Boys in white Bone Wear with white Satin Sashes: These are a few of my Favourite Things!
(A look at the value of 'pageants' like Mr. Gay World- to grace Johannesburg's stage this month)
By Chris Meklis
For months there has been proliferated anticipation for the upcoming Mr. Gay World competition 2012, which is literally upon us this month!
Due to be held in the perfectly 'camp' setting of Gold Ref City's bedazzled Lyric Theatre- gilded walls and crystal chandeliers et al, the pageant is an auspicious event no matter how you look at it...
Firstly, if nothing else, the fact that an African country such as ours is hosting this event speaks volumes to the world, when several African states condemn Homosexuality and anything remotely connected to this 'criminal practice'!
It bears testimony to our unique constitution, which sees human rights, Gay Rights, protected when certain states in the US have yet to approve Gay marriage.
Say what you will about South Africa, it cannot be denied that our people, especially we as a Gay community, are blessed to live under such a constitution, and Mr. Gay Word in South Africa further highlights this as we lead the way for so many backward governments and mindsets.
All 'political correctness' aside, let's talk about the competition at hand...
After all, this is a pageant- the most grandiose of them all- and we have a lot on our calendar, from Drag competitions, to regional Mr and Miss (or Miss and Miss) pageants, to individual club competitions, on, and on, and on...
Any pageant is surely a very important aspect of Gay culture and the community at large, always attracting ceaseless numbers of enthusiastic incumbents 'bent' on competing for the top award- that all important title “Mr. or Miss'!
Congruent to the competitors is the great number of curious fans on hand to cheer (and jeer) the contestants along. We are moths (or in this case fairies) to the proverbial flame when it comes to glitz, glamour, and strutting our stuff.
Debunking the 'bullshit' about these competitions and their over zealous insistence that contestants' main objective is humanitarian or to show their inner beauty, well maybe a bit of the former, but not really the latter!
I hasten to infer that our community prefers what's wrapped around the said 'inner beauty' that compels us to vote or attracts us to these competitions, which in most cases are more innocuous than anything else-offering little else but a good old perve at the 'talent' in Bone Wear.
Of course I am not suggesting that Mr. Gay World carbon copies any of the smaller pageants, because admittedly such a 'global' event's holds much weight with respect to Gay rights and freedom.
We, the descendants of the forebears who suffered in the absence of having a 'voice' and outwardly displaying our lifestyle, have become the antithesis in repose- God forbid you don't see us in all our emancipated glory- and these pageants and the titles that come with winning them certainly boost Gay pride.
It's not a bad thing. But let's not deny it, that it's the splendour that comes with winning that arouses the senses- the fanfare-the satin sash adorning the shoulder at every public event, of course- the prizes too, and the feeling of “I'm a winner” - something we intrinsically strive to attain- that Holy Grail of acceptance, or better yet, overcoming life and it's many obstacles, is something nascent to each of us, especially after living in relative persecution.
When researching the background of Mr. Gay World, I came across a concise description, a 'Mission Statement' for want of a better term, which outlines what attributes Mr. Gay World should possess...
The statement itself is quite succinct and includes points like the fact that Mr. Gay World is essentially a representative and spokesperson of his nation.
It then goes on to say, “The delegate chosen to represent his peers on a global stage will not only have the inner beauty of confidence, self assurance, charisma and natural leadership abilities but he will also take care of his outward beauty”.
Fair enough, after all we don't want an unkempt 'slob' representing us now do we? I mean really!
The next point is a given, stating that the delegate must treat his body as a temple, be active and outgoing, and have impeccable grooming, with a knowledge of appropriate attire for any given public engagement.
I love the 'body being a temple' part as this could mean a number of things, obviously the aspect of clean and healthy living being at the top of the list, but let's face it, statements like these confirm the importance of looks, poise and a sense of style.
We are a people who revel in pomp and circumstance, drama and glorious theatrics- the world expects this from us by now...
Having spoken about the political importance of this competition and the freedom it (and of course the smaller club pageants) represent, it cannot be denied that this competition and others like it, brings all our hedonistic glory to its zenith, so, let's don that special outfit, impeccably groom ourselves, hold our heads up high, and be the best damn queer in the room!
Check out Chris Meklis's website at www.xhristyle.com... become a member of the xhristyle.com group on facebook and stand a chance to win a myriad of special Lifestyle deals, discounts and prizes! (http://www.facebook.com/groups/xhristyle/ )
Latest from the Creative Writing Pen of Beulah Faith Kleinveldt:
For the love of a Queen
The sun bedded for a minute then ricocheted off the glints of her hair and somehow and inevitably mirrored itself in the dark pools of her eyes. His were drawn there and remained transfixed for what seemed like an infinite moment. Eyes speaking in languages unwritten and indecipherable.
But she understood and answered as clearly. Desire meeting desire in a flurry of heartbeats and an unquenchable fire. Soul to soul, body to body, heart against heart, minds matching intellect, thought intent and creativity. The feminine acknowledging the power, authority and manhood of the masculine display exhibited before her. The Queen, bowing to her King in a royal dance of passion, intrigue and unfathomable excitement and anticipation. Yet neither touched, neither spoke.
His eyes and face darkened with the need for her. She knew the time had come. Took a tentative step forward and touched his lips with hers. Just for a moment, just for this moment only it lingered there. A kiss that would last for eternity. Light as a mornings mist but soaked in all the languages of love. The taste of her............was his thought. The smell and feel of him was hers.
