TIFFed off: Biko Beauttah poses at Lo’la during her anti-festival party (Photo by Wingo Du)
What does an anti-TIFF party look like? If we judge by the shindig at Lo’La last night—where Kenya-born transgendered fashion model Biko Beauttah hosted her annual 4 Toronto By Toronto Film Fest Party—it is full of gay men, African drummers, dressed-up ladies and martinis. The dress code? Golden Age Hollywood.
The Kenyan beauty held the event in support of Youth Life International Relief and for her fellow Torontonians, who she says “are excluded from the festivities by the tourists.” “Tourist” is Biko-speak for the huddled masses that swarm the city during the Toronto International Film Festival. “They use the city as a rental space,” says Beauttah. “These people do predictable parties, the same people, the same things. There are no Torontonians, nothing uniquely Toronto about these parties. It’s the same for Sundance, Venice, wherever.”
Guests with Biko Beauttah. The hostess is wearing a vintage wedding dress from the 1950s (“It even had confetti trapped in the tulle”), a gold belt from Gucci and pearls from “this one Jamaican lady at St. Lawrence Market” (Photo by Wingo Du)
There was definitely nothing predictable about Beauttah’s party. The highlight of the evening was a performance of pounding African drums with some spirited dancing. Most guests seemed to enjoy it, but one was heard to remark, “that’s going to give me a headache in no time.” Most attendees did not believe the revelry was anti-TIFF so much as an excuse to come see Beauttah. She is a star in her own right, flitting gracefully from guest to guest and not afraid of having her picture taken. As Karl Lohnes, of CTV’s Canada AM, says, “Biko’s party proves that you can celebrate TIFF anywhere, not just King Street.”
We asked Biko if she would go to a fabulous TIFF party if one opened up. “Well, I’m going to the D Squared party, but only because I’m getting paid.”
We, however, are not so choosy. Free booze counts as being paid, right?
WHO THE FUCK DOES SHE THINK SHE IS!
September 12, 2009 at 8:25 pm | by MaggieShe is a star and I too am very TIFFed off about this whole circus. I totally agree with her take on TIFF. Even though its a good thing for Torontos international image, it comes at an expensive cost to the people that live here
September 12, 2009 at 8:32 pm | by JelloThis is so cool! I wish I had recieved an invite! The dress does look stunning. SKINNY BITCH!
September 12, 2009 at 9:01 pm | by ZhainFUCK! I thought this was a woman! SHIT! Give me a few drinks and I might just
September 12, 2009 at 9:10 pm | by lonelyheartsWoman or not, she is doing a damn fine job that many have failed to do…and all you haters can go hang cos those who love and support her will be chearing her on. Thanks Biko for making us proud. :)
September 12, 2009 at 9:35 pm | by Judy WanjikuIt was a fantastic party, drummers and all – and not to mention the beautiful hostess. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year!
September 13, 2009 at 1:34 am | by JaiThanks Biko for a lovely party….gracious hostess as always. Look forward to next year, xoxoxo R.
September 13, 2009 at 1:34 am | by RonLovely Ms. Biko. You are an inspiration to many. You have achieved phenomenal success from an opportunity you created (and no one dished out to you). Keep the fire burning gal.
And for you haters, sorry you never got any love from your mothers. But, don’t expect Ms. Biko to breastfeed you to have some love and respect for other people. No. Shame on you.
Oh!!!Somebody doesn’t even think she is a woman. It doesn’t matter what you think (or your mother thinks). Some of us are not men or women. We are simply transgender people so deal with it if you have a problem with that.
I would expect maturity from a human capable of using a computer but I guess abilities can be deceiving. Do you haters think we care what you think. Make better use of your time rather than venting your frustrations (for been a first class looser) on gorgeous people. Or you are angry your biological sisters or mothers don’t look that stunning? Get a life.
September 13, 2009 at 7:48 am | by Audrey MbuguaGo gal we all supporting you the Gay & Lesbian Coalition of Kenya.keep the fire burning….
September 13, 2009 at 6:13 pm | by PitsI cant get this chick out of my mind! I am obsessed!
September 14, 2009 at 4:52 pm | by lonelyheartsIs this the same girl that was voted Torontos best dressed? Looks like her.
September 15, 2009 at 8:58 pm | by LolitaThis is so freaking cool! What a concept! Kudos to Toronto Life for going against the grain. We need more stuff like this in the city.
Jez
September 19, 2009 at 2:21 pm | by JezWho knew that LOLA could host such a glamorous event? I live next to the venue which is usually dead. I was wondering what all that humdrum and pandemonium was about. I wish I would have been more adventurous and stepped out! It looks like I missed out on a fun night out! Oh well
September 19, 2009 at 2:41 pm | by tittiebooboo