The South African Feather Awards has taken it a bit far but in a fashionable way. The highly contested category for this year’s installment of the awards is Diva Extraordinaire. Since its inception, the controversial Feather Awards recognises and celebrates the LGBTIQ+ community and the icon personalities and achievers who inspire the community at large.
And the contestants are in order of appearance TV personality, style icon and entrepreneur Bonang Matheba followed radio personality and Idols SA’s favourite judge Somizi Mhlongo. The list is tightly closed with actress and author Bonnie Mbuli. Who will reign supreme?
For the Role Model of The Year they feature Landa Mabenge, the dude who wrote the inspirational Transgender Memoir ‘Becoming Him’, also nominated is the founder of Gender Dynamix Liberty Glenton Matthyse and the queen of air Mandisa Mfeka.
Another interesting category is the Cutest Couple of the Year and the nominees are Moshe Ndiki and Phelo Bala, whose romance took Mzansi by storm. Next is the power couple Sylvester Chauke and Tumelo Mmusi, including the Queens’ Dineo and rapper Solo Langa.
The Media Outlet of The Year Award is for those media outlets that make sure that the LGBTIQ stories are and the nominees are 1 Magic TV’s One Night with My Ex, Inkanyiso.org and We are Queer my Dear.
The Best LGBTIQ Initiative (Private Sector) Award, these are companies that strive for LGBTIQ inclusive in their workplace and have since launched initiatives that support their LGBTIQ and community. These awesome nominees are Shell South Africa, Nike, and Unilever South Africa.
An additional category is the Best LGBTIQ Initiative in the public sector, these are the public providers who have openly supported the LGBTIQ through their amazing initiatives. Nominated in this category Gauteng Community Safety, Department of Health and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller.
The award for Best Rainbow mothers is Mally Simelane who sadly passed on this year, followed by Felicia Leqela and the mother of Moshe and Phelo, Nomalinde Ndiki and Nokuzola Bala.
The other categories are Sports Personality of The Year, Hot Chick of The Year, Hunk of The Year, Best Styled Individual of The Year, Fag Hang of The Year, Musician of The Year, Socialite of The Year, Best LGBTIQ Student Movement and Drama Queen of The Year.
This year’s Feather Awards will be hosted by Moshe Ndiki and Rami Chuene and the awards will take place on October 17.