OUT Africa Magazine by Keith Coventry

AFRICA

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Issue 8, Spring 2011

PE PRIDE... BORN THIS WAY ORANGE RIVER TURNS PINK

ALL BEEFED UP

JOBURG PRIDE TO BE THE BIGGEST YET

There’s chemistry between you and the road. This is the catalyst.

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Opinion by John Henry

The ABC of Dicky With the London fires still smouldering, the ANC and the ANCYL looking at each other sheepishly after their continued media showdown, the only group currently smiling are the gay and lesbian community of New York after their victorious battle to obtain equality in marriage rights. That said, one cannot help but be faced with the increasing amount of discrimination between social groups…and without turning phrases – It’s the return of the school yard bully syndrome…

ullies are often thought of as just the mere opportunistic 10year old rabbit puncher on a playground power trip, mostly always named Dicky or some derivative thereof. Now make no mistake – Dicky is in fact a pseudonym for my childhood school bully, whom I loathe to this very day – aptly named so for reasons relating to its meek and shrimpy nature noted in the bogs during shower time at the boarding school we attended together. The simple truth is that bullying creeps in everywhere – school, politics, work, a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy or even the scathing eye I gave the chubby girl at the gym that dared cut the line to the treadmills on Monday night. The simple truth is that it is an ingrained cultural phenomenon where groups with similar identities flock together. The problem born from such, however, is the need to assert the identity of the said group, all too often at the expense of another. The real issue that comes from this is – when does one, either as an individual or in a group, re-assert oneself when faced with such blatant bullying? Does one lay the responsibility at the hands of government, write a letter to Agony Aunty or take the fight to the streets yourself? More worrying is that we are far too comfortable with crying victim, when in life we are often also to blame. How many have dismissed those of their own ilk because they simply do not fit into the macho bravado required to make them feel associated with their group? A quick declaration of “no fats/ fems” is often not thought of as bullying. But the underlying ideology remains true – we distance and disgrace those we do not deem worthy for whatever reason, or are so different from ourselves that we simply cannot find common ground in the first instance. And if we remain of the mind that “I only sleep with good looking people who look like me”, we have in fact just dressed up the same reactive prejudice in a shiny new frock. Bullying has been around for a long time and has no real end in sight. There has been a recent upswing of support from celebrities such as Ellen DeGeneres and Mag 2

Anderson Cooper. They appeal stricter laws and regulations in US schools to curb the increased number of suicides and related violence stemming from discrimination. The most inspiriting movement right now must be the ‘It Gets Better” Project, launched by celebrated columnist Dan Savage, which uses social media websites to post short video clips from other LGBT, which tell their own stories of struggle, offering advice, coping strategies and just the simplest truth of all – that there are other people out there who are experiencing the same thing and with the hope that “it gets better”. As much as I am an advocate of rights, rules and a greater supporter of such projects, I quickly learned the day my parents dropped me off at Duineveld Boarding House at the tender age of 9, in the real world, discussion and rules very seldom curbed Dicky’s enthusiasm to include me in his “geeks and faggots who deserve the knuckle treatment” grouping system. One has better hopes of having Piet Jan Botha from Brakpan elected as ANC Youth League president, than having a set of preventive rules enforced by teachers who frankly, cannot be truly bothered to protect your little princess against Dicky, or teach him kindness, whilst on minimum salary benefits. Walking thought the gates of Duineveld as the recent recipient of “head-setbraces” and cultured comic-book purveyor, I remember the dawn of the physical and mental abuse that I would encounter during school hours. This would prove to be a velvet cushy version

of what awaited me once a large man affectionately called “Pa” by Dicky, put me into a rugby jersey after class. Running around trying to duck death in said polyblend-of-hideousness jersey, I could never imagine it getting worse. With the misunderstanding of our fellow man and the increasing social gap between groups – what is the solution to all of this? How does one deal with such discrimination, in whatever form or against whatever creed, when inspirational messages and the camaraderie of the brave men and women taking part in “It Gets Better” does not reach you in time? My father told me, as bitter a pill it was to swallow at the time, that one would have to learn to stand up for oneself, because no one else will do it. And so I did. After Dicky once again came to assert himself as a douche one night, I felt the halo of inspiration from my Whitney Houston diva godmother shine down on me and I said “it’s not right, but it’s okay”. I turned around and punched him a solid one under the eye - (“punch” in this case being more of a slap-scratch combination, which left an even more embarrassing mark on his face in the week to come). After that he felt as comfortable as Patsy Stone in a Mr. Price Mega Store around me. Now being fully versed in using their tactics against themselves, a Facebook stalking session reveals that Dicky is unmarried, a purveyor of adult acne, working on his dad’s farm whilst managing to get some uninformed girl pregnant. Bless. I however, after graduating and mastering the ability to be rather charming around fetching lads whilst wearing tailored suits, am earning enough money to have embossed Christmas cards sent to everyone who ruined my childhood, showing them just how fantastic things turned out. John Henry is the son of a great man, who did not speak much, but took him to karate lessons. He loves him, misses him every day and wish he could meet the American that has become his strength.

EDITOR’S COMMENT

n our previous issue we reported how Cape Town Pride had incurred a huge loss despite generating it best turnover ever. In June Cape Town Pride held a poorly publicised but reasonably well attended report back meeting where it was decided that those responsible for the financial losses would not be hauled over the coals, that what is done is done, and that urgent steps needed to be taken to raise funds to pay creditors and get Pride on its feet again. Despite this sense of urgency to “rescue” CT Pride, it appears that nothing has happened since, except for a board meeting attended by some people who thought they were board member but were in fact not. This was preceded by a spate of resignations of current board members. So in effect, there is nobody to take responsibility for the quagmire CT Pride finds itself in. Certain prominent members of the community and former stakeholders in Cape Town Pride, in the interests of saving the organisation, then undertook to recruit suitable people to take the reins and to find solutions. This initiative now run out of steam as it appears that nobody has the stomach for it. So while Johannesburg, Soweto, Ekurhuleni, Port Elizabeth and every dorp in between prepare to celebrate Pride, Cape Town Pride is in danger of collapsing and in true Cape Town style, nobody cares. But life goes on. In this fabulous Spring Issue we feature stories on Africa’s oldest and youngest Pride celebrations. The Pride theme continues with a report on Durban Pride and news of a wonderful Pink Safari down the Orange River. The Grande Dame of Drag Dainti Delischia reveals a few secrets while Lauren Beukes talks about her wonderful film Glitterboys & Ganglands. Our fashion correspondent dishes all the dirt from Fashion Week and our beefy fashion spread will have you panting for more. From Grace Jones to Kylie, we have it all! Enjoy Pride in whichever city you choose to celebrate! Evan Tsouroulis - Editor

MANAGING EDITOR: Tommy Patterson published by: Patterson Publications P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Tel/Fax: 021 434 6034 E-mail: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net Advertising Sales: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 Robert Simpson 072 266 7051

Contributors: Blaine Shapiro-Dodds Gary Hopkins Glenn de Swardt Daniel Dercksen John French John Henry By Veri Dre Sweet Printed by ABC Press, Cape Town

Copyright: All articles, stories, interviews and other materials in OUT Africa Magazine are the copyright of the publication or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. No articles, stories, interviews and other materials may be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of OUT Africa Magazine or Patterson Publications. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments in this publication are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of OUT Africa Magazine or any employee thereof. OUT Africa Magazine and Patterson Publications cc., will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in any information contained in the publication.

CONTENTS

INTERVIEWS

34 GLITTERBOYS & GANGLANDS: Lauren Beukes takes a look behind the scenes of the Miss Gay Western Cape 2010 Pageant. 37 DIVALICIOUS DAINTI DAME: Charles talks about life with his alter-ego.

FASHION

14-15: ALL BEEFED UP 26: THE FUNNY SIDE OF FASHION

FEATURES

2 THE ABC OF DICKY 3 EDITORS COMMENT: 4 CHICAGO - Gerrie’s kind of town 4 SA LEATHERMAN WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD 6 KINKS - Bigger & Better 7 LEATHER PRIDE AMSTERDAM 7 THE FIREMAN’S BALL 8 OUT IN AFRICA FILM FESTIVAL - stage 3 9 LETTERS FROM DURBAN: What’s happening in KZN 10 PRISCILLA DOES THE KAROO: Bussing it 12 THE ORANGE PRIDE SAFARI: Canoeing down the river 16 THE BUZZ: News, snippets & gossip 18 NIGHTCLUBBING: Meet the unforgettable Grace Jones 19 WINNERS!!! 19 SUBSCRIPTIONS 20 EASTERN CAPE CELEBRATES PRIDE 22 JO’BURG PRIDE - Born this Gay! 24 SOAPGIRLS AT RATZ: Super hot singing sisters 31 HAVE A KISS ON US COMPETITION 33 GAY LIFE EXPO 36 HEALTH FOR MEN - Poppers 38 KYLIE CHARMS SOUTH AFRICA 39 A FAB PACKAGE 40 TRUE COLOURS 41 MISS GAY WORLD 2011 42 THE MADAM IS BACK IN CAPE TOWN 44 HAVE YOU GOT THE BALLS? 45 BLAINE’S SPRING TOP 10 47 ROSES & RASPBERRIES

REVIEWS

43 OUT TO LUNCH: Feeding Frenzy 44 OUT ON DVD: The best movies to watch at home. 45 MUSIC MOVES: A look at the latest sounds around. 46 OUT ON FILM: What to miss on the circuit...and what not to! 47 WORD PERFECT: 48 ON STAGE: The performing arts all over SA...

SCENE OUT 28 SEEN PARTYING AT BEEFCAKES 28 THE KYLIE AFTER-PARTY AT BEEFCAKES 29 SEEN AT CREW 29 PRIVILEGE LAUNCH PARTY 29 GAYDAR REBIRTH PARTY IN DURBS 30 LULEKI SISWE BENEFIT 30 AT STARGAYZERS 30 THE ITALIAN JOB - PORT ELIZABETH 31 THE SLUT WALK IN CAPE TOWN 32 OUT MAGAZINE “SIN” PARTY 32 RENO’S EXHIBIT AT THE PRIDE SHELTER

18 Mag 3

CHICAGO -

GERRIE’S KIND OF TOWN!

fter almost 40 hours of travel we eventually arrived in a rainy and cold Chicago. After a good night’s rest, I was ready for the Competition (or so I thought). At orientation, I soon realized just how secluded we are from the rest of the world when it comes to Leather – here were 52 gorgeous men, all in leather, with who I was to compete against for the title of International Mister Leather 2011!! Suddenly I was a small fish in a very large ocean…

SOUTH AFRICAN LEATHER MAN WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Having drawn competition number 28, I soon found my groove amongst the fantastic crowd of men. An overwhelming sense of brotherhood cemented our commitment to each other for life, no matter the outcome of the competition. The support and camaraderie made us feel like and invincible army of proud Leathermen – representing our individual communities but ONE in spirit and goal.

Mr. SA Leather 2011, Gerrie Vorster, accompanied by his fiancé Ralf Kuhn, travelled to Chicago in May to compete in the annual International Mr. Leather contest, where he was placed seventh out of 52. This is what Gerrie says about his trip of a lifetime. Mag 4

Of course there were nerves and emotions – yes, leather men do cry. But they also laugh and have tons of fun! It was most tangible when each contestant received a medal to celebrate participation – what an honour to be one of 1453 in the world (and 2 of those are in South Africa). I wear it with great pride! The individual interviews were nerve-racking as you face the judges in a Q&A session all on your own. So much tension was released that tears often followed and we again rallied around one another in solidarity. After this we could face anything…

Mr. SA Leatherman 2009 and the first South African to participate in the IML Competition, Jaco Lourens, was bestowed with the prestigious Pantheon of Leather Community Service Award at an awards ceremony show held at the Sanctuary Studios LAX in Los Angeles, on Friday 5th August.

