excellent guitar player and his haunting melodies cascade beautifully around the more serious lyrical content. It’s drama, it’s sex, it’s daring…and it is highly contagious.

REVAMP/RESTORATION: A TRIBUTE TO ELTON JOHN | Universal

I have never been a fan of Elton’s voice, so when other artists cover his music, I get very excited. In the early nineties we had Two Rooms as a tribute album which was an impressive collection. Now more than twenty years later, we have two separate albums, Revamp and Restoration, paying tribute to the songs of Elton and co-writer Bernie Taupin. Revamp is a pop-rock tribute and shines with the likes of Lady Gaga (Your Song), Sam Smith (Daniel) and Ed Sheeran (Candle In The Wind). Restoration is a country affair and features Miley Cyrus (The Bitch is Back), Willie Nelson (Border Song) and Little Big Town (Rocket Man). The albums also feature Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, The Killers and Emmylou Harris. A must for any collection!

GEORGE EZRA – STAYING AT TAMARA’S | Sony

Pretty boy George rose to fame with his catchy single Budapest and equally successful debut album Wanted on Voyage. With his second album, he continues his diary-manner of writing songs, based on his journeys and experiences. Lyrically the album is like a great pep talk by someone who is learning on the fly: “You can run, you can jump, might fuck it up / But you can’t blame yourself, no, you’re just human”. Musically the album feels a bit like barbeques, beaches and sundowners in far off places, but it also shows an artist who has grown more mature. By the way, the album is named after his AirBnB host whilst staying in Barcelona. 53

ith artists such as Will Young, Adam Lambert and Sam Smith, the music world has been the playground for many new artists to step out from the shadows and be openly gay without experiencing a drop in success. Introducing Calum Scott…the 29 year old UKborn singer who used to be a recruitment worker and who rose to fame during the ninth series of Britain’s Got Talent. Calum was born and raised in the city of Hull in the northeast of England. Initially he was a drummer, but his sister saw the potential in him. In 2013 she secretly entered him into the Star Search competition run by a local newspaper, which he won. After this he joined a local Maroon 5 tribute band called Maroon 4, before forming a dance-pop duo with another local guy called “the Experiment” in 2014. In 2015, both him and his sister competed in Britain’s Got Talent but she was stopped early on both of her songs by Simon Cowell and received three no votes. With an overflow of emotions ranging from disappointment to anger, Calum continued to perform a cover of Swedish singer Robyn’s Dancing on My Own. This gave him a standing ovation and Simon Cowell gave him an automatic place in the live shows. Cowell said: “I’ve never ever in all the years I’ve done this show heard a guy with the talent you’ve got. Seriously. And the version was sensational, and that shows to me that you’re more than a singer, you’re an artist.” Already then, Calum was hinting at the fact that he was gay. He sang the song with the exact words as what Robyn wrote it: “I’m in the corner watching you kiss him”, putting a whole different perspective on the song. He didn’t win the competition, but continued to release his version of his audition song independently. Initially it was a slow hit, but the momentum kept growing and before he realised, it went platinum and he was signed to a major record company. After releasing a duet with Leona Lewis (You Are The Reason) which pays tribute to his grandmother, he announced that his next single will be If Our Love Is Wrong which he credits as his official coming out song. The lyrics beautifully says it: “If it’s me, and if it’s you, and if our love is wrong, then I don’t ever wanna be right”. The song goes further to challenge the prejudice of society: “It’s in my DNA, suffocating just to fit in, why do I care what people say”. In an interview with Billboard he says: “I was trying to wrap my head around my sexuality and was starting to learn about songwriting, and that my honesty and my authenticity came from my personal experiences and writing about stuff that genuinely bugged me or upset me. It was really difficult because I lived a very normal life. The press obviously want to know your personal life, your romantic life, so it made it a little bit more difficult. It felt like a magnifying glass. I’d always been a little bit uncomfortable talking about my sexuality just because it took me a while to fully accept it, I had a bit of a traumatic time with my friends when I was younger and it kind of just put me off talking about it. I was thinking if I talk about it I’m going to lose friends, lose people’s interest.” Calum said that he never used to be comfortable with his sexuality. If that “straight pill” existed, he would have taken it. But all of this was symptomatic to the fact that he had a rough time growing up. Like many of us, he thought it was a phase, but in the end confided in his best friend who told

“I’d always been a little bit uncomfortable talking about my sexuality just because it took me a while to fully accept it”

SUPER CALUM

FRAGILISTIC

By JACQUES BOTHA

every guy in their group of friends and they all abandoned him. But with music and songwriting, he had a platform to start talking about his experiences and sexuality. He even wrote more than seventy songs for his debut album. He never came out to his dad by the time that he came onto the show and realised he needed to do this before it came out in the press. He wrote a song about the anxiety of doing it and casting one’s fears aside, only to find out when he actually did it, that his father was so much more accommodating and accepting than he had thought. With the release of his debut album, Only Human, Calum said in an interview with Adam Greenberg: “You are bound to get upset. You are bound to feel jealous. Just embrace those emotions. Because we are only human. Don’t get down on yourself. We are who we are. Love is love and there should be more love in the world.” Listening to the album, it is clear that Scott poured his heart into the lyrics and this is probably most noticeable on the track Not Dark Yet, where he talks about the times he struggled to find his inner peace: “Well, I’ve been to London, and I’ve been to gay Paris. I’ve followed the river, and I got to the sea. I’ve been down to the bottom, of a world full of lies. I ain’t lookin for nothing, in anyone’s eyes.” So the album in a way is a diary of his experiences, everything from falling in love with a straight guy to falling in love with the wrong person, coming out to people, going through the coming out drama with his friends and family, being thrusted into the public limelight and much more. What the album is not is melodramatic. Yes, there are the power ballads, but there are also amazing upbeat tracks with electronic beats, all the while being very organic. As an added bonus, the album finishes with the Tiesto remix of the track that started it all, Dancing On My Own… something that Calum is probably not doing anymore.

BOOK REVIEWS LOVE, SIMON: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (Film Tie-In Edition)

Becky Albertalli | Penguin | 9780241330135 | R175 Straight people should have to come out too. And the more awkward it is, the better. Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is – and what he’s looking for. But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated. Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal… It’s a holy freaking huge awesome deal.

THE LAST ROMEO

Justin Meyers | Piatkus Books | 9780349416939 | R285 James is 34 and fed up. His six-year relationship with Adam has imploded, he hates his job making up celebrity gossip, and his best friend Bella has just announced she’s moving to Russia. Adrift and single in loved-up London, James needs to break out of his lonely, drunken comfort zone. Encouraged by Bella, he throws himself headlong into online dating, blogging each encounter anonymously as the mysterious Romeo. After meeting a succession of hot/weird/gross men, James has fans and the validation he’s always craved. But when his wild night with a closeted Olympian goes viral and sends his Twitter-fame through the roof, James realises, maybe in the search for happy-ever-after, some things are better left un-shared. From Justin Myers, author of sensational blog The Guyliner, this razor-sharp and cringingly candid account of one man’s quest for The One is as sad, fearless and funny as dating itself.

COALITION COUNTRY – South Africa after the ANC

Leon Schreiber | Tafelberg | 9780624083948 | R285 We are on the cusp of a momentous change. The ANC has governed South Africa for more than two decades, but its iron grip is slipping. For the first time since 1994 there is no guarantee that it will retain power. If ANC support drops below 50% in the 2019 elections, the political landscape will be transformed dramatically. Will Mmusi Maimane and Julius Malema be in charge? Or will the ANC and the EFF join forces? What will this mean for our nation?

IF THIS BE TREASON

Helen Joseph | Kwela Books | 9780795708176 | R192 In this personal account, Joseph writes about enduring the Treason Trial – one of the longest and most important trials in South African history, where she stood accused along with Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. With disarming honesty, she shares stories of the women’s prison, the behind-the-scenes discussions with their defence team, the constant daily humiliations, but also their perseverance and small triumphs. This book, originally banned and not available for decades, adds a vital dimension to our understanding of South African history.

‘N LUIPERD IN MY BED

Annelize Slabbert | Tafelberg | 9780624082354 | R260 Annelize Slabbert was ’n joernalis in Johannesburg en haar man, Gerard, ’n apteker. Stedelinge. Toe word hulle moeg vir die lewe in die stad, die spitsverkeer, die gebrek aan stilte en sterre. En hulle volg die krom wandelpad na Die Droom van ’n landelike idille met skape en groen gras. Tot, uiteindelik, in die son en sand van die Sentraal-Kalahari in Botswana waar hulle ’n viersterlodge bestuur. Wat kan dan nou verkeerd loop? ‘n Ware verhaal, uitstekend vertel, skreeusnaaks en aangrypend.

KATELKNAAP

Leon van Nierop | Penguin Random House SA | 9781485903550 | R220 In Katelknaap kry die leser ’n blik op die vroue wat die enigmatiese Tristan Hansen gevorm het en van genot geleer het. Veral saam met een vrou, ver weg in Positano, ’n dorpie in Italië, kon hy hom loswikkel van die beklemming van sy konserwatiewe ma wat hom ná sy pa se selfmoord alleen grootmaak. Maar dit was ook nie die laaste beklemming nie. Op die vooraand van Tristan se 27ste verjaardag vind ons Tristan in sy luukse dakwoonstel in Maboneng, onrustig ná ’n vreemde foonoproep vol dreigende stilte. Terwyl hy kan voel hoe hy deur ’n verkyker dopgehou word en dat die afloerder met iets anders as begeerte na hom kyk, reik sy herinneringe terug na gelukkiger dae in Positano, en na sy opleiding in die kuns van liefdemaak. Also available in English as Toy Boy, ISBN: 9781485903284. 56

DIE LANG MAN SONDER SKADUWEE – Die karoo se grondpad na genesing

Niq Mhlongo | Kwela Books | 9780795708374 | R245 Dit is Antoinette Pienaar, Afrikaanse sangeres, aktrise en radiopersoonlikheid, se nuwe boek ná die verskyning van Kruidjie roer my, haar boek oor Karookruie. In Die lang man sonder skaduwee sit Antoinette haar roeping as geneser voort. Vol begrip en deernis word Karookruie ingespan om allerlei kwale te genees. Maar nou ondersoek sy ook die genesende krag wat in die ou stories, raaisels en rympies van die Griekwa-mense skuil, want dikwels het ’n fisieke probleem ’n emosionele oorsprong en is dit stories wat die hart kan genees.

TSK-TSK – The story of a child at large

Suzan Hackney | Jonathan Ball | 9781868428724 | R240 “I was made in Coffee Bay. Right there on the beach, in the sand.” Suzan is adopted as a new-born in the late 1960s into a seemingly loving and welcoming Pietermaritzburg family. But she clashes with her adoptive mother and at the age of thirteen, she is sent to a place of safety as a ward of the state, effectively ‘orphaning’ her. From there, she spirals out of control – fighting to survive in a world of other neglected, abandoned and abused children. Suzan’s young life was the stuff of movies, but it is her writing, in a voice that is unforgettable and true, that transforms her memories into something magical rarely matched in South African literature.

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

Hendrik Groen and translated by Hester Velmans | Penguin Random House SA 9780718186647 | R293 The new diary from one of literature’s most beloved octogenarians. On The Bright Side picks up where The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen left off, at the care home of the anarchic Old-But-Not-Dead Club where Hendrik and his friends are determined to enjoy their autumn years full of optimism. Written with his characteristic charm and humour Hendrik proves, yet again, that age is simply a number.

CATCHING THUNDER – The race to save our oceans from poachers and criminal kingpins

Eskil Engdal & Kjetil Sæter | Tafelberg | 9780624079712 | R285 Wanted by Interpol, the Thunder has for years evaded justice: accumulating millions in profits, hunting endangered species and ruthlessly destroying ocean habitats. But even as seasoned journalists, the authors cannot anticipate what the chase will uncover, as the wake of the Thunder leads them to a trail of criminal kingpins, rampant corruption, modern slavery, and an international community content to turn a blind eye. Very soon, apprehending Thunder becomes more than a chase, and instead a pursuit of the truth itself and a symbolic race to preserve the well-being of our planet. Catching Thunder is a remarkable true story of courage and perseverance, and a wake-up call to act against the destruction of our environments.

DRUGS THAT CHANGED OUR MINDS – The history of psychiatry in ten treatments

Lauren Slater | Simon & Schuster | 7981471136894 | R403 With the rise of psychopharmacology, an ever-increasing number of people are taking psychotropic drugs, yet nearly seventy years after doctors first began prescribing them, we still don’t really know exactly how or why they work – or don’t work – on what ails our brains. Lauren Slater offers an explosive account not just of the science but of the people – inventors, detractors and consumers – behind our narcotics, from the earliest, Thorazine and Lithium, up through Prozac, Ecstasy, magic mushrooms, the most cutting-edge memory drugs and neural implants. She narrates the history of psychiatry itself and illuminates the signature its chemicals have left on millions of brains, and how these drugs may heal us or hurt us.

EVERYDAY

Lisa Clark | Struik | 9781432308636 | R320 In Everyday, Lisa Clark shares some insights into how to provide healthy, balanced and quick recipes. The book is divided into 10 chapters, each starting off with a basic recipe and then followed by several others that show how to turn one quick meal into several appetising dishes. From muesli, tomato sauce and roasted vegetables to fish, chicken, pastry and sponge cake, there is sure to be a recipe to inspire your everyday cooking. 57

Illustration: KEVIN DU PLESSIS

im: Are you still awake? I got the message on three different platforms. But when I read it five hours later at 6 AM, I found myself blocked on all of them and unable to respond. I actually laughed, as this was the same guy who had unblocked me one night to “hang out” but immediately reinstated the block when I revealed that I was a bit drunk and unable to come. Our latest exchange really took the cake, though. Me: Are we still doing coffee or whatever? Him: Hey. Yeah, I just haven’t found time. My response of, “OK well just let me know,” turned green immediately and then…blocked. His technique is a more evolved version of what we all know as the ubiquitous practice of “ghosting”. The official definition of ghosting is when someone simply disappears on their partner. No breakup talk. No text. Not even, and this is for you Sex and the City fans, a Post-It. Just…poof! Casper isn’t such a friendly ghost after all, he’s disrespectful, self-centred, and doesn’t have the courage or social decency to let you know directly that he’s no longer interested. Most daters claim they do it to avoid hurting someone’s feelings, but ghosting is actually just a selfish act and an easy solution to avoid broaching a difficult, emotionally wrenching conversation. We do it because it makes us feel less awkward and uncomfortable; it really isn’t about taking the other person’s feelings into account at all. Though I am the king of ghosting at parties and events, I make an extra-large effort to never do it in a relationship that I myself have also shown some interest in. My general rule is to never ghost someone I’ve gone on a few dates with unless I feel incredibly uncomfortable.

