My weekend in Cape Town

Tyrone Nell on the dance floor at Crew last Friday and Saturday.

Holiday Spirit

It's festive holiday spirit in Cape Town and the hot boyz are out and about... come and get some.

Cape Town winner - Mr Gay South Africa 2009

At a glittering affair in Pretoria our Mr Gay South Africa 2009 has been chosen - Charl van den Berg, 28 year-old Cape Town boy. You can connect with Charl on his blog.

Charl says: "It has been an amazing journey and something I know I will always remember. Up to know I have learnt more about myself than I think I ever have. I have realised my potential as a human being to be able to make a difference in my community and have also come to realise that I CAN do anything I put my mind to!"

Congratulations to the winner as well as the runners-up.

Cape Town gets ready for 2010

Making sure Cape Town is ready for the 2010 FIFA Football World Cup being held in South Africa, are in the photos from top to bottom the new Greenpoint Stadium which is nearing completion, the official World Cup Mascot and the fabulous new airport which opened last week.

Fun out and about

It is always great to be a tourist in one's own country and Cape Town always offers an awesome experience.

In the photos are from top, friends Nelius (left) and Enzo (right) lift me up at Cape Town Fish Market - excellent seafood restaurant in Stellenbosch with branches throughout South Africa.

Second photo - Dave looks out over the view around Clifton and Camps Bay - there are 3 Clifton Beaches, Clifton 3rd Beach being the gay Beach, just out of view to the right in the photo.

Third photo - Dave embraces the views at the Cape Town Victoria and Albert Waterfront with Table Mountain a fitting backdrop.

Forth photo - a dad and son fishing at the famous Hout Bay Harbour, a little fishing village a short drive out of Cape Town on the spectacular mountain/sea route.

Come Cin2 to Cape Town

It's hot in Cape Town but can only get hotter with this Cin2 hottie!!

Salvation for New Year in Cape Town

In Durban for the launch of QC2's huge December gay circuit parties coming to Johannesburg (Sat 29 December), Durban (Tues 26 December) and Cape Town (New Year's Eve Thurs 31 December) is promoter Pieter (right) seen with Durban View Gay Guesthouse co-owner Llewellyn (second from right) and guests Lindeque (left) and John (second from left).

Salvation are the most famouse gay parties in London and the world with rave reviews from every continent.

So be sure to be there... log on to QC2's website and make sure you get your tickets early. QC2 were the organisers of the recent Fireman's Ball at the Dome in Johannesburg with several thouand Pride after-party enthusiasts.

Cape Town does Durban

Hot Cape Town couple Tom (right) and Shawn (second from right) seen in Durban at Durban View Gay Guesthouse with Llewellyn (left, guesthouse co-owner) and John (second from left) from Johannesburg.

The roof-top jacuzzi and sun-deck with it's city wide views is always the place to melt-down..

Out in Africa Film Festival Cape Town 10-20 Sept

The 16th OUT IN AFRICA South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival takes place in Cape Town from 10-20 September 2009 and in Johannesburg from 3-13 September and features 17 international feature films and 9 South African productions, five of which are world premieres.

The festival has a wide range of films to appeal to all with subjects that run the gamut of human experience. Themes range and include, amongst others: high school hilarities, forbidden love, coming out, the desire for children and ageing gigolos. Moviegoers can look forward to comedies, tragedies, dramas and thought provoking documentaries. Every genre of filmmaking is covered including homage to celebrated gay icons.

Award winning international directors and actors will attend as guests of the festival. The festival opens with Spinnin' (6 Billion Different People) a film made by Spanish director Eusebio Pastrana in 2007. This is the Spaniards at their wacky best – an exuberant award winning film set in Madrid in 1995 and follows lovers Garate and Omar as they seek to have a child.

Included in the line up is Fig Trees. Directed by John Greyson, this Canadian production is a contemporary opera based on the lives of South Africa’s own HIV/Aids activist, Zackie Achmat and Canadian Tim McCaskell. The film uses clever historical references to Gertrude Stein and Virgil Thompson and is richly layered, intelligent and unique. Greyson, who is considered the Prince of Gay Filmmaking, is a guest of the festival and will be in attendance. He travels courtesy of the Canadian High Commission.

