AFRICA
MAGAZ I N E Issue 32, SPRING 2017
AMAZING THAILAND ...
CASTER SEMENYA SA’s GOLDEN GIRL
PRIDE SEASON BEGINS
FREDDIE MERCURY GAY ICON
SCINTILLATING, SPARKLING & SASSY ...
BETTY BANGLES
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURES
1 EDITORS COMMENT: 3 TRAVEL: Thailand - Holiday paradise 4 - Dusit Thani Hotel 5 - Baan Souy Resort 4 - Babylon Bangkok 6 - Sansuk Pattaya 8 CASTER SEMENYA: SA’s golden hero 10 ICON: Freddie Mercury - His legend lives on 13 Queen - The movie 18 Pride IS relevant 20 INTERVIEW: Meet the scintillating Betty Bangles 25 Make you dreams come true - Underwear Model Errol Strobel 26 LIBERTY BANKS - You don’t belong here 28 Dealing with homophobia, stigma & discrimination 29 Killed for being gay 30 Why we need a day against hate 32 HEALTH: Working on your summer body 34 MCQP launched - Dungeons & Dragons 35 Mr GAY WORLD SOUTHERN AFRICA FINALISTS 36 MEN’S HEALTH ISSUES:
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8
20
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Credit: Joe Strydom Photography
FASHION
25
14 - 17 Latest trends on the catwalk
SCENE OUT 22, 23, 24 Who’s been spotted out and about on the party scene...
REVIEWS 37 MUSIC MOVES: Coldplay - Kaleidoscope EP 38 OUT ON FILM: With Daniel Dercksen 39 OUT ON DVD: With Daniel Dercksen 40 ON STAGE: With Daniel Dercksen
34 Mag 1
FROM THE EDITOR
T
he winter is almost over and Spring is on its way. I take it that throughout the winter you have been getting your body in shape for the summer - No! Well, we have the solution ... if you flick to page 32 you can get started on a regime that will soon see results and have you beach ready by the season. Summer is when South Africa normally celebrates LGBTI Pride, and this season is no different. There are a number of Pride events taking place and we’ve included a calendar on page 19 - so save the date of a pride event happening near you and make a point of supporting it. LGBTI rights are fragile so get out there and let our straight brethren know that “Love Is Love” and we’re here, we’re out and we are proud of who we are. If you are looking for a holiday destination that is affordable, exotic, fun and completely different, turn to page 3 and discover the delights of Thailand. A diverse, tolerant country that will welcome you - and your rand will go further than most other destinations. Our cover features the dazzling Betty Bangles whom some of you will have seen on TV in her reality show, Betty Bangles en die Dossers ... for those of you who missed the show go to page 20 to find out a little more about this larger-than-life, classic drag performer. MCQP have launched their theme for this year’s party, and what a fabulous theme it is - Dungeons & Dragons happening at the 300-year old Cape Town Castle , the event promises to be the most successful yet, so get sewing on a spectacular or outrageous costume ... Till then have fun and be safe whilst you doing it! Tommy Patterson - Editor
Cover Credit Betty Bangles photographed by Joe Strydom Photography MANAGING EDITOR: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358 ISSN 2304-859X Published by: Patterson Publications P.O. Box 397, Sea Point 8060 Tel/Fax: 021 555 1279 E-mail: outmagafrica@telkomsa.net outlet@telkomsa.net
Advertising Sales: Tommy Patterson 082 562 3358
Contributors: Daniel Dercksen Liberty Banks Additional Photography: SDR Photography Joe Strydom Photography Joffrey Hyman Photography
Printed by ABC Press, Cape Town
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.
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TRAVEL
THAILAND PARADISE FOUND
Thailand is the travel hub of Southeast Asia. Most people coming into the country fly into Bangkok and make that their base for travelling around Thailand and even further afield to other countries in the region. With its lush jungles, famed beaches, world-class diving, amazing food, awesome shopping, friendly people, fantastic nightlife and cheap prices, Thailand is by far my one of the best travel destinations in the world, especially for South African travellers!
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hailand is an easy country to travel in and because it’s a worldwide destination one has the opportunity to meet people from all corners of the globe. The country is a well-worn destination on the backpacking trail and everything is convenient and easy. For those who not as adventuresome and need their creature comforts, there is no better destination as luxury hotels abound and at remarkably low prices. Travelling from South Africa entails travelling via somewhere as there are no direct flights. The shortest and cheapest route is via Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines. One can also fly via the Emirates on Qatar, Etihad and Emirates. Then
there’s Singapore Airlines and the national carrier South African Airways which will get you to Hong Kong where you can connect to Bangkok on one of the Asian carriers.
nightlife and fervour, and for LGBTI travellers there are literally hundreds of bars, clubs, restaurants and gay-friendly venues all of which will welcome you without any hint of discrimination.
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and for most people the point of entry in to the country. With a population of over eleven million inhabitants, it is by far its largest city. With its high-rise buildings, heavy traffic congestion, intense humidity and naughty nightlife it is one of the region’s most cosmopolitan cities, graced with magnificent temples and palaces, authentic canals, busy markets and a vibrant nightlife that has something for everyone.
The Thai people, known for their tolerance, friendliness and utter charm will make you feel welcome the minute you land.
For all travellers, the city hums with
The area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand’s sober financial district by day … but for us gay travellers it is Bangkok’s primary party district by night, when areas like the famous Patpong come alive. Abounding with bars and sex clubs, the Patpong Night Market is not to be missed. Here you will find bargains from shoes to designer handbags, shirts, Mag 3
DUSIT THANI HOTEL
If you are looking for 5-star luxury a heartbeat from the gay nightlife of the Silom/Sathorn area and the Patpong Night Market then look no further. The Dusit Thani was Bangkok’s first 5-star and has hosted royalty and celebrities from all over the world.
Contact: customerservice@dusit.com underwear, watches and T’s. The market is very crowded and bargaining is essential! Silom in Bangkok is home to a really fun and exciting gay scene. The pedestrianised Silom Soi 4 is a staple for gay travellers from all over the world. In this tiny street you will find the worldfamous Telephone and Balcony bars – it’s a great place to start the evening. Facing each other, the two venues present a constant flow of locals and visitors alike. The drinks are great with specials everynight and the food is cheap, tempting and tasty. For the less adventurous, those looking for western fare, both these venues have comprehensive menus. Stranger Bar is one of the smaller bars and has drag shows every night if that rocks your boat. The street however, is not to be missed for its popularity and vibe every night of the week. Off Sathorn Road, diagonally opposite the market is Bangkok’s Boyztown, a street of bars and go-go-boy clubs, and massage parlours that as the song says “makes a hard man humble” – the vibe as with Silom Soi 4 is hectic. If partying is your scene, then Silom/Sathorn is the place to be. After shopping, eating, drinking and watching the world pass by, wind up at what must surely be one of the best dance clubs in the world. In Silom Soi 2, you’ll find the DJ Station, packed with trendy young men this late night hub will blow your mind… Great DJs with laser shows a friendly crowd and good drinks. 300 baht entry with bag storage, it’s safe and fun for everyone. Loads of eye candy too - it’s Mag 4
loud, fun and at times very overcrowded and might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who love clubbing there nothing better. – Definitely the place to be in Bangkok on a weekend!
BABYLON BANGKOK
If shopping and partying are not your scene, Bangkok boasts one of the best sauna / spas on the face of the earth. Babylon is both popular and famous – this luxurious, relaxing, quiet spot is an oasis in the middle of this hectic city. Get away from the mad-rush and relax in tropical surroundings. If shopping is your cup-of-tea then there are huge shopping malls selling anything the heart desires. Shops selling knockoff labels stand next to shops selling the real thing. Glamorous designer malls lie beside make-shift markets. There are multi-stories selling computer wares, both the real thing and pirated software, phones, Ipods and the like. And in the midst of this sea of shops one will come across a shrine or a temple where the frantic pace of the city seems to stand still if only for a moment. The public transport sky rail will get you to most parts of the city and is safe, clean and efficient. Taxis can be a rip-off so negotiate the fare first or insist on a metered car. Tuk Tuk’s abound but my experiences have been disappointing. Over-priced and always a con, in that one is schlepped to places on-route to one’s destination in the hope of getting you to buy at preferred shops - Very annoying indeed! Thailand has their own version of Uber which is called Grab – download the app and start travelling. Prices with Grab are generally cheaper and the cars are well maintained and the service is reliable – we used it to get to and from the airport at rates far cheaper than any of the taxi fares we were quoted. The best way though, are the bike boys, they will wiz you around the city at white-knuckle speeds in a fraction of the time of any of the previously mentioned options - not for the faint hearted though! Of course, especially for first time visitors the traditional sights are very important. They include the Grand Palace - a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. It made up of numerous buildings, halls and pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. The Palace complex houses the Museum of the exquisite Emerald Buddha Temple – the most sacred sight in Thailand. A tour of the most famous statues of Buddha is eye-opening and fascinating. Visit Wat Pho where you will see the incredible, gigantic Reclining Buddha – the largest Buddha in the
Bangkok’s famous gay sauna and hotel is one of the longest-running and best gay venues in the city. Babylon’s extensive facilities include a large swimming pool, steam room, dry sauna, jacuzzi, dark room, maze and many private cabins. You can top up your tan on the sun terrace, swim in the pool, workout at the gym, enjoy a meal at the surprisingly good restaurant, sip a cocktail in the chill-out areas, or simply unwind in the hands of a expert male masseur.
Monogamous gay couples can enjoy Babylon’s relaxed environment just as much as anyone else. Lockers, free condoms and lube are provided. Bring cash but leave valuables at your hotel or put them in one of the security boxes, located next to the reception. The hotel rooms are reasonably priced and vary from luxury suites to fairly basic barrack rooms which have twin beds and share bathroom facilities. The suites and villa’s are glamorous. Babylon is a treat in itself so prepare to be pampered
For more information go to the website: www.babylonbangkok.com or email: reservation@babylonbangkok.com
world. At Wat Traimit you’ll discover an enormous seated Buddha - made of solid gold - thought to have been made in the 13th-14th centuries the statue was thought to be concrete and the gold hidden underneath was only revealed by accident in 1955. You can also visit Wat Mahatat the oldest higher education institute for Buddhist monks in Thailand and an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Attracting people from all over the world who wish to study Vipassana Meditation. Visiting the city’s various markets can be eye-opening. There is the famous Amnoen Saduak Floating Market, the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market, (the largest is Thailand), Khlong Lat Mayom Floating market and about 2 hours from the city is the Maeklong Train Market, situated beside a railway line. Each time a train approaches the vendors hastily pack up their stalls and as the last train car rolls through, the market unfolds in a magical display, like a wave around a packed sports stadium. Within seconds the market is thriving once again and you wouldn’t have even known that anything extraordinary had happened. Finally an attraction, especially if it’s your first visit, is a river cruise with dinner. I’ve heard mixed reviews, but my experience was good, food was great and the temples which are lit at night make for a sort of romantic experience … but then again I’m more of a bar, clubby kind of a guy. Bangkok is full of extraordinary sights, sounds, smells and experiences. It is exciting and different but the Thai people are its best asset – their politeness, welcoming smiles, tolerant attitudes and constant friendliness make this city one of the safest and most delightful holiday destinations. No visit to Thailand is complete without taking in a seaside location, and conveniently located a 2 hour drive from Bangkok, is the sprawling sea-side city of Pattaya/Jomtien, situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The city is linked by a modern highway and will cost in the region of 1400 Baht (one way) in an air-conditioned town-car. (less if you use Grab). Pattaya, once a quaint fishing village became popular as an R&R destination for American GI’s escaping the Vietnam War. As a consequence the town grew and today is a vibrant, thriving metropolis – the beach is now lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars and 24-hour clubs. As with Bangkok shopping bargains are available at markets and shopping centres, the main ones being Mikes and Royal Garden Plaza situated on the beach road.