So, I set out to prove this to myself by scrolling through my text messages from the past few years (yeah, I don’t delete anything), and I saw that I had no problem with telling people that I was no longer interested in pursuing a relationship. It is whenever I just wasn’t feeling it after a single date or sometimes two (I call this “the grey area”) that I ran into a few discrepancies on the rule. In these cases I either pulled the slow fade or ghosted flat out. However, over the years I have learnt that, rather than wasting someone’s precious time and emotional energy that could be better invested by getting back into the dating market, committing to letting someone down in a compassionate and straightforward way is so much kinder. Some will say our generation’s tendency to dip out on each other has to do with how easy it is to do so now that our lives are mostly digital and this digitalisation of romance and dating has damaged our communication skills. But that seems too easy a response; I’ve heard more than one story of people slipping out of dates in real life with fake emergencies. So what is it then? Why do we prefer to just vanish instead of doing the more mature thing? My one friend had an interesting response, “I don’t want to have to explain myself to anyone.” And while that may be a valid point, it is this kind of attitude that leaves most ghostees devastated. Studies have shown (as does a quick sampling of my own friends) that the vast majority of people appreciated the closure of a negative response in the long run as opposed to a disappearing act. Psychologically, you are abandoning someone and betraying their trust when you ghost. Being left in the dark when you are pinning your hopes on something is a terrible feeling. Before the resentment sets in, we turn inward and blame ourselves, we feel rejected and somehow less worthy. Did I do something wrong? Am I too clingy? Am I bad in bed? Is my radar broken? Am I unlovable? There’s so much mental anguish that goes into over-analysing what happened. It is just soul-crushingly painful, and some might

By ZAMO MTHETHWA

ghosting someone only proves your emotional immaturity 64

experience it more harshly than others. When you definitively tell someone you’re not interested, there is a chance you’ll get the “Why?” response, yes. This could lead to an unwelcome and awkward backand-forth that bludgeons the inevitable, but what is a moment’s discomfort in comparison to saving someone so much more pain? I cannot help but recommend that a firm communication of your intentions of moving in a different direction is simply good manners. After that you are off the hook, if they keep nagging you, you are within your rights to do a Houdini act and go on with your day. And then just for those who bear fresh ghostee scars, ghosting is a sign of emotional immaturity and ghosters also tend to be serial ghosters. Staying away from such people is always a good idea if you are lucky enough to know this personality flaw before you start developing feelings for someone. It could be that someone is keeping you just interested enough in them for you not to be able to move on, clinging to hope, out of pure selfish motivations. See, about one month before the scenario described above with the aforementioned ghoster unfolded, we’d had dinner together. It was slightly tense and uncomfortable, and by the end of it, we’d both admitted we just weren’t a match. It was a clean break (block included). Yet four months later we were cuddled up in bed exchanging apologies, decidedly ‘on’ again. What I am trying to say with this is that it wasn’t painful to admit that no matter what we had said before, we did want to try again. It didn’t cause a cosmic shift, nor did it put either of us at a disadvantage. Love is ever complex so don’t be afraid of being honest about your feelings right now, it is not always the end of the road. At the same time do not be the fool who always takes the bait like a fish swimming after a hook they will never catch. Just always acknowledge when you’ve put your heart on the table and when you’ve taken it off. So, in the words of the Ghostbusters song “If there’s something weird and it don’t look good, who you gonna call…?” How about your partner so that you can break things off with some dignity and respect?

By MICHELLE YORK

Flame dames are an integral part of gay culture. Succinctly put, a fag hag is not, not only, what she identifies as (usually a straight woman), but more importantly who she identifies with (gay men). The gardenvariety fag hag has been the protector of gay men throughout history, whether you like them or not. And you really should!

et’s stroll back through time. Long before sexual liberation women willingly offered themselves as “beards” keeping their fey friends safe. Having a “homo honey” on your arm in the early 1900s was a fashion must-have if you valued your freedom, as homosexuality could lead to social exile, arrests and even physical attacks. Lavender marriages with “queen bees” were quite common as both lesbian and gay men had to conform to societal norms. Sadly, some dames didn’t quite cotton on to the fact that hubby might be trying on her frocks while she was out at high tea. Disturbingly, even in our current society there are lavender marriages. You only have to cast your eyes to Hollywood and the persistent rumours about blockbuster superstars like Tom and John and wonder why they don’t have lavender gemstones on the ring fingers of some of those “wives”. Lavender Marriages (and relationships) thrived in golden era Hollywood, where homosexual activity became grounds for blacklisting actors. Think Rock Hudson, James Dean, Spencer Tracey, Carey Grant and a multitude more. The “sewing circle” list, a Tinseltown euphemism for girl-on-girl, was rather extensive too and included Katharine Hepburn, Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, Tallulah Bankhead and Joan Crawford. Whether they were protected by hags or stags there were enough beards to keep them all on the silver screen and adored by clueless fans. When Rock Hudson eventually came out it caused a media furore. Some famous folks just can’t get enough. Great gay icon and “handbag” Judy Garland’s father was rumoured to have had more than the odd homosexual dalliance. Judy’s loving relationship with her gentle dad is believed to be the reason she married more than one gay man. Judy encouraged her daughter, Liza Minnelli, to “marry a perfectly wonderful man who was a dancer”. The dancer was hardly the only marriage old Liz had with gay men. That’s what you call keeping it in the family. The classic “flame dames”, like Liza, were theatrical, brassy and unconventional. The Lizas, Bettes and Lizzes bonded with gay men over shared feelings of social rejection, a love of camp and a shared love of men! Fast forward to the 1970s where social attitudes began to

thaw slightly (although it did take a little longer in South Africa) as the sexual revolution raged. Coincidentally it was in the ‘70s that the phrase “fag hag” was coined to describe feminist women who wished to align themselves with gay men in their fight for equality. Many in the gay community considered their fight for equality as separate from a gendered fight, and they thus coined a phrase to distance themselves from their feminist peers. It didn’t matter. In “straight” circles it was the hags that were first to scold friends for using derogatory terms to describe gays. These throwbacks of the olden days pumped their fists at pride marches, stood in long lines to buy tickets to Beaches along with their gay friends, cried as their friends contracted AIDS and celebrated when gays won the right to marry. ‘90s Mainstream TV shows like Will & Grace and Sex and the City and movies like My Best Friend’s Wedding popularised the gay man/straight woman relationship. Not to mention the cult-classic Queer as Folk. It made it fashionable, and I think this is where problems arose. Next gen fag hags started considering a gay BFF as a fashion accessory – a pair of Jimmy Choos for the soul. Straight women everywhere were probably rushing over to gay men demanding a shopping trip and a mani-pedi hoping to foster their very own Will for their Grace. I’ve always been more of a Karen Walker myself… I have never actively sought out gay men in social settings, we just seem to gravitate toward each other and often I don’t even know they are gay until much later. This usually elicits an “Oh!! Now I get why I like you so much!” response from me. I am a genetic fag hag, and I don’t find the term derogatory at all. I am rather proud of it. I don’t question why I have such an immensely strong bond with gay men, I am just glad I do. Fag hags are a global phenomenon – the French refer to us as soeurettes (little sisters), the German brand us as schwulen-muttis (gay mums), and the Mexicans know us as joteras (“jota” is commonly used for “fag”). In Japan, we are called okoge, translated literally as “the burnt rice that sticks to the bottom of the pot.” With more than 68 countries in the world where being gay is still a punishable offence, there are women like me being allies to the cause all over. Call me a queer dear or fruitfly or fish or handbag or queen bee or homo honey or fruit loop or Goldilocks or flame dame or fairy princess or gayboy bunny, I don’t care. Call me. If there is ever a royal wedding again – there’s nothing I love more than some good aristocrats and a queen to watch it with.

Delegates from Mr. Gay World with the mayor of Knysna, Eleanore Bouw-Spies

MR.GAY

THE AUSSIE CHEF WORLD WITH A BIG HEART By KEVIN DU PLESSIS | Photography by Kevin du Plessis, Gerhard Meiring & Rubin van Niekerk

“IT’S NOT ABOUT WANTING TO BE SOMEONE, IT’S ABOUT WANTING TO DO SOMETHING”

hef and fierce gay rights campaigner Jordan Bruno from Australia had the crowd at Villa Castollini in Knysna roaring when he took the title of Mr. Gay World 2018. After a demanding competition before and at the annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival he came out on top among the nineteen other delegates attending. Each contestant had to go through twelve demanding rounds, which includes interviews, written tests, a social campaign, a social media challenge, online voting, a sports challenge, a photogenic challenge, national costume, swimwear, formal wear, they had to make a presentation video and then there was the final Q&A live on stage. So, it is truly not just a walk in the park for the prettiest or most popular gay guy from each respective country and Mr. Gay Australia truly deserves the support of the entire gay community as our new international ambassador. The week of the competition was packed with emotion and genuine people, all of whom truly stood a chance of taking the crown. The most significant part of the event was seeing so many beautiful, fully rounded gay men from all over the world come together, connect, and learn from each other. I cannot count the amount of times I teared up just watching

the process from behind my camera lens. And how could I not, being in the privileged position to be one of the only members of the media to sit through all the judging and being able to interact closely with the organisers and judges? When our new Mr. Gay World presented his social awareness campaign to the judges, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Jordan is a reality TV chef in Australia and has run a campaign called The Gay Chef: Cooking for a Cause. He has released a free E-book packed with recipes and inspirational messages, as well as contact info about where gay people can find help if they need it. The book can be downloaded at www.jordanbruno.org. “I had an outpour of messages from gay youth after my sexuality was so publicised in the media; they were telling me that they were depressed and isolated because of their sexuality. I have created this E-book not because the meals have been tailored to the gay man, but because of the journey I have experienced with cooking. Food has the power to unite people and make them feel loved and I think we need that more than ever,” Jordan said. He also gave up working fulltime last year to be able to campaign for marriage equality laws in Australia which has since been legalised.

Mr. Gay World 2018, Jordan Bruno

As the President of Mr. Gay World, Eric Butter, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is not about wanting to be someone, it is about wanting to do something.â&#x20AC;? In this Tenth Anniversary edition of the competition, it is worth looking back to what has been accomplished so far, even if it is just to emphasize that investing in the promotion of gay awareness across the globe truly is worth it. Mr. Gay World was founded in October 2008 by Butter, an ambitious entrepreneur from Australia. The first competition took place in Whistler, Canada in January 2009 with 24 delegates and Ireland landing the first ever title. The second edition was held in Oslo, Norway where South Africa won, followed by the third edition in Manila, Philippines where South Africa astoundingly took the title again. It is definitely worth mentioning that South Africa has been the most successful country in this competition having made the Top 10 every year except for one, and the Top 5 four times, and of course winning twice so far. Short on their heels are the Philippines, followed by Australia. South Africa has also hosted the competition twice before, making 2018 the third time. The fourth edition of Mr. Gay World was held in Johannesburg with 25 delegates and 69

Mr. South Africa who won the national costume category

Mr. New Zealand who won the swimwear category

“I HAD AN OUTPOUR OF MESSAGES FROM GAY YOUTH” New Zealand walking away victorious. Eric butter calls The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City the best grand finale venue yet with his favourite host so far being our very own drag star, Cathy Specific. The second time South Africa hosted was in 2015, dividing the events between Cape Town and Knysna with Germany winning. In between these occasions there were also competitions in Antwerp, Belgium (New Zealand winning again), and Rome, Italy (the UK being crowned). Mr. Gay World VIII took place in Malta with Spain victorious and last year the Philippines won in Maspalomas in Spain. Butter talked a bit about the highs and lows of the past ten years and he fondly remembers the most memorable delegate interview which was delivered by Mr. Gay China back in 2010, making every single jury member cry with his remarkable story of courage. This competition will continue to shine its rainbow coloured light out to the rest of the world and undoubtedly will just grow stronger over the next ten years. In June 2019 it will be hosted in the beautiful city of Hong Kong, as was announced at the President’s Ball and Fundraiser on the night before the finale. 70 The steamy Mr. Spain

Mr. Belgium & Mr. Mexico

The boys on a boat ride out to the Knysna Heads

Betty Bangles & the Queens of Wigstock getting off their flight

President of Mr. Gay World, Eric Butter, & John Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil, vice-president

71 Finalists at the parade with the new Mr. Mardi Gras

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

rickydevine_

jordanbruno.mkr

INDIA samarpan_mr.gayworldindia2018

TAIWAN

PORTUGAL

mrgaytw

mrgayportugal

COSTA RICA

miguelrodriguez_oficialcr

BELGIUM

jaimie_deblieck

Mr. Gay Mardi Gras and the queens of Wigstock leading the parade at the Pink Loerie

MR. GAY MARDI GRAS Of course, this all took place at our beloved Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival’s 18th edition. It is truly remarkable that a gay festival has been able to last so long in such a small, yet amazingly beautiful town. Even though Mr. Gay World has been held in Knysna before, it was chosen again in an attempt to assist the rebuilding of Knysna after the devastating fires in June of last year. At Gay Pages we have a long history of also publishing the winner of Mr. Gay Mardi Gras Southern Africa on the cover of our magazine. And in a surprising turn of events our own Kevin du Plessis, Gay Pages Art Director and contributor, landed the title this year! Winning a grand cash prize of R5 000, a fabulous weekend away for two, a MichaelGamePlan skincare hamper and a year supply of Voël Verklikker swimwear, Kevin is now also the recipient of a golden ticket to automatically take part in the Mr. Gay World Southern Africa competition later this year. Vice President of Mr. Gay World and festival director of Pink Loerie, John-Louis O’Neil did a fantastic job of handling both the demanding responsibilities of Pink Loerie with the added stresses of the Mr. Gay World competition. Pink Loerie was packed with amazing people and supporters of the cause we stand for. Among some of the highlights were the performances by The Queens of Wigstock, fabulous after parties at Vinyl on Main and, of course, the Parade on Saturday afternoon that saw the entirety of Knysna on the streets to watch and take part in the proceedings. We look forward to next year, and seeing Knysna once again draped in all manner of pink decorations!

