GAY NEWSPAPER DECLINES FEATHER AWARDS NOMINATION

Exit, South Africa’s longest running LGBTI newspaper, has declined a nomination by the Feather Awards, arguing that the event is frivolous and air-headed.

The awards are described as a cheeky and irreverent celebration of high-profile individuals who, the organisers say, have inspired, scandalised and amused South Africa’s LGBTI community over the past year.

It’s never been explained how and by whom the finalists, who are almost always heterosexual, are nominated – or how the winners are chosen.

Despite receiving much mainstream media attention due to the celebrities involved, the event has been criticised for largely excluding LGBTI groups, individuals and issues in its nominations.

Exit was nominated in the category of Media Award of the Year, but the newspaper said this week that it is distancing itself from the event.

In an editorial, it noted that it has in the past described the Feather Awards as “irrelevant and trivial” and questioned the significance of the categories, including “hot chick” and “socialite” of the year.

“Exit has decided to decline the nomination,” said Editor Gavin Hayward on the monthly’s front page. “We note that Chevrolet, the main sponsor of this event, have a proud history of affirmation of LGBTI rights, but the general frivolity and air-headedness associated with these ‘awards’ make it something which, at this time, we do not feel we can be associated with.”

Last month, openly gay singer and actor Majola wrote in Sunday World that the awards “seem to honour heterosexuals and misrepresent the complexity and seriousness of the LGBTI community.”

He explained: “Despite the high public profile of the event (broadcast on public television), they show a brazen disconnect from questions of justice and injustice – this on a continent crying out for courageous stand-taking against the violence and persecution of LGBTI people across Africa.”

Majola asked: “Is it unfair or overstated to wonder if Feather Awards offend against the dignity and aspirations of the community?”

In the US, the GLAAD Media Awards use public figures to create awareness and interest in the event, but all the celebrities honoured are recognised as allies for speaking out in favour LGBTI rights or are themselves members of the LGBTI community.

The Feather Awards will be held in Johannesburg on Wednesday night. The 2014 finalists are:

Best Styled Female
Nandi Mngoma
Nhlanhla Nciza
Minnie Dlamini

Best Styled Male
Maps Maponyane
Katleho Sinivasan
Katlego Maboe

Hunk of the Year
Naked DJ
Nkuli Tshirumbula
Andile Gumbi

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Thembi Seete
Nhlanhla Nciza
Thembi Nyandeni

Sports Personality of the Year
Chad Le Clos
Fikile Mbalula
Hashim Amla

Role Model of the Year
Zizo Beda
Thuli Madonsela
Lebo Mashile

Cutest Couple of the Year
Lalla Hirayama & Chris “The Mayor” Nkosi
Terry Pheto & Mampho Brescia
Lee-Ann & Nicki Van Der Walt

Hot Chick of the Year
Jessica Nkosi
Amanda du Pont
Nandi Mngoma

Media Award of the Year
Shift
Gay Pages
Exit

Fag hag of the Year
Lalla & Chris
Dineo Moeketsi
Lerato Kganyago

Musician of the Year
Uhuru
Cassper Nyovest
Mafikizolo

Socialite of the Year
Simpiwe Dana
Bridget Khati
King Olwee

Drama Queen of the Year
The Chomee, Arthur, DJ Euphonik & Bonang saga
Generations cast & Mfundi Vundla
AKA & Casper