More laid-back than Bangkok, Pattaya has nevertheless an exhilarating gay nightlife. It somehow seems less sophisticated than the capital’s, prices are generally cheaper for drinks, food, accommodation and entertainment – so your Rand will stretch a little bit further. But of course the main attraction is the relaxing seaside aspect. The golden sandy beaches of Jomtien stretch for miles and the calm warm waters are marvellous. It’s the ideal place to develop that holiday tan and be pampered whilst sipping an exotic cocktail. Ladies and gentlemen ply the beach selling sunglasses, scarves, manicures, pedicures, massages and food. Numerous beach activities such as paragliding from the back of a boat and jet skiing are available, as well as boat trips to nearby islands. There are areas at Jomtien beach specifically set aside for LGBTI visitors – look out for the Rainbow flags or ask your bike-boy to drop you at Dongtan Beach. Bakkie taxis ply the streets of Pattaya. Much like our local taxi service you hold out a hand as one approaches, it’ll stop, you hop on to the back and when you reach your destination ring the bell and the taxi will drop you off wherever you wish. At a mere 10 baht it is the easiest and most definitely the cheapest way of getting around. Bike boys are also available and whilst slightly more expensive will take you door to door. I’ve never used a car taxi service whilst in Pattaya and have had no need to. After a relaxing beach day and as darkness approaches there are bars, clubs, restaurants and drag shows to keep your night’s itinerary full. For LGBTI travellers, the now famous Boyztown area in south Pattaya is the place to be. Here you will find bars, hotels, go-go boy clubs, massage parlours, drag shows and restaurants which will occupy every minute of your evenings enjoyment. I highly recommend taking in a Thai boxing tournament in Walking Street where a few bars have a ring and you can watch the art of Muay Thai, as it is called, whilst sipping a drink. Jomtien also has a host of gay bars and go-go clubs, located in the Jomtien Complex which offer the same amenities in a more intimate environment. Pattaya too has a sauna/spa – The Sansuk which is not as large as Bangkok’s Babylon, but has many of the same features. This is modern, clean and tropical spot is located exactly half way between Pattaya and Jomtien and is popular with locals and ferangs (foreigners) alike.
BAAN SOUY RESORT Set in landscaped tropical gardens, this laid-back, gay-friendly resort is only a short 10-Baht bus ride to either Boyztown, Walking Street Jomtien Complex or Jomtien Beach and a short walk to the Sansuk The bright studios with Thai-style decor feature kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi and safes, as well as flat-screen TVs with DVD players and balconies or terraces with pool views. The 1- to 2-bedroom apartments also have living/ dining areas. Free breakfast is served in a dining area, on the terrace or in-room. Additional amenities include a cafe, 2 bars and an outdoor pool and a hot tub. There’s also an exercise room, Thai massage services and a rooftop garden with city and beach views. There is no extra charge for overnight guests. This exotic resort is gay owned and managed and is a welcoming respite from the crazy pace of the city.
For bookings visit the website www.baansouy.com or email: info@baansouy.com Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. When you hear its name, you already think about beaches, beauty, lush tropical vegetation, cheap shopping and awesome food. And your thoughts are spot on. Again, above all it is the Thai people who make this destination so enjoyable and rewarding. The beleaguered rand stretches a lot further than in any European destination – hotels are glamorous and reasonably priced, modern e-mail and cell phone connectivity is available everywhere (even on the beach), transport is first-world – so if you are looking for a year-round holiday destination you need look no further than “Amazing Thailand.” Mag 5
SEEING THAILAND THROUGH THAI EYES Words: Paul Strachan
SANSUK PATTAYA
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couple of years ago a young Thai entrepreneur by the name of Pasit Foobunma launched a concept to help people discover some of the many hidden gems of Thailand, by creating custom made tours, to a variety of different provinces, that would cater to the requirements, budget and schedule of those wanting to find out more about this amazing country. The tours are called Seeing Thailand Through Thai Eyes and have proved to be very successful. Pasit who is a university graduate has a passion for travel and a keen eye for attention to detail and insists in knowing personally the different resorts, guesthouses and destinations so that he is fully informed and able to transfer that knowledge to his guests, in locations such as Lopburi, Chanthaburi, Loei , Nakon Ratchasima and more. He has worked with many individuals as well as local organizations such as the Pattaya City Expats Club, the Pattaya Expats Club, Pattaya International Ladies Club and many others. These tours can be for a couple of days or longer, for instance: Chanthaburi is a few hours from Pattaya and is a charming city with one of the largest Catholic churches in Thailand called the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Lopburi north of Bangkok is another popular destination, perhaps most famous for its crab eating macaques, it is estimated that there about 3000 of these monkeys, which is why Lopburi is known as monkey city. The city is enshrined in history and dates back to the Dvaravati period more than 1,000 years ago. Through this work and in his role as the Vice Chairman of the South African Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC) Pasit is now embracing a new challenge, still in tourism but this time in the guise of Safari’s in the magnificent country of South Africa of which we will give details in a future article. In the meantime anyone interesting in discovering some of the amazing sights in Thailand can contact Pasit by email at fpasit@gmail.com
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Large, well-maintained gay sauna, featuring a steam room, sauna, swimming pool, gym, jacuzzi and sun terrace. There is also a bar and restaurant on site. The 2nd and 3rd floors feature private cabins, dark room, maze, showers and massage rooms. Towels and lockers with locks are provided, but bring your own swimming trunks if you wish to use to pool or jacuzzi. Open from 2pm and regularly has 100+ customers a day. Sansuk also has an extensive guesthouse, with comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and suites. Located halfway between BoyzTown and Jomtien’s Dongtan Gay Beach it is a convenient place to stay and to play... For bookings and queries please email: info@sansukthailand.com
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Caster Semenya wins the Gold Medal at the Rio Summer Olympics in 2016
CASTER SEMENYA A TRUE SOUTH AFRICAN HERO Mag 8
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aster Semenya once again blasted past her competition at the London 2017 World Championships to take the gold medal in the women’s 800m. The South African athlete, whom some like to refer to as intersex, crossed the line in a personal best time of 1:55.16. Once again the athlete is being put through unwanted scrutiny, forced scandal and controversy because of speculation surrounding her levels of testosterone. Over the years, many publications have paraded Semenya around as if she were a freak, but as this very private lady, in a rare and candid interview with Dr Ali Bacher on SuperSport, opened up about everything she has had to endure since her rise to fame, proving to us all that she’s definitely not a freak! “I am a female; that is not a question, that is how I have been raised since I was young,” she said. “I am a woman. When I pee, I pee like a woman.” But since her initial success, the talented athlete has been subjected to invasive questioning and unwanted media attention because her femininity as well as being subjected to humiliating gender-testing. She has even been forced, by the International Association of Athletic Federations, to take hormones to lower her natural levels of testosterone. The hormone levels supposedly bring to question whether she has an “unfair” advantage to her competitors for something she was born with, a biological fact that she cannot change. In 2009 she was publicly shamed because her femininity wasn’t convincing enough. The hormone treatment was stopped when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the hormones were artificially limiting her performance. In July 2010, the International Association of Athletics Federations gave her the all-clear to compete as a woman. She went on to win the silver medals at the 2011 World Championships, and at the 2012 London Olympic Games. She was the winner of the gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and has repeated the performance at this year’s World Championships in London. However, president of the IAAF Sebastian Coe has pledged to overturning the CAS’s ruling. Coe’s decision is a purposeful and clear attack not only on Semenya, but queer, trans and intersex athletes, threatening their visibility and representation.
queer victories with the likes of Team GB hockey stars Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh, the first gay married couple to win a medal; Tom Daley winning bronze in the men’s synchronised 10m platform with his diving partner Dan Goodfellow; and a speculated record-breaking 53 openly LGBT athletes competing; but we’ve also seen journalists queer-baiting and outing gay athletes through Grindr, homophobic chanting at the football events, and now Semenya’s success questioned because of her hyperandrogynism, a condition that means her testosterone levels are about three times higher than the “average” woman. It’s clear that Semenya is an extremely fast, accomplished and dedicated athlete. It’s hardly true that her condition eliminates the need to train hard and practice in order to build on her natural sporting abilities. There is a multitude of factors that go into that training, which makes it extensively difficult to definitively measure the actual effect of naturally produced testosterone on athletic performance. It is imperative to remember that the Olympics split themselves with a sloppy gender proxy for competing, reliant on a constellation of biological markers, not a testosterone split. We do not attack men who have higher testosterone levels than other male athletes and we especially do not force them to have inhumane and wildly problematic “gender tests”. Semenya is guilty of nothing. She is an Olympic champion and it’s time we treat her like one. Her win stands as a victory for all those who have ever been told that they should be ashamed or change who they are. For the young queer, trans and intersex individuals who sat in their homes watching Rio, Semenya’s win was a signpost to them telling them that they can do anything they want in this world. Thank you, Semenya, for sharing your championship with us.” A true hero is someone who takes on challenges, over-comes adversity and triumphs over all. Caster has managed it all - We salute her talent, her performance, her resolve and her ability to look the world in the eye and say “This is who I am” - we wish her even greater success in the future.
