AFRICA
M A G A Z I N E Issue 20, SPRING 2014
PJ REVEALS ALL PRIDE CELEBRATIONS MR & MS SA LEATHER 9 772 304 85 9004
R25.00 incl. VAT
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MEET DR SEMUGOMA
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
FROM THE EDITOR
FEATURES
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i - I hope you are all well and getting ready for Spring, that time of the year to ogle all the beautiful eye candy that’ll be out and about. OUT Africa Magazine’s Spring issue is sure to get you in the mood with sizzling fashions featured at the Mercedes Benz Cape Town Fashion Week, ideas on getting that summer physique to the latest on Beefcakes, the country’s favourite gay restaurant, which seems to be opening up all over the country... Over the next few months there are a number of Pride events taking place, these are the most important gay events as they bring the LGBTI community together to celebrate the amazing milestones and achievements in our quest for equality. We also take a look at the necessity of Pride and report back on Durban’s very successful Pride which took place in July. In this issue we honour Dr Semugoma, who was recently awarded the Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award and have a report back from the International AIDS conference which took place in Melbourne recently. This year is the 20th anniversary of the epic gay movie “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” ... and in keeping with that there are a number of Priscilla Parties happening, photos from which we will feature in the next issue. Our cover features one of South Africa’s most recognisable personalities - PJ Powers who has recently launched her tell all, no holds barred autobiography in which she talks about her various relationships with women over the years. The best selling book “Here I Am” is reviewed on page 42. In this issue we feature Tennessee Williams’ play “One Arm” which opens in Cape Town as well as a look at the up-coming production of “War Horse” which will be staged both in Johannesburg and Cape Town. A not to be missed production which has wowed audiences all over the world. As always we have our regular features including the Scene OUT pages - who knows you may have been caught on camera! Turn to page 28 now! - Till next time enjoy the read... 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: Keith Coventry at outmagafrica@telkomsa.net outmagazine@mweb.co.za Advertising Sales: Robert Simpson 072 266 7051 Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358
Contributors: Daniel Dercksen, Liberty Banks, Matthew v/d Westhuizen, Rob Simpson Additional Photography: Evan Tsouroulis, Ashley Craig Brandt
1 EDITORS COMMENT: 2 TRIARC - Gaying it forward...: 3. CAPE TOWN SHELTER GETS CASH DONATION 4 “ONE ARM: “Stirring up feelings without feeling nothing myself” 6 UNITY IN LEATHER 8 WHAT ABOUT OUR MALE ICONS: A look at the celebrities we make our icons 11. PRIDE 2014: Do we still need it? 12 BIGGER IS BETTER 12 SOWETO PRIDE 13 PRETORIA PRIDE 13 MZANSI PRIDE 13 EKURHULENI PRIDE 14 JO’BURG PRIDE 14 NMB PRIDE 15 AT TRACKER WE’VE GOT YOUR ASS COVERED 20 STEPPING UP THE PACE: Report back from Aids Conference Melbourne 2014 24 DR PAUL SAMUGOMA 25 ELIZABETH TAYLOR HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD 26 THE BUZZ: News, snippets & gossip 32 THAT’S SO GAY... OR NOT 33 BEEFCAKES BOYS DO IT AGAIN 34 AUDI S3 CABRIOLET: 36 DRAG QUEENS ARE OUR FUTURE: Liberty Banks takes an honest look at new trends in drag 37 PRISCILLA - 20 years young 37 THE NORMAL HEART 38 CROSSING OVER: Mens health issues 40 GETTING THAT SUMMER LOOK
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24 34
FASHION 16 - 19 SIZZLE THIS SUMMER
SCENE OUT 28 - 31 Who’s been spotted out and about on the party scene...
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REVIEWS
40 OUT TO LUNCH: The Harvard Café 41 OUT TO LUNCH: Terroir 42 OUT ON DVD: With Daniel Dercksen 42 WORD PERFECT: Here I Am - PJ Powers’ best selling biography 46 OUT ON FILM: With Daniel Dercksen 47 MUSIC MOVES: With Daniel Dercksen 47 ON STAGE: With Daniel Dercksen 48 ON STAGE: War Horse is coming to THE PINK BOX South Africa IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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THE DESMOND TUTU HIV FOUNDATION & APPLAUZ
PRESENT ...
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.
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THE CAPE TOWN PHILHARMONIC YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND ...
BRENDON PHILLIPS
DANNY K
BLACKBYRD
BRANDON OCTOBER
CONNELL CRUISE
ZOE ZANA
APPLAUZ
SPONSOR GREEN POINT PARK, SUNDAY 2nd NOV 2014 Cover: Singing sensation PJ Powers - a South African icon CAPE TOWN AT 6:3OPM - Gates open 4.00pm
2014
CONCERT IN THE PARK
TICKETS: R185 Adults, R50 Children under 12 BOOK AT COMPUTICKET or Early Bird tickets (R165 & R40) - purchase online before 30 September @ www.capetownpops.net
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TRIARC
GAYING IT FORWARD ... OR THE MAGENTA MACHINE Following Triarc’s successful brand awareness campaign at the Knysna Pink Loerie , The Divine Miss Shannin Bronwyn Brown the host of all 3 major Pageants decided to leave her Centurion castle and “drag” herself down to Triarcs HQ in CapeTown. Welcome to the team honey. That wasn’t our only happy ending to this Fairy Story, as sponsors of the Pageants , Triarc managed to also get the recently crowned Mr Mardi Gras 2014 to also leave his hometown and become part of the Triarc history making machine. So if you should be passing by our offices in Century City pop in for a photo with him, he wont mind. We promise!!
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riarc has been popping up everywhere and as one muscle Mary said if the Gym was Magenta you would have your banners here too, now that might be an idea.
We were part of the Out In Africa Film Festival and painted both venues in Cape Town and Johannesburg Magenta. Daniel Radcliffe was in the Premier Movie of the Festival- kill My Darlings and was waving around something more than his wand this time. We look forward to the next Film Festival in October. Talking Gay and Lesbian Film festivals we also made an appearance at the Durban film Festival and Pride march. We were proud and honoured to be part of the Durban Pride and had some major insights into the Gay culture in the Zulu Kingdom. Viva LGBTI rights Viva !! We were honoured to be invited by Gender Dynamix to the 2nd Trans Health and Advocacy Conference held in Cape Town during the month of June , and learnt how much is needed still to be done in the Trans community in terms of Health benefits and legislation. Apart from the festivals and Prides, we have been making appearances at the Gay female only parties held in Jhb by the 1st Friday club and The M.I.S.S Partys held in Capetown. Its good to see the girls supporting these events, and we hope to see all you
gorgeous girls at the next one. In July we launched our ground breaking cartoon that will be dealing with not only LGBTI issues but at the same time educating the public about Triarc and our Insurance products. Keep an eye out for further episodes and be a part of history in the making. On 18 July we had the privilege of spending 67 minutes at the Pride Shelter in Cape Town. We got down and dirty and planted veggies the staff had bought for Mandela Day. Go find out more about this incredible Trust and what it is doing for those less fortunate in our community. And so we come full circle with the Pink Loerie , and that finally we are associated with Pink Loeire in their bid to bring Mr Gay World to Cape Town next year. The delegates fly to Rome in August and hopefully will bring this flagship event home to the Mother city and Knysna. When you are a Triarc member, insurance is a journey with many surprizes. If something dreadful happens to you we will come to the rescue, but while you are enjoying life we want to be there with you making it fabulous. From the moment you engage with one of our gorgeous team mates, through the process of getting your financial needs assessed, and of course while relaxing at your favourite venue or partying at an LGBTI event, Triarc is going to make the experience extraordinary!
“Some people say homosexuality is a sin. It’s not. God is totally cool with it, and he feels the same way about homosexuality as he does about heterosexuality. Now you might say woo woo, slow down, you move too fast. How could you have the audacity, the temerity to speak on behalf of God? Exactly, that’s and excellent point. And I pray that you remember it!” - Ted Alexandro - New York based stand up comedian. Mag 2
CAPE TOWN SHELTER RECEIVES CASH DONATION
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Cape Town charity supporting LGBTI people at times of crisis in their lives received a financial boost in late June through a LGBTI fundraising initiative in the city.
Representatives from the Pride Shelter Trust, based at 1 Molteno Road in Oranjezicht, attended the ninth Conversations event at Inn on the Square in Cape Town’s CBD on 24th June to take receipt of a cheque for R19,000. The Pride Shelter Trust is a non-profit organisation which manages a shelter offering short-term accommodation to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community of greater Cape Town during crisis periods in their lives. The shelter opened in April 2011 and has helped about 300 individuals since then. It is also the only one of its kind in South Africa, and Africa as a whole. More information on the Pride Shelter Trust can be found at www. pridesheltertrust.com and @prideshelter on Twitter. Conversations, launched in October 2013, is a monthly networking and social event for gay professionals (men and women) living and working in and around Cape Town. To date, there have been eleven highly successful events, hosted in upmarket hotels, bars and restaurants stretching from Woodstock to Sea Point. As well as facilitating face-to-face conversations between gay professionals, be it for business or social networking purposes, Conversations is also socially responsible by raising money for and awareness of local charities. The money raised for the Pride Shelter Trust partly came from the R120 door charge paid by the
attendees at the Conversations events from October 2013 – May 2014. The R19,000 also included a generous donation from The Glen Boutique Hotel in Sea Point, which hosted the events in October and February. At the June event, Andrew Howard, founder and director of Conversations, said: “I chose the Pride Shelter Trust as the first not-for-profit that Conversations would support because they provide invaluable support to LGBTI people in times of crisis. I am absolutely delighted that we have been able to raise this money that will help the shelter to continue its crucial work. I would also like to thank all those who have attended Conversations events since October. Without their support for this great cause, this fundraising effort would not have been possible.” Ian McMahon, a director of the Pride Shelter Trust, who took receipt of the R19,000 cheque, said: “As a crisis organisation, the timing of this donation just when our facility has become very busy due to the winter cold is wonderful. We mainly rely on the public sector for our funding and what a great way for the community to come together socially and raise money for a needy cause at the same time. Thank you to Conversations and Andrew Howard.” The next (and twelfth) Conversations event will be held in late September. People are asked to ‘like’ the Conversations Facebook page at www.facebook.com/conversationsza to receive updates and event invitations. Since the June event, Conversations has been raising money for Goedgedacht, a charity supporting disadvantaged rural children. More information can be found at www.goedgedacht.org.
ISN’T IT INTERESTING THAT A WORLD WHICH PROMOTES FREEDOM FROM RELIGIOUS PERSECTION ... ALLOWS RELIGION TO PERSECUTE FREEDOMS Mag 3
“STIRRING UP FEELINGS WITHOUT FEELING NOTHING MYSELF” by David Kaplan
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Photo: Fiona MacPherson
You want to know what’s going on in One Arm? It’s Tennessee Williams imagining what his whores think. What’s gliding underneath that smooth skin besides shadowy blue muscles? Does the animal he desires have a soul like his? Or is that animal something different? Something inhuman?
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onsider the untalking male beauties in those famous Williams plays: Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, or Doctor Sugar in Suddenly Last Summer, or John Buchanan in Summer and Smoke and Eccentricities of a Nightingale. These are problematic roles, as anyone knows who has tried to act them (or direct the plays in which they appear), because these guys, as sparkling cold as branches after an ice storm, as Miss Alma describes John Buchanan, seem becalmed. Yet everyone chattering nervously onstage in their presence is waiting to see and hear what these withholding studs will say or do. See, by staying mum, they control the situation and bring out the spoken truth or the desperation of a bitch in heat from whoever’s had the misfortune to want something from them. Just so Ollie Winemiller in One Arm. Ollie is well-endowed by his creator. Williams gave Ollie the callipygean ass of Kip Kiernan (the first and maybe only man Williams fell in love with without reserve) which is helpfully defined in the text: narrow hips with high, prominent buttocks. He has Kip’s marble-white skin. He has the champion light heavy-weight boxer’s body of Kilroy from William’s Camino Real. “Good-looking boy,” says the Gypsy in that play. “It’s no use saying to you good luck,” says the Gypsy in the story.
That juxtaposed binaries make for dynamic opposition (Valentine Xavier, for example, Eros/Christ, get it?) is something Williams learned a lot about from Ervin Piscator at the New School’s Theater Department in Manhattan and from Hans Hofmann at Hofmann’s art school in Provincetown. In interviews Williams sometimes defined his own life as an ongoing bout between a Puritan prude and a Cavalier who lived for pleasure. In the climactic scene of the short story, “One Arm,” (and the frame of the Abrahamse/Meyer stage adaptation) a Lutheran minister sits opposite Ollie. Seeing both together, like hearing Ollie speak with Williams’ voice, acquaints the Puritan with the Cavalier, not to commingle but to contend. Though Ollie offers the crack of his callipygean ass for a rubdown, the terrified minister calls a prison guard, even though Ollie has explained the door down the hallway creaks and no one could catch them at whatever is they might be up to. It’s easier for the minister to join Ollie in a death chant than in pleasure. They share the verses of the poem to the electric chair instead. And that, after all, is the light source, the illumination, of Williams’ grace: pain or pleasure, share. Marcel Meyer as Oliver Winemiller, photographed by Fiona MacPerson
In the Abrahamse /Meyer adaptation of One Arm for the stage, Ollie has also been gifted with Williams’ narrative voice and a poem Williams wrote about the electric chair. Articulate whores – in history and fiction -- are more usually female. Having Ollie use words like dilemma grants him a vocabulary Tennessee Williams reserved for himself, but also hooks Ollie up with Chance Wayne and Valentine Xavier, the pretty-faced sweettalking hustlers in Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth and Orpheus Descending. “Good-lucking boy,” drawls the man that Val’s cuckolding, before sizing up Val (short for Valentine, as in Love, get it?) with one word, “Trouble.” Discovering what’s beneath your own skin is the real discovery of One Arm, for Williams and Ollie. As Williams has Ollie say, he was “stirring up feelings without feeling nothing myself.” When Ollie makes headlines for a murder he did commit, his former clients, furtive men with fictitious names, seeing his unforgettable face in the newspaper have written letters to him on death row, letters confessing that his brief hours with them were the richest in their lives. Ollie reads those letters over and over – and when he enters the death chamber to be electrocuted he carries the letters with him as a child would a doll and keeps them so firmly clamped between his legs when he sits down on the hot seat that the guards choose not to pull them out. Think about that as an image to combine what’s between a hustler’s legs and what’s between his ears. Like a good actor, Ollie gains character by how he understands someone other than himself. The pages probably catch on fire when the current passes through him. That life or love is a flash in the dark is Tennessee Williams’ ultimate metaphor: a girl blowing out a candle or a man lighting a cigarette. What shines so briefly demands to be remembered: faces and glittering eyes picked out in the gloom, as in film noir cinematography, or a painting by Caravaggio, who invited the puffy-lipped Roman hustlers of the 1600s to sit for him as models for pagan gods (Narcissus! Bacchus!) and various Catholic Saints. Seventeenth century and in the 1940s and now, paintings, film, short stories and plays, those who make them and those who inspire them are illuminations of the Buddhist idea that the lotus blooms best in the mud.
One Arm runs at the Artscape Arena from 28 August till 14 September, starring Marcel Meyer as Oliver and Nicholas Dallas as the Minister. Direction and Design is by multi-award winning Fred Abrahamse. Book at Computicket or Artscape-Dail-A-Seat. Mag 5
UNITY IN LEATHER After a gap of a year we will once again be choosing an African contestant who will represent South Africa at the IML Contest in Chicago next year. What makes this year’s contest more unique is that not only will a Mr SA Leatherman be chosen but for the first time judges will be choosing a Ms SA Leather as well.
