Out africa magazine issue 19 by Keith Coventry

AFRICA

M A G A Z I N E Issue 19, WINTER 2014

INTERVIEWS ROWAN STUDTI IAN DAVIDSON

9 772304 85 9004

R25.00 incl. VAT

MEET MICHAEL SAM

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

FROM THE EDITOR

INTERVIEWS

Hi - This is my first issue in the Editor’s chair since Evan departed to pursue new business interests –we wish him all the best for his future exploits and take this opportunity to thank him for all the time and effort he has given to OUT Africa magazine over the years. My opinions and style are very different and at times a bit controversial, but I sincerely hope that you will use OUT Africa magazine as a platform to disagree or to agree with my views and not take offence. In this issue we have loads of reading material to keep you busy ranging from serious gay issues such as the Ugandan crisis and underground local homophobia, to lighter reading on the Gay Games and international gay Icons, We also have a look at the partying and politicking of this years Cape Town Pride and the main interview is with the DA’s Ian Davidson – if you’re not a reader then just go straight to the “Scene Out” pages where you are sure to either see yourself or at the very least an acquaintance out on the town. I sometimes get accused of being a little lesbophobic, I’m not in the least, my issues are mainly in the title i.e. ‘Lesbian and Gay’ I don’t for the life of me see why we are not all simply GAY (and proud of that fact). Eventually we will have so many politically correct sub-titles that the people that we are trying to lobby for support will have difficulty in understanding who or what they are dealing with. What is wrong with the word GAY? It took many years for everyone to get comfortable using it and now we are carving it up again – anyhow, that is my opinion, what’s yours –drop me a line and let me know, I’ll publish the numbers in the next issue, maybe we will all be surprised, maybe I will be eating humble pie – its up to you (I never thought back in the seventies that I would be trying to sell the word “GAY” to our own community). OUT Africa magazine is now available at selected CNA stores and Exclusive Books shops nationally, its also available at gay venues and on line so there is no need for anyone to go without, if you have any problems getting your hands on a copy let us know. Enjoy your copy Tommy MANAGING EDITOR: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 ISSN 2304-859X Published by: Patterson Publications P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Tel/Fax: 021 418 3039 E-mail: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net outmagazine@mweb.co.za Advertising Sales: Robert Simpson 072 266 7051 Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358

Contributors: Daniel Dercksen, Liberty Banks, Tommy Patterson, KvC, Bruce Little, Rob Simpson Additional Photography: Chris Marsh, Evan Tsouroulis, Ashley Craig Brandt

6 GETTING TO KNOW ROWAN STUDTI 24 IAN DAVIDSON: Meet the man behind the politics

REVIEWS

40 OUT TO LUNCH: Jo’burg indulgence 41 OUT TO LUNCH: Fitness Food 42 OUT ON DVD: With Daniel Dercksen 42 WORD PERFECT: Slices of Ham 46 OUT ON FILM: With Daniel Dercksen 47 MUSIC MOVES: With Daniel Dercksen 48 ON STAGE: With Daniel Dercksen

FASHION 14 - 17 I’m a Model ... : a look at some of the looks at the Mercedes Benz Jo’burg Fashion Week

2 14

SCENE OUT

28 - 31 Who’s been spotted out and about on the party scene...

FEATURES 1 EDITORS COMMENT: 2 DIVA’S ONE NIGHT ONLY: The drag event of the year! 3. INTERESTING HAPPENINGS 4 MAKING THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY GLITTER: Triarc a company for gays 5 WTF IS HEDWIG 5 WTF IS CONCHITA 7 BACKROOM SHOWERS 8 REACHING ICONIC STATUS: A look at the celebrities we make our icons 10. RIDICULOUS 11. HOMOPHOBIA IS ALIVE & WELL 12 IS OUR GOVT. FAILING US? 13 REACH OUT AND TOUCH 18 WORKING GIRL ... WORK IT GIRL!: Liberty Banks looks at dragging at work 19 SENSUAL SINSATIONS IS 2: 20 A NEW LOOK FOR BUSINESS & PLEASURE 22 THE BUZZ: News, snippets & gossip 26 YEE HA!: Its time for the Gay Games 32 CAMARADERIE HELPS ONE’S MOTIVATION : A light-hearted look at training 33 HATS OFF TO MICHAEL SAM 34 SOMEWHERE ITS SUMMER: If you looking for sunshine - go to the Med. 36 ONE ARM: Tennessee Williams’ play premiers in Cape Town 38 MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES: Are you open? 44 HAM: SLICES IF LIFE: Excerpt 45 CHECK IT OUT: 12 Rooms Exhibition

24 26 28 32

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 materials may be copied, modified, published or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of OUT Africa Magazine. The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by those providing comments in this publication are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions 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.

Cover: OUT hero Michael Sam Mag 1

WELCOME TO DIVAS ONE NIGHT ONLY K at Gilardi, Miss Gay Western Cape 2010, had to come up with an event to raise funds and awareness as a reigning Miss Gay Western Cape.

Pictures by Ashley Craig Brandt

Being a cabaret performer herself, she opted not only to shine a light on lip syncing as an art form, but making people understand that it’s not just boys in dresses, but women impersonation with a cause, to entertain and educate. Kat’s annual show, Diva’s One Night Only, attracts not only huge crowds, but mainline sponsorship as well. Tsogo Sun The Cullinan Hotel is sponsoring some amazing surprises for lucky audience members. As in the past, the evening’s entertainment is primarily designed as a charity event and showcases some of the best drag artists in the Western Cape, if not South Africa. This year our local vocal artist is Tia Black, with 2 local radio hits, joining our Divas line up. The show is the brain child of Kat Gilardi, and life partner Errol Stroebel, along with their amazing team of close friends, headed by team leader, Elmarie Mitchel.

Kat Gilhardi wows the crowd. Below: Guest performer the incomparable Tia Black

Kat’s show, in conjunction with Miss Gay Western Cape Organization, raises funds and awareness within women impersonation. And awareness of this art form in their communities. Profits are also used to host soup kitchens in the underprivileged communities. Dazzling Costumes, big hair, synced lips and outrageous heels, all combine to make this the premier drag event on the Cape Town Calender. Diva’s One Night Only will take place on Saturday at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone. Tickets are available from computicket for only R80. Get yours early to avoid disappointment. If the past years are anything to go by, with an standing ovation opening act by Kat and Errol, tickets will be they will be like hens teeth. See you there!!

Mag 2

Errol Stroebel gets the crowd going Below: Kat says it all!!!

ABOUT BLOODY TIME!!!

RENO’S

long awaited 2nd photographic exhibition is here at last!

HORNOGRAPHY

Due to popular demand the exhibition has been extended from WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE to FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2014

ay men in South Africa are now allowed to donate blood, under a new policy adopted by The South African National Blood Service (SANBS), which no longer discriminates against gay men.

Gay men were unfairly targeted as they were previously seen as being high risk of being infected with HIV. Unless they had been celibate for six months or longer were not able to donate blood. However, their policy allowed heterosexual people who engaged in equally risky or casual sex to donate. SANBS Communications Manager, Vanessa Raju said, “It took us a while because we didn’t have local facts that warranted changing our policy, although we knew South Africa was different from other countries in terms of risk of HIV.” “The policy wasn’t meant to be discriminatory, but it was seen as such,” she admitted. “We then worked closely with the Department of Health and other organisations to reassess the situation.” Under the new regulation, anyone who has a new sexual partner will not be allowed to donate blood for six months, and anyone who has multiple partners will not be allowed to donate blood. Both criteria are irrespective of a person’s sexual orientation. Raju explained. “People who are in monogamous male samesex relationships [for more than six months] can now donate.” “This change in the SANBS policy is wonderful and a breakthrough for the LGBTI sector. The previous policy was seen as discriminatory, although it was not meant to be” said Johan Meyer, Health Manager at OUT Well-being in Pretoria. “Now everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, is treated the same. It shows the value of good research, which can provide evidence for the basis of policy change,” he added. Mag 3

TRIARC TO CAST A GLITTER RAINBOW INTO INSURANCE INDUSTRY Gay owned and run company, Triarc, about to launch as specialist insurance provider to the gay market.

n July this year Triarc will officially launch its range of insurance products designed specifically for the LGBT client. Bears, Twinks, Sisters and Lipsticks alike will now be able to choose from a range of products to suit their lifestyles - rather than having to adjust their lifestyles to suit existing products. Jaco Nepgen and his team at Triarc have a vision to provide products to the gay community that are competitive in price and designed around their unique requirements. These products include death benefits, disability cover, critical illness, income protection, and will from now on be offered with a dash of pink and a splash of awesome. On top of all of the above, Triarc are also authorized medical aid brokers. It’s divine to see some big names in the industry supporting this bold and beautiful move by Triarc. Triarc’s insurance products will be underwritten by Guardrisk. All these fabulous products need to be supported by some fabulous people. Triarc will establish themselves as a first rate employer for bright, ambitious and energetic LGBT job seekers. They have started recruitment, but a few positions remain unfilled and they look forward to receiving CVs from anyone interested in making a difference. Triarc takes pride as a company that actively supports and

Mag 4

develops the LGBT community and they are looking to constantly create new partnerships and joint ventures. Their developers are working on Triarc club which will be an interactive conduit between Triarc and its members and partners. If you feel you have an idea or opportunity, contact them and pitch it.. They’re looking forward to hearing from you. Look out for future articles on how to protect and enhance your lifestyle using simple financial needs analysis tools. The LGBTI has unique circumstances and requirements not always understood by the financial industry. These articles will help you identify your own needs and give you guidance to make the right decisions and protect your future. Medical Aid, death benefits, disability cover, critical illness, income protection and general financial planning will all be demystified, empowering you to ask the right questions, know how much cover you need and make the correct decisions. Triarc head office will be based in Cape Town and all queries can be directed to: Tel: 087 231 0222 E-mail: info@triarc.co.za Web: www.triarc.co.za Finally! An insurance company that understands the way we feel, the way we think and the way we want to be rewarded!

WTF IS HEDWIG? Hedwig’s gonna put on some makeup, turn on the tape deck, and put the wig back on his head this season in the person of multi-Emmy winner Neil Patrick Harris, a.k.a. Greatest Tony host ever! Mr. Harris has returned to Broadway to add that WOW factor to the classic rockmusical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

he show centres on Hedwig, self-described as an “internationally ignored song stylist” who struggles with identity issues after a botched sex-change operation and rages against a former lover who’s used her music to craft a hugely successful career. (The production will shrewdly use Times Square — only a block away from Hedwig‘s current Broadway locale — as a backdrop for said lover’s rocketing success before large crowds). Neil Patrick Harris (seen on SABC in “How I Met Your Mother”) recently tweeted the fabulous first poster for ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ (above) NPH has been expounding on the rigours of the role in a number of interviews and on Facebook, and how right he is - it’s 100 straight minutes of post-glam rockin’ out (in heels!), and there’s barely a moment when he won’t be on stage. Harris cites influences such as David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Tina Turner (“I’m loving the research”). NPH said on Facebook, “Playing Hedwig is more about walking well in heels; it’s about ... having lived the life she lived, and still being fabulous.” Directed by Michael Mayer (who also did the similarly hard-edged American Idiot), the production also features Lena Hall (Kinky Boots) in the gender-bending role of Hedwig’s lover/bandmate Yitzhak, and features a live on stage band, Tits of Clay (a sly reference to one of the show’s signature tunes, “Angry Inch”). Hedwig marks Harris’s first Broadway show since the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins in 2004. So if you are lucky enough to be visiting New York anytime soon, make sure you catch a production of Hedwig and see this super star in actio ... albeit in heels!!!

WTF IS CONCHITA WURST?

he drag performer, whose real name is Tom Neuwirth, aka the “bearded lady”, who recently won the Eurovision Song Contest, stirred controversy especially in some eastern European countries (particularly Russia) when she lifted the coveted title with her hit song, Rise Like a Phoenix .

“This night is dedicated to everyone who believes in a future of peace and freedom. You know who you are. We are unity and we are unstoppable,” the winner said as she was presented with the trophy. Neuwirth has been performing as Conchita since 2011, as a statement for tolerance and acceptance- as it’s not about appearances; it’s about the human being. ‘Everybody should live their lifes however they want, as long as nobody else gets hurt or is restricted in their own way of life’” [sic]. Her next goal is to win a Grammy Award. “[But] on the way there I will grab everything that is given,” she said. When she was interviewed by Graham Norton about her drag persona, she answered, “You’ve got one life so you’d better make it fabulous.” - You go girl!!! - the world’s your oyster!!! Mag 5

GETTING TO KNOW ROWAN STUDTI As the writer and director of the provocative play The Beauty of Incomplete Things, Daniel Dercksen was fortunate to delve into the mindscape of talented young actor Rowan Studti during the World Premiere in Cape Town. His powerful performance of Tommy, the straight masseur who becomes a pawn between two conflicted make lovers stole the hearts of audiences, and is guaranteed to wow Joburg audiences when it opens for a short season at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from July 15. How challenging was it to crawl under Tommy’s skin and bring his vulnerable disposition to life? It was extremely challenging as I didn’t have a lot of personal experience to draw from. I had to spend more time working from my imagination and research on the role. My sense of fear on taking on the role was undoubtedly my strength and weakness, the more I allowed myself to embrace his vulnerable disposition; the more the character was brought to life and made real to me. Was it difficult for you to embrace Tommy’s sexuality? Yes it was, due to his confused and ambiguous sense of sexuality. He is married to a woman and has a child, yet works as a male masseur for men; a confused and compromised disposition. With a confused sexuality comes a psychologically difficult state of mind. When I found the character’s physicality it helped me find Tommy’s sexuality…once I found it in the body, the rest flowed…

The role of Tommy in The Beauty of incomplete Things had quite an impact on your career? The role was psychologically, physically and emotionally challenging; a new territory to explore. I felt as if my fellow actors respected me for taking on the role and as the lead it was a big production to carry on my shoulders. It has also impacted on your personal life as the role is completely outside your comfort zone? Being a straight male and living in Cape Town, it was daunting to take on a character like Tommy who works in an environment that I have never experienced, and who is struggling in his personal life and with his own sexuality. Every reason that I didn’t want to take on the role became the reasons why I took on the challenge. I wanted to put myself out there through this role, and in doing so, be able to empathise with young men who are working as male masseurs, also, to be able to empathise with the gay community as a whole and their personal struggle with sexuality in our contemporary society. Mag 6