Angel, directed by Giorgios Katakouzinos is an award winning film that when it debuted at Cannes in 1982, took the world by storm. Based on a true story this Greek classic is considered the one Greek film that all Greeks have seen. Anyone who has seen Cabaret will be fascinated by Chris and Don, directed by Guido Santi and Tina Mascara This amazing documentary is about Christopher Isherwood whose short stories “Goodbye to Berlin” were the basis for the musical Cabaret. This sharp, witty and revealing film is told mainly by his lover, Don, and is supported by amazing archival footage of Hollywood starting in the late forties.

Courtesy of the British Council, the festival welcomes in attendance director Simon Pearce and producer Christian Martin whose film Shank follows the story of working class Cal who hides the fact that he is gay to his fellow gang members. Trouble erupts when he rescues a French boy his gang beats up. This explicit, shocking, largely hand-held film has already picked an international award and breathes new life into British alternative cinema.

Probably the most controversial film of the festival is the recently unbanned by the South African Film & Publications Board, XXY. This multi-award winning film is a complex tale of gender, identity and sexual orientation. Beautifully shot with stellar performances, the festival is proud to welcome the director, Lucía Puenzo and lead actor Inés Efron.

Click on the link here to see the full Cape Town schedule at the V&A Waterfront Nu Metro.

Winter in Cape Town

When it's winter in Cape Town it is usually cold and wet too, so what better idea than to snuggle up in bed with that someone special and a bottle of good Cape wine, we are so famous for...

Looking Good in Cape Town

Geoffrey looks hot in any city, so here he is hotting up the Cape Town scene. Welcome.

The Decks Cape Town - winner

Donovan is the winner of our Underwear and Swimwear Show prize of a 2-night stay at The Decks Gay Guesthouse in Cape Town. The competition was held at the recent Show at Durban View Gay Guesthouse and the contestants were expected to show us what they were wearing!!

Donovan was a bit shy to show the camera his winning underwear when receiving the prize, but here is a picture we took on the night of his sexy bum.

Hot Rugby

Here's hot rugby player and model Marco of Hypnotic Events and Model Management at the rehersal for our Underwear and Swimwear Show this Sunday 10 May at the Guesthouse in Durban where there'll be more hot bodz on Show. In the photo Marco models underwear from 3rd Beach, a new Cape Town based online underwear and swimwear store.

Sexpo's Back

Hey, Sexpo's back in Cape Town and promises to be bigger and sexier than before.

The Show has been a hit and caters for both the gay and straight population.

Over 35,000 visitors stream through each SEXPO for four days of
SEXY SHOPPING and SIZZLING ENTERTAINMENT.

It's the ultimate adult shopping experience with over 150 exhibitor stands, offering something for everyone from sexy lingerie and sensual toys to wine tasting and more.

So we'll see you there....

3rd Beach Swimwear and Underwear

Gay boyz are always looking for the best swimwear and underwear, especially on 3rd beach in Cape Town.

So it's a pleasure to see an outlet for swimwear, underwear and lifestyle gear appropriately named 3rd Beach now open with a stunning selection on offer. . see the website for online sales and more info.

And if you're coming to Durban from Cape Town in May, don't miss the Swimwear and Underwear Show at Durban View Guesthouse on Sunday 10 May.. there will be some of the latest fashion on show.

Hot in Cape Town

March and April are South Africa's best weather months... hot autumn sunshine, hot bodies, cool evenings....

Tourist for the day

It is great to be a tourist in one's own country and here are some action shots of Cape Town from a tourist point of view. In the top pic is Table Mountainand Lions Head from the air on a clear, but dry February morning.


Dave enjoys the vibrant atmosphere of Hout Bay, around the mountain on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsular. Great for fish and chips in the fishing village. A boat trip to Seal island just outside the harbour is also recommended.


The rocks of the nudist beach Sandy Bay - just around the corner from Hout Bay. The only true nudist beach in South Africa.


