The rainbow flag was proudly paraded in a stylish ensemble by Laylah Zokufa Khan, who was crowned as Miss Cape Town Pride 2022.
Originally from Wellington, she might be better recognised as the pageant director of a local LGBTQ+ pageant Miss Drag Boland which is hosted annually.
Being raised in this relatively conservative region, Khan’s mission is to inspire boldness in the local queer community by spreading their wings and identity, much as shehas as the reigning Pride Ambassador in the province.
“I’m extremely overwhelmed by mixed emotions following the victory,” she said. “This pageant, for me, truly symbolizes that with the combination of determination and hard work you can achieve your goals.”
Miss Cape Town Pride is an annual pageant held by the Cape Town Pride organisation in association with the Miss Gay Western Cape organisation which has been in existence for over 10 years.
“The Boland Region, and LGBT community, is aware of the pageant and the Pride festival,” Khan pointed out, “but they do not necessarily want to go out there and witness the unity of the pride march, so I want to do something so special for my home grown community.”
The Miss Cape Town Pride pageant was dealt a real blow by the pandemic, what with some of its top organisers suffering illness and death.
“The pageant was literally active for about two-and-a-half hours. Because of the Covid pandemic we had only one rehearsal and only 16 finalists were chosen to compete at the final.
“During the pandemic the pageant was put on hold due to the sad passing of the pageant director, Mark Donough. Additionally, we lost my predecessor Adrian Galatgatsi to mental-health issues. Because of this I’d also like to advocate for mental health during my reign.”
The Miss Cape Town Pride organisation constantly seeks a proud ambassador who is passionate about the LGBT community. She needs to represent her community and be actively involved in charity initiatives, Khan explained.
“I’m continuing with my annual charity initiatives, one that was paused due to Covid, Khan’s Fairy Godmother Projects where we assist needy matric students with their farewell as well as teaching them life skills. This includes my third annual Miss Drag Boland pageant for the upliftment of the farmlands Queens.”
Additionally she’splanning a new initiative Miss Cape Town Pride, which will be announced in April. “Once it is confirmed I promise it will be one amazing project that will benefit the LGBT community of the Boland!”
This new venture on Khan’s journey means she can now also include more people to join forces in breaking barriers for the LGBT community of the Boland.
“I can also inspire my contestants and future entrants in that where you come from should not hold you back from achieving greatness,” she said.
As Khanreflected on her success, shereminisced how hertriumph to the title was not easily won.
“I entered the Pride Pageant six times and failed to make royalty but I kept going determined to accomplish this, not for myself but for my community. So never fear failure but please be terrified of regret.”
Khan concluded with hervery own inspirational quote: “Be grateful for the all the obstacles on your path. They are not there to break you, but rather to redirect you on the path to greatness.”