The final competition night was electrifying as we recounted the history of IML since its inception 33 years ago. Then came the announcement of the TOP 20 – what a privilege to be part of this select group. We then had to pose off in our jocks and finally present a speech of no more than 90 seconds, in formal wear. As scores were being tallied we stood backstage in awe of the entire experience. Back on stage the second and first runner up were called – and finally Eric Guttierez from France, holding the title of Mr. Leather Europe 2010, was crowned as International Mister Leather 2011. This has been a once in a lifetime experience for which I’m so grateful and a journey I will forever treasure – thank you South African Leathermen for affording me the privilege of representing you – ending in 7th place overall.

These awards are given to people internationally who have been recognized for their service within their own community, the international community & for their charity work. Jaco heard the news of his award while attending the IML in Chicago in May, where he was told that “To win the title of IML is for 1 year, but to win the title of Pantheon is for life.” Jaco was unable to attend the awards, but in a speech read on his behalf he said that it was an honour to be nominated, let alone receive the award and that “I am sharing this award with my husband, Herman Groenewald. Without his dedication and belief in me, I would not be half the man I am today”. For more information:

Yours in Leather

www.internationalolympusleather.com

KINKS IS BIGGER AND BETTER On the 30 June 2011, Kinx, the leading supplier of sexual technology and leather fetish wear in South Africa relaunched their store in Melville.

he facelift began over two months before, which started with the painting of the store to the changing of the shop fittings. The Kinx Research team have been for months researching and analysing the most popular items sold in South Africa, as well as the latest and trendiest stock abroad which forms part of the Kinx new collection. The relaunch introduced customers to the latest leatherwear from dresses, chaps, to harnesses, designed and manufactured at the Kinx head office and factory in Johannesburg. To give onlookers the Amsterdam feel the models showcased the latest Kinx accessories and fetishwear through the windows of the store which received immense attention from everyone. Mr. SA Leatherman finalist, Lloyd Campbell made an appearance at the store to show his support for Kinx . The store is in its fourth year being owned by Burninglash, a leading figure within the South African BDSM and Leather Fetish community. Commenting on the relaunch Burninglash said, â&#x20AC;&#x153; The event has been a definite success. The work and research put into the relaunch has built the foundation for Kinx to grow its customer base nationally and internationally. We were thrilled to see so many of our friends come and support us. The shop was busy non-stop from opening till closing.â&#x20AC;? What can you expect to see at Kinx? Walk into the doors of Kinx and be amazed at the most gorgeous fetish shoes for both male and females, on your right the latest leatherwear with designs based on the European and American trends, on your left every type of accessory you can image is turned into reality from floggers, collars to cock rings. Walk up the stairs to our next level,... welcome to our dungeon. Dungeon equipment, medical equipment, dildos, male chastity belts are just a few items of our made to play range . Kinx is now bigger and better than its ever been before.

Mag 6

For further information on Kinx visit our website www. kinx.co.za. If you are interested in opening up a Kinx branch in your area email us on yessir@kinx.co.za

LEATHER PRIDE AMSTERDAM

lternative Travel has put together the most exciting travel packages for you to explore and experience the magic of the Amsterdam Leather scene.

A 6-night package includes: - Package price starts from R 7 500-00 per person sharing! - Return flights on Lufthansa from Johannesburg to Amsterdam, via Frankfort - 6-nights’ accommodation in Amsterdam – with breakfast Package excludes: - Train & Tram tickets in Amsterdam to get from the airport to the hotel - Club & Party entrance tickets - Sightseeing - Airport departure taxes - Passport & Visa costs - Individual or Group Departure Dates Available Contact: 082 349 5424 / leon@alternativetravel.co.za Self-Catering Apartments also available! Bookings are subject to availability at the time of booking – Terms and conditions apply

BE SEDUCED BY THE AMSTERDAM LEATHER SCENE……………..

FIREMAN’S BALL TO SET JOBURG ALIGHT!

he Fireman’s Ball is always the biggest Pride After Party in Jo’burg, and this year is no exception. Backed by Gaydar.co.za, the world’s biggest gay dating portal, The Fireman’s Ball is sure to ignite even the most jaded partygoer. This year the party will be returning JET, its original, super-glam home at the Dome, and there will be three dance floors catering for different tastes. Craig McCormack of Gaydar says that “Gaydar started out in South Africa over ten years ago, and always enjoys a homecoming. The Fireman’s Ball just keeps on getting better year after year, and Gaydar is also pulling out the stops to keep you coming back for more hot guys.” He added that the site has been completely revamped and that he hopes everyone will help celebrating the new look at Pride. Party promoter Pieter Rossouw said that “last year we had almost 3000 revellers partying into the early hours of the morning. Be prepared – it will only get bigger and better.” As always, the Fireman’s Ball will feature only the best entertainment. Cape Town based international dance phenomenon Goldfish will be performing live. The DJ line up includes 5FM’s Roger Goode, Dizzy, Groovy Q, Delon, Groove Element and Roman. There will also be a women’s only space organised by S.k.I.N, who host regular women’s parties in Jo’burg. And of course, what would this party be without those ever so hot firemen party fluffers with their big hoses! This, coupled with state of the art lighting, digital projection and extravagant décor design will make sure that this will be a Pride party to remember! Tickets bought in advance are R100 and R120 at the door. For up to date details and more hot surprises visit www.firemansball.co.za or like the Facebook page.

Mag 7

OUT IN AFRICA FILM FESTIVAL THE 3rd EDITION HOWL From the producer/directors of The Celluloid Closet comes a stylish biopic of beat poet Allen Ginsberg, masterfully portrayed by Spiderman bad boy James Franco. His wonderful delivery of Ginsberg’s words is electrifying, and deserves as big a screen as possible. Nominated at Berlin and Sundance this year, it also stars Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels and Mad Men’s Jon Hamm. It is directed by Jeffrey Friedman & Rob Epstein, and is the Opening Night film

THE ADONIS FACTOR From the director of The Butch Factor and producer of various E!Online’s True Hollywood Story’s comes a muscle-laden look at the world of gay beefcake and why we love (or hate) it. Christopher Hines’ film delivers a critical punch but, as befits a cockumentary, it is thick with footage of buff boys. Mag 8

Part 3 of this year’s Gay & Lesbian Film Festival takes place from Friday 21 – Sunday 30 October, at Nu Metro Hyde Park in Jozi and the V&A Waterfront, in Cape Town. Here are some highlights of this Festival: HANNAH AND THE HASBIAN If your girlfriend suddenly decided she was actually straight, chances are it would hit you hard. Especially if you had crossed that particular divide yourself to be with her. So it is for Hannah, left high and dry by the gorgeous Brea as she heads off into the proverbial heteroville sunset. This Australian comedy comes thick and fast as Hannah invents ever more bizarre ways to win back Brea. Directed by Gordon Napier.

See www.oia.co.za for information on all the films showing

The Veri Sweet Letters from DBN… Sweet Augustine #1 By Veri Dre Sweet “ears & eyes baby!” To the Brother- and Sisterhoods of Greek Love and ultimately of all Life: these Letters from DBN are for you! Here’s your holistic mosaic of nightlife in the barmy ‘burbs of KZN. As you drive into Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on the eastern coast of South Africa, there is a warm aura about the place; a sometimes misty, nevertruly frosty racehorse going at its own pace. Durban’s humidity creates a comfortable climate – save for a few stormy days –nourishing a smouldering heart of adventure. Winter Time is over, and KZN is again offering citizens and tourists gorgeous weather, following that damp, Cold-Frontassault. Some of us here are still saying, “What was that, ous?” as we begin the good ol’ Pub Crawl. All roads do lead to the Central Business District, “Town” to the locals; the strong heart of a city with multi-coloured ventricles of entertainment and culture. Vivacious vegetation makes different districts distinguishable, and you will not get lost without your Garmin or TomTom. Durban is also littered with pit-stops and friendly indigenous who’ll give you directions. Do beware the drunken friend or fiend – driving, fighting or committing a crime under the influence is a No-No – especially if you’re apprehended by the Po-Po.

Photos: Justine Purcell

~ Pride and Places… As the years go by, Durban’s Gay Pride keeps on growing. This year’s festivities lasted days (25th till the 31st of July). City Hall, the centerpiece of Town, was the end point of the festival, but starting point of the 2011 March – the parade boasted proud glam gods and goddesses in all forms, the vivacious colours undimmed by social ignorance, political margins and our oftentimes veiled-histories. The opening blessing and talks on the Day speak to the fact that Pride is a showcase of our deeper natures, diversity and the expression of how we feel inside. It is an opportunity to stand up as people, as valuable additions to existence. And then we party Like a ribbon on a lacy garter-belt, DBN’s gay-scene is glistening, proud and chilled out in our paved forest-bed. We are quite mellow… we sip slow; and only takes us minutes of travel to raise the night’s tempo…The majority of Durban venues do not assert themselves as exclusively gay or straight. The genre(s) of music, décor and setup influences the type of regulars, the late-crowd, the sexual atmosphere, the vibe; all of which feed the “jol” till the wee hours. Durban’s rebellious history of nocturnal clubs has contributed to the Book on the Art of Partying. Newly-themed venues sprout up, adding new colours to the scene. Durban has amazing hotties of all shapes and sizes; the gay subcultures co-exist amongst the heterosexual socialites, other crudely stereotypical categories and the occasional vocal conservative. Every city is going to have unpleasant people and unfortunate situations. There’s homophobia, there is violence, but it doesn’t have to always be that way. I’m going to tell you that much. But I’m also going to tell you that if you’re smart in the street, you’ll never trip up

Continued on page 10

Mag 9

The Veri Sweet Letters from DBN… continued

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Venue View

“ZigZag” is a new venue, located in a spot not unlike its quirky name. The centrally-located Berea Centre has been around for eons in my Durban-memory, and this road-level bar-with-attitude is adjacent to the mall’s entrance. Crossing the threshold, one expects to see a chirruping, low-key crowd – maybe a seedy, baritone vocal trio on stage. But this crowd dresses to the nines, evoking a subtle, fashion-gangster style rather than hard-natured humans. The place feels comfy; guests and bartenders are chilled out – don’t mistake the lack of smiles for rudeness or arrogance – people are there to kick back and unwind. Music goes to the hips, and on any night, you can indulge your senses at ZigZag. The vibe is that of suave confidence. The place looks like a jazz bar, but with fashionable detailing and includes a glassed-in Smoking Area with high stools, a long accessible bar and comfortable lounge area

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PRISCILLA DOES THE KAROO...........

orget the Aussie outback! A bus transporting drag queens, leather boys, fag hags and various other creatures will be embarking on a trip of a lifetime. Our own African Priscilla, proudly branded with the Gay South African Flag and provided by courtesy of Budget Rental Car, will be leaving Cape Town at the end of September on a magical mystery fairy tour through the Garden Route to attend the 1st Nelson Mandela Bay Pride in Port Elizabeth. Then it will be travelling through the Karoo, our own desert, on the way to Joburg Pride. We can’t wait to see the photos when they return to the Mother City! Mag 10

Moisture From Within

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5 - 10 November 2011 ORANGE RIVER GOES PINK Well, EVENTUALLY, here is a novel, glamorous something we have all been waiting for [never you mind looking for], and that is an event with pizzazz, adventure, eye candy, fun, sun, a little exertion… and of course pure hedonism. If you have ever imagined leisurely wending your way down one of Africa’s great rivers, enjoying nature’s delights while somebody attends to your every need, then the first ever Boys Only Orange River Canoeing Adventure, being organised by Orange Pride Safari from 5 to 10 November 2011, is perfectly designed for all who enjoy a bit of outdoor fun with a hint of glam. This five day river safari promises pure hedonistic pleasure under African skies, gorgeous scenery [in and out of the canoe], incredible entertainment, fabulous themed evenings, luxurious meals created by one of Cape Town’s top chefs Annalize Buchanan, and camping comforts, the likes of which have never been seen before. Glamping doesn’t get better than this! Mag 12

the taste of each gastronomic meal, whether it be under a beach umbrella or at a Colonial Safari sit down dinner for the entire troupe, where you can indulge your Karen Blixen fantasies. Pleasure yourself in sharing your meals with friends and others. As if this is not enough, you will have the rare opportunity in the mornings to burn off those calories with our passionate personal trainer Chris Walsh who has a 360 lifestyle approach by incorporating outdoor activities and crazy challenges aimed at all levels. Or if you are not a gym junkie, you can just laze in bed sipping coffee, and watch the gorgeous sunrise from your perch with hopefully not only coffee mug in hand. For the next three days, you will meander down the magnificent Orange River, marvelling at the ancient rock formations, swimming, lazing , having a few ice cold drinks [don’t forget to bring your favourite Dora, ice provided] negotiating level 2 rapids and most of all having FUN!!! Should you have a stiff muscle [mmm… from rowing boys] or just exertion from the day’s activities, there is a massage therapist at hand to ease the tension and make sure you are ready and able for the next shift downstream.

