In honour of Pride Month, Channel O is set to debut Young, Gifted and Queer, a documentary that celebrates South Africa’s vibrant Black queer community. Premiering on 31 October 2024 on DStv channel 320 at 21:00, this bold film highlights the trailblazing voices shaping the nation’s culture.
According to True Love Magazine, directed by award-winning filmmaker Renaldo Schwarp, Young, Gifted and Queer explores the stories of three influential Black queer figures—Andiswa Dlamini, Umlilo, and S’bo Gyre. These creatives are redefining the arts and activism scenes with their unique contributions and fearless approach to self-expression.
Andiswa Dlamini, founder of Other Village People, shared her thoughts on being part of the project. “This project made me realise just how much more time and space we need to truly share our stories. I hope that when people watch, they will see that there is community, beauty, love, and celebration within the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said.
S’bo Gyre, a pop-rapper, reflected on the importance of this moment. “I remember watching Paris is Burning and thinking that we need our stories told with the same level of care and nuance. Young, Gifted and Queer is a dream come true because it is a powerful, multi-generational look at the Black queer experience in Mzansi,” he added.
Umlilo, known as the genre-defying ‘kwaai diva,’ expressed pride in being part of a project that celebrates queer joy. “Often we only see horror stories and don’t celebrate the amazing queer people in our country. I hope that viewers can forget that they are watching queer people and just see us as humans with families, lives, hopes, and dreams just like them.”
The documentary promises to be an inspiring look at queer life in South Africa, blending personal stories with insights from cultural icons, activists, and journalists.
Photo: TrueLove
