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GBT L c i or nts histmome
AYDEN CALLAGHAN The Hollyoaks hunk heads up 44 pages of nude men
HE’S HOW OLD?! WHY AGE DIFFERENCE DOESN’T MATTER :H·UHORRNLQJDW\RX7RP'DOH\
PJ BRENNAN writes exclusively for Gay Times MY MAD FAT DIARY The boys are back in town
NAKED2 COLDWAR HOW DO WE SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE RUSSIA?
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EXCLUSIVE The first preview of Looking
Derek Jarman / Recall / EastEnders / Pam Ann / Angela Griffin / Mikey Walsh
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Editor DARREN SCOTT Assistant Editor LEE DALLOWAY Staff Writer RYAN BUTCHER Editorial Assistant BENJAMIN BUTTERWORTH Design & Art Direction MARK KING Style and Grooming Editor LLOYD-SCOTT TYLER Columnists PJ BRENNAN, BENJAMIN COHEN, THE GUYLINER, EDD KIMBER, PARIS LEES, ALAN ROSENTHAL, PAUL THORN, MICHELLE VISAGE, MIKEY WALSH Contributors JOHN MARRS, MATT PEAKE, LUKE SMITH, TIM MITCHELL, MIKE HIRD, MILO WAKELIN, BOB HENDERSON, TOM JONES, DYLAN ROSSER, JOE MCCORMICK, MATT CROCKETT, JOEL RYDER, STEVEN COOPER, ROBERT GERSHINSON, PAUL F COCKBURN, NATHAN GENESE, LUKE BOTHAM, DANIEL RIDING, HYACINTH BUCKET GT Dog TOBY THE PUG
“Where are my pants?” he asks. “Well, if you left them on the floor they’ll be in the laundry basket,” I reply. “Seriously?” he says, raising an eyebrow and giving me *that* look. This is what it’s like going out with someone younger than you. I’m generalising, of course, as this is what it’s (sometimes) like for me, personally. Being the ‘older man’ in a relationship means that yes, I do have a bit of life experience and no, I’m not putting up with you leaving things lying around. “If you leave it on the floor, it’s going in the bin,” my mum used to say. And don’t we all turn into our mothers? I digress. With my own circumstances in mind, the *other* thing I’m not putting up with is people banging on about age difference in relationships in a negative way. That many younger, pretty gay men have vocalised their distaste at Tom Daley’s preference in gentlemen friend amuses me greatly because a) hah! Being young and pretty didn’t help you there, did it? And b) you’re going to get older too, and you’ll realise it DOESN’T MATTER. I’ve previously been the ‘younger man’ in relationships, so it’s not that I’d say I have a type, but it does leave me qualified to say that really, it’s no one’s business. And it doesn’t mean there’s an underlying ulterior motive. Maybe it’s because age is just a number, and frankly I don’t look a day over 30 – which coincidentally is the age Gay Times celebrates this year. See, you’re flirting with an older man right now... Q Darren Scott @darren_scott
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© 2014 GAY TIMES All rights reserved ISSN: 0950-6101 The mention or appearance or likeness of any person or organisation in articles or advertising in GAY TIMES is not to be taken as any indication of the sexual, social or political orientation of such persons or organisations. “And now over to our nudes desk.” No responsibility can be assumed for any unsolicited materials, and submission is construed as permission to publish without further correspondence and the fee payable (if any) at our usual rates. Advertisers are advised that all copy is their sole responsibility under the Trades Protections Act and must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publishers.
