Vocalize’s 7th Annual Charity Concert, in aid of the Order of St John

As a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I feel that it’s important to raise awareness and provide support to all organisations that do good and support the less-fortunate. Mr. GSA should be a person that is admired by all communities for his kindness, generosity and support. He should be an ambassador not only for the LGBTIAQ community but also for all other communities.

I am fortunate to be able to support “Joy Sounds” presented by “Vocalize” in order to raise funds for the Order of St. John. Please come and join me with this exciting lineup of artists: Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Lennon & McCartney, The Beach Boys, Rodgers & Hart, Leonard Cohen, and The Real Group... all entertainingly arranged for voices in close harmony.

Vocalize is proud to present their 7th Annual Charity Concert, in aid of the Order of St John.

The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, commonly known as the Order of St John, is one of five mutually recognized orders of St John. Revived in the United Kingdom in the mid 19th century, the Order of St John is able to trace its origins back over 900 years to the Knights Hospitaller. 

Since those early days, the Order of St John has grown into an international non-profit, non-denominational organizations comprising over 30 000 members worldwide and operating in almost 40 countries including South Africa, the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

In South Africa, the Order of St John is represented by the following foundations:

•    St John Ambulance Foundation

•    St John Ophthalmic Foundation

•    St John Training & Education Foundation

"Joy Sounds" is a programme that celebrates the joy of vocal harmony, from the jazz techniques of improvisation, vocalese, scat and vocal percussion, to the lushest 5-part harmonies. The entertaining show will cover classic showtunes, jazz and swing numbers, and the best in a cappella arranging!

The concerts will be held at the stately Glenshiel in Westcliff, one of Johannesburg's famous historic homes, which was built for Sir William and Lady Dalrymple in 1908. The show starts at 8.00pm on Saturday evening, and 4.00pm on Sunday afternoon. A glass of wine, coffee and tea will be served during the interval. Safe parking is available in the grounds of Glenshiel.

Proceeds from the evening will go towards the Order of St John, which is based at Glenshiel and cares for people through First Aid training and Eye Care clinics, amongst other good works.

Tickets: R150 per person

Upcoming shows

09/11/13     Joy Sounds   Glenshiel      8:00pm   Johannesburg  

10/11/13     Joy Sounds   Glenshiel      4:00pm   Johannesburg  

Book your tickets now via Saul Bamberger:

saulb@polka.co.za / 083-4140041

For more information visit their website at:

http://www.vocalize-singers.com  

See you there!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 - Awesome day at JHB Gay Pride!

 "Johannesburg Pride was hosted as the first domestic event of this nature in response to the rise of democracy, bolstered by the release of former President Nelson Mandela in 1990.  It sought to advocate for inclusive equality, and the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (aka Polysexual), Transgender, Intersex, Asexual and Agender as well as Queer (LGBTIAQ) rights as inclusive of Human Rights."

"The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, approved by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996 underscored universal human rights to all... South Africans prohibiting inter alia discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender - the first of its kind in the world. Despite the legal protection of the LGBTIAQ minorities, social prejudice and stigmatisation remains."

"The ongoing perpetration of violence and intimidation against the LGBTIAQ community raises the need to redress social discrimination. Homophobia, transphobia, “corrective” rape which at time includes murder, and LGBTIAQ hate crimes are just a few of these social challenges that needs to be redressed."

"Thus, Johannesburg Pride seeks to celebrate the legal strides made in South Africa including additional legislation such as marriage equality for gays and lesbians since 2006, and the legal alteration of gender description in identity documents since 2003.  Legalities not specificallyaddressed in the Constitution anomalous to then respective current applicable laws. Johannesburg Pride equally seeks to redress the social and prejudicial discrimination of LGBTIAQ and the right to equality and dignity."

"In addition South Africa needs to be a champion of these rights in support of its immediate neighbours within the Southern African Development  Community (SADC) as well as on the African continent as a whole, while not discounting countries where LGBITAQ is criminalised."

"Despite the ratification of the  African Union’s (AU) Charter on Human and People’s Rights by 53 AU states, and while the United Nations’ instrument has universal application, scores of African countries specifically finger the LGBTQI minority for particular crimininalisation, vilification and subjugation. Johannesburg Pride stands in solidarity" 

As a openly gay man and a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I am proud to have been part of the 2013 Johannesburg Pride celebrations. I encourage fellow community members to support events like this, not only to celebrate but to ensure that we are noticed and recognised as community. To lobby for our rights and place within a bigger society.

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA Finalist 2014 call on all Diva's!

For all you Diva's and Diva supporters out there and everyone else that wants to join a good party! In support of Health4Men, as a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I will be one of the judges for this competition. A evening full of entertainment and fun at Simply Blue this coming Friday evening!

See you there!

Please remeber to cast your daily votes for me to be the next Mr. GSA 2014.

Hi everyone!

A reminder to PLEASE vote for me to be the next Mr. Gay South Africa. Thanks to everyone that has been voting diligently everyday!