ORANGE PRIDE SAFARI This adventure begins in Cape Town from the moment you step on board the luxury coaches to Namibia, until your return 5 days later. For those who travel light [what a pleasure] and those who travel, well let’s say excessively, just leave the Louis Vuittons at home. There is no space on your water taxi. Oh! The only thing you will be doing on this trip [besides everything else, wink, wink], is straddling and paddling to get your water transport mobile throughout the trip. On arrival at base camp you will be able to immerse yourself in pure indulgence. The staff will be there to make sure your adventure is a memorable one. You will not have to lift a finger, from packing your canoe to setting up camp [tents that is]. You will just be able to luxuriate in the weather, spectacular scenery, your new mates, and enjoy all the wonderfully inventive themed evenings and entertainment on the banks of the river under the most awesome starry skies imaginable. At meal times reserve your delight, feast in the visual and

This Orange Pride Safari is going to be an unforgettable 5 Star experience. From the initial planning stages up to the final execution of this adventure, Orange Pride Safari have the luxury of a group of well known and respected professionals in their said industries, imparting their expert knowledge and have given their full support behind this adventure. The aim is to make this event a truly memorable occasion and to have it take place annually, on the social calendar.

So why not get Rolling Down the River like the Proud Mary you are, ENJOY AND EXPERIENCE THE THRILL. SEE YA ALL ON THE RIVER For Booking and more information please contact Kirsty on Tel: 072 7837627 kirsty@orangepridesafari.co.za or Brandon on Tel: 082 694 1464 brandon@orangepridesafari.co.za Website: www.orangepridesafari.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/orangepridesafari Twitter: @OrangePrideSafa Mag 13

Clothing designed by Luiz DeLaja at M4S custom-made for Beefcakes Photographer: Thomas Holder Location: The Locker Room at Beefcakes

Mag 14 Mag 12

ALL BEEFED

! n w o T in ” s n u B “ t s e The B

Cape Town’s tastiest burger bar and hottest cabaret venue Sovereign Quay, 40 Somerset Road, Greenpoint Tel: 021 425 9019 info@beefcakes.co.za www.beefcakes.co.za Models: Werner, Dune, Pieter, Patrick, Guy, Adam and Michael. To purchase any of the items ask your beefy waiter at your favourite burger and cabaret bar.

Mag 15

THE BUZZ BLOOMING FABULOUS

LISTEN TO YOUR MUTHA...

ollowing the success of the last two shows, Positive Heroes is once again hosting a charity Fashion Show, to raise funds as well as raising awareness of the stigma surrounding HIV. Again Cape Town’s designers at the top of their game, as well as some up and coming stars, are giving their time and their garments for the cause. This year’s theme “Bloom” is inspired by Tennessee Williams who wrote “The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.” The HIV Heroes speak out, despite rocky times and societal challenges - against a mountain of stigma. And when they do, people “bloom”. Just like Tennessee’s violets. Make a date on Thursday 27th October, Central Concourse, Cape Town Civic Centre for a night of fun & fashion

…and put on your dancing shoes. The future is here in the guise of online radio station Mutha FM streaming from a tiny studio at the back of La Vie café in Sea Point. Mutha FM is a progressive underground music radio station showcasing the passion of the Mother City and the talents that enrich it. The founders of Mutha FM have been part of the club scene for over 2 decades and have a passion for good music, which explains the focus on SA’s top DJs in various genres. It seems that many of the commercial stations have forgotten why people listen to music. Endless inane chat and shout outs, and cheesy Top 20 seem to be the order of the day. Mutha FM is all about the music, mostly electronic and alternative, played by maestros like Tony Finger and Nick E Louder. The station streams live all day every day. Listen at www.muthafm.com

THE MASTER RETURNS

S KANDI IN DISCO HEAVEN

he world’s most glamorous music brand Hed Kandi has exploded on the South African dance scene. From humble beginnings in 1999 as a label compiling the best house music available, Hed Kandi is now a worldwide phenomenon incorporating a record label, a radio station and the most fabulous dance parties ever. Delivering these styles of music with a sense of humour and catchy artwork to grown-up clubbers eventually snowballed into the first Hed Kandi party in London in 2002. The buzz about the most lavishly produced club events seen in the UK at that time soon spread and soon residencies started to crop up all over the UK. Now Hed Kandi has come to Africa. Following the incredible parties at the Fez Club in Cape Town, Hed Kandi comes to Johannesburg on 3 September for a brand new weekly series of 12 exclusive parties at The Arena Royale, Fourways. See you on the dance floor! Visit www.hedkandi.com for more information. Mag 16

panish director Pedro Almodovar is back with a new film The Skin I Live In (La piel que habito), which he describes as “a horror story without the screams and frights”, loosely based on Thierry Jonquet’s novel Tarantula. , Antonio Banderas who plays the part of a plastic surgeon with gruesome methods, is back in an Almodovar film for the first time in 21 years. As in all his films, the convoluted plot leads to a thrilling and unexpected climax. The film premiered at the 64th Cannes Film Festival in May

DISHING THE DIRT

o you really want to know the dirt but were afraid to ask? Look no further than www.justdylanjack.com , a Gay Pop Culture Blog by a Failed Reality Star and Fashion Fiend who feels pretty, oh so pretty and witty & gay. Best not cross drag queen and socialite Roxy le Roux or she will dish the dirt on you on her blog www.dirtonadish. blogspot.com, where the dirt don’t matter, it’s all about the dish! You have been warned!

Mag 17

NIGHTCLUBBING Grace Jones – where music and fashion collide to create ART. Is it really 30 years since Grace Jones – actress, model, musician, Bond Girl -unleashed Nightclubbing, and changed a young gay man’s life forever?

bought Grace Jones’ Nightclubbing three times. I first had it on cassette which I played to death. Eventually I had to bin it as the tape got stretched from overplay. I replaced it with the vinyl album. It was easier to replay a song and the bigger cover got to show off Jean Pierre Goude’s iconic painting of Grace better. When I got rid of my turntable, I bought Nightclubbing for the third time, this time on CD, so I could continue to listen to the album which defined a time and space in my life. Grace Jones meant so much to me. I couldn’t live without her. The first time I ever heard Grace Jones was on Capital Radio in 1980 singing a cover of The Pretenders’ Private Life. I was astounded. She took Chrissie Hynde’s snarling song and made it her own, thanks to the rhythm section supplied by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare and that smouldering, highly stylised monotone speak-sing. She rapped before there was a word for it. I had never heard anything like it. And I had no idea who Grace Jones was or what she looked like. At this point I was a young white African trying to come to terms with my sexuality. I knew very little. I didn’t know she was a famous model who shared an apartment with Jerry Hall in Paris in the Seventies, or that she had three disco albums to her credit. There was no MTV, no internet. I couldn’t Google Grace. But I did have access to the NME (New Musical Express) a weekly English music paper. It became my bible, my lifesaver. It was there that I saw Grace for the first time and it was love at first sight. Black women – indeed no women I had ever seen - just didn’t look like that! I managed to score a copy of her fourth album, Warm Leatherette. The black and white artwork on the cover sleeve was as vital and fresh as the music: the trademark Grace Jones pout, those slanting eyes and razor sharp cheekbones, exaggerated lips, the genesis of the pill box hairdo, and shoulder pads to die for. The music was almost minimalist and most of the songs were covers: Roxy Music’s Love is a Drug, The Pretenders’ Private Life, The Normals’ beautifully brutal Warm Leatherette, Tom Petty’s Breakdown. Grace Jones made them her own. I was hooked. Underground, edgy, subversive…New Wave electronica with a reggae beat. The iconic visual image she created during this phase almost created a bigger impact than the music. By the time Nightclubbing was released in 1981, I was a Jones Junkie. Now she added androgyny to the mix. There she was on the cover dressed in an Armani suit. Hearing the lyrics “Feel like a woman, looking like a man” in Walking in the Rain was thrilling. Pull up to the Bumper became a gay underground post-disco classic. Who else but Grace Jones could take an Iggy Pop song like Nightclubbing, co-penned by David Bowie, and make it even darker? I’ve Seen that Face Before (Libertango) was Grace’s sexy evocative version of a classic Argentinean tango. Mag 18

The video was a work of art. The whole Nightclubbing package, including the astonishing pop-art live theatrical One Man Show which coincided with the release, was cutting edge, avant garde, sexy, exciting, slightly off-beat and exactly what a 21 year old gay man experiencing his sexual and political awakening could relate to. Who can forget Jones emerging from a gorilla suit, channelling Josephine Baker? Or the 20 identical of Grace Jones lookalikes? This was high drama. Nightclubbing was followed by Living My Life which contained the sensational My Jamaican Guy. In 1985, Grace Jones came out with Slave to the Rhythm, a concept album consisting of several re-workings of the title track. The album, which gained her mainstream popularity, was produced by Trevor Horn who also produced the likes of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Jones always had the knack of having her finger on the cultural pulse and working with the best artists and producers. In the Seventies, she was one of Andy Warhol’s muses. In the Eighties, Keith Haring literally used her body as a canvas. Grace Jones has had mixed fortunes since her heyday in the 80s. But her career underwent a revival in 2009 with the release of Hurricane, a return to form. At the age of 64, she is still touring and her live shows are as spectacular as ever. Grace’s persona made such an impact on me. She was a scene icon and she was the inimitable catalyst of many of the music, fashion and beauty trends that still shape our lives today. Lady Gaga is often compared to Madonna, but it is Grace Jones who is her obvious precursor. In all her weirdness, Gaga can never match Grace’s outlandishness. Gaga is Artifice where Grace is Art. Bette, Barbra, Bassey and Liza may be the icon for many a gay man, but in my case it was Grace Jones. She changed my life and 30 years on, Nightclubbing is as exciting as when I first experienced it.

