Out Africa Magazine Issue 28

AFRICA

M A G A Z I N E Issue 28, SPRING 2016

CELEBRATE YOUR SEXUAL IDENTITY

MEET THE GORGEOUS PAUL DU TOIT

SEXY

PRIDE SEASON FASHION

9 772304 85 900 4

R25.00 incl. VAT

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JACQUES PEPLER SPEAKS OUT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURES 1. EDITORS COMMENT: 2. AFRICA’S GAYEST DESTINATION 3. DREAMS DO COME TRUE: Brendan van Rhyn talks about his new theatre 4. TRAVEL: Local luxury in Hermanus 6. INNOVATIVE, HEARTBREAKING & FUNNY: Meet Paul du Toit 8. COMING OUT 11. THE HOTHOUSE ROCKS 16. FLAMBOYANT ICON: Sir Elton John 19. KIKI’S: Gauteng’s New Venue 20. JACQUES PEPLER SPEAKS OUT: OUT AFRICA interviews out and proud actor 22. OUT & PROUD: Pride Season is upon us - find out when & where 23. KZN’S PINK MYNAH FESTIVAL: Get to Maritzburg and be a part of the fun 28. THE GAY OLYMPICS 30. DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE: Kat Gilardi 32. MY BODY, MY LIFE, MY DECISIONS 33. FUND-RAISING APPEAL FOR MS BOOTBLACK 34. FITNESS: Healthy Summer Smoothies 36. TALKING PRIDE: Health Issues

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20 FASHION 12-15. SA MENSWEAR WEEK SPRING & SUMMER 2016 - Great summer looks on the catwalk

SCENE OUT 26. PRIDE WINTER MARKET DIVA’S ONE NIGHT ONLY 27. MISS GAY JOZI DURBAN PRIDE 2016

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REVIEWS 37. MUSIC MOVES. Barbra Streisand’s ENCORE 38. OUT ON FILM: With Daniel Dercksen 39. OUT ON DVD: With Daniel Dercksen 40. ON STAGE: With Daniel Dercksen Cover: Jacques Pepler - Vernondo Boshoff Photography

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FROM THE EDITOR Hi all ...

The cold winter months are finally behind us and spring and summer are on their way.

It is time to stash all your winter woollies and get into trendy T-shirts, the latest swim wear looks and cool summer fashions. You can check out a sampling of the season’s trends presented by local designers at the SA Menswear Week – Spring & Summer 2016/17 on page 14.

This issue features local actor Jacques Pepler, (page 20),who we all are familiar with as Eben in the SABC soap Villa Rosa.

Jacques decided to come out of the closet publicly after the Orlando Night Club massacre, a hate crime which rocked the world but reminded us that there are homophobic people out there who condemn our lifestyle and are prepared to go to extremes to make their point known.

We also interview hunky Paul du Toit, (page 6) who is opening Cathy Specific’s new theatre venture in the leading role of Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch. The show has recently wowed audiences on Broadway with Neil Patrick Harris in the lead role. When chatting to Paul we took the opportunity to chat to Brendan Van Rhyn, (aka Cathy), about the new theatre and urge readers to support her in the new venture by going to see the show! - see page 3.

Coming out of the closet is a huge step that all LGBT people have to go through at some point and for many it is an agonizing process, filled with trauma, self-loathing, disappointment, uncertainty, homophobia, rejection and all sorts of other negative feelings, experiences and reactions.

We carry an interesting account of some famous peoples coming out stories which may help those struggling with the process at the moment.

Its Pride season in much of South Africa… Gauteng sees Jo’burg Pride and Pretoria Pride happening in October, and then there’s Pride in Nelson Mandela Bay early in December.

Cape Town is hosting Glitterfest, a day of live music, market stalls with bars and food and at which the theme of Cape Town Pride 2017 will be announced.

OUT Africa Magazine urges all LGBTIQA‘s to support and attend Pride events – Be OUT and PROUD – whatever your reason, be it political or fun enjoy the celebrations and make your voice heard!

Happy Pride

MANAGING EDITOR: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 Published by: Patterson Publications P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Tel: 021 555 1279, Fax: 086 535 5063 E-mail: Keith Coventry at outmagafrica@telkomsa.net outmagazine@mweb.co.za www.outafricamagazine.com Advertising Sales: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358

Contributors: Daniel Dercksen, Additional Photography: Simon Deiner, SDR Photography Vernondo Boshoff Photography

Printed by ABC Press, Cape Town

The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by those providing comments in this publication are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of OUT Africa Magazine or any employee thereof. OUT Africa Magazine and Patterson Publications cc., will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in any information contained in the publication.

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urveys conducted by SCRUFF, a leading gay dating and travel app with over 10 million subscribers, have discovered that Cape Town is ranked fifth as a “surprisingly gay-friendly” destination, according to wrdetv.com.

Two surveys were conducted in partnership with the New York Times and the results based on nearly 5 000 responses. The first looked at overall travel trends among gay men, and the second asked where they like to travel and why.

They looked at what was termed “off-the-beaten-path” destinations and took into account perceptions of safety. The results indicated that gay men generally travel more and spend more when they do than the general population, and also that they are more likely to travel alone and all year round.

This accolade further helps to cement the Mother City’s reputation as a global destination for visitors, in 2016 alone, three accolades have been given the city boasting rights: •

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The 2015-16 Telegraph Travel Awards chose Cape Town as Best City (for the fourth year running).

In Condé Nast’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Cape Town took the honour as the number one food city in the world for 2016.

Cape Town has been named as Luxury City Destination of the Year for the second consecutive year in the Luxury Travel Guide Africa & Middle East Awards 2016.

Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy: “South Africa has a reputation for tolerance, and Cape Town is known for so many entertainment, restaurant and accommodation choices that cater specifically for LGBT visitors as well as a vast array of interesting things to see and do across the city throughout the year. This is a niche tourism market that is wellcatered for.

Cape Town is popular as a honeymoon destination, the Mother City is full of romantic restaurants and wedding venues, and there are churches and ministers who conduct LGBT weddings.

TOMMY PATTERSON - EDITOR

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AFRICA’S GAYEST DESTINATION

South Africa represents a very attractive market to international visitors because of the favourable exchange rate which makes luxury tourism affordable. This, in conjunction with the attention brought by accolades such as this one will help in boost our popularity as a global travel destination.

That Cape Town hosted the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s (IGLTA) 33rd Global Conference in 2016 is important: this was the first time the conference was held on the continent. Cape Town is often described as the “Gateway to Africa”, and it is to be hoped that our reputation for tolerance spreads throughout the continent to inspire other nations to provide a welcoming, tolerant attitude to locals and visitors.”

For more to see and do in Cape Town: http://www.capetown.travel/

goes onto paper there’s no turning back – and I wouldn’t want to even if you paid me. Dreams DO come true, I am living proof of that. They say if your dreams don’t scare you, they not big enough... need I say more! I still have to pinch myself or take a step back to really grasp that a ‘outjie’ from Pretoria was able to make this all happen. Sure, there have been many people who have watered this plant along the way, but it had to have started somewhere…with a little seed I planted way back when. Uithou en aanhou!

Without dreams there is no work; and without work there is no reason to dream.

I always say I’m a day dreamer and a night thinker!

DREAMS DO COME TRUE In the words of Frank N Furter: “My beautiful creature is born!’’ Tell me about your stunning new creation and what inspired it?

This stunning creation has been in my head for a very long time – nine years to be exact! I always knew where I would end up, having my own venue and sharing my craft in a space that I could call my own. I always say, ‘stick where you are better acquainted’. I know my strong points and I most certainly know my weaknesses – being in this business for as long as I have you are constantly reminded of them – if not by yourself, by others. My inspiration comes from challenging myself, always shifting the goal posts (although never losing sight of the finishing line) and wanting to share Cathy with as many people as I can. She inspires me, she has set a standard that I need to maintain – even if it kills me!

It must be difficult to bring your own creation to life.

Tell me about the process?

The difficulty is to keep the dream going; to keep the flame alive, especially for as long as I have.

This ‘little’ idea has been the last thing I think of when going to bed at night (or the early hours of the morning) and the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning. It has consumed me most of the time, has made me journey through every possible emotion and has at times made me think long and hard as to whether this is the right thing to do. That’s all part of the process; the wanting ‘out’, the ‘butterflies’ like you have just met the man of your dreams, the constant questioning, doubting, hoping, praying, crying and complete ‘angst’ at the best of times. And then I walk through my building and know for sure, that all those feelings were worth it; unquestionably so.

What can fans expect at Gate 69?

The unexpected! Fans can expect a heightened sensory experience, taking you to a world you’ve never been before; a world where we welcome you to get lost in the magic that is cabaret. This one-of-a-kind venue resembles a mini Moulin Rouge; ornate, plush, classy, mysterious, with a whole lotta soul.

How does it feel, now that your dream turns into reality?

I’m almost inclined to think it was better left in my head! Once it

Daniel Dercksen talks to Brendan van Rhyn about Gate 69, an intimate new 80-seater theatre he opened in Cape Town with Cathy Specific that prizes itself on world class entertainment, delicious mezze cuisine and unparalleled service and opens with Hedwig and the Angry Inch on September 15.

A lot of people also often comment on the fact that I’m ‘living my dream’ being Cathy Specific and then I have to clearly define that if that were the case I would’ve been the paediatrician I always wanted to be – instead I’m living my truth…

Tell me about the alluring and charged title Gate 69?

Hahaha! Thought you’d ask and I’m glad you did. It was carefully thought out. Obviously the ‘Gate’ has an airline connotation to it and the ‘69’ needs no introduction – of course, if it was ‘68’ it means that you owe ME one!

The ‘69’ also means the yin and the yang, the half boy half girl, a bit of this a bit of that. Basically, it means that our little ‘purple palace’ is a place where people can just let their hair down and be themselves – and we most certainly encourage it!

I see your alter ego Cathy is the ‘’hostess with the mostess’’! I hope you have her firmly under control, or is she the boss-lady?

She calls the shots! Men want her and women want to be her.

She is the quintessential Trolley Dolly, the country’s favourite flight attendant and undoubtedly South Africa’s First Lady of Flying. Being greeted at the door by this 7 foot, platinum blonde bombshell is an experience nobody will ever forget and reason enough to return. I always say you can’t helped but be touched by her in some way – whether it is mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically or inappropriately – all of the above and not necessarily in that order!!!

What’s next for Brendan?

He’s quite happy for Cathy to take over, for now. He’ll be watching from the wings, smiling, finding it hard to believe he’s created this ‘monster’; this ridiculously regal aviation Goddess who has crept into the heart of many a South African. A far cry from the doctor he so badly wanted to be but living every day with not a single regret, at his best in lipstick and lashes and looking forward to creating a bit of history no matter how big or small.

Any comments you would like to share about Gate 69?