Mr. Gay Mardi Gras Southern Africa making friends

DEATH HEARTBREAK BY

By KEVIN DU PLESSIS

Not everyone has been so lucky or unlucky, whichever way you choose to see it, to have experienced true heartbreak. A sorrow so deep life itself loses meaning, causing all manner of physical and mental pain. But what exactly are the effects that lost love can have on the human body? And can you really die of a broken heart?

arly this year my mother lost her husband to a heart attack at the age of sixty, leaving her widowed at fifty years young. Even though I could see the state of utter hopelessness she was in during the week of the funeral, I could not quite comprehend her loss. That is, until recently when I got a taste of the bitter poison myself. The venom coursed through my body, torturing me for being so dumb as to have ever fallen in love. My heart raced for three days non-stop, I could not eat, I could not sleep and when I did it was for short intervals that were haunted by nightmares. I lay naked in my dark bedroom for days, just playing things over and over in my head. It wasn’t until my mother called me, just to check in, that I realised that we were sharing something: the loss of true love. I could finally catch a glimpse of her damaged heart and soul, it started making sense how she lost so much weight, how she suddenly felt way too old for her age, and how excruciating her heartache must be after losing her sole companion of almost two decades, with whom she had never spent more than three nights apart. We cried over the phone, lamenting over lost love and how the conclusion to Romeo and Juliet’s tale made so much sense after all. But what exactly happens to a person when their heart breaks? Some might think it is a metaphor, but I assure you, hearts can break just as much physically as they can emotionally. Robert Emery and Jim Coan, professors of psychology at the University of Virginia agree that terms such as “heartache” and “gut wrenching” are not just sayings. When going through an ordeal that causes severe sadness it causes emotional stress which in turn triggers physical reactions in your body, including muscle tightness, increased heart rate, nausea, abnormal stomach activity and shortness of breath. It is a fact that emotional pain involves the same areas of the brain as physical pain, which makes them equally severe and dangerous to your health. Scientists cannot quite explain how emotions trigger physical sensations, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our minds are more powerful than we suspect. Scientific American writes that according to a 2009 study from the University of Arizona and the University of Maryland, activity in a brain region that regulates emotional reactions called the anterior cingulate cortex helps to explain how an emotional insult can trigger a biological cascade. During a particularly stressful experience, the anterior cingulate cortex may respond by increasing the activity of the vagus nerve – the nerve that starts in the brain stem and connects to the neck, chest and abdomen. When the vagus nerve is overstimulated, it can cause pain and nausea. When emotional trauma is extremely severe it can lead to cardiac consequences, says the American Heart Association. There are established ties between depression, mental health and heart disease. It is aptly called broken heart syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy and it can strike even if you are

perfectly healthy. (Takotsubo, by the way, are octopus traps that resemble the pot-like shape of the stricken heart.) This can happen as a result of a number of different things such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, a breakup, a betrayal, or romantic rejection. It can even happen after a “good shock” such as winning the lottery. Your body reacts to a surge of stress hormones, triggered by an emotionally stressful event. Broken heart syndrome is often misdiagnosed as a heart attack, as it tends to have many of the same symptoms, just without any evidence of blocked arteries. In broken heart syndrome, a part of your heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well, while the rest of your heart functions normally or with even more forceful contractions. Researchers are just starting to learn the causes, and how to diagnose and treat it. It can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure, but the good news is that is usually treatable. Most people who experience it make a full recovery within weeks, but be warned, the heart is not to be trifled with because in severe cases it can be, and has been, fatal. In symptoms, look for typical tell-tale signs such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or cardiogenic shock may also occur with broken heart syndrome. Cardiogenic shock is a condition in which a suddenly weakened heart can’t pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, and it can be fatal if it isn’t treated right away. (When people die from heart attacks, cardiogenic shock is the most common cause of death.) Death by heartache is perhaps rare, but the effect it has on your immediate health is frightening. The discomfort, malnutrition, and sleeplessness that accompany your emotional stress can render you unable to go to work, perform household tasks, see to your personal hygiene and it is often not a far cry from considering suicide. I look at my mother’s once sparkling eyes, full of love and laughter, now always staring off in the distance lost in memories of love and sadness at its sudden absence and it makes a few things crystal clear to me. Firstly, and most importantly, that I have found true love. My reaction to almost losing my boyfriend taught me that I was at the beginning of my love story, that my love for this boy is as strong as my mother’s was for my dad. Where she stands at the end of a road, unsure where to turn to, I am at the beginning of mine and if I f*ck that up I do not deserve to be loved. Not while others have lost so much. Secondly, do not tamper with love. Love has no short cuts, so make sure you never find yourself in a position where you break someone else’s heart, as well as your own, for any stupid reason. They might just die, or you might out of regret. Just be honest when it comes to matters of the heart. And finally, I have learned that even though my mom’s great love has gone on to wherever we all end up, she still has more love to give, because in a big way she saved me from losing my Romeo to the poison I would have inevitably drunk straight after him. And I love her for that.

By PHIL JOFFE

They think that they can fool everyone by bringing over all sorts of alternative ways to exercise, one more ridiculous than the next. But fitness conscious enthusiasts out there should not fall for their theatrics.

yms and health clubs have established themselves all over the world, providing the facilities to enable their members excellent opportunities to achieve higher levels of physical fitness, necessary for good health. However, there seems to be a frenetic and unsubstantiated belief that something ‘new’ must be provided regularly. There is a false perception that gym members are easily jaded and constantly needing ‘the latest’ fads in exercise classes. On the contrary, the average person training wants a good workout, directed by certified group-instructors who know what they are doing. They want to choose classes that fall into recognised categories: cardio-vascular workouts, at different levels, aiming to move participants and raise heart-rates to develop stamina; strength-building classes that use resistance exercises, with weights, to condition, tone and shape the body; calming yoga and Pilates sessions for balance, coordination and flexibility. Annually, agitated marketers over-spend for the privilege of introducing something ‘new’ from America, the home of marketing hype and hot air. Pound classes came from America last year (but, so also did their new president, Trump). The ads proclaimed, “The world’s first cardio-jam session, inspired by the infectious, energising and sweatdripping fun of playing the drums!” Pound claimed it combined “conditioning and strength training with yoga and Pilates-inspired movements”. It announced the “powerful brain-boosting, stress-relieving effects of drumming, improving your rhythm, timing, coordination, speed, agility, endurance and musicality”. Using lightly weighted plastic Ripstix (patented drum sticks), participants pound away, crossing stix, hammering the floors, banging away as they move under the direction of the chief drummer. Perhaps, for the older clients, they will introduce a “Click” class, using lighter knitting needles? Claims were made that participants “dropped 20 pounds in weight”, “completely changed my body shape”, “brought out my inner rock star!” However, gimmicks do not a good exercise class make. The claims are often inflated, and already, at my home club attendance has fallen sufficiently for the Pound classes to be

THE THOUGHTFUL EXERCISER SHOULD COMBINE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT TRAINING ROUTINES cancelled, replaced with less trendy, but more reliable forms of exercise that do not require the paid-for plastic accessories. Another bad marketing gym ploy is trying hopelessly to combine every element of physical fitness into some suspect, new mutant class. A few years back, the ‘new’ Barre class was trumpeted; it would combine the grace of the ballet dance, with the balance, alignment and flexibility of yoga and Pilates. However, few instructors in gyms have any ballet training, and to believe that one can yoke together disparate skills in the hyped claim that all goals of complex physical fitness can be met in a hybrid class is a shaky endeavour. Most Barre classes, too, have vanished off the timetables. In a similar vein, the gyms, over the years, seeking trendiness, have launched kickboxing classes, developed from three separate disciplines, martial arts, aerobics and boxing. Instructors, untrained in the martial and fighting arts, are unleashed upon the unsuspecting, mixed groups of house wives, students, and the general population, who are then put through routines of high-intensity, approximate-combat moves. This not only disrespects the labour and discipline of years of hard training that the dedicated martial artist undergoes, but also heightens the risks of injury to the enthusiasts, who have not endured the specialised training needed to execute safely, real kicks or blows, under full control. To achieve improvements in all the elements of physical fitness – cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, balance and coordination – the thoughtful exerciser should combine a number of different training routines, over the course of the week, to attempt to meet all these needs. Ignore the hype of the gym-marketers who are regularly on the brink of launching another hyperbolic class from the USA, that pretends it will meet every fitness element in less than one hour’s sweat! 77

The story I wish had been around when I was a closeted teen, in love with my best friend and imprisoned by heteronormativity. By KEVIN DU PLESSIS In theatres from 29 June ISBN: 9780241330135

his is a huge freaking awesome deal! Well, that’s how Simon Spier would say it if he were writing this review. And I have to admit, I am totally feeling that description. With the release of the movie adaption of the book Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda, for the first time ever a gay story has been released into the mainstream pond for the youth, and that’s no small thing, let me tell you that. I cried my little gay eyes out both reading the book and watching the movie. Now firstly, I won’t be giving away any spoilers so you can let your guard down. And secondly, I don’t know what to say to those readers out there who are planning on experiencing both, like I did. They are both brilliant. But you will have to decide which one you want to lead you to the thrilling reveal of who Simon’s secret pen pal lover is.

If you are anything like me, you will want to read the book first because the suspense of finding out who he is makes it a page-turner. It is special because it is so finely attune to the subtleties of today’s teen market without it being condescending. I read it with a glass of wine on a Sunday and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. This might be because I am so closely related to the subject matter but I really think everyone will feel the same. Parents, buy your kids a copy and then steal it for yourself, you won’t regret it! Then again, if you are a diehard film addict, perhaps you would rather have all the theatrics of the audio-visual experience guide you to those happy half-sobs half-yelps-ofjoy. The adaption was done exceptionally well, and for those who love to compare books and their film adaptions, you

won’t be disappointed because the adaption is true with some quite brilliant solutions taking it from page to screen. Either way, I am giving the Simon-experience a big thumbs up. Simon Spier is a ‘normal’ guy from a small community where being gay, openly gay at that, is a frightening thing for high school kids. It’s not that his family wouldn’t accept him, in fact they are as liberal as they come, but the fear of being perceived differently after coming out, of it changing people’s perception of who you are can be daunting. So what do we do? We keep it in, at all costs. I mean, who wants to be the subject of jokes and pranks by the jocks and the bullies? Growing up and going through all the awkwardness of puberty and changing into an adult is hard enough without butt-sex jokes at lunch time. Although it is no ground-breaking revelation that as gay people we should never have had to ‘come out’ in the first place, Love, Simon draws attention to this fact in a hilarious and heart-warming manner that kids and adults around the world can truly relate to. It’s the typical high school romantic comedy, but with a twist. And it is not only for gay kids, it’s for everyone. This story has the power to form a better idea of how ‘normal’ it really is to be gay, how your sexuality does not really have an influence on your personality. It is scary looking back on my own high school years and realising that I was in such utter denial because my best friend once lay in bed beside me (which I was totally into) and said “Imagine how disgusting it would be for two men to lie in bed cuddling each other like normal people do”. And I agreed with him. Disgusting. That utterance has stayed with me my entire life. It had a big part to play in my late coming out, especially because as I remember that friend, I now realise I was really very much in love with him. I had experienced aching feelings of longing whenever we were apart and I made him ‘friendship’ trinkets and dreamed about him at night. To be quite fair, he was not all that passive in this situation. He would always choose to sleep next to me instead of anyone else. We even went through a phase at fourteen when we would playfully hump each other and “act like we

were doing it with girls”. We ended up staying in the same room at boarding school and had set times during the day that we would actually have joint masturbation sessions, and then on our matric holiday, we had a set ritual of going to the showers together every day. So you tell me how I wasn’t going to fall in love with him. I remember thinking to myself, still very much in denial, as we walked up to the showers from our camping site, “If I ever had to be gay, which I’m not, I would be gay for you.” A few years later, we were both going to different universities and by chance he was in town where I studied and we met up. He asked me “So are you still dating girls, at least?” I was shocked. My heart raced because even though I had had a gay experience or two already, I dreaded anyone ever finding out. “Of course, don’t be stupid,” I said and changed the subject. But what did that one line actually give away that day? It confirmed to me that he had probably always known that I was gay, and that our close friendship was in some way his own gay experience since I am sure he is married to some girl by now, probably working with his dad on their farm. Maybe he found more sexual thrill out of our friendship than I ever gave him credit for. I still love him, I think, but my internal homophobia dreads the day that I ever run into him or anyone from high school. I won’t be attending our ten-year reunion, which is supposed to happen this year, because I just dread facing everyone that I had lied to about my sexuality, now that I am finally out. Love, Simon would have made the world of difference in my life if I had read the book or saw the movie when I was Simon’s age. It would have changed everything and I would have probably had the courage to be who I really was without all the unnecessary shame. But here I am today, a loud and proud rainbow flag man with a thriving gay relationship working at the biggest gay publication in Africa. We all get where we really need to be in the end, but thanks to this movie and this book young kids will be spared a lot of heartache in a heteronormative world that is perhaps just a little bit more understanding! Love, Kevin.