Why do you think Tommy has had such an emotional connection with audiences, and particularly women during its World Premiere season in Cape Town? The role/character of Tommy is very real and his story draws the audience in intimately. I believe that his emotional journey and struggle rang true for those in the audience. Although, his occupation and actions might negate him from sympathy the audience cannot refrain from feeling sorry for him and relating to his struggle. His desire for forgiveness and to restart his life is one that cannot be ignored. I believe it’s the struggle with past, particularly with his father and his yearning for love, and his separation from his son that women felt an instant emotional connected to and sympathised with during the run in Cape Town. You were fortunate to have an immediate connection between Wojtek Lipinski, who plays the man whose obsessive love for Tommy raises hell? Tell me about this and how it helped you during the production to shape Tommy? I had previously worked with Wojtek on a short film and had struck a successful working relationship with him, which helped the process in working with our characters and their relationship in the production. We quickly became friends. I believe this portrayed an authentic relationship and connection on stage, which we as actors like to call performance chemistry. You also had a powerful connection with Andre Lombard, the jealous older lover who regards Tommy as a deadly rival? I have a lot of respect for Andre as a performer and as a person. He brought a lot of passion to the project and a great amount

of professionalism. His sense of humour, kind disposition and easy going manner made it a pleasure to work with him. A critic mentioned how audiences fell ‘in lust’ with Tommy, as portrayed by you? How do you feel about this? I immediately took this as a compliment. Tommy, as a male masseur or ‘rent boy’, needed to be seen as provocative and attractive, which is something I as an actor worked on in the character and aimed to portray. This statement affirms that this was achieved in performance. Being the object of affection can be deadly…. Your views on this? An object does not necessarily reciprocate the affection that it receives as it merely is an ‘object’. This can only lead to jealousy and a hollow pit for the person giving of affection. What do you like about Tommy and what scares you about the character? I like his sense of deep yearning; he longs for love but cannot give himself to it and does not allow himself to give of it. His psychological state of mind is complicated and his unresolved dilemma is an interesting and exciting challenge for an actor to play. He is completely out my comfort zone and that as an actor scares me, but these are the kind of roles that make one grow the most. As an actor you have managed to expose Tommy’s incredibly vulnerable persona and his soul? How difficult was this? I wasn’t aware, did I? Obviously as an actor, we all desire to achieve this on stage, giving justice to the story and the character. Living truthfully under the imaginary circumstances and giving life to the character. It was incredibly difficult

because the character was extremely multi-layered and emotionally and psychologically taxing to play. I definitely took emotional and physical strain during the run of the play. It was a brave role to tackle and one that steals the heart of many… It was difficult as mentioned above, he is psychologically and physically challenging because he is always on show to his viewers and customers alike. He must always appear provocative and appealing to the eye. Who is the real Rowan, the actor behind the mask? I am a very extrovert and gregarious person and love being around people. I believe that I’m a people’s person, I’m passionate about humans ha ha…I like to think of myself as someone who is a good communicator, has a lot of patience, is tolerant and has an infectious zest for life. Where did it start for you, that moment that you realised you wanted to be an actor? From the age of six, I always said to my parents that I wanted to be an actor. I think I was captivated by what I saw at the cinema and in live performance. What do you think is the secret to making it as an actor in South Africa? Being incredibly proactive, don’t wait around for work to come your way, find it, hunt for it and create it. You have to show people that you want to work. What motivates and inspires you? Being passionate about what I do, seeing a good plan come together, and seeing happiness and emotion experienced by another human being in life; these moments captured in time are beautiful to witness on stage and in film.

BACKROOM BAR HEATS UP FOR WINTER

he Backroom Bar in Cape Town, famous for its shower shows and über-sexy, scantilly-clad barmen is back in action with hot barmen and shower shows every Friday and Saturday night. So if you are in the mother city why not visit the Backroom Bar in Cobern Street, de Waterkant, next door to Amsterdam Bar well known for being a meeting place for bears, leathermen and their admirers. The bars are linked with a maze where you will be able to indulge some of your wildest fantasies.

ELECtriCAL CONtrACtOrS & iNfrArEd thErmAL SCANNiNg CONSULtANtS • Works overseen by Master Electricians • Electrical Certificates of Compliance • Industrial, commercial, domestic installations & maintenance • Zoning of hazardous locations • Flameproof electrical installations • General repairs & maintenance • 24 hour call out service • National foot print

CALL US NOW

+27 (0) 86 154 2548 (24hrs) www.schmidhauser.co.za

SWISS INGENUITY.

SOUTH AFRICAN PRIDE.

Your National Electrical Experts

Mag 7

REACHING STATUS The earliest gay icon may have been Saint Sebastian a Christian saint and martyr, whose combination of a strong and shirtless physique, symbolic arrow-pierced flesh and rapturous look of pain has intrigued artists, both gay and straight, for centuries and began the first explicitly gay cult in the nineteenth century. Journalist Richard A. Kaye wrote, “Contemporary gay men have seen in Sebastian at once a stunning advertisement for homosexual desire (indeed, a homoerotic ideal), and a prototypical portrait of a tortured closet case.”

ue to Saint Sebastian’s status as gay icon, play-write Tennessee Williams chose to use the saint’s name for the martyred character Sebastian in his play, Suddenly, Last Summer. The name was also used by Oscar Wilde–as Sebastian Melmoth–when in exile after his release from prison. Wilde, an Irish writer and poet, was about as “out of the closet” as was possible for the late 19th century, and is himself considered to be a gay icon.

The archetypal gay icon however, is Judy Garland. Michael Bronski, author of Culture Clash: The Making of Gay Sensibility describes Garland as “the quintessential pre-Stonewall gay icon.” So revered is she as a gay icon that her best known film role, that of Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, became used as code among homosexuals in the 1950’s. The expression, “Is he a friend of Dorothy?” was slang for, “Is he gay?” A phrase still used today. Furthermore, Bronski observes that Garland, as well as Lana Turner and Susan Hayward, epitomised the idea that “suffering was the price of glamour... [and] the women stars of the 50’s reflected the condition of many gay men: they suffered, beautifully”. Garland’s daughter Liza Minnelli would later follow in her mother’s footsteps as a gay icon, as would fellow musical artist Barbra Streisand, who noted in her concert preamble that there were loads of Streisand impersonators, many looking more like her than herself! Joan Crawford has also been described as the “ultimate gay icon - the martyr who suffered for her art and, therefore, enabled herself to bond with this all-important faction of her fan base.” In Joan Crawford: The Essential Biography, author Lawrence J. Quirk explains that Crawford appealed to gay men because they sympathised with her struggle for success, in both the entertainment industry and in her personal life. The actress’ red hair, dark eyes and “Victory Red” lips linked her to “gaydom’s other sirens: Dietrich, Garland, Bankhead, Piaf, and the new recruits Marilyn Monroe and Maria Callas.” The film “Mommie Dearest” about the life of Joan Crawford cemented that tortured quality that so many gay men relate to and demand of their icons. During the late 1970’s, many comediennes appeared, including Joan Rivers, who began appearing on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson. Rivers gained a strong gay following after performing in Greenwich Village, a notoriously LGBT friendly area of New York, from the early days of her career. Rivers’ frank and sharp use of wit and insults made her an instant gay icon. She is quick, camp, bitchy - she is “gay”. Her resurgence as the world’s sassiest fashion fundi in “Fashion Police” has gained her a whole new audience of

Mag 8

young gay boys, who were not even born when she first rose to fame. Joan has that envious quality, loved by gays, of being a survivor and re-inventing herself against all odds. (Hat-off to Joan!) The first gay icon of the 1970’s underground gay disco scene was the Queen of Disco herself Donna Summer, whose dance songs became anthems for the clubbing gay community. Her number one single “Love to Love You Baby” - regarded as an “absolute disco epic” - not only became a gay anthem because of its “unabridged sexuality,” but it also brought disco into the mainstream and influenced the course the recording industry would take in the following years. However, Summer became immersed in controversy when, at the dawn of the HIV/AIDS crisis, she was reported to have made homophobic remarks, including that “AIDS was God’s punishment to homosexuals.” Gays worldwide boycotted her music and Donna Summer’s career took a dive. When fellow disco singer Gloria Gaynor released her single “I Will Survive”, which served as an anthem for both feminists and the Gay Rights movement, she was embraced by the gay community and became an instant icon, the diva

followed that up with a disco-rendition of “I am what I am” - she was adored. The Village People, an all-male, pioneering disco group, were also regarded as gay icons for bringing gay disco culture into the mainstream with their popular disco and dance hits, they epitomised a new found freedom and were gay themselves. Singer and actress Bette Midler also became recognised as a gay icon in the 1970s. Midler began performing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the New York city, where she became close to her piano accompanist Barry Manilow. “Despite the way things turned out [with the AIDS crisis], I’m still proud of those days [singing at gay bathhouses]. I feel like I was at the forefront of the gay liberation movement, and I hope I did my part to help it move forward. So, I kind of wear the label of ‘Bathhouse Betty’ with pride,” Midler reminisced in 1998. Other artists who were embraced by the gay community during the 1980s included Debbie Harry, Diana Ross, Grace Jones, Elaine Paige, Amanda Lear, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Olivia Newton-John and Prince. Several Britons were seen as gay icons, including singers Freddie Mercury (of Queen), George Michael and Pet Shop Boys, David Bowie and Elton John who became a gay icon once he stopped suing people for alleging he was gay, accepted himself and coming out of the closet. In South Africa we worshipped Joan Brickhill, Evita Bezuidenhout and Judy Page ... Hailed as the Goddess of Pop, Cher became notable in the gay community not only for her music, but for her glamour and ability to metamorphose into different personas by changing her wigs and wearing the most outrageous, amazing outfits, which every drag queen could relate to. In later years, her daughter Chastity Bono came out as gay at the age of 17, much to her mother’s initial feelings of “guilt, fear and pain”. Once Cher was able to accept her daughter’s sexual orientation, she realized that Chastity, as well as other LGBT people, “didn’t have the same rights as everyone else, [and she] thought that was unfair”. Cher has maintained her icon status among LGBT people for close on six decades, and her new album and tour in the USA are attracting a new generation of gay fans. Her longevity in the music industry has often been credited to her gay following. William J. Mann, author of Gay Pride: A Celebration of All Things Gay and Lesbian, comments “we’ll be dancing to a 90-yearold Cher when we’re 60. Just watch”. The 80’s and 90’s saw Madonna, dubbed “Queen of Pop” and “Queen of Dance” by the media, rise to the pinnacle of gay iconic status. The Advocate Magazine’s

increasing gay fan base. Minogue said, “My gay audience has been with me from the beginning ... they kind of adopted me.” Minogue first became aware of her gay audience in 1988, when several drag queens performed to her music at a Sydney pub. Minogue felt “very touched” to have such an “appreciative crowd,” and this encouraged her to perform at gay venues throughout the world, she has headlined at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and London pride. Cindy Lauper has become an active gay rights activist, often encouraging LGBT people and their allies to vote for equal rights. Political activism for LGBT rights was the theme of Lauper’s annual True Colours Tour. Steve Gdula commented, “… back in the 1980s and even the early 1990s, the release of a new Madonna video or single was akin to a national holiday, at least among her gay fans.” Gdula also stated that during this period, concurrent with the rise of the AIDS epidemic, “when other artists tried to distance themselves from the very audience that helped their stars to rise, Madonna only turned the light back on her gay fans and made it burn all the brighter.” Her rebelliousness against the establishment and her upbeat dance music earned her a huge gay following which she still enjoys today. The pop star has always been aware that her most loyal fans were gay men, has appeared in gay-oriented magazines as an activist for gay rights, and was even named in the book The Gay 100 as one of the most influential gay people in history, and refers to herself as “the biggest gay icon of all times.”. Of course today’s icon of icons is Kylie, she’s the antithesis of Madonna, in that she has a clean image and bubblegum, dance pop music “She is the gay shorthand for joy.” said Rufus Wainwright of Observer Music Monthly. Kylie Minogue has reinvented herself musically in the first decade of the 21st century and found herself faced with a renewed and

As a result of her role playing Karen Walker on Will & Grace, Megan Mullally emerged as a gay icon. One commentator wrote that the show “won the actress an impressive gay following, both with men and women, who want to be her and with her.”

Christina Aguilera’s gay icon status came to prominence following the release of the song “Beautiful,” which instantly became a gay anthem and was recognised as “the most empowering song for lesbian, gay and bisexual people of the decade.” Aguilera also was honoured with the very first spot on The Abbey’s Gay Walk of Fame for her contributions to gay culture (The Abbey is a famous West-Hollywood gay bar.) Lady Gaga without doubt is an icon. Her individualistic, in your face, no nonsense attitude is what young gay people identify with. Living in a more accepting world, where, gay rights are being seen more and more as human rights. The tortured, struggling, tragic, torch singers, that gay men in particular have worshipped, seems to be a thing of the past. Today gay men and women are proud of their sexuality, see themselves as no different and in return experience less and less discrimination, so their icons are reflecting that new wave. May it continue and spread into Africa which when looking at Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya seems to be going backwards. Source: The Internet Mag 9

RIDICULOUS

By KvC

espite the issue of same-sex marriage having been legalised by the United States Federal Government, (it is up to the various states to allow it or not. So far more than 30 of the 50 states have legalised same sex unions), there are still high profile Americans who just can’t get to grips with it, as was demonstrated on CNN’s Anderson Cooper’s Ridiculist programme. He showed a clip of the girls on a morning talk show discussing “the kiss” – when cover boy Michael Sam got the news that he’d been drafted by the St Louis Rams, he kissed & hugged his long-time partner, Vito Cammisano - and oh what a furore it has caused! Amy Kushnir, one of the hosts, walked off the set of The Broadcast when she just couldn’t get her dumb-blonde head around the fact that two MEN kissed!. Kushnir told her cohosts. ““When parents do not have a choice about whether or not they want their children to see this, it is wrong, He has every right to do what he wants, I just don’t want it in my face.” “Now Amy Kushnir apparently has been taking some criticism online,” Cooper told his 360 audience. “But listen she has every right to express her opinion. She just wants us to think of the children, and she has a point.”

Cooper said action was needed to ensure that TV does not become a “free for all replete with half-naked men and indiscriminate kissing” before playing The Broadcast footage of Kushnir gleefully being hoisted in the air by two half-naked male strippers whom she kisses on their cheeks. “It’s okay, she was kissing strippers and she didn’t even really know them. It’s not like two guys who actually, you know, are in love, or anything – that’s offensive,” Cooper sarcastically said. Don’t we just love Anderson Cooper … Well I do! Check it out on Youtube if you missed it… But 8 seasons of Will & Grace, movies like Brokeback Mountain and endless commercials, comics, movie sub-texts that have homosexual references have still not convinced educated, thinking people in every corner of the globes that same-sex people do love, are decent up-standing citizens who pay their taxes and contribute just as much, if not more, to making the world a better place. Homophobia is alive and well and thriving Mag 10

– and that’s in the more tolerant and accepting western world. The third world and almost every Islamic nation seem hell bent maintaining their anti-homosexual societies by legislating the harshest penalties against people who are just being themselves. The death sentence is in place for homosexual practices in some of these countries. So thank you Anderson Cooper for outing some of these bigots. It is programmes such as the Ridiculist that show the world just how narrow-minded, hypocritical and plain stupid some arguments actually are. Then there is the other extreme. Take the UNHATE campaign from clothing giant Benetton. They argue that the “culture of hate” is not inevitable. The world can be different! It was an “in your face” campaign that got people talking. The advertising campaign was so contentious that some of the adverts had to be withdrawn. Perhaps that is the whole point of it. Alessandro Benetton has talked about tolerance and hopes, to fight against stereotypes and fear of the other. These are concepts and ideas that Benetton has consistently advocated and developed since the beginning of the brand. They urge political leaders, enemies, opponents, friends, neighbours to love one another and embrace their differences! Everyone can communicate, commit and express their own vision of UNHATE. Bennetton have always been edgy when it comes to advertising so for some this is no surprise.

