Vogue Nights
get Mzansi walking and talking JAMAL GROOTBOOM jamald.grootboom@inl.co.za
Lelo Whatsgood has brought ballroom parties to Johannesburg. | Thabo Mthombeni / @downtownthabz
IN THE last few years ballroom culture and vogue has seen a global resurgence and the South African queer community is no different. Known as one of the cornerstones of queer culture, at a ball, a house member walks in various categories for a panel of judges where they get scored out of 10. The goal is to get the grand prize along with the judges giving you 10s across the board. Enter Vogue Nights Jozi, started by queer DJ and activist Lelo Whatsgood, real name Lelo Meslani. The event has become a highlight for many in the queer community. Speaking about why he started Vogue Nights, Lelo said: “I saw the lack of diverse spaces for the queer community, especially in Johannesburg. “And I took inspiration from the ballroom culture that had been
