OUT AFRICA MAGAZINE ISSUE 51

Issue 50, AUTUMN 2022

AFRICA

MAGAZ I N E

TRAVEL TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST LGBT+ DESTINATIONS

SCHWEPPES, THE 196 GRAPHICS WITH MODIFIED FOUNTAIN DESIGN ARE TRADEMARKS OF ATLANTIC INDUSTRIES © 2022.

THE SWEET LIFE. WITHOUT THE SUGAR.

TA S T E I S TIMELESS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURES

2 Editor’s Comment 3 Cape Town Pride 2022 10 TRAVEL: BRAZIL 16 FEATURE: Meet Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride 19 Guy Candy - Sporting Moments 22 Pride Merchandise - Support Nkoli House 28 Are same-sex relationships better than straight ones 30 Pride worldwide 32 FEATURE: Celebrity chosen families 35 Homophobia in sport 38 FEATURE: Manila reaches new heights 40 Ghana goes All Out 42 HEALTH: Alarm Over Monkey Pox 43 Important Numbers 44 Diva’s One Night Only 45 Bay Harbour Market creates an inclusive vibe.

46 The Buzz: Snippets of news 47 MUSIC MOVES: 52 OUT TAKES

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35 16 FASHION 24-27 Fashion

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4 - 9 CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2022 14 CAPE TOWN PRIDE Proms 2022

REVIEWS

48 OUT ON FILM: Madonna 50 : Queer as Folk 2022

Cover: Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride Ashwin Williams & Laylah Zokufa Khan

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FROM THE EDITOR Welcome all Finally the winter issue is out filled with news and snippets about people, issue and events impacting out diverse community.

We feature loads of pics from Cape Town Pride 2022, which took place at the end of February at the Green Point Track. This year’s event was limited to online ticket sales and to 2000 attendees as per South African Government regulations. Of course there were chancers who tried to gain entrance at the gate and despite a few scuffles, arguments, begging and cajoling, the event went off successfully with a great line-up of performers on stage and a Pride market.

The final event on this years Cape Town Pride calender was the Pride Proms at the Artscape featuring an amazing line-up of hugely talented singers performing with the 68-piece Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. This glittering night was so successful that it will be a pernanemt ficture of future Pride calenders ... so keep an eye on the press and social media and don’t miss out on Pride Proms 2023.

In this issue we feature Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride - Ashwin Williams and Layla Zoufa Khan, who were chosen at a glamorous pageant held during the weeks prior to the Cape Town Pride Festival day.

The fashion house H&M have launched an international LGBT+ campaign celebrating International Pride month Celebrity Chosen Families - turn to page 30 to find out more.

Having just got over Covid-19, the world is now alarmed over an outbreak of Monkey Pox which seems to be slowly spreading to more and more countries with South Korea and South Africa being the latest countries to identify the outbreak. According to Health Minister Joe Phaahla the disease, which seems to be prevalent with men who sleep with men, is not a cause for concern, as it is not an airborne virus, but clearly needs to be monitored.

Recently, two high profile sports people have come out ... the UK’s Olympic medalist, Dame Kelly Holmes explained how truly difficult coming out can be ... turn to page 33 to find out more.

The news millions of fans have been waiting for, that a Madonna bio-film will be released is now no longer a dream with the superstar herself directing - see page 44 On page 45 we look at the Queer as Folk reboot, a miniseries based on the British original, this time set in New Orleans ... tackling issues affecting LGBT+ peeps in the 2020’s ... page 45 Stay safe...

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MANAGING EDITOR: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 ISSN 2304-859X Published by: PATTERSON PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Cell: 082 562 3358 E-mail: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net outmagazine@mweb.co.za outlet@telkomsa.net

CONTRIBUTORS: Renaldo Schwarp PHOTOGRAPHY: l

ADVERTISING SALES: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 Copyright: All articles, stories, interviews and other materials in OUT Africa Magazine are the copyright of the publication or are reproduced with permission from other copyright owners. All rights are reserved. No materials may be copied, modified, published or otherwise distributed without the prior written permission of OUT Africa Magazine.

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

NEWS

CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2022 IS OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR ...

GET READY FOR CAPE TOWN PRIDE 2023

ride 2022 went off with a bang. Apart from the smaller events on the calender, which were all well supported the major happenings went off without a hitch endorsing the fact that not only was Cape Town Pride voted by InterPride as the best Pride event in Africa, but that Cape Town Pride is a major event on the city’s calender.

Pride attracts visitors from all over the western Cape, other Provinces and we even have gusets who come from overseas countries. In fact one person, from Denmark, who attended Pride this year has already notified me that she has booked her tickets to be in Cape Town for Pride 2023.

Cape Town Pride has grown over the years from being a small street event, (for those who can remember when it was held in Coburn Street in de Waterkant), attracting a few hundred people to what is now. This year’s event attracted 2000 people, a number that was restricted because of Covid rules and there were thousands more desperate to get tickets. At the Pride Festival 2020 (pre-Covid) there were over 5000 people at the event, which now takes place at the Green Point Track.

As we all too aware the Covid pandemic played havoc with live events the world over, but with Covid restrictions getting more and more relaxed, it is envisioned that Pride Festival Mardi Gras 2023 will be attended by between 5 and 10 thousand revellers.

The Pride team are already busy with preparations for the 2023 events. Booking venues, making the various licencing applications and getting together all the paperwork that surrounds any major public event taking place in the city.

Events that were the highlights of Pride 2023 were most notably the Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride Pageant which, as with previous years, is very popular, and despite Covid, was once again hugely successful. Of course it must be noted that Cape Town has the best drag performers in the country, and certainly on a par, if not better than any drag performers anywhere in the world.

The Icon & SAIDA Awards was another highlight, accentuating how important it is to recognise those in our community who go the extra mile. The Cape Town Pride Proms 2022 was held for the first time. This glittering event showcased local South African LGBTI+talent who performing with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra at the Artscape Opera House. It was the final event on the Pride calender and featured a line-up of music reflecting the contribution LGBTI+ composers, song writers, choreographers and performing artists have made to the world of music and entertainment.

The Pride Festival Mardi Gras was sold out and because of limited tickets due to Covid restrictions, had hundreds of disappointed people milling around the entrance in the hope of being allowed in. The day however, for those that did attend, went off well. The Pride march was well attended and went off without a hitch thanks to the organisational abilities of the Parade supervisor, Evan Tsouroulis.

Pride 2023 events will take place throughout February 2023, with the Pride Festival Mardi Gras hopefully on the 4th March, but yet to be confirmed ... So make a note in your calender and get ready for the best Pride celebration in Africa ... Cape Town Pride 2023 Mag 3

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TRAVEL

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Bra vibr col exc bea mo libe abo LGB frie

azil – rant, lourful, citing, autiful, odern, eral, but ove all...

BTI endly.

Sao Paulo is a huge city, the hub of an immense megametropolis with a population of almost 20 million people.

Its vibrant and energetic urban core is characterised by an evergrowing maze of modern steel, concrete, and glass skyscrapers in newer hubs within São Paulo’s business centre, as well as in emergent outlying business districts. The great diversity of these modern buildings—many of which are truly striking— reflects a wide variety of architectural styles and materials.

Glass towers of different hues mingle with impressive granite and marble-faced structures next to metal-sheathed ones.

