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EDITOR’S COMMENT
reaking news as we went to print: The Equality Court has ruled that the South Africa High Commissioner to Uganda Jon Qwelane is guilty of hate speech. Four years after the former Sunday Sun columnist penned an article titled “Call me names, but gay is NOT okay” Qwelane has been ordered to apologise to the gay and lesbian community and to pay a fine of R100,000.00 to the SA Human Rights Commission. This is a major victory against prejudice and we hope Qwelane does as ordered by the court, and that the government finally recalls him from Uganda.
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It is 30 years since we first heard about the “gay plague” as AIDS was first called. Of course now we know that HIV affects everyone, although men who have MSM (sex with men) are still in a high risk category. And general attitudes towards homosexuality in Africa hamper education and treatment. After suffering years of denial, we finally have a Health Minister committed to addressing prevalence of HIV amongst MSM. In a speech read at his behalf at the opening of the Top2Btm symposium dedicated to the sexual health of MSM in May, the Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said that there is a need for an HIV strategy that is “much more nuanced and targeted….We certainly haven’t done enough to protect this group”. This is a fresh new attitude from government, which was acknowledged by Dr. James McIntyre from Anova Health. He pointed out that we now have a Minister who broadly supports MSM and LGBTI people and who has a deeper understanding of the stigma and discrimination we often face. In South Africa we are facing another plague…that of corrective rape of lesbians. After pressure from activists, the Department of Justice has eventually set up a task force to investigate hate crimes targeted at the gay community. We hope that this a genuine gesture and not merely paying lip service to an angry community. In this issue, we are happy to report about the opening of Africa’s first gay shelter. We interview Mr Gay World Francois Nel and Mr. SA Leatherman Gerrie Vorster who was placed 7th at the IML finals in Chicago. Well done, Gerrie! We feature the fabulous Miss Lola Lou as well as Cape Town’s latest drag sensation 3D. We also look back at this year’s Cape Town Pride Festival. As always, we have lots of party pictures, food, fashion, music, theatre, movies and more news and views. Keep it hot this winter and play safe!
Rob: +27(0)83 556 6861 | rob@sirseapoint.co.za Ursula: +27(0)83 252 0523 | ursula@sirseapoint.co.za www.mirage-capetown.co.za DEVELOPED BY:
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Copyright: All articles, stories, interviews and other materials in OUT Africa Magazine are the copyright of the publication or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. No articles, stories, interviews and other materials may be copied, modified, published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of OUT Africa Magazine or Patterson Publications. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments in this publication are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions or strategies of OUT Africa Magazine or any employee thereof. OUT Africa Magazine and Patterson Publications cc., will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in any information contained in the publication.
CONTENTS
4
INTERVIEWS
4 ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Francois Nel chats about winning the Mr. Gay World title. 15 MR. SALM: Hot and hunky Gerrie Vorster is the new Mr. SA Leatherman.
FASHION 12-13 Hot boys in Traffic-stopping street-wear.
FEATURES
CLUB NEWS Bye Bye Beaulah…..For Now Beaulah Bar, popular with Cape Town’s lesbian community, has closed after four years and the building it occupied has been demolished. The demolition will make way for a wider footpath for pedestrians and cyclists on Somerset Rd, and is part of the city’s non-motorised transport upgrade in Green Point. It is expected that the demolition of the Bronx will follow once their lease has expired. Beaulah Bar opened in 2007 just a few weeks after the Loft Lounge first colonised what was soon to become the new Pink Block in Green Point. Proprietor Myrna Andrews was well known for organising Lush, a monthly Sapphic dance party, so she was well placed to know her market. But whilst Beaulah was a safe and funky place for lesbians to party, it attracted a wide range of patrons who enjoyed the party vibe. It was especially popular with students and baby dykes. It is expected that a bigger, brighter version of Beaulah will be back in the new 2 story building being built on the same site, hopefully by November. The space will be roughly double the size and better laid out as it will be designed as a club from scratch.
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2 EDITORS COMMENT: 3 CLUB NEWS: 5 ANOTHER AWARD: SA gay film wins at Cannes 6 TRUE COLOURS: More proudly gay South Africans 8 ROSES & RASPBERRIES 9 3D: The sensational drag trio. 10 THE BEST PRIDE EVER? 11 MENS HEALTH: Warts and all 14 PRIDE SHELTER UPDATE 18 GETTING KINKY: Fulfil your darkest fantasies 20 LEGENDARY 4X4: Test-driving the new Jeep Wrangler 22 WIND SURFING AT THE GAT: John French checked out the well-known, hugely popular lang-arm patsy. 23 WINNERS!!! 28 FROM LUC TO LOLA: Meet drag diva, Lola Lou. 30 GAY LIFE ON THE GARDEN ROUTE: Duo Bar 31 OSCAR PISTORIUS: The new face of A*men. 32 THE BUZZ: News, snippets and gossip 33 GAY ICON: Scary Monster 35 JOZI LIFE: What’s hot and happening in Gauteng 37 BLAINE’S TOP DANCE FLOOR WINTER WARMERS: 39 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
REVIEWS
34 OUT TO LUNCH: Feeding Frenzy 36 OUT ON DVD: The best movies to watch at home. 37 MUSIC MOVES: A look at the latest sounds around. 38 OUT ON FILM: What to miss on the circuit...and what not to! 39 WORD PERFECT: Gay-sex handbook 40 ON STAGE: The performing arts all over SA...
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Meanwhile in Jo’burg…. Discotec suddenly closed its doors after 7 months. Legendary DJ Stuart Hillary and his posse moved to Action, a new dance bar in Illovo. In a shock move, Action closed after only three weeks to be immediately replaced by Babylon the Bar, which has been getting rave reviews. That must be one of the quickest turnarounds ever. Meanwhile, Lounge Maximus has been resurrected in Pretoria and has taken over the Q-Bar premises. Never a dull moment in Gauteng!
SCENE OUT 24 COCKTAIL HOUR: OUT Mag & Don Julio cocktail party at Lazari in de Waterkant. 24 BUBBLES: The Capes newest drag bar. 25 CT PRIDE PAGEANT: 25 LOCKER ROOM OPENED AT BEEFCAKES: 25 CARGO KILTS AT THE VENUE 25 THE M.A.D. DIVA SHOW 26 P2 INC & OUT MAG POOL PARTY AT THE GLEN 26 CT PRIDE 27 WHISKY TASTING WITH OUT MAGAZINE Mag 3 27 CREW IS 2
ON TOP OF THE WORLD Mr. Gay SA 2010, 29 year old Francois Nel of Centurion, beat contestants from 22 other countries to win the third annual Mr. Gay World title in a spectacular final at Club Mwah in Manila, Philippines in March. This is the second year in a row that a South African has won the competition. Francois found some time in his busy schedule to tell us about his experience. OUT: What was you first reaction when you heard your name announced as the winner of Mr. Gay World 2011? Francois: Everything seemed to be happening so fast. I was completely elated when I won, but I don’t think reality immediately sunk in. I was emotional as well, there had been hard work up until that point and I was ecstatic at the opportunity. OUT: How has your life changed since winning the title? Francois: It seems busier than ever, but in a good way, streamlining Mr. Gay SA and Mr. Gay World, business and other duties. I have also been busy with a project plan since winning GSA which is now finished. I am currently seeking different sponsorship, web development especially, so that these projects enjoy the attention and awareness I envision. We have seen we can’t always count on the mainstream media to write about LGTBI issues, but we can work together on having impactful events as well as use the social networking media to highlight our issues.
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OUT: Do you get hit on more since winning your titles? Francois: I’m generally shy “when being hit on” and am sometimes unaware that people are hitting on me, so I am not sure. I guess you could say there is more interest, it’s very flattering. OUT: Who is your role model? Francois: Shall I give you a list? Sir Ian McKellan, Harvey Milk, A.C. Grayling, Nelson Mandela, my grandmother and Celine Dion. OUT: The organisers of Mr. Gay World describe the competition as a 21st Century beauty contest. What distinguishes this from other similar contests such as the Mr. International Gay Competition? Francois: Mr. Gay World is more than a beauty competition, it seeks an ambassador for the gay community, someone to be outspoken on LGTBI issues and human rights. A lot of countries that participate do so with a lot of effort and hardships. Some of the delegates come from countries where being gay is not yet accepted, by the law or society. I cannot comment on competitions I have not been involved with, but what I can say is my experiences with Mr. Gay South Africa and Mr. Gay World has been one of a proud and profound vision to work together on the fight we face for equality. OUT: In theory the South African Constitution regards gay citizens as equal. But in reality gay people continue to suffer various forms of discrimination and, on occasion, violence. How can someone in your position improve conditions for South African gays and lesbians? Francois: It is sad that such a progressive Constitution does not necessarily infiltrate people’s thinking or behavioural patterns. There are many forms of discrimination out there and the focus should be on equality for all, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender or ethnicity. In line with the projects I aim to be a part of this year I would like to focus on the human qualities that bring us together, not set us apart. OUT: How would you break down the gender and racial barriers within the gay community? How can you use your position to help create a truly gay Rainbow Nation? Francois: Love transcends and breaks down all barriers, we are here to fight for the right to love, for that love to lead to a ceremony that celebrates and enjoys the benefits of marriage. If the focus is more on love than what it is on what is right or wrong when it comes to sexual orientation, I believe we can show that we are born this way. There are racial and gender issues in straight communities too, but I would like to focus on all inclusive events that welcome people from all orientations, ethnicities and genders. Human talent is another focus of mine, talent also surpasses judgement and prejudice, being a part of any sport or arts project focuses on the human talent involved and even we are all different, we are also all the same. OUT: There is limited participation by black gay men in contests. How would you encourage black guys to participate? Francois: I hope this year would change that. As you know Mr. Gay World is being hosted in South Africa in 2012 and the organisers have vowed to have three contestants from other parts of Africa as delegates. The competition is open to all openly gay men who feel they have what it takes to represent their community. I sincerely hope there is more involvement from the all races in the competition and our other events this year. OUT: How does holding such a competition in Africa really help gays in the rest of Africa?
Francois: Purely by having such a competition we create awareness; it says we are here and we are still fighting. LGTBI networks in other parts of Africa have also started planning on sending representatives. By creating awareness on these sorts of competitions and the projects we undertake, it sends messages to gay communities that there is power in numbers, they do not need to feel alone. We too have not always enjoyed the rights we have now, but we are thankful to those before us who fought for the right to be in same sex relationships. We here and want to aid in sending out the message. OUT: Apart from making the general population aware of the plight of gay Africans and lobbying the government, what can the gay community do to improve conditions? Francois: Be who you are. Be at events: your presence shows that we have a unified voice and that we stand for equality. Your presence gives voice to those still scared to be open about their sexual orientation. Be successful: the success that gay people are responsible for, like HIV and safe sex related work, shows that we have an interest in human kind, beyond the judgment of sexual orientation. Utilise your talent, whatever it might be, we all have different talents.
AND ANOTHER AWARD!!!