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IMAGES MATT CROCKETT
Give us a Recall Can you believe these five got the boot from The X Factor? They auditioned as solo artists, but never made it through to the live shows. They got on so well, though, they clubbed together to form new boyband Recall. All we can say is – thank goodness! They already have tens of thousands of fans on Twitter, a debut single on the way and now they’ve graced the pages of GT. Like every boyband should, of course. Q #RIÀFLDOUHFDOO JD\WLPHVFRXN
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whole lotta history
LGBT History Month / Queer Contact 2014 :KDW·VWKHRQH event that makes February stand out? No, not 9DOHQWLQH·V'D\ ZH·UHGHDGLQVLGH :H·UHWDONLQJ/*%7 History Month, which celebrates the events and people who paved WKHZD\IRU/*%7 ULJKWVDQGWKLV eclectic community WKDWZHDUHWRGD\ 7KHWKHPHWKLV\HDU is music, and there are events all over the UK composed around this idea of creativity and FXOWXUH3HWHU 7DWFKHOOZLOOEH GRLQJDWDONRQ TXHHU%ULWDLQDQG WKHVWUXJJOHIRU /*%7ULJKWVWKHUH·V a look into Jewish /*%7KLVWRU\DQG HYHQDVSRWOLJKW on the works of Shakespeare, GHEDWLQJZKHWKHU
ZEN O H C
he questioned his own sexuality WKURXJKKLV VRQQHWV5XQQLQJ concurrently is 0DQFKHVWHU·V Queer Contact festival, which LVQRZLQLWVÀIWK year and boasts nine days of shows, workshops, debates, and HYHQWV&DWFK NYC diva Joey Arias, below, with acclaimed VLQJHUVRQJZULWHU Kristian Hoffman, experience twisted RSHUDZLWK7LJHU /LOOLHVUHÀQH \RXUYRJXHLQJ techniques and strike a pose at the House of Suarez 9RJXHZRUNVKRS left, and much more OJEWKLVWRU\PRQWK RUJXNFRQWDFW PFUFRPSURMHFWV IHVWLYDOVTXHHU FRQWDFWQ
Busting conventions all over the place, this new cartoon series follows the adventures of gay white rapper Chozen. The show starts with our new hero, in chubby, nerdy form, getting caught in a hotel room with guns and drugs and dead hookers (oh my!) He’s released from prison a decade later with muscles, a nipple piercing and a penchant for the same sex. Rude, lewd and pulling no punches, it makes The Simpsons look like toddler fodder. Q JD\WLPHVFRXN
IMAGES +($7+0&%5,'(
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EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT… EASTENDERS (AGAIN) ----------
The headline above was the show’s slogan until a couple of years back – when everyone stopped talking about it. Largely because it went a bit crap after Ronnie stole Kat’s baby to replace her own dead one in a typically cheery storyline. But since lifelong fan Dominic Treadwell-Collins took the reins as executive producer, the Cockney soap has returned to glory. At the forefront of this has been the Carter family, headed up by Danny Dyer who plays Mick. His positive reaction to son Johnny (Sam Strike) revealing he’s gay was heartwarming to watch and, if some of the homophobic tweets Danny Dyer received are anything to go by, extremely timely. If only every young gayer had a father as understanding as Mick. Now we’re waiting to see what happens with Johnny and resident bisexual lothario Danny (Gary Lucy). There might be a bit of an age gap, but if Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black have taught us anything, this is SO 2014. Q
SPEED DATE
10
28 Jan – 17 Feb /RQGRQ*UDPPDU were one of our favourite new bands of 2013, ZKLFKLVZK\ZH·YH already bagged our tickets to see their new tour. Check out their fresh, haunting electroinide sounds now. VRXQGFORXGFRP ORQGRQJUDPPDUQ
Until 2 February Expect an evening RIJOLW]JODPRXU and saucy secrets in One Night with Joan Collins. Get LQWLPDWHZLWK0UV Carrington herself DW/RQGRQ·V/HLFHV ter Square Theatre ²WKHUH·VHYHQD Q&A afterwards! leicestersquaretheDWUHFRPQ
14 February ,IFOLFKp9DOHQWLQH·V SUHVHQWVDUHQ·W\RXU thing, then think about treating the PDQLQ\RXUOLIHWRD gift with a twist, as \RXVLSFKDPSDJQH while stargazing at the London Royal Observatory. Valentines Day RQO\UPJFRXN royal-observatory Q
