TSHEPO TAKES MR GAY SA NORTH REGIONAL TITLE
Barry Meyer (left) and 1st runner-up Shannon Rex (right).
Tshepo Chuenyane has become the first black contestant to ever take a regional title in the Mr. Gay South Africa pageant.
Twenty seven year old Chuenyane was chosen by the judges as the winner in the North Regional leg of the national competition, held on Saturday night at the Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria.
The judges included Mambaonline.com editor Luiz DeBarros, Frank Malaba from Radio Today Outspoken and two finalists from 2009; first Runner-Up Jose Rodrigues and second Runner-Up Iggy Mnisi.
Chuenyane, who is a freelance makeup artist from Mamelodi, Pretoria, and has national diplomas in cosmetology and makeup artistry, says that his interests include reading and cooking.
He was followed by first runner-up Shannon Rex, who also goes on to become a finalist in the national gala event taking place in November.
The second runner-up was Barry Meyer and Henry van der Walt took the Mr. Personality title.
According to Mr Gay South Africa Director Coenie Kukkuk, the pageant has seen a doubling of entries this year by contestants of colour.
“I don’t believe in quotas, but this shows that we are naturally becoming more diverse and representative,” said Kukkuk.
Kukkuk also announced that the 2010 Mr. Gay South Africa final will take place on Friday 26 November at The Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef Casino in Johannesburg. Tickets can be booked on Computicket now.
criteria. I was at this hillarious pageant – it was a real hoax or perhaps a joke. WHat criteria did the judges use – I really think that the public deserves the truth about these money making shows because it can not be called a competition – \What role does style beauty body ect. play – Is only based on an interview or was it preplanned which would not amaze me. the top 10 line up was a shock and the winner only showed his body in the last round which was the underwear and qurte frankly he did not sell the range to any of us. Nice abs only. I hope that the judges can sleep at night or were they that well paid – those hampers were real worth it.
Mr GaySA. Clearly the marginalized 10% of the populace has to be represented by the majority. Its clear as day and roses that Barry Meyer should have won. Butter can melt from him, he would have won international competitions since he is very fair and chiseled square.
I dont believe in quotas is the quota of the day.
Mr GaySA. ok I repent – please do not allow Caucasians in the pageant since a diamond tiara and velvet looks so much better on a black man.
Great going!. Well deserved and great show!
Thank you for a great night out. I had a wonderful time. Was surprised with number three, but the others are great. Can’t wait for the final.
Racists. So the racists can’t take it that a black man won? Wake up – this is South Africa and it’s 2010 not 1980.
Re: Racist. Thabang
Winning because of fronting and other political agendas undermine the principles of equality and cause even greater divide. Its sad that color should dictate what makes a winner or not. Its because of past pageants that such obvious and fake attempts are now made by insincere people to seem to rectify transgressions of the past. Besides there are far more goodlooking men than Tshepo.
Racist. Racist, full stop.
Re:Re: Racist. You are a reverse racist. full stop haha
Congrats to Tshepo!!!
Gay racism. I for one am not surprised that many of my caucasian brothers are complaining about the winner. It seems that the only thing we have in common is that we’re gay, but as far as I can see, white gay South African men tend to be just as racist and sexist as their straight counterparts. Perhaps it is time for a gay TRC? Are we gay black men always to be in the shadow of our white brothers? This is 2010 not 1948!
Agreed. Agreed! We are a diverse community and I for one – white by the way – am VERY happy with the result.
Please don’t label all caucasians as racist. Not all of us are up in arms about the outcome. People have complained about the outcome of each of these pagents saying that they were fixed and someone else was better and blah blah blah. If the winner wasn’t black, they would have found something else to complain about.
Racism is when you see individuals as sterotypes instead of individuals; and when you say white people tend to be racist, you’re doing just that.
First hand view. I must say as a contestant and getting a hands experience for it all the competition was incredibly well organised.
The hard work put in shows itself well.
Being part of the north region it was amazing to see the great nature and talented people our community has to offer.
Agreed Barry. I agree, I was part of it.
Barry. You rock! you should have won! I am in love!
Barry Meyer. Barry you are steaming hot. You have a great career as model ahead of you. Hope you will be our next Bonewear model
A black man won …. A black man won … maybe things are changing in the gay community.
Its a Pageant is not a RACE. Dear Caucasians Black and other races, creeds
If we look at the rules of Mr Gay SA
1. A healthy body and mind; – there are better healthier bodies and minds than that of Mr. Chuenyane.
2. A successful career in whatever field;
Being a FREELANCE makeup artist hardly makes you successful.
