by Sicka ‘Sharon’ Mthunzi
What a “turn up” as we say when an event is supported by many. People came in all shapes and sizes, from the ladies in their gorgeous dresses to the gentleman with their smart casual wear. Not forgetting laba bebashaye umswenko hah bahle abantu emzansi jealous down.
On the 28th of August 2015 we touched down at Two Tone Lounge where I was crowning the next Mr Lesbian Daveyton 2015 King. The crowd was there, the gay contestants were there as always, but as usual, butch lesbians and trans men were less. To my fellow brothers (as we call each other), we need to understand that the main reason behind entering these pageants is that it’s not about winning. It is about building self-esteem, confidence, image and creating awareness.
The reasons why we are always side-lined from society is that we also don’t come out as the beautiful/handsome, intelligent, capable and innovative people that we are. I mean we need to show the world that our sexuality doesn’t mean we are not capable of being in boardrooms, senior positions and etc. What I have noticed is that most people think the only jobs we are capable of doing is hair dressing and fashion designing. While some of us party and drink as a career, and it’s not supposed to be like that, anyway back to the pageant.
From L-R: Refilwe Pitso, Vuvu Mtsweni (seated in front, 2015 Mr Lesbian Daveyton) and Lebo Magaela. Sicka Mthunzi (standing at the back) after the crowning of the 2015 Mr & Miss Gay Lesbian Daveyton. Photos by Lindeka Qampi
As the crowd waited impatiently the gentleman got ready for their first attire, there were only three of them, Refilwe Pitso, Lebogang Magaela (Mr lesbian 2013) and Vuyelwa “Vuvu” Mtsweni. Due to the shortage of lesbians, the organiser Lesiba Mothibe, decided that the lesbians will contest alone and crown the king, then after that, the gays and transwomen will compete. My boys as I call them went in while I escorted them to the run way. They impressed the crowd with their different attires, which was creativity, tradition and formal.
Before the crowning, I entered the stage with a performance with the modeling team and my cousin Nontuthuzelo Mduba, who was the 1st Prince in 2013. It was fun modeling again, even though at first we had a bit of a breakdown but we managed to polish it, after all, these things happen. Our wonderful judges were ready to announce the winner.
The 2nd Prince was taken by Refilwe, the 1st Prince was Lebogang and Vuyelwa was a well-deserved King.
I respect Vuyelwa because she has been entering these pageants not expecting to win nor lose but to have fun and celebrate being queer. I couldn’t document due to me moving up and down and assisting the contestants. To all those who enter pageants, to me you are all winners because at the end of the day it takes guts to be in front of a crowd.
L-R: Funo Dlangamandla (2nd Princess), Somizy Sincwala (2015 Miss Gay Daveyton winner), Sakki Leota (1st Princess) and Kgomotso Mashapha (the 2014 Miss Gay Daveyton winner in red).
We were blessed with two amazing MC’s the lovely Xoli Lewinski and gorgeous Labels kept the crowd entertained. The ladies were ready and they dragged their way to the run way looking beautiful with their exotic and unique outfits. Nathi Dlamini took the Miss Personality title, our 2nd Princess was Funo Ndlangamandla, the 1st Princess was Sakki Leota, and our Queen, Somizy Sincwala.
We were entertained by our very own Dj Puggy and blessed with drag performances by Kat, Xolani and JacobsJones.
The support from the community was surprisingly wonderful and I wish this initiative is good for our LGBTI image and it also brings the positive side in our lives. For all those who risk their lives going to spaces that danger their lives, I say come support initiatives like this for it brings joy to many, rather than us fighting and crying over hate crimes.
I wish we could have a lot of people like Lesiba who help create awareness through entertainment. If she didn’t give people the platform, I don’t think Sicka would be so great. Entering pageants helped me a lot and I must say it helps calm my nerves before getting on stage.
Related link
2015 Aug. 30: Losing and regaining self love
and
2014 Oct. 13: The most exquisite Miss & Mr Gay Daveyton 2014
and
2013 Sept. 15: Lack of SA Queer History knowledge at the Miss & Mr Gay Daveyton