It is a small space, limited seats a night, so don’t delay – BOOK TODAY – on 0715892915 or www.gate69.co.za Mag 3

LOCAL LUXURY Southern Right breaches near Hermanus

With the exchange rate of the Rand against international currencies being at an all time low, why not spend your hard earned cash locally and enjoy first-class, luxury accommodation with loads to see and do...

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ituated a short, picturesque drive form Cape Town is the small town of Hermanus. The town is located on the south coast of the Western Cape and is popular with local and international tourists who flock to the town to see Southern Right whales which congregate near the town from June to December.

Much of the town centre is filled with quaint buildings dating from the towns establishment as a fishing village in the mid 1800’s. A visit to the old railway station is recommended - it doesn’t have a railway line as it was decided that by laying one it would make the village commercial so the townsfolk decided against it. The Old Harbour Museum is worth a visit, located in the old fisherman’s shacks, the indoor displays include items used in the fishing industry during the earlier part of the 20th century, a variety of aquariums that display the sea life found around the Hermanus area, as well as a massive section on whales and whaling.

But the main attraction is the whale festival which Hermanus hosts annually at the end of September, to celebrate the returning of the Southern Right whales to the bay during the calving and mating season. During the whale festival the village seethes with thousands of visitors from all over the world to catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals. Whales can be seen from land, but there are many boat-based tours available.

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During the South African summer school holidays (mid December to mid January) which coincide with the Christmas holidays, Hermanus attracts over 250,000 holiday makers.

Mainly South Africans who wish to enjoy the town’s seaside and beaches, the fabulous scenery, the wine valley of Hemel-enAarde, quaint markets and art galleries, and the many outdoor activities that have sprung up. These include – Whale watching (June to December), Great White Shark cage diving, horse riding, sandboarding, quad biking, kayaking, micro-lighting & Cessna plane flights, paragliding, golf, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, the local brewery, fynbos & flower nature reserve, sailing, scuba diving, surfing and so much more.

A few kilometres further along the coast is Gansbaai which is world-renowned for White Shark diving and for those wanting a more sedate experience there are a number of excellent wine estates near the town where wine tasting and good dining are the order of the day.

I recently spent a weekend in the village staying at the Le Paradis luxury self-catering apartments. The stylish 2-bedroomed units are immaculately kept, perfectly maintained modern, comfortable and serviced. All five air-conditioned apartments offer beautiful ocean views from the patios, lounge and main bedroom. For the colder days they have a gas fireplace in living area as well as braai (BBQ) facilities, flat screen TV’s

Le Paradis

Le Paradis

with selected DSTV channels available.

The apartments are non-smoking and fitted with all modern amenities such as dish-washer, a fully fitted kitchen, hair dryer, electronic safe and secure undercover parking.

The village has numerous eating places where a variety of culinary delights are available. A great place for lunchtime drinks is Burgundy’s Restaurant situated at the cliffs in the centre of town and a short walk from Le Paradis. The Gecko bar is a rowdy local pub very popular with locals and has a great atmosphere.

For those readers who prefer to indulge

Spookfontein

in quieter more genteel surroundings a visit to a nearby wine estate will be the answer. Wines produced in Hermanus and the greater Overberg region, have garnered international acclaim and tastings at any of the fifteen destinations on the wine route through Hermanus will attest to their quality. I lunched at Spookfontein about 20 minutes drive from the town where we indulged in their estate wines and had a superb meal. The wait for the food took a while but gave us the chance to sample both their red and white wines as well as a locally brewed beer. It was a good thing that one of our party is tea-total but uber is available as are other local taxi services.

Le Paradis

Just over Marine Drive from Le Paradis is a Biodiversity Walk which was bracing to say the least, as the weekend we chose to visit was cold and wet much of the time. The Biodiversity walk is very informative and runs for a few kilometres along the shoreline.

I didn’t venture to Gaansbaai to see the Great Whites but people I now that have been brave enough to do so have all enjoyed this unique experience.

For more information regarding Le Paradis contact The Harbour House Hotel on book@leparadis.co.za or phone: +27 (0) 28 312 1799

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BRILLIANTLY INNOVATIVE, HEARTBREAKING & WICKEDLY FUNNY

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t’s extremely easy to fall in love with Paul du Toit. When you see him in performance on stage, you’re hooked. When you meet him in person you are immediately addicted to his infectious personality, inviting smile and piercing gaze.

His talent knows no bounds, his humility and humbleness obliterates any sense of egotism. He is a diagnosed adrenaline junkie and when not performing on stage, film or television, he can usually be found in, (on or under!) the water; surfing, diving or paddling a boat and has frequently courted divorce by completing numerous Dusi, Drakensberg and Fish River canoe marathons. And in between all this madness he is trying to be a husband and father too!

How does he cope?

“It’s more the people around me that have to cope with me. I cope easily,” he confesses. “I have adult ADD. I can’t sit still for a second. I constantly need new stimulus in my life. If I don’t get exercise I literally go nuts. So I find myself on top of a roof, on a bridge, on a ship, on a skipping rope trying to get energy out of my body. Not a day goes by that I can’t do some form of exercise, and my mind also needs similar stimulation.”

Paul constantly needs new ideas and wants to try out new things.

MEETING PAUL DU TOIT ...

Daniel Dercksen shares a few thoughts with Paul du Toit, who wowed us as the sexually charged Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, and now crawls under the skin of Hedwig, one of the most unique and divine iconic characters to ever hit the musical stage in Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Gate 69 in Cape Town.

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“My secret is adult ADD, basically. But I think us ADD babies are drawn to this profession. It makes sense to us. We are working with our bodies. We are constantly looking for new ideas. And, we have to be completely comfortable with the idea of flux. No day is ever the same. No performance is ever the same. I can’t reproduce. If you enjoyed last night’s performance, don’t expect me to do it again, because I can’t, and I don’t want to. Boring!”

Paul is just an all-round nice guy and when I first saw in Offbeat Broadway 16-years ago, a mesmerising show he created with Anton Luitingh and Lindy Abromowitz, it was clear that he was going to become one of the greatest (and most versatile performers) in South Africa.

“I suppose it wouldn’t be to twee to say that was a show about what we dreamed of for our careers and here am today living that dream,” says Paul. “But then again, in the words of Sondheim: “careful, the wish you make!”

Paul’s wishes have thankfully come true and he is now stepping into one of the most challenging roles in his career that of East German transgender singer called Hedwig, formerly known as Hansel, who assumes a female persona after a botched sex change operation in the rock-musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

“Hedwig is very demanding, vocally, physically, and emotionally,” says Paul. “Hedwig is a human being in its most painful and raw state, it’s the humanity of this character that makes him/her so deeply interesting and so deeply moving. For me, the interesting thing will be exploring the character’s pain, exploring the character’s search for identity, for acceptance, for healing.”

“It is, in a bizarre way, a much more serious role, a lot of the seriousness is sugar-coated by the juxtaposing comedy that lies on the surface, but deep down inside we are dealing with a very scarred and hurt human being, shouting, railing against the heavens to try and get acceptance, all against this beautiful background of punk rock from the 70s, and off course the history of East Germany, and the collapse of Communist Europe, this person finding herself in the America that she had always dreamt of, but the dream very soon turns to a nightmare. It’s a fascinating role to play, with so many complex layers.’’

Hedwig is a touching and heart-warming story of a gay man embracing his sexuality and poignantly shows how important it is to be true to yourself.

“I think this is where we get to the crux of Hedwig. He is a gay man and embraces his sexuality, is his sexuality. He is, however, a reluctant sex-change, he didn’t choose it, it was forced upon him. As he says to Tommy, when Tommy, rather surprisingly comes across his ‘angry inch’, and what he’s got left. Tommy says: ‘’What is that?’’ And Hedwig says: ‘’It’s what I’ve got to work with.’’ That for me, is a defining line of the character. She is damaged goods. He is damaged goods, he isn’t sure if the little slip of a girly-boy that he was once is a woman now. But what he is looking for is completion. He is looking, with a sense of Aristophanic love, for his other half, the thing that completes him, and obviously, when we get to the end, he discovers the universal truth, that the other half doesn’t lie outside there, it lies within yourself, knowing to accept yourself is the root to healing yourself and to becoming whole. That’s what’s really interesting about this character for me.”

Hedwig is also an incredible sad journey into the heart and soul of a lonely and conflicted man who wants to be loved for who he is and not for what his image of a woman signifies.

“As Hedwig says to Tommy, ‘’However you want it, honey, just

kiss me while we do it.” He has that universal trait of just wanting to be loved, wanting to be accepted,” says Paul.

“And, that is where Hedwig’s humanity lies, that’s where everyone can associate with this character. For me, the real substance of it isn’t about the transgenderism - obviously it plays a large role - but the place where it doesn’t matter who you are, where you can identify with this character, is it’s just a human being looking to be loved, and looking to find someone that will love them. The realisation that they come to, that the most important person that a person needs love from, is actually themselves. That’s a beautiful simple universal truth that somehow still rings true all these centuries later after Aristophanes philosophised about it. It’s amazing.”

How does Paul identify with the complexity and challenging sexual confusion of Hedwig?

“I think every single human being understands what it’s like to wonder about their sexual complexity. What makes them up as a sexual human being. I don’t believe in a gay and straight switch, I believe in just a huge big grey scale, from white to black.

That as human beings at different times in our lives that we find ourselves at various positions on that scale, it’s just part of the crazy dance of being human. And, our sexuality is just one of the many aspects of who we are as human beings, and we’re constantly grappling with, and trying to make sense of that … We are all constantly trying to figure out who we are and exactly what the part is that we’re playing in this tragic comedy called life. And Hedwig just does it in such a beautiful and fabulous way, that her version is entertaining.”

We are living in a country that celebrates the freedom of sexual expression. Do you think the chastisement of sexual freedom is what catapulted Hedwig on his amazing journey.

“We live in a country sure, where on paper we are very liberal in terms of sexuality and in transgenderism I don’t think that’s necessarily true. Living in Cape Town you can be forgiven that, thinking that things are easy, but, as we know, hate crimes are still perpetuated. There still is prejudice in terms of sexuality, in terms of transgenderism, in terms of race, in terms of so many things. The fact that there’s a document saying that it allows a status quo, doesn’t necessarily mean that the general populace will follow it. And I think a work like Hedwick and the Angry Inch will do a lot towards challenging people’s views, for showing people a side to a story they might have never known.”

“It prods uncomfortably at the things audience members aren’t expecting from a normal bourgeois night out at the theatre. It truly is a brilliant work!”

We all adore Paul, the man fully invested in the characters he plays, but who is the man behind the diverse personalities?

“Who is Paul?” he sniggers. “Paul is a deeply private person and Paul is also not someone who considers himself to be particularly interesting. Part of what I enjoy about performing is that the me gets left behind in the dressing room, and when I walk out on to the stage, or out in front of a camera, I can be anything. Paul is almost not what my job is about. Paul is almost irrelevant. What I can become, and what of me I can bring to those roles, and how through those roles I can express myself. I find the characters to be a wonderful outlet for who I am, and a way to experience me.”

