This year, the nominee list comprises personalities and individuals from various industry sectors including entertainment, politics, lifestyle, sport and business. Each nominated individual or organisation, in one way or the other, has either represented, inspired, or celebrated the LGBTIQ community with excellence and distinction over the past twelve months.
Category finalists and later winners are selected and adjudicated by a panel consisting of members of the media and entertainment industry, who are firmly in touch with what’s hot and not on the South African social circuit.
The 2021 edition is aptly themed 'Queer Lives Matter', in line with the global conversation that seeks to address the array of LGBTI issues, which includes violent crimes against the LGBTIQ community.
In addition, the Feather Awards aims to do the following:
• Amplify the plight of the community during the build-up to the swards.
• Uplifting the names of the LGBTIQ activists who are doing impactful work in various communities across the country.
• Pay homage to supportive media bodies, LGBTIQ student movements and selected role models who enrich and back the community.
• Celebrate the lives of those lost over the past 12 months.
Now in its 13th year, the awards have evolved from solely an award celebration back in 2008 to a full array LGBTIQ advocacy activations taking place throughout the year. Done in partnership with the Thami Dish Foundation, these programmes include the LGBTIQ+ dialogues, workshop and trainings done in communities across South Africa.
The actual Feather Awards will take place on 11 November at a private ceremony in Johannesburg.
Leroy Marc
Rich Mnisi
Zozibini Tunzi
Siya Khumalo
Wiseman Zithar
Rich Mnisi
Johanna Mukoki
Ayanda Ncwane
Amanda Dambuza
Phuti ‘Minaj’ Lekoloane
Protea Pumas
Palesa Manaleng
Phuthi ‘Minaj’ Lekoloane
Roché Kester
Thebe Magugu
Musa and Liesel Mthombeni
Sylvester Chauke and Tumelo Mmusi
Latoya and Lebo Keswa
Kamo Mphela
Shudufadzo Musida
Ama Qamatha
Becoming
ShakeDown YFM
The River
Lady Du
Zoe Modiga
Nokuthula Mavuso
Lady Du
Makhadzi
Langa Mavuso
Johanna Mukoki
Lelo WhatGood
Bobby Blanco
Nonku Williams and her Mom
Thabo Smalls & KeJile keJile
Khanyi Mbau
The Funny Chef
Coachella Randy
Tumi Powerhouse
Levis X Langa Mavuso
Ernest & Young
Tshepo Jeans
Gauteng Department of Education
Department of Education Western Cape
National Youth Development Agency
Vaal LGBT
Vogue Nights
Queer Lives Matter
House of Diamond (Original Hunty)
Bongani Sibeko and Ndumiso Ngidi
Virginia Magwaza
David Tlale
"It's been an interest 13 years building these awards as a community. From starting out as a small celebration at a nightclub in Rosebank, the Feathers is now a whole teenager, a fully operational powerhouse of programmes. Through the awards we have showcased, celebrated and shared the South African LGBTIQ community with not only the African continent but also the world at large. They have also helped empower the country through dialogues and workshops, making their voice heard in communities in the public and private sector,” said Thami Kotlolo, cofounder of the Feather Awards.
"This year we are celebrating the entire community with the Queer Lives Matter theme. It's been thirteen years in the making, so here's to the next milestone, onward to adulthood."
