The Feather Awards 2025—South Africa’s premier celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility, influence, and creativity—has officially revealed its nominees and event details.
The 17th edition of the annual awards will take place on Thursday, 6 November 2025, in Johannesburg, at a soon-to-be-revealed venue that promises a night filled with glamour, art, and advocacy.
The Feathers are more than just an awards show. They serve as a platform to honour individuals, creatives, and public figures who contribute to making South Africa a more inclusive and expressive space for queer voices and their allies.
Over the years, the event has gained recognition for combining high fashion, performance, and activism into one unforgettable night.
This year’s theme — “Pause, Look, and Listen to your Heart” — invites guests and nominees to take a moment of reflection amid a fast-paced world.
Organisers say the message is about self-awareness, empathy, and celebrating authenticity.
Co-founder Thami Dish explained that the Feathers are not only about the glitz but about promoting change. He said the platform remains committed to creating awareness and inspiring acceptance.
“While we love the glamour and the fashion, the Feather Awards have always been the heartbeat of a movement. In a time where the global environment for queer people is increasingly challenging, our role in fostering crucial dialogue, driving awareness, and advocating for tangible policy change is more vital than ever,” he said.
The 2025 edition introduces a more refined structure — with seven legacy categories recognising long-standing impact, and competitive categories celebrating new stars and cultural trailblazers.
The awards include categories such as Hunk of the Year, Diva Extraordinaire, Best Styled Individual, Musician of the Year, and Role Model of the Year, among others.
According to organisers, the event continues to bridge entertainment with empowerment, spotlighting figures who not only dominate pop culture but also push for inclusion and equality.
It is expected to draw leading personalities from across the entertainment, fashion, and activism spheres, including previous winners and high-profile allies of the community.
Beyond the awards themselves, the Feather Awards play a crucial role in strengthening queer representation in mediaand normalising conversations around gender identity and sexuality in South Africa.
The organisers have highlighted how the Feathers have evolved from a niche event into a national cultural moment, with a growing international following.
Details about how to watch the Feather Awards 2025 live will be announced closer to the event date. In previous years, the ceremony was broadcast live on SABC 1 and streamed online, allowing fans from across the country to participate in the celebration.
The organisers have also confirmed that the Feather Awards 2025 will continue its long-standing partnership with corporate and public sector supporters who share its vision of equality, visibility, and joy.
Feather Awards 2025 nominees
Below is the complete list of nominees and honorary recipients for the 17th Annual Feather Awards.
Hunk of the Year
- Troy Malange
- FreshbyCaddy
- Prince Beez
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
- Lilian Dube
- Kefilwe Mabote
- Jojo Robinson
Hot Chick of the Year
- Natasha Joubert
- Luyanda Zuma
- Caylene
Social Media Personality of the Year
- Zaca Dominic
- Shoun B
- Thobi Mashitiso
Best Styled Individual
- Kagiso Mogola
- Mordecai
- Mawhoo
Sports Personality of the Year
- Refiloe Jane
- Andile Dlamini
- Dirkie Chamberlin
Musician of the Year
- Nkosazana Daughter
- Craig Lucas
- Mawhoo
Fag Hag of the Year (Honorary Recipient)
- Busiswa
Role Model of the Year (Honorary Recipient)
- Lee-che Janecke
Media Award of the Year (Honorary Recipient)
- Netflix
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Public Sector (Honorary Recipient)
- The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill
Global Feather of the Year
- Jacqueline Kasha (Uganda)
Best LGBTIQ+ Youth Movement (Honorary Recipient)
- Zandile Mabaso
Best LGBTIQ+ Initiative in the Private Sector (Honorary Recipient)
- Nedbank #PrideAtWork
African Feather of the Year
- John Meletsi
Simon Nkoli Award
- Luiz De Barros