The city’s creatively eclectic appearance is comparable to that of any of the world’s great metropolitan centres. Over recent years, São Paulo’s social scene has been dramatically energised. Trendy restaurants and hip clubs have proliferated in the revitalised city centre. Beyond the new youth-oriented emphasis on food and fun, massive murals by accomplished street artists festoon buildings. The main gaybourhood is located in “Jardins.” The neighbourhood is located between Av. Paulista and R. Oscar Freire, an expensive and stylish designer shopping area. Here you will see same-sex couples walking hand-in-hand, swapping kisses, being openly gay as the city buzzes about them without a second glance. The relaxed atmosphere surrounding LGBTI people is not only an eye-opener for visitors but adds to the feeling that you are in the centre of a modern, sophisticated city.

Traffic is problematic as with any huge city and getting to and from the city’s main international airport, São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport needs time – lots of it, so bear this in mind. Having visited São Paulo a number of times some flights have been made by the skin of my teeth even when I’ve allowed 2 hours to get to the airport. That is, of course, travelling by taxi. A modern, safe underground rail network also links the airport to the city centre.

Brazilians’ love of festivals and mega parties, and every June the city plays host to the biggest gay pride parade in the world.

Up to 4 million people gather on Avenida Paulista for the event.

But having said that, the gay scene in Sao Paulo is diversified, so there are plenty of options for the gay traveller, for every taste - from small pubs and cruising bars to very modern and stylish nightclubs, from cruisy rent-boy saunas to massive clubs to street parties, there is something to satisfy every LGBTI traveller, young, old, trendy, conservative, male, female or gender-fluid this city caters for every palate.

Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in South America and in São Paulo, English is not widely spoken, but Google translate is brilliant and a vital communication tool.

Hotels are great value for money. Be sure to book with breakfast included – its sets you up for the day and saves money. Having said that, the city is known for its food and every street corner has a restaurant where you can indulge in local and international dishes – be sure to sample the national dish Calde Verde, a delicious kale and chorizo soup. Calde Mokoto (don’t ask) but try it – fabulous. Contre File (steak with 2 veg) is reliable and everywhere and the local fast-food delicacy Pastel, a deep-fried, stuffed pastry is a great nibble.

This half-circle or rectangle-shaped miniature pie is stuffed with a variety of ingredients, most commonly, shredded chicken, ground beef, mozzarella, or small shrimps.

As with any large city there are museums, historic churches, markets etc., and São Paulo is no different. The São Paulo Museum of Art, known locally as MASP, on Av. Paulista is worth a mention as is the São Paulo Metropolitan Cathedral known locally as the Catedral da Sé. The cathedral which has a total capacity for 8,000 people was completed in 1967 and is dominated by the two towers which stand 92 meters high.

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For sports fans, in this soccer-mad country, there is a museum dedicated to the “beautiful game.” This fantastic museum provides insight and information on the game and how it occupies a special place in the heart of all Brazilians.

The Bandeiras Monument is a magnificent work by Brazilian sculptor Victor Brecheret, with imposing heroic figures.

An obelisk commemorates those who died in 1932 in the struggle for a new constitution. Home to the biggest Japanese population outside of Japan a visit to the Japanese Pavilion which dates from 1954 and has exhibits of sculptures, Samurai clothing, pottery, and other treasures is worthwhile.

An absolute must see is the Mercado Municipal de São Paulo (Municipal Market), a vast indoor market where traders sell fresh fish, meat, an mind-blowing array of cheeses, olives and fresh fruit, wonderfully displayed with endless sampling opportunities. Wander around and have lunch at one of the many restaurants. For shopaholics looking for a designerlabelled bargain, a short walk from the market to Rua 25 Marco, you’ll find a busy street-market with hawkers, shops, street stalls selling anything from clothing to electrical items. Fun, feverish and bargain heaven but exhausting!

Of course, no visit to Brazil is complete without a visit to the country’s best know and possibly the world’s most beautiful city – Rio de Janeiro. A short, one-hours-flight from Sao Paulo’s Congonhas Airport. Rio, which hosted the Olympic Games in 2016 needs no introduction. The city has been a world destination for decades. Famous for its Copacabana beach front and the huge Christ the Redeemer statue which towers over the city, the annual glittering Rio Carnival and the lush tropical vegetation with miles of sun-drenched sandy beaches, lined by seemingly endless hotels and holiday apartments, have made the city a magnet for international holiday makers for years.

Stroll along the Copa, sip Caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail, at one of the beachfront cafes. Shop for colourful sarongs, swimwear and t-shirts from beach hawkers and stall holders at the local street market … listen to Carioca bands and immerse yourself into the vibe that makes Rio such a unique and fun holiday destination. If the commercial nature of the Copacabana is not for you, head to the famous Ipanema, just a stone’s Mag 12

The iconic patterned Copacabana promenade throw from the Copa. Here you will find a more sophisticated feel and Ipanema is home to the city’s most well-known gay beaches, filled with the hottest blokes – speedo-style swimwear is mandatory as is the brownest of tans and toned bodies. Get a beach umbrella, chair and Caprivodka from Sonia or The Hot Boys, find a great spot and settle in for hours of eye candy, warm water, and sunshine – don’t forget your sunscreen! Feast on prawns and lobster from your shaded spot whilst you sip exotic fruity cocktails… life will not get better.

Rio is very laid back. LGBT travellers are welcomed everywhere.

The city’s main aim is to ensure that everyone has a good time regardless of the type of holiday you’re looking for. If its sun and sea – Rio’s beaches rank with the best in the world. If you’re a bargain shopper, head to Saara on Rua da Alfandega. Be warned though it’s a long taxi ride which will quickly eat up the money saved on the bargains. Take the Metro – its cheap, clean and easy to navigate. Your stop is Uruguai and you’ll emerge in to a sprawling shopping area, both undercover and street vendors.

Here you will find an amazing range of clothing, electrical and phone shops, food stalls and restaurants, in fact anything you might desire. If you are a more discerning shopper, then there are numerous upmarket shopping malls with all the best designer outlets – Le Blon shopping centre is a great mall situated in the swanky Le Blon area, a stones throw from Ipanema.

For LGBT visitors to the city, Rio’s gay scene is not only huge but as one of the world’s most renowned holiday destinations, its famous. There are dance clubs, bars, saunas, cruise clubs, street parties and LGBT events all year round. The scene is vibrant and colourful so check out the many online gay guides and have the time of your life. A word of advice is to not take that drop dead gorgeous hunk you met on the beach back to your hotel. Rio has hotels where rooms are let by the hour especially for these situations. Called “Somente Cavalheiros” meaning “men only” these small hotels are clean and a safer alternative to your hotel, so leave your valuables behind and have fun! Tô Nem Aí Farme de Amoedo in Ipanema is Rio’s main LGBT street and has the greatest concentration of gay-friendly bars in the city, of which Tô Nem Aí is one of the most popular. It is a perfect place to stop after the beach or go later in the evening to have drinks — or to get the night started.

… TAAG is your best option. The check-in staff in South Africa and São Paulo are efficient, friendly, and very helpful – a pleasure to deal with.

There are other airlines advertising good fares, and the airport transits are in world class airports, but bear in mind, flying times on Middle Eastern carriers such as Qatar, Emirates or Turkish are a lot longer, making the trip a bit of a journey.

Ethiopian also have good fares via Addis Ababa but again the flight is quite long and the in-transit experience is not the best.

The Week is Rio’s best LGBT downtown venue/club and the place to be on a Saturday night (the only day it’s open). Once inside, throw yourself at the two dance floors, where up to 2,000 people, mostly men, groove to pop and electronic beats. Register on the website to get a discount on your entrance fee and get ready to party the night away.

Brazil is without doubt one of the best LGBT travel destinations.