HOMOPHOBIA

is alive and well and living right here in Cape Town By Tommy Patterson

e are very fortunate to be living in a country with a constitution that safeguards the rights of gays more than most others I can think off – however, that is no benefit to the community or individual if we don’t insist on its implementation. All the pain and hard work by the likes of Simon Nkoli, Ed Cameron, and many, many more including Madiba himself will have been for nothing unless we begin insisting on being treated as equals and do not accept the homophobic treatment dished out daily by small-minded officials and government offices. Cape Town Gay Pride was truly a great success this year, with record numbers joining the parade and flocking to the street party in the “gay village” to give the festival week a great send off This was nearly halted by the local traffic department, who attempted at every step of the way, to prevent the gay community from proudly marching and exercising the same civil rights as are afforded to any other South African. The organising team applied for the march route and street closures five months before the event - this is many months before the City’s stipulated time requirements. The application was followed up at regular intervals by telephone and email. Eventually two days before the event, the organisers were summoned to the Green Point Traffic Department and informed that they could not march on the requested route through the CBD as the city was hosting a parade themselves there that day – even though we had been advised by the City that it was safe to market the event to the community, we agreed to move and shorten the Pride march. Owing to the other event we were advised that we would have to pay for overtime for traffic police as police on duty had to attend the City’s parade – Again we agreed to this as we felt we were now being forced into trying to save the event. We were then told that because the pavement was blocked by construction work, the only way to use the village as a venue was to close off a lane on Somerset Road. In order to do this we would have to contact another department for this permission, and very specific signage requirements would be needed –this was less than 48 hours from the scheduled event! We asked for the signage

from the Traffic Dept and they told us in no uncertain terms that they were not obliged to assist us, but as usual the gay community used its many talents and against all obstacles and time constraints from the traffic dept managed to pull it off. Gay Pride day arrived and thousands of supporters and many floats gathered at the Traffic Dept. parking area to march on the now re-routed and shortened parade, but there were no traffic police in sight. Eventually the march proceeded on route without the police escort, (as they have done for many years and without major incident), until the same traffic official that attended the meeting and tried to scupper the march stepped onto the road in front of the parade and stopped the march! - in the blazing sun, halting all other traffic as well. He informed anybody willing to listen that our escort had not yet arrived and we could not proceed without them (this is after marching for almost an hour already!) – after a long debacle which included intervention from a leading member of the DA we were allowed to proceed back to the “gay village”, this time with an escort. This same traffic officer then had a hissy fit when the parade proceeded straight down Somerset Road, instead of turning at the traffic dept – GUESS WHAT? The parade was now being led by the traffic cops who were obviously not aware of the route and did not direct the march to turn... I could go on and on. However, the traffic officer has made it clear in writing that he will make sure there is no parade in future. The following weekend the road was closed off for yet another non-gay festival – The streets were still a mess the next day, there was fencing in the road with no signage, bar areas where children were allowed etc etc. all the things we were critcised for and more. I must make it clear that the City of Cape Town, their elected officials, MP’s and the Mayors office all assisted as best they could, and supported the annual event, but it is the small minded, homophobic attitudes of a single department or even one person that can bring such chaos and threaten the hard won civil rights of the entire gay community We must not accept this type of discrimination, no matter how insignificant, those days are gone – PROUD, GAY and EQUAL Mag 11

IS OUR GOVERNMENT FAILING IN ITS DUTY

Zuma’s failure to condemn anti-gay laws an insult to the Constitution

t the end of February, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released a statement urging South Africa to make its rejection of Uganda’s anti-gay law clear and visible. In light of this urgent call by a Chapter 9 Institution, the DA resubmitted its parliamentary motion without notice condemning the Anti-Homosexuality Bill signed into law by Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni. The initial motion to condemn this law and ask Parliament to call on the Minister of International Relations, Maite NkoanaMashabane, to take action was rejected in its “entirety” by the ANC. Furthermore, the DA member was heckled by numerous ANC MPs when he read out a member statement on this matter in the House. This illustrated clear insensitivity, if not support, for this measure. The re-submission will however provide the ANC an opportune moment to finally do the right thing and now adhere to the SAHRC recommendation. They are currently the only political party standing in the way of Parliament making South Africa’s position clear. The ANC’s silence on this law is tacit approval of it and it will only serve to erode our moral standing in the international arena. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s statement merely taking “note of recent developments regarding the situation of LGBTI persons worldwide” is a nonstatement and is unacceptable in the face of very severe human rights violations. As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, regarded as a champion of human rights, South Africa has a moral obligation to speak out against all laws that seek to discriminate Mag 12

against and violate the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups.

To do so is to send a message to the rest of the world that we are hypocrites.

We cannot let the principle of a human rights based foreign policy, as established by President Nelson Mandela, be undermined without a fight.

Uganda’s anti-gay legislation has horrific consequences for gay Ugandan citizens. The law provides for:

In April, in reply to Mr de Freitas’ parliamentary question - which was posed to President Zuma to gain clarity on his position on this matter which has received worldwide condemnation - the President said that “South Africa respects the sovereign rights of other countries to adopt their own legislation”.

ITS TIME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED – OUR GOVERNMENTS LACK OF ACTION TO ANTI GAY LAWS UNDERMINES OUR RIGHTS This is an insult to our constitution and to President Mandela’s human rights inspired foreign policy. President Zuma, and the entire leadership of the ANC, should hang their heads in shame. The international community did not adopt a ‘hands off’ approach to Apartheid South Africa. We should likewise not stand quietly by as our president adopts this shameful approach when other countries violate the human rights of their people.

•

Life imprisonment for having gay sexual intercourse;

•

Life imprisonment for so-called “aggravated homosexuality”;

•

Life imprisonment for living in a same-sex marriage;

•

Seven years for “attempting to commit homosexuality”;

•

Between five and seven years in jail or a $40,700 (£24,500) fine or both for the “promotion” of homosexuality;

•

The cancellation of registration of businesses or nongovernmental organisations found guilty of the “promotion of homosexuality”. These Directors could face seven years in jail.

But President Zuma and his ANC remain detached from what is important both in South Africa and on the African continent. President Zuma’s latest blunder is yet another example of how the ANC of today is merely a shadow of its former self. One would think a country with a painful history of discrimination like ours, would be the first to condemn such horrid crimes against humanity. It is clear that this government, unlike that of President Nelson Mandela’s, no longer shares Madiba’s vision that human rights should be “the light that guides our foreign affairs”. Source: DA Media – Manny de Freitas

REACH OUT AND TOUCH...

he Reach for Life Foundation is the first reg Npo (075-233) lgbti (lesbian,gay,bisexual,transexual and intersexual) help centre to be based in Manenberg, Cape Town, a notorious area where gang shootings. violence, brutal murders, stone attacks and discrimination towards lgbti members in the community is rife. We have recently experienced a second brutal murder in the ghetto’s of Manenberg, but daily we are faced with stone attacks and are in need of trauma counselling. On the 16 March 2014 a young 24 year old gay transgender named Aswin Albreght was brutally killed by seven gang members and their dog, for no other reason than his gender sexual identity. His mutilated, naked body was discovered in a field in Manenberg - his genitals had been cut off and force in to his mouth! We, the Reach for Life Foundation are in desperate need of the help and support of NGO’s, the business sector, donors, funding organisations, Govt. dept, friends and families to assist with a donations for a safe space (Shelter) for these homeless and vulnerable people who suffer daily. We are urgently in need of funds and donations to run our current safe house comprising triarc-outafrica-advert-health-print-2.pdf 1 2014–05–13 one bedroom, one dinning room and one kitchen and outside toilet as a warm safe space for lgbti victims.

Despite recent legal and social progress in South Africa, LGBTI individuals continue to face intolerance and inequality particularly in the townships. The ultimate Aim of R4L is to foster an environment that is open, safe and inclusive for people of all sexualities and gender identities. However, at present this is not a reality in the communities in which we live, such as Manenberg. R4L aims to promote sexual diversity, health and rights by addressing the denigration of the dignity, and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersexual people (LGBTI) in South Africa. Our aim is to raise R700 000 to enable us to start building or buying the first lgbti safe space shelter in Manenberg, which will be named after Aswin Albreght. Any readers wishing to make donations can make deposits to: Reach for life foundation CapitecBank, Flexible Savings Account Branch. 47 00 10 Acc no. 13 715 72273 Swift Code.CABLZAJJ or contact the Executive Director, Lolita Marcelee on cell: 07817:34 921-0825 or email: lollamarcelee@gmail.com

CMY

LGBT MEDICAL AID

BROKERS www.triarc.co.za info@triarc.co.za 087 231 0222 triarcgroup triarcgroup TRIARC is an authorised financial services provider FSP45009. Council of Medical Scheme Number ORG 4040.

Mag 13

“

I’M A MODEL YOU KNO AND I DO MY LITTLE TUR

We visited Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Jo’burg and looked at some of the a outstanding collections by Ruald Rheeder, Augustine, Laduma and Duke are fe Photographer: Simon Deiner – SDR Photo

Designer: AUGUSTINE Mag 14

Designer: DUKE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

OW WHAT I MEAN URN ON THE CATWALK...

awesome styles and creative designs for Winter 2014. Samples of some of the eatured here.

Designer: LADUMA

Mag 15

Designer: RUALD RHEEDER Mag 16

Designer: RUALD RHEEDER

Designer: RUALD RHEEDER Mag 17

WORKING GIRL ... WORK IT GIRL! by Liberty Banks aka Glenton Matthyse

Liberty Banks talks about being professional at work and challenging mainstream politics.

ome time ago I had the opportunity to speak to a friend about his take on ‘dragging’ to work. The conversation basically revolved around whether he would be able or would want to ‘drag’ to work. His answer was a resounding ‘No!’ and was based on the fact that work is a professional space where people should not bring their LGBTIAQ politics into as this just cause a lot of uncomfortable attitudes towards persons identifying within the LGBTIAQ. In response to this the question which I ask myself is should people who ‘female impersonate’ or ‘drag’ have the freedom to so in the workplace? Now, it may or may not come as a surprise to some of you but people have been ‘cross-dressing’ to work for years. For instance, I know of someone who worked at a major retail clothing outlet in Cape Town who although being a male-born person typically wore the clothes associated with the female sex to work. I also know of male-born persons working in the Hair Salon industry that does the same. For me being able to cross-dress in these two industries which are beauty and fashion comes as no surprise. This is so because these two sectors has been and are the front-runners in pushing the boundaries as to what is acceptable gender dressing, styling and grooming. The aforementioned, however, brings me to my next point. Yes, it

Liberty Banks struts her stuff

may be more acceptable to crossdress in these two sectors but how open is the formal-professional market to unconventional gender expression? Should a female-bodied lawyer be able to appear in court in a pants-suit typically associated with the male sex? Well, this is already happening in our formal court system and legal profession at large. Would it be acceptable for a malebodied lawyer to appear in a manner typically associated with a femalebodied person? Would a male-bodied person be considered unprofessional if he wore a skirt, high-heals, makeup and groomed hair to work? And inversely so, would it be acceptable for a female-bodied person to wear flat shoes, a pants, no make-up and short hair? It is often more acceptable that women wear clothes generally associated with dress for men without any obvious objection. Paradoxically, male-bodied persons are generally not received well within the workspace when cross-dressing in clothing typically associated with the female sex. However, this could be due to what we have been constructed to view as a formalprofessional way of dressing in the twenty-first century. It would appear as if a masculine (so-called), manly, assertive, intimidating and ‘strong’ sense of dressing is the preferred and acceptable way of dressing as opposed to a feminine, expressionfilled, creative, individualised, approachable and ‘weak’ sense of dressing. Hence, women who dress in conformity with ‘manhood’ are being accepted in the workspace. The

“YOU COULD MOVE.’ -”DEAR ABBY” RESPONDED TO A READER WHO COMPLAINED THAT A GAY COUPLE WAS MOVING IN ACROSS THE STREET AND WANTED TO KNOW WHAT HE COULD DO TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.” ― Abigail Van Buren Mag 18

message is clear, express your manhood in the proper manner and adhere to the ‘politics’ of the dress code and the sky is your limit. With this said, it seems as if the working environment to a large extent is not as much focussed on a person being able to deliver great services and goods because of their capacity, capabilities and competence. Instead the professional working environment challenges people who challenge a heteronormative binary working environment by punishing people if they do. Such punishments can take the form of insulting and unwelcome comments, suggestive and uncomfortable stares, being made to feel like an outcast, not being promoted or being disciplined. These types of punishments are indicative of a certain kind of mainstream heterosexual man-woman politics that operates in the workplace and that drowns LGBTIAQ politics by making LGBTIAQ identifying people feel as if they are unnecessarily challenging the system, that they are disrespectful to the working environment and that they are unprofessional. However, the only unprofessional conduct here is the workspace that is not being adapted to make different people feel comfortable in expressing who they are, respecting the rights to dignity and association and respecting gender variance and gender performance. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying that you must drag in the work place if you do drag at times. All I am saying is that if you feel like doing it, it should not be seen as a problem by employers. I am not saying that you must expressly ‘drag’ in the formal workspace but there are spaces outside of the workplace where you could, if you wanted to. This could be informal work functions. You have a right to be who you are and express your identity in the clothes which you wear. It is important to challenge a heteronormative system that is so fixated on the difference between males and females, the roles they take on in society, how they must perform in certain spaces and how they look in the workspace. It is quite clear that hetero-conformity is being passed off as a prerequisite for professionalism in the workplace.

SENSUAL SINSATIONS TURNS 2

ituated in the south of Johannesburg in Rosettenville on the corner of Verona & Main Streets you’ll come across a piece of heaven.

Open from 11 - 11 everyday you can experience exciting “glory holes”, a TV/video lounge, suspended sling and even a barber’s chair. Sinsations also keep a large stock of aphrodisiacs, gay DVD’s, sex toys, cock rings and much, much more... to enhance and delight any sensual or sexual experience. Don’t be afraid to explore your fantasies and make then come alive. Life is too short to harbour and repress your true feelings. At Sinsations you can make your dreams come true and satisfy your deepest desires. Sinsations is a truly marvellous place to socialise, mingle and meet new friends, even if it is only for a few memorable hours ... and you never know it could be forever!!! - You’ll LOVE it!!! Phone - 081 451 6203 OUT Africa Magazine thanks Sinsations for their continued support and wishes them a very Happy 2nd Birthday - here’s to many, many more!