For the full interview, visit www.writingstudio.co.za Brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny, Hedwig and the Angry Inch the iconic rock musical, opens at Gate69, Cape Town’s newest theatre venue on Bree Street on Sept 15. For bookings and more info call the box office on 0715892915 or visit www.gate69.co.za Mag 7

COMING OUT Coming Out is a huge decision for most people, some have the honesty, bravery and self-confidence to come out at school, others are “gay” enough that they never formerly come out it’s just accepted that they are who they are, others come out after marriage and in many cases having started families, other people are high profile and suffer the possibility of rejection from not only friends and loved ones but fans and the people who are responsible for their image. Others like Rock Hudson died of AIDS before being exposed as gay. Elton John sued newspapers successfully for alleging his homosexuality then came out anyway... each of us is unique and must go through our own coming out process ....

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eciding to “come out” may be the biggest decision you make in your life, and its on going through out ones life, for we are constantly meeting new people, new colleagues and even find ourselves in situations where concealing one’s sexuality may be necessary. In the last issue for example we carried a map of Africa detailing which countries have given rights to the LGBT communities and those that haven’t, and those where being LGBT is a death sentence.

Our family and friends mean the world to us and in most cases are our world. When we’re in the closet, those relationships can seem so fragile, especially when we’re not sure what their reaction will be to our true sexual identity. The fear of rejection is very real. No one wants to lose loved ones, so often coming out of the closet does not seem worth the risk - this is the dilemma faced by almost every gay person I have ever met. That very real fear of being disowned by a parent, rejected by friends, ostracised by peers, fired from jobs, bullied and discriminated against.

But oftentimes, we focus so much on what we may lose by coming out that we forget about what we may gain: Openness and the freedom to finally express ourselves openly - and most out gay men can attest that coming out was worth the risk. The adage that a problem shared is a problem halved is very true and once one has come out and people have accepted you for who you are, you immediately have allies, true friends and a support group - people you can rely on because there will always be those that don’t accept you.

The biggest and often the most difficult first step is to come out to your self first - accepting your own homosexuality is for many a tortured road. Some of you will or have experienced anxiety, pain and incredible anguish while others find acceptance easier.

You may also experience fear, doubt, loneliness, anger and even depression - and over-coming these feelings and accepting yourself is the first hurdle. Don’t bottle it up, if you are not ready to approach your parents, try talking to someone you trust. Try talking to a trusted friend or family member, having someone close who knows your secret is a great relief. Nowadays most schools have trained counsellors and there’s your local GP who will also be able to advise you, but bottling it up and letting it weigh you down leads to greater feelings of loneliness and isolaMag 8

tion. There is no formula, no do’s or don’ts as each one of us has our own personal issues and problems to face when coming out but generally speaking once you have made the decision and told the first person the experience is very liberating. It is always great when we have positive role models who have gone through the same issues that we did or are going through. Knowing that one is not alone in this journey is encouraging. So many - too many - young people resort to running away or worse, in some instances, are driven to commit suicide out of the fear and unhappiness of coming out - so it is important to know that there are places to go, where you can meet other like minded people and good to know that other people have gone through the same anxieties that you may have. There is real power when a celebrity is honest about their sexuality or gender identity, as it lets thousands of young gay people know they are not alone.

International Coming Out Day is on Tuesday 11 October - and to celebrate we bring you a few celebrity coming out stories...

Coming out is its own kind of theatrical performance: It’s a reveal. For most of showbusiness history, it’s been more like an exposure—often in the aftermath of a scandal, as with George Michael. But then there was Ellen DeGeneres, whose famous “Yep, I’m Gay” on the cover of Time seemed to presage a new era of openness, an end to the double life. Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997 on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, and later on her sitcom - she didn’t work for three whole years after that.

But, she was given a daytime talk show in 2003. With The Ellen DeGeneres Show, syndicated worldwide, she has become one of the most loved personalities on our screens today.

Ever Fabulous Ellen

Before Singer Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he spent 11 years of his life besieged by gay rumours. The Puerto Rican singer was linked with TV host Rebecca de Alba as well as his Nobody Wants To Be Lonely duet partner Christina Aguilera.

In a 2000 interview with British tabloid The Mirror, he said: ‘I don’t think I should have to tell anyone if I am gay or not, or who I’ve slept with or not.’

Finally, in 2010, he admitted to who he is. In a post on his official website, he said: ‘I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.’

As the first openly gay man to come out and continue competing in professional boxing, Orlando Cruz made sport history when in October 2012, the Puerto Rican announcement he wanted to be true to himself.

since been championed as a poster boy for homosexuals in the hip hop industry – and beyond. ‘I don’t have any secrets I need kept anymore…I feel like a free man,’ he said in conclusion to his statement.

Singer Ricky Martin

Actor Matt Bomer

He said: “I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.”

Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas isn’t exactly the stereotype of a gay guy, considering he is a star of one of the most macho, tough sports in the world. But when he came out in 2010, he was the first openly gay athlete on any major sports team in the world.

Rugby star Gareth Thomas

Boxer Orlando Cruz

Thomas says: “If sports people come out and share such a powerful story, and such a positive message, it changes the world. If someone is openly gay in sport, and being able to continue that sport, it is such a positive message for the world.”

Thinkin ‘Bout You singer Frank Ocean made history when he became the first openly gay hip hop musician. After leaving an open letter on his blog in 2012 detailing his relationship with a man when he was 19, the star was praised by his contemporaries and the music industry at large for his honesty and has

Hollywood star, Matt Bomer has played a male stripper, a detective, and other macho roles - and he is gay. After he came out in February 2012, he said: “I never really endeavored to hide anything.

But there were times I chose not to relegate my history to the back page of a magazine, which to me is sort of akin to putting your biography on a bathroom wall.” - Today he is an out, proud family man with husband Simon Halls.

In the years following his Olympic victories, Australia’s greatest swimming champion apparently suffered for years from depression, as well as alcohol and drug abuse. The 31-year-old, five-time Olympic gold medallist came out in July 2014, after spending time in rehab and after years of denying his homosexuality publicly.

“I’ve wanted to [come out] for some time, but I couldn’t, I didn’t feel as though I could.

What happened was I felt the lie had become so big that I didn’t want people to question my integrity,” he revealed in an interview with Australia’s Network Ten. He stated “I’m comfortable saying I’m a gay man. And I don’t want people to feel the same way I did.

You can grow up, you can be comfortable and you can be gay.” He added “I am telling the world that I am gay … and I hope this makes it easier for others now, and even if you’ve held it in for years, it feels easier to get it out.”

No celeb coming out wouldn’t be complete without Neil Patrick Harris who revealed how he first told his mother he thought he was gay when he was just 13 - after he was drawn to guys in a ‘tingly kind of way’.

Hip hop singer Frank Ocean

Swimmer Ian Thorpe

The 41-year-old star told how Mag 9

that choir that I encountered my first homophobic experience.

At the age of 10, the choir master warned me that I mustn’t end up like ‘those’ men on the Felicia Mabuza-Suttle Show. I had no idea what he meant and investigated. On one of the shows there was a transgendered person and I linked it to being something strange and different.

I came out to a family member who told me to keep it a secret. I wondered whether it was something that I should be ashamed of or if I should embrace it as part of myself. I chose the latter – to have the courage to live authentically. This was met with opposition as we live in a society where heterosexuality is normalised by institutions and where we are socialised from a young age to have a vision of being a grown up in particular gender roles. As I was different, I became a target with bullies tormenting me after school. Grown-ups didn’t stand up for me and I don’t blame them because I was seen as exotic in that environment and they did not know how to defend me.

NPH he opened up to his mother after he developed a crush on the trumpet player in his middle school band, and said: ‘Mom, I’m afraid I’m gay’.

But in his new autobiography, the recently married, fatherof-two, said his mother simply replied that although it may be a phase, it would not make any difference in how much his parents loved him.

As I grew older, I came to realise that my voice was an instrument to uplift and to utilise for the purpose of self-actualisation.

In 2008 I was living in the south of Johannesburg with my aunt and would walk for four hours a day auditioning for any role in the South African arts scene. I came back with rejection after rejection. I don’t blame my aunt for sometimes getting tired of supporting me because I was a grown of man of 22 already. It was such a painful time and I would get home, take a bath and listen to Sibongile Khumalo’s Khumbula on repeat.

Struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, the entertainer had his first gay liaison with a co-star called Andy, with whom he appeared in a 1997 production of the musical Rent. He slowly came out to friends and family, including his parents, there was some disappointment, but also a lot of “bear hugs” from people who said they already knew. Today he is married to David Burtka, the couple have adopted 3 children and he is very happy by all Twitter accounts...

At that time I also lost the R20,000.00 I had saved up to record my first album. It took four more years until I could start recording the first track. I had sessions from 2012 until early 2014. I would stop and start because I had to save in between.

Finally in 2015 my first album, Boet/Sissy was completed. It is an album about self-acceptance in a time where backward laws of sodomy still exist. I wouldn’t have produced the album had I not survived homophobia.

These are just a few of the thousands, no millions of people who have come out - As part of the current wethebrave campaign

Recently, I have recorded a single with Lebo Mashile which is available on iTunes about the contradictions which exist in Soweto and how people negotiate daily life. I have also performed with Sibongile Khumalo at #Ezezwe Sessions which is a platform for black women and black queer men to come together to highlight issues affecting our country through academic dialogues, poetry and music. I am excited too about releasing another album at the end of this year. It is my dream to tour the world and perform.

the following coming out story will resonate, particularly with young African readers - this is Majola’s story I grew up in a township called Zwelitsha, Zone 2 in the Eastern Cape and lived with my maternal grandmother as my parents were not allowed to stay together since they were unmarried and my mother was still in school. Music found me on my grandmother’s veranda as she would always play the songs of superstars like Sade, Whitney Houston, Miriam Makeba and Nina Simone and I would imagine myself as them.

In 1995 I joined a church choir and my life has not been the same since. It was here that I came to realise that my voice was an instrument and I used it to praise the Lord. It was also in

Mag 10

My advice to young people who are struggling with their sexual identity is to find a book, documentary or piece of music by people who self-identify as queer or gay and to listen to their stories and learn how they overcame their struggles and survived.

Are You Brave Enough?

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We provide superior residential property management services to our landlords and property owners, tenants and trustees and occupiers of sectional title units, that includes legal, secretarial and administrative services, financial management and reporting, insurance management, physical management in the form of staff and security and operational management services.

Contact: Gary Welsh +27 832941121 email: gary@capetownrealtors.com

THE HOTHOUSE ROCKS

T

he Cape’s summer season is approaching and that favourite venue, for many of the city’s gay men and visitors, the Hothouse is getting ready, getting in to the swing of things by recently hosting a foam party and now a new 80’s theme night every Thursday - Thursday’s are also buddy nights which means entrance covers 2 for the price of one. DJ Charl Zero will be in charge of the music which will keep you entertained throughout the night.

