A Cape Town TV presenter has produced a documentary on being gay in South Africa, just in time for Gay Pride next month.
Renaldo Schwarp, 27, says the four-part documentary, called SKEEF, was shot in Cape Town and highlights issues affecting the LGBTI community.
“I have worked on this documentary for the last six months and it was something I felt compelled to create,” he says.
“Since very early in my career, I have been faced with many obstacles as a result of my sexuality.
“I was told by lecturers or radio managers that I need to be less gay or not highlight my sexuality as this would make it easier for me to find work in media.
“This is the case for many LGBTI people. We have been told in workplaces or with family or in the church or when in relationships that we need to hide that part of ourselves. This didn’t sit right with me.”
SPEAK OUT: Marc Lottering. Photo: Supplied
“Does God hate gays?” and “Where are our gay South African role models?” are just some of the questions Renaldo will be asking people like comedian Marc Lottering, musician Joe Foster, Good Things Guy Brent Lindeque and top decision makers like VIA TV channel head, Izelle Venter.
Marc tells the Daily Voice: “It’s important to talk about sexual identity. Gay young people around the world and in SA have been murdered, and have even killed themselves, because of who they are. If me being interviewed on a documentary can save even one life, I’ve done a good thing.”
The doccie will be launched on YouTube on 3 June and aired every Monday thereafter.