PRESS PLAY: WE’RE HERE. WE’RE QUEER
Roberto Kyle, Queezy + Ina Propriette share their experiences of living as openly queer people in SA.
Words by Jamal Grootboom | Videos: Khotso Makhothi | Images: Supplied / Nathan Kruger
Pride Month is a time of celebration and remembrance for the LGBTQI+ community. While Pride parades are held at different times of the year, the month of all things queer is observed internationally during June.
The month is a commemoration of the 1969 Stonewall Riots which saw queer people - specifically BIPOC transwomen - fight back against police raids that were targeting gay bars, including the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York City.
This event was the catalyst for queer rights activism in the U.S. and has since gained momentum across the globe.
In contrast to the rest of the African continent, South Africa has a bustling queer scene with LGBTQI+ representation in various industries and boosts our own unique queer culture.
While things are on the upswing when it comes to queer acceptance in legislation and media, the day-to-day life of queer people is still very much in danger, as LGBTQI+ hate crimes and murders remain a common occurrence.
However, despite all these hardships, queer people in the country have been able to not only survive but thrive.
This Pride Month, we spoke to Arendsvlei actor and director Roberto Kyle and prominent DJ, Interdisciplinary Artist and Superbalist Home +Living Head Stylist Quaid ‘Queezy’ Henecke, about what Pride Month means to them, how being queer has impacted their line of work and what the future holds for queer people in the country.
IN CONVERSATION WITH ROBERTO KYLE:
Dressed by: Superbalist.com
This Pride Month, we spoke to Superbalist’s Home + Living Head Stylist, Quaid ‘Queezy’ Henecke about what #PrideMonth means to her, and how being queer has impacted her line of work.
IN CONVERSATION WITH QUEEZY BABAS:
Dressed by: Superbalist.com
This Pride Month, we spoke to Cape Town-based drag superstar Ina Propriette, about what #PrideMonth means to her, how being queer has impacted her line of work + what the future holds for queer people in South Africa.
IN CONVERSATION WITH INA PROPRIETTE:
Dressed by: Superbalist.com