Llewellyn sits on the wharf at Hout Bay.


Groot Constantia on the way to Hout Bay was the home of Simon van der Stel, the first governor of the Cape after the 1652 settlement of Dutch settlers. It was one of the first wine farms established it the Cape and the wine being produced there presently rates as some of the best available.

Dave sips a Long Island Iced Tea cocktail on the verandah of the Soho restaurant in the Waterkant gay village of Cape Town.


A view of Clifton 3rd Beach - where the gay boys come out to strutt their stuff. Great views, good bodies and white sandy beaches with the icy Atlantic Ocean a challenge for those who want to make the walk to the water's edge.

Gay Pride Cape Town

The Cape Town Pride Festival got of to a fabulous start on Saturday 14th February with the glamorous Pride Pageant held at the Woodstock Town Hall. The evening was hosted by Lola Fine and Radio personality Julian Naidoo. The 300 people who packed the hall were delighted by the sight of 12 entrants for Miss CT Pride and six entrants for the Mr Pride part of the show, strutting their stuff. The new Mr Cape Town Pride is Christo Gillmer, with Ricardo van Linyen coming second and Edmund Farao third. The new Queen is Angel Lalamore, who was undoubtedly the crow's favourite. Logan Longoria is the 1st Princess with Shakira coming in as 2nd runner-up.

Here is some information on some of the events coming up:

The KARAOKE COMPETITION is now in full swing at Bronx Action Bar every Monday night @ 10pm. This contest is sponsored by ASSEGAI Personal Lubricants, and you stand the chance of winning R2500 in cash and prizes as well as perform along with the two runners-up at the Pride Carnival Party on Saturday 28th February. Come along even if your singing is dismal, because outstanding crowd-pleasing performances will also be rewarded. The Final will be on Monday 23d February.

OUT IN AFRICA - CAPE TOWN PRIDE FILM FESTIVALOPENING COCKTAIL PARTY & FILM PREMIERETHURSDAY 19 FEBRUARY

19.30. Nu-Metro, V & A Waterfront. R50. Cape Town Pride is happy to be collaborating with the OUT in Africa Film Festival, who are organising a mini film festival to coincide with this year's Cape Town Pride Festival. The Grand Opening will be a viewing of "The Marching Season".

Bookings through the Nu-Metro Box Office @ the V & A Waterfront.

PRIDE RED PARTY FRIDAY 20 FEBRUARY, Beaulah Bar
21:00 till LateEntry: R40.00 Free Shooter on arrival

This is the 1st major party of the Festival. Red is the colour and HIV Awareness the theme. Ever popular DJ Jarrad, a regular at Beaulah Bar will be on the Decks to help you dance the night away, along with DJs from Good Hope

FMPRIDE BRAHMS WINE STOMPING DAY SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY

Cost: R500. Package includes transport from Cape Town in a coach, refreshments on arrival & mid morning; branded towel & wine glass, vintners lunch with wine cellar tour, orientation, picking, tasting, & a bottle of wine, specially labeled & sent directly to your door after the event. Support the pride initiative and stomp grapes on Brahms in a pink group! Domain Brahms Winery in Paarl is rolling out the barrel for those inclined to squish some grapes between their toes. The days when winemaking was done by the foot are long gone, and even though they may have the latest in gleaming wine press technology Brahms Winery is showcasing the retro charms of stomping in a development that builds on the recent trend of culinary tourism.

PRIDE LION'S HEAD HIKE SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

11.00. Meet at the Foot of Lions Head, Signal Hill RoadEnjoy spectacular views of the entire city and burn some calories at the same time. Bring a bottle of water and refreshments to enjoy at the top. For more info Contact Louis 084 299 3662

PRIDE BOOK FAIR SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

14.00. Venue: The Book Lounge - (Corner of Roeland and Buitekant Street, Cape Town)An event for those who love the written and spoken word. This year some of our featured authors speaking at this event will include Stephen Simm (Miss Kwa Kwa), Melanie Judge (To Have and to Hold: The Making of Same-Sex Marriage in South Africa), Derrick Fine (Positively Alive Series), Jane Bennett (Porcupine), Christina Engela (sci-fi comedy stories) and Tamo von Arnim (Amor Universal).

