Innholdsfortegnelse for Edition 2 of 4 2023 i Gay Pages

Globally the world is celebrating Pride, which starts in June and ends in February in the Southern Hemisphere. Sadly, many companies seek the pink spotlight for a few brief moments on stage, but this means little in the lives of our rainbow community in South Africa where we have dealt with decades of discrimination across all racial groups and demographics. Gay white males have experienced the worst kind of discrimination in South Africa during Apartheid and during the new ANC Apartheid that gave birth in the 90’s. Sadly, Nelson Mandela’s dream of a rainbow nation never came to life as much as we all wanted it and the world wanted to believe in our non-racial ideology. Thirty years later and billions down the drain of corruption we can no longer…

Anyone who knows me will know that I am not politically correct, so be warned; this will not be a politically correct article and you may even be “triggered” and “offended” by some of the things I will opine about. Have you noticed how, over the years, the acronym LGBT (which was commonplace in the past) is continuously growing, almost daily. The latest acronym is now LGBTQIA+ and according to literature about this topic, the acronym is “evolving”. So, one can expect this acronym to continue to grow, as indicated by the “+”. In so doing, the implication is that we are all united in the same fights and interests. Initially gay rights and related issues gained traction internationally, particularly since Stonewall in 1969. Indeed lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender,…

As a little boy I had less of a sweet tooth than most kids. Milk tart and koeksisters were two exceptions that I adored, and my mother wisely would keep a strict eye on either should they end up in the fridge where they would be placed as high as possible to keep them out of my reach. As a four-year-old I called milk tart, “melk-te-perd” to the amusement of my much older sisters and parents. None of us ever got much pocket money, but we all received music tuition and our little house would be filled with the sounds of piano, organ, violin, and piano accordion. I was always thinking of ways to make money and at the age of seven asked my dad if we should not have…

If you have an idea to turn your passion into profit, take the leap and be ruthless, but do this within the safety net of your current job. Put in those extra hours. This shows courage and true business spirit. Make sure you are financially stable before you give up income. Also ensure you learn about the industry. Benchmark other successes and know everything there is to know about your product and remember, writing a strategic business plan will be the blueprint of your success. Furthermore, nothing survives without a marketing strategy and a clear goal. Know your audience. Watch your future competitors online and do not shy away from asking someone who shares your passion what their secret to success is. You have nothing to lose. One more gem…

The love of collecting, clutter and chaos. SO, NOW I’M POKING THE DRAGON… As mentioned previously, I am a packrat. Shopping, for me, is better than sex and I love the high of finding something while out antiquing (yes, it is a thing!), or bidding online. My partner and the bank manager both disapprove of my habits, but meh. It makes me happy. Currently I am filling out three dinner sets that I just love. One is Indian Tree, great for Indian dinners, the other two are both blue and white, my late mum’s favourite colours for just about anything. Spode Italian is an odd, but charming design, while Blue Willow is so common even Checkers used to stock it. It’s all in the hunt, not the ultimate goal of…

André de Beer who used to be a CemAir pilot, provided an incredible photo of a CemAir plane, and a spectacular quote by Leonardo Da Vinci, “When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth air with your eyes turned skyward. For there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” Plettenberg Bay was named after the Dutch governor, Baron Joachim van Plettenberg who toured the region in 1778. Today, the area is an incredibly popular part of the Garden Route. We started on a high note at Luka Vineyards a family-owned and operated boutique vineyard that indulged us with superb wines matched to a Babette’s Feast lunch. Having travelled to Plett for years I was pleasantly surprised by all the new experiences which…

ALAN SAMONS Alan is an inexhaustible maker – from writing, to painting, sculpting, making jewellery and working with a variety of other media, including ceramics and restoring Asian scrolls and ceramics. When not making ‘stuff’ he can be found with his nose in a book (non-fiction, of course!). CHRIS AVANT-SMITH Chris is a DA councillor for the city of Johannesburg. He started his career in the film and modelling industries, segued into HIV counselling, care and policy formation. Chris is currently the host of the T-Health Radio Show. He holds a degree in metaphysics and diplomas in broadcasting and human resource management. HENRY BANTJEZ Henry is trained in cognitive behavioural therapy and is a clinical psychologist. He has a passion for writing articles on a variety of topics for various…

A SOFT LANDING | Wisani Mushwana | Kwela Books | 9780795710803 | R325 Andzani is an emotionally distant accountant on a Grindr binge, with an unresolved attachment to someone from his past. For him, home has always been a site of anxiety. Andzani’s community of Mbambamencisi becomes a shadow in his Cape Town life that holds him hostage to the violence he thought he could escape. An unexpected trip to his childhood community forces him to pay attention to long-repressed memories. A powerful coming-of-age story about a boy from rural Limpopo who must find ways to manage loss and to become fully himself as a gay man. THE SECRET LIVES OF COUNTRY GENTLEMEN | KJ Charles | Sourcebooks Casablanca | 9781728255859 | R391 Bridgerton meets Poldark in this sweeping Regency…

Though I do have a day job, I have a few hobbies/side hustles that I absolutely love with a tremendous passion. Even though I don’t really make much money, every so often a windfall happens, for which I am incredibly grateful. I’ve been collecting Asian antiques since the early 1990s and was taught by my friend and mentor, Bernie Stanko, how to mount old scroll paintings and calligraphies, which I absolutely enjoy, even though it is a laborious process. Part of the enjoyment is working with the old scrolls, but also choosing new silk mounts and putting it all together. Kintsugi – the art of mending broken ceramics with gold – is an art form I started dabbling in a few years ago and I’ve developed my own ‘shorthand’ technique,…

