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
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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