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he event which is the only one of its kind in South Africa and as such is always popular and well attended. This year’s event which takes place on Saturday 6th December will be no different in that respect, however, SA Leather is making history in that for the first time a Ms SA Leather will also be chosen. Ms SA Leather will be the first South African to represent the country in San Jose, California in April 2015 at IMsL (International Ms. Leather). The winner of the Mr SA Leatherman will go to Chicago to the IML (International Mr Leather) where in recent years our South African Mr Leathermen have fared extremely well.
Jaco
The contest is the highlight of a number of leather themed events which include the Leather Beer Bust on December 5, 2014 and SA Leather Brunch (hosted by Mr & Ms SA Leather 2015) on December 7, 2014.
Gerrie
The country’s first representative at IML was in 2010 when the gorgeous and über sexy Jaco Lourens, who together with his great personality won over the judges, garnering him a coveted 4th place in the competition. A huge accolade as there were well over 50 contestants from all over the United States and the world.
In 2013 a cool, sexy, soft spoken Johann Jooste won the coveted Mr SA Leatherman title and again came 7th in Chicago cementing South Africa’s reputation in the international leather world. So following in the footsteps of these three leather men it is time to choose the 2015 Mr SA Leatherman and that job Mag 6
The South African leather community is small and largely invisible, but as Jeffrey Payne (IML Mr Leather 2009) said on a visit to Cape Town, “As someone who is looking from the outside … I see a community that is growing quickly and has a base of individuals who are extremely dedicated and are stopping at nothing to make things happen”. Furthermore, congratulations to Jaco Lourens who has just received yet another accolade; he has been awarded the Pantheon of Leather - Man of the Year 2014 Award.
The following year saw Gerrie Vorster another hunky South African Mr Leatherman walk off with 7th place out of 52 contestants. That same year Jaco Lourens, was bestowed with the prestigious Pantheon of Leather Community Service Award at an awards ceremony show held at the Sanctuary Studios LAX in Los Angeles. Another first for South Africa’s small leather community.
goes to the international judging panel who will be presiding over this year event. Hailing from America, Canada & Europe will be the current International Ms. Leather - Patty from Toronto, Canada and the current International Mr. Leather - Ramien from Washington DC. Also present will be the big daddy, Chuck Renslow who started it all - he founded International Mr. Leather in 1979 in Chicago.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!!!
Johann
This year for the first time a Leather and Lions Tour of South Africa has been organised. The Leather & Lions South African Leather Tour has been organised by American tour operator Master Travel & Tours, (Email: leather@mastertnt.com) with the help and support of a tireless Jaco Lourens and Craig Barrowman. The Tour which starts in Cape Town and takes tourists through to Johannesburg and on to a safari in the Kruger National Park already has over 30 leather men and women confirmed.
Jaco & Jeffrey Payne
Their Cape Town stay includes the various leather events already mentioned as well as taking in the sights and sounds this beautiful city has to offer. Moving on to Johannesburg, the tours overnights at a comfortable B&B and takes in the Lion Park Tour including a cheetah walk, lion cub encounters and guided night game drive. They then travel on to the world-renowned Kruger National Park where they will spend an idyllic 4 nights at private game reserve, enjoying morning and evening game drives, and afternoon sundowners. An absolute trip of a lifetime and all are like-minded leather men and women. So diarise the Mr & Ms SA Leather Contest on Saturday 6th December as an absolutely not to be missed event. Unpack those chaps, harnesses, leather pants and boots - head along to the Scouts Hall at 104B Bay Road, and at a mere R50 entrance you are guaranteed a great evening with hot, sexy people. The event starts at 7:00pm so don’t be late you could miss it! Mag 7
AND WHAT ABOUT OUR MALE ICONS In most of our previous issues we’ve had a tendency to feature those diva’s who we revere and hold up as the icons of the gay community, however what about the male icons, those straight men who have shown their support for the rights of the gay community and the gay men who have blazed their way through adverse publicity, who have in some instances put their careers on the line to be out and supportive of their gay community...
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y definition of a gay icon is that the person can be a historical figure, a celebrity, or a public figure that has been embraced by those within the gay community. Furthermore this person can be homosexual or heterosexual. Marlon Brando, he was bisexual and had gay relationships with other equally famous stars of his day. In 1949 the famous director Roger Vadim was living in Paris with his best friend, actor Christian Marquand. At the time Vadim was working as a stage actor and journalist. The two were having lunch on the terrace of La Coupole, in Montparnasse. They noticed a startlingly handsome man seated alone at a nearby table. At the time Marlon Brando was having an affair with Jacques Viale, one of the waiters. Vadim and Marquand introduced themselves. They knew nothing of Brando’s recent success on Broadway, taking him for an out of work actor bumming around Paris. When Brando mentioned that he was suffering in an uncomfortable fleabag of a hotel, Vadim and Marquand invited Brando to come and live with them - all three became intimately acquainted. In fact, Brando had been staying at the Hotel d’Alsace in the very room (number 16 today), in which Oscar Wilde had died penniless and disgraced. It was a flea bag then - today it is glamorous and very expensive. The normally heterosexual Marquand soon became besotted with Brando. Marlon introduced his new friends to his waiter friend, Jacques Viale, who joined their circle. Viale later said that his time with Brando and his friends was the greatest moment of his life. “It was all downhill after Brando.” When Roger and Christian moved to larger quarters in Paris, they took in another actor, Daniel Gélin, to help with expenses. Even though Brando and Christian were immersed in a deeply sexual Mag 8
and emotional relationship, Brando set his sights on Gélin, who was an easy, willing target. Brando was bisexual and possessed a voracious libido. There were plenty of homosexual experiences to report – among his partners were Burt Lancaster, Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Leonard Bernstein, Noël Coward, Tyrone Power, Montgomery Clift (on a dare, they once ran naked down Wall Street together), James Dean and Rock Hudson. Late in life Brando said, “I have truly loved only three men in my life: Wally Cox, Christian Marquand and Daniel Gélin. All others were merely ships passing in the night.” But it was his gorgeous looks and the homo-erotic pictures of him as Stanley Kowalsky in a sweaty T-shirt, oozing sex, with a great body that had gay men gasping for more. The sultry, sexy star of the fifties, James Dean died tragically at a very young age and became a legend and icon to gay men everywhere. The film, Joshua Tree 1951: A Portrait of James Dean (2012) tackles the gay subject matter head-on. One scene shows James Dean making love to his male roommate in a corridor. Another shows him indulging in a tryst with another male, this time on top of a mountain. Dean’s first biographer was close friend William Bast, who had a intimate relationship with the actor. Dean was also described as homosexual by screenwriter Gavin Lambert and Nicholas Ray, who directed Rebel Without A Cause. Dean avoided being drafted into the war by registering as a homosexual, which was classified in those days as a mental disorder by the US government. However, when questioned about being gay, Dean famously stated, “I am not a homosexual. But, I’m also not going to go through life with one hand tied behind my back.” He was known to have sexual relations with both men and women. James Dean died tragically in a car crash in 1955, aged only 24, Born Freddie Bulsara he changed his name to Mercury when
“These people who are making a big deal out of gay marriage? I don’t give a fuck about who wants to get married to anybody else. We are making a big deal out of things that we shouldn’t be making a big deal out of. They go on and on about all this bullshit about “sanctity”. Don’t give me that sanctity crap! Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want.” - Clint Eastwood I suppose it all began when I came out of the womb. I looked back up at my mother and thought to myself, ‘That’s the last time I’m going up one of those.’” - Stephen Fry “My Uncle Mike has been with my Uncle Frank for 35 years. I grew up never seeing the difference between gay and straight people. Acceptance has got to start in the home” - Michael Buble
he joined the rock group Smile. Soon after he persuaded them to rename the band, and it became Queen. Freddie had a wildly flamboyant stage persona, and made the rock world sit up and take notice. With his four-octave vocal range, which he showed off with abandon, Queen became an international sensation within only four years. To his gay fans, his over-the-top behaviour on stage sporting a crown and long red cloak as he belted out The Great Pretender seemed to be a shout to the world that he was gay - deal with it! - It was this outrageous behaviour that instantly made him an icon to gay men the world over. Freddie who came out in a 1974 magazine interview, arrived at Sun City Super Bowl on 7 October 1984 to perform three concerts. After four songs in the first concert the tour was cancelled due to Mercury losing his voice, however this didn’t stop him from making his way to sample Joburg’s gay nightlife. Although he was openly gay, he maintained an important and enduring relationship with a woman, Mary Austin. Upon his death due to AIDS complications in 1991, Mercury left his estate to her. He had been diagnosed with AIDS in 1987, but publicly denied it until the day before his death at age 45. Sir Ian McKellen made his sexual orientation known to his fellow actors early on in his stage career, it was not until 1988 that he came out to the general public, in a programme on BBC Radio 3. Overriding any concerns about a possible negative effect on his career, McKellen opposed the controversial Section 28 of the Local Government Bill, which was under consideration in the British Parliament. The bill proposed to prohibit local authorities from “promoting homosexuality”. In a 1998 interview discussing the 29th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, McKellen commented, “I have many regrets about not having come out earlier, but one of them might be that I didn’t engage myself in the politicking.” He has continued to be very active in LGBT rights efforts since. In a statement on his website regarding his activism, the actor commented that: “ I have been reluctant to lobby on other issues I most care about – nuclear weapons (against), religion (atheist), capital punishment (anti), AIDS (fund-raiser) because I never want to be forever spouting, diluting the impact of addressing my most urgent concern; legal and social equality for gay people worldwide.” In 1994, at the closing ceremony of the Gay Games, he briefly took the stage to address the crowd, saying, “I’m Sir Ian McKellen, but you can call me Serena”: This nickname, given to him by Stephen Fry, had been circulating within the gay community
since McKellen’s knighthood was conferred. In 2002, he was the Celebrity Grand Marshal of the San Francisco Pride Parade and attended the Academy Awards with his then-boyfriend, Nick Cuthell. In 2006, McKellen spoke at the pre-launch of the 2007 LGBT History Month in the UK, lending his support to the organisation and its founder, Sue Sanders. In 2007, he became a patron of The Albert Kennedy Trust, an organisation that provides support to young, homeless and troubled LGBT people. In 2006, he became a patron of Oxford Pride, stating: “I send my love to all members of Oxford Pride, their sponsors and supporters, of which I am proud to be one... Onlookers can be impressed by our confidence and determination to be ourselves and gay people, of whatever age, can be comforted by the occasion to take the first steps towards coming out and leaving the closet forever behind.” McKellen has taken his activism internationally, and caused a major stir in Singapore, where he was invited to do an interview on a morning show and shocked the interviewer by asking if they could recommend him a gay bar; the programme immediately ended. In 2010, McKellen extended his support for Liverpool’s Homotopia festival in which a group of gay and lesbian Merseyside teenagers helped to produce an anti-homophobia campaign pack for schools and youth centres across the city. In May 2011, he called Sergey Sobyanin, Moscow’s mayor, a “coward” for refusing to allow gay parades in the city. The iconic, legendary actor has also spent time in Africa, in 1994 he appeared Theatre on the Bay in Cape town and went on to march in Johannesburg’s Gay Pride parade that year along with Anthony Sher and his partner. He has been in South Africa on holiday half-a-dozen times and was here filming The Prisoner (a TV miniseries). He was also seen on stage in Waiting for Godot at the Threatre on the Bay in Camps Bay. Another British performer and activist held in high esteem by the gay community is Sir Elton John, who together with his husband and life partner David Furnish is active in campaigning for gay rights worldwide. They are involved in the funding and fund-raising of numerous charities. Sir Elton is obviously known for his music first, but also for his outlandish costumes on stage and at the lavish parties he has thrown off stage. An out of the closet gay activist and champion of gay rights cements his place as one of the most deserved of his gay icon status. George Michael is also considered an icon to the gay community, for two reasons: firstly he is gay and secondly, the manner in Mag 9
which he was outed. Caught cruising the toilets in a park in Beverley Hills. It made him vulnerable and one of us. His celebrity didn’t shield him from the homophobia we all experience at some point in our lives and what gay man can say he has never cruised a public toilet, intentionally or otherwise. Once outed he has never held back and has been high profile, not always for doing good deeds, but again for being one of us. Whilst not as much in the public eye as Sir Elton John when it comes to shouting about gay rights, George Michael is involved in organisations such as Kaleidoscope, a gay rights group in Britain that aims to stop homophobic violence around the world. I just love Neil Patrick Harris. He’s openly gay, announcing it in 2006 by saying, “I am happy to dispel any rumours or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest...” Harris, is a prominent and popular actor, singer and magician! Whats more his career has skyrocketed since coming out. You’ve got to love Stephen Fry. Out and proud and not afraid to confront political and social leaders regarding homophobic attitudes, laws or actions. His two part television documentatry was recently aired on DSTV, Stephen Fry: Out There in which he explored attitudes to homosexuality and the lives of gay people in different parts of the globe. Not all our icons are gay or bisexual, some straight men are icons because they are drop dead gorgeous, we wish they were gay and they have embraced the gay community or gay issues, these include Brad Pitt, Prince Harry, Jake Gyllenhall, David Beckham ... the list goes on... Drop dead gorgeous, Brad Pitt, when questioned about his stance on same sex marriage, he’s reported to have said, “Gay marriage is inevitable. The next generation, they get it. It is just a matter of time before it becomes a reality.” Pitt has long advocated on behalf of same-sex marriage rights. He previously told Esquire Magazine that he and fiancée Angelina Jolie would not get married until “everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able.” In addition, he also donated $100,000 to the Human Rights Campaign’s National Marriage Fund, a campaign committed to the support of gay marriage legislation in the United States. Jake Gyllenhall shot to iconic status after his role in everyone’s favourite gay movie Brokeback Mountain. The hot, sexy superstar said when his sexuality was questioned, “It’s a huge compliment,” but ... he’s not gay. In another interview he said, “I don’t think I’d be afraid of it [homosexuality] if it happened,” he added “I am not open to persuasion myself, but the idea of homosexuality is acceptable to me,’ he told the Sunday Telegraph. “I grew up in a city where half the people I know are gay. Both of my godfathers are gay.” David Beckham, is another straight man who has achieved gay icon status as a result of great looks, great body and again he supports gay causes and isn’t afraid to say as much. “Being a gay icon is a great honour for me. I’m quite sure of my feminine side, and I’ve not got a problem with that at all. These days it’s the norm, and it should be,” - God don’t you just love him! Prince Harry has been praised by gay rights groups for supporting equality causes. He supported rugby player, Ben Cohen’s anti-homophobic bullying charity Stand Up Foundation and has Mag 10
no qualms about being open about his support of the gay community. James Wharton, the author of a book about ten years of being gay in the British military, said of Harry, “He’s 100% gay-friendly. He would describe himself as that.” In the book he relates an incident in 2008, when six soldiers threatened to beat him up over him being gay. “I think I’m going to be murdered by the infantry,” he told Prince Harry, who apparently said to him: “Right, I’m going to sort this shit out once and for all.” The royal, who is now fourth in line to the throne, allegedly approached the men and warned them that they would be “severely disciplined” if they did not stop their threatening behaviour. You may have seen the pink Union Jack with Harry’s image, apparently it is a mural at a London gay pub but it has appeared on posters, T-shirts and other memorabilia. Yeah, we like a dashing, devastatingly handsome Prince! There are also the icons whom we revere, not only for their supportive or activist role, but for their open support of gay people. Nelson Mandela championed our rights throughout negotiations for South Africa’s constitution - we owe him and his fellow supporters, notably Simon Nkoli a great deal of gratitude. Every gay bar and club in this country should have a plaque or framed picture of Archbishop Desmond Tutu who’s constant support of gay rights must be admired. He said to Charisma News, “It isn’t that it’s questionable when you speak up for the right of people with different sexual orientation. People took some part of us and used it to discriminate against us. In our case, it was our ethnicity; it’s precisely the same thing for sexual orientation. People are killed because they’re gay. I don’t think, “What do I want to do today? I want to speak up on gay rights.” No. It’s God catching me by my neck.” He added, “I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this. I am as passionate about this campaign [Gay Rights] as I ever was about Apartheid. For me, it is at the same level.” Earlier this year, Archbishop Tutu said: “I would refuse to go to a homophobic Heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place.” Archbishop Tutu has been vocal with regard to Uganda’s anti-gay laws, and had urged the South African government to intercede and try and persuade the Ugandan president against passing them. He said Museveni’s decision could lead to situations like those that happened in Nazi Germany or during the apartheid. “In South Africa, apartheid police used to rush into bedrooms where whites were suspected of making love to blacks,” Tutu said in a statement. “It was demeaning to those whose ‘crime’ was to love each other, it was demeaning to the policemen - and it was a blot on our entire society.” “The history of people is littered with attempts to legislate against love or marriage across class, caste and race,” Tutu argued. “But there is no scientific basis or genetic rationale for love... There is no scientific justification for prejudice and discrimination, ever. And nor is there any moral justification. Of all our current icons, gay, straight or bisexual, and only a few are listed here, it is their support of the community and support of the fight that gay people experience every day just to be accepted, that we honour the most. I for one value their courage in standing up, not only for themselves, but for what is fair and right in this world.