4-15 February Alt cabaret star Scottee hired a psychotherapist DQGDÀOPPDNHUWR dig up his past for his new show The Worst of Scottee. He dares to bare QXPHURXVHQFRXQ ters, including old ÁDPHVDQGIRUPHU friends. roundhouse.org.uk Q
Until 2 March $OLVRQ*ROGIUDSS·V fascination with the dark side of fairy tales and folklore has led her to curate her own exhibition RISDLQWHUVÀOP PDNHUVLOOXVWUDWRUV and photographers at The Lowry in Manchester. Last chance to see. Q
JD\WLPHVFRXN
IMAGES BBC PICTURES
east end boys
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world exclusive
[02/14]
WORDS RYAN BUTCHER
LOOKING
TOP CHARACTERS AGUSTIN, DOM AND PATRICK RIGHT RUSSELL TOVEY GUEST STARS AS KEVIN
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We’ve all seen Weekend, right? The critically-lauded dramatic tale of two gay men’s whirlwind love affair, directed by Andrew Haigh. We loved it because, well, it represented gay culture on the big screen like never before. Yes, some of us cruise clubs for sex, some of us use recreational drugs for sex, but despite it all, some of us are just looking for – dare we say it – a monogamous relationship. Either way, we could see ourselves in the characters. We related to it. Well, that’s exactly what you’re going to get with Looking, a new gay comedy coming to HBO and Sky Atlantic. And it should come as no surprise that Andrew Haigh has had a hand to play in this one, too. We’ve been given an exclusive preview of the first four episodes – and we’re the first gay publication to do so too, thank you very much. We can tell you now, it’s equal parts gritty, sexy and heart-warming. This might just be our new favourite TV show for 2014. The plot is pretty straight forward – a group of three gay friends living in San gaytimes.co.uk
Francisco, struggling with the pressures of modern gay life; sex when there’s an age gap, threesomes with your boyfriend, cut or uncut cock, that kind of thing. But it’s not just sex, sex, sex. The show also asks bigger questions about personal, emotional and romantic fulfilment. You might recognise a few familiar faces. Jonathan Groff (Glee), plays 29-year-old Patrick, who’s dipping his toe in the dating pool after the untimely engagement of his only real ex. Patrick’s 31-year-old best friend Agustin (Frankie J Alvarez) is not only struggling to make it as an artist, he’s struggling to make it as a virtuous boyfriend, while the oldest member of the group – pushing the big four-zero – is longtime waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett), whose own insecurities with age find him looking for love in all the wrong places. Well, dating apps and saunas, mainly. Then there’s special guest star Russell Tovey, who comes in after a few episodes as one of Patricks many, many love interests. Despite it being the Being Human star’s first-ever gay role,
we can’t help but feel like it’s a bit of an obvious choice. But by the time he’s introduced, you’re too enamoured with the core trio to really care that much. Either way, he seems to have taken to the character of an obnoxious Brit looking down on his inferiors like a gay to Grindr. Oh, and our inner-90s kid got a kick over Quantum Leap’s ageing Scott Bakula cruising for an anonymous fuck. Anyone comparing the show to a “gay Sex and the City” just hasn’t quite grasped it. The writing is too sharp for that. It’s genuinely funny and, perhaps more importantly, the chemistry between the lead actors is palpable. Like Weekend (and cult web series The Outs, if you’ve seen it), you relate to the characters. You sympathise, you invest, and it makes you part of the show. What’s the old adage about art imitating life? If you want a modern gay show which tries to be real, this is exactly what you’re Looking for. Q Looking premiers on HBO in the US on 19 January and Sky Atlantic in the UK on 27 January.
