LBGTQ event makes a statement

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Social, Health & Empowerment Feminist Collective of Transgender Women of Africa (SHE), a group that supports the LBGTQ community, hosted its first ever Miss LBGTQ Arica event last weekend at the conclusion of Pride Month, celebrated in June.

The event on Saturday, 25 June, was presented in collaboration with the Mossel Bay Community Soup Drive, as a fundraiser for this non-profit organisation.

Held in the D'Almeida Civic Hall, the pageant drew a capacity crowd and guests had a superb time with great entertainment offered by divas including Sam Kannemeyer and Carly-Lee Ross. LBGTQ ambassador, Jo-Jo, also attended the event.

Well-known local dancer, Queen Summer Rain West, was crowned the winner. First runner-up was Laylah Goliath and second runner-up, Stacey Lee Seconds. Fredicia Storm was named Miss Personality.

The adjudication panel included Shanice Tauté, Donalda Bantom, Chloë Sometimes, Andrea Alexis and Lauren-Ann Basson.

Event organiser and SHE operative, Juan Levine Fortuin, says the organisation is doing comprehensive work throughout the Garden Route to gather information pertaining to the human rights violations suffered by members of the LBGTQ community.

"We are busy with an advocacy drive and documenting the complaints of members of the transgender community. Another important part of our work is health care screening. We screen for sexually transmittable infections, TB and HIV and we do preparation screenings. We urge any MSMs, men sleeping with men, to contact us should they have questions and need support. We will support you in the comfort and safety of your own home," says Fortuin.