COCKS & TAILS – DRAG KING COMPETITION SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

17.00.Beaulah BarEntry: Donation to PrideA chilled Sunday evening with our favourite cocktails from 5pm. Girls – dress like guys and take part in our Drag King Competition

DINING WITH PRIDE SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY

19.30Venue: SYNERGY ON 7 at Mandela Rhodes PlaceTickets: R250.00 including glass of wine per courseAn elegant dinner at SYNERGY ON 7 at Mandela Rhodes Place. Synergy on 7 presents itself as a new space for dinner to escape into a theatre of dining. Here the menu is a classic-meets-modern affair with fresh new flavours and an emphasis on colour.

A FOUR COURSE DINNER WITH WINES – including internationally acclaimed wines from award winning cellar – Domain Brahms. Meet the winemaker and discuss the wines over this elegant dinner. For bookings or enquiries, contact brandon@evenovation.co.za or 0722264833

PRIDE DIVAS ON BROADWAY MONDAY 23 FEBRUARY

20.30.Entrance fee: R85Some of Cape Towns most notorious Doyennes of Drag are getting together for a special, one-off, kick-ass show, featuring the bodacious BOND AMBITION trio, comprising of Victoria Caballaire, Madones Lemming & Celeste von Trump, fresh from their recent spectacular debut at the Loft Lounge. Joining them will be the evergreen Sheena Alexander, as well as a few guest stars. The lovely Dame Vera Man Your will host in her inimitable style and wit. This is drag with a difference, not to be missed.Bookings essential at 021 424-1194/5 or http://www.onbroadway.co.za/

PRIDE SEMINAR: NEW HIV PREVENTION TECHNOLOGIES TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Loft LoungeTime: 18.30 to 20.00FreeThis seminar will focus on the Cape Town PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Study. This first of a kind HIV Prevention Study is designed to determine if HIV antiretroviral drugs taken once a day may help prevent HIV infection among gay & bisexual men and trans women in Cape Town. We will present important background data, the PrEP concept, details of the Cape Town study, and answer questions. Presented by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation & the Mother City Men’s Health Project.


INTERFAITH SERVICE TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY

Venue: Mowbray Town HallTime: 19h00This is a celebratory service including Muslim, Unitarian, Christian and Jewish worshipers.

GIRLS OPEN MIC NIGHT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Beaulah BarTime: 9.00pmEntry: Donation to PrideAn evening of poetry, song and stand-up comedy for women only. Contact Marijke at Beaulah to participate:marijke@beaulah.co.za

PRIDE PUTT-PUTT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Mouille Point – Putt Putt course, Beach RoadTime: 18h00Entrance fee: R30 A fun outdoor event, where you can show off your putting skills with a dramatic Atlantic sunset as a backdrop

PRIDE SEMINAR: “SHAME & PREJUDICE: Unspoken Queer Shadows”
WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: Art CafeTime: 18h30 Entrance: FreePanelists address the unspoken loneliness of being physically disabled, obese, transgender or elderly – and queer. Hosted by Gender DynamiX

BOYS NIGHT OUT WEDNESDAY 25 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Loft LoungeTime: 21:00Entrance: R20A raunchy night out where the drinks are cheap and the boys are cheaper. Featuring live male strip show

PRIDE SEMINAR: “HIV Treatment: When, What, Why, How?”
THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Venue: PHRU, 2nd Floor, 24 Napier StTime: 19h00This is panel presentation by Health4Men on the latest trends regarding when to commence ARV treatment, what ARVs to use and where to source them. Panellists include both medical professionals and people receiving ARV treatment.

BEACH PICNIC THURSDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Venue: Clifton 3rd beachTime: 18H00Enjoy the beauty and magic of a Clifton sunset, and share the sights and sounds of the seashore with friends and family. Please bring along your own refreshments and snacks. This relaxed sunset gathering has always been very popular, and a great opportunity to get to know new people.