For those readers who haven’t ventured in to the Hothouse, the venue is a stylish up market European-style steam bath with a well-stocked adult store. Rated as the top sauna in South Africa and one of the best in the world, the Hothouse offers luxurious double volume lounges, a fireplace, bar and a sundeck which boasts spectacular views. There is an enormous steam room, sauna, 2 spa baths, 3 video lounges, a maze, showers, lots of private rooms, encounter and dark areas. There are also private paid cabins which have a double bed, TV and are air conditioned.). So do yourself a favour, take the plunge - who knows you may well meet your Mr Right.

OUTREACH AFRICA AGM Friday 18 November @ 4pm Pride Shelter Trust Meeting Room 1 Molteno Road Oranjezicht email: outlet@telkomsa.net for more info Mag 11

Photography: Simon Diener Photography www.sdr.co.za

Mag 12

With summer on its way we bring you the very latest is swimwear from DAX MARTIN

SA MENSW SPRING / SU

Seen on the ramp at the 2016 SA Menswear Week Spring / Summer collections.

WEAR WEEK UMMER 2016

Mag 13

BLACK DOG showed a wearable trendy collection of cool summer fashion

Mag 14

Photography: Simon Diener Photography www.sdr.co.za

Mag 15

A FLAMBOYANT ICON

Pianist, singer-songwriter and composer, LGBTI activist and campaigner, Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, is one of the most highly acclaimed and successful solo artists of all time. He has achieved 38 gold and 27 platinum or multi-platinum albums, has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, and holds the record for the biggest selling single of all time. Over the five decades since his career began in 1969, Elton has played nearly 4,000 concerts in over 80 countries and had donated literally millions of rands to HIV related causes throughout Africa.

W

hen it comes to gay icons, few can hold a candle to Sir Elton John. The openly gay pop legend has been making music for more than half a century, including more than 50 Top 40 hits. So it’s not surprising he was voted the top male gay icon in a recent poll.

That’s just the tip of the iceberg for the flamboyant composer, songwriter and pianist. Of his more than 30 albums released to date, he had seven consecutive No. 1 albums in the U.S. He’s achieved nine No. 1 singles, including one of the biggest selling singles of all time, Candle In the Wind - 1997. From 1970 until the year 2000, Elton John had at least one song in the Billboard Hot 100 every year. With such a massive collection of hits, it’s hardly any surprise that he’s been an inspiration for many contemporary gay performers, like Adam Lambert, Mika and Bright Light Bright Light.

He hasn’t just left his mark on music history, though.

He’s been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and a powerhouse supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention and support services. His Elton John AIDS Foundation Which was established in 1992, has raised more than $200 million worldwide, including funds raised from his now famous annual Academy Awards Party.

Sir Elton John was recently in South Africa, sharing the stage with UK’s Prince Harry at the International AIDS Conference in Durban, where they warned more than 1000 delegates that complacency threatened efforts to defeat Aids and they urged young people to lead the fight against this disease that has killed millions of people over the past 4 decades.

Sir Elton John said it was the death of an HIV-positive American teenager in 1990 that helped him find his voice as an advocate and campaigner against the disease but, “The truth is that young people have always been the voice of change,” he said.

Elton John - flamboyant party person Mag 16

The singer who turns 70 next year joked: “I’ll be perfectly honest with you, young people won’t listen to me.”

Adding, “If we want HIV programmes to work for young people, we can’t tell them what to do and what to think.

Don’t let us older generation lecture you. Make us listen to you.”

Elton John has pledged to spend his Aids Foundation’s money on supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Africa who are stigmatised and penalised in their own countries.

The singer has joined Pepfar, the US president’s emergency plan for Aids relief, in a $10m LGBT fund that will issue grants and provide expertise to help those living under homophobic regimes.

Sir Elton acknowledged that he could not persuade governments to change their values.

“I know that certain governments in Africa will not respond to someone like me telling them you should do this, you should do that. I count for nothing as far as that goes.

“What I can do is ensure that people who are LGBT – if their clinics are closed down because they are LGBT – we can give them medicine. If they are arrested, we will get them legal aid,” he said at the international Aids conference in Durban, South Africa.

Many sub-Saharan African countries have antihomosexuality laws and in some, including Nigeria and Sudan, there is the threat of the death penalty.

There is a long history of violent attacks and persecution against LGBT people.

“We will help them on the ground,” said John.

“With these countries sometimes, who knows, it might take 50 years, but I guarantee it will change.”

He compared Africans who were prepared to be open about their sexuality with the campaigners from gay rights organisations Stonewall and Act Up in the 1960s and 80s.

“You might have to fight for your own life but it will be worth it because in the end, you will win,” he said, adding, “In the 60s in England you were prosecuted for being homosexual. Most people who could afford it went to north Africa to have sex or were arrested in public toilets. Now I can be married to my partner. Things can change. They already have in South Africa,”

Elton John -philanthropist Elton John -musician

When he visited the Anova Clinic in Durban, with the South African health minister, Aaron Motsoaledi, he met with LGBT people, John said, “This was an amazing experience for me because many years back I came to Durban with David [Furness] and I met with some white members of the LGBT community in a room above a cafe or restaurant. None of those people wanted to have their photographs taken because they didn’t want to be seen in the newspapers, because if they were seen in a photograph with me and they were known to be gay they would be subject to attack,” he said.

This time round‚ people in Durban were openly gay and happy to be taking pictures with him. “We have come a long way,” he stated.

Mag 17

Elton John - family man with husband David and children

He was also an outspoken personality in the fight, in the UK for civil partnerships for same-sex couples and later for full, equal marriage, and was one for the first to “tie the knot” with longtime boyfriend, David Furnish.

But it was his awesome talent as a musician first and foremost .

Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight in Pinner, UK Elton’s musical talent was noticed at a very early age.. At the age of 11 he was awarded a scholarship as a Junior Exhibitor at the Royal Academy of Music and he attended the Academy on Saturday mornings. John met his song-writing partner, Bernie Taupin, in 1967, after they had both answered an advert for songwriters. For two years they wrote songs for other artists and John worked as a session musician for artists such as the Hollies and the Scaffold. … Dwight changed his name to “Elton John” in homage to Bluesology saxophonist Elton Dean and Long John Baldry Today his name is one of the most recognisable the world over.

In 1969 he released his debut album, Empty Sky, and in 1970 a single, Your Song, from his second album, Elton John, which reached the top ten in the UK and was his first hit single the US,.

Elton John was on his way to super stardom Another one of John’s signature songs is Rocket Man, off his 1972 album, Honky Château. It would be his first No. 1 album in the U.S., and the first of seven consecutive number one albums.

He also performed Rocket Man in 1985 at Live Aid in Wembley Stadium, which raised millions of pounds for victims of famine in Africa.

Originally inspired by the death of Marilyn Monroe, John recorded Candle In the Wind for his 1973 album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Following the death of John’s friend Diana, Princess of Wales, he re-wrote and re-recorded the song, releasing it as a single. The song was the first to be certified Diamond (selling more than 10 million). He only performed the live version once, at Diana’s funeral, and it was never released on any other followup albums. It is commonly referred to as “the best-selling single Mag 18

since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s.”

John’s impact extends beyond pop music. He took home the Academy Award for Best Song at the 67th Academy Awards for Can You Feel The Love Tonight from The Lion King. He wrote the music for the beloved Disney film with Tim Rice. The song also earned John a Grammy Award. He would go on to compose the music for the stage adaptation of The Lion King and later Aida, which would earn him a Tony Award for Best Original Score at the 54th Tony Awards.

At the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards, Eminem was faced with protests over his homophobic lyrics on his acclaimed The Marshall Mathers LP. In response, he performed his track Stan along with Elton John. GLAAD said they were “appalled”

by John’s choice to perform with Eminem, but the two artists remained close friends.

Having been the victim of homophobia himself and for many years having to remain closeted, gay causes are close to the flamboyant performer’s heart. Being famous has its own share of hardships in that one is living in a constant glare of publicity so coming out was not an easy path for the entertainer.

John came out as bisexual in a 1976 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, then in 1984 he married German recording engineer Renate Blauel, in Sydney, Australia amid wide speculation that the marriage was a cover for his homosexuality.

In 1988 after his divorce from Blauel he came out, announcing that he was “comfortable” being gay. He began a relationship with David Furnish in 1993, a former advertising executive from Canada and on 21 December 2005 (the day that the Civil Partnership Act came into force), John and Furnish were amongst the first couples in the UK to form a civil partnership..

After gay marriage became legal in England in March 2014, John and Furnish married on the ninth anniversary of their civil partnership. They have two sons.

Source: Towleroad (Bobby Hankinson) and others

If you are out and about in Gauteng why not check out Kiki”s Coqtail Lounge .... conveniently located close to the N14 highway (Jean Ave off ramp) in Centurion, Kiki adds a fresh new dimension to Gauteng’s nightlife.

(72 Lyttelton Road, Clubview Corner, Centurion) The venue boasts unique decor and design, including a glitter infused floor providing the ideal place for an unforgettable, sparkling experience made up of a variety of performances and events every week from; - Games Night (Wednesdays) - Karaoke (Thursdays) - Coqtail Experiences (Fridays) - Dinner and Show (Saturdays) - Open Stage (Sundays) Half price coqtails from 6-7pm daily Owner Genevieve Le Coq, an accomplished Drag Artist, acts as both hostess and performer and promises patrons an unexpectedly delightful experience in a non-pretentious environment filled with smiles and memorable moments.

Kiki is your premium choice when selecting a venue for your events such as Birthdays, Bachelorette’s, Year End Functions and other events.

Twitter and Instagram: @kikicoqtail Facebook: Kiki Coqtail Lounge www.kikicoqtail.com

Entrance to “the Playground” - R35

Mag 19

SEXY, SULTRY JACQUES PEPLER SPEAKS OUT Jacques has become a household name playing Eben in SABC’s Villa Rosa The sexy actor with smouldering good looks chatted to OUT Magazine...

Hi Jacques, tell our readers a bit about your background...

I’m a born and bred Boksburg boy! I attended Woodlands International College after which I moved to New York to pursue further studies at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for three years. I returned to South Africa and was successfully cast for Kyknet’s Villa Rosa television series for a total of 445 episodes.

Judging on what you’ve just said, has acting always been a passion?

Indeed yes. I started with acting classes when I was 16 at The Playhouse. By the time I graduated from Matric I already won both Best Actor in School and at the Gauteng School’s Festival. I love storytelling and acting serves as the perfect vehicle to deliver it. Acting requires you to be brave enough to tell challenging stories but I feel its my way to improve others lives by doing so.

Tell us about one of your most memorable moments in your acting career I will never forget the day I was successfully cast for Villa Rosa. It was early in the morning, my phone rang with an unknown number with a prank caller, or so I thought. To my shock and surprise it was my agent asking for me by my new character’s name, Eben. I quickly realised that this was no joke and I was over the moon, I got the part! An epic happy dance followed soon after the call ended!