Gay Afrikaans film scoops Cannes prize
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n Afrikaans language film Skoonheid, which featured in the 64th Cannes International Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard (a particular outlook) category in May, won the Queer Palm - an award for the best film dealing with gay issues. Skoonheid is the second film by South African director Oliver Hermanus and deals with a Francois, 40-something Afrikaans family man living in Bloemfontein who battles to suppress his sexual desires. He develops a destructive obsession with his friend’s gorgeous 22-year-old son which unravels his clean cut, controlled life. French film critic and president of the jury that awarded the Queer Palm Elisabeth Quin said: “We were struck and marked by this film about self-hate, homophobia and racism. Skoonheid is a disturbing, radical film, real cinema.” Dean Lotz, who plays Francois was “ecstatic” about the win. “It gives us wonderful recognition as a film and for South Africa’s growing film industry. The critics that were there obviously saw something that they liked.” About his role as Francois he said “He just didn’t know how to deal with these feelings he had suppressed all his life - because of Afrikaner men having to be a certain way.” He said the movie appealed to all international audiences because “there are many Francoises out there in the world”. Director Hermanus said he was honoured that the “powerhouse of European film critics” awarded his film the Queer Palm, and hoped that the film would be well received in South Africa where it has yet to be screened. “When we made this film we were definitely challenging some radical issues in South Africa,” said Hermanus while accepting the award in Cannes. “We know it will be a challenging film for the audience because it deals with someone who refuses to accept his sexuality which is, I think, happening in all countries in the world, people refuse to accept who they are.” Mag 5
TRUE COLOURS As the new Gay SA Flag gains momentum, we spoke to a few new fans of the flag... MELANIE NATHAN Melanie Nathan is a South African born, openly lesbian mother of two daughters, an attorney, conflict resolution specialist, equality and human rights activist and editor of the www. LezGetReal.com blog. She gave the keynote address at Cape Town Pride’s Pink Ball in March and has lent her voice to the cause of corrective rape of lesbians. Melanie currently resides in San Francisco.
T will RUE ity be h COL Lul Event osting OURS 30 J eki S in su a Ch 125 une aiswe onpport arR30 A de t Bu Th of men entry. Waterbbles Burs. k t L a Lol from t ive entant St. r, a L he f erta ou ab in Roxdaugh and h ulous Riri y le R ters er Ros oux enb & erg.
I care deeply about the people of South Africa and that permeates my work. I lived my childhood and practised as a lawyer in South Africa. I listen to the stories and go beyond the mere reporting. I take on an advocacy stance. If I write a piece I will gear it toward the action required to encourage a remedy or reform. I do put the cause before anything else. I am also unconditional in my giving to the community and have no expectations of anything in return. The LGBT community in USA is very supportive of my work. In general they find the concept of corrective rape to be depraved and barbaric and are disgusted at the endemic nature of it in South Africa. That does not mean it does not happen in the USA. I have a dear friend who was abducted and raped for hours after some men saw her kissing her girlfriend. Our writing on LezGetReal served as the impetus for the various online campaigns that pulled in world attention on the issue. I find the gay flag of SA to be a stunning and creative symbol to be used as a tool for pride and should be embraced by the South African community at large. South Africa is one of the few all inclusive constitutions in the entire world - which specifically refers to equality based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The flag reminds the people of South Africa that the rights of LGBT community must be respected and enforced.
ANDREW & GRANT EGLIN Since opening Beefcakes 18 months ago, the Eglin Brother have become an institution in Cape Town. The best Beef in town is served behind the bars as well as on the plates. Beefcakes has also become famous for some of the most entertaining live shows in town. “Being GAY and SOUTH AFRICAN means we get the best of both worlds! Not only can we be fabulous, but also totally accepted in our country. We live in an incredible country of opportunity, which has allowed us to realise our dream of opening up a truly ‘pink’ venue - which has not only gone a long way to better the gay village, but also bring our brand of magic to a large heterosexual audience thereby helping to break down stereotypes and often misguided perceptions of the gay community. Beefcakes support the South African Gay flag. To us it means that we can be proud of both our heritage and our lifestyle. The flag is not something we need to hide behind, but rather stand proudly in front of. As for what it is like to be gay and brothers, it’s bloody brilliant! Luckily we have very different tastes in men, but other than that we compliment each other perfectly, and keep Mom very happy with scatter cushions!”
DAVIDE Davide made an impression when he appeared in the HOT JOCKS Fashion Spread in the Summer Edition of OUT. This half French and half Italian 38 year old with killer abs says he has all the best qualities of the French people and the worst of the Italian. He lives in Johannesburg. “I am not at all active in the gay community. Honestly speaking, I don’t like the gay scene in Johannesburg because it is centered around drugs and parties. Of course, I have a boyfriend and my best friends are gay. I don’t think it is necessary to go to a gay club to have a good quality time. The difference between South Africans and Italians is that a South African man would invite you to a braai and spend hours socializing with all the others participants; an Italian would invite you to a pizza and in 35 minutes it is time for going upstairs. South Africa is the most bisexual country I’ve ever visited: that doubles the chances of a happy time. But at the same time we need to watch out for HIV. South Africa sadly has one of the highest infection rates in the world. The gay community should be more supportive of each other. All people regardless their sexuality should be protected from humiliations. I think that the gay flag (which in the picture taken is not really on the best spot) is a significant and powerful statement against rape and, generally, repression. And the secret to me having such a flat stomach is that I have a great boyfriend… training the muscle group from different angles…and Photoshop does the rest.” Mag 6
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CHALLENGING PREJUDICE & EMPOWERING TOWNSHIP GAY MEN UKWAZANA: An innovative programme designed to make it easier for gay men in townships to practice responsible sex and to gain access to health care. Call 021 421 6127 for details. SERVICES IN SOWETO & JOHANNESBURG The Simon Nkoli Centre for Men’s Health now offers comprehensive, efficient sexual health services to gay men including free screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, as well as free treatment. And this includes freeARV treatment! We are introducing a counselling service so watch this space! Call 011 989 9756 for info or an appointment. NEEDLE & SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME The Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health has added a free needle & syringe exchange programme to our services specifically designed for gay men. If you’re an intravenous drug user talk to our doctor about reducing your risk of getting Hepatitis or HIV and we’ll give you new needles and syringes if you bring in your used ones. We can also refer you for drug counselling services. Call 021 447 2844 for details. NEW SUPPORT GROUP: SUPPORT GROUP FOR GAY MEN LIVING WITH HIV If you’ve screened HIV positive within the past 6 month, and live in Cape Town, this group is specifically for you! And while you’re at it, also ask about our Wednesday Group. Call 071 671 5875 for info.
ROSES & RASPBERRIES are able to sell their houses for huge profits, it is mainly due to the development of a gay village with bars, shops, restaurants and guesthouses where a lot people, gay and straight, come and spend their money. So trying to shut down some gay venues is actually attacking the real source of wealth of the neighbourhood. It seems logical that anyone who voluntarily and knowingly moves into a fashionable neighbourhood known for its nightlife should expect some noise. Most responsible businesses do comply with noise, health and safety regulations. It is unlikely that Cape Town would remain in the Top 10 Gay Tourist destinations in the world without a vibey gay precinct.
Kiss
Cum Feel the Noise
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here appears to be a campaign by certain individuals to close certain gay establishments who provide live entertainment in de Waterkant. An article published in the Weekend Argus on 16th April entitled “Pink Palace noise a drag for locals”? targets Café Manhattan, Sky Bar and the recently opened Bubbles Bar in particular as nuisances. Rodney Woodley, owner of several businesses in de Waterkant, claims that the campaign is being conducted by “one individual who is trying to sell his house at an over inflated price and feels he can only achieve his price by encouraging the city council to prevent any live entertainment in de Waterkant. The fact that he bought his house in the full knowledge that Cafe Manhattan had live entertainment on Thursdays and Sundays since 1994 and that he frequented the shows is now apparently beside the point. He has even managed to stop classical music being played in the court yard of The Cape Quarter using the same tactics. I find this outrageous.” Woodley further alleges that the editor of the Pink Tongue, a gay newspaper based in Cape Town, was roped in by getting him to arrange the story in the Weekend Argus, which is part of the same publishing house, in an attempt to mobilise the rest of the residents against these businesses. However, that tactic seems to have backfired. Woodley continues: “The article I believe is balanced, but I think it now raises the ugly fact that there are bigots and hypocrites in the midst of our community who have their own egotistical and selfish agenda”. Many gay people have been outraged by this perceived attack. This incident only goes to show an ongoing and familiar pattern in urban development. Gays move into rundown or undesirable neighbourhood. Gays gentrify such neighbourhood which becomes fashionable. Property developers and big business move in. High rents push gays out. We are the victim of our own success. That is not to say that we should accept the situation. The irony is that if people Mag 8
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espite our celebrated all-inclusive Constitution, gay people continue to suffer various degrees of discrimination. On the afternoon of 24th March, well known drag celebrity Miss Lola Fine, dressed in men’s clothing, and a male friend were sitting in the enclosed outside section of the Times Café at Century City, Cape Town. There were no other customers in this section, and hardly any indoors as it was mid-afternoon. They exchanged a kiss (no tongue involved). The next thing they knew, they were asked to leave to leave the restaurant. They were told that the other customers were complaining. This echoes a similar incident in Soho, London, around the same time, when two gay men were asked to leave a pub because they exchanged a kiss. This caused a furore and gay activists organised a kiss-in at the venue as a protest. One wonders why people think that they can get away with such blatant discrimination in South Africa. Imagine if gay people had to complain about offensive displays of public affection by heterosexual couples. We are constantly bombarded with this kind of behaviour, even in our own spaces. Miss Lola Fine
Did somebody make you feel like a million dollars? Did you see something a bit dodgy? Send us your nominations for our Roses and Raspberries. (outmagafrica@telkomsa.net)
3D See 3D every Sunday at Rosie’s at 9.00pm (R30 entry), Valerie’s in Kuils River on Mondays, and Westend Night Club (R50 cover)
Please contact Barry Reid on 083 852 4600 or on three.divas@ rocketmail.com if you would like to book 3D for your function or event.
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t’s a balmy Sunday night, unusually warm for May Day. Rosie’s bar in de Waterkant is slowly filling up. By 9.30pm the place is jampacked for the weekly Sunday night drag show. There’s a whole line-up of performers but most people here are here for one reason, or should I say three reasons – 3D. Like true Divas, they keep us waiting. Eventually they pounce on to the stage with their Destiny’s Child medley and the crowd erupts, almost hysterical. In a town where drag performers are a dime a dozen, what is about 3D that makes their fans wild with excitement every time they appear? Part of their success is that they are a well choreographed ensemble, that they look absolutely gorgeous and that their performances are slick, highly energetic and exuberant.
to Beyonce, who they all admire. Kat Gilardi is the current Miss Gay Western Cape, Tiara Skye is the current Miss Gay KZN and Angel Lalamore was Miss Cape Town Pride in 2009, so their faces were well known. Only Angel had been performing on stage on a regular basis and already had a strong and vocal fan base. They felt that although drag is extremely popular people were hungry for something fresh and exciting, something in another dimension. By the time Cape Town Pride came along at the end of February, they were ready to launch and what an explosion that was! Their cameo appearances at various Pride events had the crowds baying for more. So they knew they were on to a good thing. Tiara says “Julian Naidoo (Heart FM announcer) said we looked like a well marketed product”.
3D came into being at the end of January almost by accident when the three friends were hanging out listening
For all three, 3D has become a full-time job, their time taken up with rehearsals, choreography, costumes and of course,
performance. The creative process is ongoing. “We are always thinking about what to do next”, says Kat. “We are always on a creative wavelength and it can be hard to get off that”. And when you consider that there are three strong personalities involved, there is remarkably little egotism. They happily share the limelight and have the ability to stand back when they need to. Most people who saw them at Pride were treated to an incredible Beyonce medley. But they also take inspiration from TLC, Chaka Khan, Gloria Bosman, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Brenda Fassie and even Miriam Makeba. They have a wide repertoire and cater each show for the particular audience. Their Toni Braxton set at Rosie’s was spectacular. And they are currently busy working on a Priscilla, Queen of the Desert routine. They say that Drag is the most underrated art form in the country, but not for long! Watch out for 3D…they are going places fast!
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THE BEST PRIDE EVER
There was a lot about this year’s Cape Town Pride Festival that was fabulous, but one just has to wonder at the wisdom of some of the decisions made. Volunteer run organisations such as Pride always face difficulties and because so many people have a love and sense of ownership for Pride, it is impossible to please all the people all the time.