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Basil Brady - Port Elizabeth The winner of the ROXETTE CD & DVD was:

J. Brits - Benoni

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PRIDE

Information correct at time of going to press. Please contact nmbpride@gmail.com or visit www.nmbpride.co.za for updated details

COMES TO THE EASTERN CAPE The Friendly City of Port Elizabeth will become even friendlier on the last weekend of September when the Eastern Cape will celebrate its first Gay Pride in its largest city. The theme Born this Way, apart from being current thanks to Lady Gaga’s hit song in support of the gay community, was chosen to help spread tolerance and understanding and the province’s gay community is pulling out all the stops. We asked one of the organisers David Hessey about this historic occasion: OUT: How has the gay community in the Eastern Cape in particular, and in the rest of the country in general, received the news that there will be a Pride in PE?

David: Yes people involved with Cape Town Pride, The Gay

David: Gays from around SA seem to be more supportive

OUT: Are you expecting a lot of visitors from the rest of the

than the ones here in Nelson Mandela Bay, although there has been a bit of a swing here of late.

OUT: Is the Eastern Cape ready for it? Conservative elements in Knysna have routinely tried to stop the Pink Lourie Mardi Gras there. How do you think the broader community is going to react and how will you deal with opposition?

David: They seem to be ready for it. The NMB Tourism Board thinks it is great and so does one branch of the ANC. We are trying to get the Mayor to open the event. We will deal with any opposition with the tolerance we all have within.

OUT: Tell us about the theme “Born this Way”. Is the fact that Jo’burg Pride’s theme is almost identical going to be a problem? David: We have had the backing from Lady Gaga to use her song, so then we built the tolerance theme around that and it seems to have worked positively here as the straight community are also mainly behind us… Jo’burg’s “Born this Gay” has upset some elements in the community …and I smile when I ask for money …… Don’t think it will be a major problem

OUT: Have the local gay organisations and venues been supportive?

David: The Karoo Theatrical Hotel, The Lemon3Lodge, Day- Zees and The Italian Job have been great, and expect their support to continue, most giving reduced rates or venues for free so that we can hopefully help the charities we are supporting better.

OUT: Have other South African Pride organisations offered you any advice or support? Mag 20

SA Flag, Jo’burg Pride and Pink Loerie have all offered advice. We will take advice from anyone.

country?

David: We expect visitors from around the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, Cape Town, the Free State and hopefully Jo’burg.

OUT: Pride’s beneficiaries include ECGLA (Eastern Cape Gay & Lesbian Association), Luleki Siswe and the House of Resurrection Haven. Tell us more. David: The House of Resurrection Haven is for AIDS orphans. I was working with children in the northern suburbs here and picked that particular one as it is in one of the most deprived areas and they need all the support we can give. There are too many needy charities out there and if this year’s event is successful we will try and adopt further ones next year. Nelson Mandela Bay Pride 2011 will kick off with two events on Friday 23rd September. Pianist and cocktail connoisseur Rocco de Villiers will be performing at a charity event at the Steyterville Karoo Theatrical Hotel. Then the King and Queen of Pride will be crowned at a glittering event at Day- Zees, followed by a pre-Pride Day Disco. Entry is R15. The Pride March on Saturday 24th September will proceed from Stanley St (Richmond Hill) at 1.00pm and cross Cape Road, down Robson Street and up Parliament Street. On completion of the March performers will give a live concert from a stage outside Day-Zees Church in Parliament Street. Live entertainment will include Danielle Pascal, Miss Lola Fine and the fabulous 3D from Cape Town, as well as Sean Achilleos, Terry Tiger Victor, Kevin Ellis, Jooma Mize, Ebrahim and Sam Marais, star of Burlesque at the PE Opera House. There will also be a range of stalls selling food and Pride memorabilia. The event will end at 6.00pm. There will be an Official After Party later that night at Day-Zees. Admission R15

SEPTEMBER diary Friday 2rd Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 9th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Monday 12th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 23th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund · Friday 30th Pre-Pride Party BORN THIS GAY OCTOBER diary Saturday 1st Pride After Party – largest gathering of naked gay men in Africa · Friday 7th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Wednesday 12th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 14th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + Friday 21st Porn Star Night – we'll film the willing & able · Friday 28th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund NOVEMBER diary Friday 4th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Wednesday 9th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 11th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 18th Porn Star Night – we'll film the willing & able · Friday 25th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund On Porn Star Nights those who give their consent will be filmed in designated areas. You don't have to show your face. All other areas guaranteed camera-free.

The 22nd edition of Joburg Pride, Africa’s oldest and largest gay pride event will be happening on Saturday 1st October.

This year’s theme “Born this Gay” has caused some controversy as some politically correct minded people think it excludes some queer people. However, most gay South Africans like this homage to gay icon Lady Gaga’s current hit, Born this Way, a gay anthem if ever there was one. But behind the seemingly tongue in cheek theme lies a serious issue. Joburg Pride says that the aim of the theme is to “without fail and without shame, encourage society to speak out and take action against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender hate crime. The entire community needs to consistently drive the message that being gay or lesbian is NOT a fashion statement, a sickness, a crime, a curse or a choice.” In other words, we are born this way…or gay, in this case. So in choosing this theme, Joburg Pride 2011 is calling for the protection of all human rights protected in South Africa’s constitution, but especially those of sexual minorities who are victimised on a daily basis. As has been the custom over the last few years, the Pride March will begin at Zoo Lake at 11am and proceed through Rosebank. After the parade there will be a party at the Zoo Lake Sports Club, featuring live entertainment, DJs, bars, a stall area with a variety of food and goodies for sale. Performers will include world famous DJ Lisa Lashes, South African Diva Lira, Kinky Robot, George Meiring as well as local DJs and drag acts. Pride will not be organising an official after party this year. This will be left to the clubs. Mag 22

LISA LASHES The World’s No 1 Female DJ Lisa Lashes will be returning to South Africa to perform at Pride. From tearing up the dance floors in Ibiza to pumping up the volume in the UK’s top clubs, Miss Lashes has seen more of the party than most! Huge popularity of the sold-out “Lashed in Ibiza” parties, led to instant worldwide demand for Lisa and her Lashed brand with marathon tours of the parties to China, Canada, the USA, Netherlands, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. It wasn’t long before Lisa was officially recognised amongst the top ten DJs in the world. Away from the sparkling career behind the decks, Lisa has also enjoyed huge successes with her Euphoria albums. With sales well over 250,000 they were quickly established as the biggest selling hard dance compilations in the world - resulting in the nickname, ‘The Queen of Hard House!’ Since the golden days of hard house, Lisa has diversified her sound, slowing the BPMs and incorporating uplifting and tech trance into her sets, which now sees her playing as a global headliner on the international scene. LIRA SAMA Award Winning Afro Soul Queen Lira has a huge gay fan base. She thinks it is because “gay boys love singers. I think there’s something that resonates with them in as far as the diva performer goes. My gay friends and fans have contributed a lot in me coming out of my shell and exploring new and exciting things.” So it is fitting that the Diva will be gracing the stage at Pride

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KINKY ROBOT Kinky Robot is an alternative rock band formed and based in Johannesburg. Last year their first single, Hobie Beach went to number 1 on Cape Town’s KFM and Johannesburg’s 94.7 Highveld Stereo’s Homebrew chart! It also went onto no.20 on 5FM’s Top 40 chart. They are currently busy touring a recording new material. GEORGE MEIRING Openly gay Afrikaans pop star George Meiring entered the national spotlight as runner up in the 2006 Afrikaans competition Supersterre and then again when he came out as gay in Huisgenoot magazine in August last year, a brave thing to do in the traditionally conservative local music industry. The line-up will be updated and posted on www.joburgpride.org

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Mag 23

GET RATZ WITH THE SOAP GIRLS Look out, Locnville! Here comes more double trouble in the form of the SoapGirls, though they are not twins. Camille and Noemie are two French African blonde bombshells from Hout Bay who prove that sisters can do it for themselves.

hey are two super-sassy girls, who have been creating their own spotlight since they could barely walk – singing, dancing, and bringing light with their infectious energy. They have the look and the attitude – but their real genius lies in the songs and the music. It’s a global-punch of catchy hooks and mischievous lyrics with titles like “In Your Arms”, “On My Lips”, “Lucky Tonight” ,the very, very racy “Take It Fast” and their album’s first single “Sour”. In a short space of time their fresh pop with a pacy dance feel has ignited sound systems and club floors all over Cape Town and now their unique brand is about to take Jo’burg by storm with live performances during Pride. Like all truly good pop, there is something about a SoapGirls song that makes your hips feel like they’ve heard it before even as your heart dances to a new sound. If life is for the living and the loving, The SoapGirls are the soundtrack. Their debut album, “Xperience”, is for getting ready for the party, for the car in the way to the party and, very definitely, to make the party happen.

Camille and Noemie cite Madonna, Blondie, Queen and David Bowie as their icons, but contemporary stars like the late Aaliyah, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue, as well as French pop superstar Alizée and the French nightclub scene inspire them too. But they are not afraid of a rockier sound, and enjoy a good guitar riff. The edgy-pop styling of David La Chapelle has also influenced their look. The sisters were born in Paris and once moving to South Africa they wreaked havoc in a school system that was far too conservative for their cheeky anti-authoritarian spirits. It is this urbane heritage that gives The SoapGirls songs a sound that is truly global – but as unique and fresh as the bright and free young republic they now call home. Or, perhaps it is the sensibilities of Posh Debray, their mother, mentor and manager, who long ago taught the girls that rules sometimes exist to be broken and that strong women can shape their own destinies – no matter who blushes or gasps or tries to stand in the way. And on their way to the top they certainly are.

Asking about influences, you would be a fool to think you would simply get a list of clubby pop from this unique twosome.

See the SoapGirls at Joburg Pride on Saturday 1st October, the later that night at RATZ, 9 7th St, Melville,

IN THE HEART OF MELVILLE TOURS / TRANSFERS / WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS DAILY, WEEKLY OR LONG-TERM ACCOMMODATION Saffron Guest House is situated at: 16, 7th Avenue, Melville, Johannesburg Mag 24

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THE FUNNY SIDE OF FASHION

his was my 7th year of reporting at Cape Town Fashion Week (CTFW) and sadly CTFW has shrunk over the years like a wooly jumper in a washing machine on spin dry. Most of our top stylists and fashion reporters have moved to the bigger fashion capitals of the world, politics has plagued the beleaguered industry, and what’s left on show is a small town offering. Even the social side of CTFW has waned. No more glamorous opening parties like in years gone by, no main sponsor, and just a dribble of after parties. Also gone are the dozens of beautiful gift bags we used to receive in years gone by. The media room which once was a buzz of excitement, personality and glamour has deteriorated into an arbitrary area of food and fluff. It’s all become rather yawn, air-kiss, blog. Back to happy stuff: The common male fashion trends I noticed this year builds on the global trend that men have become comfortably more metrosexual in the 21st century. Manly attire has definitely becoming sleeker, sexier and more androgynous. Elegant grooming is essential. Hair is quaffed and each persona needs to find their unique fashion signature. Every stylish man also carries a large leather trimmed bag of great quality. This is the briefcase of the 21st century and a definite status symbol. Scarves accessorise dressy outfits and shoes and sandals are sleek and sophisticated. Bright colours from the European collections of the last 2 years have come strongly to Africa. Cape Town fashion falls under the ‘resort chic’ umbrella and should be charmingly elegant and relaxed.