3. Socially mature;
Dont know him so it would be unfair to judge
4. Excellent communication skills;
There are more talented communicators
5. Must be able to carry himself in all company – gay and straight;
A make up artist cant carry himself in straight company
6. Must be able to travel and be an ambassador for the LGBTI Community in South Africa and internationally;
Not applicable
7. Intelligent – with a reasonable general knowledge;
A National Diploma is no measure of intellect
8. Keen to be involved in the gay community; NA
9. A proudly gay South African man (and citizen) – out and proud; Chuenyane sounds awfully Zimbabwean?
10. Someone who enjoys life and seizes opportunities.
Again a make-up artist?
Sorry but there are and were far better contestants, Stop calling the race card for everything.
So – charl?. So a National Diploma not good enough? What did the previous winner have except a role on a porn movie??
Racism, racism, racism – that’s all.
Re: Charl. No a National Diploma in make up and cosmetics arent good enough to stand as example to the gay community
You have it wrong mista. Tshepo is Pedi – shows what u know mista …
im your brutha not your mista. There are Pedis in Zim too you know
criteria. Well – thank you for at least giving me a little more consolation on the criteria because it really puzzled me – and based on these facts ( im sure not complete though ) one can really apply onself in understanding the issues and I must say if based on this then the judging process failed dismally – AS far as I am concerned it was rigged because the very skinny drag queen presenter in mens clothes was totally in favour of the Kimberly contestant and I personally saw them chit chatting outside during the break and I found that perculiar especially if you noticed how she kept refering to the Kimberly people in the crowd. – strange I would say. I still stand with my original statement that the top 10 was totally wrong. The judges were only a front and were chosen for their role in the community.
criteria. my comment in response to this is below
Results. I find this incredibly sad and disturbing – not to mention- offensive that the judges decisions should be questioned so brutally. If this matter needs to be pushed forward then by all means let the total results be available to the public so they can see how the scores added up.
On the other hand , this looks and sounds to me like a racial issue….let’s be realistic, we have white in third, coloured in second and black in the lead. A result that is hardly seen. So of course it’s bound to cause friction….
Iggy Mnisi
Judge – North Regional Final
OUTcome. The Hon. Iggy Mnisi
What you are hearing which disturbs you so is: Vox Populi, Vox, dei. Such is your absolutist displeasure at hearing that other people expresses disdain at your decision making process must me a frightening experience. It doesnt surprise me that there is an obvious bias and misrepresentation of what is supposed to be the Gay Icon for your region.
It is alarming that the criteria as Tokenism points out for your competition isnt adhered to and thus suffers the credibility of the entire competition and gay movement. As a matter of preference I have no issue with black men but to parade them as puppets is insulting and degrading as to the true intention of Mr Gay SA. Judge not- lest ye be judged.
Racist. And so the racist who can not believe a black man was the best, speaks.
Shame on you.
Re: Racist. It will all ways be the excuse of the feeble minded
criteria. thank you – for clarifying the issue – It was a political decission and not at all a fair one = SOunds a bit like the MIss S.A. pageants of yesteryear- Black first Coloured 2nd and White third – Wow our demographics are really interesting.
Good on you Iggy. Good on you Iggy!
Willem
BLACK AND WHITE JOKES!. U guys are a joke. Majority of you white guys think you are far superior(which you are not!) and you black guys it’s all about the quoata’s. . For goodness sake; there is always this black and white problems. . WAKE DA FUCK UP PEOPLE!. . Its typical of many of you white guys bitching about a black man winning ; and then its also typical about you black guys bitching about quoatas. Clearly racism is still in force and I thnk the only way to solve this problem is to exterminate all whites and blacks then racism will be gone!
One would thnk that gays will see beyond color . .but clearly there is always this wedge and this seems will never change!
Thanks for the laugh. All the comments for a measly little pageant. You know you have no life when you have an issue with a pageant. Only place a pageant win will look good on a CV is if you applying for charity. You people are so funny. You all made my day, thank you!
Fickle R Us. Bitches please make up your minds. If a Black, Colored or Indian guy doesn’t win, you scream racism. If a black guy wins you scream tokenism. So what it is that you want? Stop being so damn fickle and grow up! The gay community comes in all shapes, sizes and colors and it’s best we all come to terms with it.
Well said. Well said Pierre.
Rudi. How much did Pierre pay you to endorse his comments or do you take favors in kind?