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o “Love our Diversity” is easier said than done, though Nevertheless, de Swardt said he was very aware and concerned credit must be given for organising a wide range of about the rumours going around, which was not healthy for well attended events that catered for many different Pride or the community as a whole. He said: “The last AGM interests. The highlight was in 2008. In 2009 we experienced of Pride is always the Parade. It is a significant challenge as there was a an opportunity to show our Pride, problem in the handover from the previous Tommy Patterson - Managing Editor Festival Director, who left the organisation to let our hair down. Despite all the reasons given for not following to start the erstwhile Rainbow Festival. Whilst I had a great time at Pride this the usual route through the CBD, This unprecedented and unexpected year, possibly the best I have ever where we can be most visible, in our development, in addition to a change in had in Cape Town, the bottom line opinion this year’s route to Sea Point chairperson, culminated in Cape Town Pride is that although all these events are was a mistake. What was the point not being able to produce relevant financial organised by volunteers, who give of marching through the wilderness documentation timeously.” Pride needed to up their time & effort to make Pride of Western Boulevard where there continue and every effort has been made to happen, Pride is also an NGO and were no spectators? The after parade bring all records up to date. With regards must be held accountable by law, Party at Cape Town Stadium was to this year’s Pride, de Swardt said that both to the community & to he cause a resounding success in terms of the organisers should be commended for a to which it subscribes. Personal ego numbers, and for once there were very successful Festival. However, he was had cost the community dearly this more than enough toilets. However deeply perturbed at the current financial year, with over R100 000 in losses, some of the entertainment had predicament which “appears to have been and unhappy, unpaid suppliers. people running for their razor blades. caused by a few significant decisions that However turnover was in excess with hindsight were unrealistic. We need of R650000, as well as there being to accept the current reality that Cape For many Capetonians, this was the many sponsored gifts & donations. Town Pride owes money. I want to assure best Pride ever. But certain issues The Pride Shelter Trust, Pride’s sole everyone that to the best of my knowledge, have arisen. Winners of the Pride beneficiary, will receive nothing at all, there has been no financial irregularity.” Pageant had to wait two months to whilst some entertainers & non-gay He said that there will be an open public receive their prizes. Some complain businesses made a killing. In terms meeting, planned for 30 June, where the that they did not receive what they of the Act, an election of officers and current status would be clarified. “We are were promised if they have received an AGM are due every year. To my certainly committed to transparency and anything at all. There is a big knowledge this has not happened, accountability. At the public meeting we’ll question about the financial viability for whatever reason, since 2008, & present audited financial statements and of the very expensive-to-host Pink Pride has been operating without a unfold an initiative to ‘rescue’ Pride, but Ball which went ahead despite not mandate, with no year end accounts this will require significant community nearly enough tickets being sold being produced for inspection. I do support.” and despite the reservations and not wish to diminish the need for advice of the majority of the Pride Pride, both to bring the community Executive Committee, including On a completely personal level, de Swardt, together & support our own very the Treasurer and the Food & who is one of the longest serving Board needy causes, but I think it is time Beverage expert. We understand members of the organisation, said he felt to sort the matter out so that we that it was a financial disaster that “the community needs to review the can move forward to an even better that has put Pride in a precarious relevance of Cape Town Pride in its current Pride next year. – one with profits & financial predicament, even though format. Perhaps we have matured to a “Pride”. most other events made a profit. point where we should look at alternative In the interests of transparency, scenarios. For example, Pride could be Treasurer Jaco Nepgen was happy to talk to us but suggested a one day event or it needs to move to one of the township we speak to Acting Chairman Russell Southey first. Since areas, or the Cape Flats where it may have more relevance”. Russell was away on business he deferred us to board member He added that it was extremely challenging to find responsible Glenn de Swardt, although he had taken a step back from this volunteers, including Board members, who would commit to all year’s organising of Pride. the challenges required to pull off such a large Festival of events. Mag 10
PERSONAL COMMENT
“Too many people sit on the side-lines and complain, and too few people come forward to share the work. This is not a sustainable model.” We forwarded a list of questions to the 2011 Festival Director who replied in great detail but without actually answering the questions. But he did manage to place the blame for unprofitable events at the feet of sponsors, the media and the gay community in general who he claimed failed to support events! Amazing! It seems that the only event that the community did not support was the Pink Ball. He asked that we “be kind enough to mention that the people who pull Pride together – are not paid” and to think carefully about the impact of the story. Does he mean that if volunteers are not paid that they should not be accountable? Whatever Pride’s problems are, the public have a right to know: perhaps some clever member of the public can see a solution. While it is true that Pride is a non-profit organisation, it should at least break even. It has an official beneficiary and any surpluses are supposed to accrue to the Pride Shelter Trust. If the Shelter had to rely on funds from Pride it would never have opened its doors. The Cape Town Pride Festival is a wonderful feature of gay life in the Mother City which attracts visitors from around the world. Perhaps there is some merit in the suggestions that we should re-evaluate the purpose and structure of the institution to ensure its survival. The following GayTown Awards, where members of the public nominate and vote online, were presented at the Pink Ball: Best Event: MCQP Best Bar: Amsterdam Bar Best Café/Restaurant: Beefcakes Best Club: Crew Best Hotel/Guest House: The Glen Boutique Hotel Rhino Africa was the Best Over-All Winner of the Cape Town Pride Floats, while The Inner Circle won the Best Theme. However, the public did not have any say in this decision and it took a couple of weeks to announce the winners. Had there been some public participation in the choice, Beefcakes would have won the Best Float hands down.
PRIDE PINK RACE DAY Cape Town Pride is reviving the popular Pink Race Day at Kenilworth on Saturday 23rd July. This is always a fabulous, extravagant day and a fun way to support Pride. There are only 300 tickets for sale at R250 and available through Ticket Web.
WARTS AND ALL
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by Glenn de Swardt
e’ve all heard and dismissed the bizarre myth that frogs and toads can cause warts if you touch them, but it does appear as though many gay guys are going about their business according the cliché, “You have to kiss many frogs before you find your Prince”. Sexually transmitted warts are a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) presenting at Health4Men’s two clinics: the Simon Nkoli Centre for Men’s Health in Soweto, and Cape Town’s Ivan Toms Centre for Men’s Health. Warts can pop up anywhere on your body, most commonly on your hands but also on your genitals, or around or inside your ass. Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which plays a significant role in women developing cervical cancer from sex with a man who carries the virus. HPV is transmitted through direct contact, and gay men can thus present with warts in or around the mouth, on or around the penis (often on the head, or glans of the penis), and often around the anal opening. Up to 30% of men with external anal warts also develop warts inside the rectum. Genital or anal warts look and feel like any other wart. They commence as a small hardening on the skin which develop into rough-textured bumps, and if left untreated can increase in size and develop into an unsightly and uncomfortable ‘colony’. As they mature, warts can develop a cauliflower-like texture, unlike haemorrhoids, which are usually smooth. Warts are usually skin-coloured, while haemorrhoids may be darker, or even blue in colour. Significantly, in the same way that HPV plays a role in women developing cervical cancer, gay men who are receptive (bottom) for anal sex are more vulnerable to anal cancer than straight men because of possible exposure to the virus. Treatment of warts is therefore aimed at removing or controlling warts, monitoring for and preventing future cancers, and limiting the transmission of HPV. Health4Men clinics treat warts through freezing, known as crytotherapy, using liquid nitrogen or by using locally applied anti-wart creams. You can be vaccinated against HPV, but significantly this must be done before any previous exposure to the virus. This means that guys would need to be vaccinated before they’ve become sexually active. So this is yet another reason to use condoms and water-based lube, but be aware that even if you touch an ass that has a wart, you could spread the virus to yourself as the virus is on your hand. Also, you can develop a wart around your ass if a guy with a wart on his finger touches you there. Health4Men will be conducting workshops of HPV and warts in both Johannesburg and Cape Town during June – watch out for these events on www.health4men.co.za Glenn de Swardt is the project director of Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health institute that provides free sexual health care to men who have sex with men (MSM), including free ARV treatment if you are HIV positive. For more information on sexual health access the Health4Men Connect site via your cell phone, where you can also post questions: http://h4m.mobi/ Mag 11
Mag 12
CLOTHES TO STOP TRAFFIC
Traffic Clothing launched their edgy BoHo Winter Collection at a fabulous Fashion Show at the trendy Upper East Side Hotel in Woodstock in March attended by a bevy of celebrities. Designer Gareth Botha highlighted the raw, earthy bohemian themes for this winter: military detail, tweeds, structured coats, aviator jackets, chinos and grungy knits. Traffic stores can be found in 197 Long St, (Tel 021Â 426 0465) & Canal Walk (Tel: 021 551 9740) e-mail: blackmale@live.co.za website: http://trafficclothingcapetown. yolasite.com/ Models: Ihan Oostehuzin & James de Stadler
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At a time when it seems that there is nothing but bad news for gay people in Africa, with hate being spewed in Uganda and an upsurge of lesbians being raped in South Africa’s townships, there is some good news from the Cape of Good Hope.
SHELTER UPDATE
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frica’s first independent shelter for gays and lesbians in crisis has finally opened its doors in Cape Town and is a wonderful example of what a community initiative can achieve, despite the usual negativity and scepticism from certain quarters. It has been a long journey from the day the Pride Shelter Trust was registered in 2005 to the day it admitted its first resident in April 2011. But it is very gratifying to see physical proof of the fruits of our labour as a community. Now that this milestone has been reached, many people still have many questions about the Shelter, about how it is run and about who is eligible to be temporarily housed there. The Shelter was established to provide short-term accommodation to gay, lesbian transgender and intersex people experiencing a crisis. The facility is owned and managed as a non-profit company by the Executive Committee of the Board of Management of the Pride Shelter Trust. It is independent and autonomous and not affiliated to Cape Town Pride, other than being the preferred beneficiary of Pride’s fundraising efforts. There are very strict criteria for admission to the Shelter. The facility defines a crisis as follows: “An individual’s response to an unexpected, sudden and significant event or situation, which if not appropriately resolved, is likely to cause them further physical or psychological harm or expose them to danger. The individual is made vulnerable by being overwhelmed by the situation, and experiences intense distress at a time when they may need to make significant decisions that could have life altering consequences. Being homeless is not necessarily a crisis”. The Shelter provides a safe, nurturing and semi-structured environment and accommodation, focussing on rehabilitation. It is not a hospice or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre. It does not provide counselling or therapy but can refer residents to the appropriate organisations. All residents participate in a program of tasks ranging from cooking, cleaning, laundry and gardening. Residents have already cleared the back garden and
Mag 14
planted a vegetable patch of which they are very proud. On a visit to the Shelter, we were quite surprised at the upbeat vibe and sense of camaraderie amongst the residents. They were clearly appreciative of the temporary refuge and the opportunity to get back on to their feet. During the month of May, 25 people passed through the centre, and at the time of writing, there were sixteen residents, six of whom had managed to find jobs within their time at the Shelter! Residents sleep in one of two dorms in bunk beds. Each person has access to a lock-up trunk for their personal belonging. Bathroom facilities are shared. There are a couple of smaller, private rooms for special cases. Recreational activity is focussed in the lounge, including television, board games and a small library. Residents also have internet access to help them keep in touch with their families and to help them find jobs. A light breakfast and lunch, as well as a cooked dinner are provided. Residents have to sign in and out. Residents can stay at the Shelter for up to a month, except in a case of a resident who manages to secure an income during this time, in which case they may remain for an additional month provided they pay a fee of R30 a night and helping to offset the centre’s expenses. This provides an incentive to residents to find a job and allows them to save money towards a deposit for independent living. While the Shelter is up and running and the broader community has been very generous in its support, much more still needs to be done. Everybody can help in their own small way. For example, the Shelter will gladly accept any Fashion Victim’s last season’s wardrobe. Two residents who were going to job interviews had to share a white shirt. Now that winter is upon us, more blankets and warm clothes are needed. There are no carpets yet and most lights have no shades. More furniture, such as armchairs, a large refectory type table and sofas would be most appreciated, as would any crockery, cutlery and kitchen ware. In fact, the Shelter will take anything. Or how about a monthly debit order contribution? This is a worthy cause to support with tangible results. We would urge people to visit the centre to see for themselves what we can achieve when we unite to work for a common cause. It is a facility that gay Capetonians can be very proud of. The Shelter is at 1 Molteno Rd, Orangezicht. Join the Pride Shelter Trust page on Facebook or visit www.pridesheltertrust.co.za for updates or write to pridetrustinfo@gmail.com
Hundreds of people turned up to watch the Mr. SA Leatherman finals in Cape Town on 26th March. Gerrie Vorster, a 50 year old home finance specialist in the Mother City, won the title and is now only the second South African to have competed in the International Mister Leather (IML) in Chicago which was held at the end of May. We caught up with him before his departure to find out more about him...