Caster is openly gay. On the once off show Being Caster Semenya when questioned about her sexuality she said, “It’s something I felt from young. I always felt a bit different. When I’m with boys I feel comfortable. When I’m with girls I catch feelings. It’s not anything I can control. Today I’m a powerhouse. They know I’m a lesbian.” In January this year, the Olympic gold medallist married her long time partner Violet Raseboya (see photo - opposite) in an extravagant white wedding, reportedly having paid a large sum of money as dowry to the bride’s parents. She also holds a degree in Sports Science. One newspaper columnist, Dean Eastmond of the Independent (UK) believes that Caster has been singled out because she doesn’t look the part, heading his article, Caster “Semenya’s problem isn’t that she’s intersex – it’s that her femininity doesn’t look how we want it to” saying that, “For anyone outside of the hetero-hegemonic norm that sport likes to stay firmly entrenched within, the Olympics have been a tough place. We may have had Mag 9
ICON
HIS LEGEND LIVES ON
FREDDIE MERCURY HAD A HUGE PERSONALITY AND A VOICE TO MATCH. NOW A MOVIE CELEBRATING THE ICONIC SINGERS LIFE IS DUE TO BE RELEASED
FREDDIE MERCURY 1946 – 1991 Mag 10
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reddie Mercury was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, East Africa. His parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, were from the southern Gujarat region in India. He spent most of his childhood in India, attending St. Peter’s School, a British-style boarding school for boys, in Panchgani near Bombay (now Mumbai). At the age of 12, he formed a school band, The Hectics, and covered rock and roll artists such as Cliff Richard and Little Richard. It was whilst he was at St. Peter’s that he began to call himself “Freddie”. In February 1963 he moved back to Zanzibar where he joined his parents at their flat. At the age of 17, Mercury and his family fled from Zanzibar for safety reasons due to the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, in which thousands of Arabs and Indians were killed, and settled into a small house in Feltham, Middlesex, England. He enrolled at Isleworth Polytechnic in West London where he studied art. Following graduation, Freddie joined a series of bands, none of which enjoyed any success, but eventually in April 1970 he joined guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor who had previously been in a band called Smile. In 1971 bass player John Deacon joined them and despite reservations of the other members and Trident Studios, the band’s initial management, Freddie chose the name “Queen” for the new band. He later said, “It’s very regal obviously, and it sounds splendid. It’s a strong name, very universal and immediate. I was certainly aware of the gay connotations, but that was just one facet of it.” At about the same time, he changed his surname, Bulsara, to Mercury. Drawing on his artschool training he designed Queen’s logo, called the Queen crest, shortly before the release of their first album. Although Mercury’s speaking voice naturally fell in the baritone range, he delivered most songs in the tenor range. His known vocal range extended from bass low F (F2) to soprano high F (F6). Biographer David Bret described his voice as “escalating within a few bars from a deep, throaty rock-growl to tender, vibrant tenor, then on to a high-pitched, perfect coloratura, pure and crystalline in the upper reaches.” Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé, with whom Mercury recorded an album, said “His technique was astonishing. No problem of tempo, he sang with an incisive sense of rhythm, his vocal placement was very good and he was able to glide effortlessly from a register to another. He also had a great musicality. His phrasing was subtle, delicate and sweet or energetic and slamming. He was able to find the right
colouring or expressive nuance for each word.” Freddie was also a songwriter and was able to write is a number of genres from rockabilly, progressive rock, heavy metal, gospel to disco. He also tended to write musically complex material, such as the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody for example. Yet, despite the fact that he often wrote very intricate harmonies, he also claimed that he could barely read music, writing most of his songs on the piano and using a wide variety of different key signatures. Freddie Mercury was best-known for his live performances, which he delivered to stadium audiences around the world, including South Africa, where he performed at Sun City. He was highly theatrical and often evoked a great deal of participation from the crowd. David Bowie, who performed at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert and recorded the song Under Pressure with Queen, praised Mercury’s performance style, saying: “Of all the more theatrical rock performers, Freddie took it further than the rest... he took it over the edge. And of course, I always admired a man who wears tights. I only saw him in concert once and as they say, he was definitely a man who could hold an audience in the palm of his hand.” Queen guitarist Brian May wrote that Mercury could make “the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected”. One of Mercury’s most notable performances with Queen took place at Live Aid in 1985. Queen’s performance at the event has since been voted by a group of music executives as the greatest live performance in the history of rock music. Over the course of his career, Mercury performed an estimated 700 concerts in countries around the world with Queen. The band was the first ever to play in South American stadiums, breaking worldwide records for concert attendance in the Morumbi Stadium in São Paulo in 1981. In 1986, Queen also played behind the Iron Curtain when they performed to a crowd of 80,000 in Budapest, in what was one of the biggest rock concerts ever held in Eastern Europe. Mercury’s final live performance with Queen took place on 9 August 1986 at Knebworth Park in England and drew an attendance estimated as high as 160,000. With the British national anthem “God Save the Queen” playing at the end of the concert, Mercury’s final act on stage saw him draped in a robe, holding a golden crown aloft, bidding farewell to the crowd. In addition to his work with Queen,
Mercury put out two solo albums and several singles. Although his solo work was not as commercially successful as most Queen albums, however two offQueen albums and several of the singles debuted in the top 10 of the UK Music Charts. His first solo effort goes back to 1972 under the pseudonym Larry Lurex, when Trident Studios’ house engineer Robin Geoffrey Cable was working in a musical project, at the time when Queen were recording their debut album; Cable enlisted Mercury to perform lead vocals on the songs I Can Hear Music and Goin’ Back, both were released together as a single in 1973 and reached the 115 position on the US Bubbling Under The Hot 100 chart. Eleven years later, he made a contribution to the Richard “Wolfie” Wolf mix of Love Kills on the 1984 album and new soundtrack to the 1927 Fritz Lang film Metropolis. The song which was written by Giorgio Moroder in collaboration with Freddie, debuted at the number 10 position in the UK charts. His two full albums outside the band were Mr. Bad Guy (1985) and Barcelona (1988), which he recorded with Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé, combining elements of popular music and opera. The album was a commercial success, with the title track debuting at No. 8 in the UK and was also a hit in Spain receiving massive air play as the official anthem of the 1992 Summer Olympics which were held in Barcelona a year after Freddie’s death. In addition to the two solo albums, Mercury released several singles, including his own version of the hit The Great Pretender by The Platters, the video of which saw Freddie in drag vacuuming whilst wearing a crown on his head – possibly one of the campest he ever made. In 1981–1983 he recorded several tracks with Michael Jackson, none of which were released commercially. In the early 1970s, Freddie had a longterm relationship with Mary Austin, whom he met through guitarist Brian May. They lived together for several years in West Kensington in London, but by the mid-1970s, the singer had begun an affair with a male American record executive at Elektra Records and, in December 1976, he told Austin of his sexuality, which ended their romantic relationship. They remained close friends through the years, with Freddie often referring to her as his only true friend. In a 1985 interview, he said of Austin, “All my lovers asked me why they couldn’t replace Mary, but it’s simply impossible. The only friend I’ve got is Mary and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me. Mag 11
His final home, Garden Lodge, 1 Logan Place, a twenty-eight room Georgian mansion in Kensington set in a quarteracre manicured garden surrounded by a high brick wall, was left to Mary in his will, saying to her, “You would have been my wife and it would have been yours anyway.” During the early- to mid-1980s, he was reportedly involved with Barbara Valentin, an Austrian actress, who is featured in the video for It’s a Hard Life. However, in another article, Valentin was “just a friend” and he was really dating German restaurateur Winfried Kirchberger during this time. By 1985, he began another long-term relationship with hairdresser Jim Hutton. Hutton, who was tested HIV-positive in 1990, lived with Freddie for the last six years of his life, nursing him during his illness and was present at his bedside when he died. Hutton said Mercury died wearing the wedding band that he had given him. Freddie developed a close friendship with Radio DJ Kenny Everett who he met in 1974 when he appeared on Everett’s breakfast show on Capital London. As two of Britain’s most flamboyant, outrageous and best-loved entertainers, they shared much in common and instantly became close friends. Everett played a major role in Queen’s early success when, in 1975, armed with an advance copy of the single Bohemian Rhapsody, he placed the song on the turntable, and, after hearing it despite reservations that it was too long, enthused: “forget it, it’s going to be number one for centuries”. Capital’s switchboard was jammed with callers wanting to know when the song was going to be released – on one occasion Everett aired the song 36 times in one day. During the 1970s, their friendship became closer, with Everett becoming advisor and mentor to Mercury, and Mercury as Everett’s confidante, helping him to accept his sexuality. Throughout the early- to mid-1980s, they continued to explore their homosexuality, as well as experimenting in drugs, and although they were never lovers, they did experience London night life on a regular basis together. By 1985, they had fallen out over a disagreement on their using and sharing of drugs, and their friendship was further strained when Everett was outed by his biographer Audrey Lee “Lady Lee” Middleton, with Mercury taking Lee’s side. With both suffering from failing health, Mercury and Everett started talking again in 1989, and they were able to reconcile their differences. While some commentators claimed Mercury hid his sexual orientation from the public, others claimed he was “openly gay”. In December 1974, when asked directly, “So how about being Mag 12
bent?” by the New Musical Express, Mercury replied, “You’re a crafty cow. Let’s put it this way: there were times when I was young and green. It’s a thing schoolboys go through. I’ve had my share of schoolboy pranks. I’m not going to elaborate further.” Homosexual acts between adult males over the age of 21 had been decriminalised in the United Kingdom in 1967, only seven years earlier. In the 1980s, he would often distance himself from his partner, Jim Hutton, during public events. In October 1986, The Sun claimed Mercury had “confessed to a string of one-night gay sex affairs”. During his career, Mercury’s flamboyant stage performances sometimes led journalists to allude to his sexuality. Dave Dickson, reviewing Queen’s performance at Wembley Arena in 1984 for Kerrang!, noted Mercury’s “camp” addresses to the audience and even described him as a “posing, pouting, posturing tart”. In 1992, John Marshall of Gay Times expressed the following opinion: “[Mercury] was a ‘scene-queen,’ not afraid to publicly express his gayness, but unwilling to analyse or justify his ‘lifestyle’... It was as if Freddie Mercury was saying to the world, ‘I am what I am. So what?’ And that in itself for some was a statement.” In an article for AfterElton, Robert Urban stated: “Mercury did not ally himself to ‘political outness,’ or to LGBT causes.” Although he cultivated a flamboyant stage personality, Mercury was shy and retiring when not performing, particularly around people he did not know well, and granted very few interviews. He once said of himself: “When I’m performing I’m an extrovert, yet inside I’m a completely different man.” While on stage, Mercury basked in the love from his audience; Kurt Cobain’s suicide note mentions how he admired and envied the way Mercury “seemed to love, relish in the love and adoration from the crowd”. In October 1986, the British press reported that Freddie had his blood tested for HIV/AIDS at a Harley Street clinic. A reporter for The Sun, Hugh Whittow, questioned him about the story at Heathrow Airport as he was returning from a trip to Japan. Mercury denied he had a sexually transmitted disease but according to his partner Jim Hutton, Freddie was diagnosed with AIDS in late April 1987. Around that time, Mercury claimed in an interview to have tested negative for HIV. Despite the denials, the British press pursued the rampant rumours over the next few years, fuelled by his increasingly gaunt appearance, Queen’s absence from touring and reports from former lovers to various tabloid journals – by 1990 the
rumours about his health were rife. At the 1990 Brit Awards, a visibly frail Freddie made his final public appearance on stage when he joined the rest of Queen to collect the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Towards the end of his life, he was routinely stalked by photographers, while The Sun featured a series of articles claiming that he was ill; notably in an article from November 1990 that featured an image of a haggardlooking Mercury on the front page accompanied by the headline, “It’s official – Freddie is seriously ill.” However, his inner circle of colleagues and friends, whom he felt he could trust, continually denied the stories of his illness, it is said that he kept his condition private to protect those closest to him. After the conclusion of his work with Queen in June 1991, Freddie retired to his home in Kensington, west London. His former partner, Mary Austin, was a particular comfort in his final years, making regular visits to his home to look after him. Near the end of his life Freddie started to lose his sight, and he deteriorated to the point where he could not get out of bed. He then decided to hasten his death by refusing to take his medication and continued taking only painkillers. On 22 November 1991, Freddie called Queen’s manager Jim Beach over to his Kensington home to discuss a public statement. The next day the following announcement was made to the international press on behalf of Mercury: Following the enormous conjecture in the press over the last two weeks, I wish to confirm that I have been tested HIV positive and have AIDS. I felt it correct to keep this information private to date to protect the privacy of those around me. However, the time has come now for my friends and fans around the world to know the truth and I hope that everyone will join with me, my doctors and all those worldwide in the fight against this terrible disease. My privacy has always been very special to me and I am famous for my lack of interviews. Please understand this policy will continue. On the evening of 24 November 1991, just over 24 hours after issuing that statement, Mercury died at the age of 45 at his home in Kensington. The official cause of death was bronchial pneumonia resulting from AIDS. Three years after his death, Time Out magazine reported, “Since Freddie’s death, the wall outside the house has become London’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll shrine.” Fans continue to visit to pay their respects with messages in letters appearing on the walls.
QUEEN THE MOVIE
Rami Male to play the iconic Mercury
T
he project has the cooperation of Mercury’s estate and the three surviving members of Queen. Guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor will oversee the musical content of the film, which will feature both original Queen music and Mercury solo music. The film will focus on a period of a few years leading up to what was arguably Queen’s greatest moment: its performance at the Live Aid charity concert in 1985, when the band mesmerized London’s Wembley Stadium and a worldwide TV audience with such hits as “We Will Rock You” and “Radio Ga Ga.” The movie dedicated to the band’s late singer, Freddie Mercury, is closer to the big screen than ever.