At what age did you first realise that you were gay?

It’s difficult to pin an exact age, roughly at six I think. I always felt different without any labels attached to it. During my teen years things started to become clearer.

Was the coming out process an easy one for you?

Hell no! I am Afrikaans, and therefore have a family with strong conservative cultural roots. It was only after about five years that my parents started accepting my sexual orientation.

In the wake of the Orlando Massacre you decided to come out publicly, which essentially outed you to the whole country. What motivated that decision and have you had any negative responses?

The morning after the shooting all media platforms were flooded with reports and it left me shocked and cold. I felt like the shooting was an attack on all gay people and places we feel safe to be ourselves. Although South Africa is very progressive in terms of the Constitution being inclusive for all sexual orientations, it still feels at times that we have to put an act up to get by certain situations. I felt deeply hurt because that hatred could have easily taken place here. I wanted to express my bravery by being open about who I really am and that it is OK to be gay and that you can still be loved. It’s a call to action for every person, gay or not, to work towards a world where there is no judgement and fear is stripped away. Most of the feedback was positive. I didn’t expect much response but the amount of people who expressed their love and support was amazing, it’s a humbling experience and I am grateful for every kind word. Some bible-bashers had to add their views but I’m taking it in my stride and I am not letting it effect me personally.

Mag 20

Did you receive any adverse publicity, emails, texts etc from viewers because you were gay?

It has been mostly positive. A large amount of young gay guys have made contact on Facebook - sending messages of support and thanking me as a source of hope. Others asked advice on the coming out process and how to deal with the conflict being in the closet brings.

What advice do you as a role-model have for younger gay individuals in the entertainment industry struggling with coming out for fear of being ridiculed or rejected because of their sexuality?

Every person has their own way of dealing with challenges. My decision in the end was clear and without uncertainty. Since my ‘coming out’, I feel much happier and free. No need to pretend anymore ... my personal life is at a way better level.

Do you feel that your Villa Rosa character Eben (as a gay man) poses a possibility of you being type-cast in only gay roles in the future?

It depends on the project and If I accept it. I have so much more to offer the industry than just being seen as the ‘typical gay character’.

Pride celebrations will be taking place in Gauteng and other parts of the country over the next few months… do you feel that Pride is still relevant and will you be participating in any pride events?

I will definitely be attending both Pretoria and Johannesburg Prides. It undoubtably carries relevance as homphobia is an ongoing struggle although we have made strides in overcoming discrimination and prejudice. We have to continue creating awareness and keep coming together as a community.

Love and acceptance overcomes all!

Are you in a committed relationship?

Yes, with my gorgeous twunk, Ruan van Biljon. We have been together officially for 8 months and life is great at the moment.

You look fit. Do you work out regularly?

Eating healthy and working out five times a week is my basic routine to maintain balance.

What music do you play during your work out?

This will undoubtably sound clichéd but Gaga and musical sounds tracks!

On the lighter side … Have you ever done drag?

A few times for work purposes, so yes. Genevieve Le Coq is yet to make ‘Candice’, my alter personality real! Shortly after I returned from New York a friend approached me with a production; Vellies and Feathers. I was cast as the veteran disaster queen that gradually just got more and more wasted! In the sequel I worked with the stunning Shenay O’Brien. It was theraputic comedic relief, poking fun at stereotypes. In another production I played Poke-my-hontas, but that’s another story in its own!

What do you do to relax and unwind?

I love writing, it calms me. Nothing beats a night out with girls!

Physical activity also gets me there.

Have you kept to any New Year resolutions you made at the beginning of the year?

I don’t really subscribe to the idea. I simply try and better myself everyday more than the previous. It’s my life philosophy.

If you were to have a dinner party for 6, and could invite anyone – dead or alive – who would be at your party and why?

James Dean. He’s hot and seemingly had a mysterious air about him and I would love to understand it.

Marilyn Monroe. She would make a good drinking partner.

My partner, Ruan van Biljon. I love him very much and his company makes me happy!

Genevieve Le Coq. She’s the life of the party!

Lady Gaga. I would love to see her get real with Marilyn!

What are your future plans?

I am working on various projects and enjoying every moment; completion of my youth drama course, writing of a script for the stage, promoting events for Kiki Coqtail Lounge, emceeing and we’re in the final production phases of the new season of DSTV’s channel: Via ‘Lek jou lippe af’ cooking show. A feature film is also on the horizon.

Follow Jacques on Instagram: @jacquespepler Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/jacquespeplerpage/?fref=ts

Photo credit: Vernondo Boshoff Photography Mag 21

JOHANNESBURG PRIDE - OCTOBER

PRETORIA LGBTI PRIDE - OCTOBER

Save the date .... 29 October 2016

Save the date .... 01 October 2016

It’s official... MELROSE ARCH to be the host venue of JOHANNESBURG PRIDE 2016.

The theme for Pretoria LGBTI Pride 2016 is RAISE YOUR FLAG

The parade build up will start at 2pm and the parade itself will get underway at 4pm.

Bruce Walker, the organizer of Pretoria LGBTI Pride, stated: “This year we will be having a lots of shaded areas and a food area as well as bigger bars and a bigger flea market and community area, so bring blankets and chairs so you can enjoy the whole day.

We want as many people to be on the parade with a cash prize to the best outfits and floats. We will be bringing you a whole day of entertainment and the biggest ever after party to hit Pretoria. Let us unite in unity this year and grow a stronger community. This event is for everyone and everyone is welcome. “

Organisers are keen to stipulate that anyone coming to Pride 2016 must be aware that STRICTLY NO OWN FOOD, DRINKS OR COOLBOXES will be allowed at the venue.

Free general entrance At the time of going to press support events had not been finalised but people are urged to visit their Facebook page where regular updates will keep the community informed.

Pretoria LGBTI Pride takes place at the Centurion Rugby Club on 1 October 2016. Entry is free to the public. Club House seats are R100 per person.

LGBTI people are encouraged to bring family and friends to join the joyous parade with its colourful floats.

OUT&PROUD

NELSON MANDELA BAY PRIDE DECEMBER 2016

Dates not finalised ...

However ....

Pride 2016 will most likely happen during the first weekend of December.

On Friday night, the 2nd of December, a somewhat formal type of affair is planned but the details of which cannot be made public at the time of going to press.

On Saturday the 3rd of December will be the Pride Parade down the beach front with an event straight after at a beach front venue (to be advised) The evening of the 3rd will see a Pride after party at Club Aqua.

During the Pride weekend Africa’s biggest rainbow flag will fly proudly at Donkin Reserve.

Mag 22

GLITTERFEST CAPE TOWN - NOVEMBER Save the date ... 5 November 2016 Glitterfest is the first gay festival of its kind on the African Continent. Proudly partnered by Heineken, Glitterfest promises to be a of fun with top International and local talent performing on stage.

Enjoy a day of celebration with bars and food stalls as well as market stalls selling everything gay.

The event will be held at the Green Point Stadium precinct - and is open to everyone in the LGBTIQA community and their friends.

So get together, join in the fun and lets make Cape Town the most inclusive and welcoming community in South Africa.

Entrance to the event is R50 ... (discounted offers for gay village venues) - be a part of a great GAY day

TRIPLE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN AT PINK MYNAH FESTIVAL! 22nd of October. Entries for this competition close on the 30th of September so get snapping!

We are also appealing to anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 to enter our Pink Mynah Pageant. There will be two winners, Mr Pink Mynah and Ms Pink Mynah. However, we encourage you to enter the category in which you feel most comfortable, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. You do not need any modelling experience and this pageant is a great stepping stone to those who wish to advance in this field.

Part of the entertainment for the night also includes a fashion show by local designers and performances by Drag Queens. Entries for the pageant close on the 14th of October.

Furthermore, we are holding a raffle for a pair of limited edition Pride Shoes. These gorgeous shoes are made in Spain and made from top quality materials. Tickets will be available until the 29th of October, when we will hold the draw at our Pink Mynah Picnic, which will take place at the YMCA after the street parade.

With all of these great competitions, fabulous prizes to be won, and great entertainment in storeyou just have to be sure to join in the festivities! For entries forms and more information on the Pink Mynah Festival, please visit our website: www.gaylesbian.org.za or call us on 033 342 6165.

Mag 23

OUTREACH AFRICA PRESENTS ...

THEME LAUNCH

CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2017

0 5 R

E

NC TRA

EN

CITY OF CAPE TOWN ISIXEKO SASEKAPA STAD KAAPSTAD

M&CSAATCHI ABEL/16726/E

Not for Sale to Persons Under the Age of 18. Drink Responsibly.

SCENE OUT

PRIDE WINTER MARKET - CT

DIVA’S ONE NIGHT ONLY

Mag 26

MISS GAY JOZI Photo’s courtesy Mambonline.co.za

DURBAN PRIDE - KZN

Mag 27

THE

OLYMPICS

A

s the Olympic torch was being carried to the stadium two men made history when they paused to kiss .... we are not sure why there are two torches but “the kiss” was captured by journalist and photographer Pedro Veríssimo as the men made their way through the gay-friendly Ipanema part of the city. But that wasn’t all ... another torch runner, Laerte Countinho, who is believed to be the first transgender person to carry the torch... and Brazilian trans model, Lea T, took to the stage in the opening ceremony in Rio. The Games of the XXXI Olympiad also made history in that there was one married same-sex couple, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Kate Richardson-Walsh, British field hockey players, and Brazil Rugby 7’s player Isadora Cerullo proposed to her girlfriend in a rousing speech on the field to a round of applause - how much gayer could it get?

All in all it was the gayest Olympic games yet - in past Olympic games there have been a few - there was equestrian Robert Dover, who competed in six Olympics games. He was joined in 2004 by fellow equestrian Guenter Seidel. In the 1996 Olympics Patrick Jeffrey was openly gay, he was a diver. There was another diver Greg Louganis (who famously hit his head on the diving board in the 1988 Seoul Olympics,) and freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy came out after the Games. At the Beijing 2008 Olympiad Matthew Mitcham an Australian diver and gold medalist was one of a handful of openly gay athletes ...

Greg Louganis Robert Dover

Mag 28

Laerte Countinho

When the Olympics opened in Rio de Janeiro, there were a record 45 publicly out gay, lesbian and bisexual athletes.