MR. SA LEATHERMAN 2011 OUT: What’s the best thing about Cape Town? Gerrie: It has to be the beach & the sunshine on a beautiful day. I hate the rain but I have to live with it. OUT: Tell us a secret….. Gerrie: It’s not really a secret because everybody knows. I was married before with kids OUT: What item in your closet can you not do without? Gerrie: I’m very much a naturalist so I could do without any of it. As a matter of fact at home I walk around naked & whenever I get a chance I do it in nature too OUT: Which famous person, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with? Gerrie: Rudolph Nureyev. I’ve been reading his biography. He was an absolute master of his art and an extremely interesting person. I found the story of his defection from Russia absolutely intriguing OUT: Who is your role model? Gerrie: I don’t have a particular one at this stage. I try to be true to my own self as much as possible OUT: Boxers or briefs? Gerrie: Commando! OUT: Love or Money? Gerrie: Love- I’m a romantic at heart. Money is a bonus OUT: How and when did you get into leather? Gerrie: I started about 10 years ago. A very good friend introduced me to the BDSM lifestyle, simply because I was curious. I’m a naturally inquisitive person so I wanted to find out more.
GERRIE VORSTER – MR. SALM 2011 Mag 15
OUT: Is the leather scene misunderstood by many gay people and broader society? Gerrie: Absolutely…I think there are many misconceptions because traditionally leather has been shrouded in mystery. People thought it was just about behind tied up, or that there was something wrong with you. OUT: How can these misconceptions be changed? Gerrie: I think it’s important for a leather man to be true to his leather identity when he goes into public arena so people can identify him. But he needs to dress appropriately & be approachable. He needs to answer questions openly and honestly, but within limits. He needs to wear his leather with Pride. OUT: Is leather a fetish, a fashion accessory or a lifestyle? Gerrie: Definitely a lifestyle but it could be a fetish as well. If you look at it as a fashion accessory then it can’t be part of the leather ethos. OUT: Some people say that leather is just another form of drag. Do you agree? Gerrie: For non- leather men I can understand how they can say that. But for me the feel of leather on my skin empowers me to be who I am. I would wear leather every single day if I could. OUT: Where you surprised at the massive a turnout at the SALM Finals? Gerrie: No, I wasn’t surprised. I hoped for more. Personally, I had incredible support from circle of friends & colleagues. OUT: The Leather Community in Cape Town really seems to have grown in the last year. There was also a huge turnout of Leathermen at Cape Town Pride. To what do you attribute this very visible expansion of the community? Gerrie: Mainly because we have had strong leadership from Jaco Lourens, the Chairman of the Cape Town Chapter of SALM, and other committee members. Traditionally the leather community focused on play parties. But the focus has changed to living our lives on the outside and to creating an environment where we can be who we are. The Leather Flag has red heart in left hand corner, which means that we have a heart for the community. Charity starts at home. We need to be charitable to one another & in broader sense. As a group, we support Dibanani CT/Care Bears and we have just done an Easter Box drive, where 400 lunch boxes were distributed to mostly abused and abandoned children in safe houses in Bothasig, Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha and Blikkies Dorp OUT: Is it a question of visibility, a coming out of the leather closet? Gerrie: In a sense I think it is. In my speech I had a vision for a united LGBTI society, all standing together. There’s no point in leather men, or twinks or drag queens hiding in their own corners. Only when we stand together can we confront social injustice. We must embrace individuality and standing together in unity. OUT: Why was there only one contestant not from the Western Cape? Gerrie: It was advertised as a national competition…but leather community in Jo’burg has dwindles to a point of almost non existence. OUT: Whilst there were lots of people of colour in the audience at the finals, there were none in the competition. As Mr. SALM, what will you do to make the leather scene more attractive to younger men and men of colour? Mag 16
Gerrie: We had one but he had to withdraw. There is interest. It is important to maintain our visibility & maintain social interaction with as many people as possible including younger men and men of colour. OUT: What does winning Mr. SALM mean to you? Did you think you would win? Gerrie: I worked extremely hard to be able to win. I had a bit of doubt but my goal was to win. If I had not won, I had hoped to become at least 1st runner up. But I have attained my goal. I was really, really thrilled that judges saw it fit to give title to older man. OUT: You proposed to your partner Ralf minutes after you won the title in front of 100s of people? Did you plan to do this if you won, or was it a spontaneous decision? Gerrie: It was planned. I told 3 people that if I won I would propose. All said but what if you don’t win. There was no Plan B. I had to win. OUT: How does your fiancé feel about your victory? Gerrie: He’s very excited as well, and obviously he is also going to Chicago. Initially he was the one who encouraged me to enter. But he is not too excited about being called The First Lady of Leather, especially as there is absolute equality in our relationship. That unique title can only belong to Herman Groenewald, Jaco’s husband. OUT: Despite being engaged, do guys hit on you since becoming Mr. SALM? Gerrie: Yes, it is incredible how many guys have been. I suppose they are star fuckers. Just have to be discerning in how you handle that. OUT: Are you excited about representing South Africa at IML in Chicago? Gerrie: I’m hugely excited. I know that the organisers of IML are as equally excited. There is a real sense of expectancy, but also a sense of trepidation as people keep on telling me that I have really big boots to fill. I can only do as best as I can to bring back IML to South Africa. For more information on South African Leather Men visit www. saleathermen.org.za or join South African Leathermen–Cape Town Chapter on Facebook. For more information on Mr. International Leather visit www.imrl.com
Mag 17
GETTING KINKY Find something naughty, exciting or something to fulfill your deepest, darkest fantasies
V
isit any one of our two stores in either Cape Town or Johannesburg and be prepared to experience a whole new world of sexual technology.
Whether you just browsing or know what you want our store staff are knowledgeable and are experts at what they sell. We sell the sexiest, hottest leather fetish gear around South Africa. If you looking for something naughty, exciting or something to fulfill your deepest darkest fantasies our equipment and accessories can meet your every desire and need. Looking for something that you cannot find at our store then we will acquire it or custom make it for you. If you can imagine it we can supply it! From harnesses, shoes, leather chaps, leather dresses, jockstraps, nipple clamps, dildos, floggers, cockrings to male chastity belts we have it all. We support a lifestyle to the pansexual market.
At KINX we are about support, offering knowledge and selling the best quality ‘made for play’ products
Eugene, Mr SA Leather Gerrie Vorster & Trevayne
Owner of KINX, known as Burninglash to his kinky friends, has been in the leather fetish and BDSM scene for the past 20 years and has travelled the world extensively to bring to South Africa the best and latest leather and fetish gear. His passion for the lifestyle is easily visible in the store and in the products. Says Burninglash, “ In today’s world there are so many people out there selling leather and fetish gear which are cheap and are of a substandard quality. This truly saddens me because we are pushing people away from the lifestyle and we creating a misconception about the products. That’s why at KINX we are about support, offering knowledge and selling the best quality ‘made for play’ products around. As a consumer that’s what we all want”. Being in the lifestyle we understand the need for products that are durable and can withstand hard play. That is why most of our international customers are raving about KINX and are coming to South Africa to buy our products specifically. Why settle for anything less when you know that if you buy from KINX you own the best! Visit our website on www.kinx.co.za or call our stores on 011 482 4778 for Johannesburg and 021 434 9842 for Cape Town.
Mag 18
Out-going SALM Jaco Lourens
Marnitz
JUNE diary Friday 3rd Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 10th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Wednesday 16th Youth Day Catch a young one · Friday 17th Porn Star Night – we'll film the willing & able · Friday 24th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund JULY diary Friday 8th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 15th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + Friday 22nd Porn Star Night – we'll film the willing & able · Friday 29th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund AUGUST diary Friday 5rd Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Tuesday 9th Women's Day Take it like A Man · Friday 12th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 19th Porn Star Night – we'll film the willing & able · Friday 26th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund
On Porn Star Nights those who give their consent will be filmed in designated areas. You don't have to show your face. All other areas guaranteed camera-free.
Jeep Wrangler
- A LEGENDARY 4X4 From Jeep Wrangler’s starring role in the TV series ‘Queer As Folk’ and images of the legendary 4X4 filled with World War 2 soldiers - Jeep is a favourite with butch boys and even butcher gay girls!
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ho could forget the original Jeep ‘Queer as Folk’ Wrangler, the rag-top Jeep that captured our hearts and wallets when it hit Canal St in all its gorgeous and fairly gay glory. Well it’s back, it’s all new and as opposed to just being a three door it’s now available in ‘Unlimited’ form as a long wheel base (LWB) five door open air land yacht as well. Over the new three door, the Unlimited is much bigger, wider and longer but still looks like it belongs in a desert storm op (which is no bad thing). It’s supremely good off and on road, should any of you wish to take it further off road than the tarmac of your drive, you won’t face disappointment. With the full hard top hood in place, it feels like you have enough room to fit an entire gay football team in the back. However, and here’s the bit where the new LWB Wrangler comes into its own, snap a few catches and hey presto! - both front
Mag 20
roof panels above the driver are off and you’re semi converted. (Well at least the car is!) Because you can store the panels in the pouches behind the seats - should a sudden down
“I love my car! It’s very practical for my needs - I live in the bush and have to deal with flooded dirt roads as well as highway and urban situations. Easy to park, loads of power under the bonnet and very comfortable to drive. Would definitely recommend it to others - I get plenty of people wanting to have a look inside and telling me how they wish they’d bought one...” pour occur, you’re water tight quicker than a drag queens bitcho-meter hits red. If that’s not open air enough, undo the rest of the catches from the body, then between two of you, lift the roof clear, now the entire Jeep is open. You’d think that would be enough, but for the most die-hard convertible drivers it goes one step further, all four doors come clean off as well - LOVE IT!
Inside its pure utilitarian monster, bare metal and padded roll cage that would make even Boy George look butch behind the wheel. It’s fairly luxurious at the same time, the seats are comfortable even on the longest journeys, and the CD system is great, as is the list of standard equipment. So get on down to the Century City dealership and test drive the all-new Jeep Wrangler.
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GAY WINDSURFING AT THE GAT PARTY
by John French
It’s a typical Saturday night in Cape Town. In a nondescript sports hall way down Koeberg Road, just past Milnerton, the disco lights go up and the smoke machine gets pumping. Well over 50 trestle tables are arranged “laager-style” around the sports hall and empty 2lt Coke bottles have white candles wedged into them to create an intimate dance party atmosphere. Maize is sprinkled on the dance floor to prevent smooth queens from sliding from here to Suikerbossie and the bar is stocked to the hilt.
