The countdown to the dazzling and electrifying Feather Awards XV has begun! In a glittering celebration of diversity and inclusivity, the 2023 Feather Awards nominees have been unveiled. It’s time to unleash your inner unicorn, embrace your true colors, and honor those who have left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment, advocacy, and more within the LGBTQIA+ community.

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The Feather Awards XV is much more than just a glamorous event; it’s a night where our community’s extraordinary achievements and contributions take center stage. This year’s list of nominees includes brilliant stars, passionate activists, and influential community leaders who have risen and illuminated our lives.

A symbol of unity, diversity, and empowerment, the Feather Awards XV pays tribute to these outstanding individuals for their incredible contributions to the LGBTIQ+ community. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, 9th November 2023, at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg, where media, partners, and stakeholders will unite to celebrate these fantastic individuals.

Once again, the beloved Modiselle sisters, Refilwe, Bontle, and Candice, will return as the hosts for the 2023 Feather Awards. And the 2023 Nominees for the Feather Awards XV are:

• Best Styled Individual: Musa Keys, PonaHalo, Yaya Mavundla
• Hunk of the Year: Thembinkosi Mthembu, Mondli Makhoba, Toss
• Diva Extraordinaire of the Year: Mrs. Mops, Sorisha Naidoo, Swanky Jerry
• Sports Personality of the Year: Andile Dlamini, Akani Simbine, SA Netball
• Role model of the Year: The Fruit Basket, Tony Kruger, Patsy P. Alley
• Cutest Couple: Mandisa Mfeka & Kenay, Buhlebendalo & Botshelo, Xihla & Busi
• Hot Chick of the Year: Uncle Waffles, Homba Mazaleni, Mordecai
• Media Award of the Year: The Lunch League, Sowetan / S Mag, Kasi 2 Kasi Queer Cinema
• Fag hag of the Year: Nhlanhla Mafu, Tamara Dey, Musa Mthombeni
• Designer of the Year (new category): Gert-Johan Coetzee, Otiz Seflo, Lulama Wolf
• Musician of the Year: Tyler ICU, Bongezizwe Mabandla, Lloyiso
• Socialite (Seen at every opening of an envelope or an erection of a stop sign): Lethabo Lejoy Mathatho, Tshiamo, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
• Drama Queen: Joku, Lebo M, Ayanda Ncwane
• Social Media Personality of the Year: Sethu Nkosi, Barbie Jackson, Sabelo The Creator
• Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Private Sector: Miss SA, Woolworths, Nike
• Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative: Public Sector: Do Better
• Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement: Sacred Heart School, Phuti Lekoloane Foundation, WAQE
• Best Rainbow Parenting: Zodwa Rannyadi, Nandipha Jovuka, Abraham Sebidi

This year, the prestigious Simon Nkoli Award will be bestowed upon the multi-talented, award-winning South African sweetheart, Thandiswa Mazwai.

The 15th annual Feather Awards are produced in collaboration with the Thami Dish Foundation. Thami Kotlolo, co-founder of the Feather Awards, commented, “This year, we celebrate the diversity, creativity, and resilience of all communities, especially during these challenging times. Thanks to the boldness and braveness of the Queer community, we can continue our work to educate and sensitize, culminating in this fabulous annual gathering. Congratulations to all our wonderful nominees for the Feather Awards XV!”

Stay tuned for updates, surprises, and, of course, the thrilling announcement of the winners at the Feather Awards XV. Let’s paint the town with all the colors of the rainbow!

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