After fighting for more than a decade to get the movie going, May and drummer Roger Taylor have reached the point where they’re ready to hand the reins over to the creative team. Describing himself and Taylor as “like the grandparents of the project in a sense,” May said they’d essentially be serving as music supervisors. “We’ve stayed with it for the last 12 years to shepherd it to the right place where we feel it would do Freddie justice,” he added. “We only get one shot at this, and that’s it.” Queen and Freddie Mercury fans are waiting with bated breath… Queen guitarist Brian M ay
“It’s actually happening,” May told Rolling Stone about the film. “We’ve been 12 years on this trail, but I think we’re very close now to an announcement, which will signify that Fox has given the green light to actually supply the money. So yes, I think we’re very close.” Rami Malek has been announced as the project’s star, and although cameras have yet to roll, May expressed nothing but confidence in the Emmy-winning actor’s ability to embody Mercury onscreen. “He has a great presence, and he’s utterly dedicated to the project, which is wonderful,” May enthused. “We’ve spent a little time with him. He’s completely living and breathing Freddie already, which is just wonderful to see. And we have a fabulous producer in Graham King, who’s probably the greatest independent producer in or out of Hollywood. And he’s put together a great team. And we have a really, really great script. Finally.” Mag 13
FASHION
DESIGNER: TSEPO TSOTETSI
DESIGNER: ZEIT GEIST Photographer / SDR Photo. Mag 14
SA MENSWEAR WEEK SPRING & SUMMER 2018
DESIGNER: ZEIT GEIST
DESIGNER: ROSEY VITTORI Photographer / SDR Photo. Mag 15
FASHION DESIGNER: TERRENCE BRAY
Photographer / SDR Photo. Mag 16
DESIGNER: GOOD GOOD GOOD
THIS SEASON ----------CASUAL LOOKS BUT SKIN IS IN!
DESIGNER: TSEPO TSOTSETSI
DESIGNER: ANOTHER
Photographer / SDR Photo. Mag Mag17 17
PRIDE IS RELEVANT The summer means many things to South Africans but it’s over these months that we have Pride events throughout South Africa.
W
ith gay rights enshrined in the country’s constitution, many people think that LGBTI Pride is not relevant anymore. Pride is important Pride not only the queer community but to the world, because although being queer is accepted in here in South Africa, tolerance is not universal. In many countries and societies, particularly on the African continent, being queer is condemned. People are punished, tortured, banished from their communities and in some countries put to death because of whom they love. Here in South Africa, we take Pride for granted but in more than 70 countries, being gay is illegal. In a number countries, including South Africa, LGBTI+ people are subjected to prejudice and violence just for being who they are. Although we have won the right to be who we are under the law and are one of a handful of countries where we enjoy marriage equality, there is still work to do, and Pride is an agent of change in our fight for equality. PRIDE LOST ITS ROOTS, BUT THERE’S STILL SPACE FOR ITS MISSION In recent years, many people have expressed their disappointment in Pride festivals, the foundation in activism has been eroded and modern Pride Festivals are heavily commercialised, but nevertheless the purpose of Pride is to unite queer people, creating a platform not only to fight for our rights but to educate our straight and cis allies on what it means to be LGBTI. IT UNITES OUR COMMUNITIES, QUEER AND STRAIGHT, CIS AND TRANS Whether you want to meet people or to learn how you can help your community, Pride events should serve as a hub for LGBTIs. As Pride gains popularity and support in the straight, cis community, we can leverage its notoriety as a way to connect with allies and build relationships. THE QUEER COMMUNITY COULD ALWAYS USE MORE ALLIES Mag 18
Allies have always been welcome at Pride because Pride is founded in love, tolerance and acceptance. When straight, cis people attend Pride events, it’s often their only exposure to queer culture. Without Pride, we have no way to show them what the queer community is about. WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT Pride is also a celebration of everything we have achieved over the years. LGBTI+ rights are fragile. As with anything written in to the constitution it can be changed. Nothing is guaranteed. I think back to the days when under the apartheid regime in the 1970’s it was illegal to be gay. I remember how police would swoop in on a house in the early hours of the morning where a known gay person lived and discovering only one bed having been slept in, would arrest the couple. Gay and lesbian clubs were constantly subjected to raids by police and anyone openly displaying gay behaviour would be arrested, charges, names published in the newspapers. I remember the first gay parade in South Africa held in Hillbrow in Johannesburg where marchers’ wore paper bags over their heads so as to not be recognised by the security police. I remember attending meetings and fund-raisers so that the likes of Simon Nkoli could pressure the ANC delegates negotiating the new South African constitution to include LGBTI+ rights. I remember celebrating the advent of a democratic South Africa with those rights having been written in. I remember how proud I was when same-sex marriages were made legal, and this country being one of the first in the world to so. LGBTI RIGHTS NEED TO BE PROTECTED We are truly fortunate to live in a country where our right to be who we are is a fundamental human right, but so many African countries are denying their LGBTI citizens those basic human rights – therefore the equality we enjoy must be vehemently protected. As you read this, there are people, organisations and communities preaching and campaigning to have those rights taken away. People who for religious, personal or whatever prejudiced reasons deny LGBTI people access to their premises, restaurants, churches, hotels etc. – and if they had their way your right to live as an equal would be taken away.
PRIDE EVENTS
MPUMALANGA PRIDE - 30 September
Kanyamazane Complex & Oorwesig
PRETORIA PRIDE - 7 October
Centurion Rugby Club
JOBURG PRIDE - 28 October
Melrose Arch
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Mag 19
INTERVIEW
T T E E M TIL N I B C S TY T BE
The first time I saw Betty Bangles (aka Bernard Buys), she was performing at Beefcakes, Illovo. Dripping in sequins, her big white hair-do teased and coifed to perfection, she had the audience eating out of her hands, lapping up every bitchy drag-queen word in her clever repertoire. The queen - some kind of a Danny La Rue – is that rare classic drag that we don’t often see anymore. Nowadays, it seems that drag queens just want to be and look like women instead of what it was always all about – being extreme glamour in every sense of the word, hair, makeup, clothing, shoes and attitude.
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urrently appearing in her own TV show Betty Bangles en die Dossers on VIA, Channel 147 on DSTV, OUT Africa Magazine asked Betty a few questions just to get to know her a little bit better ….
So Betty where were you born and raised? I grew up in Potgietersrus (Mokopane), a small conservative town in Limpopo. After I matriculated I was drawn to the city lights like a moth to a flame . Did you know from an early age that you were gay? I always knew I was different from a very young age but it was in Gr.4 that I realised that I liked boys. At what age did you start putting on dresses, and has it always been an attraction? Thinking back I have to say yes. I remember how much fun I had putting on my mom’s wedding dress and then to walk up and down in the house, pretending to walk down the aisle. This said, I never wanted to be a girl. I just loved to pretend and act. I recall putting on “concerts” for my parents in the living room. My stage curtain would be a blanket held up by two broomsticks and I would perform my little heart out. Now that I think about it, I don’t know how my parents didn’t know that I was gay. I used to regularly entertain them with “I’m blonde” from the movie Panic Mechanic complete with a blonde wig! Were you ever bullied or made fun of at school, because you were camp or gay? And if so how did you deal with it? I was bullied throughout my school years for being different and overweight but I was never called “moffie” or “faggot”. I guess because I was never really my true self in front of people. I pretended to be who I thought society wanted me to be. How was your “coming out” experience to your friends and family, and are they accepting of your sexuality? I came out to my family a year after I finished school. I was so scared to tell them that I wrote them a letter instead. There were lots of tears! My mom told me that she doesn’t understand Mag 20
it but that she will always love me no matter what. They sent me to a couple of psychologists to “fix” the problem but they eventually realised that it is a waste of time. Now, 18 years later they have come to terms with the fact that I am gay and we have a very good relationship.
How does your family react to Betty? They love Betty. When I first told them about Betty I explained to them why I do drag. I do not drag because I want to be a woman or because I am transgender, I drag because I love to act and entertain people. My mom messaged me every Friday night after my reality show aired on ViaTV to give her two cents about the episode. She even made one of Betty’s dresses. How was Betty Bangles born? When I just started doing drag in 1999, my look was terribly sad! Hahaha, poor Nomi Perron really tried her best to make me look like something. It was with Joburg Pride 2000 when I decided I needed to rethink my drag persona. I had a dress made from blue sequined material, teased a wig into oblivion and sprayed it blue and with blue eye shadow and blue glitter lips I arrived at the club. A friend of mine, Henk Richards, took one look and said: “Jirre Betty Bangles!”. All the blue reminded him of the police who of course are known as Betty Bangles in gayle, and it stuck. How long does it take to transform into Betty Bangles? My make-up takes about an hour but before that can happen I have to wave a razor over a few strategic places. All-in-All including getting dressed, I would say it takes more or less 2 hours. How did you get to being a drag performer? Like I mentioned I always loved acting but it was at a club called Stardust in Pretoria where it all started. They put on the most amazing drag shows on Sunday nights and I was mesmerised by the glitz and glamour of those drag queens! That’s when I thought why not take my love for acting further with sequins and feathers?! Do you have a drag icon – someone who has influenced you in developing your drag persona?
Credit: Joe Strydom Photography
E TH ING S T E LA GL N BA
Definitely! One of the biggest influences of my drag persona is Sizzling Sue. But lots of people played a role in how Betty Bangles was created. Dame Edna, Liza Minnelli and Lady Bunny are just some who influenced my character.
Who is your diva inspiration, and what sort of numbers do you perform? This will be a tie between Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli. Their personalities are larger than life and they both are a tad crazy. That also describes the types of numbers that I perform. Always funny with a hint of naughtiness. How did Betty Bangles en die Dossers come about? I always dreamed of having my own TV show. It was on the set of a makeover show for which I did the hair, when the producer and I started to chat and I mentioned that I do drag. She said she would love to produce a drag show so we set up a meeting to brainstorm. It was literally a case of being in the right place on the right time! For those readers who didn’t get to see it or don’t have DSTV – tell us about the show, the concept behind it and its appeal? Many think it is an Afrikaans version of Rupaul’s Drag Race but they couldn’t be more wrong! In Rupaul’s Drag Race you see fierce established queens fighting for the title of Drag Superstar. In my show I take 3 potential drag queens and guide them in creating their drag personas. It’s a fun show that also show people who are not familiar with the art of drag what it is about. What’s next? Well, apart from hoping for a second season of “Betty Bangles en die Dossers”, I would love to star in my own theatre show. Any theatre producers out there? We are heading in to Pride season – Pretoria, Joburg, Soweto, Mamelodi, and Nelson Mandela Bay Prides all happen between now and the end of the year. Will you be participating or going to any of the Pride events and do you think that Pride is still valid? I was asked once by an actress who used to be in Generations, “Why do you people still dress up and parade through the streets? We get it, you’re proud. Get over it!” Her attitude and many others’ like her is exactly why we still do it and why Gay Pride is so important. I am going to try to be at both Pretoria and Joburg Prides. Rumour has it that you will be at Cape Town Pride next year, is there any truth to that? Well, that rumour hasn’t made its way past my ears yet but I would love to attend Cape Town Pride. It always looks like loads of fun!
On the lighter side … What is your life’s motto? If you want to be trusted, be honest! If you were to write your autobiography, what would it be called? My Life, Lived! What do you keep in your handbag? When I’m out as Betty Bangles, my handbag is always stocked with tissues for the shiny forehead, a Chinese hand-fan for both the heat and special effects and of course my cell phone for the occasional selfie! What or who is your ideal man? Although I am not actively searching for Mr. Right at the moment, I think everybody wants someone to share life’s special moments with. In my case he has to be very patient and if he has a bit of muscle with a pretty face I wouldn’t be upset about it. What’s the hardest part about being a drag queen? I think this links to the previous question. Guys tend to run for the hills when you mention the word “drag”. People think we dress up 24/7 but it is just part of what we do and not who we are. Britney or Taylor? Neither! Look, I enjoy their music but I will not stand in a queue to buy tickets for a show. I am old school when it comes to idols. I was lucky enough to see Bette Midler on Broadway and Cher and Celine Dion in Las Vegas. Now they are real Divas! Favourite lyrics? “You don’t own me”- Bette Midler If you had a tattoo, where & what would it be? I have 2 tattoos actually, one on each arm. I am a recovering drug addict with 6 years sobriety and my tattoos are reminders about where I’ve been and to never go back to that. On my right arm I have the word “Serenity” that reminds me every day of the serenity prayer. On my left arm I have my own take on the happy and sad theatre masks with a pocket watch with the time on quarter past nine. The time symbolises the day I got sober, 3/9/2011. If you had one superpower, what would it be? Invisibility! I would love this for two reasons. The first is obviously to walk unnoticed into a gym’s locker room and just enjoy the view. The second reason will be for those days where you just want to be alone. Finally, what do you do to relax and unwind? Theatre, theatre, theatre! Nothing makes me happier than going to the theatre. There is not a book or a movie on earth that lets you escape like good theatre production.
