Local turns heads with half suit half dress

Maurice Ellerbeck from Sion Private Academy stunned learners and teachers when he wore a half evening dress half evening suit to his matric farewell that was recently held in Brakpan.

The Parkrand resident, who came out as gay at the age of 15, explained the dress suit represents the contradictory life he led. The suit section illustrates the person he had to be to escape “hatred and judgement”, while the dress section depicts the suppression of his true personality.

“Originally, I saw the outfit worn by actor Michael Urie at the MET Gala and I decided to tell my story through my matric farewell outfit,” he said.
Ellerbeck said he did not expect his dress suit to make such a big impact.

“I think I achieved more than I wanted to because I reached more people than I anticipated. My goal was not to get my name out there. I just wanted to reach a small group of people and inspire them to be themselves. There is going to be hate; however, I promise you there are going to be more people who stand with you.

“I’m so grateful for everybody’s support,” said Ellerbeck.

Francisco Barreto of Barreto Bridalware made Maurice’s dress suit.

Ellerbeck explained he was taken out of school in Grade Nine to be homeschooled due to bullying.

“But I could not live my full potential because I’m a people’s person. That is why I went back to school in matric, this time to a private school.
“I have always been into drama, arts and so on and not really rugby and all those things that linked to masculinity. So I experienced a lot of pressure because I was not the norm.

“Just believe in yourself and do what makes you happy. Never fall down and keep lying. There are people willing to support you,” he said.
Ellerbeck dreams about becoming an interior designer but also has a passion for modelling and LGBTIQA+ activism.

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