Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter/Spring Edition 2020 - Edition 96 i Gay Pages

Contrary to what the title of this article might suggest, I do not traffic in essentialist identity politics. For the record, when I meet someone for the first time I assess him, her or they (if that’s their preferred gender pronoun) on the quality of their character, the contours and intricacies of their individual personality and ultimately what he, she or they stands for. Race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status are merely extraneous data points – that while certainly noted – do not colour (no pun intended) my perception of who an individual is at their core. And I expect, nay, demand the same in return. The fact that I am a proud gay man of Indian extraction is merely incidental or ancillary to my identity. Meaning…

BAD BRAIN GAINS A recent, small study from Ohio State University indicates eating a single meal high in saturated fats may hamper your ability to mentally focus. Ordering a cheeseburger and fries might literally be a dumb move, new research suggests. Saturated fats are found in red meat, dairy products and tropical oils, including coconut and palm. They can raise cholesterol and clog arteries. The study looked at what short-term effect a single meal might have and discovered the participants scored 11% lower on a computer test after they had eaten the saturated-fat meal than they had after eating the unsaturated-fat meal made with sunflower oil. In their journal article, the researchers said earlier studies have shown long-term consumption of a high-fat diet can affect thinking skills. The study doesn’t…

The Endurance Dive sits at the upper end of JBL’s Endurance in-ear sports headphone range, being swimming headphones, the Endurance Dive are IPX7 water-resistant and designed with underwater comfort in mind, using JBL’s TwistLock technology to ensure they stay snugly in place at all times. They have a built-in MP3 player with 1GB of storage, meaning you can store up to 200 songs on the headphones. However, when you’re not in the pool they can also connect via Bluetooth to any compatible device. A single touch button on the right earbud allows you to control your music and also enables for hands-free calling. Expect to pay R1999. www.jbl.co.za CYBER SECURITY OUR PRIORITY Cyber security might not seem like emerging technology, given that it has been around for a while, but…

BMW UNVEILS PRIDE WRAP This year was marked the 50th anniversary of the Pride Month. BMW decided to show its support on Twitter, by unveiling a special wrap on a BMW 8 Series Convertible. The 8 Series was wrapped in a very colorful scheme, replicating a rainbow. The post on Twitter also implied that some more surprises are to follow, saying: “Thrilled to officially unveil our 2020 BMW Pride wrap. Stay tuned to celebrate #Pride with us”. Whatever that means exactly remains to be seen, but BMW is known for taking part in such celebrations. Last year the company teamed up with Jonathan Adler for the NYC Pride March. The creator had a white BMW M850i at his disposal to dress up as he liked and his final take on…

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT63 S The third most powerful AMG that Mercedes-Benz produces has definitely earned this podium standing thanks to its sledgehammer engine. All four wheels are seamlessly powered by a twin turbo V8 powertrain, which produces enough torque alone to keep Eskom out of the dark. Although on the heavy side of the scale, along with a heavy price tag, this AMG brute does not lack any agility or strength when stretching the rev counter needle, it is the equivalent of a body builder who can outrun Hussain Bolt, while carrying him on his shoulders. The body design has an elegant presence, flowing lines front bonnet to back, yet still maintains a menacing presence with the large aggressive air intakes in the front bumper. A high standard is kept…

In the late ‘80s, when I burst onto the Joburg scene, the clubs were our homes and fellow gay people were our family. For me, at least, that was true. My childhood wasn’t easy – my mum did her best, but I suffered psychological abuse from my father. The highlight of my early adult life was the clubs. In those days, being gay was still very much taboo. Illegal, as well. The only time we could really, truly be ourselves, was at the clubs. My haunt was the Dungeon. It became my escape, and I soon found a circle of friends who were to become my gay family. My sisters. It was very much a time of segregation, but at the clubs, we didn’t feel that. Though there were not…

