Yaya Mavundla Takes Us Through Her Decade Long Journey With Feather Awards
Yaya Mavundla Takes Us Through Her Decade Long Journey With Feather Awards. The gay community is a minority, so events like Feather Awards are really important to them. These awards serve as a celebration and recognition of all who support, inspire and empower the LGBTI Community.
This past Friday, the Feather Awards announced the awards nominations for this year. Yaya Mavundla, a transgender woman, activist and reality show star, is one of the nominees. She comes from far with Feather Awards, and has won twice and was also once a judge. This year Yaya has been nominated under the Best Styled Individual category.
“I remember the first time I attended the Feather Awards in 2013 at Kyalami Theatre, I remember the black jumpsuit I wore. In 2015 I was invited to be a judge, and if I were to tell you of the chaos that goes on during the judging sessions, you probably wonβt believe me,” Yaya said.
“In 2016 I won Socialite of The Year. I knew as a transgender woman who was seen at every event for a purpose, I had to redefine the award for myself and the work I do. It was a moment to celebrate being visible as a transgender woman and saying to other transgender women it is important to se been, it is important to be visible. Awards is home and that stage needs women like us and we are deserving of these trophies too.
In 2021 a show that I was part of, Becoming, won Media of The Year for the incredible narrative that we painted our community. We simply went and told our authentic stories as they were and to date people still remind us of how we touched their lives.
“My style journey has really been something for the books, I am proud of how I have evolved and I am proud to be nominated for something I love so much, to be nominated with people I adore also feels like a win already, she said.
Yaya dedicates her nomination for herself and Iko Mash who taught her so much.