British diver the uber sexy Tom Daley

This years LGBTI athletes whom we salute for having the courage to be out and proud were:

South Africa Sunette Viljoen

Caster Semenya (South Africa, track & field) * Gold Medal Sunette Stella Viljoen (South Africa, javelin) * Silver Medal Nicola Adams (UK, boxing) - * Gold Medal Seimone Augustus (USA, basketball) - * Gold Medal Tom Bosworth (UK, race walk) Isadora Cerullo (Brazil, Rugby 7’s) Dutee Chand (India, track & field) Tom Daley (UK, diving) *Bronze Medal Carlien Dirkse v/den Heuvel (Neth., field hockey) Lisa Dahlkvist (Sweden, soccer) - * Silver Medal Elena Delle Donne (USA, basketball) - * Gold Medal Katie Duncan (New Zealand, soccer) Nilla Fisher (Sweden, soccer) - * Silver Medal Amini Fonua (Tonga, swimming) Larissa França (Brazil, beach volleyball) Edward Gal (Netherlands, equestrian)

South Africa Caster Semenya New Zealand rower Robbie Manson

Same-sex married couple UK’s Helen & Kate Richardson - Walsh Kelly Griffin (USA, rugby) Brittney Griner (USA, basketball) - * Gold Medal Carl Hester (Great Britain, equestrian) *Silver Medal Michelle Heyman (Australia, soccer) Mélanie Henique (France, swimming) Stephanie Labbe (Canada, soccer) Alexandra Lacrabère (France, handball) - * Silver Medal Hedvig Lindahl (Sweden, soccer) - * Silver Medal Ari-Pekka Liukkonen (Finland, swimming) Robbie Manson (New Zealand, rowing) Hans Peter Minderhoud (Netherlands, equestrian) Ian Matos (Brazil, diving) Angel McCoughtry (USA, basketball) - * Gold Medal Nadine Müller (Germany, discus) Marie-Eve Nault (Canada, soccer) Ashley Nee (USA, kayak whitewater slalom) Maartje Paumen (Netherlands, field hockey) - * Silver MedalMayssa Pessoa (Brazil, handball) Jillion Potter (USA, rugby) Megan Rapinoe (USA, soccer) Helen Richardson-Walsh (UK, field hockey) - * Gold Medal Kate Richardson-Walsh (UK, field hockey) - * Gold Medal Carolina Seger (Sweden, soccer) Rafaela Silva (Brazil, judo) * Gold Medal Martina Strutz (Germany, pole vault) Susannah Townsend (UK, field hockey) - * Gold Medal Julia Vasconcelos (Brazil, taekowndo) Jeffrey Wammes (Netherlands, gymnastics) Spencer Wilton (Great Britain, equestrian) * Silver Medal Netherland’s gymnast Jeffery Wammes

Brazil - Judo Rafaela Silva

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DIVA EXTRAORDINAIRE Meet The Lady behind one of Cape Town’s most successful shows - ‘Divas One Night Only’, Kat Gilardi.

K

at won Miss Gay Western Cape in 2010, and one of her duties, was to host an event to help raise finds for the Miss Gay Western Cape Organisation Charity Fund Drive. Kat came up with a cabaret show idea, first hosting it in a club in Kuils River but due to the overwhelming number of people wanting to see a show like that again, it was moved to the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone which houses about 500 people - since then, it has become a SOLD OUT Annual Red Carpet Event.

Now, DIVA’S ONE NIGHT ONLY is one of the biggest Events on the Gay Calendar, and has won the ‘Most Influential’ Event of the Year” award two years in a row.

Kat Gilardi was born Carl Richards, in 2010, she made her drag debut on the Miss Cape Town Pride Pageant Stage, which she won, and then went on to win Miss Gay Cape Town and Miss Gay Western Cape. She is the first and only Drag Queen to take all titles in one year and in her first year of dragging.

Kat met her life partner,Errol Stroebel in 2004, and they married in 2008, tying the knot at Home Affairs and having their reception at the famous Beluga Restaurant with coffee, cake and drinks at one of Cape Towns Top Hotels, The Cullinan Hotel.

Errol was a finalist for Mr Gay South Africa, after coming second in the Cape Town regionals, and because of the points being so close, he went on to represent Cape Town in Gold Reef City.

At the time they were referred to as the ‘power couple’ and ‘the Gay Posh and Becks’ of the Cape Flats, by local newspapers and by their peers. Coenie Kukkuk, the then Director of Mr Gay SA, called them ‘The Power Couple of Pageants’.

Kat and her friend Tiara Skye, started their own group, 3D (three divas) also then consisting of Angel Lalamore. 3D have been traveling South Africa, from Paarl, Mossel Bay, Knysna and Gauteng. They have shared the stage with legends, such as the late Zain Adams, The Rockets and Judy Boucheras well as Mi Casa, Jimmy Nevis, Emo Adams, Karen Kortjie, London, Jody and Cape Town’s very own diva, Salome. 3D has been involved with numerous charity drives, such as Child Welfare and St Lukes Hospice and have helped raise funds for numerous operations for kidney transplants. They have performed for weddings, birthday parties and end of year functions.

3D is a name on everyone’s lips.

So it is without a doubt a fact that Kat Gilardi has made her footprint as an icon celebrity in the Mother City.

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SEPTEMBER diary Friday 2nd Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 9th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 16th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 23rd Heritage Day Party Cum Celebrate Queer Kulcha · Friday 30th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund OCTOBER diary Friday 7th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 14th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Sunday 16th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 21st Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 28th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund · Saturday 29th Joburg Pride After Party Join the largest gathering of naked men in history.

NOVEMBER diary Friday 4th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 11th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Monday 14th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 18th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 25th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund Also, Mondays: Daddies & Toy Boys - R30 entrance between 6 & 9 for under 20s and over 50s Thursdays: Student Night. Free entrance 6-9, R30 thereafter with student card.

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MY BODY, MY LIFE, MY DECISIONS

Pictured from left to right: Back row: Thobeka Bhengu (director and choreographer), Londeka Zondi, Xolisile Ngubane, and Nontokozo Gumede. (From left to right) Middle row: Tando Sifile, Ncamsile Mbambo, Minenhle Nhleko, Nonkululeko Duma, Nhlanhla Ngubo, and Nomthandazo Sithole. Front: Simangaliso Mnguni (choreographer). Photo by: Mandy Killian

The Rainbow Theatre Company, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Network, will be performing at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

They will be performing “My Body, My Life, My Decisions�- a piece which looks at sexual orientation, gender identity and the prevalence of hate crimes within the South African context.

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t incorporates contemporary dance, theatre, performance art and poetry to explore the stories of selected hate crimes which affect the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersexed (LGBTI) community in Southern Africa. Such crimes are motivated by prejudice and hate and include assault and corrective rape. There will be original images of well-known cases of such hate crimes to give voice to those victims and survivors who have been silenced. It is directed by Thobeka Bhengu and choreographed

by Thobeka Bhengu and Smangaliso Mnguni, both of whom will also be performing.

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The National Arts Festival is an important event on the South African cultural calendar, and the biggest annual celebration of the arts on the African continent. It runs for 11 days and is held in the small university city of Grahamstown, which is situated in the Eastern Cape. The programme is divided between the main and fringe performance programmes.

The Rainbow Theatre Company will be performing in the Fringe Programme, which gives upcoming artists and performers the chance to showcase their work. The event has always been open to all regardless of race, colour, sex or creed.

The programme comprises drama, dance, physical theatre, comedy, opera, music, jazz, visual art exhibitions, film, student theatre, street theatre, lectures, craft fair, workshops, tours (of the city and surrounding historic places) and a children’s arts festival.

“We’re looking for actors, singers, comedians, poets, and anyone who wants to show off their talent to an appreciative and knowledgeable audience,” Fringe Manager Zikhona Monaheng said. “The Fringe is South Africa’s only truly open platform for artists – there is no selection process and everyone who believes in their work is welcome to take part,” Monaheng said. “It attracts artists from all over South Africa and from across our borders. International representation at the Fringe has grown steadily since the inception of the World Fringe Alliance – of which the National Arts Festival is a founding member. The Alliance is responsible for bringing in producers from Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Prague, Brighton, Perth, Adelaide and New York looking for work to showcase at their festivals, creating scope for productions to extend their footprint beyond 11 days in Grahamstown to countrywide tours and international seasons.”

The Rainbow Theatre Company was established in July 2009, with volunteers of the Gay & Lesbian Network managing the group.

The Gay & Lesbian Network adopted community theatre as a means of creating awareness of LGBTI issues in a safe environment. The group performs at various workshops and events of the organisation and its partners.

They also perform at anti-bullying campaigns at local schools. The group comprises of young men and women, between the ages 18 – 25 who are mostly unemployed or studying.

The Rainbow Theatre Company is a member of the South African Community Theatre Association (SANCTA) and the Performing Arts Network of South Africa (PANSA). They participated at the SANCTA Festivals in 2010 and 2011 and were placed fourth position out of 15 theatre groups nationally at the festival in Mpumalanga in 2011.

Last year, the Rainbow Theatre Company performed at Jomba, a contemporary dance festival run by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Centre for Creative Arts. They were the first lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) drama group to be part of the festival.

The Rainbow Theatre Company is funded by the National Lotteries Commission.

For more information please contact the Gay & Lesbian Network on 033 342 6165 or visit www.gaylesbian.org.za

SA Bootblack History #BootblacksFirst Words Fiona Horsley

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014 saw many changes in SA Leather South Africa, from opening up their memberships to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation to sexual preference, also saw people locally and internationally wanting to get involved with SA Leather and be part of their ever growing community.

I am very proud to be the very first bootblack in SA Leather South Africa’s history. A couple of years back I attended a bootblack workshop held by the very first Ms International Bootblack 1999 (Leslie J. Anderson) and watched very closely to what Leslie was doing and what she was talking about. I felt so inspired that night and it was the start of my journey into becoming a bootblack.

Six months later at the SA Leather Contest the reigning Mr and Ms International Leather (Ramien & Patty) who were with Jaco Lourens (Chairman of SA Leather South Africa) called me over and handed me an antique bootblack kit from Dara Bryant (IMsBB 2014) brought from Portland Oregon, USA. I felt so overwhelmed because it was the answer to my question of, “is this my calling within the SA Leather community?” Since then, I have chatted with Dara Bryant regularly on skype and have had bootblack sessions as well where she has taught me everything I know about bootblacking.

I am busy expanding my skills and knowledge and in September 2015 I blacked for the first time ever. I admit I was a little nervous at first but once I got going there was no stopping me. I feel I have found my place and voice with in SA Leather and in April I held a workshop to share my knowledge and passion about bootblacking. I will be holding a second one in September. I have begun to prepare myself for the contest at the end of the year by restoring second hand SA Army boots and continuously learning about leather care.

I am looking forward to SA Leather’s contest in December 2016 where I hope to be crowned as SA Leather’s very first bootblack. I could then move on to represent South Africa in San Jose California on April 20 – 23 2017 to compete at the international bootblack competition (Ms International Bootblack 2017) At present, SA Leather and myself are working very hard to raise funds so as to be able to send me to IMsL in 2017 in San Jose.

To this end we are selling T-shirts so I appeal to the LGBTI community support me in this journey to make history. Jen Victor is also assisting me to raise funds. Please support me by purchasing a T-shirt and tell all your friends as well!

You can contact me at horsleyfiona@ gmail.com to place your tshirt orders (in the photo I am wearing the t-shirt). I look forward to your support and I am very grateful for this opportunity to represent South Africa.