Yes, to some ‘cross-dressing’ is an art-form which they only parttake in after formal working hours in designated safe spaces where they can be who they are. For others, especially gender nonconforming persons, it is an extension of who they are. Hence, these people should be allowed the freedom to wear clothes that is an expression of who they are. Any employer who deems it fit to even subtly force gender non-conforming persons to become gender conformists from expression themselves through different clothes associated with the two sexes should be presumably seen as a person that is homophobic and/or transphobic. Our bodies are political. Our personal is political. Our work spaces are political. The spaces where we feel safe and/or unsafe are informed by either homophobic political views or inclusive political views. How we feel in our workspaces when expressing our identity is directly linked to whether such a space is based on homophobic political views or inclusive and affirming political views. Let us be honest as to how we feel at work and seek to challenge homophobia where we suspect or believe it exists. So you better ‘Work It Girl while you are Workin’ Girl!’ Catch up with Liberty on: twitter @Liberty4Glenton. on facebook: Liberty Banks, or by email: glenton.matthyse@ gmail.com Mag 19

A NEW LOOK FOR BUSINESS & ... PLEASURE

FOR BOOKINGS +27 (0) 21 434 3344 seapoint@proteahotels.com proteahotels.com/seapoint

For your chance to experience the luxury and ambience of the new Protea Hotel Sea Point answer the following question and one lucky reader could win a 2 night weekend stay. IN CAPE TOWN OFFERING AUTHENTIC TRANQUILLITY

NEWEST AND FRESHEST ROOMS

he Protea Hotel has been completely refurbished inside and the result is essentially a brand new hotel. The new nautical theme carried throughout the hotel gives it a fresh appeal reminiscent of an island resort with soft whites and blues.

The feel is calming and relaxing, what one would expect when visiting the seaside. There are comfortable communal areas where guests can socialise or work. The public area has been opened up allowing for more comfortable seating. Intimate spaces have been also been created for private meetings or dining.

ANDtheme ENTHUSIASTIC SERVICE. What is newGUEST renovation - Nautical, Earthy or Fiery?

The rooms have a tranquil leisurely feel but incorporate all the modern amenities to meet the needs of business as well as leisure travellers.

Email your answer with Protea Competition in the subject line to: outmagazine@mweb.co.za before 31st July 2014.

So whether you are in Sea Point for business or pleasure and are looking for a gay-friendly, trendy, safe and comfortable environment look no further than the Sea Point Protea.

Mag 20

The dining area is comfortable & social but also incorporates intimate spacse for private dining and meetings

The conservatory has beach house style furniture and loads of greenery to ensure a calm, relaxed seaside feeling

Modern, stylish bedrooms with all modern conveniences will make your stay comfortable, pleasurable and unforgettable. Mag 21

THE BUZZ JODIE TIES THE KNOT

Photo: Stefanie Keenan

Golden Globes awards last year when she received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Jodie Foster has had two children by IVF when she was with previous partner, Cydney Bernard, a film producer. They separated before last year’s Golden Globe award ceremony where Ms Foster announced that she was single.

odie Foster, the actress and director has married her girlfriend, Alexandra Hedison. The marriage, which took place on 24 April, was confirmed by a publicist acting on behalf of the actress to a US showbusiness website. Ms Foster, 51, who had been reluctant to comment on her private life, acknowledged she was gay at the

Foster and Hedison have been seen in each other’s company in Los Angeles on a number of occasions, over the past few months, fuelling speculation about their relationship. It has been confirmed that they married over the Easter weekend, although the location was not disclosed. Ms Hedison, 44, previously had a relationship with the US TV personality, Ellen DeGeneres.

YES! IT’S GOING TO HAPPEN - ANOTHER MADONNA ALBUM IS ABOUT TO BE RELEASED

nd just when you thought that time really does go by and perhaps she had finally retired …. There’s breaking news!!!! You guessed it!!! – YES - Madonna is working a new album – SCREAM!!!!! It’s true - a few weeks ago she Instagrammed a photo confirming that she is collaborating with Swedish DJ and singer AVICII, however more recently, the prolific Instagrammer was been busy posting a photo of another collaboration with British singer Natalia Kills and Interscope Records executive Martin Kierszenbaum. The caption reads, “Working the midnight shift with Natalia Kills. 2 girls on a couch… don’t it taste like Holy Water? Whilst everyone knows Avicii (of Wake Me Up and, and fame), not many people are familiar with Natalia Kills. After a failed stint as a rapper, the 27-year-old British artist decided to try her hand at pop. Unfortunately, Kills’ debut album, Perfectionist, drew a lot of comparisons to Lady Gaga. (In her defence, Kills did work on Perfectionist with Kierszenbaum and Akon, who also contributed to Mag 22

Gaga’s debut album, The Fame.) Hope the Madonna /Kills/Kierszenbaum collaboration isn’t a Gaga sound alike as well – Scream again!!!!

CINDY GOMEZ

here’s a new song out by a new artist called Cindy Gomez. Cindy is Canadian and performs a mix of electro-pop, urban and rock music and is both a both a singer and songwriter. She has recently released a new song, “We Love Who We Love” about the true tragic story of a young boy named Ryan who was came out to his Christian parents. The realisation that he was gay and not accepted led him to drugs and ultimately he died of an overdose ... a sad story, but one that is experienced by thousands of gay people everywhere. “The message of my song is that we must love each other unconditionally... love without conditions or judgements,” said Gomez in an interview. You can read Ryan’s tragic but all too familiar story on Huffington Post site at: www. huffingtonpost.com/linda-robertson/justbecause-he-breathes-learning-to-truly-loveour-gay-son_b_3478971.html Tune into Cindy Gomez’ song on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/welove-who-we-love-single/id843305510 where you can download it. Her haunting voice and beautiful words will make this composition a great addition to your music collection. You can also check out her website at: www. cindygomez.com

Kills showed significant growth on her second album, Trouble where she was able to find her own unique sound. Trouble’s second single, Saturday Night, was one of the best pop songs of last year. Madonna’s manager, Guy Oseary, told Billboard earlier in the year that the star was “eager to get started” another new album, and lately things seem to be progressing quickly. For Madonna diehards (and there are millions), you are not going to be disappointed. Madge is doing it for you again!

HARVEY MILK IS HONOURED

n what would have been his 84th birthday, Harvey Milk had a stamp dedicated in his honour at the White House by President Obama and a host of dignitaries. Harvey Milk was a visionary leader who became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Tragically, his political career was cut short when he and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated on November 27, 1978.

GAY FLAG FLIES HIGHEST IN UGANDA

GALZ WINS HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD

Photo: Facebook.com/neal.gottlieb

G A

California activist and business owner just took Uganda’s LGBT pride to new heights — literally.

Neal Gottlieb, the founder and owner of San Rafael-based Three Twins Ice Cream, planted a rainbow flag atop Uganda’s highest peak last week to protest the East African country’s recent passage of the AntiHomosexuality Act, which calls for life imprisonment for many LGBT people and criminalises the so-called promotion of homosexuality. Gottlieb, a former Peace Corps volunteer and graduate of Cornell University, published the photo of his prideful summit on Facebook Wednesday and shared a copy of the letter he sent to Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni. “On April 16, 2014, after a 6-day climb, I summited your country’s tallest peak, Mount Stanley’s 16,753 foot tall Margherita Peak, and mounted a gay pride flag at its summit in protest of your country’s criminalisation of homosexuality,” writes Gottlieb, “Your country’s highest point is no longer its soil, its snow or a summit marker, but rather a gay pride flag waving brilliantly, shining down from above

as a sign of protest and hope behalf of the many thousands of Ugandans that you seek to repress and the many more that understand the hideous nature of your repressive legislation.”

ALZ (Gays & Lesbians of Zimbabwe) was awarded the, 2014 AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa, (ARASA) Human Rights, HIV and TB Award at a ceremony hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa recently . “The ARASA Human Rights, HIV and TB Award was established in 2007 to recognise and support organisations across southern Africa undertaking ground-breaking work to protect human rights, often in extremely challenging political climates,” explained Michaela Clayton, Director of ARASA. “For the first time since the inception of the award, two organisations were selected to receive the award based on their success using litigation as a key strategy to protect rights. They deserve to be lauded for their efforts.”

After calling on the Ugandan president to consider the implications of the draconian law on his own loved ones, were they LGBT, Gottlieb goes on to challenges the 69-year-old president, who has been in office since Uganda gained its independence in 1986, to summit the peak himself and remove the flag.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, GALZ Director, Chesterfield Samba said ,“Receiving this award will further advance the LGBTI agenda and will help amplify the work of GALZ in Zimbabwe. It will also motivate other human rights and civil society organisations to take up advocacy for the protection of the rights of LGBTI people.”

“If you don’t like said flag on your highest peak, I urge you to climb up and take it down,” writes Gottlieb. “However, you are an old man and surely the 6-day climb through the steep muddy bogs and up the mountain’s glaciers is well beyond your physical ability. Your days are more limited than most. Do you want your remaining days to be yet another blight on the history of your nation or will you find the strength to reverse your actions and allow all Ugandans to be free?

GALZ has over the past years encountered harassment of its members including the Chairperson. Martha Tholanah, was charged with contravening Section 6(1)(3) of the Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) Act. In February 2014, the Magistrate found that GALZ was not obliged to be registered in terms of the PVO Act. Samba stated that “During this period we have faced harassment, raids of our offices and had our staff arrested and assaulted due to the nature of our work as human rights defenders”

If an American activist has the balls to take on Museveni how come our ANC government can’t seem to get their act together and live up to the principles of our constitution and condemn the Ugandan ruler?

The award ceremony was held at the conclusion of ARASA’s Annual Partnership Forum, which provides an opportunity for ARASA’s 73 partners to review the status of HIV, TB and human-rights in the region and identify emerging human rights challenges for targeted responses in the next year.

There is a universal truth I learned during the campaigns to allow gay and lesbian couples to get married: If it doesn’t affect you at all, why should you give a fuck? I often like to imagine a Twilight Zone episode, where every family has gay parents, and saying “that’s so straight,” would be the accepted term for “dumb” or “bad.” - Evan Arnold-Gordon My Two Dads (Advocate Magazine) Mag 23

STOCKBROKER, ACTIVIST, POLITICIAN AND OUT A MAN OF OUR TIME Mag 24

After Matriculating from Parktown Boys’ High School, Ian Ormiston Davidson attended the University of the Witwatersrand where he studied law. Although he studied law he never practiced. After university he joined a large stockbroking firm, Fergusson Bros., becoming a director. He joined the Progressive Federal Party and has since spent his life following a career in politics. Ian served as Johannesburg city councillor from 1982 to 1994 and in the Gauteng legislature from 1994 to 1999. In 1990 when serving as a City Councillor they took control of the Johannesburg City Council and he became Chairman of the Management Committee. In those days the Mayor was a ceremonial figurehead, real power lying with the Chairman of the Management committee. He was first elected to parliament in 1999. As of May 2007 he was appointed as chief whip of the DA in parliament by Helen Zille. He also served on the portfolio committee on finance. Until this year, he represented the constituency of Linden, Jo’burg. He also completed his Master of Law at the University of Stellenbosch. A man of our time, Ian is openly and proudly gay and is has been a high-profile attendee at various gay functions most notably Johannesburg and Cape Town Pride, MCQP etc… OUT Magazine asked Ian a few questions so we could get to know him better…

OUT: Where did you grow up? IAN: Johannesburg OUT: What kind of kid were you, a little cherub or one of the boys? IAN: One of the boys. OUT: I am sure you were! hehe OUT: Why did you enter politics, were you always politically aware, even at a young age? IAN: I was politically aware from an early age, even at Junior school… I suppose I entered politics because I had that interest but more particularly because I increasingly began to hold the view that Apartheid was not only immoral but in a number respects , evil. OUT: Who inspired you to pursue a career in politics? IAN: Helen Suzman (for younger readers she spent 36 years in parliament fighting the injustices of apartheid - a truly courageous woman) OUT: What would you be if you were not in politics? IAN: I suppose a stockbroker...and I would have been wealthy. Haha OUT: What do you consider the most important accomplishment you’ve achieved in your career? IAN: A number ....my being a director of Fergusson Bros at a relatively young age, becoming the Chairman of the Management Committee and effectively running Johannesburg and of course being appointed Chief Whip. All were important milestones in my life. OUT: It was recently reported that you are no longer going to participate in parliament – what are your plans for your retirement? IAN: Well don’t consider myself retired. Just taking a break. I’m off on a 3.5 month holiday to Turkey. Greece, Italy and Spain. Guess I’ll do a bit of navel gazing and think of something to do. OUT: Will you remain active in the DA in a behind the scenes or advisory capacity? IAN: I will certainly remain active in the DA OUT: Who is your role model, and why? IAN: To be honest I’m not sure I’ve ever had a role model. OUT: How would your friends describe you? IAN: Not sure again. I hope they see me as a person of integrity. A person who has a fun side to him all be it in a serious world. People who know me know that I can party hard. OUT: Do you remember the first person you saw that you related to as a gay man? IAN: No, can’t remember at all OUT: What kind of men are you attracted to? IAN: Masculine guys, Bears, Muscle Bears. But I guess it’s the total being that is important and if there is electricity in the air I may surprise even myself. And as a single guy I’m waiting for that guy to appear on my radar....hehehe OUT: Who is your celebrity crush? IAN: Russell Crowe OUT: What TV programmes do you never miss? IAN: Game of Thrones, Graham Norton Show. But I am also a bit of an International news addict OUT: Are you in a relationship, and if not, are you dating? IAN: No....not even dating ( sigh !! ). Waiting for that special man to come along. OUT: We’re constantly making things better, faster, smarter or less expensive. We leverage technology or improve processes. Are you keeping up to date with the fast moving world of technology? IAN: I Hope so OUT: If yes, does this include any of the online dating sites such as Manhunt, Grindr, Gaydar etc

IAN: Yes OUT: What is a misconception about gay people that you think other people should know the truth about? IAN: I was regularly asked the question ...Are you a gay politician? My answer was always in the negative....I was a politician who just happens to be gay. Being gay does not define the totality of who I am all be it an important part. In all other respects I have the same hopes, fears , joy and tears as all others experience. OUT: What does being gay mean to you? IAN: Just attracted to men...that’s all. OUT: Are Homosexuals “Born” or “Made”? IAN: I am sure there is a strong genetic influence. OUT: Do you have any hobbies? IAN: Gym. It’s a lifestyle. International politics. OUT: What things do you not like to do? IAN: Being a handyman....and cooking. OUT: What is your favourite music? IAN: I have a very eclectic taste. Anything from opera to lifting trance. OUT: If you could have a superpower – what would it be? IAN: Be invisible....just imagine what I could see!!! OUT: Dead or alive what 6 people would you have at your dinner table… and briefly why? IAN: Mandela and Queen Elizabeth. Both because they were/are international icons. People of huge integrity and commitment who put service to others before themselves. Maggie Smith and Judy Densch, both incredible actresses and with their wit and sharp tongues it’s guaranteed to get any party going Prince Harry...a royal that is a hunk (particularly with his beard) and he’s someone who knows how to party And my partner....well guess I’ve got to find him first! Mag 25

! ! ! ! H A H

Y R T O D T HE E T I V IN TS AT T E R A ES L EVEN MES T E L H AT COWGIR GAY GA D L R WO WBOY/ ODEO AT CO IGRA R

YEE

GAY GAMES IX

ourteen cities expressed interest in hosting the 2014 Gay Games or Gay Games IX and it was during the Federation of Gay Games’ annual meeting in Cape Town on 28 October 2008, that this number was whittled down to four cities which made the deadline: Boston, Cleveland, Miami, and Washington, DC. Of these cities, Boston, Cleveland, and Washington, DC submitted their bid books by the required deadline date and the FGG selected Cleveland as the host city at a meeting in Cologne Germany in September 2009. So as can be seen the process is taken seriously and the games draw contestants and spectators from all over the world including South Africa. This year’s gay games (Gay Games IX), will take place in Cleveland & Akron, Ohio, USA beginning August 9th, with the opening ceremony, to the closing ceremony on August 16th. Organisers of the games are expecting some 10 000 athletes from more than 60 countries to descend on the cities making this year’s games the largest to date.

