Gaye Pride 2011

Gay Pride 2011 had been anticipated for an entire year. Every homosexual in Joburg had started planning, months in advance, what they would wear to bump into all their ex’s.

This yearly celebration of sexual diversion, colour and crazy is something I hardly miss.

As they take to the streets in drag and floats to celebrate their sexuality, with excitement and attitude, onlookers and homophobes alike marvel at the array of colourful characters.

This year however Amidst the fun and games a dark shadow loomed as it had been reported that a 5^th gay man was found murdered in his home. Hate crime of a serial killer that took the life of a personal friend of mine, Barney Van Heerden amongst other innocents. Many used the opportunity to dedicate this year’s pride to him and donned his face on their T shirts. Barney was murdered in October this year and will be sorely missed by all.

The walk around Rosebank ended at Zoo Lake Sports club where the real party began. The scorching sun, the beer and the bright colours sent many over the brink of tipsiness very quickly.

The rare occasion that my photog Alvira Engelbrecht gets caught on her own camera.

This year’s entertainment line-up featured top female DJ Lisa Lashes from the United Kingdom, stage-burning performances by Jozi-based songbird Lira, rock act Kinky Robot, heart-throb singer George Meiring, dance act Flash Republic as well as fabulous drag acts

The Beautiful Trey Moo and my uber cute outfit.

Looking a little lost there gramps.

SABC’s Adrian Abader

Who is she kidding. I am the one and only Hag of all Fags!!!

Most came in Drag but not Deon Poovan, no he came in disguise. Fooled us all I tell you.

My Fan club..... I mean Entourage.

The straight girls club.

Why were we there you may ask? To support our lesbian, gay and bi friends of course and definitely not to drool over the exquisite talent!

And of course. Pride would not be complete without a Diva Tantrum!

Have a wonderful week and keep jammin like porcelain dolls.

XOXO Cins...

Street Cred Fest 2011

Hi Dolls,

Well as I said before September was jam packed with activities of every nature.

The Street Cred Fest was one of those with an electric atmosphere that gave an international flair right there in the midst of our very own Maboneng Precinct in Newtown.

This celebration was an explosion of our own urban culture, highlighting the long road we have travelled as a nation and developed into our own. One thing is two things and that’s that nobody can

Ever accuse Jozi of being boring with so many different personalities and characters all adding their own personal touch to our diversity.

The stage was on fire with international artists like VaShtie and Masta Lee. Theophilus London’s anthem of “I stand alone” had us all moving together in a frenzy of excitement.

Adding to the VIP Import list was the founder and editor of Sneaker Freaker Woody SBTG (Royalefam) who had a 12 person workshop on customising sneakers. How friggin ridic!!!

They were hand painting each sneaker to perfection right before our less than sober eyes. Epic!!

Got to meet the super talented Video blogger, Levi Maestro.

Dizzy with all the goings on (and the beer) I was mesmerised by all the sights. PATTA from Amsterdam... there was street ball,  graffiti, BMX tricksters and skateboarding all over the place.

A Mardi Gras to celebrate our heritage and show  off to the international guests, what a colourful and beautiful nation we have become.

New York may be the Big Apple  but Jozi is the Big Pineapple which is a little higher on the food chain.

We are proving that Nelson Mandela and Charlise Theron are not our only claims to fame.

Till next time Dolls.... Keep jamming.

XOXO Cins...

Photographer: Alvira Engelbrecht