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rom 9pm onwards, about 600 heterosexually-challenged people of all shapes, sizes and sentiments begin to “wind-surf” or sakkie-sakkie with each other around the dusty dance floor. Humungous lesbians the size of chequered hot air balloons carrying their bulging cooler bags (aka “Bellville briefcases”) to their tables while scratching their clitoral crotches. Tank-topped twinks cling to each other for dear life as they hurtle like missiles around the raging dance floor. Lang-arming letties often collide with prissy–faced queens to hysterical effect. Even tannies from behind The Boerewors Curtain arrive dolled up to the sixty-nines and dance the night away with their young sons or gigolo dance instructors. The smoke machine ‘pomps’ away to the tune of the Boere music and strobe lights flicker. All in all, this provides an invigorating social spectacle of homoexotic fun! The name “Gat Party” originated many moffie moons ago from a private party held in the old Parow Athletic Club that was situated in a low-lying quarry. The organisers started hosting regular parties at this venue and it became so successful that the concept of the “The Gat” Party was born. This was way back in 1980. The present owner Deon Nagel is a diligent queen and he grew his exciting new disco empire into the world renowned and gay institution that it is today. In 1996 he moved his Gat to the present venue at the Theo Marais Park in Milnerton (next to the Fire Department for those who like a serviceman with big hose). Deon attributes the popularity of his Gat to it Mag 22
being a relaxed party where everyone can just be themselves and have fun. Deon says some straights also like to come and enjoy his Gat because they too really enjoy the company and are usually with their gay friends and or family. One of the reasons why The Gat Party is popular is that you can book your own private table and invite a group of your friends for an evening of economicallyfriendly raucous fun. “Gattees” are able to bring their own food platters and “doras” along to create a party of their own. Not only can you dance your gat off, but it is also the cheapest place this side of the rainbow to get drunk if you have had a miserable week. Deon explains: “You are more than welcome to bring your own alcohol to the Gat. We supply our guests with free ice, or they can buy their drinks from our very inexpensive bar!” I asked a myriad of moffies about The Gat to get a feeling about what newbie’s and regulars think about the event. In terms of how they would explain the Gat to someone who had not been there before, artist Phillip Barrett who is very familiar with all types of gats explained: “The Gat Party is a unique, unpretentious, inelegant, relaxed and enjoyable kind of gay Afrikaans barn dance held in a dusty sports club hall, situated between the swamp lands, sewage plant, fire station and oil refinery where the uninhibited, colourful people make the party and create the great vibe.” Gat regular Jan-Hendrik added: “It is a lang-arm (sakkie) dance for the gay community.” First time Gat attendee,
handsome and huge Eugene contributed this gay gem: “It’s a fun and friendly jol for gays and lesbians from the suburbs who enjoy long arms (I think that should read ‘lang-arm’), and those city and scene queens who are curious about how the other side parties...” Awesome Gat party dancer Alec concluded: “This is the place where you will stand with your mouth hanging open at how same sex couples glide around the dance floor, at least until you pluck up the courage to join them…” On being asked what they enjoyed about the party, Jan answered: “They play nice music and cater for all types. The drinks are cheap. You feel safe and your car is safe.” Alec added: “Everyone is accepted there. It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you do for a living, or what you wear. Sometimes an eyebrow will be raised here and there over a hairdo or a pair of shoes, but if you don’t want the attention ... change your look.” Phillip elegantly espoused: “I love the fact that nobody stares and makes you feel uncomfortable when you dance oddly or alone … I absolutely hate the agro bull dyke that once extinguished her cigarette in my left eye, (but she did apologise and offer to knit me a hideous wooly scarf like the one she was wearing!)” I asked novice Gatter, luscious Leatherman Eugene what it felt like to sakkie-sakkie with a member of the same sex: “It’s both weird and wonderful. Unnerving ... another reason to take up ballroom!” Jan-Hendrik mused: “If you sit and think about it, it sounds funny,
but when you do it, it comes naturally and it is no different than dancing like that with someone of the opposite sex.” Phillip was given a penis for his thoughts: “I love being whirled and swirled along by a competent lang-arm windsurfer of the strong, muscular masculine type, and wish I were more competent at it.”
Just R2/day Subscription Service Requires WAP Over 18’s only Men only
The Gat definitely evokes strong sentiments and fond memories. Phillip says he remembers so many fabulous moments being warmly greeted by strangers on the dance floor. “This is really the most heart warming and welcoming speciality of the Gat Party for me.” Eugene enthused the highlight of his first time at the Gat was dancing to Sonja Herholdt: “All I needed was a lamp post to swing from!!” The Gat Party is held on the first, second and last Saturday of every month at The Theo Marais Park, Koeberg Rd, Milnerton (next to the Fire Department). Entrance: R30 per person.
WE HAVE WINNERS!!!
The winners of last issue’s DVD Competition are: J Ernstzen who wins a copy of Michael Bolton Live at the Royal Albert Hall, and Mario Vanderross who wins a copy of the Bee Gees: In Our Own Time.
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Mag 23
SCENE OUT
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Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.
DRAG HEAVEN AT BUBBLES BAR IN CAPE TOWN
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Lola Lou & V
Lola Lou & Fabulash Tiara Skye, Lola Lou & Angel Lalamor
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Riri Rosenb Mag 24
Le Roux
Odidiva Samantha
MR. & MISS CT PRIDE PAGEANT OUT Magazine was one of the sponsors of the glamourous event!!! Bradley Benjamin, Mr. CT Pride
Zhang Zi-Lin
Pageant photos Simon Deviant
Logan McGregor, Zhang Zi-Lin & Logan Longoria
THE LOCKER ROOM OPENED IN C.T. Tom
Grant & Lex
Wesley, Andrew and a friend
CARGO KILTS HOSTED A SALM NIGHT Trevayne
Huge & Ms Lola Fine
Marnitz
Egbert & Ms Lola Fine
C.T PRIDE DIVA’S SHOW WAS
M.A.D.
Madones
bi
Bam
Fabulash
Victoria Caballaire
Sheena Alexander Mag 25
P2-INC & OUT MAG PRIDE POOL PARTY AT THE GLEN Spinsista
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The barm
Bruce
Mitzi & F rancois
hard
DJ Red Ric
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flying the fla Henry & Huge
CAPE TOWN PRIDE Andre
Mr. CT
& Err
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Victor
Logan Pride & zer Stargay
Miss Lola Mag 26
Fine
Miss Rose !!!
Boys on
the bus
boyz
Hot boys
Nel
THE OUT MAGAZINE WHISKY TASTING EVENING
abriella
Anushka and G
Dale and Luiz
Arnold and Oliver
icolle Gustav and N
CREW IS 2!!
Willie and C
hris
Thirst barm
en
Liam, Derrick Barry and Miss Fine
Clive, Derrick
& Matt
Crew boys
Party boys
Derrick Barry as
Britney Mag 27
FROM LUC...
Frenc cause h performe r d a se nsatio Lola Lou h Cape as n sin To born h wn with her ce moving to usban South d Trev Africa year a or Tho n go mpso that th . Not many n a pe is legg y blon ople realis was a e d e bom big st she liv a bshell ed for r in Poland , wher 15 yea fame w e rs, an a s n d o ghetto t confi that h e n . Nor t hat sh ed to the g r a e y perfor mer b became a d y acci rag dent.
TO LOLA!!!
A
Photo by Hubert Gotomski
s a child, young Luc had no desire to raid his mother’s closet and try on her outfits. He stumbled into drag later on in life by chance. By the summer of 1995, Karaoke was a big thing in his hometown of Lille, where he studied Art, Photography and Visual Communication. Luc thought Karaoke was “for people who want to sing but who can’t”. But a friend entered him into a competition at their local bar. He sang “Unchained Melody” and won! Priscilla Queen of the Desert had just come out and drag became a big thing. Soon Luc was going back to the bar almost every night. He tried it once in drag, just because it was a fun thing to do, and he loved the confusion caused by being a gender bender. But the show biz bug had bitten.
“I didn’t want to be known as a drag queen, because the others were shit and they drank their money away”, says Lola. “I was a queen and a Diva!” But Luc was still yet to become Lola. That transformation happened in Poland of all places. Luc was finding it difficult to survive as an artist in recession hit France. His best friend had gone to work in Poland and suggested that Luc should too. Soon he was teaching Art and English at the French School in Warsaw. In October 1995, a month after his arrival, Luc was persuaded to go on stage, although he had no wigs, no shoes, no makeup. He improvised and realised the huge potential in a country that had been so isolated for so long. Gay life had been very underground and remained so even after the fall of the Iron Curtain. But by the early Nineties there was an explosion of creativity: Warsaw was like London in the Sixties. Anything seemed possible and opportunities abounded. And Lola Lou was born. So this unassuming man from Lille to metamorphosed into a glamorous French Singing Drag Diva, although the full transformation took some time. Lola began performing at a series of parties at Red, an underground gay club, and then in Kozla, which was a renovated public toilet in the old town. Lola could only be a hit – she was French, chic, exotic and aristocratic. And she could sing! Her big break came in 1998 when an agent saw her perform at the Paradise club and booked her to perform for 3000 doctors at a conference. She was the highlight of the evening and a star was born. By now the persona of Lola Lou had begun to evolve. She became Mag 28
Lola Lou, the Singing French Queen of Poland – always live, always French. “I didn’t want to be known as a drag queen, because the others were shit and they drank their money away”, says Lola. “I was a queen and a Diva!” Trevor and Lola met in Belgium six years ago. By 2004, Luc had had enough of Lola: “She was taking up all my time and energy…taking over my life. I was living in Brussels but commuting to Poland because that is where the work was. But I found myself again & found a husband, so I could go back to Poland married & respectable.” Her husband had a huge impact on the Diva’s image. Lola Lou only became what she is today, always blonde and all, after meeting Trevor. Together they brainstormed the final touches to the actual Lola Lou we see on stage today. Meeting Trevor also brought Lola to Africa. In 2007 the pair visited Cape Town, Trevor’s hometown. It was his first visit in many years and he was initially very apprehensive, but the extended South African
family was most welcoming and very intrigued by the character of Lola Lou. When they next visited in 2008, it was time to introduce Lola to the family, so they were invited to Lola’s show at On Broadway. It was such a success that the theatre booked Lola for a second show. “I loved Cape Town”, says Lola. “I loved the diversity. Everyone in Poland was blond with blue eyes”. So they made the decision to move to Cape Town.
Do you hope your hard work pays off?
Since arriving in Cape Town in 2010, Lola began performing regularly at Beefcakes, On Broadway and at the Obs Café, and generally getting known. Although Lola had toyed with the idea of opening her own cabaret bar in Warsaw, nothing came of it. Then came the opportunity to open a drag bar in de Waterkant. Since Bubbles Bar opened its doors in March, it has been well received by those who love drag as a performance art. Part of its charm is that it is intimate, and that it is a platform for up and coming performers. Lola calls them her daughters, and she has no qualms sharing the stage with them. “I want to have a drag house to give an opportunity to other drag performers and to keep standards at a high level”, says Lola.
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Trevor and Lola photographed by Hubert Gotomski
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Lola Lou performs her unique style of cabaret at Bubbles Bar every Thursday, and on Saturdays with veteran artiste Venus Mercedez. Every second Thursday she appears with the Bubblettes, Riri Rosenberg and Roxy le Roux. Also performing regularly are Daina Fabulash and ODIDIVA. Bubbles is open daily from 5.00pm to 2.00am
Mag 29
Gay Life on the Garden Route
G
etting my entourage to leave Cape Town and trek to the platteland was harder than asking a drag queen to give up her box of feathers. That was until I enlightened them about the flaming hot men in Mossel Bay. I remembered last Christmas Mossel Bay beach made Camps Bay look like a retirement shore. It was packed. Nothing hotter than well-built young boerseuns in rugby shorts pretending to be straight. My friend Hiro from Tokyo got lucky within ten minutes of being on the beach that holiday. I kid you not! A whole new world....Did I just break out into song?
Another reason was that Duo Bar, a newish gay bar, invited us to launch the SA gay flag at an all-out bash. What more could we have asked for in this small town? Well, perhaps the attractive “straight” twink who stuck his tongue down my throat – twice! Or the Muscle Mary who wanted to go home with me. Or the sizzling men on the dance floor who looked like they were ready to shoot (a porn flick). Or the cute snogging lesbians. Or the cock teaser with the silly hat. By eleven o’clock the club was pretty crowded. The clientele were down to earth but sexy: a mix of twinks, bears, leather men, dykes, lipsticks, drag queens, the odd straight, and everything in-between. The boys were so handsome I could hardly remember what they were wearing. Wait a minute: most of them took their shirts off. That is why I couldn’t recall! I asked an innocent bystander if the men were always so fresh in Mossel Bay. “Yes” He said. “Who do you want to take home?” “Fresh” I said again “I meant fresh as in they SMELLED good”. Eish!