As a side-line to the main event there is the Gay Rodeo taking place … and they are looking for willing participants from everywhere – so if you are going to the games, pack your chaps, boots, plaid shirt and bandanna and sign up for the rodeo…

Both experienced and new rodeo contestants are invited to participate in the “IGRA Rodeo at the Gay Games 9” with several beginner events for true amateurs. The International Gay Rodeo Association, Inc. (IGRA) will be hosting a rodeo on August 10-11, 2014. There are roping events, speed events such as barrel racing on horseback, bull and steer riding, bucking broncos, and camp events. Camp events are unique to gay rodeo and beginners can participate in Goat Dressing, Steer Decorating, and Wild Drag Race, with some introductory training from experienced rodeo cowboys and cowgirls. Two beginner events are included in every gay rodeo for those contestants who do not own horses. These are ‘Calf Roping on Foot’ and ‘Chute Dogging.’ ‘Calf Roping on Foot’ gives the contestant a chance to rope a calf as it runs out of a chute. ‘Chute Dogging’ is a type of steer wrestling where the contestant must “dog” a steer cleanly onto its side with all 4 feet off the ground – Eish!!! Better brace yourselves for that one butch boys & girls. Beginners can learn to perform these feats at the Rodeo School held in the days just prior to the Rodeo, so plan your trip to Cleveland to arrive a few days earlier. Hot, experienced cowboys will do the training and “camp” events are also covered in the school. “Chute Dogging” sounds camp enough!!! Animal welfare and contestant safety are top priorities, so don’t worry about injuries and messing your hair and make-up!

Mag 26

Individual events have separate divisions for women and men, but in team events, everyone competes together. And there’s MORE!!! – There will also be dance lessons for beginner couples and line dancers and a huge Country and Western Dance on Monday Night August 11, 2014 with Country and Western entertainment of all types – I can see y’all rushing to get tickets and tassles, buttons & bows!!! You could even win a buckle! As Karen Walker would say, “Yee ha, look who put the ho in hodown!” Seriously though, what you need to bring are cowboy boots, long pants, long sleeved western shirts as well as cowboy hats which are required for safety and authenticity. All of the information you need to fulfil your dream of becoming a “North American Rodeo Cowboy or Cowgirl” can be found on their websites. Videos of events can be found there as well. Ride the Rodeo at the Gay Games and Experience the Rush! For more info visit: www.igra.com & www.gaygamesrodeo.org

Mag 27

SCENE OUT CAPE TOWN PRIDE

s Her name was Lola , she wa Our hottest leathermen - Jaco, Blah & John a showgirl....

ag!

There was dr

Girls & Boys

Ever sexy Johann

And there were drag Queens!

The DA were there

Serving the gay community Loads of eye candy!!

Mag 28

AMSTERDAM BAR Some of the things collected for Dibanani Trust

Paul & Tom

BEAULAH’S SELFIE PARTY Mikaila & fr

Danica, Yves, Erant & friend

iend

Tamlyn, Sascha & friend

y Le Roux

Mary & Rox

Danica & Alison

Adrian, Anthony & friends

Mitzi & Bambi

40% DISCOUNT

ON PURCHASED DVD’s ONLY ON

PRESENTATION

OF THIS ADVERT

YOUR ONE STOP ADULT SHOP

THE ONE & ONLY. Specialists in a unique range & the largest Selection of Gay DVD’s, Toys, Aphrodisiacs, Stimulants & More... Half Price on all DVD’s EXCHANGED & NEW STOCK. A Pack of 10 DVD’s R500 *****UNBEATABLE PRICES*****

ADDRESS: 38 GRANT AVE, Cnr DOROTHY RD, 205 TARQUIN HOUSE, NORWOOD, JOHANNESBURG

OPEN: 09H30 TILL 22H30 Monday - Saturday

TEL/FAX; 011483 1919 CELL: 076 390 4069 Mag 29

PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS

MR Gay

SA enjoy

s the para

THE CLOSET OPENING - JNB

Mag 30

MANHUNT SPONSORED EVENTS EVERYWHERE The Firemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ball

The White Part

The White Par

MR Gay SA Finalists cruise in Cape Town

The White Par

Pink Loerie Mardi Gras Mag 31

CAMARADERIE IS A FANTASTIC MOTIVATOR by KvC

Whether working out at the gym, running, cycling or swimming, whatever it is that you do to keep fit, it’s great to do it with a pal. Sharing your pain, tiredness or triumph makes it all so much more bearable, so if you don’t have a training mate, rush out and get one! camaraderie (kamə’rad(ə)ri) - noun noun: camaraderie - mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

“the enforced camaraderie of military life” synonyms: friendship, comradeship, fellowship, good fellowship, companionship, mutual support

have learned over the years that a problem shared is a problem halved, and this is also true of training. As a young guy just out of school I was called-up to do my army training …. Yeah it was a long time ago! Never-the-less, I arrived with a whole bunch of strangers to the army camp on the due date and so began an experience that I loved, hated, liked, despised, loathed and tolerated but without those “strangers” I would never have made it. We all got through because of the awesome camaraderie that developed. When we on routemarches and you were so exhausted you wanted to drop, the big bloke that called you the vilest names was the one that came up beside side you and still calling you those terrible names managed to make them sound encouraging and you completed the task. The same was true on the assault course, the cross country run, the PT field and the gym. Recently, I decided to partake in my first triathlon… I am no longer a spring chicken with the energy and endurance that comes with youth, but ever since those army days I have kept reasonably fit and work-out most days. The day of the triathlon arrived and I made my way to the Waterfront in Cape Town where it was all to begin. There were thousands of people and all of a sudden I began to have those feelings of doubt – there were the fittest looking bevy of boys and girls that I’ve ever seen all sucking on energy sachets and zipped in their wet suits looking slim, trim and buffed …. And then there was me. Lurking in the transition area, I must have looked totally out of place or perhaps plain terrified, because a young man, drop dead gorgeous and at least half my age, came up to me and after a brief conversation assured me that all was going to be OK … there was that spirit of camaraderie that just gives you a lift and all of a trice I was feeling less apprehensive, a tad more confident, safe in the knowledge that I had a friend. Well the event started as we took to the water for the first part of the race, I’m not a great swimmer so this part of the competition was my weakest. As I plunged my bod in to the near freezing waters of Cape Town harbour I felt exhilarated and motivated.

Olympians, Peter Kretschmer & Kurt Kuschela have that special camaraderie My comrade too, was swimming well – apart from the icy water numbing my face, I still thought “this is what life is all about.” However, it wasn’t long before my arms started to ache, my breath seared my lungs like a hot grill and I had swallowed enough water to make a hippo puke its guts out. As I crawled out of the water, thinking about death, there was my gorgeous “friend” encouraging me … WOW!!! I was alive, loved, needed, wanted – most of all, I was elated and motivated!!! We’re born alone and die alone, but while alive we’re in this world together, I thought of the song, “when you’re down and troubled ... you’ve got a friend.” - and boy was he hot! I began to peel my wet suit off as I made my way to the transition area and my bike - we were now ready to embark on the cycle section of the race. I’m not a bad cyclist so I guessed that this was my chance to stay with the pack and not be left in the lurch. My legs were feeling strong, cause I don’t use them much when I swim, so I was rearing to go. My “friend” was

SOME PEOPLE THINK I AM GAY, WHICH I THINK IS AWESOME. - Daniel Radcliffe BEING GAY IS LIKE GLITTER, IT NEVER GOES AWAY ― Lady Gaga Mag 32

way ahead but he was still my motivation – I would do my best to prove to him that I could do it and hold my own. I was going really well, pumping those pedals like I was steam train. My legs were going great guns, but hunched over my handlebars my triceps began to ache – there was nothing I could do but grin and bear it, and ache they did! Even my abs started to let me know that they were working harder than they thought was necessary, then, as if by an order from some demented spirit a pain shot into my legs, gripping my calves and travelling up to what were now quite exhausted thighs… as panic wedged it’s way into my delirious mind – fear of falling off, not being able to finish this leg, I found that I had come to the end, and what’s more I’d almost caught up with my “friend” who shouted words of encouragement, I could only mouth silently and wave half-heartedly. My shoulders, arms, thighs, calves, abs and head hurt like hell. The run was next. In those army days I used to be a great runner. This was my forte. I had learned in the army how to numb the mind and let those legs just keep moving on their own. Oh yes! This was going to be my saving grace. As I took off my mental state felt good. I’d seen “God” (my “friend”) and we’d exchanged motivating words, well he didn’t hear mine, but I heard his loud and clear. I was reinvigorated and took off. As I ran I passed loads of great-looking, buffed, chiselled young men whose impressive six-pack abs and muscled thighs probably got them laid the night before, so they were now bushed. I muttered words of encouragement as I surged past them knowing how important it is to keep flagging spirits motivated. I took the hills in my stride, breathing hard though. My legs felt like lead weights but I kept motivated mentally driving them forward. Then to my delight I saw my “friend” up ahead. My heart leapt, I felt a rush of renewed energy and was soon running alongside him. I looked at him and he bared his teeth in an agonising smile,

almost grotesque-like. He was quite plainly fucked. I smiled back and croaked encouraging words from my throat which now rasped with every step. He gave me an eyes-only high-five in appreciation as we ran on. After what seemed like an aeon I saw the finish-line looming. “Friend” lurched and stumbled, I panicked and screamed, a shrill, high-pitched sound like some demented seagull. The words were inaudible but clearly served the purpose – whether he was motivated or just plain terrified I will never know, because he suddenly got a spurt of energy and shot forward. I on the other hand had used all my energy by the time I screamed at him - I faltered, my tired legs began to wobble, my knees knocked together and I felt myself losing my balance. With arms flailing desperately grabbing the air for some support I careered off the road and went down on the side sprawling full frontal. Exhaustion and disappointment filled me. I thought I was going to cry … “oh please God not now!” I struggled to hold back the tears, my chest burned, my knees gushed and my palms were raw. Again I thought about death… and then I noticed through my sweaty or was teary eyes my friend and motivator. He was bending over me, and like some heavenly body, was helping me up. I felt renewed! I staggered up, albeit a bit slower than I wanted to and trotted, limped, and literally dragged myself over that line. My “friend” was there beside me shaking my shoulders, he gave me a bear-hug with words of congratulations, my pain dissipated, my head began to clear, as my breathing got back to normal … then he said something about having to go. I had never got his name … “HEY!!” - But he was gone. Yes, believe me when I say “Camaraderie is a great motivator”

HATS OFF TO MICHAEL SAM Michael Sam & boyfriend, Vito Cammisano

nd accolades to Michael Sam who had the courage to come out to the world. With loads of speculation about where his career would go, he has recently be chosen to play for the St Louis Rams. Interestingly the mayor of St Louis, who has a gay sister and two gay brothers welcomed the sporting super-star saying, “ Sam will be received with open arms by the city of St. Louis, no question about it,” Mayor Francis Slay continued, “He’s a football player, and a very talented football player,” Slay said. “With the Rams – everyone is part of the team, regardless of your sexual orientation, regardless of your political views, regardless of your ethnic background or race.” Mayor Slay further announced, “In 2016, St. Louis will be the first US city to host the Out Games.” Mag 33

IT’S SUMMER SOMEWHERE!!! Tel Aviv Named one of the world’s newest gay hotspots despite the city’s long-time culture of open-mindedness toward LGBT travelers, Tel Aviv is sure to be hot this summer. And not just because of it’s temperatures. June will see the city’s 15th annual gay pride. Many LGBT tour providers offer all-inclusive tours, or else provide the opportunity to book private group tours.

Croatia Croatia is easily connected to Europe with flights from all over the continent. It’s long been a beach destination, but its many advantages are only increasing. From beach parties to sailing adventures, Croatia’s coast line is HOT, but the small country’s interior also offers up adventure activities and beautiful scenery. Get into Croatia before anyone else discovers its beautiful coastlines and gorgeous men.

Greece With the economic crisis, now is as good a time as any to visit Greece. Mykonos has always been a popular destination for gay travellers ever since the island’s glamorous jet set days of the 60’s. It’s never been cheap, but then it wouldn’t have that air of exclusivity, sophistication and magic had it been invaded by the package holiday Sangria crowds that most of us prefer to avoid! Mag 34

As the Southern Hemisphere winter settles in and you start snuggling up on the sofa with the dog, yearning for the balmy days of summer, why not head to the northern hemisphere, where the sun is shining, glistening hot bodies are baking in the heat, parties are in full swing as thousands of gay boys flock to the resorts of Spain, Greece, Italy, Israel and Portugal.

The island of Mykonos is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its exciting nightlife, its picturesque Cycladic capital and its lively sandy beaches. You’ll find some great beaches and bays, many of which are clothing optional. The city of Mykonos is a wonderful place to spend an enjoyable carefree vacation in international ambience. The city is post card beautiful with white Mediterranean houses, lovely windmills, stucco Greek Orthodox churches, and a busy port around which most of the town’s life revolves. A short walk and you’ll find the gay venues concentrated in three locations near the old harbour front. Don’t expect Gran Canaria or Ibiza though; the venues here are more suited to unwinding; small, stylish but still sassy. Pierro’s, Manto and Icaros are the most popular and they’re easy to find - just squeeze through the immaculately dressed guys who spill out on to the streets near taxi square.

When it comes to beaches, Mykonos has hit the button There are three main beaches, Paradise, Super Paradise and Elia and while they may not be right on your doorstep, they are easily accessible. All of these beaches are kitted out with all you’d expect and more. Protected by rocky headlands and thatched sunshades, the gay sections are strewn with naked bodies basking in the sun and small bars and restaurants cater to your every need. The crystal clear waters lap delicately on the shore and this gentle sound shifts up a gear at evening time as the bars become packed with revellers partying well into the early hours. Travelling round the island, there are a number of small secluded beaches which can often be found empty, so if you’ve always dreamed of a beach all to yourself, Mykonos is for you. Oh, and Thessaloniki had its very first Pride event last year so don’t forget that Greece is much more than the legendary gay day & nightlife on Mykonos.

