Gay pageant to be held in Joburg amid controversy

01 March 2012 - 13:38 By Khulekani Magubane
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The putting up of a billboard for the Mr Gay World competition in Johannesburg could be seen as a sign of the times, but has been met with mixed reactions.

The billboard up on the M1 South in Johannesburg.
The billboard up on the M1 South in Johannesburg.
The billboard up on the M1 South in Johannesburg.
The billboard up on the M1 South in Johannesburg.

In this years competition to be held in South Africa, there will for the first time be black finalists competing for the title of Mr. Gay World.

It would have been the first time that the African continent has four finalists in the competition.

However, Mr Gay Zimbabwe, Taurai Zhanje was forced to withdraw from the competition because of Zimbabwe community pressure.

Zimbabwean homosexuals endure great hostility in their communities and homosexual activity is illegal in Zimbabwe.

President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe slammed British Prime Minister, David Cameron’s call for Zimbabwe to accept homosexuality.

Organisers of Mr Gay World released a press statement on the issue.

“We are sad to lose Taurai, but in Africa, the personal sacrifice for gay and human rights is sometimes too much to expect from people.” said Coenie Kukkuk, the director of Mr. Gay World Africa.

Gay rights organisation, Behind The Mask expressed support and concern for Zhanje after his withdrawal.

“We cannot say we are disappointed in him because he must ensure his personal safety. It is sad that it happened this way safety is more important than anything else.” said Lesego Tlhwale.

Locally, Thlwale believes more needs to be done practically in getting local communities to accept homosexuals.

Behind The Mask hopes that Mr Gay World will have a positive effect on the way local communities see gays.

Local youth Yandisa Masela said she believe gays have a right to live as they wish and believes being gay is not a choice.

“I don’t have a problem with gays. I think some of them are born that way. Here in South Africa it’s legal to be gay so I’m quite okay with it.” said Masela.

Thabiso Molefe agrees that gays have right, he believes sexuality is a matter of choice.

“A matter like sexuality is a matter of choice. I think stereotypes and old beliefs have led to certain views today. It doesn’t bother me. Why should one person’s sexuality and personal life affect the next person?” said Molefe.

“In South Africa we have the constitution, but that is just on paper. Community perceptions of gays have not changed. Gays and lesbians are still being attacked, killed and ridiculed in our country.” Tlhwale explained.

A journalist for The Times spoke to people in Johannesburg, asking their opinions on the competition.

Twenty year old Kelvin Jansen is not against the competition and feels that gays rights are protected by the constitution.

“It doesn’t matter to me. I’m straight but I know some gay people. I don’t mind it because a person has a right to live as they see fit. But the event is irrelevant to me because I’m not gay.” said Jansen.

Tshepo Kotale, 20, said she supports the competition and Mr. Gay Zimbabwe fully.

“I understand Zhanje’s plight because many people are victimised for publicly being gay and it was quite brave of him to take the stand. I support the pageant fully.” said Kotale.

Other African finalists in the competition are Robel Hailu from Ethiopia, Wendelinus Hamutenya from Namibia and Lance Weyer from South Africa.

The competition will take place in Johannesburg from 4 - 8 April at various venues namely Askari Game Lodge and Spa, The Fairway Hotel in Randburg with the Grand Finale on 8 Apr at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City.

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