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In an effort to highlight the need for tolerance of same sex couples and their right to be married, Heart 104.9 FM, a Cape Town radio station is hosting an all-expenses paid wedding and honeymoon competition for two gay guys in search of a happy ending. And it’s all happening live on air.
Julian Naidoo, Cape Town’s most recognised Traffic personality, and best known for his out-of-the-closet take on life said: “Cape Town is the queer capital of South Africa. It was named one of the 10 most popular gay travel destinations in the world, so it is only fitting that Heart 104.9FM hosts such an exciting competition”.
The eight weeks voyage of love has been unfolding live on the Phat Joe’s daily breakfast show between 6 and 9am. The competition, two guys and a wedding - the only wedding where the groom ends up marrying the best man, however, has not been widely welcomed by every listener. Reports of listeners complaining about having their children listen to the show, and callers directing their ‘disgust’ at Naidoo, has grown considerably.
Making listeners comfortable
Naidoo had this to say: As an interactive radio station, it is important that we provide a platform for our listeners to discuss and share their views and opinions about all issues. We hope to start a conversation that will make listeners more comfortable about same-sex marriage and welcome the gay community into society.”
Meanwhile the wedding is will take place on 26 March 2011, where the grooms will meet face-to-face for the first time, following weeks of getting to know each other on air.
The wedding will be hosted at the luxurious 35-metre yacht, Nautilus, a boutique hotel on water at the V&A Waterfront and Heart FM listeners, family and friends are invited to attend the wedding ceremony from a viewing area adjacent to the Quay Four and honeymoon expenses will be paid for by Heart FM. (Zaakirah Rossier, Health24, March 2011)
For more information tune in to the Phat Joe Morning Show on Heart 104.9 FM daily.
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