Spain Spain is the most popular gay holiday destination of Europe. Madrid and Barcelona are perfect cities for a weekend break, with museums, sight seeing, shopping and extensive gay nightlife in the weekends. Barcelona’s huge gay scene, beaches and historical sights makes it one of Europe’s most popular gay destinations. The city has a vibrant and integrated gay scene and the Catalonian people are welcoming and open-minded. The main gay area is called L’Eixample (pronounced eye-sham-play ). The city is famous

and restaurants. This is one of the most popular, if not the most visited gay beach destinations in Europe. Gay Pride Sitges attracted over 70,000 people in 2013, so it can be no big surprise that the 2014 is now one of the most anticipated events of the year. The event will take place from the Thursday the 12th of June to Monday the 16th of June. The main parade will take place on Sunday the 15th of June. “Love Has No Labels” is the theme, and with over 25 bars and clubs taking part, you will be spoilt for choice. In fact, with such a massive timetable and so many parties and events, the biggest decision you will have to face is which ones to attend, as it’s literally impossible to go to them all. Needless to say, there will be an abundance of fit men everywhere - especially hanging around the beach and Promenade area. The Gay Village will once again form the backdrop of the 5 day’s of parties. Expect big line up of live acts and entertainment, and the return of an even bigger pool party and of course the Party in the Park...not to mention all of the events taking place in the gay bars, clubs and restaurants of the village. If you miss Pride, the boys, beaches and party goes on every night of the week in high season in summer (in contradiction to Barcelona, which is more of a weekend vibe).

Gran Canaria There’s something special about a visit to the Canary Islands. Far enough away from Europe, but still popular for European holidays, the islands aren’t just for short weekend breaks but rather more suited for a proper holiday. The kind of holiday where you might spend a few days lounging on the beach, evenings in the clubs and the occasional day trips for museums, hiking or other sporty activities. Popular though it is with its

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SUN, FUN, SEA AND THE HOTTEST BOYS, HEAD FOR THE MED ... IT’S THE PLACE TO BE for its the beautiful architecture. Check out the Gaudi buildings and the Cathedral. Walk Las Ramblas where street performers entertain. Barcelona has a lively, sophisticated vibe but with the added bonus of bronzed Spanish boys all over the place. Barcelona is also a beach destination with 4.2 kilometers of beaches and just a few minutes from the city. Barcelona is a city obsessed with the latest styles and fashions, today’s Gay Barcelona hot-spot can become tomorrow’s after-thought. The battle for the Pink Euro is fiercely fought. As the night winds past 3am, you’ll discover that Barcelona is home to some of the biggest gay clubs and promoters in Europe - In short, the gay scene is wide and varied. There is something for all tastes. We’ve all heard of Ibiza, the party island close to Barcelona. You can fly there or travel by boat. The island is famous for its massive parties. Ibiza town is a very nice old town, with good restaurants, terraces and small gay bars. The big parties are usually more mixed. Benidorm is one of the biggest European beach destinations. It has also an extensive gay scene, with about 30 gay bars all located close to each other in the Old Town. It is very popular by English gay boys. Torremolinos is a small beach town in the South of Spain. In the weekend many Spanish guys from the cities nearby come there to party. It has many gay bars and clubs. Visiting Torremolinos is great in combination with Granada and Sevilla for example Sitges is a beach town 40 minutes by train from Barcelona. It has 2 gay beaches (one nude), and lots of gay bars, clubs,

beautiful beaches, you can also spend your holiday in Tenerife mountain biking, hiking or maybe just chilling out at some of Tenerife’s wineries (this is still Spain, you know?). The island’s interior is as lush as its coast is sandy! For gay travelers, the Canary Islands offer up plenty of good travel opportunities. Tenerife Island, the perfect holiday destination, has many options available for every type of tourist. Whether getting a tan on the beach or hiking in the hinterlands, Tenerife is just large enough to accommodate, while still being small enough to have that good ol’-fashioned island mentality.

Portugal When set against the big name European cities of Barcelona, Berlin, and Rome, Lisbon doesn’t seem so exciting. The city’s unpretentiousness is part of its appeal. It doesn’t have the famous buildings, monuments or galleries, but it does present a way of life that is very appealing – it’s friendly, relaxed, and wait for it, crammed full of Gays. The gay areas are the central areas of Bairro Alto and Princepe Real, loads of bars, clubs and hot boys on the streets. The Algarve, in the south of the country is the place to be. There are tons of fantastic beaches. On top of that, many are Naturist beaches, meaning that you can bare it all and enjoy the sun. Most of these beaches are frequented by gay men, although they are not exclusively “gay-beaches”. The Algarve also offers several gay nightlife venues including bars and clubs and even a gay sauna. Whilst not as commercialised or as popular as Spain, Portugal offers a slower paced, more relaxing type of a vacation. Mag 35

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ “ONE ARM” PREMIERES IN CAPE TOWN After the international success of Kingdom of Earth and The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore, Abrahamse & Meyer Productions have been granted special permission by the Tennessee Williams Estate to adapt one of Williams’ most famous erotic short stories for the stage.

ritten in 1942 and initially published in an expensive limited edition, One Arm tells of an aspiring boxer who loses his arm in a car accident and turns to prostitution for a living. The young hustler violently murders a client and is sentenced to death for this crime. On death-row, he receives hundreds of letters from former clients explaining how deeply he touched their lives. Explicit and daring, One Arm gives a graphic account of the homosexual underworld during 1940s while at the same time, being one of Williams’ most poignant portraits of a mutilated body and soul. Throughout his life Williams was excited by the dramatic potential of One Arm and adapted it for the screen in the late 1960s but sadly the film was never produced. In 1972 Williams wrote that he conceived One Arm “as a dark poem whose theme

Meyer has received international accolades as a Williams leading man impressing with his brooding performance as Chicken in Kingdom of Earth as well as his sensitive reading of the Angel of Death in The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore while Dallas won acclaim for his performance of the Witch of Capri in Milk Train and for his intense performance as Lot in Kingdom of Earth. Multi award-winning Fred Abrahamse is responsible for the direction as well as the set and lighting design. Abrahamse has garnered a reputation in the United States as a leading director of the Williams’ reparatory with highly praised productions of The Glass Menagerie, Kingdom of Earth and The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore. From his earliest plays to his final “outrages for the stage”, Ten-

It is one of Williams’ most explicit takes on gay life in America in the 1940s. is the prevalence of mutilations among us all, and their possible transcendence.” Abrahamse and Meyer have adapted One Arm as a tour-de-force for two actors focusing on the central relationship between the convicted hustler and a young Lutheran Minister who visits him on death row. Picking up on Williams’ themes of voyeurism, exhibitionism, and paraphilia the stage adaptation utilises erotic fetishism and sexual role-play as a major dramatic devise in the play by having the young Lutheran Minister, voyeuristically act out all the various characters in mutilated boxer’s life-story. Marcel Meyer plays Oliver Winemiller, the boxer turned hustler with Nicholas Dallas as the young Lutheran Minister.

Dear Amy: I recently discovered that my son, who is 17, is a homosexual. We are in a church group and I fear that if the people in that group find out they will make fun of me for having a gay child. He won’t listen to reason and he will NOT stop being gay. Please help him make the right choice in life by not being gay. He won’t listen to me, so maybe he will listen to you. - Feeling betrayed Mag 36

nessee Williams always envisaged “a new, plastic theatre... [to] take the place of the exhausted theatre of realistic conventions if the theatre is to resume vitality as a part of our culture.” Williams constantly pushed the boundaries of what theatre could be, not only through literary innovations but also by maximising the potential of theatre as a visual medium. This adaptation will be in keeping with Williams’ concept of a “plastic theatre” with a non-linear structure and a strong visual presentation transforming the stage of the Artscape Arena into an erotic dreamscape where this tragic tale unfolds. One Arm is Tennessee Williams at his most provocative and hard-hitting and a must-see for all serious theatre-lovers.

Dear Feeling betrayed: You could teach your son an important lesson by changing your own sexuality to show him how easy it is. Try it for the next year or so. Stop being heterosexual to demonstrate to your son that a person’s sexuality is a matter of choice - to be dictated by one’s parents, one’s church, the parents’ church and / or social pressure. Once you change your sexuality, I am sure he will change his.

EVERY DAY A SUN DAY FIAT 500

1.4 Cabriolet

NOW FROM ONLY

246 490

OB 05 13625 The Observatory Ad Co

Finance subject to approval by Fiat Financial Services, a division of Wesbank, a division of FirstRand Bank Limited. Terms and conditions apply. Visual is for illustration purposes only and the vehicle quoted might not be the vehicle illustrated on the advert. E&OE.

Sandown Motors Century City

021 528 0600

OB 05 13625 The Observatory Ad Co

Lindeque 021 528 0619 • 082 053 2301

NOW AVAILABLE FROM US!

ABARTH 500 FROM R

Sandown Motors Century City 021 528 0600 Lindeque 021 528 0619 • 082 053 2301

270 490

Mag 37

ARE YOU OPEN?

By Bruce J. Little

An exploration of open relationships

“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.” – Frank Zappa

have been fascinated with open relationships for more than 10 years. Africa is not traditionally monogamous and is no stranger to polyamory (loving more than one person at a time). Our own ‘prez’ has 4 wives and has been married six times. Initially I believed open relationships to be wrong, dangerous and not for me. I even went so far as to end a relationship with a man I cared for, because he suggested we try it (I believed that his suggestion was a covert way of telling me -a green twenty-something at the time- that I was not enough for him). “The mind mind that that opens “The opens to to a a new newidea idea never returns returns to to its never its original original size.”size.”Albert Einstein Einstein Albert Since then, after observing a number of my friends in happy long-term open relationships, I have become more open minded. Don’t get me wrong, I have seen a few relationships become casualties to “opening up”, but I have also seen just as many relationships break a heel on the disco floor, for other reasons too. I am a curious “poof” so I conducted a social (media) experiment. I invited any of my friends on Facebook to inbox me and share their views on this spicy topic. By the next morning my inbox was jam-packed with a rainbow flag of views and testimonials! I will share a few with you BUT I wont mention their names -to protect the innocent and the not so innocent. “Open relationships are for people who want too much variety in their lives. They want to have their “koek” and eat it, and I have never been one for “koek!” said one of the testimonials I received and “Opening our relationship was the best thing we ever did. No need to lie and cheat. We are so happy and still madly in love!” was another perspective.

Temporarily Open

A student in her twenties proposed that a couple she knows managed to maintain a long distance relationship, only because they had an open relationship whilst they were apart. She said that they could fulfil one another’s emotional needs over great distance, but would turn to others to fulfil their “other” needs until they were reunited. This seemed to work for them.

Playful Couples

A few guys in open relationships seemed to share many of the same views. All who inboxed me felt that condoms were essential if any penetration was to take place, but that most “encounters” mostly involved mutual-masturbation and oral sex. They all employed strict ground rules that they both agreed on, before engaging in any sexual acts with a third (or more) party, and all of them stressed the importance of Mag 38

honesty and communication. In fact, every person that messaged me advocating open relationships stressed this as being vital for a successful open relationship. They also all agreed that love and sex are not mutually exclusive and that it is “natural” to want to explore and express their sexuality outside the confines of a monogamous relationship. Some couples believed that sex outside of the relationship should be spontaneous and unplanned; whereas others believed planning was essential. One man stressed the importance of using his intuition and avoiding bringing “broken” or “emotionally unstable” people into his relationship. Several of the couples have been together for more than five years and claim to be happy in their relationships. I also received messages from two individuals who were in a “throuple” (a romantic relationship between three people). They were from different “throuples” but also stressed communication, honesty and trust as being critical to the success of their relationships. “The only only part “The part about about open open relationshipsthat thatI Iunderstand understandis relationships is that the and doorleave.” and that you you open open the door - Anonymous - leave.” Anonymous

Exclusive Couples

A few couples were in exclusively monogamous long-term relationships and claimed that their relationships were successful because there were fewer “complications”. They believed that open relationships resulted in “jealousy and heartache” and that they were a “health risk”. One guy stated that if he were in an open relationship, his partner would eventually leave him for someone “younger, richer and/or prettier”. “By all all means means let’s let’s be “By be open-minded, open-minded, but not not so so open-minded open-minded that but that our our brainsdrop drop out.” out.” – brains – Richard RichardDawkins Dawkins

Got the T-Shirt

A number of testimonials came from peeps who had experienced open relationships and regretted having them due to resulting insecurities, from one or both parties in the relationship and also due to one of them developing deep emotional bonds with a person outside of their relationship, causing it to end. A few spoke of incredible heartache and even depression as a result of their relationship failing and the loss of their partner.

Different Strokes

Due to the huge variety of opinions I received it became clear to me that open relationships work for some people and not for others. As denizens of a diverse culture and society we owe it to ourselves to practice tolerance and respect for the way that others choose to live. Despite being irreligious,

I am reminded of how deeply touched I was to see pictures on the net of Christians protecting Muslims as they prayed and Muslims protecting Christians as they worshipped, during times of war in the East. I found this empathy and elevation of tolerance quite profound. I’m not sure if I will ever engage in an open relationship, but I will defend anyone’s right to do so if they wish because what makes a happy me may not be the same for the next dude.

Open vs Cheating

People in open relationships are less likely to get an STI than those in monogamous couples who just step out on their partners, according to a study published in current issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine. A survey from the University of Michigan’s psychology department found that of 1,647 respondents, 801 had sex with someone other than their primary partner. For 493 subjects, it was part of a “negotiated nonmonogamous relationship” while 308 admitted that they had just been unfaithful. Researchers found that condom use was less frequent for vaginal (27% lower) and anal sex (35% lower) in encounters where one of the participants was creepin’ around. The data also revealed that drug and alcohol use was 64% higher during these hook-ups. (No shock there).

Playing Safe

Enjoying a sexually active, open relationship (sex with multiple partners) can still put you at risk to HIV and other STIs if you’re not careful and informed. Many people are carriers of STIs but show no symptoms or may not be aware that they have an STI. • Unprotected anal sex puts you at risk of HIV, HPV, Herpes, Hepatitis B/C, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Syphilis • Oral sex can result in genital Herpes, Gonorrhoea of the throat, Hepatitis B, HPV, Syphilis and Chlamydia • Kissing can put you at risk of oral Herpes, Hepatitis, HPV warts (in your mouth), Glandular Fever, and in rare cases bacterial Meningitis • Being naked with another person can even expose you to Crabs (pubic lice) and Scabies (contagious skin disease) So it would be best to educate yourself and your partner on these risk factors before you decide to start an open relationship and also to aim for quality encounters rather than a quantity. Bruce J. Little is a contributing writer for Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute NPC, funded by USAID through PEPFAR. This article represents Bruce’s personal views.

JUNE diary Friday 6th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 13th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Saturday 14th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Sunday 15th Youth Day Party – Free entrance for teenagers · Friday 20th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 27th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund · JULY diary Friday 4th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 11th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Saturday 12th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 18th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 25th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund AUGUST diary Friday 1st Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 8th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Saturday 9th Women’s Day – Cum take it like a woman · Sunday 10th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 15th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 22th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund· Friday 29th Fire Crotch Night – Free Entrance with Red Pubes

We have enough heaters to make you sweat!