Life here is laid back, with tolerant attitudes and laws. It’s like an anything goes kind of destination. The people are friendly, gorgeous and relaxed. Regardless of the type of holiday you’re looking for, be it shopping, cultural, beach holiday, glamorous or shoe-string this country has it all, from the sophistication and big city rat-race atmosphere of São Paulo to the laid back, “tomorrow is another day” vibe of Rio de Janeiro a holiday in Brazil will have you coming back to explore more.

Getting there … You can fly from either Cape Town or Johannesburg on TAAG Angola Airlines. The flight goes via Luanda to São Paulo and is the quickest route from South Africa. It is also great value for money with good connections through Luanda. Aircraft are clean and new. Luanda airport is not the most comfortable stop over with few facilities. But for the money and time saving it’s worth the momentary discomfort Mag Mag913

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FEATURE

MR & MISS CAPE TOWN PRIDE Mag 16

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This year’s Mr & Miss Cape Town Pride were chosen at a glittering event at the Joseph Stone Auditorium during the two weeks leading up to the Pride festival. As always there was a line-up of contestants and judging was a difficult process, but with every competition there have to be winners and this year the coveted title was won by Laylah Zokufah Khan: Laylah Zokufa Khan (Dudley Abrahams) is a drag artist who has furthered her career through pageantry. She was born in Wellington, Paarl and at a young vulnerable age moved to Cape Town where she began to explore and expend her interests through her love of the arts.

She wanted to have more relevance in her life by influencing the attitudes of the conservative society she lived in where “people are not really open to accepting Queer bodies,” she said.

In 2015 she started her own NPO, working with The Daily Voice in getting Matric ladies who need assistance with their farewell.

She worked with them in the hope of changing their mind set on life and instilling in them the importance of education. To do this she sourced various sponsorships to help them further their education and through them she would get recognition of the her true persona and not be seen by the broader community as just “die moffie op straat”.

Laylah worked tirelessly in improving public perceptions of queer people and it is this drive that keeps her focused on making a success in all her undertakings.

In 2016 she had a great break through when she was taken under the wing of the “great Queens in Cape Town” and ended up as the Runner-up in the Miss Gay Western Cape pageant.

In 2019, she entered Miss Drag South Africa accomplishing a lifelong dream, not to win, but to conquer for a purpose. The Miss Drag South Africa requires contestants to have purposeful projects, “the first thing that came to mind was HOME BOLAND, for gay individuals who sought freedom of expression”. This project was important in that it was significant to break the chain, an opportunity for her story to help others better their lives one step at a time. “I started my project by Hosting Miss Drag Boland which was held in Wellington in August 2019 to create positive change and awareness on Trans and LGBTIQ+ rights in our country.”

Owing to the ongoing pandemic the pageant will move to Cape Town this year but will return home to Wellington in March 2023.

“We as Queer bodies are here to make impactful change this year’s finalists are encouraged to start an initiative close to their heart that will have long-lasting impact on the life of others I believe we should live a life of service, it is important to live a purposeful life than dying for nothing,” she said and her achievement in having been chosen to represent Cape Town Pride is a huge feather in her life’s journey.

Ashwin Williams was chosen as the MR Cape Town Pride. This dropdead gorgeous man was born and raised in Robertson, attending Langeberg Secondary School where he matriculated in 2015.

As a child he wanted to become a Chef, but as is often the case in life’s journey his career changed and today, he is a well-known events planner, having overseen a number of weddings and parties.

He loves to travel and enjoys new challenges. He believes that being helpful and kind to fellow human beings takes little effort, but small gestures make the world a better place and cost nothing.

He describes himself as having “a big heart for other people” and “always have a big smile on my face.” He is very creative, enjoys great music and is in a brigade.

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GUY CANDY SPORTING MOMENTS Some of the homoerotic moments in sport

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GUY CANDY

Anthony Mackie && Yahya Abdul-Mateen II lock lips in Black Mirror

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

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PRIDE RAINBOW FLAGS R150 each

SUPPORT THE NKOLI HOUSE PROJECT

Show your support for the Nkoli House Project & Pride and get any or all of the following Pride merchandising items...

String Bags R120 each T Shirts R150 each

Caps R120 each

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Email: outreach@telkomsa.net to placve your order ...

WE NEED YOUR HELP NKOLI HOUSE* CAPE TOWN PRIDE COMMUNITY CARE CENTRE

Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels

ABOUT US

Cape Town Pride in conjunction with OUTREACH AFRICA is a registered NPO (157-896 NPO) serving the needs of the LGBTI+ community in Cape Town, South Africa

AIM

We are currently in negotiations with the City of Cape Town, and Provincial and National Government and other stake-holders, to secure the premises which have been ear-marked and exist, However, it is in dire need of renovation in order for it to be fit for purpose.

To achieve this goal in getting the Nkoli House* Project up and running we NEED to raise R1 million To this end we appeal to the international LGBTI+ funders for their help.

VISION

#youmatter

The Nkoli House* Project, so named in honour of the late Simon Nkoli, a gay activist and anti-apartheid campaigner, who fought tirelessly for freedom, equality and social justice.

It does not matter how small your donation is – every amount matters.

We hare hoping to have this funding in place by 1 June 2021

TO MAKE YOUR DONATION ...

Please pay using your credit or debit card to We have identified the need for a community our paypal account at: centre aimed at providing a home and safe paypalpayments@capetownpride.org space for our diverse LGBTI+ community to gather, meet and mix with like-minded people – with special emphasis on the or pay on line by EFT to: often-over-looked needs of the silver First National Bank (FNB) South Africa seniors in the community.

Branch Code: 201809, Account Number: 62578991278 Account Name: Outreach Africa, Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ Our Ref: Nkoli House Fund (+ your Name) Your gift is tax Cape Town Pride & OUTREACH AFRICA, P O Box 397, Sea Point, South Africa 8060. deductible!!

86 Pienaar Road, Milnerton, Cape Town, South Africa 7441

FASHION

photographer / SDR Photo.

DESIGNER: NtandoXV

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FEATURED ON 2022 SA Fashio

N THE RAMP AT on Week SS22 Mag 25

DESIGNER: AfrikanSwiss

photographer / SDR Photo.

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Photo: The Broke Backpacker

LIFESTYLE

ARE SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS HAPPIER?

Source: Andrew Christian (Maya Vukovska)

In 1878, Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” A century and a half later, we can modify this famous quote by saying that happy families are indeed alike - and many of them are formed by same-sex partners.

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elationships are not an exact science, and all things said about them are not to be taken as indisputable truth. And yet, social researchers have long been trying to determine whether such a claim is actually fair and scientifically justifiable.

A 2017 high-scale study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland suggests that same-sex couples are generally more satisfied with their relationships than heterosexual ones. Two years later, a study on marital strain and psychological distress in same-sex and different-sex couples was published in the Journal of Marriage and Family. It analyzed data drawn from 756 U.S. men and women in gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages, and the results were very similar. That means that straight couples may actually learn a thing or two from gay people when it comes to healthy and happy long-term relationships.

PLAYING “MAN” AND “WIFE” The number one reason for the disparity in the family bliss levels between gays and straights is related to the traditional understanding of gender roles.

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Historically, men and women were expected to perform different tasks in the shared household. While men had to hunt down the pig and bring the bacon home, women were assigned a much bigger share of household chores… including frying the bacon.

Even in the most liberal modern societies, these expectations continue to impact same-sex marriages. But to ask a gay couple who’s the woman and who’s the man in their relationship is not only insensitive but also awfully small-minded. Yes, there are many couples where one of the partners is more effeminate, but this doesn’t mean that he is the one who’s supposed to do the washing up, darn the socks, and wipe the baby’s ass.