IN THE HEAD OF

JOHN TRENGOVE

By KEVIN DU PLESSIS

Director of the critically acclaimed movie Inxeba, John Trengove, talks about the vision behind the movie and how his work is intended to tackle complex and challenging themes on masculinity, identity and sexuality in a traditional African setting. Well, that and his Brazilian boyfriend, whether he is a cat or a dog person, and other light-hearted topics such as the ever growing trend of homo-nationalism amongst white gay men. 80

ohn grew up with what he calls “white liberal parents” who afforded him a cushy middle class white coming out. This is how he describes his early experience of being a gay man whose father, Wim Trengove, has done work around gay rights in the Constitutional Court of South Africa. “Of course they had some concerns with regards to my being alienated from society and that I would be treated differently as an out gay man, but they had no personal opposition to my choice of being open about my sexuality,” the now forty-year-old said. For as long as he can remember he has always been obsessed with the idea of working in film and theatre. At first his dreams were channeled into becoming an actor, so after high school he enrolled for drama school at the University of Cape Town. However, he soon found himself restricted by the limiting role an actor has to play in creating the narrative which led him to the realisation that he was, above all, a storyteller, and that is when he decided to change direction. He went to New York University Film School for his MFA where his career path started making more sense. John spent his twenties doing a little bit of everything, from theatre, to documentaries, TV drama, commercials, and experimental shorts. Look up Disco 3000 on Vimeo for a short he starred in himself, sitting naked on the toilet. Just a word of warning, some might find it a tad disturbing. His work on Hopeville, an Emmy nominated SABC2 mini-series, was one of his first big breaks back in 2010 and he also directed the 2012 cult theatre hit, The Epicene Butcher which travelled around the world for four years. He had been thinking about diving into his first feature film for quite a while before the Inxeba project became a reality, but he had concerns with regards to what kind of film it would be. “I want my work to challenge audiences, and ask people to make up their own minds about what they’re watching rather than me simply projecting my own point of view.” And in many ways, some will agree and some won’t, he did just that with The Wound (Inxeba). Set in the context of the Xhosa circumcision initiation, Inxeba is a love story between two closeted men that explores themes of class, race, and tradition which has not been unpacked like this before. His “easy coming out” made him all the more careful when they started putting the narrative together, casting actors and crew, and doing the strenuous work of researching the extremely sensitive milieu. “We wanted it to be more than just a gay love story,” he explains, “I wanted to own up to my own limitations of understanding masculinity and sexuality in a culture that I am not part of. In many ways being gay is still a middle class privilege. I wanted to use the narrative to ask questions that I don’t necessarily have the answers to and, most importantly, to make others question those same issues in themselves.” Bongile Mantsai, the straight actor, dancer, musical director and family man who played Vija in the film, took a long time to decide whether he wanted to take on the role but in the end decided that he would for the sake of his own son, in case he had to one day come out as gay. Clearly touched by this story, Trengove explains “this is incredible parenting. To prepare yourself for something your child might one day become”. One of the more brilliant aspects of the way this story is knit together is that intriguing aspects of the concept of being “gay” comes into scrutiny. Vija, as an example, identifies as

straight. He has a wife and a family, he has a strong hold on traditional ideals, yet in Inxeba he is shown in a longstanding secret love affair with another man. For Trengove being gay is an “integral part” of who he is, but for someone like Vija masculinity and sexuality means something quite different, and that is where things get interesting; it is about trying to piece together an understanding and respect for how others view the world. “We don’t always have to insist that everyone should be a rainbow flag waver,” he said. His work is not about telling anyone what to do or what to believe, it is not an attack on tradition and it does not presume to tell anyone what is right or wrong. “At the end of the day, Inxeba was about presenting a complex and difficult problem without forcing an obvious resolution”. Ideology and the state of the world aside, John is in a long term relationship with Brazilian filmmaker Marco Dutra. They spend their time between Johannesburg and São Paulo. Marco’s recent feature films include Good Manners, Silence of the Sky, and When I Was Alive (look them up). “People always want to compare us and our work because we are two gay film makers in love, although I’d say our work is actually quite different. Which is maybe a good thing,” John said. Although it is often very difficult for them to see each other due to the location specific nature of their work, they find ways around it and John says, with a twinkle in his eye, that Marco has grounded him in many ways and that they have even begun talking about the possibility of adopting children one day. After spending three years in psychoanalysis unpacking painful memories (simply because self-interrogation is important) John has found that he has matured a lot since and has had an increasing appreciation for all things domestic. “It also comes with age and maturity,” he explained, “I tend to make work that is quite intense, so I try not to take myself too seriously while I’m doing it. I’ve also become super domestic and have learned to love cooking, something I have never been interested in before.” He doesn’t have any pets at the moment because of his tight schedule, but he is unquestionably a dog-person. Among his favourite directors are Rainer Fassbinder and David Lynch, and he calls Bad Lieutenant by director Abel Ferrara “absolutely genius”. John doesn’t necessarily read every day but recently read a book called Kill All Normies by Angela Nagle which inspired the screenplay which he is currently working on. It explores the online culture wars of recent years and the formation of the alt-right. Trengove is also fascinated by increasingly conservative and mainstream trends among white gay men. “The term I’ve heard to describe it is homo-nationalism. The more privileged white gay men become, the more they lose association with other minorities and start identifying with conservative, reactionary and even neo-fascist ideas. It is a dystopian concept, and I guess if I could say anything to the gay community in South Africa it would be that we should watch out for that. The white gay mainstream’s exclusion of other queer communities is incredibly sinister and unacceptable.” For Trengove, the future looks bright, having recently signed with one of the world’s leading entertainment agencies, Creative Artists Agency (CAA). I don’t stand alone when I say we will all be following his career with great anticipation.

TOXIC MASCULINITY AND CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL NORMS

GENDER IS UNDER

ATTACK By ALAN SAMONS

ame-sex marriage has hardly become a normal part of society and now we have trans rights in the spotlight. That goes hand-in-hand with individuals claiming the right not to identify with any gender at all. It’s a sticky one, but there is nothing quite like the human capacity for selfexpression – or self-deception – depending on which side of the debate you’re on. Personally, I have never ascribed to the whole macho man thing. Anyone who knew me as a child would be able to vouch for that fact. I was a wimpy, effeminate kid who got bullied a lot. Now, as a middle-aged man, I happen to look more masculine. Appearances can be deceiving. And none more so than the brand of über masculinity forced upon the males of our species during the past few centuries. Needless to say, that brand of manliness also defined its opposite in the form of hyper femininity which in turn provided ample fodder for generations of drag queens. Whether we like it or not, society forces upon men an image of what a man should or should not be. And therein lies the rub. The idea of toxic masculinity is that boys are conditioned to conform to a stereotypical image. The toxic part comes into play when boys are beaten, ridiculed, bullied and have violence inflicted on them to make them conform. This leads to a host of problems. The five main manifestations of toxic masculinity are: suppression of emotion, encouragement of violence, discouragement to seek help (especially emotionally), homophobia and misogyny. As Oprah would say: “Let’s unpack that.” Boys don’t cry. Most of us have heard that hoary old cliché while growing up. It’s better for a man to suck it up, square his shoulders and soldier on. Showing emotion is akin to showing weakness. We have taken the human capacity for

thinking and feeling and assigned them a gender. Thinking has become male and feeling female. Woe betide the young boy who exhibits any form of sensitivity or empathy. He will be mercilessly mocked by his peers and “corrected” by his parents, especially his father, and brothers, if he has any. All the better to fit into a mould. Young boys have friendships as close and emotionally intense as their female peers, but as they age and especially when entering puberty, Western societal norms dictate that they emotionally withdraw from their close friendships. Anything female is perceived as weak and worthy of mocking, whether it be a sister or another boy. The phrase “no homo” pops up. It’s often used by straight boys when they find themselves in a situation where they might be perceived as being vulnerable or having to express themselves on an emotional level. Encouragement of violence can be overt or covert. Bullies will often push wimpy kids to the point of snapping or resorting to violence. Parents are often complicit. My father forced me to take up wrestling and boxing. I was eight years old and hated any form of physical contact. As an ex-boxer, he wanted to “toughen me up”. I don’t think I ever got over that trauma. And believe me, it was traumatic. Men must be self-reliant. Don’t ask for help and especially not emotional support. Sort yourself out. Don’t complain, don’t whine. No-one’s interested in your problems. More familiar clichés. Teenage boys are isolated because of this form of toxic masculinity. They are emotionally withdrawn from their friendships, their peers and their siblings. They dare not show any weakness. Other boys can smell that a mile off and they will pay for that weakness in some way or another. Homophobia and misogyny are two sides of the same coin. Show me a misogynist who is ok with homosexuality.

PINK WAS CONSIDERED A MANLIER COLOUR, AND LITTLE BOYS WERE DRAPED IN THE STUFF, WHILE BLUE WAS CONSIDERED TO BE A MORE GENTEEL COLOUR, SUITABLE FOR LITTLE GIRLS

Think Trump… Even among our own kind there is internalised homophobia. “Straight acting?” Give me a break. You need to act? Gay men who describe themselves as straight acting often have an intense dislike of more effeminate guys. It’s akin to misogyny, only here the gender of the person perceived to have feminine traits is male. I know quite a few of these so-called straight acting guys and they all, to a man, are victim – and perpetrators of – toxic masculinity. This often goes hand-in-glove with body dysmorphia. Either a guy is fearful of being perceived as feminine and wants to “butch up” or he is so brow-beaten that he cannot accept his physical appearance. One way guys will try to appear more masculine is by looking down upon other men who don’t live up to the ideal of masculinity they are trying to perpetuate. It’s a toxic cycle. The question remains: how on earth can we negotiate the minefield of our own minds when society has already stacked the deck against us? I think its virtually impossible to re-evaluate and make a personal change in mindset. Our conditioning starts at birth and continues throughout life. An internet search revealed some interesting results. Various studies found that boys are up to three times more likely to be subjected to corporal punishment than girls. Unsurprisingly the lower the income bracket, the higher the likelihood of children being beaten more or abused. Girls are more often reasoned with and explained to what they have done wrong. Girls who have been physically punished by fathers or male teachers are in essence taught to submit to male authority figures. Boys, similarly, take a lesson from that experience – not to discuss what was done wrong, but to apply violence instead. I’m no psychologist, but it makes sense to me that if a male child is constantly spanked, it will have a negative effect on his psyche. Such children are also more likely to grow up practicing some form of violence such as bullying other children, or getting into fights, or committing physically violent acts later in life. I’m sure many of you reading this has at some stage of childhood been subjected to a male authority figure “correcting” your behaviour to be more “manly”. I know I have. Boys are often told to be manlier even if they are by nature rough little beasts. Why can’t children just be themselves and enjoy their childhood? Colour, too, is gendered. Go to any major clothing retailer and pop into the children’s section. It’s almost all pink or blue, and this goes for the adult sections as well. How much more check and plaid do we need to see in the menswear section? As for the old pink/blue binary, it may surprise you to know that this delineation is a product of the 1940s. Before then pink was considered a manlier colour, and little boys were draped in the stuff, while blue was considered to be a more genteel colour, suitable for little girls. Earlier than that, little boys and girls were dressed identically from birth until the age of seven, when boys were “breeched” and put in trousers for the first time. This explains why girls and boys alike were – and still are – Christened in little dresses. Boys are raised to reject the feminine side of their nature. Rejecting a part of themselves leads to a serious emotional imbalance that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. This needs to change. Grown men feel threatened by homosexuality and also by strong women. Its both ridiculous, and dangerous. The best we can do as male human beings is to embrace who we are, faults and all. Living in an authentic way without fear or prejudice and with total self-acceptance is difficult, but not impossible. Shrug off your label and be who you truly are. And stuff what other people think of you – that’s their business, not yours. 85

LEAD THE WAY WITH TOYOTA

Land Cruiser Prado 3,0D VX-L

PACKING FOR

Heading off to some exotic location is always exciting, but so few of us actually explore our immediate surroundings and end up missing out. That’s why we decided to ditch the suitcases and head for Joburg’s suburbs and do a bit of exploring. By RUBIN VAN NIEKERK and ALAN SAMONS Photography supplied and by Rubin van Niekerk

The amazing Prado in front of Classic Revivals in Parktown North

e had Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado and were tempted to head for some seriously challenging offroad conditions, however the Land Cruiser Prado is also a marvellous city explorer. A commanding seating position makes parking a breeze and finding places so much easier due to the elevated view. Even crossing Emmarentia Dam gives a completely different perspective than from a compact SUV, never mind a car. Having an off-road heritage of over 65 years, the Land Cruiser offers unrivalled off-road performance and is known as one of the world’s toughest and most reliable 4X4s. A lower centre console tower improves front-on visibility when driving off-road and it also helps when you manoeuvre in tight urban spaces. No other SUVs match Prado’s incredible dualism, as it’s just as superb a daily urban commuter as it is an off-road king. The VX-L is specced with every possible feature, from a 14-speaker premium touchscreen infotainment system to Adaptive Cruise Control

Weekend coffee stand at Emmarantia Dam

and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which makes it one of the most practical vehicles available. Our destination was the area affectionately known as “The Parks”. Roughly encompassing Parkhurst, Parktown North, Parkview and Parkwood, the suburbs are a veritable urban forest. Whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find it here – restaurants, art galleries and interesting shops abound. Outdoor activities range from strolling in one of the many parks, to cycling and canoeing. Driving around the suburbs, you will immediately notice that people make full use of their gorgeous, leafy surroundings. Every day you’ll encounter joggers, cyclists and families walking their dogs. Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons and we decided to go for a stroll at Emmarentia Dam. The foliage was ablaze in red and gold. The park is vast, and we encountered scores of people taking in the crisp autumn air. The dam itself is host to the canoe club and a scuba diving school. One of our favourite parts of the park is the rose garden. This terraced

La Boqueria Restaurant in Parktown North

Urban Grind Roasters & Barber Shop garden ends in an enormous fountain and on the other end of the park is the dog-walking section. Our mutts are far too old to go for a stroll, but you needn’t have a dog to enjoy the happy energy emanating from every canine in the park. All that walking builds up a good appetite and we decided to pop over to Parkhurst for brunch. Affectionately called “Pinkhurst” due to its large gay population, and well known for its gorgeous homes, interesting shops and excellent restaurants, it is one of the oldest suburbs in Johannesburg and was founded in 1904. By the 1930s about a third of the suburb was developed, and it was completed just after World War II. Old and new sit happily side by side and the cosmopolitan vibe draws crowds of diners over weekends when tables spill out onto the pavements and shoppers stroll around the suburb buying anything from second-hand books, to jewellery and clothing. Décor shops flourish here, while a few antique dealers offer something with a tad more patina. Don’t forget to visit Pets Paraphernalia where you can buy anything from chew toys to comfy beds for your furkids. Here you’ll meet two charming Great Danes who 88