It’s a simple question. Does a celebrity need to be publicly out and proud in order to do gay stuff? According to lots of angry Twitter users, absolutely yes. The argument is that anyone participating in queer culture – especially when there’s profit and fame involved – who hasn’t declared their sexual identity, is a queerbaiter. At first glance, it’s a perfectly clear and concise response. But like anything that has the word ‘queer’ in it, the answer is much more complex than it initially seems. Queerbaiting as a concept has changed meaning over time – thanks, in no small part, to social media and the Gen Zs. Ten years ago, gay baiting referred to the practice of insinuating that someone was gay using coded language, with the aim of…

This means that aging is really just a number (for those blessed enough to be healthy). Let me explain. Your birthday is coming up and suddenly you find yourself depressed and worried about the future. You fixate on your finances (or lack thereof), and your relationship (or lack thereof), you start contemplating religion (fear of death) and start re-evaluating your social interactions (friendship circles become smaller as you start to value your time more, unless you feel lonely, where you then will be more likely to draw greater support from newfound friendships and community organisations). And best not to forget to mention health, sex, and your physique (you either intend to eat healthier, have better sex, or go to gym, or you are at peace with who you are). At…

What if you could find a gin that speaks to both your taste palette and your mood. With Whitley Neill Gin you can pick from the rainbow. Boasting seven unique flavours in a kaleidoscope of colours, finding one to enjoy in a classic G&T or experimental cocktail has never been this easy! Try Raspberry, Blackberry, Blood Orange, Lemongrass & Ginger or Original London dry-style gin. And for an Africaninspired tipple try Aloe & Cucumber, a vibrant, yet complex gin distilled with fresh and earthy cucumber and aloe that is endemic to the Karoo, or wet your lips with the distinctly purple Protea & Hibiscus gin that fuses protea and hibiscus flowers into a smooth, floral gin that is produced and sold exclusively in South Africa. Whitley Neill Gin is available…

But let’s not lose sight of the fact that Kapoor’s creative output extends beyond Vantablack. He’s made some genuinely amazing pieces over the years, like Cloud Gate in Chicago’s Millennium Park, a large, mirrored bean-shaped sculpture that’s become an icon of the city. And despite the controversy, there’s something undeniably captivating about Vantablack. It’s a colour that defies explanation and challenges our perceptions of what’s possible in art. Whether or not Kapoor is the best person to use it is up for debate, but there’s no denying that he’s made an impact. Find your true colours at Plascon.…

The Whale (iTunes) With Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink Director: Darren Aronofsky Prepare yourself for one of the most exhausting, devastating and troubling films you will see this year. Brendan Fraser won an Oscar for the taxing role of a gay obese man who started eating and stuffing himself after a disaster. The scenes of him being holed up in a claustrophobic flat, the arguments with his wayward daughter, and his deepest thoughts which will reverberate in your mind. It makes this one a demanding, draining film. But those who visit poor imprisoned Charlie may never forget him. Based on a true story. My Policeman (iTunes) With Harry Styles and Emma Corrin Director: Michael Grandage Admirers of Harry Styles, who definitely plays up to his gay fans if you study…

aussieBum is the iconic Australian brand that has revolutionised men’s swimwear and underwear since 2001. Proudly designed and crafted in Australia, aussieBum has been offering a wide range of men’s underwear, swimwear, and clothing the world over. From vibrant swim trunks to technology-packed briefs and trunks, aussieBum combines premium quality and perfect fit with cuttingedge designs to boost your assets and your confidence. With a 100% satisfaction guarantee, a 90 day return policy and shipping directly from Sydney, Australia to South Africa, everyone can embrace the spirit of Australia today at www.aussieBum.com.…

That is what darted through my mind whilst the illicit pillage on Camp David Private Gay Bar continued on Saturday 18 March 2023, proving above all perplexity, homophobia is well and alive amongst some of the highest ranks in the SAPS and their few same thinking submissive subordinates. Although South Africa globally derives admiration on Section 9 (3) of 1996 of our Constitution, within South Africa it is clear large parts of our society, many church groups and certain SAPS members, particularly this horde from Garsfontein SAPS, very much adopt to ignore gay rights in every way. The entire nation is well aware of the incompetence of SA Police Services from ground level up to the top brass – in particular allegedly the minister of SAPS, as clearly demonstrated by…

This behaviour is sometimes called “bi-curious” or “hetero-flexible.” To say the least, human sexuality is complex, multifaceted, and nuanced. Some things are just hot. Sometimes, to a straight man, seeing another straight guy jerking off is hot. Your precise sexuality doesn’t necessarily pivot around each and every sexual scenario you find arousing. It is important to note sexual behaviour and sexual orientation are two separate things and should not be confused with each other. Therefore, a person’s sexual behaviour does not necessarily indicate their sexual orientation. A person’s sexual orientation is determined by their underlying romantic and/or sexual attraction to other individuals — male or female. Some straight men engage in sex with other men for a variety of reasons, such as curiosity, experimentation, or as part of a “bromance”…

In ancient Greek mythology, Anubis was the doglike god of the afterlife, and every eleventh year in the twelve-year Chinese Zodiac cycle is dedicated to our canine companions. You might not use them to make fur coats, but they’re our protective partners, loyal friends and in many cases, lifesavers. Here’s why we often tolerate our dogs’ drama more than that of our human friends. Dogs have stood the test of taming better than most big carnivores have, whether it’s tigers on a gold leash, or lions posing gracefully next to an Egyptian pharaoh wearing more makeup than an All Stars drag queen lip syncing for her legacy. They have adapted, evolved and have been domesticated not only to fit our furniture, but also to serve our needs; to protect, accompany…