Unless it’s some kind of a cliché twink-sugar daddy kind of a relationship, same-sex couples tend to have less defined gender roles, hence more egalitarian domestic work arrangements.

Normally, if you don’t feel like you’re the more exploited partner, you are less likely to feel stressed and disappointed in a relationship.

WHO’S YOUR DADDY? In its literal, nonsexual connotation, this question is of no

relevance to gay couples with children simply because there’s no one daddy or mommy. In different-sex couples with small children, when there’s no other option, like daycare or domestic help, it’s usually the woman who has to give up her career and social life in order to stay home and take care of them.

When it comes to parenting, male gay couples come up with more workable and satisfactory for both sides agreements. The heteronormative society may never stop expressing its concerns about how same-sex marriages contribute to the demise of the traditional family and the well-being of the children, but the facts suggest exactly the opposite: Not only is the overall quality of same-sex relationships better, but gay partners are far more equitable and constructive in allocating child care.

Truth be told, the gender of the parents doesn’t matter, as far as they can create a loving and safe environment for the kids.

LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, BABY, LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU AND ME If you’ve guessed that’s Salt-N-Peppa from 1991, you are completely right. What you could not have guessed, though, is that same-sex partners are more likely to openly discuss their sexual needs and preferences with each other.

One doesn’t have to be a licensed couple therapist to know that sharing one’s cravings, hopes, and fears with your partner is a solid foundation of any successful relationship. What else puts same-sex couples in a position to win this unorthodox competition with the heterosexuals is the fact that homosexual partners are more willing to stretch the boundaries of consensual non-monogamous relationships. And this, again, contributes to the solidity of a relationship.

Add it all up, it’s easy to see what makes gay couples gayer than many of the straight ones. It’s the willingness to be opened to the partner, and the flexibility when it comes to sharing the responsibilities for the children and the household. In other words, they simply enjoy chasing the pig together…

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FEATURE

PRIDE WORLDWIDE 2022 IT SEEMS THAT PRIDE IS ALIVE AND WELL AS THE 2022 PRIDE CALENDAR ILLUSTRATES. IF YOU ARE PLANNING A GETAWAY THIS YEAR, WHY NOT TIE YOUR TRIP TO COINCIDE WITH A PRIDE EVENT SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD. 01 JUNE 2022 - 25 JUNE 2022 Columbus Pride, Columbus, USA

18 JUNE 2022 - 18 JUNE 2022 Rhode Island Pride, Providence, USA

01 JUNE 2022 - 05 JUNE 2022 Key West Pride, Key West, USA

19 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 Lisbon Gay Pride, Lisbon, Portugal

01 JUNE 2022 - 03 JUNE 2022 Pride Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada

19 JUNE 2022 Sao Paulo Pride 2022, Sao Paulo, Brazil

03 JUNE 2022 - 05 JUNE 2022 Guam Pride, Guam

24 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 Pride Toronto, Toronto, Canada

03 JUNE 2022 - 05 JUNE 2022 Provincetown Pride, Provincetown, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 25 JUNE 2022 Andalucia Pride 2022, Seville, Spain

04 JUNE 2022 - 04 JUNE 2022 Ferndale Pride, Ferndale, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 Denver Pride Fest, Denver, USA

04 JUNE 2022 - 04 JUNE 2022 Guadalajara Pride, Guadalajara, Mexico

25 JUNE 2022 - 25 JUNE 2022 Dublin LGBTQ Pride, Dublin, Ireland

10 JUNE 2022 - 12 JUNE 2022 LA Pride, Los Angeles, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 25 JUNE 2022 Lexington Pride Festival, Lexington, USA

11 JUNE 2022 - 11 JUNE 2022 Central Alabama Pride, Birmingham, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 Nashville Pride, Nashville, USA

11 JUNE 2022 - 12 JUNE 2022 Motor City Pride, Detroit, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 San Francisco Pride, San Francisco, USA

17 JUNE 2022 - 19 JUNE 2022 Chicago Pride, Chicago, USA

25 JUNE 2022 - 25 JUNE 2022 Winter Pride Dublin Dublin, Ireland

17 JUNE 2022 Tel Aviv Pride, Tel Aviv Israel 17 JUNE 2022 - 18 JUNE 2022 Zurich Pride Festival, Zurich, Switzerland 18 JUNE 2022 - 28 JUNE 2022 Oslo Pride, Oslo, Norway

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26 JUNE 2022 - 26 JUNE 2022 Seattle Pride, Seattle, USA 27 JUNE 2022 - 27 JUNE 2022 Raleigh Pride, Raleigh, USA 01 JULY 2022 - 10 JULY 2022 Luxembourg Pride, Luxembourg

COMING TO CAPE?

02 JULY 2022 - 05 JULY 2022 Cologne Gay Pride, Cologne, Germany 02 JULY 2022 - 17 JULY 2022 Munich Gay Pride, Munich, Germany 08 JULY 2022 - 10 JULY 2022 Long Beach Pride, Long Beach, USA 09 JULY 2022 - 17 JULY 2022 San Diego LGBT Pride, San Diego, USA

LOOKING FOR GAY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? LOOKING FOR A B&B? LOOK NO FURTHER ....

WE HAVE A ROOM AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN CAPE TOWN

16 JULY 2022 - 16 JULY 2022 Isle Of Wight Pride, Isle Of Wight, Ryde 16 JULY 2022 - 16 JULY 2022 Manuel Antonio Pride, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 23 JULY 2022 - 23 JULY 2022 Berlin Christopher Street Day, Berlin, Germany 02 AUGUST 2022 - 07 AUGUST 2022 Reykjavík Pride, Reykjavík, Iceland 05 AUGUST 2022 - 07 AUGUST 2022 Brighton Pride, Brighton, UK 05 AUGUST 2022 - 07 AUGUST 2022 Amsterdam Pride, Amsterdam, Netherlands 07 AUGUST 2022 - 07 AUGUST 2022 Stockholm Pride, Stockholm, Sweden 08 AUGUST 2022 - 14 AUGUST 2022 Montreal Pride, Montreal, Canada 08 AUGUST 2022 - 14 AUGUST 2022 Prague Pride Parade, Prague, Czech Republic

Situated in Milnerton, close to My Citi bus route, Dolphin Bay beaches - has bath & shower en-suite, fridge, microwave, toaster & kettle. WIFI, DSTV. Separate access and parking daily, weekly & monthly rates - from R475 p/d

WE ALSO HAVE A ROOM AVAILABLE FOR RENT IN PICTURESQUE MONTAGU

15 AUGUST 2022 - 21 AUGUST 2022 Copenhagen Pride, Copenhagen, Demark 22 AUGUST 2022 - 28 AUGUST 2022 Silicon Valley Pride, San Jose, USA 02 SEPTEMBER 2022 - 11 SEPTEMBER 2022 Malta Pride, Valletta, Malta 12 SEPTEMBER 2022 - 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 Euro Pride, Belgrade, Serbia 15 OCTOBER 2022 - 15 OCTOBER 2022 Honolulu Pride, Honolulu, USA 6 NOVEMBER 2022 Buenos Aires Pride, Buenos Aires, Argentina 03 NOVEMBER 2022 - 11 NOVEMBER 2022 THE GAY GAMES, Hong Kong, China

Pepper Tree Lodge is in the heart of Montagu, explore the quaint town, easy access to the Route 62 winelands, and loads of activities, with lovely restaurants close by. Room has WIFI, DSTV and en-suite facilities for great get-away

CONTACT: Tommy on whatsapp 0825623358 or email: outlet@telkomsa.net or Larry at: email: travelfocus@breede.co.za Mag 31

The South African family: Nash Mariah, Mavuso Mbutuma, Martin Magner and Jana Babez

CELEBRATING CHOSEN FAMILIES H&M IS PROUD TO SHARE ITS 2022 PRIDE CAMPAIGN THAT CELEBRATES THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY AND SHINES A SPOTLIGHT ON CHOSEN FAMILIES. THE ‘MY CHOSEN FAMILY’ CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON THE CONCEPT OF NON-BIOLOGICAL FAMILIES, WHICH PLAY AN ESSENTIAL ROLE FOR MANY PEOPLE IN THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY, AND BEYOND. THE GLOBAL CAMPAIGN FEATURES THREE CHOSEN FAMILIES FROM SOUTH AFRICA, SPAIN, AND THE UK.