Mag 26

PHOTO CREDITS: Simon Deiner /SDR Photo

The only real excitement for me of CTFW this year was that we got to see and mingle with a whole galaxy of celebs, way more than in any of the previous years. On the Thursday night, matriarch designer Jenny Le Roux showcased her “Habits” collection. In the front row was Victoria Aitken, ex-Countess Spencer. Along with the ex-Countess for the fashion high was Victoria’s daughter, the much celebrated Lady Kitty Spencer. Kitty’s couture choice unfortunately exposed an arse the size of Althorp! Lady Kitty’s skinny jeans and lack of underwear ended up exposing more crack than even Amy Winehouse put up her nose. An unsuspected surprise was international celebrity and styleicon, Kimora Lee Simmons who attended the first show on Friday night. Beauty prize of the week definitely went to the ultra-gorgeous Chelsy Davey, ex- girlfriend of Prince Harry. I was surprised at how incredibly tall she is and how she really sparkles as a radiant and very beautiful young woman. She has a pure and natural star quality. Our new Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia “de Gil” attended two shows on Friday night. The Mayor who seemed

A humorous look at Cape Town Fashion Week by John French

frill, he created a rather minimalist thrill. Fabiani always has a strong influence on the Cape Town fashion scene and this collection echoed the European colour trends of the last couple of years, with bright colours enhancing the Preppie boy sophisticated look. Scarves and big bag accessories complete the Fabiani man about town look.

bemused by the whole event looked like a letter box in her baggy red pant suit. As I looked stealthily at her I couldn’t helped being tempted to shove a “French letter in her political mouth”. Patty de Gil was actually well behaved and only “crossed the floor” four times during the entire performance. Later on in the evening, Undacova introduced their new range of underwear and swimwear. The audience erupted with shrieks of wild excitement as the male models poured down the ramp. A strong nautical theme carried through with horizontal stripes and anchor prints. By the time the show was over and the hotties had strutted their buffed and bulging stuff there wasn’t a dry seat in the house! Carducci played with baby pastels and plaid prints. Their theme was sophisticasual resort chic which I hope gets picked up on the streets of Cape Town. Celebrity Beverly Hills 90210 cosmetic surgeon Dr Robert Rey (I’m so plastic and I still think I’m fantastic) entertained us with a saucy collection of women’s lingerie. Consisting mostly of lace and

Carducci – all plaid, preppie and playful.

Cape Town Fashion Week is usually the highlight of the Cape Town winter social scene. Three evenings of fashion festivity this year gave fashionistas in our stylish Mother City the opportunity to sizzle and be seen as well as to spot where local fashion trends are poised for the upcoming summer season.

The Emperor of Fashion, Gavin Rajah, proved that he is a big friend of Dorothy’s when he came sashaying down the ramp at the end of his Eastern extravaganza couture show wearing none other than the famous ruby slippers. His 2011 “Jaipur” – themed collection was a refreshing new direction change from his former heavily European ethos collections. All in all, meagre offerings were delivered in meagre times, but then fashion always follows global socio-economic trends. Grey times call for ingenuity and creative solutions, so even if our fashion budgets aren’t what they used to be, we can all still recycle, shop wisely and discover our unique fashion flair.

Fabiani 2011 – bright Preppie colours and the layered mixed look Mag 27

SCENE OUT

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GAYDAR REBIRTH PARTY IN DBN

Miss Gay Cape Town 2011

1st Princess, Isabella Rossellini, Queen: Rania Jordan, 2nd Princess, Tiara Sky

The 2nd Miss Gay Cape Town Pageant took place at Westend in Rylands on 23rd July 2011.

Miss Gay CT 2010, Kat Gilardi, Rania Jordan & Miss SA 2009, Nicole Flint Mag 29

LULEKI SISWE BENEFIT Unite Against Corrective Rape at Bubbles Bar

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flying the flag Henry & Huge Ndumi of Luleki Siswe & Friends

AT STARGAZERS

Jason, Henry, Luana & Huge

Miss Lola Fi

THE ITALIAN JOB - PE

Mag 30

Julie

Iggy

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THE SLUT WALKCAPE TOWN

Have a KISS on us COMPETITION To WIN a BOTTLE of KISS - The Party Shooter all you have to do is send us a picture of yourself enjoying a shot of KISS at any party or venue and 2 lucky readers will appear in the next issue and have a bottle of KISS sent to them compliments of OUT Africa Magazine and KISS Mag 31

THE OUT MAGAZINE SIN PARTY

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RENOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MUSE EXHIBIT AT THE PRIDE SHELTER

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Aiden & friend

More than 80 exhibitors will get together to bring you the first ever GAY LIFE EXPO in Africa. Stands range from luxury cars to fashion, facials, holidays, interior decor or just something special for your pet - There will be great food and full bars, wine tastings and live entertainment. 3 days of great fun just before the festive season gets underway, an ideal time to find the perfect gift for your special partner. So far, 60% of the space has been allocated - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this unique gay event. To book space or find out more information send us an email at: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net Mag 33 Mag31 39 Mag Mag 33

GLITTERBOYS AND GANGLANDS

OUT met with Lauren Beukes to talk about one of the hits of the Encounters Documentary Festival and the Out in Africa Gay & Lesbian Film Festival.

n Glitterboys and Ganglands, journalist and awardwinning novelist Lauren Beukes (pictured right) takes a look behind the scenes of the Miss Gay Western Cape 2010 Pageant. It is a touching, engaging film which focuses on three of the fourteen contestants in one of Cape Town’s most glamorous and prestigious drag pageants. Eva Torez, a mechanic by day, is the ambitious newbie on the ramp who overcomes homophobia in the workplace with jokes and charm.

Glamour girl and cabaret star Kat Gilardi and her boyfriend Errol, are known as the “Posh ‘n’ Becks” of the Cape Flats. But she’s barely holding it together after a string of tragedies, including the death of her father two weeks before the grand finale. Cirque Du Soleil contortionist Kayden is the seasoned pageant queen who has won 59 titles. She is a pre-op transsexual on female hormones and it is the last time she’ll be able to enter this pageant before she goes for the operation, so the stakes are high. With such original and highly dramatic material to work with, this documentary could only be engrossing. OUT: How did you come to make this documentary? LB: It’s the first documentary I’ve made, although I was a journalist for 10 years and I had previously directed several episodes of a long running animated series on SABC3 called “Adventures of Pax Afrika”. The studio was keen on expanding into documentaries. We initially wanted to do Miss Gay Soweto, but my exec-producer Sean Rogers, got wind of the MGWC prejudging event at Rosie’s and sent us to do a test shoot and I was blown away. The people were so amazing and totally stunning. It was the first time I’ve ever had body issues being surrounded by all these gorgeous girls, with long legs and beautiful bodies and not a centimetre of cellulite, OMG! Mag 34

The film was a kind of a spur of the moment thing but part of a long term ambition. It was something I wanted to do for a long time. OUT: Out of all the dozens of drag pageants that happen in Cape Town, why did you choose the Miss Gay Western Cape Pageant? LAUREN: Pure fluke & synchronicity. I heard that it was biggest and best organised pageant and the studio was between productions at the time and had staff available to work on it. I was also interested because a pageant like this does not get a lot of general support or sponsorship nationally like Mr. Gay South Africa does. Perhaps because it is perceived as mainly a “Coloured thing”. OUT: In the film, you follow around three contenders for the

title. How did you decide on which three contestants to focus on, or did you actually follow more and narrow it down once you started editing? LAUREN: I met most of the contestants at Rosie’s at the prelim judging, spent time talking to all of them and picked the ones who really stood out as having interesting stories. Kat was a popular favourite and her relationship with Errol was interesting. Eva was a total surprise, but she had such great energy and came out with smart and funny insights and Kayden was glamorous and intriguing. OUT: The documentary’s title is catchy, but how would you answer the criticism that the “ganglands” part of the title was largely missing from the film and is only alluded to through occasional comments about crime? LB: The film is called “Glitterboys and Ganglands” not “gangsters”. It’s about the context the girls have to live with and it’s not just the “occasional comment”. Several of the contestants have had devastating encounters with gang violence on friends or family that’s affected them deeply and personally. We thought showing the real impact it’s had on their lives was more relevant than filming some totally unrelated guys with guns smoking tik in a decrepit building.

OUT: Why do you think that there is a level of acceptance of alternative sexuality on the Cape Flats? LB: There is a surprising level of acceptance, generally, even though there are also many stories or rejection, stigmatisation and violence. A lot of the girls did have problems coming out to their families. One of the old time pageant contestants told us a story of being beaten up outside a club in the old days. But the pageants are less threatening to people because they are fun. Generally, the audiences at pageants are just brilliant. They’re half the fun. OUT: How has the film been received and will the documentary be shown in the Cape Flats? LB: People have loved it. It’ll be shown on SABC, which will reach a wide audience, but it would be great to get it screened on the Flats somehow.

MISS GAY WESTERN CAPE PAGEANT 2011 Cape Town’s most glamorous drag pageant takes place on Friday 25 November at the Sea Point Civic Centre. This Years theme is “Live The Future.” www.missgay.co.za for more inform,ation

OUT: Are these pageants an escape from the harsh reality of life? LB: To a certain extent. I think it’s a way of celebrating who they are – or part of who they are. For most of the girls it is a passion and they spend a lot of money on something they love. One girl described it as “her sport.” That’s not to say they don’t sometimes take it too far. We were shocked when one girl confessed to spending R10 000 on a dress! And she was from a very normal middle class background – by no means rich. OUT: Is there a difference between a drag queen and a female impersonator? Do you think that Drag is a subversive art form? LB: I’m going to take my cue from the girls, who describe themselves as “women impersonators”. The difference, as they’ve explained it to me, is that drag tends to be an over-thetop parody of being a woman, whereas they’re trying to be the gorgeous and glamorous epitome of femininity. As to the second part of that question: anything which subverts gender stereotypes and challenges homophobia is great. Kevin Kriedemann from the Encounter’s Documentary Film Festival said that the film was “Nation building in a positive way.” The film will be on shown on SABC and I hope it brings some conservative viewers round to being more open-minded. For me, the film is summed up by something Eva says: “We’re here and it’s normal and we’re lovely.”

“Glitterboy” Eva Torez ... Inset: In his mechanic overalls at work

Mag 35

NOT EVERYTHING IN YOUR FRIDGE IS A VEGETABLE by Glenn de Swardt

lkyl nitrites, which include amyl and butyl nitrites, are inhalants colloquially known as poppers by gay men. Poppers has played a fascinating role in some elements of gay culture. Many of us will recall the clubbing days of the 70’s and 80’s, when rumours were rife that club owners infused their venues with poppers through the air-conditioning. Moustached gay clones in checked shirts and tight jeans sniffed their poppers bottles on the dance floor, and the whiff of poppers was overwhelming in steam baths and gay saunas. Indeed, poppers was being used so commonly when HIV emerged 30 years ago among predominantly gay men in the USA that researchers initially looked for a causal link between HIV and poppers. In particular they questioned whether poppers contributed to Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a form of cancer commonly seen in people with full-blown Aids. The use of poppers has declined, probably due to negative publicity following the outbreak of HIV and cultural shifts towards other substances, including crystal methamphetamine (also known as tik), that create a longer-lasting buzz and literally give you more bang for your buck. However, many gay men continue to use poppers specifically during sex. I often question clients about their drug use, and if they state that they don’t use any drugs I ask whether they use poppers. “Yes”, they invariably say with a perplexed look that implies that poppers is akin to lettuce and shouldn’t be thought of as a drug. For those who haven’t tried it, inhaling poppers provides an intense and transient high caused by your heart-rate accelerating rapidly, causing a rush of blood (and oxygen) to the brain. No wonder that one of the most commonly used brands is called Rush, along with Man Scent and Jungle Juice. Side effects can include a rapid-onset headache and many tops avoid it because it can wither even the proudest erection within seconds. In some circles it is used more commonly by bottoms because the rush helps to relax the anal sphincter muscles, making it especially popular with guys who are in to being fisted. It is also commonly inhaled at the point of climax to intensify the sensation of orgasm. In Cape Town poppers is more commonly used by white gay men; indeed very few black township-dwelling men have even heard of it. The name ‘poppers’ is derived from the fact that the substance was initially used medically to treat heart problems, and Mag 36

