5 minute read
always the princess..., mr. gay mardi gras southern africa 2016
Always The Princess... By Vida Fantabisher
Third time lucky. That’s what everyone says, right? Well, it has certainly been true for me, especially regarding Miss Mardi Gras. It was always a goal of mine to enter and win Miss Mardi Gras. It was the one title I always wanted. So in 2014, two years after I started performing in Drag, I entered the pageant, and I lost. I was 1st Princess. I thought to myself, if I enter again, I could probably win. So I entered again. And I lost again. I was 1st Princess, once again. At this point, I had resigned myself to the fact that my motto would be, “Always the Princess, never the Queen”. So in 2016, I entered again, but this time I had no expectations. I knew I was probably not going to win, so I only participated because I was going to be at the Pink Loerie Festival anyway, and to have fun with the other contestants during the competition. Then it happened, I won. I won the pageant! I was thrilled. I was finally Miss Mardi Gras, and I didn’t realise that something like this could feel so validating. In the year that has passed, the title has opened so many doors for me. In addition to having it add some weight to my name as a Drag Artist, the performance opportunities have been endless. I do shows very regularly. One of the highlights of 2016 for me was performing at the Artscape Opera House.
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In addition to that, I am currently busy with my Master’s Degree, which has a strong focus on the aesthetics of drag. It has always been a passion of mine to educate the mainstream on what drag is. There are still so many people who don’t understand it, and in turn, don’t view it as a legitimate art form. I also give drag makeup classes for those who want to learn the craft, as
well as add to their existing makeup skills. I’ve grown so much as a person, and also as an artist since winning the title of Miss Mardi Gras. The crowning moment was one that will stay with me for a very long time. I encourage anyone who is considering entering the pageant, just to do it. It is a remarkable experience just being there and making new friends with other queens from all around the country. It is a really good way of broadening your horizons while having a great time doing it.
I would like to express my gratitude to the organisations involved for the immense honour it has been being Miss Mardi Gras 2016. I will never forget it.
What a year this has been! It feels like only yesterday that I was driving into Knysna not knowing what the few pink days here at the Pink Loerie Festival would hold for this Free State boytjie. Little did I know, that I would walk away with the title of Mr. Gay Mar- di Gras Southern Africa 2016?
Last year was my first time at the Pink Loerie Festival but definitely not my last. The absolute joy, fun and friendliness of the Knysna people and all the visitors truly transform this beautiful little coastal town into a fabulous pink host of parties and festivities! The people of Knysna are a formidable example of acceptance and love. One of the highlights of my visit last year was meeting the (then) wonderful Mayor of Knysna - Georlene Wolmarans. What a beautiful soul. Through her eyes, I could see why this town is so open to our pink blood and open to anyone who doesn’t necessarily fit in just anywhere.
Spending time with my fellow contestants was also filled with lots of fun, laughter and magical moments. Although it was also very stressful at times due to grueling interviews, an intense photoshootchallenge and the gala event on the final night. Mr. Gay Mardi Gras Southern Africa 2016 was to replace the old title of Mr. Gay South Africa, hence all the extra challenging new elements. One of these was a written test about general knowledge concerning the LGBTQ+ community in South Africa and the rest of the world, as well as the history of the Pink Loerie Festival and Knysna itself. Good thing that God blessed this moffie with a brain as well! #lol
The nail-biting gala event was full of rushed costume changes backstage, drag queens falling off stages and flat screen TV’s crashing to the floor. We had to run up and down stairs to get changed, passing lethal obstacles like hot GHD’s, makeup brushes, eye-lash curlers and swinging mascara brushes due to the Miss. Mardi Gras event that was taking place at the same time. It was loads of fun! The final question to be answered on stage was probably the most stressful moment for me, but I luckily remembered all my Mom’s advice from growing up and taking part in Public Speaking at school! “Maakoogkontakenprojekteer, my kind!”
Thank you, mother! And thank you to all the organisers of the Pink Loerie Festival and the Mr. Gay Mardi Gras Event!
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The Russel Hotel
The Russel Hotel is a 3-star hotel, which will suit leisure travelers and businessmen alike - offering great value and luxury in heart of Knysna.
Our rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and consist of family units (2 bedrooms), family rooms and self catering rep rooms. All rooms offer complimentary teas, coffee, hot chocolate, bottled water, WI-FI and selected DSTV channels. We have enclosed parking with 24 hr CCTV cameras and security guard. Kids under 3 stay free, 50% discount for children 4 - 17.