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H&M’s launches the “My chosen family” campaign with the caption’ Family is the people who love you, no matter who you love’, on June 1, 2022, in support of the LGBTQIA+ community and Pride. H&M continues to celebrate and stand behind the LGBTQIA+ community and investigate topics of relevance for the community and beyond.

The ‘My chosen family’ campaign focuses on the concept of non-biological families, which play an essential role for many people in the LGBTQIA+ community, and beyond.

A chosen family is made up of people with non-biological bonds who have intentionally chosen to support and love one another. What brings them together is the shared feeling of togetherness. H&Ms ‘My chosen family’ campaign brings together several such families, with a particular focus on three of them, from different parts of the world, to share their stories and discuss the topic of family and what it means.

Inclusion and Diversity is about who we are and who we want to be and is deeply rooted in our values. To stay more relevant for both our customers and colleagues, we need to understand and genuinely embrace different perspectives. A truly inclusive environment will lead to better solutions, better decisions and better results. This year’s Pride brings the important topic of our chosen family to the conversation, and I am very proud of this important and beautiful campaign”, says Ann-Charlotte Berglind, Head of HR H&M. The global campaign features chosen families from Spain, South Africa and the U.K., and families from several other countries around the world, including Colombia, India, Japan, and the U.S. “Family is a feeling. I think anyone can be our family”, says Martin Magner from the South African family in the campaign film.

In connection with the campaign, a donation of 100,000 USD will be made to the United Nations Free & Equal Campaign, which champions equal rights and fair treatment of the worldwide LGBTQIA+ community.

Mag 33

HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT CONTINUES

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ecently a handful of high profile sporting personalities have come out, making headlines internationally ... but in this day and age of so-called more liberal attitudes towards the LGBT+ community, should coming out matter and should it make headline news.

Earlier this year, American Pro-football player Colton Underwood came out and his coming out journey can be seen on Netflix in a 5 part series, Coming Out Colton.

In May, Blackpool footballer, Jake came out, again making international news, yet the Tokyo Olympics saw more LGBT+ participants than ever before. Openly and proudly LGBT+ these sports men and women are flying the banner for acceptance, acknowledgment of their skill and talent and living their own truth.

It is a brave step in any LGBT+ sports persons career to come out. For LGBT+ people, and sometimes more especially those that reach the pinnacle of their chosen sport or profession, the fear of rejection is very real. So congratulations to anyone that has the courage to do so publicly.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports Blackpool’s Jake Daniels said, “I have been thinking for a long time about how I want to do it, when I want to do it. I know now is the time,” “I am ready to be myself, be free and be confident with it all.” Daniels is the first pro-footballer in the UK to come out in over 30 years, since Justin Fashanu.

Fashanu’s story is a sad one that unsurprisingly does nothing to encourage footballers to have the same kind of bravery after his career was cut short, and he took his own life over homophobic bullying.

Despite knowing he was gay at five or six, Daniels worried that he would have to keep his sexuality a secret until he retired.

“However, I knew that would lead to a long time of lying and not being able to be myself or lead the life that I want to,” Jake Daniels said.

He continued: “Since I’ve come out to my family, my club and my teammates, that period of over thinking everything and the stress it created has gone.

“It was impacting my mental health. Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally.”

And Daniels firmly believes that his performance Mag 35

will improve by living authentically. “The day after I told my mum and sister, we played Accrington [in an under-18s fixture] and I scored four goals, so it just shows how much of a weight off the shoulders and what a massive relief it was.”

Jake Daniels

Daniels outlined that coming out as gay/bi/queer was still seen as a ‘weakness’ in sports as so many sportsmen want to retain their masculinity; yet hopes that he can be an inspiration.

“I am only 17 but I am clear that this is what I want to do and if, by me coming out, other people look at me and feel maybe they can do it as well, that would be brilliant,” Daniels shared.

“If they think this kid is brave enough do this, I will be able to do it too.”

One respondent to Coilton Underwood’s story, ““Colton’s story is a lot like my own, and actually inspired me to consider fully coming out this year. This isn’t as much for the out LGBT community as it is for the closeted people who (wrongly) hold on to shame and don’t feel comfortable considering themselves a part of it.”

So yes, it is important that LGBT+ sports men and women tell their story. They are inspirational to fans and other players and help in de-stigmatising homosexuality. They are brave and as role models, particularly for younger LGBTI’s they help others to be as courageous.

Colton Underwood

Here in South Africa, there have been a number of high-profile sports people who are openly LGBT+ and we salute them.

Phuti Lekoloane, also known as Phuti Minaj, is a South African footballer and LGBTQ activist, from Moletjie, Ga-kolopo, a rural township near Polokwane, Limpopo Province. He played for JDR Stars, a Pretoria-based organisation, on their second division team as goalkeeper, and now plays for Tornado F.C. He is Africa’s first openly gay male footballer, having come out publicly in July 2015.

Phuti Lekoloane Mag 36

Sunette Viljoen is a South African sportswoman who has represented her country in both cricket and athletics. In athletics, she competes as a javelin thrower and has won an Olympic silver medal and two Commonwealth Games gold medals, as well as medals in various other international athletics meets.

Leigh-Ann Naidoo is a South African beach volleyball player.

Mokgadi Caster Semenya OIB is a South African middle-distance runner and winner of two Olympic gold medals and three World Championships in the women’s 800 metres. She first won gold at the World Championships in 2009, and went on to win at the 2016 Olympics, and 2017 World Championships. She is now playing football.

Marilyn Agliotti is a field hockey player from the Netherlands, having previously represented South Africa. After her move to the Netherlands and award of a Dutch passport, she represented the Dutch national team.

Caster Semenya

Amanda Mthandi is a South African soccer player who plays as a forward for University of Johannesburg and the South Africa women’s national team.

Karen Hultzer is a South African archer.

Marizanne Kapp is an international cricketer who plays for South Africa national women’s cricket team. She was the first cricketer for South Africa to take a hat-trick in a Women’s Twenty20 International match.

Ilana Sheryl Kloss is a former professional tennis player, tennis coach, and former commissioner of World Team Tennis, from 2001-2021. She was the World’s No. 1 ranked doubles player in 1976, World No. 19 in singles in 1979. She won the Wimbledon juniors singles title in 1972, the US Open Juniors singles title in 1974, and the US Open Doubles and French Open Mixed Doubles titles in 1976.

Caitlin Aileen Rooskrantz is a South African artistic gymnast who competed at the 2020 Olympic Games. She won the uneven bars competitions at the 2018 African Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the 2019 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series event in Szombathely and the 2022 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series event in Cairo.