LADIES NIGHT OF SEDUCTION FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

20:00 Venue: Friendly SocietyEntrance fee: R50A night of seduction, especially for the ladies. Come learn the secrets behind the art of seduction. We'll have professional lap dancing and pole dancing lessons, amongst other delights. For bookings, contact Lara 072 512 1886 lara3indigo@gmail.com

WILD WEST HOE-DOWN SHOWDOWN FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Venue: Beaulah BarTime: 7.00 to 22.00No cover charge but there is a R30 charge to ride the mechanical bull in the car parkFind out who the roughest rider is. Wear Stetsons &/or chaps to compete in the Rough Rider Competition from 7pm – 10pm. Take aim in our Saloon Bar Shootout.

PLAYNICE FETISH & UNDERWEAR PARTY FRIDAY 27 FEBRUARY

Venue: The Runway, Sir Lowry Rd, WoodstockTime: 21.00Tickets: R30 donation to Cape Town PrideIt's all about fetish & underwear at the PlayNice launch party which kicks off their responsible play campaign with two sizzling ramp shows that celebrate creative play and fetishes, hunky fun and DJs. This is the one you'll want to be at.Contact: Glenn de Swardt 021 425 6463 glenn@health4men.co.za

PRIDE PINK BREAKFAST

Venue: The Nose BarTime: 9.00 to 12.00Cost: R60Start your Pride Parade in Pink Fizzing style with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast with a glass of Eikendal Pink Fizz to get you in the mood for the day. And for every Pride Parade Breakfast served, R10 will be donated to Cape Town Pride. Breakfast with a glass of fizz will cost only R60 so book your table now by phoning 021 425 2200 or dropping in at the Cape Quarter, Dixon Street, De Waterkant (minutes away from the Parade start

PRIDE PARADE & CARNIVAL PARTY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

The Parade trough the City Centre starts at the Green Point Traffic Department at noon. It will end on lower Napier St, outside the Prestwich Primary School which will once again be the venue for the Carnival Party. As usual, there will be a wide range of live entertainment, as well as a full bar, delicious food and a number of art & craft stands. Entry: R30. Ends @ 8.00pm.Let us know if you want to enter a float in the Parade.


PRIDE AFTER PARTY SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY

Venue: BambuTime: 10pm till 4amEntrance: R50 pre-sold and R80 @ Doorhttp://www.webtickets.co.za/event.asp?itemid=305764 End off the Pride Festival with a fabulous bang with the mother of all parties, the PRIDE After Party, hosted by clubbing promoter group Juicy. Those of you who remember Cruz, now Bambu, will know that the club provides an elegant clubbing experience. Best DJs including, James Matthes (Juicy Resident, PRIDE, MCQP & MASK), Charl Zer0 (MCQP, Juicy Resident) and SA Favourite Bruno Morphet. Expect gorgeous dancers and the most-up-for-it-crowd in the village!

PRIDE BEARS SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY
Venue: Amsterdam BarTime: 19:00 Entrance: R30Gathering of the hirsute and the men who like them

SUNSET CRUISE SUNDAY 1 MARCH
Venue: V&A Waterfront PierTime: 17H00Cost: TBAJoin in on a relaxed Sunset cruise leaving from the V&A Waterfront as the sun sets over the Ocean. Cash bar on board while cruising to Clifton and back.

GHMCC SERVICE SUNDAY 1 MARCH

Venue: Zonnebloem College ChapelTime: 18:00A Thanksgiving Church Service to end the Festival. Zonnebloem College Chapel, Cambridge Street.

Fly with Pride and get to Cape Town for the Festival!

Gay Accommodation

It is great to see that more gay Guesthouses are springing up in Cape Town. We regularly book accommodation for guests and visitors to Cape Town and you will see that the list we have to the right of the blog is growing. The featured picture is a new guesthouse - or perhaps only just discovered by us - Southern Comfort Guest Lodge. Check out this one as well as The House on the Hill - second pic featured.