Hines & Harley Men’s Grooming Lounge are part of the management team. We ended up at Craft where we know the food is always excellent and the beer is equally so. One of the reasons we love Parkhurst is that most venues are dog friendly. Drinking bowls are provided for furry patrons and we have seen some well-heeled owners order their pooches a kiddies meal. Other restaurants we would recommend are Coobs and Vovo Telo. For a spot of shopping, hit the pavement and go for a stroll. You might buy something old, or something new, or perhaps indulge your love of contemporary photography at the Cow Artworks. Do pop into White House Interiors for a browse. You might find something special if you’re looking for a gift, or perhaps an entire home makeover. Owner Pieter Peyper has had an interesting career encompassing fashion design, hotel management and a stint at Rovos Rail. Tucked away next to a park and a small river on a stretch of dirt road in 22nd Street Parkhurst, you’ll find the charming Windmill House. Named after the windmill (more accurately a wind pump), that iconic structure so much part of the South

Craft Restaurant

Windmill House, Parkhurst

4th Avenue, Parkhurst

African farm landscape. The interiors of the guest house are elegant and old-world. You don’t need to be from out of town to take a mini holiday in your own city, and Windmill House is the perfect place to stay if you want the fantasy of being far away in the countryside, yet five minutes from all the action. There are plenty of interesting places to stay and out-oftowners who visit Jo’burg only to stay at soulless hotels don’t know what they’re missing. Indulge your inner child and try something like Windmill House. It will change your mindset for ever. Johannesburg residents are far ahead of this type of vacation trend and love spending quality time in and around their city for a restorative weekend or mid-week break. The Four Seasons at Westcliff is one of the preferred spots. It offers great dining options and fabulous accommodation. Not to mention the views over the Parks and Zoo. Just up the road is Parktown North, a suburb with its own share of restaurants, shops and galleries. Here you’ll find the Abe Opperman Gallery, Gallery Momo, as well as Jeremy Stephen Antiques who specialises in glassware and 20th Century furniture and art. Just a few doors down is That

Place On 4th, a charming small eatery where we decided to have breakfast the following day. Do put them on your list. New kid on the block is Hines and Harley Men’s Grooming Lounge. Situated in an elegant old home, they provide pamper sessions for guys. It’s an ideal place to spend some time bonding with a special someone, a group of friends, or just to treat yourself. A range of treatments from massages, to Hollywood waxing is offered. Check them out! Not the world’s best (or fittest) walkers, we were happy to have our gorgeous Prado to swan around with in style and comfort. But all that gallivanting takes a toll and one starts feeling hungry towards the late afternoon. Okay, who are we kidding? We are always hungry! Rounding off our day – and our figures – was a divine meal enjoyed at La Boqueria on 3rd Avenue. It’s a feast for the senses in all respects. From the architecture and décor, to service and food, the experience is impressive. As are the prices – they don’t charge the earth! We have a feeling this will become one of the restaurants we visit regularly on our outings to the lush parks area of our beautiful home city. 89

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OUT & ABOUT BLOEMFONTEIN

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Open Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 12h00 - 02h00. 6 Abrahamskraal Road, Bloemfontein Tel: 084 298-7729 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 BEAULAH BAR Bar with a lounge and a dance floor. Open from 21h00-04h00, Fri, Sat, and eve of public holidays. 24 Somerset Rd. CREW BAR Stylish décor, gorgeous bartenders and top Cape Town DJs. 30 Napier Street, Green Point. Open Mon-Sun 19h00-04h00. CAFÉ MANHATTAN An enchanting gay bar and restaurant. Cafe Manhattan, est. 1994. At 74 Waterkant Street Cape Town. ZER021 It’s not just about sexuality, personality or equality. It’s about being part of a movement 46, Canterbury Street, Zonnebloem. THE PINK PANTHER A great night out near all the other gay spots. 120 Strand Street (c/o Strand & Rose), Cape Town. BABYLON THE CAPE TOWN BAR The Cape Town installment of the successful Joburg bar! 42 Canterbury Street, Zonnebloem, Cape Town.

EVENTS CAPE TOWN PRIDE The Cape Town Pride week festival and the parade usually takes place around 28 February annually. 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 RELIGIOUS THE INNER CIRCLE QUEER MUSLIM ORGANISATION (021) 761-0037or 082 892-3519 info@theinnercircle.org.za www.theinnercircle.org.za STUDENT SOCIETY Rainbow UCT uct.rainbow@gmail.com

CULLINAN

BARS & CLUBS FUNNY FARM LODGE Tranquil LBGTQI operated lodge. Plot nr 10, Boekenhoutskloof, Cullinan, Gauteng. www.funnyfarmlodge.co.za

DURBAN

BARS & CLUBS CLUB ALTITUDE 25 Silver Avenue, Windermere, Durban. Small boutique club and bar. Safe parking. Open Tue-Sun. Cell: 064 476-9533 thomie@live.co.za

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 JHB BAR 198 Oxford Road, Oxford Centre, Illovo. LIQUID BLUE Where the beat’s at. 7th Street Melville, Johannesburg. LIZZIE’S PLACE PUB & RESTAURANT One for the ladies. 22 Furrow Road, Diswilmar, Muldersdrift. RATZ BAR MELVILLE Gay owned and gay friendly bar. No 9, 7th Street, Melville. Tel: (011) 482-9965 TROUBLE BAR The back to basics gay bar. Wednesday nights. Cnr Rabie and Republic Roads, Fontainebleau. Tel: 082 875-9230 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 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Living Sober (Primarily Gay & Lesbian). Parktown North Methodist Church Hall, 7th Avenue, Parktown North. Wednesdays 19h00. Contact: Lee 071 890-8001 or Nadia 082 464-7800 AA South Africa: www.aanonymous.org.za

EAST LONDON

SOWETO HEALTH4MEN SIMON NKOLI CLINIC HIV & STI testing & treatment. Tel: (011) 989-9756/9865. Mon-Fri: 08h0016h00. www.health4men.co.za.

GRAHAMSTOWN

SPORT JOZI CATS Gay rugby club Practices at Digger’s Rugby Club, 58 - 60 Silver Pine Avenue, Randburg. Tel: 061 424-1062 www.jozicats.co.za

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

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.

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

MEN ONLY VOËLKOP Men only, clothing optional. Holiday resort, open daily. Glenn: 082 880-7497 or Paul 082 228-0614 www.voelkop.co.za

JOHANNESBURG

HARTBEESPOORT

MEN ONLY FACTORY 6th Street, cnr Voorhout, New Doornfontein. Macho cruise bar, uniform, leather, fetish. Tel: 083 965-2227. www.thefactorybar.co.za H BAR A great mixture of naughty and nice. 48 The Avenue, corner Plantation Road, Norwood. REC ROOM Steam bath with secure parking. Sun-Thurs: 13h00-01h00,

Fri-Sat: 07h00-03h00. Shop 1, Phoenix Centre, Malibongwe Drive, Randburg. Tel: (011) 792-1288. www.recroom.co.za RELIGIOUS DIE REFORMERENDE KERK: Die Kapel Te Fontianebleau Gemeenskapskerk h/v RabieStr en 4de Laan, Fountianebleau, Randburg Ds. Trevor Skinner: 084 305-1670 RECREATION HIKING Monthly day hikes for both sexes www.gayhikers.co.za STUDENT SOCIETY WITS ACTIVATE Email: activatewits@gmail.com

KNYSNA

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

MOSSEL BAY

BARS & CLUBS WINDGAT 70 Marsh Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape. Tel: 084 588-5655

POTCHEFSTROOM

STUDENT SOCIETY Potch Campus Pride Email: potchcampuspride@gmail.com Tel: 071 685-9949

PIETERMARITZBURG

COMMUNITY SERVICES PMB GAY & LESBIAN NETWORK Tel: (033) 342-6165 Email: info@gaylesbian.org.za www.gaylesbian.org.za Monday – Friday 08h00 - 16h00

PRETORIA

BARS & CLUBS THE GAY CLUB SA Saturday nights. Cnr North Rand Rd & Gibb Rd, Boksburg. Tel: 081 543-5588 ETC-ZONE CENTURION Gay bar. Open Mon-Sun 18h00-02h00. Gables Shopping Centre, Ivan Street, Bronberrick. Christo: 072 799-7639 STALLIONS Gay Dance Venue & Langarm Parties De Bruin Ave, Fundus, AH. Tel: 082 854-9104 MEN ONLY CAMP DAVID Cnr of Garsfontein Road and 46 Selati Street, Alphen Park. Tel: 072 497-2500 COMMUNITY SERVICES OUT LGBT WELL-BEING HIV Counselling & Testing, STI screening and treatment. 1081 Pretorius Street, Hatfield. Tel: (012) 430-3272, Counselling line: 086 068-8688. Email: neld@ out.org.za, www.out.org.za

STELLENBOSCH

STUDENT SOCIETY LESBIGAY STELLENBOSCH Email: lesbigaystellies@gmail.com www.leasbigay.wordpress.com

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

PORT ELIZABETH

BARS & CLUBS AQUA NIGHTCLUB Corner York Road and Prince Alfred Road. Open Wed., Fri., Sat. 20h30-04h00. www.clubaqua.co.za COMMUNITY SERVICES OUT!OLOGY LGBTI activism, education and support Email: enquiries@outologynetwork.org.za www.outologynetwork.org.za

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Alternative Healing: Body Sense – Linden, Johannesburg Reiki and hands-on healing. Body treatments and grooming. Reiki courses are available. Alan Trenoweth: 082 685-9911

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Attorney: Greta Eiser Attorneys Civil union advice, antenuptial contracts, cohabitation agreements. Tel: (011) 881-5826 Email: g.eiser@mweb.co.za

Bars & Clubs – Cape Town. Crew Bar. 30 Napier Street, Green Point, Cape Town.

Blinds: Blind Boyz – Johannesburg Vertical, venetian, roller, bamboo, solar-screens and folding-doors. Ronell: (011) 472-0962 Mike: 082 386-3333

Bars & Clubs – Johannesburg Babylon the Bar. 198 Oxford Road, Oxford Centre, Illovo. www.babylontheclub.co.za Bars & Clubs – Johannesburg (Men only) H Bar. Unique suspended bar and cruising rooms.

48 The Avenue, corner Plantation Road, Norwood. Bending and Welding: Metal Spirit cc – Johannesburg Bending and welding, laser cutting, light sheet metal work and geyser trays. Tel: (011) 402-8770/1, www.metalspirit.co.za

Cars: CMH Toyota – Melrose For any Toyota enquiries. Mark X Barnes: 083 453-5821 www.cmhtoyotamelrose.co.za

Attorneys wanted. We are looking for advertisers to fill the gap in our gay and gay-friendly business A-Z. Comprehensive national coverage and the best rates. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

basin code: L1093

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A LIST OF STOCKISTS WHO SUPPLY OUR EXCLUSIVE RANGE OF PRODUCTS

robbie@deca.co.za (021) 534-1357 www.deca.co.za

Business, Safety & Insurance Solutions

Business owners are continually faced with challenges like rising costs, compliance and forced expenditure, and now ‘green’ is in. We pride ourselves in working closely with our clients to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of compliance in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all regulations thereunder. SSA provides various Occupational Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, and HACCP solutions to all sectors of industry including: Corporate, Retail, Events Management, Engineering & Construction, Food Production & Supply. We manage and facilitate all matters pertaining to training, client agent and contractor management, risk management and assessments, HACCP, food hygiene and safety files. SSA is the only health and safety company in South Africa endorsed by the insurance industry and are able to negotiate significant reductions on your short-term insurance premiums and annual increases.

96 Business & Organisational Change Consulting

GLOBALLY BASED

organisational change consulting Pro Bono Setup Sessions Online & Offline Solutions Diversity & Inclusion Work Team & Leadership Development Decision making under pressure & VUCA workshops

Neil Hosken (Gauteng) | (t) 062 922-3054 | (e) neilh@safetysolutionsafrica.co.za John Kilian (Cape Town) | (t) 076 509-4590 | (e) johnk@safetysolutionsafrica.co.za

info@sensibusconsulting.com www.sensibusconsulting.com Business: Safety and Insurance Solutions – Johannesburg and Cape Town Helping businesses achieve compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Neil Hosken (Gauteng): 062 922-3054 and John Kilian (Cape Town) 076 509-4590 www.safetysolutionsafrica.co.za Car Rental: Bidvest Car rental rates tailored with you in mind. Tel: 086 101-7722, www.bidvestcarrental.co.za

Electricians: Line Electrical – Johannesburg Pre-paid, geyser timer, earth leakage, cable faults, stoves, electrical maintenance, and lots more. Renier: 076 403-4204, Email: renier.line@gmail.com Church: Die Reformerende Kerk – Johannesburg h/v Rabie Straat en 4de Laan. Fontainebleau, Randburg. Ds. Trevor Skinner 084 305-1670

Décor: JP Inc. Communications Public relations consultancy specialising in décor, design and luxury. Cell: 072 073-7200 Tel: (021) 461-1549 Email: jp@jpinc.co.za

Contact: Hannes du Toit 084 806 0344 / 012 567 9300

Gay-owned businesses wanted. We are looking for advertisers to fill the gap in our gay and gay-friendly business A-Z. Comprehensive national coverage. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

Electricians

Estate Agents

7717

Esoteric: Psychic For accurate readings and spiritual guidance. Personal consultations and telephonic readings. Westdene, Johannesburg. Joan: (011) 482-9935 / 082 706-1219

Estate Agents: Kings Estate Agents and Auctioneers Specialise in Parkhurst and Parktown North, Johannesburg. Tel: (011) 447-4420 Fancy Dress: Jods Hire Service Huge selection of costumes for theme parties. Tel: (011) 450-4424/5 Furniture Removals: Girls on the Move – Johannesburg The difference is our feminine touch! Tel: 086 111-6683 or Desiré: 083 677-1273 www.girlsonthemove.co.za

Florist: Rhubarb Flower Company – George Creative, fresh floral arrangements, specialising in commitment ceremonies, weddings and functions on the Garden Route. Tel/Fax: (044) 874-5108 Email: rhubarb.flowers@gmail.com Gay T-Shirts: Rocking Horse Togs Customised gay T-Shirts, long sleeved, hoodies and jackets. Tel: 082 936-6153, Email: michyork5@gmail.com

Gay Scholarships, Coaching & Mentorships, Private Equity: Shambhala Promoting and supporting proudly LGBT business leaders. Email: info@shambhala.org.za, www.shambhala.org.za

Hairdressing: Fiore Hair Design Master stylist, colour specialists, precision cutting. Tel: (011) 782-5760, Email: dominic@fiorehairdesign.co.za Hairdressing: Halo Hair Lounge – Illovo, Johannesburg Shop 3, Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo. Phillip or Donna: (011) 447-9866 Health and Fitness: Pilates and Wellness Studio Fully equipped private gym in Melville. Tel: (011) 726-4934

Health and Fitness: Warren Bronner. Personal trainer & sports massage therapist. Cell: 083 442 5005 Email: trainingwithwarren@live.co.za

Estate Agents and Auctioneers

Specialise in PARKHURST · PARKTOWN NORTH Kings specialise in Parkhurst and Parktown North. For many years now, we have a proven track record of top sales and record prices and a reputation we are proud of!!! If you are thinking of selling in Parkhurst and Parktown North, or if you need advice on property in Greenside, Melville and Craighall Park, contact Kings on 447-4420.

