Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity: The Feather Awards XV in 2023

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It’s the season of glitz, glamour, and radiant celebrations! Johannesburg is abuzz as the Feather Awards XV is set to once again roll out its star-studded red carpet for 2023. The anticipation is palpable, as everyone eagerly awaits the chance to reveal their inner unicorns and let their true colours shine. This is the year where we shine a spotlight on the magnificent mosaic that represents the LGBTQIA+ community and elevate those who have carved out spaces in entertainment, advocacy, and so much more!

Each iteration of the Feather Awards is a reminder of how dazzling, unique, and trailblazing our community truly is. But the Feather Awards XV promises to be even more extraordinary. The list of nominees is bursting with stars, activists, and community leaders whose light has illuminated many paths. From those who have consistently remained in the limelight to those who have recently emerged and made a significant impact, each nominee has woven their distinct thread into the vibrant fabric of our community.

Set against the historic backdrop of the Market Theatre in Johannesburg on Thursday, 9th November 2023, an evening of recognition and admiration awaits. The media, partners, stakeholders, and passionate supporters will all converge to raise a toast to these fantastic individuals. Their immeasurable contributions to the LGBTIQ+ community have touched hearts, broadened minds, and inspired countless lives.

To elevate the atmosphere even more, the delightful Modiselle sisters, Refilwe, Bontle, and Candice, will once again grace the stage as hosts for the third consecutive year.

The Feather Awards XV’s 2023 Nominee lineup includes a spectrum of categories:

And the 2023 Nominees for the Feather Awards XV are:

Best Styled Individual
• Musa Keys
• PonaHalo
• Yaya Mavundla

Hunk of the Year
• Thembinkosi Mthembu
• Mondli Makhoba
• Toss

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
• Mrs Mops
• Sorisha Naidoo
• Swanky Jerry

Sports Personality of the Year
• Andile Dlamini
• Akani Simbine
• SA Netball

Role model of the Year
• The Fruit Basket
• Tony Kruger
• Patsy P. Alley

Cutest Couple
• Mandisa Mfeka & Kenay
• Buhlebendalo & Botshelo
• Xihla & Busi
Hot Chick of the Year
• Uncle Waffles
• Homba Mazaleni
• Mordecai

Media Award of the Year
• The Lunch League
• Sowetan / S Mag
• Kasi 2 Kasi Queer Cinema

Fag hag of the Year
• Nhlanhla Mafu
• Tamara Dey
• Musa Mthombeni

Designer of the Year (new category)
• Gert-Johan Coetzee
• Otiz Seflo
• Lulama Wolf

Musician
• Tyler ICU
• Bongezizwe Mabandla
• Lloyiso

Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign)
• Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho
• Tshiamo
• Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

Drama Queen
• Joku
• Lebo M
• Ayanda Ncwane

Social Media Personality of the Year
• Sethu Nkosi
• Barbie Jackson
• Sabelo The Creator

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector
• Miss SA
• Woolworths
• Nike

Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector
• Do Better

Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement
• Sacred Heart School
• Phuti Lekoloane Foundation
• WAQE

Best Rainbow Parenting
• Zodwa Rannyadi
• Nandipha Jovuka
• Abraham Sebidi

One of the night’s shining moments will surely be the presentation of the Simon Nkoli Award to the multifaceted, award-winning South African icon, Thandiswa Mazwai. A heartfelt tribute to a person who has consistently championed the values of diversity and inclusivity.

Behind the dazzling lights and glitter of the Feather Awards stands the commitment and vision of the Thami Dish Foundation. Thami Kotlolo, the co-founder of the Feather Awards, encapsulated the spirit of the evening perfectly, stating, “This year we are here to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of all communities, especially during these challenging times. Despite the obstacles, the Queer community continues to inspire with their courage, determination, and zeal to create a world filled with freedom and understanding. To all our nominees, we honour and celebrate you!”

And as the curtain is about to rise on this spectacular event, one thing is clear: The Feather Awards XV will be an unforgettable night of accolades and acclaim. So, to all the eager fans and supporters out there, get ready! It’s time to paint the town with every colour of the rainbow.