Duo Bar has an outside balcony where the chatterboxes, the cruisers, and those perving over the male fire dancer, inhaled the fresh Indian Ocean air (once you waved the cigarette smoke off). A good place for making new friends and that is where I met a stripper who actually was a truck driver for a gasoline company. I kept looking over my shoulder to see if the flame thrower was anywhere near that truck. By the way, the strip show was spectacular! The friendly crowd outside told me that that life in general in their neck of the woods was great: less stress, more fun. A middle-aged lesbian told me that Cape Town women should trek to Mossel Bay because, as she put it, they had less drama down there. It was cheaper and life was “not so complicated”. Mag 30
By Henry Bantjez
Mossel Bay’s most famous drag queen Genevieve Le Coq would make it big if she decided to move to Cape Town. Rumour has it that she lost everything but her blue eye shadow when she decided to skinny-dip in the ocean at the after party. She is a star in the making and we love her - but don’t tell Miss Lola Fine as she may get jealous. Missing that night were the fag hags, so we brought our own, Luana. My friend Pamela says that we should find better words to describe our admirers. Anyway, Luana made quite an entrance with her Brazilian tan and stunning cleavage which reminds me to mention the DJ whose name I forget. He was cute, straight, twenty, curly early Justin Timberlake hair that needed a queer eye. I asked him what his genre was. “Um...” He replied “Anything from Disco, popular to langarm.” That is when I handed him a copy of Spinsista Mitzi’s “Wicked Tracks for Wicked Boys”. Now what did this have to do with Luana? I forget, and by the way, where did the hot twink who tongued me go? If you are out there, you forgot your cigarettes and Britney Spears lighter on my lap. Proprietors and affectionate couple Adre and Flip (he hates being called Phillip) pulled out all the stops for us. Adre claims that Duo Bar is the only legitimate gay joint in the Garden Route. Another reason to make the trek are the bar prices: beers are only R12, double brandy & Cokes R15 and Single Red Bull & vodkas at R28. Snooping around, I stumbled upon a large storage area and recommended they paint it black and change it into a dark room. I thought Flip was not going to stop blushing. He said that everyone knew each other in Mossel Bay. I said “That’s the point of a DARK room!” Points to ponder… If I had to use only one word to describe Duo Bar it would certainly be “sociable”. Flip said that the place worked because they had loyal customers, some who came all the way from George and other nearby towns. Of course they don’t have anywhere else to go, but hats off to the Duo for being brave. Thank you Mossel Bay for your hospitality. You deserve another visit! Duo Bar is at 70 Marsh St, Mossel Bay, within walking distance from most hotels, guest houses & restaurants ( and yes, if you are on a tight budget, there is a caravan park with sea views)
OSCAR PISTORIUS IS THE NEW FACE OF A*MEN
To revamp their classic fragrance, iconic design house Thierry Mugler has chosen extraordinary South African athlete Oscar Pistorius to be the new face of their classic A* Man Fragrance. Oscar, known as the fastest men with no legs, is featured topless, wearing only silver spandex pants, in full flight, clutching a bottle of the fragrance in a stunning futuristic advertising campaign. In a commercial and video campaign for the scent directed by Ali Madhavi, Pistorius’ thighs and carbon fiber artificial limbs come coated in a futuristic chrome cladding designed by Thierry Mugler and Stefano Canulli. Born in Johannesburg in 1986, Oscar Pistorius’ legs had to be amputated as an infant due to a birth defect. Not only did he learn to walk with artificial limbs, he became a world-class sprinter, thanks to the use of his carbon-fibre “blades”. He won several medals at the Paralympic games in Athens in 2004, and became the triple world record holder and triple paralympic champion for the 100, 200 and 400 metre sprint thanks to his blades. In 2008, Time Magazine ranked him among the most influential figures in the world in their “Heroes & Pioneers” category.
! IN
Since its launch in 1996, A* Men has built its story on a fantasy of male heroics emphasising inner strength, determination, charisma and unlimited power. Through sheer willpower, Man can push back the limits of the possible and achieve an extraordinary destiny. The story of A* Men takes an even more daring turn with the choice of its new face: top athlete Oscar Pistorius is the perfect incarnation of A* Men values. He is the ultra modern hero! Not to mention super hot too!
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ME O S WE N A AN A*ME R!!! PE M HA
Win a fabulous hamper from A* Men, including the sexy A* Man fragrance and moisturiser from Thierry Mugler by telling us which famous South African athlete is the face of the new A*Man campaign? Send you answer to outmagafrica@telkomsa.net with subject: A*Men Competition” by 31 July 2011. Mag 31
THE BUZZ PINK IS THE NEW BUTCH
I
f you were wondering who the super hot guy spotted at various Cape Town Pride events taking off his shirt was, we can tell you that he is Dean Stockenstrom, aka the Pink Handyman. Sorry guys, no matter how queer this guy sounds he is straight. But he super-gayfriendly and worth his weight in wrenches. He is a man’s man who will sort out any problems you have around the house. He’s the straight eye for the queer guy, and every person in between, not to mention very easy on the eye. Services include but are not limited to plumbing, electrical installations, paint jobs and carpentry. And maybe he will do all this without his shirt on!
Photo: Barend van der Watt
Contact dean@pinkhandyman.co.za
bright lights of New York City. However, the City that never sleeps chewed her up and spat her out, but out of this string of booze, pills and Hello Kitty tattoos she realised her truth: “... to become the greatest Rock Star on earth”. So one day a “prophet”, who was actually just a crack head, told her that the secret to Love, Life and Rock Superstardom lay in the mysterious city of Cape Town. Since being in the Mother City she has been involved in highly publicised media scandals including her involvement in the Jack Parow sex tape and looking “up” The Dirty Skirts.
Don’t miss Mary Scary in The Death of Mary Scary at On Broadway, on Sunday 19th & 26th June. It is a power packed rock show with all the elements of the traditional Mary show that people know and like, directed by Emilie Starke. R95. Bookings www.onbroadway.co.za and Computicket Mary Scary continues her weekly tirade at Beefcakes every Wednesday at 9.00pm. Her alter ego Rhys Woods hosts Bitchy Bingo at the same hot spot on Tuesdays at 9.00pm
THE DEATH OF SCARY MARY
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nyone visiting Beefcakes in Cape Town on any Thursday night in the last year would not have failed to notice the foul-mouthed, cigarette-hanging-fromlip, Black Label swilling, lesbo-punk phenomenon that is Mary Scary. Not since Divine has there been such an unlikely and frightening drag performer. Scary Mary has built up a fanatical following that is outgrowing the small cabaret stage at Beefcakes. Mary is about to explode on the big stage at On Broadway in June, taking her show to a higher level and launching her very own band, Tokeo and the SexxWails, for only two wild shows. Born and raised in the small town of Dayton, Ohio, Mary Scary moved to the Mag 32
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FECKIN HILARIOUS: MRS BROWN’S BOYS
f you are travelling to the UK, top of your shopping list should be a DVD of the new BBC comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys, based on a sell-out theatre production. Not since Absolutely Fabulous has there been such a sidesplitting comedy they will literally make you weep with laughter or give you a never-ending supply quotable lines. Agnes Brown is a brash Irish matriarch
who cannot resist interfering in the lives of her working class family and friends. But there’s something not quite right with the blunt, blasphemous, muddled, constantly swearing Mrs Brown: take a closer look at Mammy and you will see that she’s a man! Yes Irish Comedian Brendan O’Carroll plays her is drag, which makes it even funnier! An example of Mrs Brown’s pearls of wisdom: When her daughter comments that nowadays a man would expect her to perform fellatio on the first date Mrs Brown says: “Me? Sing Opera! He’d have a better chance of getting a blow job”. OK, so it’s not the most sophisticated comedy in the world, but it will make you laugh, again and again. So until your Auntie Doris sends you the boxed set for Christmas, you can enjoy excerpts on You Tube. Personal favourites are “Mrs Brown gets a bikini wax”, “How to Come Out to Mum” and “Mrs Brown’s Lesbian Dilemma”
MISS GAY WESTERN CAPE GOES LARGE
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n a major scoop, this year’s Miss Gay Western Cape 2011 Pageant will be held at the Sea Point Civic Centre in November. Entries open from the 1st June 2011 until the 30th June 2011. Entry forms are available on the website www. missgay.co.za as well as by contacting the MGWC offices on 021 425 2312. The event comprises the Miss Body Beautiful prelim which will be held at Club West End in September followed by the finals November. This year’s theme is “Live the Future”. Meanwhile Clockwork Zoo has recently completed the much anticipated documentary of Miss Gay Western Cape 2010. The film follows the lives of four of the contestants as well as the all the dramas of the pageant. The documentary, Glitterboys and Ganglands debuts at the Encounters Film Festival which runs in Cape Town from the 09th June to 26th June 2011 at the V & A Waterfront.
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veryone always talks about how good Madonna is at reinventing herself or about Lady Gaga’s shock tactics. Both these artistes owe much to David Bowie, the Master of Reinvention, the Chameleon of Rock. What Madonna and Gaga are to a generation of young angstridden queer boys, Bowie was the same to a generation looking for an alternative way to live. Bowie’s song Space Oddity was released as man was landing on the moon and within weeks after the Stonewall Riots, which marked the birth of Gay Lib. The world was getting ready for David Bowie. By 1972, Bowie’s flamboyant, ambiguous, androgynous alter ego Ziggy Stardust burst on to the music stage with Starman. He became the poster boy for the Glam Rock movement, which he had pioneered with Marc Bolan. Bowie’s impact at that time “challenged the core belief of the rock music of its day” wrote his biographer David Buckley and “created perhaps the biggest cult in popular culture.” With his trademark dyed red hair and striking costumes, Ziggy launched the Spiders from Mars stage show and the Cult of Bowie was born. Bowie’s love of acting led to his total immersion in the characters he created for his music. “Offstage I’m a robot. Onstage I achieve emotion. It’s probably why I prefer dressing up as Ziggy to being David.” But acting the same role over an extended period, it became impossible for him to separate Ziggy Stardust—and, later, the Thin White Duke— from his own character offstage. Ziggy, Bowie said, “wouldn’t leave me alone for years. My whole personality was affected. It became very dangerous. I really did have doubts about my sanity.” His later Ziggy shows, which included songs from both Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane, were ultra-theatrical affairs filled with shocking stage moments, such as Bowie stripping down to a sumo wrestling loincloth or simulating oral sex with a guitar.
By 1974, Bowie left Glam Rock behind and changed his musical style while working in Philadelphia. His new soul and funk sound earned him the distinction of being one of the first white performers to appear on Soul Train. By 1976 Ziggy metamorphosed into the Thin White Duke. Working with Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, he was a precursor to the Punk and New Wave that was about to sweep musical conventions away. Music historian Michael Campbell calls him “one of punk’s seminal influences”. While punk musicians trashed the conventions of pop stardom, Bowie moved on again—into a more abstract style of music making that would in turn become a transforming influence.