appeared in glass ampules that needed to be broken (causing a popping sound) to release the vapours. Although it is sometimes used in conjunction with other sex drugs such as crystal, which can impair erection (often referred to as crystal dick), poppers should be avoided by guys using any erection-enhancing substance such as Viagra or Cialis. When combined with these substances, poppers can cause a pronounced drop in blood pressure which can lead to unconsciousness, a stroke or a heart attack. Of course we know that poppers does not cause HIV, but it certainly is a mind-altering substance and does result in disinhibition. It makes us more horny and impulsive, and more inclined to engage in bareback sex, thereby increasing the risk of STI and HIV transmission. I struggled to find recent medical literature on poppers, but there are suggestions that heavy long-term use can potentially cause brain damage and may impair your vision. Accidentally swallowing the liquid, rather than inhaling the vapours, is dangerous and can prove fatal. In addition, skin contact with the liquid can irritate or burn, especially around the nostrils. On a cautionary note, use of any one recreational substance might tempt some of us to want to experience other such substances, especially if we think they will enhance the intensity of sex. If you use poppers, for example, you may be curious about exploring crystal, khat or similar drugs which are very addictive. I urge you to rather err on the side of caution before you get yourself into a difficult situation of dependence, and possibly addiction. Health4Men provides both a free psychosocial assessment and a psychiatric service (the latter only at our Cape Town clinic) for gay men concerned about their drug use. In addition, we provide a free needle and syringe exchange programme at our Cape Town clinic in order to reduce HIV and hepatitis C transmission among gay men. Call 021 447 2844 for info on these services. Glenn is the project director of Health4Men,a project of the Anova Health Institute that provides free sexual healthcare to gay and bisexual men, including free ARV treatment and support groups. Contact him directly at glenn@health4men.co.za

The Divalicious Dainti Dame Dainti is an important woman in your life. Would you agree? Of course Dainti is an important person in my life just as I am an important person in hers. Without each other neither of us would exist. Do you let her get away with murder, or do you have a firm grip on what she does? She does get a bit out of hand sometimes and I say that in a nice and caring way. A drag artist can say things I would never say or do. It is difficult to keep a firm grip on her because we are never in the same room at the same time. She has given me much joy. Because of her I’ve been places and done things I perhaps would not have achieved. Where did it all start for you… that moment that you realised you were going to be frocked up and bring light into people’s lives? In the Sun City Superbowl in 1989 when Carlo Spetto asked me to appear in drag to lead a line of dancers into a Million Dollar Gold Banquet where the theme was Mardi Gras. It was supposed to be a once off but others got to hear about this rather large 110 kilo woman with over the top makeup, and 18 months later Dainti was hosting drag shows as Jose’s Restaurant at the Joburg Civic Theatre. Since then she has also participated in The Weakest Link and Phat Joe programs. Why do you think she is so lovable and has become an icon for gay people in South Africa? Perhaps because she is over the top and not trying to look like a woman whom I can never be. You have to accept me warts and all. Maybe fans know they can talk to me and I listen and give the advice they need to hear. I understand people no matter who they are. Tell me about the man behind Dainti? Who is the real Charles? A Leo and people person who enjoys watching the sun set over our beautiful country. There are times when being quiet refreshes the soul. I enjoy travelling and love the wide open spaces, seeing the Creator’s work. You celebrated your 75th birthday this year… what is the secret to the secret of your success? One’s birth date is just a number on your I.D. It is all a matter of your mind and the attitude toward life you have. I always thought 75 meant you would be senile and decrepit which I am not. Age is not a right but a privilege. I am enjoying life. How has the gay culture changed for you over the years? Do you think it is easier to fall out of the closet today?

There have ’s an unus c u gay a rawled in al couple nd st t more raigh o the hea who r t vivac han twen t audience ts of ious d ty ye s for Delis a chia, rag doyen rs: the Char and h ne Da l of da es Whiley er creator inti r , know ling ange the sweet l e n Natio as the M s who is fo st other n. n of the dly by Dan Gay iel Der ckse n

Yes, indeed. If you want to come out of the closet now you can just catch a bus. In my day it was so much more difficult. It’s so open today. Everybody’s got a gay friend and they speak openly about it. One can live freely. It’s an answer to our prayers. Are you sometimes jealous of Dainti? Sometimes I am jealous of her because she is more famous than I can ever be and steal whatever limelight I might have. A highlight in your life? There are many but the most important one is meeting a very handsome young man 32 years ago and still being friends and confidants. Also, having so many friends that I love and who love me; moving to Cape Town where I was born; my 18-day cruise from Genoa to Cape Town last year and being part of the Pink Loerie Carnival for 10 years. What makes Charles tick? Entertainment and entertaining. I love the theatre whether I am on stage or in the audience. Having a good meal around a table with good friends who can talk. Any advice you would like to give anyone thinking about frocking up? Become a character. Don’t be rude and bitchy to your audience. Always remember that without an audience you are nothing. You don’t have to be crude and vulgar to succeed. How does it feel to be called the Mother of the Gay Nation? I am both humbled and flattered and am not sure that I deserve that title. Dainti has been around for some years and perhaps age has something to do with it. I have always been nice to people and hopefully I have set some kind of example to those who have met up with me and maybe some wished to follow the example and dreams that I have for myself. In the theatre world I have been called Mother since 1976 when I was company manager for The Follies Fantastique produced by Joan Brickhill and Louis Burke which toured South Africa and Zimbabwe for close on a year. Mag 37

KYLIE CHARMS SOUTH AFRICA

here was much disappointment when local fans of gay icon Kylie Minogue discovered that the Princess of Pop had not initially included any South African dates on her “Aphrodite Live” 2011 World Tour. But there was a collective sigh of relief and tangible sense of excitement when it was announced that the World Tour would be ending in South Africa! And our Rainbow Nation became a little gayer that usual when Kylie touched down on our shores in July.

And what a show it proved to be! Even those committing gay sacrilege by admitting that maybe they don’t like Kylie that much, could not fail to be in awe of the spectacle. Aphrodite descended and held us in the palm of her hand for two exquisite hours while she churned out 20 years of perfect pop tunes. Dressed in Dolce & Gabbana fantasies, surrounded by handsome hunks and Sapphic beauties, we swooned while she crooned. Kylie herself was charming, a little doll, a veritable goddess! For many of her fans, it was a dream come true. And it was undoubtedly one of the best produced concerts ever seen in South Africa.

Three lucky readers can each win a copy of the Kylie Hits CD. All you have to do is tell us what made Aphrodite Live special for you. Drop us a line to outmagafrica@ telkomsa.net by 28th October Mag 32 38 Mag

Photographer: William Baker

CONVENIENCE, SAFTEY & QUALITY IN ONE FAB PACKAGE

e all know that ASSEGAI produce the best lube any guy could ask for. Now intimacy meets convenience as two great products come together as the ASSEGAI Condom & Lubricant 3 Pack is launched. This convenience pack contains 3 large ASSEGAI natural latex, foil-wrapped condoms and 3 ASSEGAI 5ml water-based personal lubricant sachets. The compact size of this convenient pack means you will never be left high and dry again. Tatt2 is proud to be the first South African company to bring you a single use three pack combination as a standard offering. Tatt2, the makers of ASSEGAI, are serious about quality, which is why their condoms and personal lubricants undergo a battery of rigorous quality control tests in the manufacturing process to ensure they meet worldwide standards for your safety during intimacy. Every batch of ASSEGAI personal lubricant is independently tested by an internationally accredited micro-lab to ensure the quality and safety of every

drop. ASSEGAI natural latex lubricated condoms are 100 % electronically tested, water tested, and air pressure tested. ASSEGAI condoms are also CE and ISO certified. You can find a batch number and best before date printed on every product.

If you or your partner are not 100% satisfied with any of their products, please contact Tatt2 on 0860 CONDOM, providing full details of where and when you purchased the particular product, and they will gladly send you a full refund.

Available nationally from leading retailers including Clicks, Pick n Pay, Dis-Chem, AlphaPharm, Wellness Warehouse and Adult World. Visit www.tatt2.co.za for more information.

Mag 39

Models: Lola Fine & Dean Stockenstrom Photographer: Reno Horn Location: Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel, 69 Kloof Rd, Fresnaye, Cape Town. Luxury accommodation. Fabulous pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room. Tel: 021 433 1852. www.grandekloof.co.za Lola Fine’s dress designed by Shahied Samaai. Gay Flag of South Africa & other merchandise available at Indaba Curios at the V & A Waterfront & Sandton, and across the country. Also available at Nelson Mandela Bay Pride & Joburg Pride. www. gayflagofsouthafrica. co.za info@p2-ink.com

TRUE COLOURS Mag 40

We found some novel & sexy uses for the Gay SA Flag!

MISS GAY WORLD 2011

ageant veterans Connie Chung and Chandrè De Chagny were the inspiration behind this year’s Miss Gay World Beauty Pageant which was held at the Bonteheuwel Centre in June. Ms Egypt, Tisharn Vonarmberg took the crown as well as Miss Personality title. Ms Mexico Logan Longoria was crowned 1st Princess. Ms Venezuela, Jada Kay Lavontè Johnson, walked away with both the Ms Photogenic and 2nd Princess titles.

Open from 10:00am - 02:00am Everyday!

Weekly Specials R17 doubles

Monday Beers & Ciders R10 Tuesday Tequila R5 Wednesday & Sunday Karaoke Competition with R1000 monthly prize give away! Friday & Saturday DJ Warren Vellino strutting his stuff Taylor’s Grill serving up scrumptious meals and live shows - is now open

Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun - 19:00 - 02:00

Photo’s by Peter Abrahams.

Mag 41

THE MADAME’S BACK IN CAPE TOWN

After a sensational season in Jozi and Durban, Madame Zingara’s Theatre of Dreams returns to the Mother City on the 1st September.

ell-know to the city, the Grande Dame of burlesque, offers a unique dinner/cirque spectacular which guarantees to enchant, captivate and inspire all those who are fortunate enough to savour the experience.

go with friends, as inhibitions are encouraged to be cast away.

Housed in one of the last remaining Mirror Tents in the world, Victoria is a magnificent twenty five metre velvet big top with ornate mirrored columns, rich velvet drapes and beveled booths that transport one back to a by-gone era where cirque and magic ruled the world. With all kitchen facilities on Feast your eyes as well as your taste buds site no aspect of hospitality is ignored, from the superbly trained glitter-dusted floor-fairies to the incredible acrobatics, one begins to understand there are no boundaries to the night and that everything is possible. I have been lucky enough to experience the delights of Madame Zingara both here in Cape Town and at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg and can vouch for highly entertaining evening. We started our meal with a messe selection which whet the appetite and had us drooling for the main meal. Before the main meal we tucked into a very tasty pasta, which left us wondering how we would be able to finish our main course – but being gluttons we managed just fine. Whilst the show is on, the wine and dora flowed and a great meal was enjoyed with friends – it is imperative that you Mag 42

The famous Chocolate Chilli Fillet

Some in our party tried the house specialty the Chocolate chilli fillet, described in the menu as a seductive blend of dark Belgian chocolate, rosemary and chilli, over a succulent fillet served on a bed of sautéed black mushrooms and arugula (sounds awesome! and it got a thumbs-up.) I had the lamb shank, (slow-cooked in red wine and served with mash and veg) a safe choice I know, but it was good. (I see that in Cape Town a Springbok shank is on the menu). They also serve line fish for those of you who like a taste of the sea and a vegetarian curry for those who loathe to wrap your lips around a huge, juicy piece of meat. To end off a great evening’s entertainment we tucked into a variety of tasty desserts – a little bit of each, crème brulée, strawberry mousse and sticky malva pud - quite delectable and a delicious end to both a culinary and visual feast. Hosted by the fabulous Cathy Specific, (for September only) and featuring incredible acrobatics and the larger than life diva’s, 3 Tons of Fun - Madame Zingara’s is a unique experience – Priced from R365 - R450 (excluding the dora bill, which in our case was huge!), I thought it was a great deal as after all it was a full show, a four–course meal and above all really great night which will be remembered for years.