Eudy Simelane

Portia Modise is a South African footballer who was named Player of the Championship at the 2006 Women’s African Football Championship. She represented the South Africa national team at the 2012 London Olympics. She became the first African player to score 100 international goals.

Eudy Simelane was a South African footballer who played for the South Africa national team and an LGBT rights activist. In 2008 at the age of 31, Eudy was tragically raped and murdered in her hometown of KwaThema, Springs, Gauteng.

Janine van Wyk is a South African soccer player who plays as a defender for Scottish club Glasgow City FC and captains the South Africa women’s national team. She is the highest capped player in South Africa with 170 appearances, and highest capped female in CAF. Mag 37

MANILA REACH NEW HEIGHTS

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HES S

Manila von Teez releases her first song “Come For Me” to amazing response!

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orn in 2011, Manila Von Teez has grown to become a formidable performer on the Drag Scene.

Her list of Achievements varies from Pageantry, where she has won many titles, such as Miss Black

Pride, Miss Cape Town Pride, Miss Cape Peninsula and Miss Loerie, to that as a performer.

She has performed both Nationally and Internationally for numerous years. In 2016 she led a make-up Tutorial for Fashionista’s at the Launch of the #FoschiniForBeauty event, Foschini’s new online store.

Manila then performed at the launch of the new #MACartofthelip Store in Braamfontein, where she shared the stage with the likes of AKA, DJ Zinhle, Fifi Cooper and Twins on Deck.

Her highlight in 2016 was entering SA’s Got Talent where she was very fortunate to be awarded the position of Runner Up, beating out over 200 000 entries, the first Drag Act to make it that far.

Manila was also the lead in the Music Video of The Kiffness Song - “You Say You Love Me” (Voted Top SA Music Video of 2016) and she placed seventh in the world on the list of “The Black LGBTQ Power 100 in 2016!”

In 2019 she toured India, performing at the World-Famous Kitty Su Clubs. She performed at the Launch of the Edgars online Store in Fourways, SABC 2’s content launch, and was invited to perform at Somizi’s Wedding in January 2020 where she opened for DJ Black Coffee and Cassper Nyovest. The wedding is being screened on Showmax in a four-part series. In 2020 Levi’s Strauss approached her to collaborate on their Pride 2020 Campaign, as well as she has been named on the Mail & Guardians list of Top 200 Youth in South Africa! In 2021 she has been a part of Campaigns for Crocs SA, Vuse Inspired and was featured on #MethodMadness with Moonchild Sanelly.

In 2022 Manila recorded her first Single “Come for Me” which was released in June 2022.

“I’ve always enjoyed singing and performing, and during the pandemic, decided that the time was right for me to record my first track. We went out on the search for people to help assist make this a reality. We approached Tia Black who introduced us to Soulful Clay, and as they say, the rest is “herstory”.”

Manila explained, “You often know you just have to just be your own cheerleader and during the process of creating this track I was having my own self-discovery and truly coming into my own and loving myself and everything that is part of me....

So, in this song I tell those people... “if you wanna come for me.... you can’t” cause I’m content with here!! Taking that power from the naysayers and haters and that’s totally where I am at in my life! A lesson we should all take and celebrate in the face of others who feel they can determine our happiness and futures.”

She ended by adding, “So, it’s really a love letter to where am I and a celebration of loving yourself!”

A regular performer at Zer021 Social Club, Beefcakes and ThursGay Nights, as well as designing all her own clothes through her label Haus of Vjorn, Manila shows no signs of slowing down and is most definitely a force to be reckoned with.

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FEATURE

GHANA GOES GO ES ALL OUT GHANA IS ONE OF MANY AFRICAN NATIONS FIGHTING EXISTING OR PROPOSED REPRESIVE LAWS AIMED AT THE LGBTI+ CIMMUNITY BUT IN GHANA THE FIGHT IS BEING TAKEN TO SOCIAL MEDIA ...

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n the 17 May LGBT+ activists, organisations and supportive governments all over the world recognise IDAHOBIT. A day that is meant to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions, and sex characteristics.

The theme for this year was “Our bodies, our lives, our rights”, a reminder of the injustices LGBT+ people are subjected to across the world.

It is on this day that Voices of Ghana was launched, an audio collection of powerful stories of survival and resistance from the LGBT+ community in Ghana.

Voices of Ghana is not just about resistance and survival, it is also about love, hope and freedom. The stories are a manifestation of our shared humanity and a compelling reminder that love is liberation.

As you may have heard, in July 2021, 8 members of parliament in Ghana brought forward a bill that would criminalise the country’s LGBT+ community and its allies. LGBT+ activists and allies in Ghana have since opposed the Bill and are fighting to prevent its passage into law. Together with partners in Ghana, All Out started a petition to the Constitution and Legal Affairs Committee, and the President of Ghana, to reject and dismiss the Bill.

While the fight to end homophobia in Ghana rages on, LGBT+ Mag 40

Ghanaians continue to defy oppressive state and religious institutions by existing unapologetically and speaking out against injustice.

Go to: https://campaigns.allout.org/voices-of-ghana to listen to the podcasts and sign the petition in support of the campaign for LGBT+ rights in Ghana.

Totally worth it.

HEALTH

Images: WHO Int

ALARM OVER OUTBREAK OF MONKEYPOX

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or a month or so reports have been coming in regarding a virus that is affecting gay men in the UK, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Sweden, with a case detected in the USA and Canada, and most recently, South Korea.

Health Minister Joe Phaahla announced on Thursday 23 June that South Africa had identified its first case, a 30-year old man who had not travelled. He also stated that the risk of infection was low, with mild symptoms and appears to be with “men who sleep with men.” A comment that has angered a number of groups and organisations including OUT Africa Magazine, OUT LGBT Well-being, AC2 and political parties such as the EFF, who called it “homophobic and dangerous rhetoric” which could further fuel homophobia, likening these baseless comments as being reminiscent of the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic where HIV was called the “gay plague”. AC2 stressed that “any persons. regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, can acquire monkeypox if they have had close contact with someone infected with the virus.”

Previously, monkeypox, had only ever been detected in four countries outside of western or central Africa, and all of the cases had direct travel links to the continent.

Most of the British and Spanish cases are gay or bisexual men, which officials say is ‘highly suggestive of spread in sexual networks’. The sexuality of patients in other countries has not been disclosed.

However, it is dangerous and incorrect to frame the disease as a “gay disease” as what happened in the early days of the AIDS/ HIV pandemic - it affects everyone regardless of gender, sexuality or age. It is important to reiterate that monkeypox is NOT a gay disease - something some local and European papers are suggesting.

It is not a new virus, it is endemic to remote parts of Central Mag 42

and West Africa. It is an emerging zoonotic disease - an infectious disease that is transmitted between species from animals to humans, such as a bite from an infected animal. However, it must be noted that human to human transmission is uncommon but clearly is happening.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) virus, which is similar to human small pox was first discovered in 1958 in monkeys. The first human case was recorded in 1970.

British and WHO authorities are looking into how the virus is being transmitted between humans, confirming that first UK case, reported on 7 May, was a patient who had travelled to Nigeria where he is believed to have caught the virus. It is thought that the current outbreak may be transmitted through sexual contact as many confirmed cases have been in gay or bisexual men. Spanish authorities also confirm this, believing all cases having been transmitted through bodily fluids during sexual activity.

“All of them are young adult males and most of them are men who have sexual relations with other men, but not all of them,” stressed Elena Andradas, head of Public Health in Madrid, in a radio interview.