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SCENE OUT DURBAN PRIDE
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AB FAB DRAG - CAPE TOWN
MCQP CHRISTMAS IN JULY
MCQP Photos: Joffrey Hyman Photography Mag23 23 Mag
MCQP XMAS IN JULY
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MAKING YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE Words: Errol Stroebel
G
rowing up, I remember always having a bit of an underwear fetish and from an early age fancied myself as an underwear model. As a youngster I suffered from low selfesteem; I was quite introverted and very shy when it came to standing in just my undies or a speedo. I had no self-confidence and wasn’t comfortable in my body. However, as time went by, I received quite a few compliments about my looks, not that I’m being conceited, but it motivated me to look at myself differently and over time I have learned to love myself and my body. I began to taking better care of myself in order to feel good and when I received my first camera, I began to photograph myself in underwear and posted them on social media. The feed back was so positive that I started collecting underwear and modelling on my own. My idea wasn’t simply to be an underwear model but to also inspire and help others to love themselves, appreciate their bodies and be more positive about their self-image. Over the last few years I have received wonderful messages from numerous guys thanking me for inspiriting them to take better care of
their bodies and that many now also feel comfortable and confident in their underwear or swim wear. Last year, I ran across Niku Underwear on Twitter. I approached the company looking for sponsorship for Divas One Night Only, a professionally produced cabaret show which for the last seven years has been a major event on the LGBTI events calendar in Cape Town. Nick responded so quickly with an amazing message of support. I also helped that his factory was a few minutes away. I met with Nick, he gave me a few pairs of underwear to use to promote him as a sponsor, and the response I received from social media was totally amazing. I was inundated with people wanting to know where to purchase the brand. Nick then made me one of his brand ambassadors, a position I am proud to hold. I started modelling for the Niku brand and I can now proudly say that I am officially an underwear model. At the age of 41, Niku has made my life long wish a reality - proving that you’re never too old to have your dreams come true. The Niku brand has taken social media in Cape Town by storm showing that you don’t have to import quality, when you have quality on your door step. Mag 25
YOU DON’T BELONG HERE!!! Words: Liberty Banks (Glenton Matthyse)
The on-going issue of accessing public toilets It’s a ‘shitty’ situation.
I
t is nothing new! For many of us it is often difficult to celebrate being different because we do not fit the stereotypical mould of what it means to be a male that portrays masculinity or a female that exudes femininity in a world that disregards intersex people completely. As we perform and identify with gender (sense of masculinity and/or femininity) different to the majority of the people living in our social settings we are regularly and continuously subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, threats, verbal assaults and brutal violence. Without denying that these violations occur in the privacy of our homes, friendships and workplaces, often the most horrific acts of discrimination and violence takes place in public spaces such as public toilets. These include the toilets we use in clubs, shopping centres, public transport environments, schools and higher education institutions, restaurants, public recreational establishments, religious institutions etc. We live in a society that upholds and reinforce ideas that persons assigned male at birth must perform masculinity while those assigned female need to perform femininity. Whether it be persons who are transsexual, gender nonconforming, gender-fluid, gender-queer, drag artists or cross-dressers a common experience shared is that of exclusion and marginalisation at one point or another by virtue of public toilets having been designed to keep transgender bodies out of these ‘sacred’ heteronormative and cisnormative spaces. Public toilets are not only spaces where people eliminate waste. It is also a space where people socialise, groom and express (visual) ideas, amongst others. It is a space filled with political meanings Mag 26
that has been constructed to uphold and reinforce patriarchy whilst being rooted in classism. Masculinity is fragile and the mere thought of other bodies assigned male at birth being able to perform and identify with femininity shows how weak it is in interpreting this as a threat. The classist nature of sex/gender segregated toilets is revealed in how poorworking class communities in informal settlements have to contend with a toiletsystem considered gender-neutral due to the dire socio-economic position they are situated in. In these communities sex/ gender segregated toilets is something that is seemingly a privilege where the priority is having access and being able to use ‘a toilet’. The impact of negative social attitudes and mindsets on issues of gender identity and expression, the lack of political will to transform laws and policies that govern
the usage of public spaces coupled with a lack of public education initiatives on inclusive toilet usage practices and the insufficient resources allocated to building public toilets that focus on the safety and security of ALL individuals becomes evident with every experience shared by trans and gender diverse persons. These experiences are briefly highlighted below. To avoid likely confrontation with men who assert masculinity Sandra (a drag performer) opts to use the toilet as quickly as possible. Ironically, to avoid social discomfort Sandra in actual fact experience physical and psychological discomfort in having to use the toilet quickly. Jessy (a transsexual (transgender) woman) reflects on the historic trauma that informs her decision to cautiously and anxiously navigate between the sex/gender segregated toilets whilst policing her own actions in the
interest of personal protection. She states that: I remember on school I was forced to use the male bathroom and I was very uncomfortable maybe because I was afraid of guys doing or saying something…’ These two experiences are reflective of many similar traumatic experiences trans and gender diverse persons have to endure in order to relieve them(our)selves. Sense of affirmation, agency and autonomy and ways in which bodies are policed in public spaces varies depending on the social situation. The discrimination, harassment, intimidation and violence trans and gender diverse people experience does not necessarily occur in all public toilet spaces everywhere. This is reflected from Mandy and Andrea’s experiences of public toilets. Mandy indicates that ‘the clubs I attend and even the events, people are very liberal and open-minded.’ Differentiating between safe and unsafe spaces to express self Sandra indicates that‘… when I’m in drag it is usually in spaces where it’s safe to use a female toilet. Females are more accepting of you when you’re in drag.’ Evidently, the discrimination, harassment, intimidation and violence trans and gender diverse people experience is by virtue of them(us) disrupting what society deems its successful organisation of hygienic public spaces. Toilet spaces reflect cultural beliefs about privacy and sexuality that seeks to preserve heteronormativity and cisnormativity. In a constitutional democracy such as South Africa, it is unconstitutional to exclude and marginalise people based on their(our) gender identity and gender expression by upholding sex/gender segregated toilet policy provisions and practices. In a country that offers constitutional and legal protection to trans and gender diverse people it is quite disheartening observing
that twenty-odd years after the dawn of our democracy that discriminatory toilet usage practices still remain an uncomfortable and violent reality for trans and gender diverse persons. In concluding, it is important for us to familiarise ourselves about the ways in which we are oppressed on a day-to-day basis. We need to become conscious of the fact that we cannot become complacent and comfortable by the mere fact that leaders say that we live in an LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) friendly country or that our rights are constitutionally secured. What our leaders say and what is written in law(s) is often disconnected with the social realities that we experience. In order to develop more inclusive policies and practices around accessing and using public facilities such as public toilets, we need to share our experiences with decision-makers and on platforms such as (social) media where the public’s attention can be drawn to issues that matter to us. We need to seek spaces that offer support such as Gender DynamiX that advocates for the rights of trans and gender diverse persons. The fight is not yet over! Speak OUT! Share your experiences and make a difference. Gender DynamiX: National Advocacy Officer (Gender DynamiX is a trans and gender diverse human rights organisation that advocates for law reform, policy development and social transformation for trans and gender diverse persons) For more information on the work that we do contact me on advocacy2@genderdynamix.org.za
Mag 27
DEALING WITH HOMOPHOBIA, STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION Homophobia, stigma (negative and usually unfair beliefs), and discrimination (unfairly treating a person or group of people) against gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men still exist in the United States and can negatively affect the health and well-being of this community.
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hese negative beliefs and actions can affect the physical and mental health of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, whether they seek and are able to get health services, and the quality of the services they may receive. Such barriers to health must be addressed at different levels of society, such as health care settings, work places, and schools to improve the health of gay and bisexual men throughout their lives.
THE EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE ATTITUDES ON GAY, BISEXUAL, AND OTHER MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN Some people may have negative attitudes toward gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These attitudes can lead to rejection by friends and family, discriminatory acts and violence, and laws and policies with negative consequences. If you are gay, bisexual, or a man who has sex with other men, homophobia, stigma, and discrimination can: Affect your income, whether you can get or keep a job, and your ability to get and keep health insurance. Limit your access to high quality health care that is responsive to your health issues. Add to poor mental health and poor coping skills, such as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours, and suicide attempts. Affect your ability to have and maintain long-term same-sex relationships that lower your chances of getting HIV & STDs. Make it harder for you to be open about your sexual orientation, which can increase stress, limit social support, and negatively affect your health. Homophobia, stigma, and discrimination can be especially hard for young men who are gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. These negative attitudes increase their chance of experiencing violence, especially compared with other students in their schools. Violence can include behaviours such as bullying, teasing, harassment, physical assault, and suicide-related behaviours. Mag 28
Gay and bisexual youth and other sexual minorities are more likely to be rejected by their families. This increases the possibility of them becoming homeless. Around 40% of homeless youth are LGBT. A study published in 2009 compared gay, lesbian, and bisexual young adults who experienced strong rejection from their families with their peers who had more supportive families. The researchers found that those who experienced stronger rejection were about: • • • •
8 times more likely to have tried to commit suicide 6 times more likely to report high levels of depression 3 times more likely to use illegal drugs 3 times more likely to have risky sex
REDUCING THE EFFECTS OF STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION Gay and bisexual men and their family and friends can take steps to lessen the effects of homophobia, stigma, and discrimination and protect their physical and mental health. One way to handle the stress from stigma and discrimination is by having social support. Studies show that gay men who have good social support—from family, friends, and the wider gay community—have: • • • •
Higher self-esteem, A more positive group identity, and More positive mental health. What Can Parents and Guardians Do?
Parents of a gay or bisexual teen can have an important impact on their child’s current and future mental and physical wellbeing. Parents should talk openly with their teen about any problems or concerns and watch for behaviours that might show their child is being bullied or is experiencing violence. If bullying, violence, or depression is suspected, parents should take immediate action working with school staff and other adults in the community. In addition, parents who talk with and listen to their teens in a way that invites open discussion about sexual orientation can
help their teens feel loved and supported. Parents should have honest conversations with their teens about safer sex, STD’s, and HIV prevention. Parents should also talk with their teens about how to avoid risky behaviour and unsafe or high-risk situations.
Identify “safe spaces,” such as counsellors’ offices, designated classrooms, or student organizations, where gay and bisexual youth can get support from administrator, teacher, or other school staff.
Parents also should develop common goals with their teens, such as being healthy and doing well in school. Many organizations and online information resources exist to help parents learn more about how they can support their gay and bisexual teen, other family members, and their teens’ friends.
Encourage student-led and student-organized school clubs that promote a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment (such as gay-straight alliances, which are school clubs open to youth of all sexual orientations). Make sure that health classes or educational materials include HIV and STD information that is relevant to gay and bisexual youth too, making sure that the information uses inclusive words or terms. Encourage school district and school staff to create and publicize trainings on how to create safe and supportive school environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and encourage staff to attend these trainings. Make it easier for students to have access to community-based providers who have experience providing health services, including HIV/STD testing and counselling, and social and psychological services to gay and bisexual youth.