We Provide: Realistic no-obligation valuations. Large buyer network, local, national and international, through our internet exposure. Excellent after-sales service. Fully equipped central office. Sound experience, effective advice. Constant feedback.

For a free no-obligation valuation of your property, contact us on (011) 447-4420

Freight & Logistics

Gay Pride Paraphernalia & Branded Clothing

ROCKING

HORSE

TOGS

PRIDE FLAGS

& ALL YOUR PRINTING REQUIREMENTS Pride T’s, longsleeved shirts, hoodies, jackets Sizes Small to 5 XL Car Branding General Printing

CUSTOMISED PRIDE MERCH Tel: 082-936-6153 // Email: michyork5@gmail.com Health & Wellness: Bodyworks – Pretoria Male Grooming & Massage From brows to toes & everything in-between. Waxing, trimming or shaving. Sport, Taoist or Thai Massage. Cell: 083 286-1891 or 082 950-6789

Health and Wellness: Alan Trenoweth Full body massage, body wellness, reiki and grooming, Linden, Johannesburg. Tel: 082 685-9911, Email: body.sense@hotmail.com Health and Wellness: Sprout Microneedling, chemical peels, massage, botox and fillers. Tel: (011) 039-5889, Email: book@sproutskin.co.za

Health and Wellness: Sports Massage and Shiatsu Daniel Brink Park, Bryanston, Johannesburg. For headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, lower back pain, injury, stress and insomnia. Contact Leon: 082 479-7634. Visit massage-wisdom.co.za for more details.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.gaypagessa.com

Hairdressers

99 Hair Aesthetics

HAIR LOUNGE Shop 3, Illovo Muse, 198 Oxford Road, Illovo PHILLIP or DONNA

Tel: 011 447-9866 phillip@halohairlounge.co.za dejagerdonna@gmail.com

Medical professionals are in high demand countrywide. Expand your practice by advertising with us. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Subdermal micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical treatment where natural pigments are applied to the epidermal layer of the scalp to replicate the natural appearance of real hair follicles. Suitable for all types & stages of hair loss, on all ages, colours & skin types. www.hiltonhair.co.za info@hiltonhair.co.za contact Malcolm or Chantal on 082 872 3432/ 072 123 0428

Holiday Accommodation: Caracal Lodge – Mpumalanga Self-catering accommodation in Houtboshoek Valley. 5 luxury cottages. Cell: 082 451-0359 Email: dblanshard@mweb.co.za www.caracallodge.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Bartholomeus Klip – Western Cape Romantic Victorian wheat and sheep farmstead with a private nature reserve. Cell: 082 322-1758, Email: info@bartholomeusklip.com Holiday Accommodation: Boschrand Game Farm – Winburg Perfect for quick weekend breaks, Gay weddings and conferences. Tel: 072 611-8501, Email: info@boschrandlodge.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Celtis Lodge – Magaliesburg Escape for a romantic weekend with your soulmate for quality time together. Tel: 076 166-9123, www.celtislodge.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Magalies Mountain View Cottage, Hekpoort, Magalies Meander Region, Gauteng Charming 2-bedroom self-catering timber-frame cottage with panoramic mountain views. Cycle or walk along country roads. Take a balloon or microlight flight. Listen out for the cry of the fish eagle. A comfortable hour or so drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria. Call Sue on 082 888-2724 to book a piece of paradise with us. Email: sueoxb@iafrica.com Holiday Accommodation: Cleaning Fairies – Jeffreys Bay Cleaning service for holiday apartments and homes. Tel: 076 469-6964, Email: jacqueskritz@gmail.com Do you own a guest house? Advertise at competitive rates with Gay Pages and reach a comprehensive national and selected international readership. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

FOR AN APPOINTMENT CONTACT DOMINIC ON 082 554 6185 OR 011 782 5760 FOR AN APPOINTMENT CONTACT DOMINIC ON OPEN 7 DAYS WEEK 082 554 6185 OR A011 782 5760 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Health, Wellness & Medical Treatments 100 Holiday Accommodation

011 675 5886 • Laser Skin Rejuvenation • Microneedling • Chemical Peels • Aroma & Sports Massage • Laser Hair Removal • Botulinum Toxin & Fillers • Waxing and Manscaping • Full Body Scrubs • Hands and Feet

www.drcobus.co.za @Wellnessthetics.Sundowner

66 Drysdale Rd, Sundowner, Jhb

[Male Therapist] Call Gunther: (010) 312 5007 Email: book@sproutskin.co.za

www.sproutskin.co.za 71 Eleventh Street, Sandton, Johannesburg

Body Sense

Reiki •

Aromatherapy • Full Body Massage • Total Body Wellness • Waxing and Body Grooming • Guesthouse • Manscaping • Body Scrubs •

Contact Alan Trenoweth for professional attention Linden Wellness Centre 24 8th Street Linden Johannesburg Cell: 082 685 9911 Email: body.sense@hotmail.com

Holiday Accommodation: Ixopix Earth & Sky Cottages – Skeerpoort. Beautiful view of the Magaliesberg. Situated between Hartebeespoort and Magaliesburg. Affordable accommodation in two en-suite units, with patios overlooking the veld. A lapa houses a fully equipped kitchen and relaxation area. Enjoy hiking, biking, hot-air ballooning, fishing and horse riding. Contact Clara: keil.clara@gmail.com / 082 557-5790 / facebook.

Holiday Accommodation: Melkbos Moments Stunning self-catering unit in Melkbosstrand 80 metres from the beach and within walking distance to restaurants and shops. Hantie: 082 411-9399. www.melkbosmoments.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Hunter Hotels – Gorah Elephant Camp This exclusive Big Five, 5 Star safari lodge is in the Addo Elephant National Park. Tel: (044) 501-1111, www.hunterhotels.com

Holiday Accommodation: Pipa’s Guesthouse Pipa’s Guesthouse, 63 Davin Street, Bultfontein, Free State. Come and experience central South African small-town hospitality only 3 hours from Johannesburg. Gay managed and owned. Charming, arty guesthouse and restaurant. Contact: Paul 072 247-7654 or Pieter 072 403-3171 Holiday Accommodation: Protea Hotel Malaga – Mpumalanga Regular Pink Weekends. Holiday and business accommodation. Tel: (013) 257-5300, reservations@malagahotel.co.za, www.proteahotels.com/malaga Do you own a gay or gay-friendly business? Advertise with Gay Pages and reach a comprehensive national and selected international readership. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

Holiday Accommodation 101 Hotels

Enjoy a romantic weekend with your soulmate. Four secluded quaint thatch cottages with log fires, cosy beds with down duvets, bubble bath big enough for two, romantic candlelit dinners with soft music and lazy breakfasts. Treat yourselves to a holistic full body massage which includes aromatherapy, Reiki, reflexology and crystal healing. Relax next to the swimming pool, walk the labyrinth together, or just spend the whole day cuddled up in bed. Country hospitality at its best. Singles welcome. Enchanting woodland chapel for meditation and intimate weddings.

Loving to Serve our Guests Better, Everyday

www.celtislodge.co.za mike@celtislodge.co.za Tel:076 166-9123 Holiday Accommodation: Porcupine Hills Nestled in a nature reserve, an easy hour from Cape Town, Porcupine Hills offers a perfect setting for a weekend away, Sunday brunch amongst the olives, even an elegant wedding. Luxurious accommodation and a gourmet restaurant. Tel/Fax: (028) 284-9066, Email: info@porcupinehills.co.za www.porcupinehills.co.za Holiday Accommodation: Shamwari Group Step into our world of iconic lodges and experiences. Tel: (041) 509-3000, www.shamwarigroup.com

Holiday Accommodation: Shangrila-innibos – Magaliesberg Luxury camping sites, log cabins, thatch chalets and a guesthouse. Tel: 072 945-4115 Email: info@shangrilainnibos.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Terra- Africa – Windhoek Your gateway to the adventure and intrigue that is Namibia. www.terra-africa.com

Holiday Accommodation: Reefteach luxury 3-star diving lodge – Sodwana Bay All 12 bedrooms en-suite with air-conditioning. Catered or self-catering. Tel: (035) 571-0231 E-mail: info@reefteach.co.za www.reefteach.co.za Holiday Accommodation: The Turbine Boutique Hotel – Knysna 24 en-suite bedrooms, Island Café, Turbine Tapas Bar & Amani Spa. Tel: (044) 302-5745, www.turbinehotel.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Walkersons Hotel and Spa – Mpumalanga Nestled in the rolling hills of the Highveld, outside the hamlet of Dullstroom. Tel: (013) 253-7000 www.walkersons.co.za

Call 086 199 1199 • www.orionhotels.co.za @OrionHotels

Orion Hotels & Resorts

D RA CaHm BOSG e NLodge GAY FRIENDLY WEDDING VENUE website : www.b os e-mail: info@b chrandlodge.c osc o.z faceboo k: Bosc hrandlodge.co a hrand G .za Tel: 072 a 611-850 me Lodge 1

Holiday Accommodation: Welgedacht Tours and Safaris – Gauteng Find your own piece of Africa, hidden in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Tel: 079 478-6780, info@welgedachtsafaris.com, www.welgedachtsafaris.com Holiday Accommodation: Villa D’or Gay Guesthouse – Johannesburg Luxury spacious rooms including full bathroom, DSTV, bar fridge and breakfast. Tel: 084 252-2565, Cell: 084 905-7909 www.villador.co.za

Holiday Accommodation: Tomjachu Bush Lodge – near Mbombela (Nelspruit) Tourism Grading Council of S.A. – 4 Star, AA Quality Assured in the category Superior. A haven of tranquility where memories will be made to be enjoyed in years to come... Tel: +27 (0)82 854-5842 or +27 (0)13 744-0203 Email: reservations@tomjachu.com, www.tomjachu.com

• On site accommodation for guests • Up to 50 Guests seated/120 Guests cocktail style • Bosch Chapel available for the ceremony • Visit our website for more information

@OrionHotels

Holiday Cleaning Services 102 Landscaping & Garden Design

Jeffreys Bay Holiday Accommodation

Luxury self-catering accommodation in Houtboshoek Valley in the heart of Mpumalanga. There are 5 luxury cottages, 3 of which are privately secluded in the bush and 2 have their own cuddle puddle rock pool. They have no electricity, but have gas appliances and are romantically lit with lanterns and LED lighting. Caracal Lodge is surrounded by beautiful grassy mountains, home to a variety of plains game and antelope. Gerry the friendly giraffe loves visiting guests at their cottages. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed while hiking or on a 4x4 drive. Enjoy a picnic or sundowners at the waterfall. Supervised clay target shooting, gym and honesty bar. Close to Sudwala Caves and Kaapsehoop, a quaint village famous for their wild horses. Tel: 082 451-0359 Email: dblanshard@mweb.co.za â&#x20AC;˘ www.caracallodge.co.za

WE provide you with all your accommodation needs for weekend getaways as well as a cleaning service for holiday apartments and homes Jacques Kritzinger Cell: 076 469-6964 Fax: 086 5000 564 jacqueskritz@gmail.com Hypnotherapist: Timothy Fritz C.Ht. - Cape Town Certified Hypnotherapist (Non-Medical) Cell: 083 353-4570, Email: timothy.fritz@hypnotherapy.co.za Leather Fetish: Kinx Online bondage boutique. www.kinx.co.za, Email: yessir@kinx.co.za

A Romantic Fairytale Experience Awaits! Escape

Be Spoilt in Luxury

Feed your Soul

Rekindle the Flame

Marriage Officer/Huweliks Bevestiger: Pretoria Make your union legal: marriage or civil partnership. English or Afrikaans. Religious or secular. Based in Pretoria, but able to travel. AndrĂŠ Muller: 082 326-9385 Email: amuller@tiscali.co.za

5 Star Guest House, Graskop, Mpumalanga

Call Manie on 013 767-1114 or 072 234-4134

info@flycatchercastle.com www.flycatchercastle.com

Marriage Officer: Centurion Rev. Wim Griebenow. Gay Marriage Officer, Trauma Counsellor, Inner Awareness Therapist. Email: wimgrieb@gmail.com Cell: 083 513-6281

Ceasars Pet Palace BEST 5 CAT HOTEL IN SA.

PETS AND THE CITY

281 Karen Street, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria Tel: (012) 993-1111 Cell: 083 325-2644 Email: info@petpalace.co.za www.petpalace.co.za Exciting new pet food and accessory store NOW OPEN! Goodies for dogs, cats, birds and fish. Shop 14 Garsfontein Village, 447 Serene Road, Garsfontein Tel: 012 754-7900 info@petsandthecity.co.za www.petsandthecity.co.za

Jewellery 103 Medical - Pharmacy

EXPLORE THE GAY WORLD

wish you didn’t need glasses or contact lenses? Meet Dr. Fernandes Ophthalmologist

Contact an ophthalmologist, they are best qualified to assess if you’re a suitable candidate for vision correction by laser. International Gay Guide . Hotel Guide . Sauna Guide . Spartacus App for more information visit www.spartacusworld.com

Online booking: eyedoctor.africa.com Northcliff 011-476-2818 | Bedfordview 011-616-4177 drfernandes@eyedoctor.africa.com

Minister and Marriage Officer – Gauteng I shall gladly officiate for you a Church wedding and ceremony, also at your venue or home. Also feel free to contact me for other religious services like the christening of your children, pastoral counselling etc. Cell: 083 730-2887 Email: doctorheinrich@mtnloaded.co.za Massage: MassageBoyz Choose your twink masseur/s from eight sexy young guys. Facebook: Massageboyz. Cell: 082 847-2425, available 24/7. Menlo Park, Pretoria East.