Hmmm nice lunch! with Gary Hopkins

OUT TO LUNCH

When last did you last enjoy a nice big lunch? OUT went out in Cape Town in search of 3 worthy candidates What’s on Eatery.

6 Watson Street, 021 422 5652

This deli/restaurant has been has been causing quite a buzz so we were very excited to try it out. Sadly the lunch crowd was a little thin when we dropped by, which wasn’t great for ambience but it did give us an uninterrupted view of the incredibly stylish décor. The space is intimate enough to make it the perfect venue for private parties. The lunch menu is a slimmed down version of the evening menu but is buffed up with a dish of the day. We ordered the fish and chips and both the food and presentation was superb. Owner Trevor is a charming and attentive host. If you’re lucky you may even get a mention on Facebook after your visit.

Seven Sins.

39 Kloof Street, 021 801 6527

Cape Town’s biggest sin is the lack of parking in the CBD which makes visiting Seven Sins a challenge. Based on the advance hype we were expecting a funky den where the seven sins were celebrated in both décor and food. In reality despite the cheesy and abundant graffiti, one den of sin is indistinguishable from the next. Smoking sinners do however enjoy their own separate room. The menu is an even bigger conundrum. First off it is home printed and stapled together. Next, instead of being divided into the traditional starter, mains and dessert sections, the menu is listed under sins. It isn’t very clear which is a starter or a main course and the interspersion of desserts doesn’t help matters. We eventually gave up on the menu and ordered the beef fillet and lamb shank off the specials board. Portions are large and the food was good but hardly memorable. The presentation was sloppy. On reflection size isn’t everything and we left slightly disappointed.

Hemelhuijs 71 Waterkant Street, 021 418 2042 If you want to lunch at Hemelhuijs (and I strongly recommend you do) I suggest you get there early as they only take bookings for parties bigger than six. You’ll find this sexy and stylish eatery on the fan walk in the heart of the Free World Design Centre. The décor is sublime from the wooden tables to the black plates, not forgetting the bread and toast artwork. Reading their menu, you know you’ll be back more than once. After much agonizing we settled on the lamb risotto and the gourmet burger. The fresh juices we ordered were served in glass carafes with straws - so cool! The food is both a culinary and visual treat and despite all the opulence, the prices are pretty reasonable. Highly recommend

Mag 43

OUT ON DVD

by Daniel Dercksen

In a world where who and what you are defines your humanity, these DVDs are a must for anyone who has ever had the slightest identity crisis. Rango Rango rocks big time! Johnny Depp adds great life to a new hero that is destined to steal many hearts. Gore Verbinski’s imaginative vision and fine sense of humour pays homage to great westerns and cinematic heroes of the Wild West in this animated adventure. If you are looking for home entertainment with a capital E, Rango is it. You only have to experience the great chase sequence of bats and lizards a brilliant allegory of Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyrie to appreciate great storytelling at its best. A pet chameleon with an identity crisis ends up in an Old West town called Dirt, which is populated by various desert critters garbed like characters out of a spaghetti western. As he’s always thought himself a hero, Rango establishes himself as the lawman. Nothing can stop Rango from trying to constantly fit in and save the town from dying. The bonus features include the theatrical and extended version, sensational audio commentary, and a fascinating doccie on the real desert creatures. Skoonheid (Beauty) The beauty of Skoonheid is that it is an honest South African film that deals with issues head-on. It is a film that is long overdue and will hopefully foster a new wave of films that will be brave enough to tackle subject matters that are socially relevant and mostly overlooked. In a country where ignorance divides, Skoonheid powerfully shows how this can tragically result in violent rage. Restrained lust in a conservative society ruled by morality allows obsession to rot at its core, and torments the soul of man whose instinct is inherently beautiful but sadly tainted. The anti-hero in Skoonheid represents the faceless monster that is taunted and teased until he takes action that destroys the fibre of his humanity. Hiding behind moralistic ideals and traditional principles, the outcry of this monster is very much like Munch’s silent scream. The pain and torment is intimately shared with the audience, who become silent witnesses of the dull daily routines that numbs the senses. Deon Lotz delivers an Oscar worthy performance as a middle-aged unhappily married Afrikaner, who has become devoid of any concern for his own measure of happiness. He is so convinced of his ill-fated existence, that he is wholly unprepared when a chance encounter unravels his clean, controlled life and he develops a crush on his model/actor nephew, Christian. (Charlie Keegan delivers an equally powerful and memorable performance in this role). Director Oliver Hermanus says: “This story is very much the exploration of one man’s self-destruction. His disdain for himself. His hatred. We are privy to the different, compartmentalized sections of his life, his secrets and desires. We witness his violence, his fears, his anger and his jealousy.” Getroud met Rugby – Die Onvertelde Storie . Set against the backdrop of the macho arena of rugby, this is not a film about sport, but a story about two broken people, rugby players whose paths cross in order to find themselves. Izak Davel is fantastic as Regharts, the mechanic from the wrong side of the tracks, a promising rugby player who lost his way. After several charges of fighting and assault he is sentenced to community service – practicing rugby with a fallen hero of the Stryders Rugby team, Fafa Beltrame (Altus Theart, equally sensational). “Fast Fafa” was once the fastest wing in the country and a hit among the ladies. Now he seeks refuge in drink and in the process alienates everyone who ever cared for him. Through the metaphor of rugby the two broken men inadvertently help one another to find their way again.

For more information on the latest DVD releases, visit www.writingstudio.co.za

For more DVDs to add to your collection and latest releases, visit www.writingstudio.co.za

HAVE YOU GOT THE BALLS? The time for Mr. Speedoman 2011, where a bevy of beautiful bods will parading in nothing but their swimsuits, is fast approaching. So if you think you’ve got the qualities we’re looking for, come and strut your stuff at this year’s Beach Boys Ball to be held in Cape Town at the end of November. As was the case last year, there will be a panel of celebrity judges as well as some top notch live entertainment. Contestants will be judged on only two attributes: total package and audience response – so bring all your friends. Mag 44

If you want to enter, or know of somebody who should, drop us a line at outmagafrica@ telkomsa. net by 15th November 2011.

MUSIC MOVES by Gary Hopkins

Lanu – Her 12 faces Who is he? A Melbourne based producer and funk/soul guitarist. What’s his bag? A mixed bag of styles with awesome guest vocals. Sounds like? Massive Attack meets Nouvelle Vague The CD: It’s a real gem. They don’t have much to say lyrically but the tunes are catchy and the production is amazing The track to download: Roosevelt Blues

Josie Field – 1984 Who is she? Award winning local singersongwriter. What’s her bag? Emotional songs about relationships Sounds like? Alanis Morissette with a guitar The CD: Mainly rock tunes but still easy listening. She’s clearly had her share of good and bad relationship and is only too happy “to share with the group”. Arno Carstens guest vocals on 1 track. The track to download: Goodbye

Who is she? Afro pop/jazz princess known to her family and friends as Keabetswe Motsilanyane. What’s her bag? Laid back jazz that fuses pop with R&B and house Sounds like? Sade if she had been born in Soweto The CD: Her 6th release shows how rounded she is a performer. It doesn’t break any new ground but could is the perfect soundtrack to your summer drinks party. The track to download: My Way ft Tuks

2 Sounds of the Beat mixed by Kid Fonque

As the temperature rises, these re-vamped anthems and sizzling new tunes hot off the turntables of Mykonos & Ibiza make it impossible to ignore the lure of dance floor! 1. You’ve Got The Love – Florence & The Time Machine (Pitron & Sanna Mix) 2. The Edge Of Glory – Lady Gaga (Cahil Club Mix) 3. Bodyswerve – Pitron & Sanna ft Therese (OFFBeat Remix) 4. Hot – Inna (Cahill Club Mix) 5. This Is My Life – Edward Maya (Extended Mix) 6. Hit The Road Jack – Ray Charles (CylCA Remix) 7. Lonely – Medina (Gooseflesh Remix) 8. Cry (Just A Little) – Bingo Players (Olav Basoski Remix) 9. Call On Me – Eric Prydz (Wideboys Exclusive Ibiza Mix) 10. Mr. Saxobeat – Alexandra Stan (Bodybangers Remix)

WINWIN

KB – Run Free The Evolution

BLAINE’S SPRING TOP 10

Who is he? Eclectic DJ famous for his Soul Candi label What’s his bag? Soulful funk and gentle beats Sounds like? Drinks on St Yves overlooking Camps Bay The CD: The first CD is more floor friendly, the second a funk fantasy. Great to have on whatever the activity: from a post club come down to a braai around the pool. Summer is defiantly on its way back. The track to download: Take your pick, they’re all good.

CD COMPETITION Win a copy of Josie Field’s 1984 CD by answering the following: Which well known South African singer guests on one of the tracks?

To win a copy of BUMP 28, tell us how many BUMP CDs have come out

Answers to be sent to outmagafrica@telkomsa.net by 31st October, 2011 Mag 45

OUT ON FILM

by Daniel Dercksen

Colin Farrell as an ex-con in London Boulevard. He will also be seen as a sneaky vampire in Fright Night He men take action … Colin Farrell delivers another great performance as an ex-con who tries to make a fresh start in a relationship with a reclusive actress in London Boulevard. It’s a sexy, stylish gangster thriller bristling with wit and brutal intrigue. Taylor Lautner stars as a young man unwittingly thrust into a deadly world of espionage in Abduction. Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Robert De Niro are the Killer Elite, a group of vigilante special forces members who take on the hit men to protect members of their regiment. Gerard Butler plays a former drug dealer and gang member who turns around his life and dedicates his time to rescuing children in war-torn Sudan in Machine Gun Preacher. Have a laugh Set on a council estate in South London on Bonfire night, a street gang has to defend themselves from rowdy alien invaders in the sci-fi comedy Attack the Block The Thrill of it All In Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final instalment in the popular The Twilight Saga series, the new found married bliss of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) and vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) is cut short when a series of betrayals and misfortunes threatens to destroy their world. Paranormal Activity 3 takes place 18 years before its shocking predecessors and explores the origins of the demon from hell. In Happy Feet Two, Mumble, The Master of Tap, finds that his tiny son, Erik, is choreo-phobic. Reluctant to dance, Erik runs away and encounters The Mighty Sven, a penguin who can fly! Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol. The acMag 46

tion movie revolves around Hunt and his team, who go undercover to clear their name after they were blamed for a terrorist bombing. While trying to find out the true mastermind behind the crime, they have to dodge the government to avoid being captured and charged for something they did not do. The power of the human spirit The First Grader is set in a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush. Hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. The film is written by Capetonian and Emmy-winner Ann Peacock and is a heart-warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education. Unlikely heroes … Puss in Boots – one of the most beloved characters of the Shrek universe, tells the hilarious and courageous, daring, bold, brave tale of Puss’s early adventures as he teams with mastermind Humpty Dumpty and the street-savvy Kitty to steal the fame Goose that lays the Golden Eggs. Be afraid … Guillermo del Toro’s Don’t be Afraid of the Dark tells of young girl who moves into a 19th-century mansion and starts to hear voices coming from creatures in the

basement whose hidden agenda is to claim her as one of their own. In Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion, Matt Damon, Jude Law and Kate Winslet face a lethal airborne virus that kills within days. As the fast-moving epidemic grows, the worldwide medical community races to find a cure and control the panic that spreads faster than the virus itself. The holiday of a group of teenagers at a lake house quickly becomes a nightmare of shark attacks in Shark Night 3D. Makeovers on the big screen Classics are heated up and served for a new generation of filmgoers: Matthew Macfayden, Luke Evans and Ray Stevenson are the new The Three Musketeers, with Orlando Bloom as the ultra-cool Englishman, Buckingham. The hot-headed young D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) joins forces with three veteran Musketeers to prevent the villainous Cardinal Richelieu (Christoph Waltz) from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war in this fast-paced, action-filled reboot of Alexandre Dumas’ classic 17th-century adventure in 3D. Straw Dogs is a remake of Sam Peckinpah’s 1971 film of the same name with James Marsden as a Hollywood screenwriter who accompanies his wife (Kate Bosworth) as she returns to her hometown in Mississippi. Her ex-boyfriend (Alexander Skarsgard), a former high school football hero, sees her return as an opportunity to reclaim glory. Fright Night is a remake of the 1985 fun horror, with Anton Yelchin as a young man who suspects that his new neighbour (Colin Farrell) is a vampire For more information on the release dates and other latest releases, visit the website: www.writingstudio.co.za