Sad. You know, it is really sad to see on the comments on this site how big the divide is, even between gay people in SA when it comes to colour. Why is it that whenever there is a photo gallery, black people are angry because they are of white guys, and scream racism, and that when a black guy are in a pic or wins a competition, white guys bitch and moan, and again we call each other racists. Are we so shallow? Is life for a gay guy not difficult enough as it is?
All of you that have an opinion about the color of the winner, whether for or against, do you actually realise that racism and color will ALWAYS STAY a problem when you make it a problem, either by saying it out loud or even thinking about it. If you want it to get better, and stop, it has to start with YOU! Get your own bloody head right, and if you do think it, at least be intelligent enough to NOT SAY IT, because right or wrong, you are doing more harm than good by saying it out loud. Teach yourself to ignore color, look past injustices, forget 1980, and focus on today. What does it matter what the guy’s color is at the party or in the competition? WHY is it an issue. Aren’t we all human? Be a bloody example to the straight community, not fall into their ways of doing things. Shame on each and every one of you that with your thinking and “just saying” and “wondering” and judging are holding, not only the country back, but even the gay community back. Everyone has an opinion about Mr Gay SA, that its not this or that, and how they choose, etc etc. Rather be glad you are in a country where you are actually ALLOWED to HAVE such an event, and that there are actually gays out there that do not just sit back and bitch because things are not the way they want them, but actually get up and try to DO something for the community!
Applause!. Applause for this:
‘Rather be glad you are in a country where you are actually ALLOWED to HAVE such an event, and that there are actually gays out there that do not just sit back and bitch because things are not the way they want them, but actually get up and try to DO something for the community!’
Pagent. As a colored man in SA i disagree with the comments made by tokenism,roger,thabo and the rest of the bitch non-white gays that have been placing comments on this website regarding everything surrounding our community,guys listen this was a competition and nobody was forced to enter.Please have the racist card pulled out of your ass because you are bitter and cant make friends with white people.As it was said in the comments below this is 2010 get over it and leave the white guys out of this .SHIT MAN move on already
Duane(Tired of this colour shit)
you poor fool – as always a clora will make an ass of himself.
at least i am willing to take a stand sad -you spineless chicken of a man(amazing what uneducated people we have in SA)
…. What is it to stand up and make a point without using a nom-de-plume. You are correct about the un-educated, un-cultured, un-banked and un-wanted.
well deserved, he is hot.
Gasp!. He is actually lol
Theres men and then theres Lunga. Lunga should have entered. Tshepo wouldnt have stood a chance.
Diamond. And u? just shut the fck up or enter. You people with negative comments are just good at making a fuss and being spectators nothing more.
Lunga is betta. xx
Your vile tone and low manner speaks of your birth at the back of a kraal. Go fcuk urself. Im entitled to say what I think and we all dont have to enter.
Disappointed. Good lord, did anybody see his legs? A rash or worse, hardly winning material!! The second point is, show us the answers from each contestant, as I find it hard to believe that the winner and runner up was truly a step above the rest. This has nothing to do with co lour, but more whether the winner deserved it, or was it a case of we have to have so many black people, so many white, so many this, so many that?? I’m very disappointed, after last year I said to myself, these people know what they are doing, but now I’m not so sure, has money overthrown the moral of the organizers or more the judges? The final will not see me.
Opinions. Each has the right to his/her own opinion and mine differs from you. I am ok with the choices – good to see the gay community is stepping out over and above race.
Not good. I was there, and I have to say I was so dusgusted. The guy that came second looked like he was on drugs, I saw him the next day and he was still on some trip. Not even going to say anything about the top 2.
And the the “hosts”. Horrible, I mean, they went on the whole night about the people that dressed them and did theyr hair and make-up. Instead of learning the lines that were suppose to say. Verry unprofesional, and why did we have ot wait so long to get the show on the road. I just hope the finals are going to be better!!! and Coennie and his lapdog dont host it again.PLEASE!!!!
Me too -. I was also there and why did I enjoy it then? As the other guy says, different strokes.
… OK, I understand that.
But my point is, there is a differance between a show that is done with taste and the show we had on Saturday.
I hate it when people are latem why did a whole audiance have to sit and wait for 30 min and nothing happenend, before the show and after the break.
And I am sorry, I am sure differant presenters would have done a better Job.
I did enjoy the lady that sang!
Interesting Judgement. I do still feel that all the judging was fair. The competition was to test candidates on there knowledge of the gay community and insight. Not just looks and body.
After all it’s not for just a good looking person but someone all rounder that can represent us as a community.
Judges covered things very fairly and everyone was completely on equal footing.