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[mikey walsh]
The day I bought my dog Brian was in no way planned. It was six months into my first relationship since my husband had bailed and buggered off to Oz. Was it a rebound? Who knows. But this new man in my life had moved in right away, since he had no place to live... I know, I know. DOOM. Anyway, I was at the point where I felt it was time to expand our family. Maybe because I’d given my Little Shop of Horrors soundtrack a rebirth and got a bit slap-happy on Somewhere That’s Green, or maybe because I knew, deep down, that this guy was not for keeps. He’d yet to give a crap since I caved in and became his provider and housewife all-in-one. Despite the Mr T voice in my head warning me this new relationship was BAD NEWS, FOOL, I thought having a dog would make us the picture-perfect family. I know, right? Kill me now. I was in a place where I’d rather be in a loveless relationship than be on my own. I’d never been lucky in relationships. Not because 14
THE CONTINUING ADVENTURES OF GYPSY BOY
of arsehole boyfriends, but because I always found myself feeling unworthy of people and overcompensating to keep them. And on top of all the workload with my books, I felt ashamed and humiliated to have married someone in front of family and friends, only to lose him a year later. Maybe getting a dog at this point in my life wasn’t the best idea, but I was never one to listen to logic. Oh, sure, I can preach it ‘til the buffalo poops. But put it to the test? Not a chance. I tested fate and answered a three-week-old advert for French bulldog puppies. And by 3pm, I was at a lady’s house in Stansted to view the last one of the litter. As I passed through old laundry and scattered dog shits, the most incredible little Frenchie came running towards me. He had a patch over one eye and sounded like a pig. From that very moment, I knew I couldn’t go home without him. And 20 minutes later, we were on our way back to London. I’d always feared being a parent to anything,
A legal document can’t keep two people together if they don’t love each other. And neither can a dog, no matter how cute
@thatbloodymikey
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through fear that I might hurt it or fuck it up in some way. But, that night, I held him in my arms as if he was a baby of my very own. The relationship I was in didn’t last, of course. But above all else, I learned it’s better to be alone than with someone who could never love you back. And this too was the answer I’d been searching for with my marriage. A legal document can’t keep two people together if they don’t love each other anymore. And neither can a dog, no matter how cute. I was very sad my marriage ended. But if my husband hadn’t left as he did, we would’ve gone on hurting each other for a lot longer. The same goes for the man that left after that. There was a lot of grieving to be done, pounds to gain and lose, and a hell of a lot of reruns of beyond-depressing movies. But I needed it. I needed the time alone to get over myself, all my shitty hang-ups and to be able to break the pattern. I’ve been on dates since. But believe me, there was a good gap before I’d even leave my pyjamas, let alone my house. There’s nothing wrong with giving yourself time to get over someone. I’m done with being with someone through fear of being alone. Now, I actually enjoy being single. I can hang out with my friends without the need to constantly refresh Grindr. After a lot of years of self-hatred, I can treat myself a little better. I’m not perfect, believe me. But who is? We all have our little hang-ups but, that’s what makes us individual. We all deserve to be with someone who can treat us as a priority, not an option. And until that happens, I’m quite happy as I am. And of course, I’m never completely on my own. I have Brian. Brian ThunderCat Diana Pig Walsh, to be precise. And he sends his love to you. As do I. Q gaytimes.co.uk
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Who would you snog, marry and avoid out of Stelios, Richard Branson and Michael O’Leary? I’d snog, marry and not avoid Stelios because he’s a big, fat greek. I like fat, I’m a chubby chaser. I think he’d have a small cock, but I bet he’d eat you out; go really dirty on you. I’d avoid Michael O’Leary as I think he’s just the pure essence of the word cunt. Snog Stelios, marry Richard Branson, avoid Michael O’Leary. What can we expect from your new show? I was dreaming about it last night, that all the queens were gonna say, “I’ve heard it all before”. I was freaking out, thinking I’ve gotta come up with new material. Hopefully a plane goes down and something comes
Ahead of her new tour, we caught up with the fabulous Pam Ann (AKA Caroline Reid) at Heathrow Airport’s First Class Lounge for a bitch over a hot ‘n’ spicy Bloody Mary The last time we saw you, you pulled an unresponsive audience member on stage and asked him, “are you blind?” Turns out he was! That can’t have been intentional… [Laughs] Oh, that was an awful show, but he was my saving grace. I’ve had blind people in before and when their dogs are asleep I get all insecure. I’m like, are they bored? The shows I think are shit, people think are great – and vice versa. I just have a different sense of reality, I’m really a 300 pound black woman. How long into a flight does it take for Pam to switch off the passenger call button? On Pam Ann Airlines, it’s wired to customs and immigration direct. Then they get searched and fisted as soon as they land. Don’t touch it! Children on a flight… Urgh, hideous. I don’t care about the future; I love a carbon 16
footprint and I love fur. Straight male air stewards – do they really exist? No, they don’t. They have this thing where they’re gay in the galley and straight in the aisle. My favourites are the gays who have a meltdown. What’s the worst air service you’ve ever experienced? Flying to Naples on easyJet with these two Eastern Bloc girls who looked like they’d come out of that film, Saw V. I had a big bag, which of course is a no no, but if you can fit a dining room table and chairs into a small bag you can take it on board. I wanted to smash them in the face with a plate. I can’t stand easyJet. The passengers are so white you can see through them. I can’t stand how loud they are at Heathrow, which I like to call Primark. I decided to pay £750 to come back with BA so I didn’t have to deal with their whole existence. As Pam Ann would say, where’s the al-Qaeda when you need them. Which celebrity would you like to send away on a one way ticket? Lady Gaga. She irritates me no end. Like Madonna says, she’s reductive. She takes every great thing and idea and attaches herself to it.