PRIDE 2014
DO WE STILL NEED IT It’s that time of the year in Gauteng when gay boys, girls, men and women emerge from their winter closets and join their LGBT brothers and sisters to celebrate Gay & Lesbian Pride. But have you ever stopped to think about why Pride exists and what the history behind it is.
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frica’s first-ever Pride march took place in Johannesburg in 1989, with its roots firmly founded in human rights activism. The first Pride march saw around 1 000 brave activists assembling outside of the offices of the South African Institute of Race Relations in Braamfontein, before marching through Hillbrow and the Jo’burg city centre, many of them wearing masks or paper bags to cover their faces … We have come a long day since then. Today paper bags are no longer necessary, today we can march proudly celebrating the human rights we enjoy in this country.
Liberation Day March. The parade influenced gay people in other cities around the world, laying the ground work for Pride parades internationally. In fact, because Stonewall took place in June, President Obama recently declared June to be LGBT Pride month in the United States.
It is a celebration of how far we have come and the huge achievements that we’ve made, but we also need to remember those on our continent who don’t enjoy our freedoms. We must remember those who are still discriminated against in this country, such as the victims of corrective rape. Since that first Pride march in 1989, Jo’burg Pride has grown into the African continent’s oldest and biggest (and loudest and proudest) Pride march, attracting tens of thousands of supporter every year from throughout the Jo’burg and Pretoria metros, as well as visitors from around the country, the continent and the world Essentially though, the actual pride parade and after party is exactly that – a party!! This is not just a South African phenomenon, Gay Prides all over the globe function in exactly the same manner. They are celebrations. In 1969 in New York City it was illegal to be gay, it was illegal to gather with like-minded people or to even dance with your samesex partner. There was however one bar in Greenwich Village, The Stonewall, where LGBT people gathered. The bar was often raided by police and the patrons harassed and arrested. Police brutality was commonplace but on June 28, 1969, when the police raided again, the drag queens, lesbians and other gay patrons decided enough is enough! – The three day stand-off that resulted is infamously known as the Stonewall Riots and launched the modern-day LGBT rights movement not only in the United States but in a number of countries across the globe. A month after the riots ended, New York City saw one of the world’s first public marches where LGBT people proudly, publicly claimed their identities: it was called The Christopher Street
Today there are gay pride celebrations in hundreds of cities around the world. Gay pride events have a high level of touristic relevance, they have developed into excellent attractions in city tourism. Take the Sydney Mardi Gras which attracts people from every corner of the globe and brings in $70 million to the citys coffers or Sao Paulo Pride (pictured above), the world’s largest attracting some 4-million people. In Europe, because of the close proximity of large cities, there is a great deal of international interaction between the various Pride festivals. My straight friends ask me why gays and lesbians need parades and festivals — they only see it as a protest and not the celebration that it is. One of the motto’s of this year’s World Pride in Toronto, Canada comes to mind … “GAY PRIDE WAS NOT BORN OF A NEED TO CELEBRATE BEING GAY, BUT OUR RIGHT TO EXIST WITHOUT PERSECUTION. SO INSTEAD OF WONDERING WHY THERE ISN’T A STRAIGHT PRIDE MOVEMENT, BE GRATEFUL YOU DON’T NEED ONE.
The Stonewall - where it all started
In this world, it is automatically assumed that everyone is heterosexual and there is no shame cast upon it because we are born that way. But when you are born gay - and I truly believe we are - society forces judgment, shame and unequal rights upon us. Many people are ashamed of being gay because ignorant, bigoted people have told them it is wrong; they are discriminated against, harassed and threatened. All over the western world, especially in Mag 11
BIGGER IS BETTER!
B
eing the largest dealership in the Cape metropol, our stock holding allows us the opportunity to offer a wider range of colour and specification on new cars and a significant and varied amount of pre-owned and demonstrator cars. What’s new? VW have just launched the latest generation Polo, the top selling compact hatch in the country since 2010! Those with an eye for detail will pick up the nip and tuck on the exterior, there is nothing like a new outfit to get one feeling good, and noticed! The most exciting changes though are found inside with bluetooth and touchscreen infotainment system adding to the already very comfortable and feature packed standard option offering. The new smaller turbo-charged motors deliver a more spirited drive and phenomenal economy, which is a big factor with fuel prices rising with alarming regularity. Our SUV Tiguan and Sexy Scirocco coupe are also due for a botox ‘fix’ and the latest versions will be arriving in South Africa in the next few months soon after our amazing good value Vivo face-lift arrives in September. There is a lot more to come and 2015 will bring many new and exciting new offerings. Of course, no little advertorial would be complete without stating the obvious. At Barons Culemborg you will have a unique experience with highly competent finance, technical and parts consultants on hand to make buying and looking after your new Volkswagen no drama and fuss free.
South Africa gay communities have made huge advances in the fight for equality. I can’t help thinking about that first pride march in 1989. The apartheid regime was so entrenched and powerful, Mandela was still in jail, we had no gay rights; who would have thought then that within a few year’s Nelson Mandela would be President, that we would have a majority government, that we would have a constitution with gay rights entrenched, that we were also one of the first countries to accept and legalise gay marriage and gay equality in the work place. These are hugely important steps, more so when we are the only country in Africa where LGBT people enjoy any rights at all, and for that we must be proud. Things are changing quickly and hopefully for the better. I feel so blessed I was born when I was and experienced my own gay history. I know many people don’t understand the importance of the gay pride movement and the events that surround it. Gay pride is important because it brings awareness to issues and needs many LGBTQA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning and allies – the list keeps growing!) people deal with daily. It is also a celebration of pride within ourselves and our gay community. It is a great way to come together as one and try to bring hope and change. Pride events in large cities attract people who may not be able to be out and open in their own hometowns. It really gives people the opportunity to be themselves with no worry of backlash from others. Prides allow us to connect with others who are like us, who have been through similar experiences, and to create that meaningful family bond. The significance of pride is something that has always been questioned, but what people must realise is that pride parades and festivals are like a big, gay church. We go to events surrounding the parade to celebrate, have fun and get drunk, but the parade is our mass gathering. To us, it’s meaningful. And although it may appear to be a giant party of near-naked men prancing around the street, it is an opportunity for us to reflect on how we got here, how we can live in harmony without feeling threatened and live proud. Some people feel that prejudice in our local communities and unfair laws in other parts of Africa necessitate civil action/demonstrations, that is their way of bringing awareness and celebrating our achievements. I agree that there is a place for civil action and protests but I also believe that Pride is a celebration. Whatever way you feel about celebrating pride, do it and remember those people who made it all possible.
SOWETO PRIDE
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OWETO Pride is a political project initiated by FEW in 2004 with the aim of creating and making political and social space for black lesbian women to celebrate our sexuality and our humanity. Pride has grown in numbers over the years. SOWETO Pride is held every year on the Saturday closest to Heritage Day in September. The Programme includes a lively protest march from a central point in SOWETO, moving through the residential and business areas and ends at a point such a park.
Please visit us on the Foreshore for attention to detail service from Tod and his awesome team or see our website www.baronsvwculemborg for special offers.
A political programme at the endpoint is followed by a cultural programme to celebrate our struggles and victories as black lesbian women, as the broader women’s movement and as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Friends, family and all those in solidarity with us in our struggles join in the celebrations. Organisations are able to display their messaging, products, promotional items and to engage with participants. See more at: www.sowetopride.co.za
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PRETORIA PRIDE
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retoria Pride 2014 has been confirmed for the 4 October 2014, and will take place at the Centurion Rugby Club. With the event just around the corner, the Pretoria Pride Board has confirmed that they will be hosting the second Pretoria Pride Festival. Board Member Bruce Walker had this to say: “We are very hard at work, building up the Pretoria Pride Brand, this in the efforts to give people of all persuasions a day where they can celebrate who they are without being judged” An expected 10 000 (ten thousand) festival goers will fill up the fields as we welcome International 80’s Pop Icon Hazell Dean, who will be joined on stage by other local acts including Mark Stent, Jacques Terre’Blanche and Bronz. With ONLY a mere 200m walk from the Centurion Gautrain Station and loads of parking around The Super Sport Park, attendees have one less thing to worry about on what promises to be a day of festivities. Confirmed Pride MC’s Morne JK & Koyo Bala will keep patrons informed of the day’s festivities. To date confirmed sponsors include “The TriArc Group”,
“Tshwane Municipality” and more will be confirmed prior to the event. The 2014 theme – “In The Service Of Love” was chosen from the lyrics of the song – “All we need is love, as love conqueuors all, with love and understanding we can stop all hate”. The hate that people all over the world are experiencing and enduring at the moment. In terms of self-preservation, war in some parts of the world and the continual acts of judgment against the supposed “Not Normal”, the Pretoria Pride Board felt that this theme would be representative to not only of the LGBTI community, but to every human being suffering at the hand of hate and discrimination. Pride Day Highlights Include: Flea Market Area Loads of Parking The Best Entertainment A Kiddies Play Park (Hosted by CAP) Doggies Food Stalls Easy Access VIP Tickets available – Limited THE BEST EVER PRIDE
MZANSI PRIDE
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rom the 1st till the 6th of December 2014, Africa will gather at its economic hub for the inaugural MZANSI Pride, to celebrate diversity in unity and challenge stigma. The event is expected to draw an audience coming from as far asAngola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the various South African provinces.
The brainchild of businessman and philanthropist, Cino Shearer, MZANSI Pride’s mandate is to ensure social cohesion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons into “main stream” society. This we will achieve by collaborating and working together with LGBTI organizations within the SADAC region. Moreover, MZANSI Pride recognizes the need to champion the struggle for the rights of all LGBTI persons living in Africa and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the thirty seven African states where homosexuality is deemed illegal in the eyes of the law.
pate in a colourful celebration of a unique and diverse community of persons that are pioneering in every sphere of society and have gained strides in reshaping public perception. The newly born idea that will see majority of LGBTI organisations in Africa unite in making the MZANSI PRIDE vision work will come together to make this event a success. THE FESTIVITIES Members of the LGBTI community, their supporters, friends and family - from all walks of life - will be treated to a weeklong of edutainment festivities ranging from workshops on transgender people, a fashion show, a movie fringe festival, Miss Mzansi Pride, book club and poetry session. We are hoping all these activities will happen in at Constitution Hill as it have rich history about Mzansi and all Should you need any other information please contact Mzansi Pride at: yayamavundla@gmail.com or yaya@mzansipride.com
Over thirty thousand people are expected to descend upon the city of Johannesburg to embrace their inner pride and partici-
EKURHULENI A PRIDE
t the time of going to press no information bregarding the up-coming Ekurhuleni Pride had been received after numerous requests. For those of you plannibg on supporting this pride event, the best suggestion is to keep checking the website. www. ekurhulenipride.co.za/ Mag 13
JO’BURG PRIDE
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ohannesburg Pride has announced that the 25th Annual Pride parade and festival will take place at Mushroom Farm Park in Sandton Details of the planned route and venue layout will be available in the online E-mag which will be released mid-September.
8955 or you can email: tickets@johannesburgpride.co.za When asked why they were changing the venue, a committee member said that Zoo Lake were looking for R200 000 venue hire fee apart from the additional expenses for added security and road closures required for the entire area, which for a free event was out of the question.
It is the first time that Pride will be held at Mushroom Farm Park and the organisers are thrilled to be hosting the event in such a picturesque and perfectly located venue. The farm forms part of the Sandton Urban hub and is a few hundred metres from the Sandton Gautrain Station.
Furthermore it is felt that Mushroom Park’s location is perfect with ample parking in the area and being so close to the Sandton Gautrain station is much more convenient for people wanting to attend.
VIP Tickets are available for the event from Navin at 082 887
So diarise the date: 24 October 2014
NELSON MANDELA BAY PRIDE
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his year Nelson Mandela Bay (Port Elizabeth) Pride will be held on Saturday the 29th of November, and as with past events promises to have something for everyone.
This year planning includes a vibrant, high-impact Parade down the beachfront, culminating in a festival at The Boardwalk Casino & Entertainment World - this year’s Pride festivities will be unlike any other held in Port Elizabeth thus far. Organisors have arranged a diverse & fun selection of merriment such as a creative art exhibition, a glamorous variety show and an entertaining, fun in the sun, music concert; that will showcase both local and national artists & musicians. For the more rebellious revellers at heart there is a starlit, “after party” which will include sets from top national and international deejays guarenteed to keep you moving well into the night. Nelson Mandela Bay Pride aims to spread the love, demonstrating the freedom that the LGBTI community has in claiming their own identity and in turn will showcase the true diversity & welcoming spirit of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.
For more information contact: Hanro Manefeldt | Marketing, Media & Events. Email: info@nmbpride.co.za Mag 14
AT TRACKER WE’VE GOT YOUR
ASS COVERED “WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO LIVE IN A FREE AND FAIR SOCIETY WHERE ALL CITIZENS ENJOY FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, WHICH WE FEEL TAPS INTO THE SPIRIT OF DURBAN PRIDE” Last month’s Durban Pride was its usual fun-filled, consciously aware celebration of free choice, with one difference; hundreds of pink umbrellas and sandwich boards lit up the Liberation March with a tongue-in-cheek campaign message, “We’ve got your ass covered,” to coin a phrase for protecting your interests.
how our service has allowed people to enjoy their freedom a little more, safe in the knowledge that someone is watching over their vehicle, the driver and any passengers, hence the reference to ‘covered’.” She adds, “By the same token, we are privileged to live in a free and fair society where all citizens enjoy freedom of expression, which we feel taps into the spirit of Durban Pride.”
the spirits. The Tracker of today has shifted to products and services that focus on more than stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) and offer a host of new innovative safety and security solutions that act as a partner to keep you safe. Tracker’s activation at Durban Pride communicated one of these – Theft Rescue. In the unfortunate event of a vehicle theft or hijacking incident,
And the spirits were certainly high on the day. Durban never needs a second invitation to celebrate, and this year’s 4th annual Durban Pride was no exception. Even the umbrellas were proudly opened for the entire route, despite the mostly dry conditions. Perhaps to ensure that absolutely nothing would dampen
Tracker will assist you to replace your lost valuables by helping you out with cash, a cellphone, trauma counselling sessions and a rental vehicle with a full tank of petrol. There’s a rumour that you can also get a pink umbrella… if that’s what you want.