WHAT CAN SCHOOLS DO? Schools can also help reduce stigma and discrimination for young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. A positive school environment is associated with less depression, fewer suicidal feelings, lower substance use, and fewer unexcused school absences among LGBT students. Schools can help create safer and more supportive environments by preventing bullying and harassment, promoting school connectedness, and promoting parent engagement. This can be done through the following policies and practices: Encourage respect for all students and not allow bullying, harassment, or violence against any students.
You can also help by reporting discrimination, especially while seeking and receiving healthcare services. This could also have a positive impact on the environment for other gay and bisexual men. Hospitals can’t discriminate against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Whether you are gay or straight, you can help reduce homophobia, stigma, and discrimination in your community and decrease the negative health effects. Even small things can make a difference, such as supporting a family member, friend, or co-worker.
KILLED FOR BEING GAY
Nonki Smous
Bobby Motlatla
Enrico “Tamara” van der Merwe Mag 29
HERE’S WHY WE STILL NEED AN INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST LGBTQ HATE Words: Jeff Taylor
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nnually, the 17th May is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia (IDAHOT), calling attention to the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ community around the world, and the need for a continued fight for nationwide civil rights. Communities across the globe are marking the day with marches, rallies, and with symbolic gestures, such as lighting buildings in rainbow colours, and flying pride flags. The day, first observed in 2005, is celebrated in more than 120 countries. It is as important and needed now as it has ever been, with same-sex relationships still outlawed in dozens of countries, at least ten countries where it is still punishable by death. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment has been on the rise over the past several years in places such as Russia and in many parts of Africa, while anti-LGBTQ legislation continues to rear its ugly head across America despite Obama’s huge steps granting equal rights to gay LGBTI people. The transgender community faces barriers to acceptance in regards to their gender identity, and heightened discrimination and violence even in comparison to other members of the LGB community. This year in America alone at least ten transgender individuals have been murdered as a result of anti-trans bigotry. Last year was the highest reported year on record for the murder of trans people, which had also been true of the previous year. In South Africa violent attacks against LGBTI people, particularly women are a daily occurrence with gay women being subjected to the bizarre idea of “corrective rape”, we’ve seen the murder of gay men purely as a result of their sexuality – the vicious murders most recently of Noni Smous near Kroonstad in April this year. The horrific killing of Enrico “Tamara” van der Merwe in De Doorns, Western Cape who was raped, stabbed more than 27 times and strangled to death before being dumped naked in a field. This year also saw the savage murder in Potchefstroom of Mag 30
35-year-old music student Bobby Motlatla. He had been stabbed on his bed multiple times in a suspected hate attack. Other hate motivated attacks go unreported or as Activist Thabiso Mogapi Oa Tsotetsi wrote on Facebook how he had struggled to obtain information about the killing commenting, “How does such cruel incident happen and everyone just goes mum about it especially LGBTI members within Tlokwe whom some even made him their display/profile pic, this is so unacceptable.” The situation in Chechnya, where gay and bisexual men are reportedly being abducted, abused, interrogated, and in some cases murdered, has drawn international headlines and condemnation from world leaders. Keeping awareness on these atrocities is at the centre of this year’s mission. “Many actions will focus on the horrible situation in Chechnya this year, where dozens of LGBT people have been rounded up, tortured and killed by government forces. Around the world, rallies and protests are being organised to denounce the situation and put pressure on leaders to bring it to an end,” organisers said in a statement. In some areas, events had to be called off under threat of violence, underlying the continued struggle LGBTQ rights activists face. “But while mobilization grows in some parts, IDAHOT events had to be cancelled in several places due to pressure from opponents, such as in Lebanon or Bosnia,” the statement continued. “In the Caucasus country of Georgia, activists have been driven off the streets by violent attacks for several years now.’” However, according to a post on the official IDAHOT Facebook page, activists went ahead with a demonstration in Georgia anyway, in spite of the anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Organizations fighting for LGBTQ rights face a daunting task at times, but have made notable progress throughout the years. The International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia not only helps raise awareness, it also works to raise needed funds for those groups to continue their advocacy work so that further progress can be made.
SEPTEMBER diary Friday 1st Leather Night - Free entrance with leather gear · Wednesday 6th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 8th Fire Crotch Night – Free Entrance with Red Pubes · Friday 15th Long Schlong Night - Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 22th Fetish Night - Indulge your fantasies · Sunday 24th Heritage Day Party: Cum Celebrate Queer Kulcha · Friday 29th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund OCTOBER diary Thursday 5th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Friday 6th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Friday 13th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 20th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 27th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund NOVEMBER diary Friday 3th Leather Night Free entrance with leather gear · Saturday 4th Full Moon – Celebrate hedonism with free libation wine · Tuesday 8th Women's Day Party: Cum take it like a man · Friday 10th Long Schlong Night Free entrance for 20cm + · Friday 17th Fetish Night – Indulge your fantasies · Friday 24th Public Pigz Night Be a pig on the bar counter for an entrance refund Also, Mondays: Daddies & Toy Boys – R50 entrance between 6 & 9 for under 20s and over 50s Tuesdays:Mag Bring38 a Buddy Night - only pay for one between 6&9 Thursdays: Student Night. R50 entrance with student card.
HEALTH
WORKING ON YOUR SUMMER BODY
Mag 32
THERE’S AN OLD ADAGE THAT SUMMER BODIES ARE MADE IN THE WINTER ... IF YOU’VE BEEN SLACKING OFF AND ARE FEELING A LITTLE OUT OF SHAPE ... HERE’S A WORKOUT REGIME TO GET YOU BACK ON TRACK AND HAVE A BODY YOU WANT TO SHOW OFF AT THE BEACH THIS SUMMER...
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etting your best summer body really is easy to do when you have a plan. A well thought out plan of action will keep you focused and help you to monitor and see your progress as you move along.
There are two components: combining a 28 day workout plan with a healthy diet. Aim to eat as healthy as possible limiting your calorie intake to anywhere between 1500-1800 calories. You will need to stock up with plenty of clean foods and consume minimal amounts of refined flours and sugars and drink lots of water. When combined with this 28 Day Workout Plan, prepare yourself for a body worthy of a skimpy bathing suit. Days 1-7: The easiest way to kick start your plan is to go heavy on the cardiovascular activity. Most people feel like they’re getting more of a workout when they do cardio versus strength training. It’s more of a mental thing than anything else, but it’s good to begin your plan feeling like you’re accomplishing something. Aim to do six 45 minute high intensity cardiovascular workouts during the first seven days, plus an additional 30 minute walk every single day. To accomplish this, plan to do the walk at one end of your day and the workout at the other end. You might find it easier to work out heavily in the morning instead of in the evening (or vice versa). Your high intensity workouts can be anything that really gets your heart going - a kickboxing class, a run, bike riding, hiking, aerobics, rowing or anything else you prefer - as long as they get your heart rate up and get you breaking a sweat. Days 8-14: Now that you’ve kicked your workout into full gear, start adding some strength training sessions. Plan to continue with your 30 minute walks every day and six workout sessions, only this time plan to do only two of the workouts strictly cardio. The other four can be strictly strength training or interval training, where you do a combination of cardiovascular activity and weight lifting. Interval sessions are very effective ways to get in shape quickly. Taking interval classes will give you a great workout. Look for classes like Boot Camp, Body Conditioning and Body Sculpting. If you prefer to do things at home, check out a fitness video. There are loads out there, so hunt around for one that suits your needs. For sessions strictly concentrating on strength training, lift weights in reps until you experience muscle failure. This will usually be 4 sets with 12 - 15 reps. Again it is important to challenge yourself and not go too light or easy. Days 15-21: When you want to get in shape fast, it’s important to concentrate on building muscle. Therefore, you’ll want to use this time to repeat last week’s workout plan.
Days 22-28: By now you should be seeing some changes in your physique and feeling more energised. It’s time to tailor your workout to your liking. Continue taking daily 30 minute walks. Make sure to do at least three high intensity workouts and three strength training sessions or interval sessions. If there are certain areas you want to target, like your thighs or biceps, lift weights to target muscle tone in those areas. For your strength training regime you may want to get advice from an experienced trainer at your local gym, they will show you how to do the exercises correctly. Form and correctness in performing weight training is vitally important to achieve results. This 28 Day Workout Plan will get you in great shape. Continue working out like this for another two or three months for optimal results, by which time it hopefully will become a lifestyle enabling you to maintain and keep that great shape. Mag 33
MCQP 2017 THEME ANNOUNCED AS
MCQP RETURNS TO CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE AFTER SEVENTEEN YEARS ON SATURDAY, 16 DECEMBER 2017 FOR 24TH SPECTACULAR EVENT
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he theme for the 2017 MCQP taking place in December was announced this past weekend as “Dungeons & Dragons” - a spectacle like no other with a production that promises dark forces, mystical creatures, characters from Game of Thrones and from the time of Merlin; a gathering of knights, kings and queens, royalty and warriors, bloodthirsty animals, monsters and other dark and demented creatures. And as from a land far, far away with castles, kingdoms and ancient cities from a time ruled by kings and queens, the event will return after seventeen years to the Castle of Good Hope for this gothic spectacular, which celebrates its own 351 year existence this year. Taking place on Saturday, 16 December 2017, Africa’s biggest and longest running costume party will be presented for the 24th time, attracting thousands from across the country and even globally. Says Ian McMahon, Director of MCQP: “We’re going bigger, better and bolder than ever before. Hundreds of wannabe Jon Snows, Tyrion Lannisters, Daenerys Targaryens, Khaleesi’s, the Amazon woman- Brienne of Tarth, Merlin or other creatures of the night will descent on ‘Cape Landing’ this summer to follow the dark knights of doom at the event. It’s going to be a MCQP like never before. Who will you be or will you come and cast a spell on them all?” Famed DJ and event organiser, Candice Heyns, joined the team of organisers this year after extensively touring Europe as both a DJ performer and assisting in arranging some of the Mag 34
biggest events in a variety of European countries, providing vast knowledge on the latest international trends. Heyns, Executive Project Manager of MCQP, adds: “We’ll conjure up the great songs of Fire and Ice and the best DJs from far beyond the western reaches of the great wall. Do your research on all things dark in order to decide on your outfit – of knights and warriors, of creatures of the dark ages or from spells out of Merlin’s own book.” The MCQP 2017 theme and venue were announced Friday 28 July, to a jam-packed crowd at the very first MCQP Christmas in July party that took place at the German Club in Gardens, Cape Town. Another first was that the announcement was made prior to October, when it usually takes place, in order for those attending to enjoy ample time to plan their outfits, travel arrangements and more. MCQP “Dungeons & Dragons” will start at 7pm on Saturday, 16 December. Early bird tickets, starting at R260 for general access, R650 for Throne VIP tickets and more options are available online at www.quicket.co.za, as well as on other online sites and at high street outlets. Privé Kings Chamber suites are also available on request allowing 20-30 of your round table knights & friends special privileges at the coronation event. For more information, visit www.mcqp.co.za or www.facebook. com/ILikeMCQP Also join the conversation on Facebook (ILikeMCQP), Twitter (@MCQP) and Instagram (#MCQP).
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ntries for Mr. Gay World Southern Africa have closed and thirteen delegates short listed to participate in this prestigious event.
Excitement is building for the Mr. Gay World Southern Africa event. The entries have closed and the organisers are proud to announce the thirteen delegates who will be put through their paces to find a winner worthy of representing Southern Africa at Mr. Gay World 2018. Twelve of the delegates have been short listed from the entries received, with number thirteen being Mr. Gay Mardi Gras, who was crowned at the annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival earlier this year and who automatically qualified for entry. The delegates will make their way to Pretoria in September where they will spend a week at several of the Fortis Hotels in Pretoria and Rustenburg. Here they will face a panel of judges who will have the difficult task of getting to know the guys and making crucial decisions that will have an impact on the final outcome. They will be interviewed, their participation in various activities judged as well as of course the success of their campaigns. Of course the public vote and final judging on the night will also be taken into account. The winner will walk away with prizes worth more than R 20,000 and represent Southern Africa at the Mr. Gay World event in 2018 at a time and venue yet to be announced.