up [laughs]. I’ve done new videos with Pam Ann on Titanic and The Sound of Music. I’ve got an interval, too, ‘cos I know the gays are there on Grindr, so they’ll want to get on that, have a cocktail and come back in. Do you feel more pressure coming back to the UK? Coming to London in particular and having new material is very important, ‘cos you bitches are fucking cunts! I’ll be slaughtered on Facebook if I don’t step up. I hope my ceiling falls in like the London Apollo’s did. I got told off for throwing muffins at an audience once and the Apollo had beams falling on their audience. The things these people do to get sales! What are Pam’s top tips for looking your best after a long haul flight? I highly recommend two strong, pre-boarding Bloody Marys. Take a Xanax, but only when wheels are up. Never take them on the ground because you might be delayed, wake up on the tarmac and have to get off the plane. Then have a couple of red wines to knock yourself out. Q See Pam Ann in Fly, from 21 March – 26 April, pamann.com, leicestersquaretheatre. com, @pamannairbitch
gaytimes.co.uk
WORDS LEE DALLOWAY
she’s so f ly!
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LONDON’S AWARD WINNING GAY VENUES
Two slices of actor hotness + one rather fab teen telly nostalgia-fest = us discussing the new season of My Mad Fat Diary with lovely duo Nico Mirallegro and Dan Cohen WORDS LEE DALLOWAY
My Ma d Fat Dia r 18
y
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[first]
Ah, being a teenager in the 90s. A decade when you had to use a phone box, hoping your folks would accept a reverse charge call to come and pick you up from whatever gutter \RXZHUHO\LQJLQ:KHQ$PHULFD·V biggest problem was an intern who went above and beyond her work experience duties in the oral, erm, 2YDO2IÀFH:KHQ:LNLSHGLDGLGQ·W explain it all, Clarissa did. Set in the mid-late 90s, My Mad Fat Diary charts the life of 16-year-old Rae who suffers from body image and mental health issues, based on the real life diaries of Rae Earl. While the soundtrack is a delicious slab of Britpop, the show transcends the nostalgia weaving through it and highlights the very current, ever present issue of mental health. Still recognisable as teen goth Newt in Hollyoaks, Nico Mirallegro now plays resident hunk Finn, who Rae lovingly sums up with, “he WKLQNVKH·VWKH0RUULVVH\RI6WDPIRUG and walks around with a face like a slapped arse most of the time”. Nico himself, however, is cheeky and fun with an earthy northern demeanour, who describes Finn as “the strong, silent type”. Meanwhile, handsome Dan Cohen is Archie, a closeted GHPLJHHN WKHREMHFWRI5DH·V affections who adds a sexuality VWUXJJOHWRWKHVKRZ·VSOHWKRUDRI teenage issues. ´,W·VQLFHDVDQDFWRUWRKDYHVRPH really serious stuff to deal with, and have that kind of material to play,” says Dan. “It was written very sensitively and, hopefully, realistically WRKRZSHRSOHÀQGWKDWVLWXDWLRQµ ,W·VHDV\WRIRUJHWWKDWHYHQ though it was less than 20 years ago, this is a time where the age RIFRQVHQWKDGQ·WEHHQHTXDOLVHG 6WHSKHQ*DWHO\·VDKHP´FRPLQJ out” in The Sun was a few years away and Section 28 was still in full HIIHFW:LWK$UFKLHRQO\FRQÀGLQJ in main protagonist Rae about his leanings last season, this year sees Archie further explore his sexuality. ,W·VJLYHQ'DQDFKDQFHWRSOD\D gaytimes.co.uk
