4 minute read
TRAVEL: Who Doesn’t Love Cruising
WHO DOESN’T LOVE CRUISING?
For the first time, Grandeur Travel, Cape Town Pride and MVT Productions, have joined forces to bring you a luxury 3-night return Cruise from Cape Town to Mossel Bay.
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In essence we want to celebrate our LGBTIQA+ Community and the diversity of the Community, our families, and allies. The cruise includes all your meals as well as a drinks vouchers package, with fabulous onboard entertainment and experiences. This cruise is planned to become an annual part of the Cape Town Pride Festival’s amazing list of events and celebrations.
It is a wonderful opportunity for those who have never cruised before to take their first trip, as well as invite all the seasoned cruise line travellers to enjoy time with the LGBTIQA+ Group as we enjoy special moments curated specifically for our LGBTIQA+ Families.
Cruise takes place from Friday 17th February 2023 and returns to Cape Town on 20th February 2023.
LGBTIQA+ Family and Friends Pride Cruise 2023
Grandeur Travel are experts in the field of Ship Cruising and Director, Ronvin Fransman, is excited to be at the forefront of ensuring his team make you feel right at home throughout the experience, from booking till date of cruise.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for those who have never cruised before to take their first trip, as well as invite all the seasoned cruise line travellers to enjoy time with the LGBTIQA+ Group as we enjoy special moments curated specifically for our LGBTIQA+ Families,” Ronvin commented.
The three-night cruise will be filled with opportunities for all to enjoy as a group, as well as a short stop-over in Mossel Bay.
Well known drag artiste Manila von Teez will be part of your entertainment as well as some friends who will be introduced over the next three months.
This Cruise aboard the MSC Sinfonia promises to deliver a weekend away where you can enjoy all the amenities on board the ship as well as some especially planned for you, or you can simply enjoy time out with your loved one.
Prices range from R4800 per person and special rates are on offer for 3-4 persons sharing. Payment plans are on offer as well.
Ticket sales: Contact Grandeur Travel on 021 271 0601 or email Pride@grandeur-travel.co.za Ocean View cabin with either a double bed or single beds (on request)
MEET WENTZEL APRIL CAPE TOWN PRIDE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR 2023
THE FESTIVAL DIRECTOR FOR CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2023 IS WENTZEL APRIL, A LOCAL CAPETONIAN, WHO IS WELL-KNOWN IN THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY. WENTZEL BRINGS HIS SPECIAL TALENTS TO THE GROWING PRIDE CALENDAR WITH HIS WIT, ORGANISATIONAL ABILITIES AND HIS DEDICATION TO MAKING PRIDE IN CAPE TOWN 2023 THE BIGGEST, BEST PRIDE EVENT THE CITY HAS EVER SEEN ... OUT MAGAZINE MET WITH THIS DYNAMIC PERSON TO FIND OUT A LITTLE BIT MORE ...
Photo: Facebook
Where were you born and raised?
Wentzel: I was born in Peninsula hospital, Bo-Kaap and reared in Manenberg, on the Cape Flats
Did you remain “in the closet” during your school years?
Wentzel: It was always obvious that I was a little gay boy. However, because of bullying, taunting and being ridiculed, I tried to “act straight” but that failed. My school friends always knew and were very accepting. So that was comforting at least.
Were you bullied, made fun of, or picked on in any way because of your sexual orientation?
Wentzel: Very much so. As previously stated, I was teased relentlessly as a child. This subsequently led to me developing a low self-esteem and being shy all the time. It took me YEARS to start blocking out this energy and accepting and loving myself.
Bullying is such a huge problem in our schools today, how did you deal with any homophobia growing up?
Wentzel: This is not an easy topic to tackle, but it needs to be addressed in all schools. As a shy young boy, I was easily targeted, and this led to constant bullying. I threw myself into my schoolwork and getting involved with the SRC and societies at school. This definitely aided in how the other students perceived me and they started to slowly respect me and my leadership and academic skills. This was my way of showing my strengths and abilities and my way of fighting homophobia.
When did you come out to your family and what was their reaction?
Wentzel: I came out to my late mother in 2009 via SMS. She responded immediately and assured me that she still loves me and accepts me fully. I have been very blessed in this regard but have always been mindful of others who do not have supportive families.
