Pretty, witty and gay

The babification of Brave

Disney's sexualised redesign of Brave's Merida drew fierce criticism worldwide - because a cartoon is not just a cartoon, writes Chris McEvoy.

Confessions of a curvy girl

Our reader has learnt to make peace with her "plus-size" weight and stopped worrying about stereotypes.

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Babalwa Mneno about her friend, Koyo Bala:
"The first time I met Koyo I was not impressed. I was extremely shocked by the words that came out of his mouth: "'ou're gorgeous, but I'm sure everyone will agree that I look much better than you'! I remember thinking: "Okay, so what did I ever do to you?"
"At first glance, I thought: 'This chick is trying really hard to portray this tomboy look' – only to find out that she
Khanyisile Mbau about 3sum's Amstel Makwane:
"When it comes to the glitz and the glam, Amstel and I are your pair. We enjoy dressing up and partying together. He is the ultimate king of flamboyance, and me, I'm the queen of bling – and if you ask me, that's a match made in heaven! I'm grateful that I've found a friend that I don't have to compete with," says actress and socialite Khanyisile Mbau.
"The fact that I'm st
p>Margaret Maluleka about Matupa Mahlatjie (inset):
"Matupa has taught me the most valuable lesson: to never believe that things happen by chance. If they are meant to be, then they will be. I guess that's the same with our friendship.
"Since we met, Matupa has stopped keeping a diary – he doesn't need one now that he has me. I am his living personal diary and he is my life adviser and counsellor – what more could a girl ask for?
Matshidso Maduza about her friend, Tinyiko Chomee Mathebule:
"I've been on this journey with Tinyiko for only four months, but boy it's been an enthralling experience. When I met him I had my own views on homosexuality, but befriending Tinyiko Chomee enlightened me about the life that I'd refused to talk about. And I'm grateful to him for teaching me about his life and sexuality.
"Chomee is a harsh tongue-lasher – he's
Dineo Molapoabout her best friend, Steve Mapaseka Letsike:
"The fact that my friend, Steve, prefers women over men doesn't make her any different from who I am. I'm someone who demands people's respect for the values and interest I hold, and it's only fair that I respond in a similar way. That's definitely why our friendship has been nothing but an exciting joy-ride.
"She respects the person I am, and I respect the way she chooses