sensitive issue that he may not have experienced himself, but is aware still affects countless teens in 2014. “I think as a teenager, whether \RX·UHJD\RUVWUDLJKW\RXKDYH SHULRGVRIWLPHZKHQ\RX·YHIHOW \RX·YHKDGWKLQJVDERXW\RXUVHOI WKDWRWKHUVZRXOGQ·WDFFHSWµ KHH[SODLQV´,WKLQNWKHUH·VD basis there that everyone has an understanding and empathy with, so I kind of came from that direction. ,·YHKDGWLPHVZKHUH,·YHIHOWWKHUH are things about myself other people ZRXOGQ·WOLNHRUDFFHSW$V\RXJHW older, those things become less UHOHYDQWEXWWKH\·UHDOVRWKHWKLQJV you become most proud of, so I felt like that was my way of identifying with that.” 1LFRZDVRQO\ÀYHGXULQJWKH VKRZ·VVHWWLQJRI ZKLOHWKH youthful-looking Dan is actually old enough to have be a teenager in WKH V KH·V ²EXWFOHDUO\KDVD picture rotting in an attic somewhere. “Just about old enough!” Dan adds with a laugh. But, being gay journalists and stereotypes rolled into one, we had to ask what many of us are secretly hoping… “So, any gay action this season between you WZRWKHQ"µ ,WZRXOG·YHKHOSHGLIZH GLGQ·WVD\LWOLNHZHZHUHVHOOLQJÀVK LQDQ(DVW(QGPDUNHW “No,” says Dan. “There are moments between them that are VRPHRIP\IDYRXULWHVEXW,GRQ·W WKLQNDQ\WKLQJOLNHWKDW,·YHEHHQ asked by friends whether anything KDSSHQVZLWKWKHPWRRµ$WOHDVWLW·V not just us then… “We were never told this, but we actually found out halfway through the second series that our characters have been best friends since they were three-years-old,” adds Nico. “But we played it that way without NQRZLQJLWVRWKHUH·VWKDWFKHPLVWU\µ Nico does cheekily offer up a shirtless scene or two, however, but VD\VKHZRXOGQ·WMXVWWDNHKLVFORWKHV off willy nilly… “It depends what the scene is. I ZRXOGQ·WGRDVORZPRWLRQSRXULQJ
water on myself while running scene, RWKHUZLVHLW·OOMXVWORRNOLNH,·PGRLQJ it for my own ego,” he tells us. “Weirdly, there were lots of pictures you put up in the dressing room of yourself topless!” chips in Dan with DJULQ´7KH\ZHUHQ·WIRU\RX'DQµ retorts Nico, laughing. My Mad Fat Diary manages to pull off appealing to both modern day teens and the generation ZKRJHWVHQWLPHQWDORYHU¶FODVVLF· Britney GIFs on BuzzFeed, while weaving in an honest look at PHQWDOKHDOWKDQGUHÁHFWLQJEDFN RQOLIHIRUWKRVHZKRGLGQ·WTXLWHÀW into so-called social norms. ´:KDW,WKRXJKWZDVTXLWHUHDOLVWLF is the individual characters are all suffering in some way,” says Dan. “The most obvious example being 5DHEXW,WKLQNLW·VTXLWHUHDOLVWLFDV WHHQDJHUVWKDW\RXGRQ·WQHFHVVDULO\ notice problems and issues in other people. Some of the characters, like Finn, are a bit more sensitive WRZKDW·VJRLQJRQEXWDORWRIWKH others are too wrapped up in their own issues, to the extent where they GRQ·WQRWLFHXQWLOWKLQJVKDYHJRW TXLWHH[WUHPHµ So, how have the boys changed since their teenage years? “Loads!” says Nico. “I started in Hollyoaks when I was 15, so I sort of saw a change in myself from then. I had to go and live on my own in Liverpool DQGIRUWKHÀUVWWLPHP\PXP ZDVQ·WORRNLQJDIWHUPH7KDWZDV when I grew up. It was cooking, cleaning, housework and bills. I went out a lot though.” ´,·YHFKDQJHGPDVVLYHO\µDJUHHV 'DQ´,·PVWLOOQRWDVJURZQXSDV Nico, with his bills and cleaning. You VKRXOGVHHP\ÁDW%XW,·YHFKDQJHG LQWHUPVRIFRQÀGHQFHDQGGULYHµ Bills and cleaning? Honestly, kids these days… but whether \RX·UHD\RRIRIWRGD\RUHYHQMXVW a yoof at heart, My Mad Fat Diary is certainly worth reigniting the Cool Britannia shtick. Q My Mad Fat Diary returns 3 February on E4, PDGIDWGLDU\HFRP#1LFR0LUDOOHJUR
19
[first]
pretty in pink
[02/14]
Question What made you want to be a part RI5X3DXO·V'UDJ 5DFH²EHVLGHV VLWWLQJQH[WWR WKHJRUJHRXV RuPaul? From @sha_lemar
Answer