“THE NOTION OF FREEDOM IS VERY CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS” The concept was driven by Tracker, the company concerned with enabling the freedom of South African vehicle owners, and was specially designed for the Pride festival to highlight the numerous services Tracker offers with the express objective of giving South Africans additional monitoring and protection which provides the security to enjoy their freedom. Bronwynn Tippett, Chief Marketing Officer of Tracker explains, “At Tracker, the notion of freedom is very close to our hearts, as we want South Africans to feel safe and secure wherever they may be. Over the years, we’ve seen
www.facebook.com/TrackerSA
Tracker_SA
Mag 15
SIZZLE THIS SUMME
The 2014 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Cape Town was the hottest even Mag 16
ER
Photographer Simon Diener - SDR Photo
nt this winter, and Ruald Rheeder’s collection made the mercury rise ... Mag 17
Mag 18
Designer Ruald Rheeder’s collection of swimwear and floral d
day wear for men made the ramp the hottest spot in Cape town this winterMag 19
STEPPING UP THE PACE This was the theme adopted for the 20th International AIDS Conference held in Melbourne, Australia from July 20 25th, 2014. The conference, which attracted delegates from all over the world, was shrouded by the horrific news that Malaysian Airlines flight MH17, bound for Melbourne with a number of delegates on board was blown out of the sky. However, it was decided to go ahead with the conference as organisors felt those delegates would have wanted it that way. Dr Geoff Fenn, BSc (Hons.) MBBCH (Wits), a GP working at Germiston Medicross, attended with a delegation from the Ekurhuleni Metro where he serves as a DA Councillor. He reported back ...
Report back from the 20th International AIDS conference, Melbourne. July 20-25 2014 by Geoff Fenn
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t was clear at the conference that we have entered a new era and we can truly say a world without AIDS is no longer a dream. The opening plenary was addressed by our own Prof Karim of University of KZN and he attempted to answer the question as to “where we are now”. We know that there are only 3 ways to acquire HIV, through blood transfer, sexually and vertically (from a Mother to her child). 1 in 1000 sexual exposures leads to infection and 25% of babies acquire the virus from their Mothers without any medical intervention. The number of infections has reached a plateau and the number of deaths has shown a decline. New infections are also showing a decline. We have an entire “toolbox” for prevention which when using a combination thereof is very effective. 1. Behavioural modification 2. Condoms, both male and female 3. Treatment of STI’s 4. Prevention of mother to child transmission 5. Post exposure prophylaxis (taking ART after a possible exposure) 6. Microbicide gels, vaginal and rectal 7. HIV VCT (Voluntary counseling and testing) 8. Oral PreP (pre-exposure prophylaxis, taking a pill to prevent exposure if undertaking risky activities) 9. TasP (treatment as prevention, taking treatment in order to lower the chance of infecting others). 10. Male medical circumcision. Further prevention methods for the future include 11. Vaccines 12. Vaginal rings containing ARV’s and possibly combined with a contraceptive both effective for a month or even longer. 13. Long acting ARV’s in injectable form. In 2005 we only had 2m on treatment and last year this number was 13m. We have had 1.5m AIDS related deaths and 35m are living with HIV. Daily 6000 new people are infected. 2/3 or 25m of the infections are in Sub-Saharan Africa. 1/3 of infection occurs in the youth and in particular young women. Mag 20
The top 10 countries by pure numbers infected are 1. South Africa 2. Nigeria 3. India 4. Kenya 5. Mozambique 6. Uganda 7. Tanzania 8. Zimbabwe 9. USA 10. Zambia These 10 countries have 61% of the epidemic. Only 45% of those infected in Sub-Saharan Africa are aware they have the virus and only 39% of those who need treatment are getting it. 13% of those infected are co-infected with TB, this dual impact putting on huge burden on the health system. Certain key populations have a disproportionate burden of being infected: 1. MSM (men who have sex with men) - This is a huge, largely ignored problem in Africa from “Cape to Cairo”. 2. IDU, injecting drug users. Pakistan is a growing epidemic. 3. Sex workers with the biggest problem being in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). 4. Young women have a huge incidence in SSA a compared to their boy contemporaries. In over 20 year olds a 24% incidence compared to only 1% in boys of that age who catch up when older. In a study of infection in rural SA schools 118 infections were identified. The genetic codes of the infected viruses were decoded to establish the source of the infection and only 2 of these infections was shown to have come from infection within the school all the others had come from presumably older men from outside of the school, sugar daddies. The stigma around HIV is still a major hindrance and is not helped by the actions of Putin and Uganda as well as other African countries who criminalize homosexuality. In Uganda it is even a crime not to disclose even the knowledge of same
sex activities. The situation in Nigeria is similar as Doctors can’t help for fear of prosecution and complicity. 78 countries worldwide criminalize same sex relationships. Actions such as these drive the disease underground where it then thrives. We need to “know our own epidemics”down to district level. We need to know our local “hot spots” so we can “throw the kitchen sink” at them to reduce incidence whether it be scaling up ART (anti-retroviral treatment), MMC (medical male circumcision), early ART (treatment before the recommended CD4 threshold), PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) which is taking a pill to PREVENT getting infected, much like we take pills to prevent malaria or merely creating awareness in the hot spot. Smallpox was eliminated by concentrating on where the epidemics were. This is so something we can easily do in our own clinics as the statistics are there, we must just use them to good effect. We can’t do the same as before and must change strategies by using ALL our tools of prevention. Now is the time to step up the pace for young women in Africa. HIV persistence or latency is what is preventing us reaching a cure. What this means is we can treat HIV successfully and keep patients well but when they stop their treatment the virus comes back and that is the crux of why a cure remains elusive. There is one recorded cure, the “Berlin patient” who underwent a bone marrow transplant for leukemia and after 6 years of treatment he has remained disease-free. However his donor did not have CCR5 receptor cells which are needed for HIV to enter cells. This was shown in the “Boston patients” who had marrow transplants and their virus returned within 2 to 4 weeks but their donors did have the receptors. The case of the “Mississippi child” who was treated within hours of infection and cleared the infection for a number of years, only for the virus to return shows us that the virus enters and hides within cells almost immediately. The strategy for a cure must target these hiding viruses and a “kick and kill” approach has been suggested. Kicking the virus out of it’s hiding with certain drugs that we know can perform that and then killing them whilst they don’t have the protection. It was estimated that 70 years of ART would eliminate the virus without other additional measures.
PMTCT The WHO Option B+ guidelines were discussed and have been implemented in a number of countries. With this regimen HIV pregnant mothers are given life- long ART irrespective of CD4 count. The benefits of this include the lack of need for a CD4 count and treatment can be initiated immediately, there is no interruption of treatment avoiding resistance, it is simpler to implement, the same drug cocktail is given to all and the protection it affords sero-discordant couples (one partner HIV+ and the other HIV-). It is easy for nurses to initialize treatment and treatment can be de- centralized.
CHALLENGES IN SOUTH AFRICA There are 6.4m people living with HIV, with 29% of pregnant women in the country infected. This means that 12% of the general population is infected. Treatment is commenced at CD4 count <350. PMTCT follows Option B of the WHO guidelines. Mag 21
All children younger than 5 years are treated irrespective of CD4 count. There is a wide provincial in incidence from 5% in the Western Cape to 17% in KZN Young females are infected far younger than their male counterparts who catch up when they are older. In the national HCT campaign 20m were tested in 20 months. 8m are tested annually. Treatment is at Primary health care level at 4000 facilities. Most patients are still presenting late at CD counts less than 200 despite 350 being the level where treatment is started. There was a hint in the presentation that this will be raised to CD4 levels of 500 and below. This announcement was made last week. Furthermore, it costs $100 a year to treat each patient on the fixed dose combination. In some areas a drug courier system has been implemented to deliver the drugs. The mother to child transmission rate has been reduced to 2.6% and the breast feeding period remains a worry. We need to double the number of people on treatment by 2016. Facilities are overcrowded already. Testing rates need to be increased especially in children and men. The number of children and adolescents on treatment needs to be increased. Retention in care is a challenge. In 36 months we found that there is a 40% loss to follow up. We also have to consider PrEP for sex workers and MSM. South Africa has the highest burden of childhood HIV infection globally as well as very high rates of adolescent and youth pregnancy. Those under 19 years of age present HIV late in pregnancy resulting in more maternal deaths and still-borns.
TB “Every HIV/TB case is a public health failure. We know what to do but we aren’t doing it”. With new diagnostics and drugs we can cure most TB in 6 months, yet there is still so much death and suffering from TB. There hasn’t been maximal implementation though, but despite this there has been a 40% reduction in HIV/ TB deaths since 2004, 2.3m lives. 13% of people with TB have HIV and 33% of people with HIV have latent TB. Furthermore, people with HIV are 30 times more likely to develop TB than the general population. The clinical challenge is to suspect and diagnose TB. Diagnosing TB is difficult. Of assistance is the Gene Xpert test which is 98% specific - even XRays are only 57% specific and the Xpert test can also identify MDR (multiple drug resistant) TB. In Khayalitsha with the Xpert test, the period from presentation, diagnosis and treatment has been reduced to 7 days. A new promising treatment for drug resistant TB was presented. Research on TB vaccines is progressing and a trial is being conducted on HIV infected individuals. A new vaccine may prevent acute and latent disease. The top countries for HIV/TB co-infection are: South Africa 88000 cases, Mozambique 45000 India 42 000.
SEX WORKERS A call was made to de-criminalise sex work. There is an increase in HIV prevalence in countries that don’t protect the rights of sex workers. Female sex workers are 13.5 times more likely to be HIV+. Absurdities like police confiscating sex workers’ condoms are reported. The elimination of sexual violence alone Mag 22
could avert 17 to 20% of HIV infections. Sex workers need a tailored combination prevention strategy. We need to work with sex workers to find solutions together finding ways that work for them to prevent infection. They also need to take collective ownership of programmes to achieve the most effective outcomes. Male sex workers and transgender sex workers although less visible must not be left out either. In SSA female sex workers have a 29.3% HIV incidence. Targeting this could have a major impact on the epidemic. A sex worker from Uganda described the sorry state in Uganda where there are forced disclosures whereby health workers can disclose your status without your consent. She said she enjoys her work and doesn’t want to stop sex work. “Don’t buy me a sewing machine” I can afford to buy my own !!!! When I decided to do sex work, sewing was an option I never took, so why now? She said sex workers aren’t part of the problem but part of the solution. There is a struggle for funding for sex worker programs for every $100 spent on AIDS $1 goes to sex worker programs.
MMC (Male Medical Circumcision) New techniques have been developed involving less surgery using “rings”. MMC reduces HIV transmission by 60% from female to male. A study from Orange farm found that women who had relationships only with circumcised men had an HIV incidence of 22% whereas those who had relationships with uncircumcised men had an HIV incidence of 36.6%. In Uganda they scaled up circumcision by training nonphysicians to perform the procedure and there were negligible adverse events. Kenya had a month- long test and circumcise campaign in July/ August 2013 they tested 1.4m and performed 76 902 circumcisions. They showed such national campaigns can rapidly increase coverage.
ANTI-RETROVIRAL THERAPY This remains basically the same and the same fixed combination provided by our clinics is used world-wide. The same goes for second line treatment. D4T ( Zerit) is recommended to be discontinued because of unacceptable side-effects and equally effective therapies with less complications. Adherence remains an issue. Treatment at a community level can reduce HIV incidence when “community viral load” drops. 40% on ART has translated to a 40% drop in incidence and it is estimated that 80% on ART could translate to a 50% reduction in incidence. Much is postulated about the possible positive benefits of starting treatment earlier, where there could be less immune damage. If the CD4 count is kept above 350 the survival is the same as the HIV- population. There is currently the START study being conducted world-wide comparing outcomes in either immediate treatment or only when the CD4 count drops below 500. We expect these results in 2016. Ways we can improve are by: More testing, Decentralizing testing and Home testing In the words of Bob Geldhof at the conference without the expletives. “It is remarkable what we have achieved in just 30 years. Why stop funding when we are at the last mile”?
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DR PAUL SEMUGOMA HONOURED WITH HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD At the last International AIDS Conference in 2012, Paul Semugoma, M.D., delivered a rousing speech about the rights of LGBT and HIVpositive people in Africa. It was also at this moment that he decided to publicly come out as a gay man. This year at AIDS 2014, Dr Semugoma will stand again before the assembled crowd to accept the Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award in recognition of his accomplishments as a leader and advocate for human rights in the field of HIV/AIDS.
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emugoma is currently a MSM health expert for Anova’s Health4Men project Semugoma is currently a MSM health expert for Anova’s Health4Men project Dr Semugoma is currently working for Anova’s Health4Men project in South Africa. On hearing the news, programme manager Glenn de Swardt from Health4Men says: “We’re thrilled at Paul’s award. Besides this being a reflection on Paul’s standing within the international HIV fraternity, it addresses the increasing criminalisation and human rights abuses against men who have sex with men (MSM) in several African states. In recognising Paul’s accomplishments, the Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award committee has also acknowledged the need to ensure uninterrupted access to health services by MSM throughout Africa.” The award is presented by amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research; the International AIDS Society (IAS); and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in honor of Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman and a highly visible, vocal and relentless champion of the human rights of all people living with or affected by HIV. The presentation will take place at the opening session of the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) on Sunday, July 20, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia. A physician from Uganda, Dr Semugoma has been at the Mag 24
forefront of efforts to address gaps in HIV prevention, care, and treatment among gay men and other men who have sex with men in Africa. In 2009, when the AntiHomosexuality Bill was introduced in the Ugandan Parliament, Dr. Semugoma became a vocal opponent of the bill and testified before Parliament on the potential adverse effects of the proposed legislation on public health, especially among gay men and other MSM. The bill, which punishes “aggravated homosexuality” with life in prison, was ultimately signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in February 2014.
Proud and delighted “We are proud and delighted to present this year’s Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award to Dr Semugoma, who has stood, with unwavering courage and conviction, for the rights of LGBT communities and people with HIV/AIDS in Uganda and all over the world,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “Dr. Semugoma has become a powerful voice for the voiceless and a true champion of human rights.” “We know that the dignity and rights of every individual are precious and must be promoted and protected in order for the HIV response to make a real and lasting impact. Paul’s courageous life and the dedication that he brings to his work make him a shining example for all of us to follow,” said IAS President Françoise Barré Sinoussi.
“Dr. Semugoma’s tenacious dedication to helping marginalized LGBT communities and people living with HIV/AIDS has brought about much-needed action, understanding and hope,” said Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “We are pleased to honor Dr Semugoma as his commitment exemplifies Elizabeth Taylor’s enduring legacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” Paul Semugoma (R) and his partner Brian Kanyemba reunited after South African immigration nightmare in February Paul Semugoma (R) and his partner Brian Kanyemba reunited after South African immigration nightmare in February Shortly after disclosing his sexual orientation during his speech at AIDS 2012 in Washington, D.C., Dr Semugoma left Uganda with his partner and his family and moved to South Africa. Earlier this year, Dr. Semugoma was detained at a Johannesburg airport while returning from a trip to Zimbabwe, where immigration authorities attempted to deport him to Uganda. Following an outpouring of support for Dr Semugoma from advocates in South Africa and worldwide, deportation charges against him were dropped.
Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award
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he Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award recognises the efforts of individuals who have achieved major breakthroughs or shown exceptional courage in their efforts to advocate for human rights in the field of HIV. The award is supported by the IAS and the Foundation for AIDS Research amfAR to pay a lasting tribute to Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who was a highly visible, vocal, and relentless champion of human rights in the HIV field.
In a recent interview by amFAR on his current work at Anova Health Institute in South Africa, Dr Semugoma said: “In South Africa, there is still a lot of stigma and discrimination towards gay men, but our patients know they can talk to their doctor about their experiences. We are given space where we can access medicines and care and protect our partners. All the advances happening in HIV in the world are accessible here at home. It gives me a belief that something like that can happen even in a country like Uganda. Uganda is not a good place to be as a gay person, but I am a gay African, and I will not let them take that identity away from me.” Dr Semugoma is a MSM health expert for Anova’s Health4Men project. You can follow Dr Semugoma on Twitter.
Reprinted with permission H4M
From the early days of the AIDS epidemic until her passing in March 2011, Dame Elizabeth Taylor, amfAR’s Founding International Chairman, was one of the strongest advocates for the respect of human rights of all people living with or affected by HIV. The Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award, which is awarded every two years at the IAS convened International AIDS Conferences, came into effect in 2012 and was awarded for the first time at the opening ceremony of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) to Arash and Kamiar Alaei, from Iran, in recognition of their efforts to advocate for Human Rights in the field of HIV. The Elizabeth Taylor Human Rights Award is a recognition award, with no monetary value. The prize consists of a statue and a certificate setting forth the reasons for the award. Mag 25
THE BUZZ BEARFEST HITS PRETORIA THIS SUMMER
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EARFEST 2014 will take place at Funny Farm Lodge just outside Pretoria from 5 to 7 December. This nonprofit community event celebrates all aspects of the gay Bear community and everyone’s invited; muscle bears, cubs, otters, chubs and chasers will get together for a weekend of fun with like-minded people, both Bears and Bear lovers. In the tradition of international Bear festivals, BEARFEST is set to grow as South Africa’s own flagship Bear event. With the support of various sponsors, festival goers can look forward to more than just lazing around the pool and soaking up the African sun or roughing it on the quad bike trails. Manhunt.net has ensured that each person at the event will receive the necessary gear to survive the weekend, including some exclusive
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BEARFEST merchandise. The Big Braai Company will sizzle the fires to perfection in their range of braais and smokers while the Etc. Zone stage guarantees that the entertainment covers all tastes, from the live sounds of Ga-Gorib, (http://ga-gorib.bandcamp.com/ album/glowing-african-dusk) an afro-fusion duo that will set the mood for Friday’s meet and greet to the line-up of DJs hitting the decks on the Saturday covering all genres from the funky 80’s to the hottest club tracks of today. The weekend promises lots more fun and games and the crowning of Mr BEARFEST 2014. CANSA will be on hand with lotion against the African sun and OUT.org will take care of the sexual wellbeing of the crowd. Cargo Kilts will have the official Pride, Leather and Bear Tartan on display while Trouble Adult store will spice things up a bit. Tickets are limited and start from R425.00 per person for the full weekend and include all meals from Friday evening to Sunday lunch. All you need to do is pack a cooler, or refill it and get some shooters at the Lapa bar. For the latest news, bookings and information, visit the website at www.BearfestPTA.jimdo.com
CIRQUE WE SO GAY Cirque we so GAY is described by the organisors as their “first travelling party” and this get together has been planned for Saturday, 6 September. This party has been named The Mitchell Plain Edition and will happen at a secret venue in Strandfontein. If you are planning on going you will have to contact the organisers for the address details. They are plaaning on a great evenings festivities with a number of Dj’s lined up to “bring down the HOUSE! including, Dj Courtney K (Good Hope Fm) Dj KIXI (Hectic Nine9) Dj Cazz (Good Hope Fm) Dj Louder (Making it LOUD) Dr Beat(Beatbudz SA/Extreme Concepts) Dj Kevin Dj Eddie They also are planning to have sexy male models strutting their stuff. If this doesn’t get you in the mood then entry is free from 8pm till 10pm, thereafter a small R20 charge. Bring your own XYZ as braai facilities will be available and there will also be food on sale. When the house gets to small, We taking it to the streets! so don’t miss out! R.O.A.R (Strict Security) No Drugs Allowed, Dress: Smart Casual Chantel 074 782 6557 / 25CB6C79 Denver 078 231 4705 / 7E397781
NEW VENUE OPENS IN JO’BURG
or those readers who haven’t heard, Joburg has a new gay venue. Joburg’s newest private men-only nude club which opened on 1 August, is located in funky Melville. The venue is discreetly hidden, in a safe area, with two amazing bar areas staffed by hot barmen. Upstairs is our cruise bar where you can eye out all the man candy, or head downstairs for a bit more hard-core fun and games. The maze will keep you busy for a while, or perhaps the exhibitionist in you will come out when you use the sling on the stage. Prefer privacy? There are cabins that can be rented out. Or else, just enjoy the hot, horny vibe downstairs. More info?: 27 4th Ave, Melville - Phone: 071 898 3800
“Realising that other people have a problem with homosexuality was the wierdest thing for me. As a kid it wasn’t even something that was mentioned. It was never something that was even explained to me. It was just, “That’s Mark and he’s gay.” Mark was just another friend of my dads who would talk about his boyfriend instead of his girlfriend. I was five. I didn’t care. It seemed perfectly normal, and still does.” - Daniel Radcliffe “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord, and has goodwill, who am I to judge.” - Pope Francis Mag 26
OPENLY GAY MP IS SWORN IN
WARWICK NAKED ROWERS DO IT AGAIN
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he Warwick Rowers naked calendar has grown hugely in popularity every year since its launch in 2009. The famously naked university athletes who have been featured on E! Entertainment News, raised nearly £100,000 (R1.7 million) for their sport and for charity. Recently the boys launched their 2015 crowdfunder campaign. There are crowdfunder options for every pocket from £10 (R170) for a digital download of the new calendar up to £400 (R6,800) for the opportunity to meet the boys in person at a live calendar shoot! “We’re basically a fundraising project - the money that comes in goes straight out again. We’re not sitting on some vast pile of cash, so crowdfunding is an essential part of how we pay for production of the next year’s calendars, films and everything else. Every summer we come up with great deals and unique offers that make it possible for us to cover our costs and get the best value from our suppliers, so that as much of our revenue as possible can go where its needed. It also means our supporters get a great deal!” explained Laurie, the 2014 calendar centerfold and one of the calendar organisers. The boys can now count quite a few celebrities among their supporters, including Stephen Fry, Sir Ian McKellen, Kylie Minogue, Boy George,
and Made in Chelsea’s Caggie Dunlop. As well as enabling the club to buy two much-needed new boats and make rowing accessible to more students than ever before, the 2014 calendar’s success has generated over £25,000 (R425,000) for Sport Allies. Members of the rowing club have been working with other students, including representatives of Warwick Pride, the university’s LGBT organisation for students, professionals from EY, and leading figures in the voluntary sector to roll Sport Allies out nationally, and to begin the process of creating an independent registered charity. Laurie added, “I’ve had the chance to meet people from the LGBT community that I might not otherwise have met. I’ve been able to hear about their experiences of being bullied, and struggling to come to terms with their sexuality. I hope that this is something our calendars and our films can help to address. Not just by funding our outreach work, but by making a statement. We don’t mind who enjoys the calendars and films. We have fun creating them and we want everyone to have fun looking at them. It’s all good!” The Warwick Rowers 2015 crowdfunder campaign is live now at warwickrowers.org/crowdfunder, and the 2015 calendar range will launch formally in October.
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outh Africa has one of the most progressive constitutional and legal frameworks in the world that protects the equality and universal rights of LGBT individuals. In keeping with this, after the last parliamentary elections held in May, South Africa’s Parliament made history by swearing in the continent’s first openly gay, black member. He is Zakhele Mbhele, who represents the official opposition party, the DA. Zakhele has worked on issues regarding LGBT rights and race relations for many years. He led the University of the Witwatersand’s LGBT group while attending college, and later served on the board of Johannesburg Pride. A week after Mbhele’s election, Lynne Brown was appointed as the country’s first lesbian minister in the cabinet. These victories are two strides forward on the continent in the wake of much homophobic backlash in recent months. In a telephone interview with Mbhele said: “I recognize on an objective level that [his being elected to Parliament] is historically significant, because it is a milestone.” He also expressed his willingness to dedicate himself in fighting for LGBT rights. Mbhele said, “I would like to be a voice that champions equality, human rights, and speaks out against prejudice and discrimination against LGBT people and any other vulnerable groups.” Source: Buzzfeed
“Gay people are born and belong to every society in the world. They are all ages, all races, all faiths. They are doctors and teachers, farmers and bankers, soldiers and athletes. And whether we know it, or whether we acknowledge it, they are our family, our friends, and our neighbours. Being gay is not a western invention. It is a human reality” - Hilary Clinton Mag 27
SCENE OUT DURBAN PRIDE
The DA were there
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THAT’S SO GAY ... OR NOT By Matthew van der Westhuizen
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he stereotypes created around the homosexual community have been defined and re-defined over the years by the media and societies. These stereotypes infiltrate the minds of the youth to either pass judgement or accept the ways in which young gay men and women should be. There are, however, those who wish not to allow this school of thought to influence their behaviour despite their sexuality. The media makes us believe that we are boxed into certain images with regard to our look, the way we speak, act and communicate with other people. In the homosexual world, there are supposedly only two types that exist in both male and female gays: butch and feminine. Now it is clearly obvious that the two types of existing models for gay men and women have been derived from the behaviours of heterosexual men and women due to the similarities between the two types. This is, however, an unfair view of homosexual individuals as it does not allow them to express themselves in all their capacities. Gays and lesbians are forced to fit the mould of one of the two groups in order to be accepted (or to be ridiculed by the ignorant) in their societies. Let’s take a further look at these two groups. BUTCH – The word implies manliness, rawness, roughness, edginess and fearlessness. The term is commonly applied to lesbians as they are interested in other women. A butch lesbian tends to be one who wears man-like clothing, has a large frame, drinks beer, calls the shots and has a fist of iron. She is normally accompanied by a small, more feminine-like girlfriend who waits at her beck and call. A butch gay man is usually the type who is always found
GYM BOYS These gays are good for one night stands but not anything more. Often not the brightest and usually full of insecurities and will realise their life is meaningless after 40. Their wardrobe consists of tank tops, a pair of cargo shorts and a baseball cap - just to look straight, and lots of high end trainers. Expect to find them at the local STD clinic or loading up on high protein drinks Mag 32
in the gym and therefore, is extremely muscular. He reminds you of a straight man in the way that he acts, talks and behaves. He tends to be quite tall. Butch gay guys have boyfriends who are either butch as well or quite feminine. FEMININE – Usually petite and sweet. Sometimes a bit of a diva. Always ensures to have a butch partner so that they may give off attitude without being beaten up by the next person. Usually the ring leader in a bitch fight. The feminine lesbian tends to be quite subservient to her partner but does not tolerate too much garbage. She reminds you of a straight woman. Some feminine men, on the other hand, are seen walking around with more lip gloss than Lil’ Mama, a “man bag” by a designer label of course, tight cladded clothing, more often than not wearing boots instead of sneakers and with the most perfect hair. Some are drag queens. They generally prefer muscular men but are not always picky. These two types of gay people seem to be the types that are shown in films, television shows and are the only ones you think you see on the street or in nightclubs. The truth is, they are the only types of gay that you notice because of the media infiltrated images that are shown to you via these sources. Not all gays and lesbians are distinguishable by these traits. Some people are not aware that their best friend who they have known their whole lives is gay until they reveal it to them. Why this is so is because some gay men, for example, like Nirvana and Madonna. Some lesbians like drinking beer and shopping for clothes. At the end of the day, it makes you realise that you can’t judge a book by its cover but rather by its contents.
DELUSIONAL QUEENS
HIGH FASHION GAY BOY
FAST FASHION GAY
These gays walk down the street thinking they’re hotter than Claudia Schiffer, when in fact they look like She-Hulk herself. They take the gay role wayyyyy too seriously and can be a total embarrassment. Expect to find them working at your local beauty counter or in full drag on stage lipsynching to Barbra, Whitney or their favourite diva
These gays do not frequent the mens department - they are high fashion only - it’s Prada or nothing! Usually from wealthy families and if not have run up huge credit card bills. Sometimes they have a Gay-Pa to support their shopping habits. Easily to spot - just find the bitch screaming to get in to the Louis Vuitton sample sale - you know them...
The fast fashion gay can’t get enough of Zara, Topshop and H&M. Their biggest thrill in life is any designer collaboration, be it D&G, Calvin or Armani. They can be spotted at the best fashion mall or at Clifton 3. The latest in cellphone tech is a permanent fixture on the ear and they are always seen swinging the keys of the latest BMW, Mercedes Sport or Audi Cab.
HIPSTER GAY
GAY-PA
They are usually the hardest to tell if they’re straight or not. A dead give-away though is the music on their iPod. Mixed in between all that “I’m so different” hipster music is Cher, Madonna and Britney. Another giveaway is the denim shorts they love to wear. Straight hipsters usually have their shorts cut off at the knee, whilst gay hipsters cut them right before their balls fall out.
Watch out Asian boys, the grandpa gay is out for young meat and he will do anything to get it. One look at grandpa gay and it makes you want to get married and have kids straight away. Grandpa gays fave travel destination is of course Bangkok. He is usually the first person you block on Grindr before he starts sending you pictures of his bejangles and creepy messages.
THE BEEFCAKES BOYS HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!
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he Beefcakes Boys have done it again ! After the success of Beefcakes CapeTown opening 5 years ago in Greenpoint and Beefcakes Joburg opening in Illovo 2 years ago, theyre now opening a 3rd branch in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. This is the first franchised Beefcakes and will hopefully be the first of many more to come.
The gorgeous “gal” buying the franchise from the Beefcakes Boys is none other than the infamous “Crystal de Canta” otherwise known as Tony Zourides and his brother Hippo Zourides. (Another “brother operation”) Tony is very well know off and on stage. By day Tony has been the charming manager of the Norwood Spar and by night the camp “Crystal de Canta” drag artist. Crystal started many years ago but became extremely popular with the launch of “The Tuckshop Girls” which later became “The Dreemz” featuring “Holly Diamond” and the deliciously wicked hostess “Miss K” . They are well know for their over-the-top camp, Las Vegas, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, show-girl style ! Some of their famous numbers are Streisand, Celine Dion, Cher, Piaf, Kate Perry, Abba, and Disco sets many more They ran at many popular venues around Joburg and at Beefcakes for now 2 years. They will also be performing at Bedfordview, splitting their time between the 2 venues. So don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by Crystal in heels at the door to Bedfordview ! The Bedfordview restaurant is the same Beefcakes experience which we have come to love over the years, with nightly drag shows, including Bitchy Bingo, delicious burgers, Camp cocktails, Miami chic flamingos, sequins, mirror balls and of course gorgeous waiters !!! Its due to open in late September and accepting bookings from October onwards. Word is spreading like wild-fire with Saturday nights almost fully booked for this year, so don’t miss out, bookings bedfordview@beefcakes.co.za. We wish Tony, his partner Paulo, who will be back of house manager and Tony’s brother all the best of luck and success ....and hope that your Opening is indeed Grand !!! de Kanta Crystal s u lo u The fab
Sexy Bar man!
!!
W hat a show
o HO s e b t to The spo
T!
Hot sta f f!
O ur del icious
B urger!