Just click on the link below or cut and paste it into your internet browser, find me (Helgard Marais) on the list and complete your e-mail address, press vote... done!

http://www.mambaonline.com/2013/10/04/vote-for-mr-gsa-2013/

A personal note form Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist supports the South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

Out in Africa – South African Gay & Lesbian Film festival

I like to share a great movie experience I had over the weekend. Go and support the South African Gay & Lesbian Film festival.

For me it’s important to support this Film festival. Encourage more of these movies to be made and support these filmmakers. Above all I find it so refreshing to view non-Hollywood style movies, movies that mostly come from the heart, movies with meaning and most importantly, movies most of us can relate to in some way or another.

If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend watching “Out in the Dark”, one of the many movies being screened during this years SA Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

Synopsis: "As if being gay wasn’t enough of a hindrance, imagine being Palestinian and in love with an Israeli. In his multiple award-winning feature début, Mayer delivers a gripping tale of love that both comments on, and uses the backdrop of, Israeli-Palestinian politics to great effect. Nimr has a student visa allowing him to continue his psychology studies in Israel, but the nightlife also beckons. Sneaking across the border from Ramallah, dodging police patrols, he heads for the gay bars of Tel Aviv, and meets the sexy Israeli lawyer, Roy. Their ‘true love’ is threatened by the reality of the political situation, and while Roy is naïvely comfortable and safe, Nmir is dangerously at risk. Threatened by the Israeli security forces, his brother’s political activities, and the dishonourable consequences his sexuality has for his family, Nmir is forced to make uncomfortable choices. The cinematography, music and editing all contribute to an edgy, urgent drama of star-crossed lovers."

This movie touched me, particularly as I could relate to many of the challenges these two lovers had to endure. It reminded me that no matter what the situation, most gay guys still face very challenging issues:

Living their true lives in secrecy,

Being afraid of disclosing that they are gay,

Being sceptical about true love,

Having to deal with discriminating, violent and sometimes lethal influences / circumstances while they try to find themselves, build a life for themselves and find love.

Go check out the trailer for this movie: http://youtu.be/gErm0kGBTMQ

Social, traditional, political and religious influences that make being gay, so challenging, frustrating and sad at times, however this is exactly why we need to be proud of who we are. Try our best to survive these challenges in the belief that things will get better…which they do!

As a Finalist for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, I would like to say to everyone out there, young or old who find themselves facing such challenges, DON’T EVER GIVE UP! Keep fighting, believe in yourself and know that you are perfect just the way you are. Don’t ever stop dreaming of the life you desire as a gay man or lesbian woman.

Click on the link below for the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival schedule and make sure you go see some of these amazing movies:

http://www.oia.co.za/schedule/

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist - Delegate Interview

Hi everyone!

For those of you who dont know him, Cobus Benade is a fellow community member that constantly contribute and support our LGBTIQA community in an awesome positive way.

Through some personal experiences, he has tried to find ways to highlight the various injustices in the world to people around him (and his readers). He initially started his blog purely with written posts by himself with regards to his opinion, but since he has expanded to interviews of  contestants of various gay focused competitions (such as Mr Gay South Africa, Mr Gay Europe and Mr Gay World). With these interviews he hopes that he can encourage thinking and development in the gentlemen he interviews, as well as those that read these interviews.

His blog is well worth visiting! Make sure you take a swing past this blog!

http://lgbt.cobusbenade.com/

Cobus recently interviewed the Mr. GSA 2014 Top 10 Finalists. If you'd like to watch Cobus's interview with me, follow the link below or visit his blog:

http://lgbt.cobusbenade.com/blog/category/blog/gsa2014/

A BIG thank you to Cobus for all his hard work, continued support and contribution to our community!

Thank you Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton - Special JHB Pride rates now available

MR GSA would like to thank The Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton for hosting the Top 10 during the JHB Pride Festivities. You too can enjoy their hospitality during Pride by taking advantage of their special rates during Pride:

Stay Saturday night, 26 October 2013 and only pay:
R560.00 per person sharing, including breakfast
R990.00 Standard Single, Bed and Breakfast

Stay Friday and Saturday night, 25 and 26 October 2013 and only pay:
R510.00 per person sharing, including breakfast, per night
R890.00 Standard Single, Bed and Breakfast, per night

20 Maude Street, Sandown, Sandton
Johannesburg, Gauteng

T: +27 11 3225000

Website:
http://www.proteahotels.com/hotels/Pages/protea-hotel-balalaika.aspx?gclid=CPy4_8OWoLoCFeTLtAodDz0AIg

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist - Come support the Out In Africa - South African Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

The Out In Africa South African Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (OIA) was launched in 1994 to celebrate the inclusion, in the South Africa Constitution, of the clause prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

The Festival set out to address the lack of visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex individuals (LGBTIs) in South African social and cultural life after decades of apartheid repression, to counter negative images of LGBTIs that prevail in traditional and religious communities, and to serve as a platform for discussion and debate about the situation of LGBTIs in a newly founded democracy.

The purpose of the Festival is to showcase films from around the world, and to stimulate and promote a home-grown film industry. As a socially conscious movement with a political purpose, OIA must generate images and representations of its own community that promote a sense of belonging and pride – films that explore our particular identity, lifestyles and concerns. OIA has organised 5 filmmaking workshops producing South African content – 22 short films have screened at over 52 international Film Festivals.