OUT TO LUNCH INDULGENT DECADENCE IN JOBURG

OLIVES & PLATES

Wits Club & Conference Centre Wits West Campus, North Gate Entrance Yale Road, Johannesburg T: 011 717 9365 Email: info@olivesandplates.co.za www.olivesandplates.co.za

PRESENTATION SAYS IT ALL Beautiful, over 100 year old oak trees surround “Olives & Plates” restaurant which is housed in an old Cape Dutchstyle homestead which has been which has been renovated to its former glory. The tasteful décor in silver, black and white with mirrored sections which reflect the whole restaurant, making it easy for eye contact with the very interesting clientele. Breakfasts are served – they are different, interesting and innovative Starters – Very Mediterranean with Meza Platters and unusual salads such as the Texan Salad (Haloumi, Spinach & Dates) The menu also carries a variety of pastas – I chose Nona’s Pasta & Meatballs with basil & parmesana shavings – unbelieveable!!!

Mag 40

Ask about the specials of the day and Tramezzini suggestions. However, I’ve saved the best for last. The decadent smorgasbord of cakes and deserts, all made on the premises by the delightful Jimmy and Andrea, the owners of this exquisite venue. My favourite was the Nougatina with salted Caramel Peanuts & Dates. The imagination and taste buds run riot with the explosive flavours making it a delightful culinary experience! The restaurant is open from early morning till 5pm Monday – Friday, Saturday till 3pm and is closed on Sundays. Olives & Plates is also available for functions. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends & family, to entertain clients over lunch or simply enjoy a cocktail after work. The Club seems far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet it is easily accessible to the M1 and Empire Road and there is ample secure parking. Be sure to pay them a visit … you won’t be disappointed with this definite “notch in the belt” experience!

OUT TO LUNCH FABULOUS FITNESS DELIGHTS IN CAPE TOWN FOOD FITNESS FACTORY Shop 005A, Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre On Jarvis Street, De Waterkant T: 061 026 9466 Email: john@foodfitnessfactory.co.za WHAT A LITTLE GEM! Food Fitness Factory is the brain-child and passion of John Niemand - a fitness guru himself, who has brought his culinary skills and his knowledge of what to and what not to eat combined in a healthy, great tasting menu of dishes to satisfy your cravings and you feel healthy after the meal as well. John is famous for his designer egg-white omelettes which he began serving from a stall at the Neighbour Goods Market at the Biscuit Mill on Saturday mornings. Omelettes come with various healthy fillings. He has expanded with a breakfast menu that is varied and interesting including: Norwegian salmon or muesli, yoghurt and fresh berries. There’s the lite egg scrambled, (his special blend of 7 eggwhites and 1 yolk), served with bacon, beef pastrami or salmon - yummy! If you can’t make it to breakfast because you’re working out at the gym

or stretching at yoga, why not grab a post workout snack or try out John’s lunchtime menu. You can indulge in beef (for your protein intake!), be it fillet, sirloin or rump served in a style or with a sauce - There’s Penang or red Thai curry, Cajun spiced, or a light soy sauce reduction with garlic, chilli and ginger (too delicious! So highly recommended!), a Malay light curry sauce or organic whole-grain mustard. ! There is also free range chicken and ostrich dishes with sauces to tickle and temp your taste buds. If you more of a pattie type of a person, John serves 100% ostrich patties (no carbs!), with a cucumber, tomato and chunky avo salad. There is a comprehensive vegetable and salad zone with fat-free dressings To round off he has a selection of pressed juices, protein shakes. Become a member and never cook at home. John will prepare your meals - just collect and serve. Food Fitness Factory is a great find and well worth the visit. Try it out, after-all you are what you eat - start by eating fit today - you’ll look and feel better for it!

Mag 40

OUT ON DVD LET’S WATCH DVD’S WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Matthew McConaughey has really made his mark as an actor in the last year, particularly with his Oscar-winning performance in Dallas Buyer’s Club as a conflicted straight man wh0 is blindsided by being diagnosed as H.I.V.- positive and given 30 days to live. Inspired by true events based on Ron Woodroof’s story, is offers heartbreaking and emotionally challenging viewing that also showcases a superb performance from Jared Leto (who also received an Oscar for his performance) as a transsexual AIDS patient who shares Ron’s lust for life, and also shares Ron’s entrepreneurial spirit: seeking to avoid government sanctions against selling non-approved medicines and supplements, they establish a “buyers club,” where H.I.V.positive people pay monthly dues for access to the newly acquired supplies.

THE PAPERBOY McConaughey is equally brilliant in the distressing and sometimes shocking psychological drama The Paperboy with Zac Efron playing his brother. Their diverse sexual preferences lead them down dark alleys and offers explosive and soulful viewing. McConaughey adds another refined layer of brilliance to his level of performance, perfecting the masterful precision of his craft which was also reflected in Killer Joe, where played a repugnantly flawed character. Efron perfectly captures the essence of a young rebel who comes of age and whose sexual awakening rouses the devil in him. It seems as if both McConaughey and Efron are taking a huge step forward in their careers, blatantly tarnishing their ‘pretty boy’ image and sex symbol status with their daring and provocative choice of roles. It’s refreshing to see actors of this calibre take the plunge and rip the heart and soul out of their tortured characters.

STRANGER BY THE LAKE French director Alain Guiraudie’s Stranger by the Lake is a gay art-cinema suspense story, set over 10 days on the sun-kissed, pine-forested banks of a lake – a cruising ground where men can work on their tans in between torrid tussles in the shrubbery. There, Franck (Pierre Deladonchamps) strikes up a friendship with a seemingly asexual, portly loner (Patrick d’Assumçao), Mag 42

and finds himself falling hard for Michel (Christophe Paou), a sporty hunk. But where love creeps in, so does death, and when Franck sees Michel drown another man, he finds himself in the age-old situation evoked in the tagline of Hitchcock’s Spellbound: “Will he kiss me… or kill me?”

BREAKING BAD A must for any collector, Breaking Bad is first rate crime drama series created and produced by Vince Gilligan, who calls it a ‘contemporary western’. Set and produced in Albuquerque, New Mexico, its 5 Seasons follows the two-year-long story of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer at the beginning of the series. He turns to a life of crime, producing and selling methamphetamine, in order to secure his family’s financial future before he dies, teaming with his former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul). .

SHERLOCK If there’s one series you simply cannot miss, and will most probably rewatch, it’s the 3 Seasons of Sherlock, a contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes detective stories. Created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, it stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson.

VEEP Also on the series front, Veep is a laugh-aminute political satire with the hilarious Julia Louis-Dreyfuss as no-nonsense Vice President Meyer who constantly hopes to boost her influence and despite her best intentions, the most banal actions can set off unexpected and disastrous consequences. It has a terrific ensemble cast that will keep you glued to the screen for its 2 Seasons.

Killing Them Softly The dramatic thriller The Fifth Estate reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned this Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. The story begins as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl) team up to become underground watchdogs of the privileged and powerful.

Visit Let’s Watch DVDs on Facebook or visit www. writingstudio. co.za

WORD PERFECT HAM: SLICES OF LIFE: Essays and Stories

All books obtainable at The Bay Bookshop, Cape Quarter, Cape Town. It is and independent bookstore and one of the few left in the city with a decent gay literature section

Author: Sam Harris Ham (noun) [hæm] 1. the hind leg of a hog, salted, smoked, and cured 2. second son of Noah 3. somebody who performs in an exaggerated showy style - always hamming it up Just when you thought you knew everything about ham, you discover that ham is also: 4. a reason to laugh about everyday life, and 5. an irresistible collection of humorous essays from a man who was born to entertain us. Well wow, Sam Harris has captured my attention. Funny, touching, and just a little bit wicked is the best way to describe Ham: Slices of Life. You have to get this book now. You won’t be able to put it down. Released earlier this year Ham: Slices of a Life is a great read, comprising sixteen brilliantly written memoirs of Sam’s life – from realising and growing up gay in Oklahoma, the heart of America’s Bible-belt, to being invited to perform on Oprah, to attending Liza Minnelli’s wedding. Sam Harris grew up in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, a town of fewer than 8,000 people at the time. Possessed of a major, seemingly untameable talent for singing, acting and dancing, his overt “gayness” as a misfit youth led to bullying and a failed suicide attempt (small town Oklahoma was not exactly an embracing environment for a singing/ dancing gay boy). These sixteen memoirs are recounted with candour and a humour that will have you laughing out loud, this is definitely one of the best “gay” reads of 2014. The stories span a triumphant, tragic, and most of all, hilarious life in show business. He talks of meeting his longtime partner, the perils of modern-day parenthood, and the tale of his childhood home burning down not once, but twice in “Drilling Without Novacaine.” The essays move back and forth in time, recounting the author’s teenage years singing in L.A. clubs after a stint at U.C.L.A.; He also describes securing Bette Midler’s agent, Jerry Blatt, who honed Harris’s full-out, emotive style; and he tells of his struggles as an alcoholic and how he came out as a gay man. His struggle with his homosexuality, his attempted suicide and his eventual self-acceptance. “Liver” is the most hilarious piece of this charmingly candid collection, dealing with Harris’s self-subverting pattern of being blinded by what should be rather than what is (“the liver law: if it looks like liver and it smells like liver”); other essays feature painful episodes from Harris’s life, such as the time he was snubbed by his idol, Aretha Franklin. The chapter, “Promises,” is a hilarious, front row account of Liza Minnelli’s wedding “extravaganza” to an ““the man whose name shall go unmentioned.” Harris described Michael Jackson “showing his teeth just a shade lighter than his face,” Jane Russell “applying her nineteenth layer of lipstick,” Cindy Adams “standing on top of Mickey Rooney,” and maid of honour, Elizabeth Taylor, who “forgot her shoes and none of her entourage of 72 noticed.”

This is what other publications said: People “Reading singer-actor Harris’s essays is like having your smartest gay BFF propped up on your pillow sipping cosmos, regaling you with gossip and his keen wit.” Oklahoma Magazine “Ham is, by turns, harrowing and hilarious, uplifting and soul-shattering, agonizing and liberating.” The Steadfast Reader “Ham is honest and heart-breaking, entertaining and devastating all at the same time.” Washington Blade “Ham is humorous, soul baring, name dropping, and just the right mix of vulnerability and snarkiness.” Broadway World “Ham is a fabulous and funny, tasty treat; sweet and savoury with just right touch of tang.” Courier-Journal-Gannett Press “Harris is wry, witty, bitchy, pensive, inspirational, and laugh-out-loud funny in this winning collection of essays.” Dallas Voice “Harris writes with bouncing-on-your-toes energy, rushing from subject to subject with the occasional lingering moment to ponder things that are important to him. His is an eagerness that’s endearing….hilarious…teary. With humour, soulbaring, name-dropping, and just the right mix of vulnerability, Ham is a definite pleasure to read. If you’re looking for a memoir that you can enjoy, embrace this one whole-hog.” You can check out Sam Harris reading excerpts from Ham: Slices of a life on youtube or visit: http://SamHarris.com and http://SamHamBook.com Mag 43

HAM: Slices of a life Excerpt from Sam Harris’ latest offering Chapter 3. Promises

veryone makes mistakes: Leon Lett and the ’93 Super Bowl, Richard Nixon and Watergate, the architect who built the Tower of Pisa. Since I wasn’t a big sports fan, hadn’t met Nixon, and hadn’t travelled to Pisa, the closest thing in my life to a mistake of that magnitude was the marriage of my dear friend Liza to the Man Whose Name Shall Go Unmentioned. I refer to him in that manner because I promised Liza that I would never again utter his first name unless it were in reference to Beckham, Bowie, the Michelangelo statue, or “The Star of . . .” Saying his name is not taboo in the same way that mentioning “the Scottish Play” by title is for theatre people, who would then have to leave the building, spit, curse, and knock to be let back in. I swore to my friend that if I verbalised his name, I would light myself on fire and commit hari-kari. She knows it was a mistake. Everybody knows it was a mistake. The wedding itself was well documented by a hundred publications. But beyond the facts and the scuttlebutt, this event should be acknowledged as one of the greatest shows en earth. I was a witness and a player. I even sang, “Bridge over Troubled Water.” A peculiar choice for a wedding, but it was requested. And prophetic. If only they’d chosen “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,“ things might have turned out differently. Well, not really. I was there the day she met him. I was musically supervising her segment on the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration Television Special at Madison Square Garden, which was being produced by the Man Whose Name Shall Go Unmentioned. I don’t know what put me off first - the fact that he wore sunglasses indoors and at night or his boastful claims of having “the largest Shirley Temple paraphernalia collection in the world” - a feat for which suspected there was little competition. Bottom line, the guy creeped me out and I told her so. But as the romance budded, my friend begged me to give him a chance. On Thanksgiving Day, Liza called to tell me he had proposed the previous evening. “Schmooli, I really want you to try to get Mag 44

close to him. I know he’s kind of quirky, but I need for you to accept him and try to love him.” Liza had suffered from brain encephalitis earlier in the year and I reminded her of such. “You’re still recovering. Is it possible that … you’re not yet in your right mind? Literally.” “Oh, who is, Schmool? All I know is he really seems to get me. And he’s funny.” “Funny?” I asked. “Or … funny?” “He’s our kind of funny.” I wasn’t sure that answered my question. “Please call him now and congratulate him,” she pleaded. “It means everything to me.” I did as I was asked and told him I was “so, so happy” for them, mustering cheer in my voice against the dead eyes he couldn’t see. I had to admit that he did dote on her and had big plans. The kind of plans I knew she loved. So against every instinct in my body, I had no choice but to hope I was wrong about him. She seemed happy and that’s all I wanted for her. What any friend wants for a friend. A mere seven months after their collision, the who’s who of New York and old Hollywood showbiz were invited to assemble at the Marble Collegiate Church, at Fifth Avenue and Twenty-Ninth Street in Manhattan, for the nuptials. This was, no doubt, the first time the church entrance had been set up with such tight security, and the most eclectic guest list ever ambled through airport metal detectors and opened their pocketbooks for inspection. The enormous number of titanium hip replacements set off the detectors, which slowed the line considerably. Janet Leigh, Anthony Hopkins, Joan Collins, Kirk Douglas, Carol Channing, and Robert Goulet were there. In odd juxtaposition, so were Snoop Dog, Donny Osmond, Martha Stewart, and Gloria Gaynor. In the same room. At the same time. I knew for a fact that Liza didn’t know most of these people or had met them only in passing. But then she only knew the groom in passing. She should have kept walking. I knew she has personally invited Lauren Bacall, Liz Smith, Mia

Farrow, Cynthia McFadden, Mickey Rooney, Billy Stritch, and Gina Lollobrigida, but most of the others were acquaintances of the groom’s, PR invitations, or celebrities who had begged to be on the list. Like signing up to watch the launching of the Hindenburg. I forget sometimes that my friend Liza is, you know – LIZA! Truth was that she would have been happy getting married in a private house with ten close friends, but the groom’s knack and desperate need for the spotlight had turned this into an epic extravaganza. I ran to a backroom and found Liza, who seemed nervous. “Let’s sneak out of here and go to the movies,” I said. “No one will notice.” She laughed and then suddenly said, “What’s playing?” An odd doubt crept over her enormous brown eyes. “Are you okay?” “Yes … I don’t know. That thing you said about recovering from brain encephalitis?”

