Feathers Awards 2019– We Are You

The 11^th annual Feather Awards took place last night in downtown Johannesburg, and as always, it looked like they delivered a memorable evening. Unfortunately yours truly couldn't attend the awards ceremony that was replete with electrifying performances, moving acceptance speeches and tributes made to a range of personalities and institutions – activists, performing artists, sports people, and media organisations who were lauded for flying the LGBTIQ+ flag high, as well as being an inspiring, amusing, admirable, scandalous or noteworthy personality.

“This year’s event demonstrated the importance of establishing and maintaining a voice that represents the LGBTIQ+ community” comments co-founder of the Feathers, Thami Kotlolo. “We are a large and diverse community, and the work that The Feather Awards does is part of the dialogue on issues affecting our community. Every year, the Feathers commits itself to doing more work that articulates what the community is dealing with. The ongoing LGBTIQ+ dialogues in rural and peri-urban communities across South Africa collaboration with other advocacy organisations are an exemplar of the kind of work we’re about. Tonight, we celebrate in a lighthearted way, while recognizing the important work that’s being done. 11 years on, we’re still standing strong”

The Feather Awards have become synonymous with outstanding stage performances, and 2019’s event did not disappoint. The Mzansi Gay Choir delivered their trademark rousing vocals, and Busiswa brought the heat to the stage. Langa Mavuso and Berita gave a moving tribute to Queer Love, and Moonchild and Nokwazi brought the house down with their finale number.

Ever inspiring, the Simon Nkoli Award and the African Feather of the Year trophy went to two inspiring voices from the community, Justice Edward Cameron and Namibian Linda Magano Baumann, a Human Rights and Communications Activist, respectively. "We are Africans, we are proud Queer Africans" - Sa

Feather Awards 2019 - Winners List

Best Styled Individual –

LootLove

Hunk of the Year –

Rich Mnisi

Hot Chick of the Year –

Krayzi K

Sports Personality of the Year –

Thembi Kgatlana – Banyana Banyana & Beijing BG Phoenix F.C. (China)

Best Rainbow Parenting –

Felicia Leqela – Lumko Johnsons mother

Best LGBTIQ Student Movement –

University of Johannesburg - LGBTI SWC Society

Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Public Sector

Gauteng Department of Community Safety – LGBTI Sensitization Training of Law Enforcement Agencies

Best LGBTIQ Initiative: Private Sector

Shell SA - LGBT Network

Simon Nkoli Award –

Judge Edwin Cameroon

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year –

Bonnie Mbuli

Media Award of the Year.

We’re Queer My Dear (online web series - YouTube)

Social Media Personality Of the Year –

Dr Sindi Van Zyl

Cutest Couple –

Dineo Moeketsi & Solo

Role model of the Year –

Major Mandisa Mfeka – SA Air Force, Fighter Pilot

Drama Queen –

Bujy & Nandos

Socialite –

Mihlali Ndamase

Musician –

Busiswa

Fag hag of the Year –

Penny Lebyane

Simon Nkoli Award – Justice Edwin Cameron

African Feather Of Year –

Linda Magano Baumann – Namibian Human Rights & Communications activist