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: "You'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 try-ing really hard to portray this tomboy look' – only to find out that she was actually a he!

Ever since then, Koyo and I have made a point of building a fruitful and intriguing friendship that nobody understands. "We both love fun, and at times we often find ourselves attracted to the same guys – if you're tall, dark and handsome, then you're our boy! You'll find Koyo announcing to me (each time we're out partying up a storm) that it's "that time" again – the survival of the fittest. And of course the best girl always wins, whether it's me or him. What makes this friendship special is that we are straight and honest about our intentions, and the truth is what keeps us close.

"I'm his Queen B and I know he's watching my back at all times. I have other friends and so does he, but I know that nothing and no one will come between us. Our friendship is for life."

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 straight and he's gay makes our relationship far more interesting and meaningful. I find that he is much more open and direct about what he thinks of me as a person and what I get up to with my life. His blunt talk is what I appreciate most; he is one person I know who's not afraid to tell me things about myself as honestly as he can. He knows how to get me back on track, even though I sometimes find it annoying.

"We're a crazy pair always trying to find outrageous things to do. But there's also a serious side to us – we confide in each other. Amstel has become a 'second wife' because everything that happens in my household, he will know it by today. "He has become our therapist because even my husband confides in him! That's what makes this relationship worth living for – it's not only about shopping, clothes and parties; it is a wholesome affair."

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?

"Funny though, because when we first met, Matupa was still 'in the closet' and dating women. He'd never spoken about his sexuality, but there were signs that set tongues wagging. I'd never met a guy who paid so much attention to detail and who could gossip as much as he could. Even before he was free and comfortable enough to share the fact that he was gay, I knew it.

"There's nothing he doesn't know about me. We've been through bad and exciting times together and there are memories that will take a lifetime to shed. He is my 'partner in crime' and I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. I love Matupa mostly for his openness, for being himself – young, black, gay and proud. The world is his oyster and nothing anyone says will bring him down. That's his life philosophy, and it drives not only him, but me too!"

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 always quick to give his opinion about someone's bad behaviour or attitude, which at times doesn't make him the most loved person around. He's the type who'll tell it as it is – and I truly admire that about him. "I can honestly say that I love Tinyiko; he's become what I call one of my close `girlfriends'.

We talk about anything from love to SA's most eligible bachelors, to fashion, careers – anything and everything a 'girlfriend' could ever think of. "His chirpy personality and constant hugs and kisses have become an amazing part of my life. I never thought I would have a guy friend that really understands my life aspirations and me.

Now I have one – and this is definitely for keeps! "Chomee is a killer dresser; he takes the trophy when it comes to style and dressing up and that is a benefit for me because he's always there to guide me on how to look and dress. In him I have not only found a friend but also a style guru."

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 to live her life – that's what friendship is all about. "We are both very passionate about social development in our country and that's how we met – at an outreach volunteer programme – and we instantly clicked.

Yes, after I realised that she was a girl who, unlike me, was attracted to women, I was nervous that she might propose her undying love for me. I mean, I'd never been in a situation like that before, and how was I going to politely turn her down? That never happened. Instead, I was impressed with the way she carried herself and I felt an instant friendship connection between the two of us.

So in a way, I proposed friendship to her, and it's been a journey that's taught me to love and cherish who I am even more."We do get the odd stares now and then, but that's fine because it means people do notice that we cannot all be the same. Steve has taught me that no matter who you are and where you're from, you cannot please everyone.

It's up to you to choose to be comfortable with your life, and that's what she's doing – enjoying life as a young, black, butch lesbian woman. And I want to be with her every step of the way."