CHECK IT OUT

Cape Town has been selected as the Design Capital of the World 2014 and throughout the year there are numerous events and exhibitions promoting the cities design status. Out Magazine takes a peek at one of the most prestigious events... taking place from 2 June – 30 August 2014, at Leon at CCXIX, 219 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town entrance is free.

“Yes?” “I’ve recovered.” She said, dryly. “Oh, honey.” “But I’m here and this is happening and I’m gonna make it be okay.” I kissed her on the cheek and ran out to join my partner, Danny, nestling into our reserved third-row pew. Jane Russell soon squeezed in beside me. Then we had to squeeze over even more so Donald Trump could fit in. And he has wide hips. The church was stunning. The entire wall behind the alter was blanketed in white orchids, probably to cover a giant bleeding Jesus, which would have been a downer. We waited. We chatted. Danny and I looked around the room to see whom we’d missed. I stood and waved too much more famous friends who were seated farther back, to show them I was among the chosen. We continued to wait. For about an hour. Then the news arrived, whispered from person to person, pew to pew, like the telephone game: Elizabeth Taylor had forgotten her shoes and had arrived at the church in hotel house slippers. No one in her entourage of seventy-two had noticed: terry cloth – The Plaza, so we had to wait while some gay lackey schlepped up thirty blocks to retrieve her shoes. Finally Elizabeth was shoed, everyone was ready, and the music began.

Twelve of SA’s top decorators and designers have been given a room to show off their style. Where-else in the country will you get the opportunity to see all twelve styles, designs and inspirations together under one roof. Make your way to Leon at CCXIX if you’d like to indulge in the best in decor and design. 12 designers gathered under one roof!

Then a familiar voice shouted, “Wait for me!” The music stopped as Diana Ross flitted down the aisle, her hair over three feet in diameter, tickling aisle-seated guests as she flounced her way to the second row to take a seat. The music resumed. The enormous wedding party entered from the downstage left and right wings, I mean aisles, and made their way to the platformed stage. I mean alter. Elizabeth Taylor was the co-matron of honour and was helped to her seat by the other co-, Marissa Berenson. The groom was escorted by Michael Jackson… Mag 45

OUT ON FILM LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN In Kill Your Darlings (June 6) Daniel Radcliffe stars as Beat Generation icon Allen Ginsberg. It is set in 1944 during the famed poet’s early years at Columbia University, and centering on a murder investigation involving Ginsberg, his handsome classmate Lucien Carr, and fellow Beat author William Burroughs. Ginsberg falls hopelessly under the spell of charismatic classmate Carr (Dane DeHaan), as well as aspiring writers William Burroughs (Ben Foster) and Jack Kerouac (Jack Huston) that would cast conformity to the wind, and serve as the foundation of the Beat movement. When an older outsider named David Kammerer falls deeply and madly in love with the impossibly cool Carr and he dies under mysterious circumstances, the police arrest Kerouac, Burroughs, and Carr as potential suspects, paving the way for an investigation that would have a major impact on the lives of the three emerging artists. Michael C. Hall, as the obsessed David Kammerer, is no stranger to playing alienated outsiders, being a five-time Emmy nominee for his portrayal of conflicted serial killer Dexter Morgan in Showtime’s acclaimed Dexter.

Visit Let’s go to the Movies on Facebook or visit www. writingstudio.co.za

Locke

Tom Hardy is back in top form in Locke (from June 17) as a man who has worked diligently to craft the life he has envisioned, dedicating himself to the job that he loves and the family he adores. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that unravels his family, job, and soul. All taking place over the course of one absolutely riveting car ride, this not to be missed film is an exploration of how one decision can lead to the complete collapse of a life and is directed acclaimed filmmaker Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things) and is a thrillingly unique cinematic experience of a man fighting to salvage all that is important to him The Irish black comedy Cavalry (July 11) features Brendan Gleeson as Lavelle, a good priest who is faced with sinister and troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish. Continually shocked and saddened by the spiteful and confrontational inhabitants of his small country town, his hell torment when a parishioner threatens his life during confession, announcing that he will kill Lavelle the next Sunday, and as the week progresses the forces of darkness begin to close in around him. The big screen adaptation of the Tony Awardwinning musical Jersey Boys (August 15) is directed by Clint Eastwood and tells the story of the musical group The Four Seasons, exploring the rise, the tough times and personal clashes, and the Mag 46

Brendan Gleeson in Cavalry

ultimate triumph of a group of friends whose music became symbolic of a generation. Jersey Boys gets to the heart of the relationships at the centre of the group-with a special focus on frontman Frankie Valli (John Lloyd Young), the small kid with the big falsetto. In addition to following the quartet’s coming of age as performers, the core of the show is how an allegiance to a code of honour learned in the streets of their native New Jersey got them through a multitude of challenges: gambling debts, Mafia threats and family disasters. Jersey Boys is a glimpse at the people behind a sound that has managed to endure for over four decades in the hearts of the public. The provocative play Venus in Fur (August 15) has also been adapted for the big screen Roman Polanski, and is based on the play of the same name by American playwright David Ives. It tells of Thomas (Mathieu Amatric) as a writerdirector of a new play, an adaptation of the 1870 novel Venus in Furs by Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch. Alone in a Parisian theatre after a day of auditioning actresses for the lead character, an actress named Vanda (Emmanuelle Srigner), arrives dishevelled. In a whirlwind of energy and unrestrained aggression, Vanda convinces the director to let her read for the part. To Thomas’s amazement, Vanda shows great understanding of the character and knows every line by heart. As the audition progresses, the intensity is redoubled and the attraction of Thomas turns into obsession. Volume 1 of Lars von Trier’s Danish drama Nymphomaniac is released on August 8. The first part of the five-and-half-hour-long uncut version kicks off on a cold winter’s evening when an old, charming bachelor (Stellan Skarsgård) finds the self-diagnosed nymphomaniac, Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg) beaten up in an alleyway. He brings her home to his flat where he tends to her wounds while asking her about her life. He listens intently as Joe, over the next eight chapters, recounts the lustful story of her highly erotic life from infancy to the age of 50. What will surely go down as one of the local film industry’s most bizarre cast of actors, three of South Africa’s most notorious guns-for-hire are playing themselves – for a R1 million price tag – in a new docu-drama 204: Getting Away With Murder (August 1) about the killing of mining magnate Brett Kebble. Self-confessed killers Mikey Schultz, Nigel McGurk and Fiazal “Kappie” Smith re-enact the controversial 2005 killing in the 100-minute production.

MUSIC MOVES WHO’S ON STAGE THIS WINTER

ne couple in Cape Town and one couple in Johannesburg can win tickets to see eight-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter, pianist and composer, Tori Amos, who returns to South Africa at the end of June 2014 for four performances only as part of her world tour in support of her latest album, Unrepentant Geraldines, a return to her core identity as a creator of contemporary songs of exquisite beauty following a series of more classically inspired and innovative musical projects of the last four years. These have included the seasonal collection Midwinter Graces, the classically influenced Night of Hunters, and Gold Dust, a collection of orchestral re-workings of songs from across her career. Released in October 2012 Gold Dust included Flavor, which was remixed by the late DJ Peter Rauhofer and peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Club Dance Chart in February 2013. Tori Amos begins her SA Tour at the Teatro at Montecasino on Thursday, 26 June and Friday, 27 June commencing at 8pm followed by two concerts at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Sunday, 29 June at 6pm and Monday, 30 June at 8pm. Multi-talented Durban-born musician Michael Lowman will be joining Tori Amos at the end of June 2014 as the supporting bill guest artist on the SA leg of her world tour. Tickets on sale at Computicket. Following the phenomenal response to the sell-out 2011 SA tour, a high demand for tickets is anticipated for this year’s Tori Amos concerts. To avoid disappointment, book now Computicket or visit www.computicket.com For further information www.cvhenterprises.com www.toriamos.com, www.montecasino.co.za or www.cticc.co.za

WIN

To win tickets tell us who the supporting artist is and send your answer with your contact details and Tori Amos in the subject line to website@writingstudio. co.za before June 20

wo couples in Cape Town and Johannesburg can win tickets to the Brit Award winning and nominated, BLAKE who will be joined by popular opera star CORTES - four of the most gifted male vocalists in the world will come together to bring to South Africa four concerts combining the very best of Opera, classical, musicals and pop harmony. Some of the best loved classical cross over music ever written, masterfully arranged and expertly performed, to create a magical evening. Mixing pop, rock and classical anthems with rich harmony vocals, British ‘boy band’ BLAKE launched their first album in 2007. The public embraced their debut album immediately, with over 100,000 copies being sold in just three weeks and earning the group their first Gold Disc. The music industry followed in early 2008, when the album received the prestigious Brit-Award for Album of the Year, a huge honour for a group still less than a year old. Joining BLAKE on their debut South African Tour, is the ‘James Bond’ of classical music, CORTES an Icelandic tenor who was born into a musical family and trained as a singer in Vienna, Copenhagen and London. He has performed various leading tenor roles in operas, as well as a leading part in The Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End. His debut album in the UK, titled Cortes, was released on 16 April 2007 and entered the UK classical chart at number 1. Performances are on the 20th and 21st June 2014 at 20:00 at the Cape Town Convention Centre. Performances in Johannesburg on the 27th and 28th June 2014 at 20:00 at Emperors Palace. Booking is open for all shows at Computicket. Tickets from R300.00.

WIN

To be a winner, tell us where Blake is from and send your answer and contact details with Blake in the subject line to website@writingstudio.co.za before June 13. Mag 47

ON STAGE T

LETS GO TO THE THEATRE WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN

wo couples in Johannesburg can win tickets to the premiere of The Beauty of Incomplete Things at the Fringe at the Joburg Theatre from July 15 to August 1. The lives of three men unite on a heartbreaking journey that is filled with pathos, humour and candid revelations in this new South African play for discerning theater-goers. Tommy (Rowan Studti), a studly trophy masseur becomes a pawn between two conflicted lovers, David (Wojtek Lipinski), a flamboyant and dramatic diva-worshipper, and Steve (Andre Lombard) a renowned actor. When David sneaks Tommy off to his cabin in the middle of the woods for his birthday weekend, David’s intimate and heated birthday celebration is interrupted when Steve gatecrashes his fantasy. Fantasy and reality collide head-on in their brutal quest to find happiness. The truth surfaces and strips them bare, ultimately setting them free and releasing them from their humanity. On an emotional journey of love, wrath and redemption, three rivals discover that there lies beauty in incomplete things. Bookings at www.joburgtheatre.co.za

wo couples in Johannesburg can win tickets to see Cirque Éloize’s iD at the Teatro at Montecasino on 19 August. It’s a thrilling spectacle of circus arts and urban dance never seen before in this country. Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, iD is a high-energy production, blending acrobatics, street dance and hip hop. In this show the contemporary circus world meets the world of urban dances. Set in an inner-city environment, iD explores the themes of identity, individuality and autonomy in a culture where omnipresent images cause us to lose our reference points, making us express the same values by way of different codes. The show’s energy and poetry will surpass the expectations of audiences and make iD the talk of “Jozi” in 2014. iD features a cast of 15 acrobats and performers, and incorporates innovative multimedia elements, as well as a rock and electronica inspired soundtrack created by composers Jean-Phi Goncalves and Alex McMahon. In Cirque Éloize’s iD, acrobatic disciplines are combined with the energy of hip-hop and street dances, giving a fresh and high octane spin to modern circus. Book now at Computicket. For further show information visit www.montecasino.co.za or www.showtime. co.za. Follow Cirque Éloize iD on Twitter @showtime_SA and Facebook /showtimemanagementsa

WIN

To win tickets to the premiere in Johannesburg on July 15, tell is who plays Tommy and send you answer and contact details with Beauty in the subject line to website@writingstudio.co.za before July 4. Mag 48

WIN

To win tickets tell us who directed the show and send your answer and contact details with Cirque Éloize’s iD in the subject line to website@ writingstudio.co.za before August 8. For more information, visit Let’s go to the Theatre on Facebook or visit www.writingstudio.co.za

Sporty, aggressive design meets raw power with the new Audi S3 Sedan. The potent 2.0 Litre engine delivers 206 kW and 380 Nm, launching the stylish compact design effortlessly into a league of its own. With Audi’s quattro® permanent all-wheel-drive providing optimal power and traction to all four wheels, the new Audi S3 Sedan perfectly marries performance and style.

The new Audi S3 Sedan.

The luxury of choice. Guaranteed.

The new Audi A3. Way ahead. The all new Audi A3 features Audi drive select, which lets you control the way the car performs at the touch of a button. It’s also the only model in its segment to oﬀer quattro® permanent four-wheel drive and Audi ultra lightweight technology, which boost eﬃciency and performance. All of which makes the new Audi A3 as way ahead as you are.

Guarantee the future value of your Audi A4 at 60% with Audi Claremont Visit Audi Claremont for more information Audi Choice. *Model shown may be fitted with optional equipment that may be available later in 2014.

Visit Audi Centre AnytownTel: for more information. cnr Chichester & Loch Road, Claremont, 021 657 7111.

Contact Marais today Contact today to ContactMarais Marais today toto experience the the Audi A3. experience thenew new Audi S3 experience new Audi A4 073651 651 - 073 6512729 2729 073 2729

Cnr Chichester & Loch Roads, Claremont, Tel:021 7111 123 Street Name, Suburb. Tel: 000 111 657 8888. www.audicentre.co.za Introducing Audi Choice which guarantees the future value of your Audi A4 at 60% across the range. So after 3 years you can choose to keep your Audi A4, trade it in for another Audi model or simply return it. Purchase one before 31 July and you can also insure it at a ﬂ at rate of R699 per month for a year.

64679 Audi S3 Sedan Dealer 297x210.indd 2

2014/01/17 2:55 P

Enjoy Choice, guaranteed, by visiting AudiAudi Centre Anytown or audicentre.co.za. Enjoythe theluxury luxuryofofAudi Audi Choice, guaranteed, by visiting Centre Claremont or www.audiclaremont.co.za Audi Centre Anytown. 123 Street Name. Tel: 000 000 0000. Audi Claremont, 148 Landsdowne Road, Claremont. Tel: 27 21 657 7025 | 27 21 657 7111 Linked/Fixed to FNB prime rate, currently 9%. Offer calculated on Audi A4 models in standard specification, excluding RS4 Avant. Information subject to change without prior notification. Audi Financial Services – a division of Volkswagen Financial Services South Africa Proprietary Limited. An Authorised Financial Services and Credit Provider NCRCP6635. Offer valid from 1st May until 31st July 2014 and subject to stock availability. Terms and Conditions apply. Flat Rate Comprehensive Insurance restricted to certain model derivatives (excludes S & RS models) and only valid for the first 12 months. Insurance is underwritten by Hollard Insurance Company, an Authorised Financial Services provider.

Audi Choice Guaranteed Future Value

Audi Financial Services