After sampling the new Corolla sedan which is the flagship of a family of vehicles, I requested a retest of the Quest in order to better understand the vast range of differences between siblings, which tick all the boxes from a consumer’s point of view. As a self-confessed hatchback fan, the sedan impressed me with technology, comfort and crowd appeal. Soon all three of our testers became used to this rather unusual crowd response to an extremely hot-looking car with technology to impress our geekiest petrolhead friends. If it were a Supra, we would have expected it, but frankly this Corolla crossed into new territory by creating excitement and a sense of anticipation not achieved before. Not a comforting thought for competitors I guess, as Toyota boasts the biggest dealer…

Porsche presents the new generation 911 Turbo S featuring unprecedented power, driving dynamics and comfort. Available in coupé and cabriolet form, the latest version of the two-door sports car delivers 650hp (478kW). A new 3,8-litre boxer engine with two VTG turbochargers is the beating heart of the car and delivers 70hp (51kW) more than its predecessor. The maximum torque now reaches 800Nm (an increase of 50Nm). The Turbo-specific eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) cuts the sprint from zero to 100km/h to 2,7 seconds (a decrease of 0,2 seconds), while the top speed is unchanged at 330km/h. The dimensions of the 911 Turbo S have increased significantly in line with its enhanced driving dynamics. The body is now 45mm wider above the front axle at a total width of 1840mm and 20mm…

I migrated north 28 years ago from Cape Town instead of south like most sensible people have done in Africa for 500 years. Bidding farewell to my charming HR comfort zone that I succumbed to in Cape Town was not easy, but my sister Denise had just been diagnosed with a tennis ball-sized brain tumour. Life threatening emergency surgery was required and I sensed that my life was about to change permanently. Leaving the safety net of my cocoonist Capetonian lifestyle that incorporated a white picket fence and grey corporate comfort appeared quixotic to my friends. I was in an office on the docks with talkative seals outside, and enjoyed access to research that anybody in HR would dream about. However, my stable five-year old relationship with a good looking…

BLOEMFONTEIN BARS & CLUBS THE BIRDCAGE Open Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 12h00 - 02h00. 6 Abrahamskraal Road, Bloemfontein Tel: 084 298-7729 STUDENT SOCIETY Out@kovsies Admin.outatkovsies@gmail.com CAPE TOWN BARS & CLUBS ALEXANDER BAR Bar café and theatre. 76 Strand Street. Tel: (021) 300-1088. www.alexanderbar.co.za BEAULAH BAR Bar with a lounge and a dance floor. Open from 21h00-04h00, Fri, Sat, and eve of public holidays. 24 Somerset Rd. CREW BAR Stylish décor, gorgeous bartenders and top Cape Town DJs. 30 Napier Street, Green Point. Open Mon-Sun 19h00-04h00. CAFÉ MANHATTAN An enchanting gay bar and restaurant. Cafe Manhattan, est. 1994. At 74 Waterkant Street Cape Town. Tel: (021) 421-6666 ZER021 It’s not just about sexuality, personality or equality. It’s about being part of a movement 46 Canterbury Street, Zonnebloem. THE PINK PANTHER A…

COLLAGEN LIFT® PARIS MEN Male grooming just got easier as men are becoming more and more interested in anti-aging. Collagen Lift® Paris has developed a drinkable collagen just for men and which targets the areas men need most – skin, hair, stamina, energy and immunity. Collagen is vital for healthy skin and it keeps skin firm but supple. When young, high levels of collagen provide smooth, plump, glowing skin but as one ages the body produces less which leads to the visible signs of aging with wrinkles and sagging skin. But now that lost collagen can be replaced with Collagen Lift® Paris MEN, which is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 50% and increase the skin’s hydration and elasticity. Collagen Lift® Paris MEN also contains biotin, zinc, guarana,…

According to Jack Kittinger, senior director of the Global Fisheries and Aquaculture Program for Conservation International and professor of practice and Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Chair in Arizona State University’s Global Futures Laboratory and School of Sustainability, coral reefs are facing their own pandemic. For years, people have compromised the immunity of these ecosystems through pollution and overfishing. Meanwhile, climate change has created a fever in our oceans by raising temperatures and acidifying seas. The resulting outbreak has decimated approximately half of the world’s reefs. “This devastation is well known. What is less well known, and arguably more important, is that it’s not too late to save our remaining reefs. We can – and must – take action to save these vital ecosystems”, says Kittinger. By some estimates, coral reefs…

