Despite waiting months for service providers to be fully paid, the show must go on. Nominees for the 17th annual Feather Awards have been announced.
In a close-knit gathering hosted at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including allies, creatives, and public figures, came together for the reveal of the nominees.
This year’s theme is “Pause, Look, and Listen to Your Heart,” which encourages every individual to live by their truth.
Founded by Activist, entrepreneur, and media personality Thami “Dish” Kotlolo, the awards have faced many adversities, including the scarcity of funding.
Not missing a beat
Service providers have still not been paid for last year’s event, hosted on November 7 at The Sheds in Joburg. They recently shared their concerns with Sunday World.
Kotlolo confirmed the matter would be resolved, and that nothing will stop the awards from taking place.
“Nothing will stop the biggest queer awards from taking place,” he said.
“Come what may, we will go ahead. We have dealt with many challenges in the past, but the show will go on,” he said.
“The Feather Awards have been a beacon of hope for many people in the queer community to be heard. We need to make sure with the little we have, we continue to bring about change. Our service providers have been supportive and understanding throughout the years. And they would never leave us in the dark, and we are grateful.”
Not just about the glitz and glam
Kotlolo said while they love the glamour and the fashion, the awards have always been the heartbeat of a movement.
He emphasised that the feathers are not just about fashion and photographic moments.
“In a time where the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, we are a platform that doesn’t just celebrate. We agitate, educate, and work towards a safer and more equitable South Africa for all.”
The Nominees for this year’s Feathers are …
Hunk of the Year
- Troy Malange
- FreshbyCaddy
- Prince Beez
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
- Lilian Dube
- Kefilwe Mabote
- Jojo Robinson
Hot Chick of the Year
- Natasha Joubert
- Luyanda Zuma
- Caylene
Social Media Personality of the Year
- Zaca Dominic
- Shoun B
- Thobi Mashitiso
Best Styled Individual
- Kagiso Mogola
- Mordecai
- Mawhoo
Sports Personality of the Year
- Refiloe Jane
- Andile Dlamini
- Dirkie Chamberlin
Musician of the Year
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Craig Lucas
- Mawhoo
Fag Hag of the Year
- Busiswa (Honorary Recipient)
Role Model of the Year
- Lee-che Janecke (Honorary Recipient)
Media Award of the Year
- Netflix (Honorary Recipient)
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector
- The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill (Honorary Recipient)
Global Feather of the Year
- Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
- Zandile Mabaso (Honorary Recipient)
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector
- Nedbank #PrideAtWork (Honorary Recipient)
African Feather of the Year
- John Meletsi
Simon Nkoli Award
- Luiz De Barros