WORD PERFECT ED SERIES

The Artscape

COMPILE

NO. 1

Dublin Fest

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ival Plays

MALAN

COLLECTE

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NO. 1 / JUN KETS

Re-claiming the L-word has been recommended for consideration for the 2012 American Library Association’s GLBT Stonewall Book Award.

COLLECT

Junkets Publisher, a small outfit run by S.A. Gay Pl ays 1 well known writer and editor Robin Malan, was the winner of the Arts & Culture Trust Excellence Award for Literature in 2009, and is constantly making interesting contributions to an ever expanding gay literature field. This is the first anthology of plays in The Collected Series, and so the start of a valuable library of new South African plays. The five plays included in this volume, were part of the Artscape New Writing Programme Plays that toured the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival between 2006 and 2010. All have won either awards or nominations. The plays are Ashraf Johaardien’s Happy Endings are Extra; Juliet Jenkin’s The Boy Who fell from the Roof; Dalliances by Pieter Jacobs; Fiona Coyne’s Careful and The Myth of Andrew & Jo by Gideon van Eeden. Michael Maas, the CEO of Artscape has said that “ The gay and lesbian community in South Africa still needs to be vigilant and so public discussions of the issues continues to be vastly important. The Dublin plays which the Artscape has produced play an important part in those discussions.” by Robin Ma

The stories in this book eloquently deal with the depth and complexity of lesbian experiences and serve to contradict stereotyping. The writers come from all walks of life, race groups and religious persuasions. Apart from these often moving, sometimes funny stories, the book includes a photo essay by well-known artist and activist, Zanele Muholi, and her article of lesbian rape in South Africa, originally published by Agenda. But mostly, the writers are ordinary women with a story to tell. They are very personal, and that is what makes them interesting. Many of them are also coming out stories, so gay men who read them will also relate to them.

The Artscape Dublin Festival Plays Compiled by Robin Malan. Junkets Publisher. R160.00

Compiled

There have been quite a few anthologies written by South African gay men in the last 20 years or so, but none by lesbians, until now. Reclaiming the L-Word is the first collection of short stories put together by exclusively South African lesbian writers thus breaking a tradition of invisibility for women of Sapphic inclination. Editor Alleyn Diesel points out that lesbians have remained pretty much invisible throughout history and even “most feminist historians tended to overlook the existence of lesbians in their midst”. Even in our gay communities, lesbians still often remain unheard or invisible, despite our progressive Constitution which guarantees freedom from discrimination, in theory at least. One reason may be that invisibility does offer a cloak of protection especially in an environment where women suspected of being lesbians are attacked and raped.

The first in the Col lected Seri five Artscap es, this volu e me Internationa New Writing Pro gramme play brings together the l Dublin Gay Every sing s that tou le one of them Theatre Festival red to the from 200 earned eith 6 to er Awards Playwrights or Nominat 2010. included ions. are Jacobs, Fion a Coyne and Ashraf Johaardien, Juliet Jenk Gideon van in, Pieter Eeden. ‘The gay and vigilant and lesbian community in South so public Africa still disc important. needs to be The Dublin ussion of the issues continues part in thos plays whi to be vast ch Artscap e discussions ly e has .’ – Michae l Maas, CEO produced play a , Artscape

For those who have seen these excellent productions, reading the scripts brings back memories. For those who have not, this is an opportunity to read what you have missed, and maybe inspire you to unplug the TV and get to the theatre.

WIN

Sappho’s Daughters Out in Africa Edited by Alleyn Diesel Modjaji Books, 2011

A. Gay Play s1 S.A. GAY PLAYS 1

S.A. GAY PLAYS 1

RECLAIMING THE L-WORD

We are giving away 2 copies of The Young Gay Guys Guide to Safer Sex by Robin Malan (reviewed in the previous issue.) To win answer this easy question: “Who is the author of The Young Gay Guys Guide to Safer Sex” Send an e-mail to outmagafrica@telkomsa. net with subject: “Word Perfect” by 31 October.

ROSES & RASPBERRIES

SHAMEFUL PREJUDICE

omophobes are fond of advertising their stupidity and ignorance, which is perhaps why they sometimes prefer to remain anonymous. The publisher of the EC Mirror, based in Jeffries Bay, sent an unsigned e-mail to the organisers of the 1st Nelson Mandela Bay Pride to be held in Post Elizabeth at the end of September asking them to be removed from Pride’s mailing list. The unnamed publisher wrote: “As far as I understand it, Pride is an organization which promotes and sympathises with the cause of Homosexuals. However, practising homosexuals are acting directly acting against God’s Holy Word as laid down in the Bible. So although we are not judging practising homosexuals, (God is the only judge of all our actions) we wish to try and live in accordance with God’s principles.

Therefore we will not be promoting this kind of function at all. Please do not send us anything to do with Pride. Hum! The last time we checked South Africa was a constitutional democracy, not a theocracy. Not much Christian tolerance and love being dished out here. We have since discovered that the publisher of The EC Mirror is a certain Robbie Hift, the author of a book called A Call to Worship. He refused to divulge his name to journalists, and has been hanging up his phone as soon as he finds out why he is being called. However, if anyone wishes to set him straight he can be e-mailed on admin@ecmirror.co.za .The least we can ask is that people have the courage of their prejudices and not behind a cloak on anonymity. Shame on him and Happy Pride to the proud moffies of the Eastern Cape! Mag 47

ON STAGE DRAMA

At Artscape in Cape Town, Roy Sargeant’s new play Mary and the Conqueror (From Sept 29) explores the secret `landscape’ of novelist Mary Renault in a celebratory entanglement of the lives and loves of Mary and the greatest warrior of the Classical world, Alexander the Great. Rafiek Mammon’s Seashells (from November 15) tells the story of an identical twin with a collection of seashells and an even bigger collection of secrets. Janet Suzman returns to the South African stage for the first time since 1976 to star in Lara Foot’s Solomon and Marion at the Baxter from October 24. Two very different characters, an ageing and heartbroken English white woman and a young black man, from opposite spectrums of the South African context, each carrying narratives of significant loss, are thrown together by extraordinary circumstances.

will be performed at Joburg Theatre from October 26. Brian Webber stars as Molina, a homosexual window-dresser who passes the time by telling his cellmate the stories of his favourite movies

COMEDY Pieter-Dirk Uys focuses on the past, the present and tomorrow in Desperate First Ladies at the Baxter Theatre from September 6. From Evita Bezuidenhout to Nowell Fine, Grace Mugabe, Winnie Mandela and Bambi Kellermann, Uys rolls on the lipstick and pays tribute to his special ladies. Neil LaBute’s Fat Pig follows a thirty-something guy’s relationship with a plus-sized librarian at on On Broadway from September 6. At the Kalk Bay Theatre Anthea Thomson stars in Living Remote: Bertha’s guide to life, love and pharmaceuticals (until Sept 24).

Sleight of hand expert Stuart Lightbody takes an entertaining look at superstitious and magical thinking Caryl Churchill’s A Number in Superstition (from Oct opens at The Fugard Theatre 5), and the inimitable Shirley on October 4 and stars British father and son thespians Timo- Kirchmann makes a welcome thy and Samuel West; the play return with her one-woman examines the intricate concept show Catch (from Oct 12). of identity, the age-old question of “nature versus nurture” At the Intimate Theatre in Cape Town, Mafeking Road and the highly controversial (from Oct 18), is a one hour concept of human cloning. whirlwind that whips through some of Herman Charles Clare Stopford’s The Prize Bosman’s best stories. of Peace, at the Old Mutual Theatre on the Square in Johannesburg until September 24, is set on the eve of the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo in 1993. The play focuses on a private meeting between Mandela (Owen Sejake) and FW de Klerk (Eric Nobbs), two giants of our history. Tony Award winning play Kiss of the Spider Woman Mag 48

MUSIC Offbeat Broadway 4 is back at Montecasino (until Sept 30) and Theatre on the Bay (from Oct 10). This insane and irreverent romp through the best and worst of Broadway returns with the original cast of Anton Luitingh, Lindy Abromowitz and Paul du Toit.

For more information on these shows and other live entertainment, visit www.writingstudio.co.za

A lavish production of Fiddler on the Roof is on at Artscape until Oct 1 and features a cast of over 80 actors, singers and dancers, accompanied by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra. On Broadway hosts Perfect Score (Sept 25 and Oct 3), featuring an energetic group of rich, youthful male voices. Kronkelpad, celebrating Jannie du Toit’s 40 years in the Afrikaans music industry and is on at Artscape on Oct 1. David Kramer’s new musical comedy Some Like it Vrot is on at the Baxter Theatre (from Oct 18) and features Marc Lottering and Christo Davids as Smiley and Fuad, who become entangled in a life threatening situation and have to run for their lives. Janet Jackson’s Up Close and Personal Tour is on at Teatro at Montecasino (Nov 11 and 12) and Grand West Arena in Cape Town (Nov 15). Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera opens at the Artscape Opera on Nov 22. On the opera front at Artscape, Verdi’s La Traviata opens on Oct 11, Mozart’s Die Entfuhrung Aus Dem Serail on Nov 15, and Kurt Weil’s Lost in the Stars on Nov 24. Offbeat Broadway

by Daniel Dercksen

DANCE The Cape Dance Company opens its annual season at the Artscape Theatre on Nov 11 with a world premiere of a new neoclassical ballet by Christopher Huggins from the USA. Four of Moving into Dance. Mophatong’s most talented young choreographers will premiere new works during the DansInventions season at the Dance Factory in Newtown, Johannesburg (from Oct 20). Mark Hawkins’ whimsical and witty work Hotel at the Market Theatre’s Main Theatre from Sept 23, will appeal to dance aficionados and to anyone who appreciates innovative, genre-crossing entertainment. The South African Ballet Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty is on at the Joburg Theatre (From Sept 20); and for the first time since the mid-1990s ballet audiences in Durban and Johannesburg will be treated to the Mzanzi Productions’ traditional full-length 3-act version of the great ballet Don Quixote, featuring leading South African ballet dancers as well as 18 Cuban dancers and a further contingent of other international dancers; it is on at Playhouse Opera in Durban (from Sept 29), and the Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City (from Oct 13)

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