Please help Fiona & SA Leather by purchasing t-shirts and help putting #BootblacksFirst Mag 33

LOOK WITH THESE HEALTHY SUMMER SMOOTHIES

Summer is a great time to pack your drinks with all the delicious produce that is in season - keeping your body in peak condition...

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Sourced from acefitness - Katie Ferraro

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ll you need is a basic blender to start whipping up deliciously healthy smoothies in an instant. There’s really no wrong way to make a smoothie, but some of the best concoctions are those that have three main parts: something frozen, something fresh and a powerful protein source.

For your frozen base, go with frozen berries, mango chunks, frozen grapes or ice cubes. To pack in nutrients with minimal calories, freshen your smoothies with greens: add kale, spinach or celery and try ginger or cayenne to give them a kick. There’s no shortage of protein options to power your smoothie. Try nut butters, milk or milk powder, milk alternatives like soy or almond milk, yogurt or protein powders.

Here are four super simple recipes that will kick your summer smoothie game into high gear.

GREEN GODDESS This smoothie is a great way to clean out your refrigerator produce drawer. Use fresh or frozen grapes and try swapping collard greens (cabbage broccoli or spinach) for kale.

Ingredients 1 cup kale, chopped 1 pear, chopped 1 cup green grapes 1 orange, peeled, sectioned ½ banana 1 cup non-fat milk 2 cups ice cubes Directions Toss all ingredients into a blender and blend on high for one minute. This recipe makes two, 2-cup servings with 200 calories and 6 grams of fibre per serving.

TROPICAL TWIST

Directions Blend all ingredients on high for one minute. This recipe makes two, 2-cup servings with 175 calories and 4 grams of fibre per serving.

AVOCADO TO GO Avocados act as a nutrient booster that help enable your body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients—such as alpha- and betacarotene and lutein—in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

Power your smoothie with this super fruit that is also packed with healthy fats.

Ingredients ¼ avocado 1 Tbsp. grated ginger ½ cup frozen mango pieces 1/3 cup plain nonfat yogurt 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 cup water 1 cup ice cubes Directions Blend all ingredients on high for one minute. This recipe makes two, 1 ½ -cup servings with 100 calories and 2 grams of fibre per serving.

RECOVERY DONE RIGHT SMOOTHIE An optimal four-to-one ratio of carbohydrate-to-protein in a recovery snack helps promote glycogen repletion and repairs muscle.

Rather than purchasing fancy recovery bars or drinks, make your own recovery smoothie that mimics the four-to-one ratio.

Ingredients 1 cup 1% milk ¼ cup instant pudding ¼ cup powdered milk 4-5 ice cubes 1 cup frozen fruit chunks

If you can’t get to the islands, bring paradise to your blender!

Try adding a touch of juice if you prefer a thinner texture.

Ingredients 1 cup mango chunks, skin removed ½ banana 1 cup pineapple chunks 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt 2 cups ice cubes

Directions Blend all ingredients on high for one minute. This recipe makes one, 2-cup servings with 300 calories, 60 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of protein.

There’s lots of ways to enjoy your smoothie. Grab one for a breakfast on the go, fuel your between meal snacks or whip up something for a pre- or post-workout drink. Stay away from added sugars, as fruit is a natural sweetener. Adding chia or flax seeds can help you stay fuller longer. And if you’re a volume person, bump up the ice cubes for more to drink without additional calories.

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TAKING PRIDE Like many a gay man… I love a good parade...

Words: Bruce J Little

But, I’d like to propose we do something in addition to this collective expression of identity, frivolity and partying. Pride is awesome. It’s a fabulous excuse for day-drinking in minimal clothing as you mince beside a flamboyant float with a bunch of your besties. It’s an opportunity to celebrate your diversity and make a statement as you let your LGBTQIA+ status be known to the masses in a public forum. Collective Pride is fortifying, inspiring and unifying for some of us. However, for many in the LGBTQIA+ community, it isn’t any of those things, and I take serious cognizance of that, but this is not about creating a more unifying Pride parade. This is about “taking” Pride. This string of words and sentences is about adopting the concept of “Pride” as a philosophy, and perhaps even applying it as a way of life.

P

ride is always going to be a collective effort. But, each of us needs to take this concept on board if we are ever going to make it a reality. Taking Pride in yourself as an LGBTQIA+ person is going to require much more than rocking up at a fun event once a year.

As LGBTQIA+ people, we are also brothers, sisters, daughters and lovers and some of us are mothers and fathers. It’s important that we take Pride in ourselves, individually. It’s easy to scapegoat and point fingers at others, but how often do we take a look at ourselves and consider whether we are living our best lives in a way that we can take Pride in ourselves?

Do I take Pride in my wellbeing? Do I know my HIV status?

Knowing that I may not necessarily show any symptoms, do I know if I have any other sexually transmitted infections? Do I do what’s necessary to take care of no.1? If I’m a proud and empowered HIV-positive person, am I adhering to my ARV regime in a way that I can be proud of? And, if I am an HIV-negative person who prefers sex without a condom, do I take Pride in myself enough to take PrEP to ensure that I stay that way? Taking Pride can be as simple as having a conversation about sex before having it.

Like the song says, Pride is “a deeper love”, and nobody is saying that it’s going to be easy. LGBTQIA+ peeps have a gayzillion reasons why taking Pride in themselves can be a challenge: Trauma, abandonment, stigma, discrimination, internalised homophobia, and a whole industrial handbag of other stuff can cause us to feel shame, inferiority and the desire to consciously or subconsciously treat ourselves like second-rate citizens. But how about we actively try not to – against the odds. We can take Pride in our ability to be accepting of one another as much as we do in our appearance. We can take Pride in how far we’ve come and how many hurdles we’ve made it over (many of us doing so in heels!) Let’s take Pride in ourselves every day, so that when it comes time to dress up and march down the main road together we really do have something to celebrate.

“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu

Taking Pride goes deeper. Do you take Pride in your word? Are you proud of the things you say about other people? Do you share words of encouragement like a PEZ dispenser or do you scatter wisecracks that “put people in their place” in a way that pays tribute to Joan Rivers on her cattiest episode of Fashion Police? Are you someone you can be proud of?

What does not taking Pride look like? It could be as simple as overdoing the coffee and energy drinks and burning out your adrenals so much that getting up in the morning is tantamount to raising the dead. It could even be the way you speak about yourself. Do you often call yourself a stupid moron out loud if you make a typo? If you don’t take Pride in you, who will?

What would it take for you to take Pride in yourself? Cherokee Native Americans tell the story of two wolves that live inside every one of us. One wolf represents fear, inferiority, anger, guilt, resentment, and other evils in disguise; the other wolf represents strength, love, kindness, authenticity and genuine and sustainable success. These wolves are at war, and the wolf that wins is the wolf that you feed. Which one are you feeding when you eat crap that you know isn’t good for you, when you hang with draining and negative people, sleep with someone that you don’t really like or respect, or when you drink too much or ‘shnarff’ that little line on a Saturday night? What would your version of taking Pride in yourself look like?

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Bruce J. Little is a contributing writer for the Anova Health Institute. These are his views, which may or may not reflect those of the organisation.

MUSIC MOVES B arbra Streisand once again brings legendary performances with the release of her new album, “ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway,” - celebrating a career of unparalleled creative achievement with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, singing Broadway classics. The best-selling female recording artist in history is following up on the hugely successful, record-breaking 2014 release of Partners. ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadway is Streisand’s third and long-awaited Broadway album. She released The Broadway Album and Back to Broadway in 1985 and 1993, respectfully, both of which went multi-platinum.

The new album, released on 28 August is a real eye-opener and tribute to her longtime friend and musical genius Marvin Hamlisch who passed away in 2012, and Stephen Sondheim, described by Barbra as “Broadway’s greatest living lyricist.”

The album opens with At The Ballet from A Chorus Line by Marvin Hamlisch – The most theatrical of all the songs. For that reason Barbra chose two actors who could sing, Anne Hathaway who starred in Les Miserables which earned her widespread acclaim and for which she won the Academy, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and SAG Awards for her Best Supporting Actress role. And the little known Daisy Ridley who starred in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The song is the collaboration of three amazing talents each of whom brings her own special magic. And Daisy Ridley – what a voice!. The song is wonderfully arranged, unexpectedly beautiful and will be a hit with musical lovers the world over possibly my favourite on the album.

Next up is Loving You with Patrick Wilson From Stephen Sondheim’s Passion. Wilson has starred in Broadway musicals, he’s a twotime Tony Award nominee, a Golden Globe Award nominee and Emmy Award nominee.

He also starred in the major motion picture adaptation of Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera and the television series Fargo With a song from The Roar Of The Greasepaint – The Smell Of The Crowd by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, Barbra duets with Newley, (who passed away in 1999), on a track taken from the 1965 cast album, Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me). Her sound engineers cleverly isolated Newley’s voice and what follows is a spectacular collaboration – so cleverly done that one can imagine them in the studio singing together “Singing with Tony was quite an emotional experience. I think he’d like how we sounded,” said Barbra.

The next track is very surprising. The song

The Best Thing That Ever Happened is a Stephen Sondheim number from Road Show. Talking about the collaboration, Alec Baldwin said, “Barbra is complex in her singing, Sondheim is perhaps the most complex in his writing.” But who knew that Alec Baldwin could sing! Clearly Babs did, and WOW what a duet … Light-hearted, flirty and so very enjoyable.

Anything You Can Do from Annie Get Your Gun is a collaboration with Melissa McCarthy, probably best known as an actress and comedian in shows Gilmore Girls and Mike & Molly,host on Saturday Night Live, and the film Bridesmaids Any Moment Now sees Barbra teaming up with Hugh Jackman, the incredibly talented star of films and musical theatre – who can forget his powerhouse performance of Oklahoma on Broadway! Written by Marvin Hamlisch, for a play called Smile, the song sees both performers voices soar in fabulous harmony – an absolute triumph!

On Take Me To The World Barbra teams up with hunky Antonio Banderas. The song is from the Stephen Sondheim musical Evening Primrose. The song is so romantic and Banderas, with his sexy accent,, is a perfect compliment to Barbra’s velvet voice.

Olé y olé Banderas, Bravo, Bravo Bárbara!

I’ll Be Seeing You/ I’ve Grown Accustomed To Your Face is a collaboration with the utterly gorgeous Chris Pine. From Right This Way/ My Fair Lady. (lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe) The wellknown song which became the unofficial anthem of WWII is performed in an unexpected collaboration with Chris Pine - again who knew he could sing a note?

The last song on the album is another totally unexpected duo. For Climb Every Mountain from The Sound Of Music, Barbra asked Hollywood superstar Jamie Foxx to partner her. The result is brilliant.

Who would have thought, but then he did win an Academy Award for this portrayal of Ray Charles, not only can Foxx sing Pure Imagination features Seth but his soulful interpretation, together MacFarlane. The song was written for Willy with Barbra, is a magnificent, goosebump Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Seth experience and a fitting climax to this MacFarlane is an actor, filmmaker and fabulous album … singer, who has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall and has hosted of Every self respecting gay man should have the Academy Awards. at least one Babs album - make it this one.