Symptoms of monkeypox are fever, muscle ache, headache, chills, swollen lymph nodes and after a few days a papular rash (i.e raised bumps) can be seen on the body. There are also feelings of discomfort and exhaustion ... most patients will recover from the illness within a few weeks.

Although no vaccine has been developed or approved for Monkey pox. Vaccines for small pox are being used to deal with the outbreak as monkeypox is of the same family of viruses.

There is however, cause for concern as the virus can be deadly

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

IM NO POR T PR TE TH ANT IDE EN CR ISI SHE EW LT SN NIC UMB ER 072 OLE ER 287 631 0 Mag 35

although “risk to the general public is considered to be very low”, said Tom Inglesby, Director of the John Hopkins Center for Health Security. The Centre for Disease Control in the United States notes that there are two strains, both pose different risks, In the Congo Basin strain death is 1 in 10, whilst the West Africa strain is 1 in 100. And it is this strain that is affecting people in the current outbreak.

Allaying fears that it will develop in to a pandemic in the same way as HIV or Corona virus, experts stress that monkeypox is highly visible, making contact tracing easier and existing smallpox vaccines could protect the public if needed.

Most importantly, this is not a virus that is unique to gay men ... by referring to it in this way only fuels bigots who are on the lookout for anything that can stigmatise the LGBT+ community.

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LOCAL MARKET BREAKS GROUND ON DIVERSITY 11 years after turning heads by converting an old fish factory in Hout Bay into one of the hottest weekend spots in Cape Town, and raking in numerous awards along the way, Bay Harbour Market is once again breaking ground in the realms of entertainment. Who would of anticipated the introduction of feather boas and diamante stilettos in the line-up of live family entertainment would draw crowds from all over the city and lift the roof in sing-along tunes and dance! Has drag gone mainstream in the Mothercity?

Since the introduction of a Drag Show in October 2021 at Bay Harbour Market, local stars Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez have been entertaining the crowds with their catchy roster of sing-along classic tunes – and with a full house every time they perform, the energy is palpable! With a focus on fun festivities that the whole family can enjoy, Drag in the Bay is set to open the channels for a whole new generation of drag enthusiasts and make it mainstream in the entertainment industry.

“During a brainstorming session with our traders in the middle of the pandemic, it was suggested that Bay Harbour Market should lead the way in being inclusive when it comes to representing talent and entertainment in Cape Town” says Lyn Mance, Bay Harbour Market stakeholder and head of marketing. “So we got to work on revising our entertainment lineup – and as a space and stage that wholeheartedly loves and supports the arts and entertainment, it was a no-brainer that drag should be included in the line-up.”

Though the pandemic pressed pause on gigs, as of 2021, drag cabaret stars Kat and Manila have found themselves in high demand. “I’m not sure if it’s thanks to the pandemic, but we can clearly see that the art of drag is becoming more accepted,” explains Manila. “We have more performers and the audiences are more engaging, with venues being more open to us being there.”

Manila Von Teez

Kat Gilhardi Photo: Errol Stroebel

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THE BUZZ FINALLY FREE

WE’RE FINA THEIR DECISION IS FINAL Lia Thomas - a transgender swimmer hopes to compete in the next Olympics games

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ritish Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes has said she can “finally breathe” after she came out publicly as gay.

The Olympic gold medallist told the Sunday Mirror that she first realised she was gay at the age of 17 after a fellow female soldier kissed her. But she said a fear of being prosecuted at a time when LGBTQ+ soldiers were banned from the pre-2000 military ban forced her to stay silent.

However, Holmes said a terrifying brush with COVID-19 made her realise that she wanted to show the world her “real self”.

“I needed to do this now, for me,” Holmes said. “It was my decision. I’m nervous about saying it. I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement.”

She continued: “Sometimes I cry with relief. The moment this comes out, I’m essentially getting rid of that fear.”

Holmes shared that she had secret relationships with other soldiers during her 10 years in the British Army, risking being “court-martialled” and being jailed if they were caught. She described an incident when the Royal Military Police searched her accommodation in what she believed was a check to root out LGBTQ+ soldiers.

“They pulled everything out of your cupboard, turned out the beds and drawers, read letters – everything – trying to catch us out, so we could be arrested, court-martialled and potentially go to jail,” Holmes said.

She continued: “It’s humiliating, it’s degrading – it feels disrespectful when Mag 38 Mag44 46 Mag Mag 46

you’re serving your country and you’re doing a good job. You feel violated, treated like you’re some massive villain.

“Those moments stuck with me because I didn’t want to lose my job, I loved it. But I felt the law was wrong.”

Until 2000, it was illegal for people serving in the British military to be openly part of the LGBTQ+ community. Several LGBTQ+ veterans who served under the military ban have shared they were discharged from the forces, stripped of their medals or convicted under the vile laws.

Kelly Holmes revealed she struggled with her mental health because of having to hide her sexuality in public and was terrified that she would still face repercussions for breaking the anti-LGBTQ+ military ban during her time in the forces.

Holmes said she was “convinced throughout [her] whole life” that she might face retrospective action for breaking the military ban if she “admitted to being gay in the Army”. She added there “have been lots of dark times” where she wished that she could “scream” that she is gay, but she just couldn’t.

“When I got injured or ill I would cry all the time because all I needed to do was get back running, because if I didn’t get back running my brain was just going mad,” she said.

“I’d think, ‘No one talks about it in the sport, how do I suddenly say I’m gay? I can’t because I’m admitting that I broke the law in the Army’.”

Kelly Holmes has won seven gold, eight silver and four Bronze Olympic, Commonwealth and European medals.

Pink News

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he conversation around the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sport has divided opinion both inside and outside the sporting sphere.

Many argue transgender women should not compete in women’s sport because of any advantages they may retain - but others argue sport should be more inclusive.

Fina, swimming’s world governing body, has voted to stop transgender athletes from competing in women’s elite races if they have gone through any part of the process of male puberty.

Fina will also aim to establish an ‘open’ category at competitions for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their birth sex.

The new policy, which was passed with 71% of the vote from 152 Fina members, was described as “only a first step towards full inclusion” for transgender athletes.

The 34-page policy document says that male-to-female transgender athletes could compete in the women’s category - but only “provided they have not experienced any part of male puberty beyond Tanner Stage 2 [which marks the start of physical development], or before age 12, whichever is later”.

The decision was made during an extraordinary general congress at the ongoing World Championships in Budapest.

“Fina’s approach in drafting this policy was comprehensive, science-based and inclusive, and, importantly, Fina’s approach emphasised competitive fairness,” said Brent Nowicki, the governing body’s executive director.

BBC News

MUSIC MOVES

THE HOTTEST ALBUMS FEATURING LGBT+ ARTISTS & ALLIES

Kehlani – Blue Water Road

Anitta – Versions of Me

Release Date: Out Now

Release Date: Out Now

For years now, Kehlani has been creating some of the best altpop/R&B music anywhere, and if you haven’t discovered her yet, you’re seriously missing out.

Bisexual Brazilian pop musician Anitta may very well be the next star to take over the world, as her new album Versions of Me was crafted specifically for that purpose.

She’s modern, understands how to craft a hook, and is making it work without compromising who she is as a person or an artist.

On the set, which was released in April, she performs in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, which means she has widespread appeal in quite a few markets.

She may very well be the most famous out lesbian in pop at the moment, and deserves so much more recognition and respect than she already receives.

Her third full-length Blue Water Road just produced a single with Justin Bieber titled “Up at Night,” which could help her reach new heights.