NOW OPEN IN BEDFORDVIEW! BEDFORDVIEW: 17 Bradford Road, Bedfordview bedfordview@beefcakes.co.za
JOBURG: 198 Oxford Road, Illovo Tel: 011 447 5266 | joburg@beefcakes.co.za
CAPE TOWN: 40 Somerset Road, Greenpoint Tel: 021 425 9019 | capetown@beefcakes.co.za
www.beefcakes.co.za Bookings Encouraged
Mag 33
AUDI S3 CABRIOLET THIS SUMMERS HOTTEST The latest addition to the Audi SOFT TOP stable is the head-turning,
I
f it’s looks and attention to detail that you are after, look no further. If you’re wanting performance combined with attention grabbing pulling power, this is the car for you. It shouts out “I’m wealthy; I have great taste; I’m single; I’m successful; I’m gay; I’m available ...” If any of these describe you, then this is the car for you. This is the first time that Audi has offered us an S3 convertible, but it is the logical and for some of us, a necessary extension of the range. The S3 Cabriolet uses all the performance hardware of the hatchback version, but adds a longer body with a retracting soft-top roof. Of course hearing the price might send your perfectly sculptured eyebrows arching towards your hairline, but if you’ve got it, as they say, flaunt it, and in this little number you certainly will. The lowered and stiffened suspension, Quattro all-wheel drive and S3 styling increase the cars visual appeal, while looking at the inside there are sportier seats, a new instrument panel and Mag 34
mouth-watering, groin-stirring, incredibly stylish, rangetopping S3 Cabriolet. other small features sure to satisfy even the most critical décor fundi’s. The S model has a more purposeful stance, than its A3 sister, with Audi’s default S-sport suspension which is a standard feature. It also has a more aggressive honeycomb grille and air intakes, as well as alloy trim extras on the windscreen pillars and mirrors. The car sports 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights which are standard features. The Audi S3 Cabriolet’s twin oval tailpipes feature chrome tips and are angled to each side, which also help to accentuate the car’s low stance and impressive width - making the S3 Cabriolet a very sexy car indeed. Testing the cabriolet in winter can be a little on the cold side,
but with the roof closed, the cabin is anything but, kept in check by climate control and the well-insulated cloth roof, which is alloy-framed and foaminsulated. The roof takes a mere 18 seconds to open or close and is operable up to 50km/h. When open, the top – which folds into three layers – rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity. The fully automatic soft top also has a glass rear window and comes in black, grey and brown, while the roof-liner is available in black and lunar silver. The S3 Cabriolet seats four adults comfortably . The S3 Cabriolet is offered with upgraded leather accented by contrast stitching, red-trimmed S-seats, flat-bottom steering wheel, and a neckheating feature. The streamlined interior boasts a turbo boost gauge, grey metallic gauges, stainless steel foot pedals, automatic climate control and a multi-media interface (MMI) infotainment system which has a 17mm screen that rises out of the top of the dash making it pretty high-tech inside, too. This has the central control dial that Audi drivers will be familiar with, but the shortcut buttons have been replaced by toggle switches, which are easier to use. Otherwise, a DAB radio, Bluetooth, automatic lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control are all included as standard. Start up the cabriolet stick the top down and this new Audi is much happier. As you cruise along it’s not too breezy, and the ride is really comfortable. If
you do get the chance to put your foot down, its engine’s growl and the chirrup from the exhaust when you change gear are enough to remind you that this is an S model. In keeping with other Audi S3 models, the drive is channelled through a standard six-speed S-Tronic dual clutch auto gearbox and electromechanical multi-plate four-wheel drive system. The car has the same 2.0-litre turbo that’s powering the Sportback, with direct and indirect fuel injection feeding the turbocharged intercooler four-cylinder and it’s claimed will hit 100km/h from standstill in 5.5 seconds, meaning that in no time at all you’ll be up and running, enjoying the freedom of the open road which is only truly experienced in a convertible. The slick-shifting gearbox has been made all the better by including Audi Drive Select (ADS) as a standard feature, with Efficiency, Comfort, Auto or Dynamic modes accessed via the MMI infotainment system. All things considered, it looks like the Audi S3 Cabriolet is perfect for the buyer who wants Teutonic styling, dynamic driving, upmarket interior fittings, fuel efficiency and who wants to be noticed. Furthermore, you can be guaranteed that the excellent after-sales service and Audi Centre Claremont’s attention to the finest details will make you a very happy customer. If you want to test-drive the new S3 Cabriolet, give Marais at Audi Centre Claremont a ring and have your chance to feel the excitement of this turbo-charged motor as you settle in to the comfort of its leather interior.
The Audi S3 Cabriolet’s twin oval tailpipes feature chrome tips and are angled to each side, which also help to accentuate the car’s low stance and impressive width
Mag 35
A
DRAG QUEENS ARE OUR FUTURE
fter watching the ‘Hunger Games’ movies, I could not resist but to envision a futureworld where everyone were ‘drag-queens’. My word… a world where everyone is a drag-queen? It sounds impossible now but here me out. In these movies women parade around in clothes that epitomises ‘drag-culture’ clothing. It is either go big or go home. And like with a typical drag-queen – she aint going home! The clothes are over the top, flamboyant, colourful, big, out there, in your face and many-a-time a bit too much. In turn the movies represent men as being comfortable wearing eyeliner, eye-shadow and lipstick with big over-the-top hair in clothing that looks very ‘festive’. Peculiar enough the movies affirm something that I have suspected for quite some time now… that there is a ‘drag-queen’ inside of every one of us and she is just sitting there, waiting, for the most opportune time to make her debut. So, I have a gay identifying friend that would not want to be caught dead in a pair of heels in a club. Often when we spend time together we go on a little journey of “I will show you something but you didn’t see it’. Out comes the heels, kitten heels ‘nogal’, and onto the feet they go. One, two, three and there she goes! After the visit the shoes get buried away, so far and deep that I do not even think James Bond would be able to locate it if sent on a mission to retrieve the evidence that her inner ‘queen’ has made a surprise appearance. So, we all know the Miss Pestova pageant right. A night of surprise appearances for many! For some it is their first time in ‘drag’ and for others the night merely signals the one night in the year where they get into ‘drag’ and put forward their best ‘heel’. Miss Pestova represents the celebration of the life of one of our own. Perhaps not consciously done, the political statement to a mainstream heteronormative culture is clear – we value and celebrate the lives lived of those in our community and we are not scared to do so publicly. Over the years this pageant has come to be ‘the’ event where people who do not ordinarily drag do so without batting an eyelid – mind the Mag 36
by Liberty Banks (Glenton Matthyse)
pun. This is probably the ultimate pageant where even the butchest of guys ‘dabble’ in a bit of drag. Quite liberating… Quite embracing… Quite emancipating, isn’t it! With this having been said, sometime ago I attended a ‘Walk a Mile in my Shoes’ campaign at the University of the Western, hosted by the HIV/Aids Unit, where men could wear heels to show their solidarity with women and the struggles against gender-based violence. Seeing heterosexual identifying men in heels trying to balance and walk the mile was inspiring. But realising how much they enjoyed themselves whilst appearing liberated doing something like wearing heels without fear of social judgement was priceless. So often we find that heterosexual men have a fear of embracing feminine expressions because of the stigma that is associated with it. Yet, in an environment where their embracing of femininity can be justified they live out that inner ‘drag-queen’ so freely and at times very much ‘loudly’. Ja, straight manne kan ook darm maar loud ‘moffies’ wees! Sjoe! This brings me to my next point. Heterosexual women who love gay men and drag-queens. Typically referred to as a ‘moffie-ma’ and ‘fag-hag’. Sometimes it is quite challenging to distinguish between who the ‘moffie’ is and who the woman is. The competition is fierce as some ‘fag-hags’ are out to show ‘female impersonators’ and ‘drag-queens’ a thing or two about the art of ‘female-impersonation’. And because she is a woman her stronghold is the fact that she is a woman. Her point of departure is that a ‘female impersonator’ or ‘drag-queen’ will never be able to look more fierce than her. In pursuing ‘femaleimpersonation’ she ironically becomes a drag-queen. I find it quite progressively humourous when a female-born person wants to be a ‘drag queen’. (So the Hunger Games world becomes reality) Some call it sad. Others call it ridiculous. I say… let her inner ‘drag-queen’ make her debut because there is one within each and every one of us! Being a ‘drag-queen’ and ‘female impersonator’ is probably the most forward-thinking expression one could
take on as it speaks to the broader politics of gender non-conformity. Being gender non-conforming allows us to play with gender expressions, both feminine and masculine and everything in between and everything outside of them. As gender non-conforming people we challenge a system that says that there are only two ways of being human. The one is that you must be femininely-female whilst the other is being masculinely-male. Let us say to hell with it! There are so many other ways of being. Express yourself in typical female clothes one day and express yourself in typical male clothing the next. Allow your femininity to come through even though you are a man. Allow your masculinity to come through even though you are a female. By saying that putting on typical female clothes takes away from your ‘manhood’ is saying that what you put on your body defines and may devalue who you are. I believe that as individuals within a greater community we know exactly who we are but we are just cautious as to how we assert ourselves. Who we are is of great value. This world needs us desperately for we are our own liberators and we are liberating the heterosexual community from the sex and gender binary ‘quagmire’ in which they find themselves in. It may not be reflected at this current juncture. But the future may very well be a ‘Hunger Games’ culture where gender non-conformity is the order of the day. Where male, female and intersex people are allowed to put onto their bodies what they choose without their ‘sexual orientation’ and or ‘gender identity’ being put to question. In the meantime, instead of waiting for that future to arrive we may allow ourselves the freedom to express ourselves in the here and now whenever and wherever we so choose. Our bodies, Our lives, Our freedom! We cannot allow a heteronormative and heterosexist culture imprison and enslave who we are. All of us, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer, questioning and heterosexual people deserve to live happy, liberating and full healthy lives. The future belongs to the gender nonconformists… you, me, all of us. Let’s deal!!!
The release of the over-the-top gay movie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert was one of those iconic moments in every gay mans life - where were you when you went to see the move - a bit like where were you when Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon, or when Madiba was released, Madonna released MDNA and Kylie performed in South Africa? ... you know what I mean.
P
ricilla, Queen of the Desert has just turned 20. “Priscilla” was written and directed by Stephen Elliott, it follows the journey of three drag artists (played by Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp) from Sydney to Alice Springs, Austrtalia . After its first screening at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival, it went on to enjoy phenomenal success around the world. I remember being invited by the Australian High Commissiner to a screening of the film before it opened at cinemas. The foyer before the film buzzed with an assortment of influencial society people, a large contingent of embassy people from all over the world, members of the press and a large crowd from the gay community, including outrageaous drag queens and one or two leather men. But it when we emerged that we knew what we’d just seen had entered the all-time iconic gay film status - up there with the likes of Longtime Companion, Torch Song Trilogy and of course Brokeback Mountain. The film was instrumental in bringing Australian cinema to world attention and for its positive portrayal of LGBT individuals, helping to introduce LGBT themes to a mainstream audience. The film received predominantly positive reviews and won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design at the 67th Academy Awards. It was screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the 1994 Cannes Film Festival and since become a cult classic. In 2006, Priscilla Queen of the Desert opened on stage in Sydney, as a musical and has since been performed on the West End and on Broadway to rave reviews.
THE NORMAL HEART Released this year is another gay movie which I hope will reach iconic status.
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ome readers will have been lucky enough to see this amazing movie on DSTV, for those of you who didn’t, rush out and hire it, download or borrow a copy.
The movie directed by Ryan Murphy’s for HBO films is about the early AIDS crisis, unlike the play from which it’s adapted, it runs on love, not anger. Its central character, Ned Weeks brilliantly played by Mark Ruffalo who is an activist fighting for the recognition that AIDS which was descimating gay populations in America’s major cities needed to be recognised as a disease, and his fight against the apathy of the powers that be, including the Government which refused to cannel the necessary funding for research in to the illness. The movies accurate depiction of gay life in the 1980”s is in itself an eye-opener and the apathy at which the authorities dealt with the crisis is shocking. Drop dead gorgeous and openly gay, Matt Bomer plays Ruffalo’s lover. Julia Roberts is the pioneering Dr Brookner who alerts everyone of the existence of a rare cancer that’s destroying the immune systems of gay men in New York.
Unlike Priscilla, this is not a feel-good movie, but it is important in that it looks at one of the most momentous, life-changing times in our gay history, made more important at a time when we are celebrating gay pride. We were discriminated against, we have survived and we celebrate the fight from some people in overcoming prejudice. Accolades to Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Julia Roberts in taking on this controversial project.
Mag 37
CROSSING OVER An annonymous writer’s reflection on drug culture
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hen I was in high school my poodle got tick bite fever and because we lived on a farm we kept pet meds in the fridge. The hardest thing for me to do was to puncture her skin and inject the Phenamidine. I knew if I didn’t she would die. So I saved her life. That didn’t cure my fear of needles though. But a few weeks ago I gave my training buddy a B12 shot and, to my surprise, he didn’t feel a thing. The second time I jabbed him was even easier and I can now say with confidence that I’ve overcome my trypanophobia. However, watching a brilliant series like Breaking Bad, puts a totally different spin on the use of needles (and drugs). It portrays the dark side of reality and the PG rating, unfortunately, is many parents’ cue to change the channel to protect their kids from the evils of this world. Meanwhile their teen angels have been high more times than mom had renewed her Ritalin prescription. Ritalin (swallowed or crushed and snorted) happens to be a very popular party drug among many high school and varsity students and dealing has become a serious problem. In spite of the dangers associated with the misuse of Ritalin, it is considered to be a legal substance and therefore not necessarily viewed in a serious light. Society tends to be more forgiving of a Ritalin user than they are of someone using ecstasy or coke for example. To some extent marijuana (and its psychotic effect) is also overlooked and passed off as mischief or part of growing up. But boys will be boys and we want to try everything once. By boys I don’t mean the new generation of voters, I’m referring to the gay culture in particular. The majority of us do not have the responsibility of raising kids and therefore have more cash to burn. And in our constant strive to upstage the last party, we wander further into the woods, exploring increasingly more dangerous drugs. In the townships where money is scarce, some young men might turn to stealing and prostitution; they become gay escorts or rent boys in order to afford their next hit. From KZN to the Cape Flats, a deadly and highly addictive drug called nyaope or whoonga is becoming increasingly popular and is highly addictive. It is made from third grade heroin, rat poison and cleaning detergents and some believe ARV medication is added to the concoction. The white powder is smoked in dagga joints and causes hallucinations and euphoria, among other effects. A side effect of ARVs is that it may bring on very vivid dreams and nyaope users believe that ARVs are therefore a key ingredient in nyaope. Some HIV clinics are being robbed and many HIV positive people who have been prescribed ARVs, are also selling their meds to nyaope manufacturers.
self 2PEN Mag 38
Not all drugs are equally addictive but the question is; how far will you go? Nowadays it’s not just about your drug of choice anymore. Drugs are being mixed across the board to produce different combinations of effects. We may think we have mastered the art of alchemy but we are playing with our lives. The cocktails we swallow or launch or spike not only come with the risk of addiction, they can be fatal. A common case in point is where G is taken with alcohol. A dora and a gina go hand in hand and as the kiki progresses, guys often turn to dealers for something stronger, like khat or coke or even crystal(tik). It doesn’t just happen at casual get-togethers; guys go the same route when they hook up for sex. In a world of drive-throughs and convenient online shopping, we’ve become used to getting everything on a platter - even hookups. Advertising chem sex has become commonplace on chat sites and if you really want to get off you are almost guaranteed of that. The more schmangled guys get, the more uninhibited, horny and willing they become, and to some extent less picky. We open ourselves up to exposure to STIs and HIV, because in our altered states, we don’t want to think about condoms. But wild sex does not have to be unsafe sex. Sadly statistics show that it is much easier said than done. When we’re in the zone we don’t always consider that Crystal Methamphetamine is implicated in the growing number of HIV infections in gay men throughout the world or that it could lead to faster progression of HIV to Aids when you are already positive. Our decreased inhibition automatically increases our risk of acquiring STIs and viruses, such as HIV and Hepatitis C, are very easily spread by sharing needles.