Mediation: Bateman Krogh Professional Mediators Parktown North, Johannesburg. Emotion is at the heart of any disoute. -Facilitated by two psychologists with 40 years’ experience. -Specialised divorce/partnership, avoid costly legal options. -Cost effective, emotionally intelligent and equitable outcomes. Avalene Bateman: 082 777-7811 or Annale Krogh: 083 302-5005 Website: www.professionalmediators.co.za Medical: General Practitioner – Dr Steve Edwards M.B. Ch.B.B (UCT), Johannesburg Dr Gayly Fok M.B. Ch.B.B. (Wits) Tel: (011) 463-8330 1 Longford Road, Bryanston.

Medical: Dr. Cobus van Niekerk & Associates – Johannesburg Aesthetic & General Practitioners 66 Drysdale Road, cnr Taurus Road, Sandown. Tel: (011) 675-5886

Melville Pharmacy & Pharmacist • Personalised service by owner • Homeopathic and Allopathic medicine

Doctors needed. We are looking for advertisers to fill the gap in our gay and gay-friendly business A-Z. Comprehensive national coverage and the best rates. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

Open 8h00 to 17h00 Phone Petra for friendly advice Tel: 011 726-2304/2211 2D 7th, Closest Cnr 1st Ave, Melville

Medical 104 Podiatrist

Hollard Pet Insurance

0860 738 787

www.hollardpetinsurance.co.za

Create product visibility by advertising your product or service in the Gay Pages. Comprehensive national and selective international distribution ensures superb visibility at the most competitive advertising rates. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com www.gaypagessa.co.za

Providing Pet Insurance for the past 22 years

Medical: NLP Practitioner and Life Coach – Johannesburg Don’t struggle alone. Mental, emotional or behavioural solutions. Past, present or future orientated. Brian: 078 668-8656 or www.bettereverplace.co.za

Medical: General Practitioners − Dr Steve Edwards 33 Old Kilcullen Road, Bryanston. Cell: (082) 656-0001 Medical: Melville Pharmacy Personal service, homeopathic and allopathic medicine. Tel: (011) 726-2304/2211 The Hollard Insurance Co. Ltd is an authorised Financial Services Provider

Medical: Psychologist (Industrial/Career) – Hilton, KZN Calum McComb, B.Com (Hons), M.Com (PS 0121398). Career guidance, EQ assessments and coaching, psychometric assessments, talent management, team dynamics and leadership development. Skype consultations available countrywide. Tel: 084 913-7069 Email: calum@peoplesense.co.za, www.peoplesense.co.za Medical: Psychologist Juan Nel (Pretoria) Lesbian/gay affirmation therapy, group therapy for gay men. Cell: 083 282-0791

Medical: Psychologist Rob Hamilton – Johannesburg (Melville) Individual and couples therapy, coming out, substance addiction, sex/porn addiction, life changes, living with HIV, coaching for job interviews. Tel: (011) 673-9951 or 072 020-5467 Email: rhamilton.072@gmail.com Medical and Aesthetic: Wellnessthetics Aesthetic treatments, cosmeceuticals and men’s health. Tel: (011) 675-5886, Email: cobus@drcobus.co.za

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Menswear: Eros Podiatrists diagnose, treat and prevent Original men’s underwear. conditions of the leg and foot through: 8/31/10 4:22:19 PMwww.menseroswear.co.za minor surgical procedures | biomechanical evaluations | design & manufacturing of Menswear: Malebooth custom made orthotics | Original underwear and swimwear. management of complications that affect www.malebooth.com the foot due to chronic disease

Lucas Breedt REGISTERED PODIATRIST

B.Tech. Podiatry (S.A.) HPCSA no. CH 0005401 Pr.no. 0663778 Cell: 083 433 2347 Tel: 012 663 1572 E-mail: Lucas.podiatry@gmail.com

Menswear: Undie Co. Men’s lingerie from subtle to sexy. www.undieco.co.za Optometrists needed. We are looking for advertisers to fill the gap in our gay and gay-friendly business A-Z. Comprehensive national coverage and the best rates. Tel: (011) 726-1560 or (011) 025-5000 Cell: 082 777 0830 gaypages@iafrica.com // www.gaypagessa.co.za

Podiatrist 105 Psychic

PODIATRIST Victor Blunden Btech (Pod) SA

T: 082 330 7303

10 Lily Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg

T: 011 477 0525 victor@sharedcaremed.com www.sharedcaremed.info

Practice No: 0566705

Calvin Pienaar Psychological Counsellor

B Soc Sc Hon (Psych) (UKZN) Practice Number: 081 00 004 23254 | Registration Number: PRC 0013340

I offer counselling for the following:

www.calvinpienaar.co.za | calvin@calvinpienaar.co.za Tel: 031 563 4404 / 084 563 0272 | 4 Mathias Places, Durban North

Nursery: Garden World – Johannesburg Beyers Naudé Drive, Muldersdrift, Gauteng. Tel: (011) 957-2046 Cell: 083 997-6142, www.gardenworld.co.za Painting Contractors: The Coating Crew Wall coating, roof coating, waterproofing, dampproofing and building alterations. Tel: 083 307-2093, Email: cpiquito@absamail.co.za

Panelbeaters: Cloudwise Panel Beaters – Johannesburg Corner Main Street and Berea Street, Johannesburg. Cell: 076 499-6662 Tel: (011) 334-0026/27 Email: info@cloudwisepanelbeaters.co.za Pet Art: Pet Pawtraits Original artworks from your photographs, capturing the spirit of your pet. Tel: 083 340-4240, Email: redraven@gonet.co.za

Pet Accommodation: Ceasar’s Pet Palace – Pretoria 5-Star Cat Hotel. Pet food and accessory store. Shop 14 Garsfontein Village, 447 Serene Road, Centurion. Tel: (012) 993-1111 Cell: 083 325-2644 www.petsandthecity.co.za Pet Insurance: Hollard Pet Insurance Medical pet insurance from R3,33 per day. Tel: 0860 738 787, www.petsure.co.za Photography: Ferdinand Photography Gay weddings, models, stills and art, interiors and personal. Tel: 073 871-6910, Email: ferdinand@lifeonabalcony.co.za

LOVE.MONEY.CAREER Your deepest questions. And all of their answers. Call Joan for a tarot reading & the best psychic advice.

(telephonic readings also done) Tel: 011 482-9935 Cell: 082 706-1219 Melville/Westdene, Johannesburg

Solar Heating & Geysers 106 Travel Agent

Underwear: Online retailer for Andrew Christian underwear. Local stock available. Cell: 084 462-5310 or 084 IMALE 10 Email: info@imale.co.za Website: www.i-male.co.za

Vet: Melville Animal Clinic – Johannesburg 24 1st Ave, Cnr Main Road, Melville. Tel: (011) 726-2886 After Hours: (011) 705-3411

Podiatrist: Victor Blunden – Johannesburg 10 Lily Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg. Tel: (011) 477-0525, 082 330-7303, Email: victor@sharedcaremed.com

Psychic: Psychic Readings For the answers to your deepest questions call Joan for the best psychic advice. Love, money, career. Telephonic readings also done. Tel: (011) 482-9935 Cell: 082 706-1219

Public Relations: The PR Team – Cape Town Tel: (021) 419-2390/1 Email: enquiries@theprteam.com

Social Service: Dr John-Eduard Bosman (Narrative/Pastoral Therapist) Johannesburg, East Rand. At the StoryRoom we approach your life challenges in a professional, non-judgemental and caring manner. Cell: 082 856-6284 Email: storyroom@telkomsa.net

Underwear 107 Wine Racks

Dr. Frans Pretorius BVSc

80 Cantonments Road I Lyttelton Manor Tel: 012 664 5763 Fax: 012 664 2017 Emergency number: 071 110 5118 E-mail: LytteltonManorVet@gmail.com www.lytteltonanimalhospital.com Monday to Friday Open from 08:00 - 18:30 Consultation hours 10:00 - 13:00 16:00 - 18:30 Saturdays 09:00 - 12:00 Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays Lyttelton Animal Hospital

@LytteltonVet

Weddings: Registered Marriage Officer – Cape Town Personalised weddings at 4 star Guest House in Bloubergstrand. Henry: 082 337-5323 Email: h.haynes@mweb.co.za

Wine Trading: The Reciprocal Wine Trading – Johannesburg An extensive list of international wines and champagnes. Tel: (011) 482-9178/9, www.reciprocal.co.za

Wine Courses: Cape Wine Academy – Cape Town Learn about wine, meet people and have fun! Tel: (021) 889-8844 Email: info@capewineacademy.co.za

RESTAURANTS

AFRO-BOER

| Pretoria, Gauteng

The best of both worlds – African meets Afrikaner. From breakfast to baked goods and new takes on traditional classics, diners are sure to have their taste buds tantalised and teased. A filling breakfast favourite is the stuffed croissant, or try the morogo omelette. The butternut flirt with koeksister sauce is diabolically divine and the gorgonzola rump is rich and filling and for a suitably sweet finale, try the chocolate crêpe. The wine list is tight, but perfectly adequate. Busy and buzzy, the farmhouse-style interiors open onto a gorgeous garden where patrons can linger, or even enjoy their meal as a picnic. Heerlik! 1 Meerlust Avenue, Corner of Lynnwood Road and Meerlust Avenue, Die Wilgers, Pretoria, Gauteng. Open Monday to Saturday from 07h00 to 17h00. Sunday from 08h00 to 15h30. Public holidays from 08h30 to 16h00. Tel: (012) 807-3099 www.afroboer.co.za

URBANOLOGI

| Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg

Über cool with food to match, this is one restaurant you have to visit. Urbanologi is located in the oldest part of town and the heart of Johannesburg. Based inside the Mad Giant Brewery, the chefs work side by side with the brewery team brainstorming and testing new ideas in search of new flavours, ingredients, processes and techniques. Only the best quality local produce is used and there is a focus on Asian produce. Inspired dishes fuse street food with avant-garde preparation and plating. In order to sample a variety of the delectable creations, order from the tapas menu. The menu is divided into six categories: raw, fried, kushiyaki (grilled), steamed, cured and frozen. The drinks list is comprehensive, but you won’t go wrong ordering some of the brewery’s finest offerings. Safe parking is provided. 1 Fox Street, Ferreirasdorp, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 22h00. Sundays from 12h00 to 17h00. Tel: (011) 492-1399 www.urbanologi.co.za

GEET INDIAN RESTAURANT

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| Brooklyn, Pretoria

Consistency is rare in run of the mill Indian restaurants, but Geet is anything but run of the mill. The owners are passionate foodies. The menu features a few traditional standards, but also modern reinterpretations of classic dishes. Take your palate on a journey spanning India, from Rajasthan to Kerala, from royal favourites to meals enjoyed by everyday people. Spicing is flavourful and simply perfect. And, as is to be expected, other than meat dishes fit for a maharajah or maharani, the vegetarian and vegan offerings will please even the most ardent carnivores. No Indian meal is complete without dessert and if you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. It’s often daunting to match Indian food with the right tipple, so when it comes to wine paring, Geet has you covered. 541 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria, Gauteng. Open Monday to Saturday from 10h00 to 22h00. Sundays from 10h00 to 16h00. Tel: (012) 460-3199 www.geetindianrestaurant.com

KREAM

| Brooklyn, Pretoria

For a venue offering fine special occasion dining, look no further. The entrance through the wine cellar sets a tone of sophistication. There is something for everyone on the comprehensive menu – from seafood, to meat and poultry and a good selection of sushi. Freshly baked bread with a selection of flavoured butters pave the way for sumptuous starters like crumbed crocodile tail or scallops served with vanilla pea purée. Salad lovers will enjoy the poached pear and goat’s cheese salad. Vegetarian and vegan options are available but are a tad on the lacklustre side. Among the meat offerings, the bone marrow fillet is a star.

CHILLIPLUM BISTRO

| Hillcrest, KZN

Chilliplum embodies the owners’ love of food and passion for ethical, locally sourced, organic produce. This was South Africa’s first fine dining, vegan restaurant, but has since grown to incorporate organic, free range and hormone free meats as well. Simplicity and quality underscores the creation of each dish. Visitors can stock up from their range of deli delights and baked goods. Starters such as the Penang ravioli, or the stuffed black mushroom are recommended. For a filling main, opt for the chilli no con carne, a cassoulet of black beans, sofrito, mushrooms and sour cream. Fresh fish is brought in daily and the chef works his magic to suit what is available. Try the chocolate mousse made with organic avos and Kahlua. Shop 9, Richden’s Village Centre, Phase 2, 57 St Margarets Road. Open Tuesday to Friday from 12h00 to 15h00, then from 17h00 to 21h00. Saturdays from 12h00 to 21h00 and Sundays from 11h00 to 14h00. Closed on Mondays. Tel: (031) 765-2590 www.chilliplum.co.za

Sirloin served with blue cheese and a biltong sauce is a surefire hit, and the oxtail with risotto is a winter treat. There is also a good selection of venison dishes to order from. For dessert, there is a good selection, with the frozen honey and almond nougat parfait being among the most memorable. A drinks menu that reads like a who’s who will keep even non-wine lovers enthralled. Kream also has a restaurant at Mall of Africa. 570 Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn, Pretoria. Open for lunch 7 days a week from 12h00 to 17h00 and dinner from Monday to Friday from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (012) 346-4642/4 www.kream.co.za

STEF’S TABLE

| Hartbeespoort, North-West

There is nothing quite like dining at the home of a talented, passionate cook, and guests at Stef’s home-based restaurant are treated to some of the best food to be had anywhere. Service is as personal as it gets, with the hosts paying a lot of attention to their customers. The à la carte menu offers about six starters, six mains and two desserts, ensuring attention to detail and the best seasonal ingredients. Culinary influences range from South African and French, to Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Stef is a master of the soufflé, so do bear that in mind when placing your order. The setting is lush and green with an outdoor and two indoor areas, and a cosy fireplace for chilly winter evenings. 73 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort. Open by reservation only for lunch from Friday to Sunday and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Tel: (012) 253-2384 Email: stefstable@myconnection.co.za 109

RESTAURANTS

OVERHEX WINERY & BISTRO | Between Worcester and Robertson, Western Cape The perfect excuse for a quick detour when exploring the scenic Breede River Valley, Overhex Bistro is a popular eatery serving some of the best (and most beautiful) food in the area. Relaxed and decidedly unfussy, this is a restaurant you will want to return to time and time again. On the menu are a range of homemade dishes from artisanal pizzas and designer burgers, to fragrant curries and gorgeous pastas – all with a suggestion of which of the winery’s vintages as accompaniment.

