Marc Lottering and Anwar McKay share their incredible love story

They're one of Cape Town’s power couples, who keep their followers entertained with their funny and adorable banter. 

Much-loved comedian Marc Lottering and his husband Anwar McKay have been together for 27 years and are soulmates, but have rarely spoken publicly about their relationship. 

The pair got married in 2010 and are partners in life and work, with McKay having produced and directed several of his husband's shows. 

Through their social media, they often give their followers a glimpse into their wonderful, fun-filled life together. 

Fresh from their recent trip to Mozambique, the couple took SJ on a trip down memory lane to chat about how they first met as students at UCT. 

"I was 22 and in my final year. Coming from a Muslim background, I was quite closeted. I felt it was time to explore and I saw an advert in the newspaper about gay hookups. I called the number and got a contact list with Marc's number. I called the number, we chatted and we hit it off. Marc was as charming as ever and I was this shy little thing. It was just incredible..."
-Anwar McKay, producer

After deciding to meet in Long Street for a date night, the two rocked up in the same t-shirt - which could only be seen as fate.

 
"Marc prepared a candle-lit dinner in this sexy apartment in Kloof Street with views of the City Bowl. I was smitten. There was an instant connection. It felt like home."
-Anwar McKay, producer

On his 25th birthday, McKay made a decision to 'come out' and disclosed his sexuality to his mother. 

McKay has reflected on his life in a book he started writing during the Covid-19 pandemic, after his mother passed away. 

 "It was an out-of-body experience. I just mouthed the words 'Mom, I'm gay'. She couldn't make sense of it. She was in shock and I just saw her legs give way. And I told her the person I'm with is Marc Lottering."
-Anwar McKay, producer

Despite her concerns around how his sexuality would be perceived by others, McKay's mother accepted him and their bond grew even closer. 

 "My mom held me even closer. I come from an incredible family and we're all very close. But in the book, I detail the emotional violence inflicted on me growing up." 
-Anwar McKay, producer

McKay credits Lottering, "the most incredible man", for being his anchor through a painful and traumatic period in his life. 

"He just loves and supports me. He celebrates me and during my darkest times, he was there. If you have that, you have gold."
-Anwar McKay, producer

Scroll up for the full conversation.