Their eyes locked and loved. His closed. She turned her back and heard the blade slam down. His ring landed at her feet. In a queenly manner she picked it up and slipped it around her neck. It lay comfortably against her beating heart, bouncing with every weak step she took towards the gate that would take her into the field, away from staring eyes. She settled down on a bed of daffodil and closed her tired eyes. Her King ran across enemy lines to save her. No tears, no regrets. The King's ring suddenly lay silent and still.
He was waiting. She took a sure step forward, touched his lips with hers. The taste of her was his thought. The smell and feel of him was hers. The Queen bowed to her King in an eternal royal dance of passion, intrigue and unfathomable excitement and anticipation.
They found the tiniest gold vial beside her. It bore the insignia of the Queens King.
Copyright (C) 2011 Beulah Faith Kleinveldt
Another 'little gem showcase' from our thoughtful and emotive writer, Beulah Faith Kleinveldt
B.O.B
A Narrative by a Woman called Missy
"BOB has been in the centre of religious controversy, marital contention, romantic strife, delightful pleasures and the butt of social gatherings and jokes. Suffice to say, he's been at the helm of much trouble and curiosity. There is no doubt however, BOB is widely travelled, completely multi-cultural and his presence has brought much joy and unification. I am no expert but I acknowledge that at first BOB was a frightfully exciting sight to behold. During the past 20 years I've met most of BOB's family members. All different in statue and ever ready to fulfil most needs. They've evolved over the years and I am sad to say some have passed on but happy to add that they've left a legacy of providing much contentment to many. Its not hard to tell that BOB is a hardcore leader in his field.
BOB and I have a love hate relationship. He has been the cause of much frustration and the sight of him sends shivers down my spine or is it quivers across my belly? I was so mad at him once that I threw him across a room. Watched his head smash against the wall, heard the final whirring sound as his heart failed. Saw him shudder and jerk a few times in protest and then finally, blissful silence. Yes, he was musch lighter than he looked. I lay back with glee and a sigh and proceeded to attend to "Mr Mcoy", ever real, patiently standing by and more than happy for the attention. Besides, my delight and absolute satisfaction came from knowing I was the catalyst for his obvious pleasure and not BOB. There lay BOB, dead as a dodo. And we slept peacefully.
I discovered that BOB'S presence was not purely for my sake, it was for the thrill of the one who presented him to me at birthdays, xmas's, anniversaries and as a general gift. I wished BOB would just shrivel up and die. He was so infuriating. So easy and adaptable. He was placed into my hands for management, care and manipulation as if he was the answer to all prayers. If requirement was excessive, I stuffed him inside the closet. He was hidden behind a door, even squeezed in laundry baskets and thrown into hanging bags. Once I took a knife to his head with the intention of causing grievious bodily harm. But somehow a family member would show up to take his place while he healed and finally returned as new. BOB BOB BOB and his family. They irritated me. He was a unifier though and when unity was required, BOB was tolerated and allowed to please. And we slept peacefully.
I used BOB like a tool to serve my own purposes. I was a woman afterall, easy to educate and quick on the button. BOB knew he was being used but that didn't seem to phase him at all. There he was working away while "Mr Mcoy" snored and puffed into oblivion. I disliked BOB even more. Okay, so I admit, his appearance has changed somewhat over the years. He is more attractive now than ever before. Maintenance is less costly too. A shapely physique that is supple and well proportioned. But BOB will never take the place of "Mcoy". Oh no. No way. Nothing ever beats real and original even with a not so athletic build. Who cares. I'm happy to say that BOB has not visited for many years. And he's not missed. We learn as we go along and become better at the skill of unification and the craft of satisfaction. But should he suddenly be required, I guess we'll invite him round. And we will sleep peacefully.
But many have asked about him and asked me for an introduction. I am pleased to advise that BOB has since brought a smile to what was permanently pursed lips. Produced a girly giggle from the toughest nut to crack and placed a glint in the eye of the beholder who hasn't laughed for years. He has provided comfort to the lost, lonely and frustrated. BOB lives on in the lives of many. He's particularly amazing for painfully throbbing areas, and once he places his fingers on the right spot, well, BOB'S your uncle! His a great alternative to sleeping pills.
If you still have no idea who BOB is then I would strongly advise, "let sleeping dogs lie". "What you have never had you cannot miss". Because once awoken it will be very hard to get rid of him. Its possible too that you could very well become addicted. Which is never a good thing. So good management and control would be a requirement. I say, if the shoe fits, wear it! VIVA B.O.B"
---------------------------------------------------------From the Author
Thank you to a man I fondly refer to as "Terry" for making me laugh outrageously and exuberantly (I dont believe there is any other way to laugh) in discussing BOB and for naming him.
This is what "Terry" had to say, "One of the biggest challenges women have is not believing in themselves and understanding what awesome creatures they are..The article is amazing and I hope it will be well served by those who read it..cos it equally speaks to the men to encourage belief in their partners..and I doubt if most men even consider the damage they create permanently by not encouraging their partners or showering them with praise..I like the article cos it also takes away the shame most women would feel by associating with 'BOB'...."
All quotes used by permission
B.O.B is an acronym. My guess is as good as yours.