Devon Llywellyn (27) #MRGWSA1 Somerset West
Eldon Bothma (22) #MRGWSA2 Centurion, PTA
Hencoe Beukes (22) #MRGWSA3 Centurion
Hitekani Maluleke (28) Juan Pinnick (23) #MRGWSA5 #MRGWSA4 Bloemfontein Pretoria
Karabo Morake (27) #MRGWSA6 Cape Town
Lourens Moorcroft (41) Prince Nsibande (42) #MRGWSA7 #MRGWSA8 Johannesburg Umlazi, KZN
Riaan Phillips (34) #MRGWSA9 Bellville, WC
Sibulele Mtimde (19) #MRGWSA11 Durban
Zachary Botha (36) #MRGWSA13 Centurion
Now that the delegates have been chosen, the next step will be for them to make a short video introducing themselves. Each delegate will be expected to run a campaign for the benefit of the community and the hash tag for their campaigns will be introduced in this video. This will be your chance to get to know them better before the public voting process commences. The finals of Mr. Gay World Southern Africa will be held at the Atterbury Theatre in Pretoria on 23 September. Tickets will be on sale soon. GaySA Radio is an official media sponsor of Mr. Gay World Southern Africa. You can listen every Thursday at 13h00 for the latest news and updates. GaySA Radio is an internet radio station broadcasting on http://gaysaradio.ndstream.net
Rian Benade (31) #MRGWSA10 Benoni
Thaio Lekhanya (27) #MRGWSA12 Naledi, Joburg
Mag 35
BREAST CANCER IN MEN Some of us wonder if men have breasts, and the truth is that all men have breasts! There is breast tissue behind the nipples of a male’s chest, and as your questions indicate, men can get breast cancer.
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breast cancer is a malignant tumour that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumour is a group of cancer cells that may grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer, and can spread to other areas of the body. While diagnoses and treatment for breast cancer is similar for males and females, there is a big difference in prevalence. Like all cells of the body, a man’s breast duct cells can undergo cancerous changes. But breast cancer is less common in men because their breast duct cells are less developed than a woman’s and because they normally have lower levels of female hormones that affect the growth of breast cells. Breast cancer accounts for only one percent of all male cancers, and less than one percent of all breast cancer cases. It is important to note that although male breast cancer can happen at any age, it’s extremely rare for boys under 18 (the average age of a male breast cancer patient is about 68 years old). That being said, it is important to pay attention to any changes you may see in your breasts. However, it’s also good to know that while the presence of any atypical lumps, bumps, or changes in your breasts could be due to cancer, it is more likely to be due to a different non-cancerous condition, or even just a stage of life. Mag 36
What does male breast cancer look like? It usually presents in the form of a small lump (similar to female breast cancer cases). Other symptoms might include: • Skin dimpling or puckering • Nipple turning inward (retraction) • Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin • Discharge from the nipple Treatment is identical for males and females, as is the prognosis (outlook). Males and females with the same stage of breast cancer have a fairly similar outlook for survival. Although men at any age can develop breast cancer, it’s usually detected in men between the ages of 60 and 70. While the cause for male breast cancer is unknown, there are some factors that may increase a person’s risk for it, including: • Age (the older you are, the greater the risk) • A family history of breast cancer • Genetic mutations • Oestrogen treatments • Klinefelter syndrome (a rare genetic condition when a male is born with an extra X chromosome) • Exposure to radiation • Heavy alcohol use, which can contribute to liver disease (another risk factor) • History of testicle injury or infection, or undescended testicles • Obesity (being extremely overweight) can also cause higher levels of oestrogens in men. • Occupations with exposure to higher temperatures
Breast cancer can be separated into several types based on the way the cancer cells look under the microscope Carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Carcinoma in situ, Invasive (or infiltrating) carcinoma and Sarcoma. Sometimes a single breast tumour is a combination of these types or be a mixture of invasive and in situ cancer. And in some rarer types of breast cancer, the cancer cells may not form a tumour at all. Breast cancer can also be classified based on proteins on or in the cancer cells, into groups like hormone receptor-positive and triple-negative. There are also non-cancerous breast disorders that can occur in males such as gynecomastia, a button-like growth under the nipple and areola. This condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance and is common among teenage boys. Also, sometimes when males go through puberty, their breasts grow, becoming swollen and tender. This is considered normal and gradually goes away with time. However, if you’re worried about the changes you’ve noticed in your body, there’s no shame in telling someone you trust like a parent, partner, or your doctor about what you’ve noticed. When you have concerns like this, it’s recommended that you get it checked out by a health care provider so that you can either take action or relieve yourself of any unnecessary worry.
MUSIC MOVES COLDPLAY - KALEIDOSCOPE EP Words Mike Schiller - Popmatters
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t ‘s hard to convey with words just what a relief Kaleidoscope EP‘s first track is. It is called “All I Can Think About Is You”, and the importance of its presence in the modern-day Coldplay canon cannot be overstated. It’s a big song, not far from the slow-burn sentimentalepic word that was so common among Coldplay’s first few albums. If you think “Trouble”, or “The Scientist”, or “Fix You”, you’re in the neighbourhood. That said, you throw a dash of Ghost Stories into that mix, and you end up with something exquisite. Most of Ghost Stories eschewed most of the pomp and melodrama of typical Coldplay balladry in favour of something more grounded, and that’s how “All I Can Think About Is You” starts, with a very straightforward and steady guitar-bass-drums groove. Granted, that quiet groove doesn’t last all that long, but the slow build that the song takes into bombast actually feels earned, as elements slowly layer on top of each other until the whole song is a swirl of instruments and Chris Martin’s simple, pleading vocal. This is a sound that we haven’t heard from Coldplay in a long time, maybe as far back as 2005’s X&Y, and it is a sound so welcoming and warm that it’s easy to forget why the release of Kaleidoscope EP inspired such trepidation in the first place: That is, a cool 40% of it was already known to be pretty awful. Actually, “pretty awful” might be a little strong for Chris Martin’s collaboration with the Chainsmokers; it is admittedly kind of catchy. It is also utterly disposable in the way that the Chainsmokers clearly aspire to, its lyrics an ode to the hookup out of the mouth of a man who is 40 years old, as told through the recitation of a list of famous stories and characters. It is as banal as it is inescapable, the type of song you’ll sing along to while hating yourself for singing along. The version
here is the misleadingly-titled “Tokyo Remix”, a live version that makes the song sound muddier and adds a whole bunch of audience sing-a-long vocals, but is otherwise identical to the original. The other track we knew about well in advance is “Hypnotized”, which has been around since March. Everything that “All I Can Think About Is You” does right, “Hypnotized” does wrong. It’s a slab of slow, meaningless treacle that sticks around for an unwieldy six-and-a-half minutes. Where “All I Can Think About Is You” used a minimal set of lyrics to put the focus on the instrumentation, “Hypnotized” can’t stop talking without actually saying anything. The two songs that are left are fine-ifforgettable bits of non-album detritus. “Miracles (Someone Special)” is another song that tells its story through a list, this time a list of heroes that Chris Martin’s dad (apparently) told him about long ago, complete with a dropped-in guest verse from Big Sean that might not set the world on fire, but isn’t nearly as bad or awkward as it could have been. This is Coldplay in 2017, saying “hi” to the
mainstream by pandering to pop, and actually managing to do a not-half-bad job of it. “A L I E N S” is a collaboration with Brian Eno that can’t quite find a groove in its 5/4 time signature, but whose subject matter—the struggle of refugees—is worthwhile. “A L I E N S” is Coldplay as a critical darling, a laudable attempt at artistry out of place on an EP filled with all manner of straightforward ear candy. It seems worth mentioning, however, that proceeds from “A L I E N S” go toward the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, an organization that assists refugees on the Mediterranean. Their heart is in the right place. Kaleidoscope EP is one of those EPs with no mission statement, a collection of oddities that never would have fit on the unfailingly upbeat (if shallow) A Head Full of Dreams. There’s no story to be told, just a small collection of tunes, some of which work beautifully, some of which fall utterly flat. It’s been a year and a half since A Head Full of Dreams, and if you’re dying for new Coldplay, this will scratch the itch. Even if you’re not, though, there are one or two songs here that are absolutely worth your time. Mag 37
OUT ON FILM DANIEL DERCKSEN TAKES A LOOK AT THE BEST MOVIES TO WATCH OUT FOR OVER THE NEXT QUARTER Charlize Theron is undercover MI6 agent in Atomic Blonde; she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through a deadly game of spies
the mighty Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe, and has to prevent the all-powerful Hela (Cate Blanchett) from destroying his home world and the Asgardian civilisation.
Maudie is based on a true story, the unlikely romance in which the reclusive Everett Lewis (Ethan Hawke) hires a fragile yet determined woman named Maudie (Sally Hawkins) to be his housekeeper; the film charts Maudie’s deep and abiding love for this difficult man and her surprising rise to fame as a celebrated folk painter.
NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
An 11-year-old adventure seeker discovers clues about another dimension in Dark Tower (8/9), based on the series of novels of the same name by Stephen King, and in the adaptation of King’s It (15/9) a group of outcast kids discover a shape-shifting entity, who may be linked to the recent cases of missing children in the town; in 9/11 (8/9) a group of 5 people find themselves trapped in an elevator in the World Trade Center’s North Tower on 9/11; in The Glass Castle (8/9) a young girl comes of age in a dysfunctional family with a mother who’s an eccentric artist and an alcoholic father; a couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests come to their home in Darren Aronofsky’s psychological thriller-horror film Mother! (22/9); in Stronger (22/9) Jake Gyllenhaal plays a victim of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 who helps the police track down the killers while struggling to recover from devastating trauma; Victoria & Abdul (29/9) is a biopic directed by Stephen Frears about the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her Indian servant Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal); and Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse (30/9) explores the intriguing relationship between the world’s greatest artists and horticulture.
Judi Dench & Ali Fazal Victoria & Abdul
Chis Hemsworth is Thor
OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS
In the neo-noir science fiction film Blade Runner 2049 (6/10) Ryan Gosling plays a new blade runner who unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos; in the comedy The Last Word (13/10) Shirley MacLaine plays a once-successful businesswoman who works with young local writer (Amanda Seyfried) to pen her life story; stranded after a tragic plane crash, Idris Elba and Kate Winslet must forge a connection to survive in The Mountain Between Us (20/10); in the superhero actioner Thor: Ragnarok (27/10) Mag 38
Sello Maake Ka-Ncube stars in The Whale Caller For more information on the latest film releases, visit www. writingstudio.co.za or visit us on Facebook – Let’s Go To The Movies
In the science fiction psychological horror Flatliners (3/11) five medical students embark on a daring and dangerous experiment to gain insight into the mystery of what lies beyond the confines of life; Tulip Fever (10/11) is set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Tulip Wars, where a married noblewoman (Alicia Vikander) switches identities with her maid to escape the wealthy merchant she married; a home invasion rattles a quiet family town in the dark crime comedy Suburbicon (10/11), directed by George Clooney; in Justice League (17/11) Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team consisting of Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons; Battle of the Sexes (17/11) tells the true story of the 1973 tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell); Judi Dench stars in the remake of Murder on the Orient Express (24/11), the tale of thirteen strangers stranded on a train; and in Rebel In The Rye (24/11) Nicholas Hoult steps into the shoes of J. D. Salinger during World War II.