David Russel once said “The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn”. It’s exciting to discover new territories. As with driving without a map, not being informed or considering the facts beforehand could lead to catastrophic consequences. How many times have we all said “I’ll cross that bridge when I get there”? When it comes to something as important as your health, be sure to know where you are going before crossing over. For more information visit the Health4Men website. Or pick up a copy of their drug related fact sheets from Health4Men, 24 Napier St, Green Point, or from the Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health, Victoria Walk Rd, Woodstock. Health4Men is a project of the Anova Health Institute NPC. Health4Men’s harm reduction programme is supported by our Dutch partner, Mainline and funded by Aids Fonds. This article represents the writer’s personal views.
Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute is inviting gay and bi men from throughout South Africa to submit articles about their own lives, primarily regarding sexuality, sexual health and relationships. Selected articles will be published in print and online. (Writers can choose to be anonymous). For more information visit Health4Men on Facebook.
SEPTEMBER diary Friday 5th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Tuesday 9th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 12th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 19th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 26th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund · OCTOBER diary Friday 3rd Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Wednesday 8th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 10th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 17th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 24th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund · Friday 31st Fire Crotch Night – Free Entrance with Red Pubes NOVEMBER diary Thursday 6th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 7th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 14th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 21st Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 28th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund Also, Mondays: Daddies & Toy Boys - R30 entrance between 6 & 9 for under 20s and over 50s Thursdays: Student Night. Free entrance 6-9, R30 thereafter with student card.
GETTING THAT SUMMER LOOK OK The winter is over, it’s time to pack away those warm clothes that you’ve been layering all winter and get the t-shirts, vests, shorts and speedos out of moth-balls and on to your toned torso ... I know you’ve been keeping in shape all winter, planning for this very moment ... or have you?
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uring winter we all have a tendancy to curl up in front of the fire and indulge in that comfort food that doesn’t pass our lips during the summer in case it adds a pound or two. Well surprise, surprise the summer that you have been longing for has arrived and if you are weak like I am, and have added a few pounds it’s time to lose them. We have pride events in Gauteng comiming out of the ying-yang. Pretoria, Jo’burg, Soweto and Ekurhueni prides are all summer events and the topless, t-shirted hotties are going to be everywhere. You, like me, will have to hit the gym with avengeance and start eating a little healthier. Dump the chocolate and sugar-packed sodas. Fill up on fresh salads and drink plenty of water. I find the quickest and easiest way to shed the winter kilo’s is to run. Get yourself a good pair of running shoes and start pounding the pavement. If you are seriously out of practice start with a brisk walk and work up to a slow jog. Within a week or two you’ll start to feel fitter, the jog will become a little easier and you’ll soon find yourself running further and further - but best of all you’ll start to lose those unwanted inches. Running can be incredibly boring, invest in an mp3 player and take your mind off the task with your favourite music, or do it on the tredmill at your local gym where there is always a bit of eye-candy to keep your mind occupied, or choose a route that other joggers use. This way is also quite sociable, soon you’ll be seeing and greeting other like-minded people, so much so that you’ll find yourself looking forward to your run just so you can say hi to you fellow fitness freaks. Hiking is another outdoor activity that will test your fitness levels, and this country has numerous hiking trails that you can explore and apart from the fitness benefits it also gives you a chance to relish in the awesome beauty of our wonderful country. If running or walking is not your cup-of-tea, try swimming. Afterall it is summer, the best time to take up a water sport that will tone your entire body. You could take up a team sport, like soccer. All that running from one end of the fields to the other is sure to get you in to shape. Five-a-Side soccer is the fastest growing form of soccer in the world and Cape Town has a number of places where you can join. There are also clubs in every other major centre in the country, Google fives football and before you know it you’ll be on your way to getting in shape. Fives is played on all purpose, synthetic grass, floodlit facilities. It can be played in all weather, any time of the day, all year round. Its the small sided game, honing players’ movement, touch and agility. It’s also very social, you’ll meet new friends and you’ll get fit doing it. Alternatively get a few friends to join you and Mag 40
put your own team together. Being a part of a team will automatically schedule exercise sessions into your week, and peer pressure will ensure you keep showing up. If you not a person that likes to be a part of a team but don’t like the idea of exercising alone, what about taking aerobic classes? You wont be on your own, there are always others who are on the same level as you are, they are great fun and again exercise every part of the body. Again classes are sociable so again it’s an great way of meeting like-minded people and being a part of a group. Cycling of course is another excellent way to get fit and again exercises your whole body. This is another sport that can be done on your lonesome or with friend. With the great summer weather we are so spoilt with in this country, it’s the ideal sport that gets you toned and super-fit and at the same time you can enjoy exploring the outdoors. Raquet sports are also a great way of burning calories and getting the heart rate up. Find a friend and head to your gym for a game of squash. In no time you’ll be breaking a sweat and a hour or even half hour on the court will have you feeling like you have really put in a great effort. It’s a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. For those of you that prefer to do weight training but are not too sure on what to do or whether you are doing the exerises correctly, the best advice get yourself a personal trainer who will put you through your paces. Tell him/her your goals and get on the road to looking buffed ... it wont be long before you’re getting those appreciative looks that you give to others. In your quest for getting in shape Crossfit is perhaps an option. CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program which will improve your ability not only in your chosen sporting discipline, but also your overall levels of fitness, strength and flexibility. Crossfit programmes are available from beginners to advanced classes which make use of three different standards or models for evaluating and guiding fitness. Collectively, these three standards define the CrossFit view of fitness. They are: 1. Ten general physical skills being cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. 2. Performance of athletic tasks. A person’s fitness can be measured by their capacity to perform well at all tasks, even unfamiliar tasks and tasks are combined in infinitely varying combinations. 3. The energy systems that drive all human action. The focus on balance of metabolic pathways. The idea is for all these operations to work together in order to optimize human performance. Yoga is one of the best ways to get in shape and lose weight. Of course I can’t go into a full lecture about yoga in this space, but I can tell you that I have never seen people with better-toned bodies than those who practice yoga. One of the benefits of yoga is that you learn to control virtually every muscle and joint of your body so that the issue of weight gain will cease to exist. Try to get somebody to exercise along with you. But it should be somebody committed or else your interest might dwindle. This is indeed an excellent idea. One of the advantages of getting a committed person t exercise with you is that it keeps you going. There may be days when you feel just too lazy to crawl out of bed in the mornings. On such days, the knowledge that some body is waiting for you is enough to slide out of bed. Another advantage is that you can discuss your progress and fears with another person and be a sympathetic listener to the other person as well. The point I am making is that in order to lose those kilos you need to work at it, there’s no quick fix but you will be surprised at how quickly your body will respond. What ever you choose to do, do it with gusto and you’ll soon be one of the topless, toned and tanned boys that you like to look at. Mag 40
OUT TO LUNCH HIGH FLYING IN JOBURG THE HARVARD CAFÉ
rushing for the phone to make a booking there’s the “Fokker F28” which is a scrumptious pizza with cheese, tomato, Parma ham and rocket.
WHERE TIME FLIES
If pizza is not to your liking, there are a number of chef’s specialities including succulent Oxtail, Veal Piccado and my all-time fave the Kleftiko Lamb, tender pieces of lamb baked in a wood-burning oven and served in the traditional Greek way. It is truly a taste sensation that must be experienced!
Someone once said “TRAVEL is about the GORGEOUS feeling of teetering in the unknown”, and that is just how one feels when sitting at a table on the deck at the Harvard Café, situated in the grounds on the Rand Airport. As you watch the planes take off and land you can select your meal from a variety of starters, including Meze platters, garlic prawns, and Haloumi. Alternatively you can tuck in to a fresh salad like the Biltong and Peach Salad (biltong served with peach slices and almonds on a bed of crisp lettuce and drizzled with a light vinaigrette dressing. If that’s not enticing enough try the Blue Cheese salad which is amazing.
To finish try the Apple Cinnamon Cigars. These are phyllo pastry fingers filled with apple cinnamon and served with a sweet caramel sauce. There are also daily specials, so ask your waiter. Often the Harvard Café hosts air shows where tables can be booked to accommodate groups. Check out their website for dates - www.harvardcafe.co.za
Chicken, meaty treats, pasta and seafood are all on offer but it was the pizza’s which caught my eye and had my taste buds salivating. Pizzas are reasonably priced and the large selection are aptly named after some of the aircraft that frequent the airport. For example there is the “Antonov 32B” - which is a cheese, tomato, spicy chicken and avocado pizza. Another is the “Albatross” - a feast of cheese, tomato, mushroom and creamy garlic on a Napolitano base with deshelled prawns. If that hasn’t got you
HARVARD CAFÉ GRAND CENTRAL T: 011 805 8657 or 011 312 5266 grandcentral@harvardcafe.co.za
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On a Sunday you can check out the leather-clad bikers who descend from far and wide to enjoy the exceptional buffet breakfast - well worth it!!! The experience is unique and will leave you feeling like just hopping on a plane and jetting off, over the plains of Africa, just like Karen von Blixen-Finecke - “I had a farm in Africa ....”
HARVARD CAFÉ RAND AIRPORT T: 011 827 4856 or 011 827 0251 harvardcafe@telkomsa.net
HARVARD CAFÉ BONAERO PARK T: 011 979 7313 or 011 979 7314 harvardcafe@bonaeropark.co.za
OUT TO LUNCH TERROIR
DELICIOUS ART IN STELLENBOSCH
Kleine Zalze is just 3 km outside Stellenbosch and forms part of the De Zalze Wineland and Golf Estate. T: +27 (21) 880-8167 Terroir Restaurant on the Kleine Zalze wine estate near Stellenbosch, opened in October 2004, and over the years has become one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape winelands The unpretentious ambience and dresseddown décor belie multi award-winning chef Michael Broughton’s rigorously disciplined approach to food. Classic pairings and intense depth of flavour characterise the chalkboard menu of ‘deceptively simple’ dishes influenced by what’s in season and, where possible, the use of locally grown fresh produce. We chose an outside table, it was a lovely winters’ day, the sun was warm and there was no wind. There were four of us at the table. After a selection of starters we launched in to the main course. Each of us chose something different: I chose the
Karoo Lamb with a basil crust which was to die for!! We also ordered the line fish, Beef fillet and Braised belly of pork. Each plate looked like a work of art, it seemed a pity to eat it, but it looked too inviting to leave as well and we were not disappointed, each of us pronounced the meal as delicious, superb, yummy – there were no dissenters… Desserts were also exactly what they were supposed to be – treats. We chose a platter of assorted samplings from the whole dessert menu for four and I am still in heaven. Highly recommended, booking is essential I am told, even though the restaurant wasn’t full the day we were there. I can see why Terroir has won a string of awards over the years, making it one of the most sought-after gourmet destinations in the Cape winelands. If you want to treat a friend to a special meal or a special friend to a meal, Terroir is guaranteed not to disappoint.
Mag 43
OUT ON DVD LET’S WATCH DVD’S WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN Jersey Boys – too good to be true There are two words that will change your life: Jersey Boys! The multi-award-winning stage show you’ll never forget, and now a film you will always remember. From the spinechilling first notes of music underscoring the logos before the film begins, to its emotional and rousing credit sequence, Jersey Boys if a perfectly crafted masterwork and an ultimate cinematic experience. Having seen the stage show many times, the thrill of watching it burst to life on the big screen, magnifying it ten times, is just as emotional and gut wrenching as seeing it live. Clint Eastwood knows how to tell a great story well, and he handles the adaptation delicately, almost like a favourite child, allowing the theatricality and drama of stage, the fictional reality of film, and the sound of music to perfectly blend into a magical harmony that offers the best of all possible worlds. When live shows mutate from stage to screen, the language and particular nature and integrity of its expression and the uniqueness of its medium are often sacrificed, if not destroyed, but with Jersey Boys, Eastwood – being the consummate artisan he is – collaborated closely with Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice (who wrote the musical book and screenplay), composer Bob Gaudio and producer Frankie Valli, celebrating the glory and magnificent supremacy of this outstanding musical drama. Eastwood gracefully allows the different mediums to merge into an experience that will be remembered long after you leave the cinema. “Jersey Boys tells of the rise and fall of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll group The Four Seasons, the story of four young men from the wrong side of the tracks whose trials and triumphs are accompanied by the songs that influenced a generation. The drama of their lives and the passion of their music are interwoven into a tightly-knit tapestry of story and action, reality and fantasy, with the vibrant characters truly bursting to life. The casting is heavenly: It’s also great to see South African actor David Newton strut his stuff as Delgado’s date. Jersey Boys is a story anyone can easily relate to and fully immerse themselves into, speaking a universal language of the importance of friends and family, the urge to belong and make a difference in the world, and the passion of self expression at its most profound. The boys from Jersey changed their world. They will change yours. It is just too good to be true. THE LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND ***** This touching and heartfelt independent film by director Jodie Markell is based on Tennessee Williams’ long-forgotten 1957 screenplay. The film features passionate performances by Bryce Dallas Howard as Fisher Willow, a the disliked 1920s Memphis débutante daughter of a plantation owner with a distaste for narrow-minded people and a penchant for shocking and insulting those around her. After returning from studies overseas, Fisher falls in love with Jimmy (equally brilliant performance by Chris Evans), the down-and-out son of an alcoholic father and an insane mother who works at a Mag 44
store on her family’s plantation. She tries to pass him off as an upper-class suitor to appease the spinster aunt who controls her family’s fortune, but when she loses a diamond, it places their tenuous relationship in further jeopardy. SAVING MR. BANKS ***** The sensational two-disc Blu-Ray edition includes the fully restored and remastered 50th Anniversary Edition of Mary Poppins, with dazzling features that include audio commentary ny Julie Andrews. Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson are superb in Saving Mr. Banks, the delightful untold story about the origins of Mary Poppins, with Hanks as Walt Disney who will do anything to obtain the rights from author P.L Travers (Thompson). BRONSON ***** Tom Hardy delivers the performance of a lifetime in this riveting and shocking masterwork from director Nicholas Winding Refn, with Hardy playing Britain’s most notorious prisoner, real-life Michael Peterson, who has been behind bars for 34-years and decided to make a name for himself, transforming himself into Charles Bronson, an insane and totally off-the-wall character. The superb features includes director’s commentary, and Tom Hardy taking us through the process of his transformation. STUART A LIFE BACKWARDS ***** This award-winning drama from BBC Wales and HBO details the remarkable friendship between a reclusive writer and illustrator Alexander(Benedict Cumberbatch) and a chaotic homeless man Stuart (Tom Hardy). As Alexander learns more about Stuart’s complicated life and traumatic childhood, he asks if he can write his story and Stuart advises him to write the story backwards, so that it’s more exciting. If there’s one reason to own this DVD, it’s for the behind the scenes interviews with Hardy and Cumberbatch, a crowning glory to their momentous performances. LOCKE ***** Centers on a man attempting to salvage his life over the course of one car ride. Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy) has worked hard to craft a good life for himself. Tonight, that life will collapse around him. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will unravel his family, job, and soul. Directed by Steven Knight (Redemption) Visit Let’s Watch DVDs on Facebook or visit www. writingstudio.co.za
WORD PERFECT HERE I AM - PJ POWERS
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
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outh African singing legend, PJ Powers has recently launched her biography “Here I Am” is the story of her journey from her childhood days to her early years as a performer through the most violent period this country has experienced from 1978 to the first democratic elections in 1994 and beyond. PJ says she’s “been very honest in this book … there are things that the readers will find out that they didn’t know about me, but it is a brutally, completely honest book.” Marianne Thamm co-authored this no-holes-barred account of what PJ describes as an “incredibly full life”. In the book we see the development of a girl who grew up in Durban and being big for her age group didn’t really fit in. She describes in the book how growing up she constantly felt like an outsider. Always being told that she had a lovely personality - lacking in the looks and figure department, but not something one likes to hear as a young person. Music was her passion and always has been so after school she headed for Johannesburg – to Hillbrow in fact, where in these days there was a semblance of liberalism sadly lacking in the rest of the country – to form a band “Hotline”. At this time South Africa was an incredibly divided country and during what is one of the most violent turbulent times in the country’s history she launched her career. In 1982 her life did a 360 when the rock ballad “Suddenly You’re so good to me” got on to Radio Zulu charts and she was invited to play in Soweto – unheard of for a white person let alone a white woman. However, the black people of South Africa “took me under their wing” which she described at her book launch as a “sacred, wonderful, incredible moment.” For the first time she felt that unconditional acceptance which was in direct juxtaposition to what was happening in the country. She was given the name Thandeka (meaning the loved one). The book covers a number of the famous people she has met through her life as an entertainer including Madiba, who’s letter to her from prison in 1988 is included in the book and was the start of an enduring bond with Mr. Mandela, whom she met after his release from prison at the Welcome Home Concert in Ellis Park, Johannesburg. There are hilarious encounters like her ending up on a double sun bed with Sharon Stone, an account of performing in the
ANGELS IN AMERICA ***** An ultimate for any collector, this superb HBO miniseries and multiple Golden Globe and Emmy award winner is adapted from the play of the same name by Tony Kushner, with director Mike Nichols at the hlem. Set in 1985, the film revolves around six disparate New Yorkers whose lives intersect. At its core, it has the fantastical story of Prior Walter, a gay man dying of AIDS who is visited by an angel. The
townships with Brenda Fassie and Sipho Hotsix Mabuse on the mobile Lion Lager sound stage as the township burned around them. The book is not only about the array of people she’s met, she also delves in to the darker side of her character and her addiction to alcohol and the trials in firstly accepting her alcohol problem and then starting the programme to overcome it. She has been sober for five years now and takes each day one at a time, but most importantly for readers is her honesty about how difficult that process has been. From drinking hairspray out of desperation for alcohol, getting ill, being admitted to hospital and suddenly realising that she “didn’t want to die” and knowing that she had to find a way back from the abyss she was in. Ultimately this insightful autobiography is a candid account of her extraordinary life in music, her relationships with a number of women, her battles with her alcoholism, and even her weight issues - most importantly though her journey is told with passion, insight, humour and wit. A simply must read. film explores a wide variety of themes, including Reagan era politics, the spreading AIDS epidemic, and a rapidly changing social and political climate; as the story develops, these lost souls come together to create bonds of love, loss, and loneliness and, in the end, discover forgiveness and overcome abandonment. It offers glorious. There are 2 discs, offering 6 hours non-stop viewing, featuring commanding performances from Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Patrick Wilson, Mary-Louise Parker, Emma Thompson, Justin Kirk, Jeffrey Wright, Ben Shenkman, and a magnificent soundtrack by Thomas Newman Mag 45
OUT ON FILM LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN Live theatre on the Big Screen
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ou don’t have to fly to London to see the best theatre in the world, but can experience it in the comfort of a cinema near you! From Sept 26 you can see the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Two Gentlemen Of Verona; ‘terrible things breed in broken hearts’ in Euripides’ powerful tragedy Medea from Oct 4, with Helen McCrory playing a wife and mother who exacts an appalling revenge and destroys everything she holds dear; Blanche’s fragile world crumbles, and her downward spiral brings her face to face with the brutal, unforgiving Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire, screened from Oct 18 with Gillian Anderson and Ben Foster; and Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan feature in the highly anticipated West End production of David Hare’s Skylight from Nov 15. These films are screened exclusively for one week only should not be missed.
