While June celebrates International Pride Month, paying homage to the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, South African Pride Month is actually celebrated in October.
It was on 13 October 1990 that Africaâs very first Pride march was held in Johannesburg. During the event, around 800 attended marched on, whilst wearing masks or paper bags over their heads out of fear of being identified and targeted by the authorities.
With October being such an important piece of history in the queer community, it makes sense that this is when The Feather Awards are held.
Feather Awards XV: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
Founded in 2008 by gay activists Thami Kotlolo and Joe Correira, The Feather Awards ceremony works to recognise and commend African queer people doing great things. This year, The Feather Awards XV is set to celebrate the unique tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community.Â
âThis year we are here to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of all communities, during these challenging timesâ
Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards
The Feather Awards XV, which will be hosted by the beloved Modiselle sisters, Refilwe, Bontle and Candice, for a third consecutive season, is the perfect night to honour the queer community’s outstanding achievements and contributions. This is why the awardâs nominees include dazzling stars, inspiring activists, and community leaders who have not only risen but also shone brightly.
Feather Awards XV Nominees
The Feather Awards XV is an event that symbolizes unity, diversity, and empowerment. We are proud to celebrate all the nominees who have touched our hearts, minds, and lives in so many unique and extraordinary ways.
âThis year we are here to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of all communities, during these challenging timesâ Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards
 Best Styled IndividualÂ
Hunk of the YearÂ
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Sports Personality of the Year
Role model of the Year
Cutest Couple
- Mandisa Mfeka & Kenay
- Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
- Xihla & Busi
Hot Chick of the Year
Media Award of the YearÂ
Fag hag of the YearÂ
 Designer of the Year (new category)
Musician
Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)
 Drama Queen
- Joku
- Lebo M
- Ayanda Ncwane
Social Media Personality of the Year Â
 Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private SectorÂ
 Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public SectorÂ
- Do Better
 Best LGBTIQ+ Youth MovementÂ
- Sacred Heart School
- Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
- WAQE
 Best Rainbow ParentingÂ
- Zodwa Rannyadi
- Nandipha Jovuka
- Abraham Sebidi
Simon Nkoli Award
 This year, this will be awarded to the multi-talented, award-winning South African sweetheart Thandiswa Mazwai.
 Whenâs the party?
Produced in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation, the 15th annual Feathers Awards will take place on Thursday, 9th November 2023 at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg. During the event, media, partners and other key stakeholders will gather to recognise and applaud these fantastic individuals for their incredible contributions to the LGBTIQA+ community.
As we gear up for a spectacular night of recognition and revelry, get ready to unleash your inner unicorn and let your true colours shine.
âFinding support for our initiatives continues to be a struggle, but we are forever inspired by the boldness and braveness of the Queer community in continuing to push boundaries, claim spaces and create greater freedom for all.Â
Thanks to them, we can continue our work in the community at large to educate and sensitize, culminating into this fabulous annual gathering of all things queer and beyond. Congratulations to all our wonderful nominees for the Feather Awards XV! We celebrate you!â
Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards
Follow The Feathers
Stay tuned for more updates, surprises, and, of course, the grand reveal of the winners at the Feather Awards XV. Let’s paint the town with all the colours of the rainbow!
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