Through its high public profile (OIA garners tremendous coverage in the mainstream media) OIA continues to counteract embedded homophobia by providing positive images of LGBTI people. While the Festivals assist in the creation of communities and the strengthening of related organisations, ancillary events, that include filmmaking workshops, help develop personal growth, leadership skills and career opportunities.

Courtesy of Ster Kinekor we shall be screening the Palme d’Or winner Blue is the Warmest Colour. Please note that in Cape Town this screens at Cinema Nouveau V&A Waterfront. This October offering is one of the strongest yet – so book your seats early to avoid disappointment.

Follow the link below to check out the Film Festival lineup for October 2013:

http://www.oia.co.za/schedule/

See you at the Fest!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist at the Pretoria Pride afterparty - Babylon Club

Helgard Marais and Werner Earle

Thank you Babylon Club for hosting such a great party! Had a awesome time!

Top 10 - Mr. GSA 2014 Finalists

We all had fun and was good partying with all the boys!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist - Thank you Beefcakes!

A special thanks to Beefcakes Johannesburg for hosting the Mr. Gay South Africa Top 10 Finalists this past Sunday for an awesome lunch!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA finalist 2014 and the awesome Bron Stead - BRONz

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 Finalist and Bron Stead - BRONz

Pretoria Pride, blazing sun, amazing people all around having a good time and to top it all singer Bron Stead tantalizing us with her beautiful voice! Thank you for the great performance and your special attention Bron! You rock!

Guys get this amazing girl's CD now! You wont regret it!

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA finalist 2014, celebrating at the first Pretoria Pride

The first Pretoria Gay Pride was held on Saturday, 5 October 2013. Helgard Marais in his capacity of one of the top 10 finalists for Mr. Gay South Africa 2014, attended this even with a clear purpose in mind.

"It was great being out and about, seeing so many fellow community members being proud about who they are. The march was awesome with electric energy throughout the crowd. What is amazing at events like these is that we have a sense of togetherness, compassion for each other and although we are having fun, we all know we are there for a greater purpose. A purpose of celebrating who we are, making new friends and supporting those who for some reason were unable to attend due to possible discrimination and victimization."

I am proud to be gay, proud to have spent this well organised event with fellow contestants and fellow community members from all walks of life. A special thanks for the Mr. GSA organisers for making our stay at pride comfortable and very memorable.

Helgard Marais, Mr. GSA 2014 finalist, invites you to support Child Welfare.

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As a finalist for Mr. GSA 2014, I see it as my responsibility not only to support LGBTIQA issues but also utelise this platform to bring attention to other issues all South Africans face.

Click on the Invite / Picture above this article and come join us in raising funds for Johannesburg Child Welfare.

 

http://www.johannesburggardenclub.co.za/jgc/?page_id=97

 

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  The Johannesburg Garden Club and Flower Power Gardens presents this 7-acre Italian inspired Hyde Park garden with several impressive features.

This extraordinary restoration and redesign project incorporates a meadow, parterre, reflection pond and azalea bowl, a gem walk and Tiger’s Eye waterfall, rolling lawns and large established trees.

The highly anticipated open garden weekend will also include a tea garden with all proceeds going to the Johannesburg Child Welfare.

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Date: 4th October - Sunday 6th October 2013

Time:  10am – 5pm

Entrance: R30 at the door

Parking for visitors to The Garden of St Christopher is at Hyde Park High School, 3rd Road, Hyde Park. There will be a complimentary shuttle service to the garden in 9th Road, Hyde Park. For the energetic and fit, the distance from the Hyde Park High parking area to the garden is only 500m! The security closure at the entrance to 9th Road will be open all day from Friday Contact: Prue Johnson on 083 309 7949 or Helena Mitchell on 083 267 1661

The Johannesburg Garden Club was established in 1951 by 30 amateur gardeners, with a social conscience. It is one of the few garden clubs established with a twofold objective written into its constitution. Members aim to increase, share and enjoy their gardening knowledge, and in so doing, raise funds for the Johannesburg Child Welfare Society.

The Johannesburg Garden Club – one of the oldest in the country – is described as having the largest collection of the best gardeners (both professional and amateur) contained in any one garden club. 

The Johannesburg Garden Club gives its members the opportunity to make friends with like-minded people who love gardening, whilst helping the children of Johannesburg Child Welfare. Each year they endeavor to increase their donation to Johannesburg Child Welfare, with a justifiably proud annual donation of R400 000 in March 2013. 

 

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Jo’burg Child Welfare (JCW) provides direct services to children aged 0 – 18 and through their Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Forum, they assist community based organisations in providing services to orphaned and vulnerable children within the communities they serve. In realising that they are not able to help every child themselves, they invest considerable resources in working well with other role players to ensure that as many children in need as possible are assisted.

Through their various services, centres and initiatives, they effectively reach more than 

40 000 beneficiaries on an annual basis. Their OVC Forum, allows them to reach a further 23 000 people.

Come and appreciate this most magnificent garden with me and in return know that some less fortunate children will appreciate your contributions in making their lives more bearable.