Feather Awards 2026 in SA: All the nominees

Held under the theme The Signature Edition, the awards organisers said the milestone edition will place greater emphasis on youth-led activism and engagement with social issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.

The organisers said the theme reflects the transition from adolescence to adulthood at 18 and is intended to encourage young South Africans to participate in discussions about the country's future.

Founder Thami “Thami Dish” Willis said the theme was designed to encourage young people to take an active role in shaping society.

“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. 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 also cited reductions in United States foreign aid as a concern for organisations working in areas including HIV programmes, youth employment and community health services. The statement linked these funding pressures to challenges facing LGBTQIA+ organisations and communities.

The annual Pride flag-raising at Constitution Hill will form part of this year's programme. Eighteen-year-old Chanel Diale is expected to lead the ceremony, which will take place during Pride Month.

Below are all the nominees:

Musician of the Year

• Thando Zide
• Manana
• Zee Nxumalo

Best Styled Individual

• Banele Ndaba
• Siya Bunny
• Kagiso Mogola

Hunk of the Year

• Sdumo Mtshali
• Vuyo Biyela
• Teddy Geldart (DopeZuluboi)

Best LGBTQIA+ Youth Initiative

• Other Village People

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

Diva Extraordinaire of the Year

• Miss Gaga

Best LGBTQIA+ Private Sector Initiative

• ABSA

Best LGBTQIA+ Public Sector Initiative

• Prof Zozo Nene

Sports Personality of the Year

• Coach Desiree Ellis

Cutest Couple of the Year

• Fanney Tsimong and Nhlanhla Ndaba

Honorary Awards

• Thobeka Mbane for Fag Hag of the Year
• Maria Mc’Cloy for the Maria McCloy Award
• Felicia Mabuza-Suttle for Role Model of the Year
• Hillary Shimi of Namibia’s Lesbian Festival Pride PopUp for Global Feather of the Year