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By 1980, Bowie has recovered from cocaine addiction and his music entered another revolutionary stage. His hit song Ashes to Ashes from the Scary Monsters album finally put the ghost of Ziggy to rest and became the anthem to the New Romantic movement. With 1983’s Let’s Dance, produced by dance guru Nile Rodgers, Bowie found a whole new audience and became a megastar. David Bowie has had a huge influence in music and fashion. He was inspired by Brian Ferry and Roxy Music, and influenced Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. But what was it that endeared him so much to a generation of gay men? It was his sense of otherness, his weirdness, his outrageousness, his “fuck you” attitude. He was a taboo breaker. In an interview in Melody Maker in January 1972, Bowie came out as bisexual. In the September 1976 interview with Playboy, Bowie said: “It’s true—I am a bisexual. But I can’t deny that I’ve used that fact very well. I suppose it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” But in a 1983 interview with Rolling Stone, Bowie said his public declaration of bisexuality was “the biggest mistake I ever made”, and on other occasions he said his interest in homosexual and bisexual culture had been more a product of the times and the situation in which he found himself than his own feelings. He said he had been driven more by “a compulsion to flout moral codes than a real biological and psychological state of being”. Asked in 2002 by Blender whether he still believed his public declaration was the biggest mistake he ever made, he replied: “I don’t think it was a mistake in Europe, but it was a lot tougher in America. I had no problem with people knowing I was bisexual. But I had no inclination to hold any banners nor be a representative of any group of people. I knew what I wanted to be, which was a songwriter and a performer, and I felt that bisexuality became my headline over here for so long. America is a very puritanical place, and I think it stood in the way of so much I wanted to do.” Nevertheless, Bowie remains a cultural icon for many gay people. He wrote songs like Jean Genie and Rebel Rebel which gays of all generations can still relate to. Musician, actor, fashionista, David Bowie remains a controversial and influential figure who cannot be ignored. There is no other pop icon of his stature. He subverted the notion of what it is to be a rock star. Mag 33
FEEDING FRENZY
with Gary Hopkins
OUT TO LUNCH
Mention winter in the Cape and most people think of dark mornings, wind and days of rain. At OUT our thoughts turn to the amazing restaurant specials running in the Mother City till the end of August. We picked the best of an impressive bunch. Start online Online voucher sites are all the rage. Most offer a 24 hour buying window and up to 6 months to use your voucher. Here are two of the most popular: 1. www.mycitydeal.co.za - Recent deals: Unlimited ribs and prawns for R99 at Aqua Restaurant, in the original Cape Quarter (previously Tank). Tel: 021 419 0007 2. www.wicount.co.za - Recent deals: Pay R94 for R200 worth of food and drinks at Col’cacchio Pizzeria, Blouberg. Seaside Village, Tel: 021 554 2725.
Eating Out La Mouette in Sea Point offers a 6 course tasting menu for R240. The bonus is you pay for one and get the second free. 78 Regent Rd, Sea Point. Tel: 021 433 0856 HQ on Heritage Square is running a 2 for 1 special (including cocktails) on Monday Night and every lunchtime. They even throw in a live band. 100 Shortmarket St, Tel: 021 424 6374 Head to Arnold’s on Kloof Street and enjoy beef or chicken stew, served with spaetzle or couscous for two and a bottle of red wine for only R99. 60 Kloof St, Gardens. Tel: 021 424 4344 Kalk Bay’s Live Bait and Polana have R60 and R50 specials respectively from Sunday to Thursday dinner and Monday to Thursday lunch. You might get to see an early whale or two. Harbour House Complex, Kalk Bay. Tel: 021 788 5755/021 788 4133 Booking is essential if you want to enjoy Bayside Café in Camps Bay legendary buy 1 main meal and get 1 free offer. 51 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay. Tel: 021 438 2650
Staying in Can’t tear yourself off the couch? Then call 021 465 788 and order Side Dish’s Take-the-night-off Tuesdays offer. Get Butter Chicken, Basmati rice and Rotis for 4 people and pay just R100. Collect yourself or have it delivered at an extra charge. 25 Rose St, Bo Kaap. Remember what you save on comfort eating can be put towards a gym contract in the spring, so loosen your belt and enjoy! The Polana Restaurant
Butter Chicken Mag 34
La Mouette
Jozi Life By Molife Kumona
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can honestly say that the past few months have been hectic in terms of functions in Jozi and I didn’t even go to half of them. Jozi definitely is where it’s at. Jo’burg Fashion Week was the most sought after ticket in town for fashionistas, celebs, socialites and wannabes. Most of the designers featured were excellent but the show that had everyone talking was the David Tlale show on Mandela Bridge. Why they had only one designer at the bridge baffles me and why David had nothing in his collection that celebrated Mandela was also a surprise. The fact that people waited in the cold to see his creations goes to show how much power and respect he has as a designer, but the clothes on show were just ordinary. He put on a great performance but forgot that people were there for the clothes. It’s like what they say when a couple puts so much effort into the wedding and not the marriage. Will wait for his next dramatic show and see if he can redeem himself. Clive Rundle was one designer that was very creative this year, well done to him. British group Faithless was in town, however the organizers need to go learn how to manage such events. Thousands of us had to use two small gates to get into Gallagher Estates and the tickets were checked manually one by one by security guards that caused a huge delay. After the opening act Goldfish, who were magnificent, we had to wait close to two hours for Faithless to come on stage. By then the crowd was agitated but because Faithless was so good they had everyone dancing and happy again. I don’t know if it’s the venue because all the events I have been to there have been disasters or maybe it’s just the organisers. I went to Cirqe Du Soleil which was at the Dome in Northgate and I was blown away. Even weeks after, I can still feel the excitement of being there. That is one show you should see before you die. It was magical. Watching them perform with such excellence makes one want to get better and be excellent in whatever you do. Broadway legend Dream Girls came to South Africa in March and it was a night to remember. Opening night saw the who’s who of South African entertainment industry in attendance. It was the first time in a long time that I saw so many black people at theatre and that was delightful. It seemed like the whole cast of Isidingo was there as well as some actors from other local soapies. What made the evening even better was the fact that the all local cast of the musical was flawless. When I had the opportunity to speak to some of the stars of the show Lindiwe (plays Effie White) and Bjorn (James Early) I congratulated them for their amazing originality in portraying something everyone loves. Dreams Girls will be on in Cape Town starting beginning of June. It is worth your hard earned money. Go see it! The Out in Africa Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in April was great although I didn’t get to watch all the movies. They are the kind of movies that put a new spin on what people see as
Cirque du Soleil rocked! being homosexual and they also spread positive messages. So to the Out In Africa guys, well done for showing gay people in a positive light through the films you chose. My favorite film was Strapped which talked of a call boy who found love while he was on calls. It was very heartwarming. Hyde Park Corner has been undergoing renovations over the past few months and I went to the re-launch of the mall. It was a well organized event with champagne (not the cheap kind my colleague assured me - I don’t drink alcohol so can’t tell the difference). We were treated to sushi and oysters as starters and dinner at any four of the restaurants that were renovated. The Bala Brothers and South African Ballet Company provided the entertainment, which was flawless. I had the opportunity to chat with celebrities like Danny K, Nonhle Thema, Jen Su, Tamara Dey and the delightful Morning Live host, Leanne. It was a great evening that ended with goodie bags, champagne, whiskey and classy talks about the finer things in life among the fine guests. I enjoyed myself. I was going to tell you about the opening of Action Bar in Illovo, but it has closed already. Apparently Babylon the Bar has opened in its place. Email me on: mkumona@yahoo.co.uk or follow me on twitter @ molifekumona Mag 35
OUT ON DVD by Daniel Dercksen
Get serious about series this winter under the duvet with a loved one! Created by Christopher Lloyd and Steven Levitan after sharing stories about their own “modern families”, this first rate first season of the hilarious Modern Family focuses on a cool LA gay couple, Mitchell and Cameron (Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet), who do their best to blend in with the rest of their seemingly ‘normal’ suburban family. There is Mitchell’s conservative dad (Ed O’Neill) who is married to a much younger Colombian woman, Gloria (Sofía Vergara). And then there is his sister Claire (Julie Bowen), the homemaker mother and wife who is married to the juvenile Phil (Ty Burrell). There’s nothing but fun from start to finish with this modern family and each episode is worth viewing repeatedly. The Line of Beauty, based on Alan Hollinghurst’s Booker Prizewinning novel, shows Margaret Thatcher’s 80s-England through the eyes of a wide-eyed young gay man. Nick Guest (pretty Dan Stevens who has appropriately fluffy hair) is aptly named, as he becomes a sort of permanent houseguest of the Feddens, his school-chum’s family. But they are not your typical upper class London family. Angels in America is the 2003 epic made-for-TV masterpiece, adapted from Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play and is a definite must for any collector. The defining theatrical event of the 1990’s, this HBO adaptation is directed by Mike Nichols (Closer). The story centres on Prior Walter (Justin Kirk) and Louis Ironson (Ben Shenkman), a gay couple that falls apart when Prior grows ill as a result of AIDS. Meryl Streep, Al Pacino and Emma Thompson also star in this multi-faceted drama set in Reagan era America.
WIN
Management Team: Ian McMahon 083 274 3579, Evan Tsouroulis 072 905 8489, Keith Coventry 083 655 3651
Evan
Keith
Ian
For more DVDs to add to your collection and latest releases, visit www. writingstudio.co.za
2 lucky readers can win a Big Disney Movies DVD hamper that includes the first 3 Pirates of the Caribbean epics, Prince of Persia and Alice in Wonderland. Tell us who is releasing the DVD’s and send your answer with your contact details and ‘Disney Movies’ in the subject line to: website@writingstudio.co.za before June 30, 2011.
Mag 36
Managing Editor: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358
Tommy
Nothing can beat the first five seasons of the American Queer As Folk, although the English series created by Russell T.Davies, from which it was adapted by Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman, is equally superb. Focusing on the loves, careers, ambitions and relationships of a group of gay men and women, it has great characters that will become a part of your life. It is a compelling series that anyone can relate to and offers a brilliant dissection of the frailty of the human condition. Make sure to add both the American and British series to your collection Disney Fever They’re big, they’re bold, they are some of the most iconic Disney live-action and fantasy films of our time! Now, in celebration of the theatrical release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment is bringing out all the titles together! Take home all of your favourite films including the 3 Pirates of the Caribbean epics: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Dead Man’s Chest and At World’s End. Also available are Tim Burton’s classic retelling of Alice in Wonderland, the Harrison Ford Presidential thriller Airforce One, Gone in 60 Seconds with Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie, the smash hit Prince of Persia, as well as classics from the 90’s such as Face-Off, Armageddon and Con Air! All the Big Disney Movies titles will be available at retailers nation-wide at special prices for both DVD and Blu-Ray!
published by: Patterson Publications P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Tel/Fax: 021 434 6034 E-mail: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net
Advertising Sales: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 Robert Simpson 072 266 7051 Contributors: Blaine Shapiro-Dodds Gary Hopkins Glenn de Swardt Daniel Dercksen John French Molife Kumona Henry Bantjez Printed by ABC Press Cape Town
MUSIC MOVES by Gary Hopkins
Tron Legacy Reconfigured – Original music by Daft Punk remixed What is it? A veritable musical wet dream as Daft Punk and the world’s top remixers collide. What’s their bag? Moby, Paul Oakenfold, Kaskade and many more doing what they do best. Sounds like? A thousand sweaty topless men on the dance floor The CD: It’s dark twisted dance music that grinds through gear changes like some wild metallic animal. Once it’s in your CD player it’ll hog it like a greedy bottom at pork night. The track to download: Boys Noize End of the Line (Boys Noize remix)
BLAINE’S WINTER TOP 10 DANCEFLOOR WARMERS
It may be Winter outside but there’s a Disco Inferno on the Dance Floor. Catch one of Cape Town’s favourite DJs spinning the latest dance floor burners at Blaine’s regular B Squared Bashes at Madison:
Radiohead – The King of Limbs Who are they? UK band that recorded OK Computer - the greatest album ever. What’s their bag? Electronic indie rock without any expectation of commercial success Sounds like? They have a sound and flavor all of their own Their CD: Since OK Computer they’ve made their music consistently less accessible. Stripped back to the barest essentials without obvious hooks it takes several listens to “get it”, but when you do it’s a beautiful thing. The track to download: Codex
Roxette – Charm School
The Sound of Camden – featuring Mutya Buena Who is she? Original Sugababe now apparently giving up music to become a child psychologist What’s her bag? Smart pop, particularly brilliant at reinterpreting other artist’s songs Sounds like? The perfect soundtrack to your Saturday morning Vida-e fix The CD: Produced in Israel and exclusively sold at London’s Camden Market, it’s now available to download. A delicious collection of blissed out covers of U2, Radiohead, Nirvana, The Cranberries and more. The track to download: Sunday Bloody Sunday
To commemorate the recent sell out South African tour of Swedish pop duo Roxette, EMI has released Roxette Hits, which includes favourites such as Joyride, The Look, It Must Have Love and Listen to Your Heart. The package includes the exclusive South African Tour Edition CD as well as a DVD.