I feel the winner of this round deserved it cause he earned it.
Please note “Gizmo” I am not on any kind of drugs specially as I live a balanced healthy life style so would not be on a trip.
Geez what next would you like a public released blood test.
Please step up. Barry
My dear my love my very self. You far toooo perfect for this lot. I am intoxicated with your perfection (love your HEAT spread) Please dont be so humble…rise above this and I love to see your face in Times Square or somewhere where you can enslave millions of more deserving with your sheer manhood sometime soon.
Rise young man, you deserve soooo much more.
Branding. Hair & clothes – sponsors/branding etc.
Get a life. Gizmo,
I was there, and i happen to know a number of the contestants and the hosts personally. it takes huge personal courage and character to get up there and compete, and for you to sit back and afterwards do nothing but find fault speaks volumes about yours. Each and every person who competed and was involved in the competition did extremely well and bearing in mind resources are not unlimited, deserve our continued support.
Different strokes…. I don’t think Tshepo is hot! Definitely wouldn’t sleep with him! Shannon is emaciated and I think he is a joke! Barry Meyer is gorgeous and can come and put his shoes under my bed anytime! I am coloured! However, that is my opinion and mine alone! Whatever the criteria for judging was, a result as to who wins was taken. We need to accept, like the mature adults I think we are, that we can’t all get what we want. Insulting the winner’s education, profession and everything else shows a distinct lack of respect, and a great deal of self indulgent petulance!
The visible gay (male) community is largely irritating and a very poor reflection of the entire gay community. Why is it that we continue to marginalise each other. Look at the way many gay males treat lesbians. Transgendered and transexuals aren’t faring any better either.
Respect is not given, it is earned! We have forgotten the lessons of our past and have become complacent, self indulgent and narcissistic!
Time to move on! This will not only allow our community (gay) to grow, but will allow us to grow within ourselves. This is what makes us better.
Here endeth the sermon and lesson in philosophy!
To the contestants; congratulations! Don’t stop trying, your moment will arrive!
Hear hear Mark. Respect is not given, it is earned! We have forgotten the lessons of our past and have become complacent, self indulgent and narcissistic!
Time to move on! This will not only allow our community (gay) to grow, but will allow us to grow within ourselves. This is what makes us better.
Why is this even an issue?. Why is this even an issue?
Exactly.. Exactly J.
shame. who was that silly queen hosting the pagent – shame – drugs etc
Who is whiter/blacker?. Look at this picture. The winner is whiter than the white guy. Dunno what all the fuss is about. He has a body to die for. Its time we look at people objectively. Some people will never learn!
Its time. You need to visit Specsavers my friend. The coup d’etat in government didnt result in people becoming colorblind so you might have some serious optical ailment.
Exactly Lorrie. So a black man wins and it’s rigged? And that is NOT racist? Spin another one. The JUDGES, who sat there and was on stage – who chose the candidates, endorsed the results. How can it be rigged? Celebs in the community like Lui de Barros, Jose Rodriques, Iggy Mnisi etc. Won’t they have spoken out if the results are not ok wioth them?> And – if the organisers can chose wild cards as they wish, which is ther prorogative – why rig a result? Makes no sense.
definiately. all the guys in pta were wronged including the winner. just look at the other rounds. the winners in knysna are 2 friends of the organiser and from Gauteng. 1 finalist from the Durban round is the bf of one of the organsiers and he is from Gauteng. cape town’s round was the fairest cos the friends from gauteng wouldn’t spend the money to go down and enter there so we got 2 genuine cape townians for the cape town round – GREAT! But then they get to the last round and go shit, we only got 1 black dude, pta will change that. so i feel sorry for the winner cos if u look at the entire competition, u just gotta wonder, did he really win on merit?
so agree with u. im glad im not the only one who noticed this 😛 Mr Gay SA should close down while they still have sum dignity
Mr GaySA. So its no longer a race issue but a Queen size bed issue?
Coenie, Barry and Hennie. Coenie, Barry and Hennie
As the organisers, why not publish the results from the judges on both interviews and the night, so the people can see for themselves?
Next time, do the interviews on the night for all to hear, because to claim that interviews counts 50% but gets conducted behind closed door, opens room for suspicion!
As i know you personally, I won’t believe or claim that it was rigged, but a few things can be done differently to avoid these kind of accusations
Whats the point. Coenie
Well done for all your efforts, people simply dont understand the logistics and planning that goes into arranging what you have done.
I would if I were you – retain the perks of the job behind closed doors, sucking up is part of climbing the pink ladder. One stoops to Conquer.