Community mourns death of club owner
The LGBTQIA+ community is mourning the death of the well-known Boksburg club owner Riaan Kayce Keyser (52), who died on May 2.
His brother Rudi Keyser explained that Riaan was part of the LGBTQIA+ for many years and opened Ramp Divas (The Gay Club SA) in 2002.
“And what a successful Ramp Divas was! Filled with queens and patrons from all over. It was a true experience, warm and inviting. Trust me, you had a good time and partying till 04:00 felt like nothing.
“As the owner of The Gay Club SA, Riaan provided a safe party space for everyone in the community. It’s now a great experience for literally everyone.”
Rudi shared a message in loving memory of his brother.
“Thank you for your endless love for everyone around you and for always making time for people that needed you. You are an inspiration to so many people. Everyone that gets to spend time with you was blessed.
“You always only had good things to say about people. You were responsible for so many people’s happiness and friendship. I just want you to know what a huge role you played in our lives and will forever.
“As a pillar in the LGBTQ community, you were the go-to person for people to ask for advice and wisdom.
“The safe havens you created for people to meet and be themselves will never be the same as it is just a building without you,” Rudi said.
He explained Riaan recently became extremely ill and ended up in hospital.
“Every time we thought he was improving just another knock came his way. Even through it all, he kept his spirits up and hoped for a better future,” Rudi said.
Fund-raiser
The Gay Club SA is hosting a charity show on May 28 in hopes to gather enough funds to settle Riaan’s hospital bills.
The show, hosted by Miss Angelina Grey, Miss Gay Club SA and Miss Pretoria Pride GiGi Mugler, will feature queens from far and wide, including RiRi Rouge, Lust Vegas, Nikkie Supreme, Nicole F Jones, Krystal Methany, Levine Dolcevita, Charne Churchill, Mikayla Fortune, Lolovèr, Zabski B, Larissa V and Peaches and Créam.
A memorial service will be held for Riaan at the Word and Life Church, corner of Trichardts Road and Kingfisher Avenue, on May 13 at 13:00.
RSVP to Rudi on WhatsApp on 061 517 4950.
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