The Feather Awards have marked their 18th edition with a celebration of LGBTQIA+ excellence, visibility, creativity and allyship – while also paying tribute to the late South African creative Maria McCloy.
The nominees for the landmark 2026 edition were announced at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg on Thursday, 1 October, under the theme “The Signature Edition”.
The event also carried a deeply personal moment as those gathered raised a toast in honour of McCloy, the DJ, publicist, fashion designer and cultural connector who died in May at the age of 50.
McCloy died on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg following heart failure, according to a statement from her family.
Her life was celebrated by South Africa’s creative and entertainment industries, where she had worked across music, fashion, media, public relations and nightlife.
Remembering Maria McCloy
McCloy was remembered by the Feather Awards community as someone who helped create spaces where creatives and LGBTQIA+ people could connect, work and be seen.
At her memorial at the Joburg Theatre in May, Feather Awards founder Thami “Thami Dish” Willis spoke about the influence McCloy had on him and the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I’m here today to witness the celebration of the incredible life of Maria McCloy,” he said, describing her as someone who had an “incredible impact” on his choices and work in the creative industry.
Why the Feather Awards chose ‘The Signature Edition’
The 18th Feather Awards uses its coming-of-age milestone to frame a wider conversation about young people’s participation in South Africa’s future.
According to the organisers, the theme represents the point at which a person turns 18 and begins making decisions that carry greater responsibility.
Founder Thami Dish said the symbolism was deliberate.
“We are 18. This is the age of signature – an age where the choices you make matter, and where your name becomes a binding pledge,” he said.
“South Africa is asking its youth to sign on the dotted line of history, and we refuse to let that moment pass by in silence.”
The organisers have also pointed to funding pressures affecting programmes relied on by LGBTQIA+ communities, including HIV services, youth employment initiatives and community-based health services.
The awards say their response will extend beyond the annual ceremony, with plans for workshops, mentorship circles and safe-space dialogues.
Constitution Hill Pride flag ceremony
As part of the 18th edition, the annual Pride flag ceremony at Constitution Hill will be led by 18-year-old Chanel Diale.
The organisers said Diale represents a younger generation of queer activists, advocates and leaders.
The flag will fly at Constitution Hill during Pride Month, linking the awards programme to the constitutional values associated with equality, dignity and human rights.
Concluding the announcement, Thami Dish offered a direct message to young South Africans, “History will not wait for us to feel ready. The questions that are before the country right now , about equality, about resources, about dignity, will be answered one way or another. The only choice we have is whether our voices are written into that story or erased from it. Feather Awards 18 is that opportunity. Add your signature. Make it count.”
2026 FEATHER AWARDS NOMINEES & HONORARY RECIPIENTS
Best Styled Individual
Banele Ndaba
Siya Bunny
Kagiso Mogola
Hunk of the Year
Sdumo Mtshali
Vuyo Biyela
Teddy Geldart (DopeZuluboi)
Musician of the Year
Thando Zide
Manana
Zee Nxumalo
Social Media Personality of the Year
Primo Baloyi
Grace Mondlana
Coachella Randy
Drama Queen of the Year
Credo V Daniels
Mel Viljoen
Limpopo Boy
Hot Chick of the Year
Desiree Komi
Kitso Kgori
Dominic Zaca
HONORARY RECIPIENTS
Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative
Other Village People
Diva Extraordinaire of the Year
Miss Gaga
Sports Personality of the Year
Coach Desiree Ellis
Cutest Couple of the Year
Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba
Fag Hag of the Year
Thobeka Mbane
Maria McCloy Award
Maria Mc’Cloy
Simon Nkoli Award
To be announced
Role Model of the Year
Felicia Mabuza-Suttle
Global Feather of the Year
Hillary Shimi – Namibian Lesbian Festival Pride PopUp
Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative
Other Village People
Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative
ABSA
Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative
Prof. Zozo Nene
Media
Black Burns Fast