THE CURIOUS CASE OF CABO DESIGN Scratching a creative itch that’s been there even after more than 15 years in the interior design industry, Cathy Mill recently launched her vintage print brand called CABO DESIGN. Driven by her passion for the romanticism of the explorers, botanists and artists of yesteryear, CABO is an online curiosity cabinet of hundreds of illustrations. Think tropical birds, fabulous beasts, and unique botanicals. Besides the sheer wonderment of the resource, CABO’s printing and framing service is what sets them apart. www.cabodesign.net BASKING WITH BOFRED BOFRED is a Cape Town-based design studio whose latest collection, entitled BASK, is a unique reminiscence of both time and place. Finding inspiration from both the northern and southern regions of the African continent, BASK conjures up a mood of a…

Having experienced all the different A-Class models since 2004 on different tracks and skidpans, the mindboggling technological evolution of this extremely popular compact premium car has been astounding to observe. Last year Mercedes-Benz walked away with the coveted South African Car Of The Year trophy with their futuristic champion amongst extremely tough competitors. It made history by winning the South African Car Of The Year title as well as its category. Historically a first as categories were just introduced. As magnificent as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class performed its tango at Kyalami during the 2019 South African Car Of The Year competition, I was recently totally overwhelmed with the technical genius and superb racing performance of the Mercedes-AMG A 35 at Zwartkops Raceway. Getting this gem to misbehave on the skidpan soon…

VW TOUAREG 3,0 TDI Light on its feet with all the connectivity and an impressive fusion of assist, comfort, light and infotainment systems, the Touareg is easy to manoeuvre and quicker than anticipated due to 4-wheel steering. A fully digitalised cockpit with 12-inch display and 15-inch display merge to form a digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit. The Touareg has the largest range of assistance, handling and comfort systems ever to be integrated into a Volkswagen and includes an optional Night Vision assistance system. Within the luxurious interior of the Touareg the challenging conditions on the outside of the vehicle are easier to deal with. A massive panoramic sliding roof adds to the spacious ambiance and the atmosphere can be personalised with 30 light colours whose brightness can be…

LADY GAGA CHROMATICA Probably one of the most anticipated albums this year! After her last two albums that bounced between the experimental ARTPOP and then the folk-rock of Joanne, she returns with what can only be called a retro journey into 90s House music. There is not a single ballad in sight and will get you up and dancing from the first beat drop. It is amazing how she truly comes to her artistry when she “forgets” to focus on shocking people, but rather just get back to her roots and “just dance”. Her duet with Ariana Grande is pop magic and so is her venture into J-pop with Blackpink, but it is really her duet with Elton John Shine from above that steals the show! LOIC NOTTET SILLYGOMANIA Loic…

Netflix leads the way with the long-awaited Ryan Murphy version of the Matt Crowley-stage play, one of the first “proper” gay films made and a leader in that field in 1970, The Boys in the Band. The Exorcist’s William Friedkin bravely directed this ground-breaking film stating: “Today is Harold’s Birthday…” posing with a picture of a handsome young man next to him exclaiming: “and this is his present…” It was recently turned into a stage play in New York when it was revived, but was untimely halted due to the Covid pandemic. Now Murphy is giving his special elaborate, flamboyant and ultra-camp touch to this classic story of a group of over the top, but also serious gay men who get together for a party to end all parties. In…

BOBO’S BRASSERIE Mouille Point, Cape Town “Bobo” is a slang word for “hipster” in French, however, this is no earthy hangout for bearded bikers wearing overpriced second hand clothing. It is a sophisticated and beautifully designed restaurant that lets in light from everywhere, so you can enjoy the seascape, whilst creating an old-world feeling of elegance with its décor. Lush floral wallpaper, buttoned leather banquettes, open fireplace, bookshelves, velvet chairs, all that. On windy days the doorman insists he open the door for you every time and on sunny days the floor-to-ceiling windows are thrown open. The service is beyond exceptional and among the best you can experience in Cape Town. Diners can expect classically French inspired feature dishes, seasonal specials, and a choice of Chef’s plates from a changing…