JONKERSHUIS

| Constantia, Cape Town

With a history dating back to 1685, Groot Constantia is the oldest wine-producing estate of South Africa. The historic Manor House where exhibits of furniture, paintings, textiles, ceramics, brass, and copperware, provides an insight into the way of life of a successful 18th to late 19th century Cape farmer. Surrounded by ancient oak trees, Jonkershuis provides more than just good food – the views over the vineyards and Constantia Valley are breathtaking. Ingredients are sustainable and local, and flavours of traditional Cape Malay cooking pay homage to the uniquely South African cuisine. Dine in private, or at the fireside, or the covered courtyard, or on the lawns among the majestic oaks. The extensive menu has something for every taste and prices are surprisingly affordable taking into consideration the historical setting. Enjoy freshly baked breakfast treats, pastas, meat and seafood, and Cape Malay favourites. The wine list is as keenly priced. Groot Constantia Road, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Constantia, Cape Town. Summer Hours (September – April): Monday to Saturday from 09h00 to 21h00, and Sunday from 09h00 to 17h00. Winter Hours (May – August): Sunday to Thursday from 09h00 to 17h00, and Friday to Saturday from 09h00 to 21h00. Tel: (021) 794-6255 www.jonkershuisconstantia.co.za

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The newest addition to the Overhex Winery facilities is a high-class conference centre, with the latest technology that can cater for up to 30 delegates. Situated on the R60 between Worcester and Robertson, Western Cape. Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09h30 to 15h30. Tel: (023) 347-5012 www.overhexbistro.com

LUCY ETHIOPIAN

| City Bowl, Cape Town

What better way to experience another culture than through its food? Especially when you don’t have to travel too far. For those unused to the joy that is Ethiopian food, this is the perfect opportunity to make its acquaintance. The waiting staff are attentive and with their help, you’ll soon come to grips with the slightly foreign ingredients and learn how best to eat with your hands. Order a platter and add to it as you choose. Both carnivores and vegetarians are catered for with dishes ranging from pulses, to cubed fried meats and heavenly traditional bread (injera) to act as food conveyor and help mop up the delicious sauces. There aren’t many desserts on offer, but the baklava is pretty decent. Sadly Lucy Ethiopian has no liquor license, but you can bring your own, or better yet, enjoy the traditional coffee. Traditional décor and music set the tone in this quaint eatery that has its fair share of regulars. 281 Long Street, Cape Town. Open Monday to Saturday from 12h00 to 23h00. Tel: (021) 422-1797 Email: reservations@lucyrestaurant.co.za www.facebook.com/pg/LucyEthiopianRestaurantCapeTown

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

| Franschhoek

Unofficially known as SA’s food capital, Franschhoek visitors are spoiled for choice when choosing a venue. New kid on the block Le Coin Français is gathering rave reviews. Multiple award-winning chef de cuisine and owner, Darren Badenhorst (previously executive chef of The Restaurant at Grande Provence) leads diners through a unique culinary exploration of flavours, textures and interactive creations. The food is both a visual and culinary delight – truly art on a plate. Lunch is designed as a three-course à la carte menu, while dinner is a six- or eight-course journey either with or without wine pairing. Local produce features prominently and the chef owns a commercial fishing boat, so fish is as fresh as can be. 17 Huguenot Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape. Open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday from 12h00 to 14h30 and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 19h00 to 20h30. Tel: 074 126-0022 www.lecoinfrancais.co.za

LA MADELEINE

| Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria

Food legend Daniel Leusch has handed the reigns of this iconic eatery to his daughter, Anne, who is proudly following in her father’s footsteps. This is some of the most sublime French-influenced cooking you’ll find anywhere in SA, and at pocket-friendly prices to boot. Food at La Madeleine is all about the joy of cooking and eating. Ingredients are sourced fresh daily, so be prepared to be surprised when you turn up for your booking. Each day’s menu consists of about six starters, six main courses and a couple of desserts. The pre-dessert cheese board is a delight of rare and interesting cheeses, so don’t skip it. Two house favourites are the braised pork cheeks and gossamer light the crème brûlée, but pretty much everything else changes daily. This is the type of establishment where you can safely leave everything up to the chef. The wine list is a marriage of local and French vintages, and prices can be a bit steep, but there is enough on offer for those on a more modest budget. 122 Priory Road, Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria. Open for lunch from Sunday from 12h00 to 14h00 and for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday from 19h00 to 21h00. Tel: (012) 361-3667 www.lamadeleine.co.za

ÉPICURE BY CHEF COCO | Morningside, Johannesburg Chef Coco Reinharz is well-known for his excellent modern African cuisine. Épicure is decidedly high-end and patrons can savour African-influenced dishes incorporating ingredients we rarely see in fine dining restaurants, like cassava and plantain, to name two. There is an à la carte menu, as well as degustation options. Lighter fare can be found on the Afritapas menu. Interestingly, Coco has opted for a rum bar, deftly sidestepping the current gin craze. Wine lovers will find the wine list more than adequate. 3-5 Lower Road, Morningside Central, Sandton, Johannesburg. Open from Monday to Sunday from 08h00 till late. Tel: (010) 594-5336 or 072 268-0353 www.epicurerestaurant.co.za 111

RESTAURANTS

ASH RESTAURANT | City Centre, Cape Town Chef Ash Heeger already knew she wanted to be a chef at the tender age of ten. Having trained under Luke Dale Roberts for three years before heading off to London where she worked at The Ledbury in Notting Hill followed by two years honing her skills at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. Upon her return home, she opened her own restaurant specialising in charcoal-fired cooking to great acclaim. The menu is relatively small and changes constantly. Tapasstyle sharing is encouraged, so start with hay smoked trout or octopus with lemon atchar. The cheese croquettes are a definite must, so don’t forget to add them to your order. Mosey along to mains like excellent dry aged beef served with your choice of sides, or delectable quail pie. Vegetarians will love the parsley and nettle samp. End your meal with something sweet like the incomparable madeleines, or the goat’s cheese platter. The drinks list is affordable with some good wines by the glass. 81 Church Street, Cape Town City Centre. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 18h00 to 22h00 and Saturday from 10h30 to 13h30 and from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (021) 424-7204 www.ashrestaurant.co.za

LOVE ME SO

| Melville, Johannesburg

Funky décor, cool music, great service…and the food is ultrayum. This ramen spot is a delight. They serve superb cocktails (half price during happy hour) and there is something for everyone from carnivores, to vegetarians and vegans. The menu is an eclectic assortment of Asian-inspired dishes – from Korean barbeque and Japanese ramen, to izakaya (Japanese pub food), and poke and soba bowls. Take your palate on an adventure and order several dishes to share. Highly recommended are the beef tataki, fluffy korokke (Japanese potato croquettes) and the steamed barramundi is sheer heaven. Finish with the black sesame ice cream – you’ll be back just to have more! 63A 4th Avenue, 2092, Melville. Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 17h00 to 22h00 (Half price cocktails between 17h00 and 19h00). Thursday and Saturday from 12h00 to 22h00 (Half price cocktails between 17h00 and 19h00). Sunday from 12h00 to 18h00 (Half price cocktails between 13h00 to 16h00). Closed on Mondays. Booking is advised. Tel: 060 717-6728 Email: info@lovemeso.co.za www.facebook.com/lovemesojozi

REVERIE SOCIAL TABLE

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| Observatory, Cape Town

Communal eating is a global trend that’s fast catching on here at home. What better way to enjoy a great meal and meet new people? Chef Julia Hattingh’s 18-seat table d’hôte restaurant serves a five-course dinner displaying skills she gained while working abroad and locally. The menu changes frequently, as do the wine offerings. The food is as beautiful as it is hearty. Expect local beef, the most succulent seafood and masterful desserts. Chef Julia is at hand throughout the experience, greeting her guests personally and taking time to explain the menu and getting to know her guests. There is a friendly informality and convivial atmosphere that adds immeasurably to the experience. Seemingly simple dishes belie the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into the preparation of each dish – dishes worthy of five-star restaurants. As the chef’s choice dinner is a surprise, it is advisable to make any dietary restrictions know when making your booking. 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town. Open for lunch from Tuesday to Friday from 12h00 to 14h30, and for dinner from Wednesday to Saturday from 19h30 to 23h00. Tel: (021) 447-3219 or 079 060-6971 www.reverie.capetown

LA CANTINA

| Fancourt Hotel, George

Relaxed and easy-going, this restaurant is vibey and busy, just the way a good Italian restaurant should be. Homemade pastas, steak, poultry and seafood, as well as some of the best wood-fired thin-base pizzas imaginable can be found on the extensive menu. And what is an Italian restaurant without tiramisu? The wine list is just as comprehensive, and many of the wines are available by the glass. Prices vary from pocket pleasing everyday easy drinking wines, to more upmarket offerings. For those out to do some serious celebrating, a few ‘blow the budget’ wines and champagnes are available. Serving as the hotel’s breakfast venue, the morning buffet is

LA BOQUERIA

generous and sure to get your day off to a wholesome start. Diners can choose between indoor or outdoor seating. Service is smart and friendly. Food prices are quite reasonable, so do put La Cantina on your to do list for when you are in George. Fancourt Golf Estate, Montagu Street, Blanco, George. Open for breakfast from Monday to Sunday from 06h30 to 10h00 and dinner from 18h00 to 22h00. Tel: (044) 804-0538 Email: reservations@fancourt.co.za www.fancourt.co.za/eat/la-cantina/

| Parktown North, Johannesburg

Bright and airy, the interior space is modern retro, complete with pot plants in macramé hangers. With so much space available, the restaurant never feels overfull or too noisy. There is a large outdoor deck that’s just perfect for warm winter days or lazing on in summer. Street food with a contemporary edge is what keeps diners coming back for more. Share a platter of nibbles or tapas. Then move on to a skillet, bowl or barbequed dish. There is also ceviche, fried street food and paellas. Hispanic flavours dance across the plate. There is something for everyone, from the peckish, to the seriously hungry. Vegetarian options are decidedly not boring, and we tip our hats to the chef for that. Service-wise, La Boqueria is top-notch with knowledgeable and friendly waiting staff at hand to explain the more complicated creations. Wines and beers by mostly small boutique-style producers adorn the menu. Allow yourself time to peruse the menu and wine list at a leisurely pace and by all means, be adventurous when placing your order. No. 17 3rd Avenue, Parktown North, Johannesburg. Open Monday to Thursday from 07h00 to 22h00, Friday and Saturday from 07h00 to 23h00, and Sunday from 07h00 to 17h00. Tel: (011) 325-0011 www.laboqueria.co.za

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RESTAURANTS

FORTI GRILL & BAR

| Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

Fortunato Mazzone is a legend of the South African food world. While many regular patrons were sad to see Ritrovo closing, Forti has moved on to bigger and better things. His new venue is nothing short of spectacular and the food has, if anything, been taken up a notch. Not an easy feat, as the food at Ritrovo was unvaryingly spectacular. Fortunato is in his element at Forti Grill and Bar. Big, bold and beautiful (like the owner), immense attention is paid to every detail, from interior design, to service and food. Masterfully reinterpreted Italian cuisine is served alongside some familiar favourites. A nod to the old Ritrovo, the fillet chateaubriand is still on the menu and, as before, it’s a meal for two. The pasta dishes are inspired, and fish is cooked to perfection. Sides include salad, potato chips cooked in duck

fat and fried polenta. With so many people changing to a vegan diet, it is heartening to see they have an entire section on the menu devoted to guilt-free eating. The Italian nougat is a dessert you’d return for again and again. Forti is the place to celebrate anything from a huge family get-together, to an intimate dinner à deux. It is all about a sheer love of life and good food. Top Floor Sun Time Square Casino, c/o Aramist Avenue and Corobay Street, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. Open from Sunday to Thursday from 11h45 to 22h00 and Friday to Saturday from 11h45 to 24h00. Tel: 08600FORTI(36784) or (012) 003-6181 Cell: 083 467-2588 or 076 260-3025 www.forti.co.za

NCW

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| Melville, Johannesburg

Chef Ence Willemse has brought an old white elephant of a building on Melville’s Main Road to vibrant life. Ence, who has worked at award-winning restaurants Roots in Krugersdorp and Overture Stellenbosch, is now the proud owner and chef of this jaw-droppingly elegant fine dining venue. NCW is a multi-use space and ideal for cocktail parties, celebrations, and will also host exhibitions. Chef Ence is a fervent believer in knowing the full history of his produce, thereby ensuring diners of only the finest ingredients. Likewise, each vintage on his wine list has a backstory. Guests are encouraged to stroll about while sipping their wine and enjoying the art. It’s a relaxed, informal way of enjoying fine food in a beautiful space. It’s elegant, but definitely modern and not all stuffy. Saturday sundowners are a great mid-weekend option, while Sunday roasts are popular and highly recommended. The tasting menu available Thursday to Saturday at R525 and Sunday meals cost R325 per person. 46 Main Road, Melville, Johannesburg. Open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday from 12h00 to 16h00 and for dinner from Thursday to Sunday from 16h00 to 23h00. Booking is essential. Tel: (011) 482-1998 www.ncwrestaurant.co.za

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Gay Pages Winter 2018

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