WIN
Who are they? Swedish band, big in the 80’s and 90’s. The singer had a brain tumor, recently reformed and touring the world. What’s their bag? Cheesy pop. Sounds like? The poor man’s ABBA Their CD: 8 years off hasn’t changed their sound. Big on sing-a-long chorus but with lyrics like “I used to work it out with my head in a cloud/ a record machine playin’ out loud” you can’t take them too seriously. The track to download: She’s Got Nothing On (But the Radio)
1. Born To Express Love (Robin Skouteris Mix) – Lady Gaga vs Madonna 2. Hey (Nah Neh Nah) [Milk & Sugar Club Mix] – Milk & Sugar vs Vaya Con Dios 3. Yeah 3X (CPR Extended Mix) – Chris Brown 4. On The Floor (CCW Club Mix) – Jennifer Lopez Feat. Pitbull 5. C’Mon (Catch ‘Em By Surprise) feat Busta Rhymes[Extended Mix] – Tiesto & Diplo 6. Rolling In The Deep (Benny Royal Re-Fix) - Adele 7. Till The World Ends (Liam Keegan Club Mix) – Britney Spears 8. With Every Heartbeat (Corenell Remix) – Kleerup Feat. Robyn 9. Who’s That Chick (F$%k Me I’m Famous Mix) – David Guetta Feat. Rihanna 10. Good Girl (Freemasons Club Mix) – Alexis Jordan
To win answer this question: “How many members make up Roxette?” Send an e-mail to outmagafrica@telkomsa.net with subject: “Roxette Competition” by 31 July 2011. Mag 37
OUT ON FILM
by Daniel Dercksen
Cape Town’s new Fugard Theatre Bioscope will present a season of Athol Fugard films from June 7 to 11. From June 15 it will host three weeks of themed film – ranging from the classics to the latest high definition movies. Details and schedules will be available on www.thefugard.com Action-Adventure In Source Code (June 16), Jake Gyllenhaal is a soldier who wakes up in the body of another man, discovering he is part of a mission to find the bomber of a commuter train. In Green Lantern (June 22) Ryan Reynolds plays a protector of peace and justice who must master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears to become the greatest Green Lantern of all. Captain America: The First Avenger (July 8) stars Chris Evans as a man deemed physically unfit to enlist in the U.S. Army and fight the Nazis, but instead volunteers for Project Rebirth, a secret military operation, physically transforming him into the super-soldier Captain America. In the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, (July 13) the battle between the good and evil escalates into an all-out war and Harry may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. A single act of both compassion and arrogance leads to a war unlike any other -- and to the Rise of the Planet of the Apes (August 12), brought to life by the Oscar-winning visual effects team that brought to life the worlds of Avatar and Lord of the Rings. Cowboys and Aliens (August 19) is set in 1800s Arizona where a battle between cowboys and Apaches is interrupted by the crash landing of a space ship. The alien commander plans to tame the Old West and enslave everyone, but the cowboys and Native Americans turn their six-guns against the alien invaders.
Comedy When a small-town nerd discovers that his quiet and demure parents were famous porn stars in the 1970s, he leaves for Hollywood, hoping to follow in their footsteps and fulfil his destiny as the biggest adult-film star in the world in Born to Be a Star (August 12). In Beginners (August 19) Ewan McGregor deals with two stunning revelations from his 75 year-old father Hal (Christopher Plummer): that he is gay and gravely ill.
Romance It has been a while since we have seen a Mag 38
good South African romantic comedy. Ek Lief Jou (June3) exceeds all expectations with popular singer Kurt Darren having to ward off Christina Storm, who plays his greedy fiancée, trying to grab all his money. In Larry Crowne (July 29) Tom Hanks plays a loser who returns to college and develops an unexpected crush on his teacher (Julia Roberts), who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband.
Thriller In The Lincoln Lawyer(June 3), Matthew McConaughey stars as a slick, charismatic LA criminal defence attorney who lands the case of a lifetime, defending a rich Beverly Hills playboy (Ryan Phillippe) who is accused of attempted murder. However, a seemingly straightforward case swiftly develops into a deadly match between two masters of manipulation. Matt Damon stars in The Adjustment Bureau (June 10) as a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else.
Horror Insidious (June 10) is the terrifying story of a family who, shortly after moving, discover that dark spirits have possessed their home and that their son has inexplicably fallen into a coma. Trying to
escape the haunting and save their son, they move again only to realise that it wasn’t their house that was haunted…
Drama Nowhere Boy (June 10) is set in Liverpool in 1955. A smart but troubled fifteen year-old John Lennon is hungry for experience. Yearning for a normal family, he escapes into the new and exciting world of rock n’ roll where his fledgling genius finds a kindred spirit in Paul McCartney. Robert Redford’s The Conspirator (July 8) is the story of Mary Surratt, the only female co-conspirator charged in the Abraham Lincoln assassination and the first woman to be executed by the United States federal government. Jodie Foster directs and costars in The Beaver (July 15), with Mel Gibson as a once successful toy executive suffering from depression who cannot get back on track… until a beaver hand puppet enters his life. From the director of About a Boy comes A Better Life (August 26), a touching, poignant film about a father’s love and the lengths he will go to give his child the opportunities he never had. For more information on these films and other new releases visit www.writingstudio.co.za
WORD PERFECT
The Young Gay Guys Guide to Safer Gay Sex Text by Robin Malan, Drawings by Roberto Millan Junkets Publisher - R80.00
From the responses he was getting to his monthly articles in Exit newspaper, Robin Malan realised that so many young gay men were in the dark about sex in general and about how to have safe sex in particular. So he thought it would be a good idea to collate his articles in a plain- speaking pocket size handbook for easy reference. And it is very well presented with some nice illustrations. This guide makes interesting reading in language that everyone can understand, even for those well versed in safer sex practises. It is informative without being judgemental or preachy. The first part of the booklet covers the whys and hows while the second part gets down to the nitty gritty and answers some of the questions some young gay men have, under some catchy headlines. For example, it is hard to resist reading “Taking the Eina out of Anal Sex”, “Spit of Swallow” or “Cocka-Diddle-Dinkie”. The advice and information, although aimed at a young audience, is useful and relevant to all sexually active gay men of any age.
WELLDONE! to everyone at avaaz.org, to all our readers who took the trouble to sign the petition at avaaz.org and everyone else who campaigned, called, donated to the campaign and voiced their objections to the draconian anti-gay bill which recently failed to pass through Uganda’s parliament. (the death penalty for some gay practices!!!) However, the fight is not over - it is illegal to practice homosexuality in Uganda, and the hated bill may be re-introduced in the next session - just goes to show just how fortunate we in SA are. Those governments who voiced their objections and applied a little pressure on the Ugandan law-makers are applauded - The USA, UK and Australia in particular - its a pity that our own government didn’t take a stand! The avaaz.org petition was delivered to parliament with a massive 1.6million signatures!
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ON STAGE CAPE TOWN
Packed with youthful energy, Shakespeare’s R & J is set in an exclusive boarding school. Four pupils discover an illicit copy of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and start acting it out. Perceptions and understandings are turned upside down as the fun of play acting turns serious. The words and meanings begin to hit home and universal truths emerge. Told entirely through Shakespeare’s language, it is both the story of Romeo and Juliet but also the journey of four young men who during one thrilling night discover the power of theatre and the new worlds it can open up. Adapted by Joe Calarco and directed by Fred Abrahamse, the sexy cast includes Rory Acton-Burnell, James Macgregor, Marcel Meyer and Alistair Moulton Black. Fugard Theatre Studio, July 25 to August 20 (also at the Grahamstown Festival) www.thefugard.com In Fiona Coyne’s play Careful, Diane Wilson plays an actress who finds it hard to find work in the new South Africa. When she gets the role of a lesbian in a play, she invites a lesbian theatre critic (Deirdre Wolhuter) to guide her with the interpretation of the role. This delightfully witty exploration of gender and sexual orientation is directed by Roy Sargeant. Artscape Arena, July 14 to 30. www.artscape.co.za. The award winning Mechanicals new Rep season at the Little Theatre from June 22 to July 30, will present Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound, directed by Christopher Weare and Sam Shepard’s A Lie of the Mind, directed by Luke Ellenbogen. www.themechanicals.co.za
by Daniel Dercksen
The cast of Shakespeare’s R & J
Kalk Bay Theatre has a feast of entertainment lined up. Edges is an exciting new musical about four people seeking simple truths in an increasingly complex world. Until June 25. Godfrey Johnson performs his unique The Shadow of Brel from June 29 until July 9. Rose, with Fiona York, is a touching portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and events that shaped a century. (July 14 to August 6). The provocative After The End is an intense, thrilling drama about two people stuck in a nuclear bunker after an ‘apparent’ terrorist attack, (10 to 21 August). Living Remote is a new show by Anthea Thompson about human relationships and technology. (August 24 until September 24). www.kbt.co.za
JO’BURG The infamous cult favourite The Doo Bee Boobies are camping it up with a vengeance at the Jo’burg Theatre until June 26, showing how trueblue comedy revues should be done: with tongue firmly in (butt) cheek! This all-singing, all-dancing, all-male revue features zany musical sketches and helpings of saucy satire that are anything but a drag! www.joburgtheatre.com A cross section of South African queer characters appears in The Fat the Femme and the Fabulous, written by and starring Bruce J Little. It’s a singing and
speaking rainbow flag with a face! Come and learn the lingo: “Muscle Marys, Faghags, Twinks, Drag-queens, Emo-lesbians, closetcases” and so much more, interlaced with pop music homages to gay, bi or gay friendly musicians we know and love. Bruce takes you from one world to another, shape-shifting from each kooky character to the next, as Catherine Hopkins sets the mood and changes the atmosphere on keys. Jo’burg Theatre, July 12 to 30. www.joburgtheatre.com The international dance sensation Burn the Floor comes to Jo’burg directly from its record-breaking run on Broadway! From Harlem’s hot nights at The Savoy, where the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Mambo and Salsa steamed up the stage, it takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance. July 14 to August 14 www.burnthefloor.com
GRAHAMSTOWN A spirit of artistic innovation with a range of national, continental and world premieres in theatre, dance, music and visual art will be celebrated at this year’s National Arts Festival, running from 30 June – 10 July in Grahamstown. Visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
DURBAN The dark and sassy Cabaret stars Lisa Bobbert as the faded, jaded goodtime girl Sally Bowles, and features German musical theatre star Sascha Halbhuber making his South African debut as the sinister, sexy Master of Ceremonies, Emcee. The Kit Kat girls, described by director Steven Stead as being “so talented and hot that they could set the theatre alight, and may well do so!” are supported by a variety of dancers, sailors and thugs - and a gorilla! Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, 6 to 28 August. www.kickstart-theatre.co.za
NATIONWIDE Mandela Trilogy is Cape Town Opera’s musical tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela, written by Michael Williams with music by Allan Stephenson, Mike Campbell and Peter Louis van Dijk. The South African tour begins at the Sand du Plessis Theatre, Bloemfontein on July 22 and 23, followed by four performances at the Playhouse, Durban from July 29 to 31, and at the Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg from August 13 to 19.
For more information on these shows and other live entertainment, visit www. writingstudio.co.za Mag 40