LOCAL IS LEKKER
The Recce (8/9) focuses on the The South African Special Forces Brigade and one man’s fight for his life behind enemy lines; the electrifying drama Vaya (27/10) is a masterful synthesis of big-city anxieties and aspirations; in Vasselinetjie (22/9) a white girl raised by her loving coloured grandparents in a remote rural village; Pop, Lock ‘n Roll (29/9) is a dance film; Five Fingers for Marseilles (6/10) heavily influenced by American westerns; The Whale Caller (13/10) tells of a kelp-horn-blowing man (Sello Maake Ka-Ncube) who seems to be deeply drawn to a very particular whale; in the supernatural horror House on Willow Street (03/11) roguish kidnappers abduct the daughter of a wealthy diamond distributor; in Liewe Kersfeesvader (17/11) a teenage beauty queen is flung into swift adulthood when her father assumes a new identity: Father Christmas; and She Is King (1/12) is a joyous celebration of Zulu culture, showing off Joburg as the “Broadway of Africa”.
OUT ON DVD LET’S WATCH DVD’S WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN OUT FILMMAKER ANDREW HAIGH I have absolutely fallen head-over-heels in love with openly gay writer/director Andrew Haigh, whose films Greek Pete, Weekend, and Looking are an absolute must. ‘’I’ve always found it really frustrating with gay films that I’ve seen don’t seem to reflect life as I know it at all. And one of the reasons I had for making this film was to rectify that. I wanted to put something on the screen that reflected how I felt being gay and see the world as a gay person. I really don’t know why there have not been more films that reflect the reality of the gay experience.’’ Happily married to author Andrew Morwood (they’ve been together for a decade), Haigh got his start as an assistant editor for director Ridley Scott. He first came across “In Another Country” thanks to its publisher, who also sent over the story on which Haigh’s 2009 short film, Five Miles Out, was based.
HUSTLER’S IN ACTION Andrew Haigh’s exceptional Greek Pete is a rousing, sexually explicit and emotionally honest exploration of male prostitution in London, chronicling a year in the life of rent-boy Pete (super-hot Peter Pittaros). It offers a raw and rare glimpse into the life as a sex worker. Emotions take over when he starts a relationship with Kai (Lewis Wallis), a cute fellow escort on the scene. While Pete can easily separate his job from his love life, Kai has a harder time sharing his boyfriend with clients. Both are searching for very different things in life. The film gives an authentic and intimate insight into the boys’ lives, their friends, relationships and clients. It’s honest, non-judgemental and sometimes explicit, creating a heart-breaking portrait of a subculture hidden from view. In Retake, the feature debut of writer-director Nick Corporon — mainly known for LGBT-themed short films like Last Call (2009) and Barbie Boy (2014) — comes the charming story of a Los Angeles male prostitute (Devon Graye) who falls prey to handsomely grizzled middle-ager Jonathan (Tuc Watkins), who wants to role-play with him. Corporon very incisively captures the simultaneous threat and allure of sex between strangers, as well as the unbridled pleasure that can result from giving yourself so trustingly to someone you don’t know. The mystery deepens when they embark on a road trip from L.A. to the Grand Canyon to relive a past relationship he had with his lover.
BOYS IN LOVE In writer-director Daniel Ribeiro superb Brazilian coming-ofage romantic drama The Way He Looks, Ghilherme Lobo will steal your heart as a blind teenager searching for independence and his first kiss. His everyday life, the relationship with his best friend, Giovana (Tess Amorim), and the way he sees the world change completely with the arrival of Gabriel (Fabio Audi). It deservedly won two awards at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival; the FIPRESCI Prize for best feature film in the Panorama section and the Teddy Award for best LGBT-themed feature. Make sure to google Lobo and read more about this Brazilian ballet dancer.
In Mischa Kamp’s Boys (Jongens) a sexually awakening gay teen athlete (Gijs Blom) finds himself in a budding relationship with his mutually attracted relay race teammate (Ko Zandvliet). It’s a beautiful film that captures the purity of first love, where boy meets boy and nothing else matters. Writer-director David Gleeson’s enjoyable Cowboys and Angels shows what happens when a straight and naïve civil servant (Michael Legge) moves into his first apartment and shares it with a witty and wise gay fashion student (Alan Leech), who delights in giving Shane some help in the sartorial stakes, while helping him get closer to his best pal, Gemma (Amy Shiels).
MEN IN LOVE A gay man’s weekend-long encounter with an artist changes his life in unexpected ways in Andrew Haigh’s excellent Weekend, perfectly capturing the passion of falling in love, and the consummate desire to spend every moment of your day exploring your new partner. The chemistry and sexual release between Tom Cullen and Chris New draws you into the sweaty intimacy of male bonding at its most sensual and honest. Esterosa is a superb low-budget Argentinian movie from a first-time director Papu Curotto telling the touching tale of two boys who both experience their sexual awakening in the Argentine wetlands of Esteros. When homophobia forces them apart, distance and family contempt for homosexuality leads Matías to deny his friend, and ultimately, himself. More than ten years later, Matías (Joaquín Parada) and Jerónimo (Blas Finardi Niz), return to Esteros the recapture their love for each other. In writer-director, Tim Kirkman’s equally entertaining erotic romance Lazy Eye, passions re-ignite and secrets surface when a pensively handsome graphic designer (Lucas Near-Verbrugghe) reconnects with the great, lost love of his life (Aaron Costa Ganis), whom he had a serious fling with 15 years before, for a weekend tryst at a house in the desert near Joshua Tree. Writer and director Rob Williams’s Shared Rooms is cleverly written and very cute and funny, telling the story of three gay couples grappling with life, love, and children. However, there is drama lurking in the background. Frank Turner (David Vaughn) is in town to look for his long-lost kidnapped brother, and Cal’s (Alec Manley Wilson) gay nephew Blake (a very good and natural Eric Allen Smith) arrives after having been kicked out of his parent’s house. Andrew Haigh was one of the producers and writers on the two seasons of the first-rate HBO TV series Looking, about a group of gay friends living in San Francisco, and he directed and wrote Looking: The Movie; concluding the story of three friends. Brillliant!
Mag 39
ON STAGE
LETS GO TO THE THEATRE WITH DANIEL DERCKSEN At the Kalk Bay Theatre, award winning ventriloquist Conrad Koch brings an hour of puppet mayhem from 12 – 16 Sept; The satirical, multi-sketch State Fracture (3 – 28 Oct); and you can immerse yourself into the greatest micro dance circus in Africa, Caliente - Circo De Danza (From 21 Nov), a magical show inspired by heat. www. kalkbaytheatre.co.za / 021 788 7257
TSWANE There are two exciting Afrikaans productions on at The State Theatre: Jannes Erasmus’ Vir.Ander (30 Aug – 24 Sept at the Arena) is a new South African drama that deals with masculinity, and shines a light on homosexuality, what that means, the controversy of how it is perceived and how families take it on; and Die Reuk Van Appels (1 – 24 Sept at the Momentum) is based on Mark Behr celebrated novel, dealing with a young man’s coming of age during the 70s in South Africa and features a superb performance from Gideon Lombard. www.statetheatre.co.za / 012 392 4000
JOBURG At the Joburg Theatre the special 5th Anniversary concert of Simply Broadway (1 – 3 Sept) pays tribute to the greatest musicals of all time. King Kong The Musical (12 Sept – 8 Oct) is set to the wildly exhilarating music of Todd Matshikiza and tells the story of heavyweight fifties boxing champion Ezekiel Dlamini, whose self-appointed ring name was “King Kong”; Snow White The Ballet (13 – 22 Oct) features all the wonder and magic of this much loved fairytale to the music of Shostakovich; and Janice Honeyman’s thirtieth annual festive season pantomime, Pinocchio (11 Nov – 30 Dec) stars Tobie Cronjé as the woodcarver Geppetto, André Schwartz as Il Fortunato, the Fox, and Kanyi Nokwe as Pinocchio. www.joburgtheatre.com / 011 877 6800 At Sandton’s Theatre On The Square Freud’s Last Session (22 Aug to 16 Sept) tells of the meeting between author and former atheist C.S. Lewis and Dr. Sigmund Freud; an aging Cuban fisherman struggles with a giant marlin in The Old Man And The Sea (19 Sept to 7 Oct), based on Ernest Hemingway short story; Jane Wagner’s comedic one-woman play Search For Signs Of Intelligent Life On The Universe (9 – 28 Oct) and The House Of Truth (31 Oct to 18 Nov) tells of Daniel Canodoce “Can” Themba, a writer most famous for being the assistant editor of the Drum Magazine in the fifties. www. theatreonthesquare.co.za / 011 883 8606 At the Teatro At Montecasino ballet fans can indulge in Russia’s critically acclaimed St Petersburg Ballet’s two, full length, Mag 40
Cathy and Trolley Dollies full throttle is on at Gate 69 until 7 October - Macbeth The Adult Panto (25 Oct to 30 Dec) isn’t Shakespeare the way you remember it who could forget those three w(b)itches… gate69.co.za / 021 035 1627 Gideon Lombard - Die Reuk Van Appels Tchaikovsky favourites, Swan Lake (14 – 19 Sept), and The Nutcracker (22 – 24 Sept); and lovers of musical theatre will enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical Evita (14 Oct to 26 Nov), with Emma Kingston as the First Lady of Argentina, and Jonathan Roxmouth as Che and Robert Finlayson makes a welcome return to the stage as Peron. www.pietertoerien.co.za / 011 511 1988 At the Montecasino Studio, the fiercely funny, at times raw, always selfdeprecating Jervis Pennington – An Extraordinarily Ordinary Life (20 Sept to 15 Oct) is a musical memoir written, composed and performed by Pennington; and Ian Von Memerty’s A Handful Of Keys, The most successful revue in the history of SA returns from 22 Nov to 14 Jan featuring Roelof Colyn and James Smith. 011 511 1988
CAPE TOWN At Theatre On The Bay the awardwinning hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong (1-18 November) is a celebration of the best of live theatre… and the worst as accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call, with hilarious consequences! www. pietertoerien.co.za / 021 438 3301 At the Artscape Theatre Centre you can see an International Ballet Gala (2 – 3 Sept), featuring dancers from Europe, the United States, Russia and Asia, dancing a variety of ballet pas de deux; and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society will be staging The Wizard Of Oz at the Artscape Opera from 16 Sept to 8 Oct. www.artscape.co.za / 021 410 9800
A brand new, all South African production of Shakespeare in Love will be on at the Fugard Theatre from 10 Oct to 25 Nov. www.thefugard.com / 021 461 4554 Hosted by top South African comedienne Mel Jones and Piky Pokus from Argentina, super star acts lined up in the new international cirque production - Enchanted (1 September to mid Oct 2017) It takes place at P3 parking in Green Point, in front of the Cape Town Stadium (opposite McDonald’s). visit www. EnchantedCirque.com / 074 422 2888
THE KAROO Escape to the tranquillity of Prince Albert in the heart of the Karoo and experience theatre at its best: In September you can see guitarist on vocalist Leon Gropp (9/9), Coenie de Villiers (16/9), Raoul and Natalie Chapman (23/9) and Tonya Koenderman (30/9); in October there’s The Showroom’s Got Talent (28/10), and in November you can share some laughs with Nic Rabinowitz (4/11) and music with Elna van der Merwe (25/11). www. showroomtheatre.co.za / 023 5411 563
DURBS At The Playhouse Company the annual showcase is Shall We Dance, and will be on 8 – 17 Sept. www.playhousecompany. com / 031 369 9555
PE Tap your toes to all the hits as you explore the life of the King of Rock `n Roll in The Wonder of You: The story of Elvis at the Guild Theatre from 6-7 October. www. guildtheatre.co.za /043 743 0704 For more information, visit Let’s go to the Theatre on Facebook or visit www.writingstudio.co.za
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