The full-length features collaborations with musicians like Cardi B, Saweetie, Ty Dolla $ign, and more. It’s tailor-made for parties in the warm months. Among a project filled with potential hits, “Boys Don’t Cry” is a must-hear.

Harry Styles – Harry’s House

Harry Styles – Harry’s House Florence + the Machine – Dance Fever

Release Date: Out Now

Release Date: Out Now

This isn’t just for the gays, as Harry’s House is easily one of the most highly-anticipated albums of 2022.

Florence Welch of the band Florence + the Machine has always been a favorite among the gay community, even if she herself doesn’t identify as being a part of the spectrum.

Now, after a four-year hiatus, she’s returning to give the gays everything they want with her new album Dance Fever. This time around, she’s pushing everyone to leave their homes and find a dancefloor, and she’s enlisted the help of super-producer Jack Antonoff (known for crafting hits for the likes of Taylor Swift, Lorde, and Lana Del Rey) to ensure she seamlessly makes the transition from rock to pure pop.

The former One Direction member is hotter than ever, and this year is shaping up to be his biggest yet.

Harry’s House, the singer-songwriter’s third solo full-length, has already produced the No. 1 smash single “As It Was,” which may very well end up becoming the song of the summer.

He just headlined Coachella, he’s starring in his first film very soon, and he remains a steadfast ally (or possible member of?) the LGBTQ community, so yes, Harry’s House is required listening.

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OUT ON FILM

O

ver the past few ye all the rage. We’ve journey in Bohem incredible perform John’s, Rocketman featuring success at the box office. Baz premiered at the 2022 Canne and is scheduled to be theatr in the United States on June generally positive reviews fro performance of the King of R acclaim.

But there’s been a particularl join their ranks, and it’s just production - the one we’re al

The forthcoming Madonna b in 2020, has picked Julia Ga to embody the superstar. The been a point of industry fasci Hollywood’s top actresses vy

What’s more, and particularl it will be directed by the icon written with Oscar-winning s – a notable extension of the c biopics’ subjects.

The film, which will cover the career, has been long awaited Commenting, Madge stated, journey that life has taken m dancer – a human being, tryi … There are so many untold better to tell it than me. It’s e ride of my life with my voice

As yet, no release date or oth but with its star set and with to be one to look out for!

MADGE DIRECTS The forthcoming biopic which is set to be directed and cowritten by Madonna herself, has found its leading star.

Mag 48

ears, music biopics have been e lapped up Freddie Mercury’s mian Rhapsody, featuring an mance by Rami Malek and Elton g Taron Egerton - both had huge z Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic, which es Film Festival on May 25, 2022, rically released by Warner Bros., e 24, 2022. The film has received om critics, with Austin Butler’s Rock, garnering near-universal

ly noteworthy project waiting to taken a major step forward in its ll dying to see - MADONNA

biopic, which was announced arner (Ozark & The Assistant) e rigorous audition process has ination for months, with plenty of ying for the coveted role.

ly unique about the film, is that nic star herself, with a script coscreenwriter Diablo Cody (Juno) creative control often wielded by

e early years of the pop star’s d by her legions of fans.

“I want to convey the incredible me on as an artist, a musician, a ing to make her way in this world and inspiring stories and who essential to share the roller-coaster and vision.”

her casting has been announced, h the icon herself on board, it’s sure

Mag 49

Mag 50

OUT ON FILM

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tephen Dunn’s re-imagining of Russell T. Davies’ ground-breaking gay drama series, which originally premiered in the late 1990’s, when Queer as Folk quickly made waves as one of the first shows on television to depict explicit gay sex and the intricacies of the queer club scene at the time. The new reboot from NBC Universal’s streaming network Peacock, again centres on a group of friends, this time set in New Orleans.

In the first episode the friends meet at the local LGBT+ club, Babylon where there is that all too real occurrence in America, a Pulse-style shooting … the series follows the lives, loves, aspirations and of course the trauma of dealing with the aftermath of this horrific event, their lingering guilt and grief, and the unthinkable ways their lives changed that night.

Queer as folk is about joy, even after violence. The show’s Executive Producer, Jaclym Moore commented, “In real life, tragedy and joy and laughter and tears are all very connected to each other”. Adding that “Queer joy doesn’t exist without trauma.

I don’t know how to be queer or certainly how to be trans in 2022 in the United States of America and not face trauma. That doesn’t mean that I’m not joyful.”

you to rebel and seek out family that will accept you as you are for who you are. I love that we get to explore both in this story.”

Besides Brodie, there’s Mingus (Fin Argus), an aspirational drag star stuck in high school; Ruthie (Jesse James Keitel), a trans woman and teacher with a lot of growing up to do; Shar (CG), a nonbinary professor, Ruthie’s partner and soon-to-be co-parent; Noah (Johnny Sibilly), a dysfunctional lawyer; and Julian (Ryan O’Connell), a pop culture aficionado with cerebral palsy who also happens to be Brodie’s brother. Watch out for the scene-stealing work of iconic recurring actresses Kim Cattrall, remember her from “Sex and the City” and Juliette Lewis of the critically acclaimed Showtime series “Yellowjackets” fame.

An important aspect of LGBTQ+ life in 2022 is nonbinary inclusion. Queer As Folk takes a few opportunities to address that; for example, Ruthie refuses to commit to the gender of her infants with Shar (CG). They agree their gender will be determined later in life.

“Despite the heavy premise, the series as a whole is surprisingly light on its feet. Sure, here and there are painful excavations of trauma or equally tear-jerking moments of defiant joy. But for the most part, the series allows its characters to be every bit as messy or silly or sexy or serious after the shooting as they were before. And its refusal to define their lives through that tragedy feels like a gift, not only to the characters but also to an audience who has heard far too many news stories just like this one, or maybe even brushed up against some similar horror themselves,” said Angie Han from the Hollywood Reporter.

Once again the new series revolves around a twisted, tangled web of LGBTQ friends. But the web this time around is far more inclusive than its predecessors. Peacock’s Queer as Folk unfortunately does not include any of the actors or writers from the previous series.

Brodie

Mingus “The medical community are so binary but are also in a place where they have to deal with so many people that live outside of that binary,” CG said. “There’s still the grand possibility that they won’t end up identifying as what is on their birth certificate.”

The show was determined to take on several of the issues affecting LGBT+ people today. Queer As Folk writer Moore said she was raised as a boy and wishes her family and community could have been open to letting her determine her gender. She was determined that Queer As Folk share that message.

Other issues include the challenges faced on the gay dating scene by disabled men like Julian (a very sweet Ryan O’Connell, also a writer and co-executive producer), who has cerebral palsy, or Marvin (Eric Graise in a prickly but touching performance), a bilateral amputee. The series also highlights the art of drag, so much a part of our community.

There is Brodie (Devan Way), a med-school dropout who returns home to New Orleans and attempts to make amends with the friends he left behind. Brody’s chosen family is a band of misfits,” Way said. “They are queer, they are full of expression and his adopted family, which is Brenda and Sterling, held him to this rigid performance aspect life where he had to be perfect.

He had to get not just good grades but the best grades. It causes

The shows creator, Stephen Dunn said in an interview, ““Our actors put themselves, their heart, souls, bodies on the line for the sake of the story,” Dunn said. “They were not afraid. They’re a network, I think, that’s ready to make some big, bold choices.”

Ultimately the new Queer as Folk, by telling a wider and more disparate set of stories, manages to produce a narrative that’s broader and deeper — and significantly queerer — than its predecessors.

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