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OUT ON FILM

LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN

SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

to his corner in the November rematch, saying ‘no mas’ (no more).

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ppropriate for their big screen debut, Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone (Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) are still oozing glitz and glamour, living the high life they are accustomed to; shopping, drinking and clubbing their way around London’s trendiest hotspots in Absolutely Fabulous (Sept 23); But when they accidentally push Kate Moss into the river Thames at an uber fashionable launch party, Eddy and Patsy become entangled in a media storm surrounding the supermodel’s untimely demise and are relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. Fleeing penniless to the glamorous playground of the superrich, the French Riviera, they hatch a plan to make their escape permanent and live the high life forever more!

Jack Huston is the new Ben Hur (Sept 9), a nobleman who is falsely accused of an assassination attempt by his childhood friend and adoptive brother Messala (Toby Kebbell). He survives years of slavery under the Romans and attempts to get revenge by challenging his adoptive brother in a grand chariot race while being forever changed after a series of encounters with Jesus of Nazareth.

There’s also a new vision of the classic Magnificent 7 (Sept 23) with Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke. With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue, the desperate townspeople employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns. As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.

Deepwater Horizon (Sept 30) is based on the true events that occurred on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010, the story chronicles the courage of those who worked on the Deepwater Horizon and the extreme moments of bravery and survival in the face of what would become one of the biggest manmade disasters in world history.

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS In Blood Father (Oct 7) Mel Gibson plays an ex-con who reunites with his Mag 38

Tom Cruise is back in action in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (Oct 21) and he’s hit with two pieces of shocking news: one with serious criminal consequences, and one too personal even to think about.

The not-to-be-missed Shepherds And Butchers (from Oct 28) is set in late 1980’s South Africa and follows John Weber, a hotshot lawyer who faces his biggest test when he agrees to defend a prison guard who has killed seven men.

What ensues is a compelling charge against the death penalty itself, in a case that changes history.

NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS A case of mistaken identity leads to murder in the local Hatchet Hour (from Nov 4) with Erica Wessels as an ambitious lawyer who fears the impact the act will have on her career at a prestigious law firm and turns to her best friend (Petronella Tshuma) to help her dispose of the body. estranged wayward 16-year old daughter to protect her from drug dealers who are trying to kill her.

Woody Allen’s Café Society (Oct 7) is set in the 30s and tells of a young Bronx native moves to Hollywood where he falls in love with the secretary of his powerful uncle, an agent to the stars. After returning to New York, he is swept up in the vibrant world of high society nightclub life.

Emily Blunt is The Girl On The Train (Oct 7), a woman who is devastated by her recent divorce and spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.

Hands of Stone (Oct 21) follows the life of boxer Roberto Duran, who made his professional debut in 1968 as a 16-yearold and retired in 2002 at age 50. In June 1980, he defeated Sugar Ray Leonard to capture the WBC welterweight title but shocked the boxing world by returning

In Hell Or High Water (from Nov 4) a divorced father and his ex-con brother commit several bank robberies to save their family’s West Texas farm from foreclosure while two Texas Rangers are set to catch both brothers. The lawmen follow leads and set up a surveillance spot in order to put an end to the bank robbery spree.

Charlize Theron plays the director of an international aid agency in Africa in Sean Penn’s The Last Face (Nov 18), who meets a relief aid doctor (Javier Bardem) amidst a political/social revolution, and together face tough choices surrounding humanitarianism and life through civil unrest. Set against the devastating backdrop of war-torn Liberia, Miguel and Wren must find a way to keep their relationship alive in extraordinarily difficult conditions battling their mutual passion for the value of life matched by the intensity of their diametrically opposed opinions on how best to solve the conflict that surrounds them.

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

OUT ON DVD

LET’S WATCH DVD’S WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN

“

If there’s one filmmaker whose films you can add to your collection, it’s that of controversial actor, writer and director John Cameron Mitchell.

by Caouette from over 20 years of hundreds of hours of old Super 8 footage, VHS videotape, photographs, and answering machine messages to tell the story of his life and his relationship with his mentally ill mother Renee.

We spend so much of our early lives trying to figure out who we really are. And we spend the rest of our lives preparing ourselves to let it go,’’ says Cameron Mitchell, who came out as gay to his family and friends in 1985, and publicly in a New York Times profile in 1992. His writing often explores sexuality and gender. He is a Radical Faerie, which was influential in Mitchell’s making of Shortbus. Along with Shortbus stars PJ DeBoy and Paul Dawson and performance artists Amber Martin and Angela Di Carlo, he is a cofounder and DJ of the long-running New York City monthly party “Mattachine”

Shortbus is an erotic comedy-drama film written and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. It is one of those films that does not shy away from male and female sexually and challenges narrow-minded viewers with its explicit exploration of sex in all its forms. The plot revolves around a sexually diverse ensemble of colourful characters trying desperately to connect in New York City. The characters converge in a weekly Brooklyn artistic/sexual salon loosely inspired by various underground NYC gatherings that took place in the early 2000’s. According to Mitchell, the film attempts to “employ sex in new cinematic ways because it’s too interesting to leave to porn.”

“I have seen so few films in which the sex felt really respected by the filmmaker.

Hollywood too often shies away from it or makes adolescent jokes about it...Sex is only connected to the negative because people are scared of it.’’

John Cameron Mitchell

Nicole Kidman & Aaron Eckhart

As Hedwig ... to own this DVD after the staging of the musical at Gate 69 in Cape Town.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch This sensational musical comedy-drama is based on the stage musical of the same name about a fictional rock band fronted by an East German genderqueer was written, adapted, and directed by John Cameron Mitchell, who also portrayed the title role, reprising his performance from the original production. It also stars the super-sexy Michael Pitt as Tommy Speck/Tommy Gnosis. If you are looking for a film that will truly blow you mind and live in your heart forever, this is it. I am sure you will make sure

“It is clear that I must find my other half. But is it a he or a she? What does this person look like? Identical to me?

Or somehow complementary? Does my other half have what I don’t? Did he get the looks? The luck? The love? Were we really separated forcibly or did he just run off with the good stuff? Or did I? Will this person embarrass me? What about sex? Is that how we put ourselves back together again? Or can two people actually become one again?”

Tarnation is a documentary film by Jonathan Caouette. The film was created

Rabbit Hole was directed by John Cameron Mitchell from a screenplay adaptation by David Lindsay-Abaire of his 2005 play of the same name. This haunting film starred Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart as a couple struggling to heal after the death of their young son and is a heart-warming film that show how tragedy forces us to re-evaluate our lives.

For the latest DVD and Blu-Ray releases visit www.writingstudio. co.za or visit Let’s Watch DVDs on Facebook.

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ON STAGE AT THE THEATRE WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN @ Gate 69

outrageous physical comedy and dynamic vocals. Info and bookings: www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za.

The 7ft, busty blonde bombshell Cathy Specific launches her own intimate 80-seater theatre on Bree Street, with the brilliantly innovative, heartbreaking, and wickedly funny Hedwig and the Angry Inch (15 Sept - 27 Nov). Paul du Toit (The Rocky Horror Show) steps into the heels of transgender singer called Hedwig, formerly known as Hansel, who assumes a female persona after a botched sex change operation. This not-to-bemissed rock musical by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask explores important issues about life and gender identity. Info and bookings: 0715892915 or www.gate69.co.za

@ Baxter Golden Arrow Studio In Graham Weir’s sensational Dead Yellow Sands (31 Oct – 26 Nov) the actor tells the stories that he has lived with sophisticated, simple lighting. The haunting, original South African script and consummate skill of this creative team, is testament to its success. Now in his 70th year, in The Echo Of Noise (Nov 29 – 17 Dec) Pieter-Dirk doesn’t glance back at the successes and failures that have strengthened his belief in a constant improvement of his work, but at those small signposts that throughout his life subconsciously pointed him in a right and original direction. Info and bookings: www.baxter.co.za

@ Cape Town Fringe From fresh, edgy works to crowd-pleasers, this year’s programme is jammed with theatre, music, physical performances, comedy and family fare in a 17-day theatre binge that will be calling Capetonians from their couches from 22 Sept to 8. One of the highlights is the quirky and hilarious The Finklesteins Are Coming To Dinner , a play about love, death and sex, that tells of a gay artist grappling with a sense of alienation and the spirit of his tragically deceased mother, and falling in lust with a delightfully strange and unusual model. Info and bookings: www. capetownfringe.co.za

@ Joburg Theatre Paul du Toit plays Hedwig

@ Milnerton Playhouse

Cirque Éloize iD is back! A high-energy blend of circus arts and urban dance, iD is a production for the young at heart featuring an inspiring soundtrack and innovative video projections. Acrobats, aerialists, a trial biker, and hip hop and break dancers come together to create a microcosmic society where two groups celebrate everyone’s distinct identity. At Artscape from 16 Nov to 27 Nov, and Teatro from 30 Nov to 24 Dec. Book at Computicket.

@ Kalk Bay Theatre

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Janice Honeyman’s brand new pantomime adventure, Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood (5 Nov – 30 Dec) combines the babes-lost-inthe-forest story with the Robin Hood legend with Isodingo’s Izak Davel as Robin and L J Urbani as the ever-popular panto Dame Emmarentia Ugly. Info and bookings: www.joburgtheatre.com

@ Montecasino’s Teatro and Artscape

The moving Pa Maak vir my ‘n Vlieër Pa (23 Sept – 8 Oct) captures the emotional state of the three characters who are actually not coping with their uncertain existence, because they are searching and hoping to find a true and happy, loving identity, and Charles Schulz’s beloved comic comes to life in Clark Gesner’s classic musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (25 Nov to 10 Dec): Info and bookings: 082 267 1061 or www.milnertonplayers.com

Big Boys The Third (20 Sept – 15 Oct) is the hottest new chapter of the sexy ‘Big Boys’ saga is here. It’s wild, it’s unbelievable and it’s hysterical with its fresh innovative dance routines and larger-than-life action by the super sexy Ash and Brad Searle. From 8 Nov to 31 Dec Six multi-talented performers hit the intimate stage to mesmerize

Find out what’s happening at a theatre near you: www. writingstudio.co.za

@ The Showroom Theatre in Prince Albert Ash Searle in Au Revoir you in Au Revoir (8 Non – 31 Dec), a cirque-comedy dance extravaganza with hints of burlesque, a little steampunk, sensual acrobatics, quirky dance bits,

Take a trip to the heart of the Great Karoo and visit this lovely Art Deco Theatre where you can see Rocco de Villiers (Oct 29), experience the Prince Albert Arts Festival (Sept 23/24), Luna Paige (Nov 18) and Doc Maclean (Nov 26). Info and bookings: www.showroomtheatre.co.za

Car Rental Because every minute counts.