SEPTEMBER RELEASES A journey into madness and terror, As Above, So Below reaches deep into the human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all; Into the Storm throws you directly into the eye of the storm to experience Mother Nature at her most extreme; Mr. Morgan’s Last Love is a richly nuanced, emotion-charged story of lost souls, new-found hope and last love; a good priest is faced with sinister and troubling circumstances brought about by a mysterious member of his parish in Calvary; when a man becomes aware of his girlfriend’s infidelity in The Canyons, it leads into a violent, sexually-charged tour through the dark side of human nature; in Before I Go To Sleep Nicole Kidman plays a woman who wakes up every day with no memory and terrifying new truths begin to emerge that make her question everything she thinks she knows about her life - as well as everyone in it; Begin Again is a soul-stirring comedy about what happens when lost souls meet and make beautiful music together; when his sixty-fifth birthday coincides with a shock from the past in The Great Beauty, a successful writer finds himself Mag 46
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Ben Foster in Streetcar Named Desire unexpectedly taking stock of his life. A timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty; a man stubbornly learns to open his heart - to his family and to life itself in the uplifting comedy And So It Goes; and Sunshine on Leith is a jubilant, heartfelt musical about the power of home, the hearth, family and love.
OCTOBER RELEASES Luke Evans sizzles in Dracula Untold, the origin story of the man who became Dracula; in the local Hollywood In My Huis a girl who lives in a poor neighbourhood with her dysfunctional parents, is inspired by Charlize Theron’s Oscarwin to change her destiny; Love Is All You Need is a film about the simple yet profound pains and joys of moving on - and forward - with your life; the destiny of two brother’s is tragically bound
Daniel Radcliffe in Horns
together, forever in Blood Ties; David Fincher’s Gone Girl unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage when a man’s wife disappears mysteriously; a resident playboy’s life changes when a former fling leaves a baby on his doorstep and he leaves Mexico for Los Angeles to find the baby’s mother, but only ends up finding a new home for himself and his newfound daughter in Instructions Not Included; when a half-Chechen, halfRussian, brutally tortured immigrant turns up in Hamburg’s Islamic community, laying claim to his father’s ill-gotten fortune, both German and US security agencies take a close interest to establish this most wanted man’s true identity oppressed victim or destruction-bent extremist – in A Most Wanted Man; in the supernatural thriller Horns, Daniel Radcliffe awakens one morning to find horns starting to grow from his own head and soon realises their power drives people to confess their sins and give in to their most selfish and unspeakable impulses
NOVEMBER RELEASES Get on Up tells the incredible life story of the Godfather of Soul, taking audiences on the journey from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century; inspired by an extraordinary true story Pride is set in 1984 when Margaret Thatcher was in power and the National Union of Mineworkers were on strike, prompting a London-based group of gay and lesbian activists to raise money to support the strikers’ families; in the crime drama The Drop Tom Hardy plays a lonely bartender finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry; Kevin Kline is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker in My Old Lady who inherits a Parisian apartment from his estranged father and is shocked to discover a live-in tenant who is not prepared to budge; the worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1; in the local Leading Lady, Bok van Blerk plays a cynical farmer who is persuaded by an idealistic British drama school teacher to prepare her for a role in a major film as an Afrikaans war heroine; and Spud Milton continues his awkward stagger through adolescence in Spud 3.
ON STAGE AT THE JO’BURG THEATRE
menacing Captain Hook with Michael Riff Themba as the courageous and gutsy Peter Pan.
ance lovers are in for a double treat from Joburg Ballet: applauded as one of the greatest of the 19th century ballet classics, on a par with Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère is a saga of love, betrayal and revenge played out against the splendours of the palaces and temples of Ancient India. The ballet tells the story of Nikiya, an Indian temple dancer, and her doomed love for the warrior, Solor and is on Until Sept 28. The ever-popular Nutcracker is on from Sept 17 to 27, brimming with matchless entertainment, theatrical tricks and lots of fun that will appeal both to those who love ballet the familiar and traditional way as well as to those looking for something new and out of the ordinary. There’s more dance in Brazouka from Oct 3 to 19, featuring sixteen dazzling dancers taking audiences on a breathtaking journey of intense passion, sizzling sensuality, pulsing music and explosive energy. This unique dance-drama is performed by Brazil’s most thrilling new troupe, who introduce the sensational dance language of Lambazouk and other authentic Afro-Brazilian dances in a stunning variety of styles that will have you on your feet, captivated by the intoxicating rhythms. The musical review Simply Broadway is on Oct 10 and 12 and injects new life into old classics and introduces some of Broadway’s freshest offerings, containing all your show tune favourites, stripped down to their simplest, most exquisite form. And Janice Honeyman’s panto Peter Pan is on from Nov 5 to Dec 28, with Craig Urbani as the
AT THE CAPE TOWN THEATRE
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ocky Horror back in Cape Town ‘In the velvet darkness of the blackest night’, The Rocky Horror Show at The Fugard Theatre is most definitely a beam of ‘light in the darkness’ of musical theatre in South Africa that streams like a guiding star into ‘everybody’s life’. With iconic cult rock musicals like The Rocky Horror Show, that has been delivering absolute pleasure for 40 years now, there is no second chance, and with its jaw-dropping awesomeness from start to finish, this latest incarnation gets it totally right in every aspect and delivers with abundance. In an age where we have thankfully moved away from trying to re-invent the wheel, this unique and rousing staging of Richard O’Brien’s inspired classic is as fresh and original as when it first hit me like a ton of bricks in 1974. Brendan van Rhyn was born to play Frank-N-Furter, it’s a role that fits him like a glove and, following his Naledinominated performance of the role in a previous production at the Victory Theatre in Johannesburg, van Rhyn’s adds a wicked sense of humour and vigourous sensibility to a masterful performance. He commands the stage with muscle and verve and his playful zest is delightful; the enjoyment of his performance hits the audience like a tidal wave. Besides his wonderful interpretation of Sweet Transvestite, van Rhyn’s astounding vocal prowess turns songs like Going Home into an unforgettable emotional experi-
For more information, visit Let’s go to the Theatre on Facebook or visit www.writingstudio.co.za
WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN ence that makes his performance one of the best Frank-N-Furter’s we have ever seenIt is back at the Fugard Theatre until Nov 2 so make sure to do the Time Warp again! It’s definitely a night out that you will remember for a very long time!
AT THE DURBAN THEATRE
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It’s Panto fever in Durbs inderella - as never seen before – is on at Suncoast from Nov 11 until Dec 30. It is an accepted fact that Cinderella is the world’s most favourite pantomime. There have been several incarnations of the adult version, Sinderella. But don’t panic …..this is a brand new version, filled with clever quips to keep you on the edge-of-your seat …as well as just a few below-the-belt jokes.Harking back to the original format of clever, rather than in-your-face, Durban’s favourite festive season entertainers have come up with a delicious new plot. Gone is Cinderella – and Sinderella – as well as Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother. Enter instead Sinder-Fella, Princess Charming and the Fairy Godfather.... The team is back with some new additions: Anthony Stonier (of famous legs) and Clinton Small (last year’s surfer dude) play the Ugly Sisters; Thomie Holtzhausen (seen in a great variety of roles in past pantos) is the Fairy Godfather; and the gorgeous Katy Moore (last year’s Juliet) as Princess Pandora Hullett of Ballito. Joining them for the first time are Rowin Munsamy as the Princess’ loyal supporter, Button, and Mpilo “Straw” Nzimanade as SinderFella. And the magical adventures of Aladdin and his enchanted lamp which comes to the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre from 5 December until 11 January.
MUSIC MOVES
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hart-topping singer and songwriter Albert Hammond, the legendary singer whose chart topping hits include It Never Rains in Southern California, Free Electric Band, I’m a Train and Peacemaker begins his tour in Potchefstroom on 9 October at the Clover Aardklop Festival, followed by a show in Cape Town at the Grand Arena, GrandWest on 11 Oct, and a final concert at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City on Oct 12. The Original Rock Chic, the unstoppably entertaining
Suzi Quatro scored a trail of no 1 hits such as She’s in love with you; 48 crash; Can the Can; Devil Gate Drive amongst others and her South African tour kicks off on Oct 24, 25 and 26 at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, on Oct 29 October 2014 at Boardwalk Casino, Port Elizabeth and Nov 1 at Liqui- Fruit Amphitheatre in Paarl. And international songwriter and musician, Kenny G will be performing in South Africa on Nov 20 at the Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg. Cape Town also welcomes the Philhar-
monic Youth Orchestra, together an array of artists including Danny K, Connell Cruize, Brandon October, Zoe Zama and Applauz who will be performing a one night pop proms style Concert in the Park in aid of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation. This concert happens on the 2nd November, in Green Point Park. Pack a picnic hamper and make your way to Green Point Urban Park (Near the stadium) Tickets are available at the door or from Computicket. Mag 47
ON STAGE
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he global theatre phenomenon, War Horse will be making its South African première later this year, beginning with a season at The Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg in October before transferring to the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town in December. War Horse will be presented in South Africa by Pieter Toerien, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and The National Theatre of Great Britain, in association with Handspring Puppet Company. The production has been seen by over 5 million people worldwide since its opening at the National Theatre in 2007. During its successful run on Broadway, it received five Tony Awards, plus a special Tony Award for Handspring Puppet Company. Says Pieter Toerien, “I fell in love with War Horse when it first opened at the National Theatre in London nearly 7 years ago. The brilliant actors and the genius of South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company made War Horse an absolutely extraordinary evening in the theatre. I was determined to bring it to our audience so a dream is about to come true for me”. Chris Harper, the producer of War Horse said: “The design, artistry and craftsmanship of Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler and everyone at Handspring Puppet Company has delighted War Horse audiences around the world. Every single puppet used in the show was hand-crafted in Cape Town at Handspring’s puppet factory, and it is only fitting that they are returning to the country where they were created, to be enjoyed by South African audiences.” War Horse is the powerful story of a young boy called Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, who has been requisitioned to fight for the British in World War I. Caught in enemy crossfire, Joey ends up serving on both sides during the war before landing in No Man’s Land, while Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, War Horse Mag 48
features groundbreaking puppetry work by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, which brings breathing and galloping horses to life on stage. Based on a novel by Michael Morpurgo, who has written over 100 books and was Children’s Laureate from 2003 to 2005, War Horse has been beautifully adapted by Nick Stafford. The production is directed by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, designed by Rae Smith, lighting is by Paule Constable and movement and horse choreography by Toby Sedgwick. The puppet design and puppetry directors are Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, with video design by 59 Productions Ltd, songmaking by John Tams, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Christopher Shutt. War Horse is in its sixth successful year in London’s West End, on a major tour of North America, is running in Berlin (in German and called Gefährten) and is on a sell-out tour of the UK and Ireland. A new production opened in Amsterdam in June as part of the Holland Festival and will tour five Cities in the Netherlands in September. War Horse is a play that lives, breathes and challenges the imagination, making it a compelling branding partnership for RMB, as their alignment with creative and intellectual excellence in arts is an opportunity for the art of business to embrace the business of the arts. Helping to publically showcase SA’s arts, culture and heritage as a country differentiator and international calling card. War Horse opens first at The Teatro at Montecasino in Fourways, Johannesburg on 22 October where it runs until 30 November 2014. The season at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town is from 5 December 2014 until 4 January 2015. Tickets cost from R100 to R450 via Computicket or 08619158000. For group bookings please call Tracy in Cape Town on 0214383301 and Geraldine in Johannesburg on 0115111988.
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