Sink The Pink does fashorn If you don’t know Sink The Pink, where’ve you been? It’s a deliciously camp neon-slathered club brand with an ethos of fun, silliness and all things bright and bold. Not for shy types – and neither is their clothing range, which features retina-tingling prints, neon fabrics, mesh vests and tongue-in-cheek statement tees. We recommend checking out the Dicky Mouse t-shirts. shop.sinkthepinklondon.com
20
e l e h iM cisage V
Come here my children, snuggle close to Mama while we discuss the hottest topic of 2014 – season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race, of course! If you aren’t in the know by now, you must live under a rock. These new queens are fiercer than ever before. Let’s see who’s gonna be entertaining us this time around. We have, in no particular order, Joslyn Fox, Adore Delano, Vivacious, BenDeLaCreme (who clearly stole my face), Bianca Del Rio, Milk the Dairy Queen, Kelly Mantle, Courtney Act, Gia Gunn, April Carrión, Trinity K Bonet, Laganja Estranja, Magnolia Crawford and last – but by no means least – Miss Darienne Lake. These children are NOT playing. Since the big reveal back in December (just as I was disembarking the MSC Divina with around 40 of the queens from past seasons) my levels of excitement for you all to witness this coming spectacle have been increasing daily. You really aren’t ready.
I wanted to be a part of history, nay, HERstory. I just knew that 5X3DXO·V'UDJ Race would FKDQJHWKH ZRUOG·VRSLQLRQ and views about GUDJDQGSHRSOH ZRXOGÀQDOO\VHH it as a viable art form and respect the passion these boys have for what they do. 2SHQLQJPLQGV week by week. 2IFRXUVHVLWWLQJ next to my BFF DLQ·WWRRVKDEE\ either. Q
We’re not going to air this season until Feb-RU-ary (see what I did there?), but I’m sure you’ve all been doing your research into each queen so you’ll have a favourite picked right off the bat. I mean, this is a race after all. Remember, I have no contact with these queens aside from the runway, so one of my most fave things to do is to watch the Meet the Queens videos online to get more of an insight into who they are as individuals. Can you believe that a running theme in each video was how TERRIFIED each of them are of little ol’ me? Don’t they know I’m EVERY gay’s BFF? A kind, gentle, demure, HUMBLE, sweetheart? I’m sure you’re all as excited as I am to tune in and see if they had a reason to be afraid. Believe me, this season the library never closes. Until next time I want to hear your thoughts, so get at me on Twitter @michellevisage, and visit my website daily michellevisage.com! Can’t wait to kiki with y’all again next month! XXX MV Q
JD\WLPHVFRXN
[first]
the beautiful game
[02/14]
The Pass Footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger may have just come out, but homophobia in sport is still rife. This new play from John Donnelly highlights that overarching masculinity, with a backdrop of sex, fame and living life in the glare of the public eye. The Pass follows two young footballers, played by Russell Tovey and Gary Carr, and how they negotiate the macho world of footy. Russell Tovey in shorts, DQ\RQH",W·VDW /RQGRQ·V5R\DO Court until 1 March. Royalcourttheatre. com Q
Remember your crazy ex? I wish you’d stop talking about that. Don’t worry, I’ve just seen something that blows him out of the water. I’m scared already. There’s a woman on Mob Wives who stabbed her ex in front of his mum! What the fuck is Mob Wives?! Sweary ladies who marry tough guys. Imagine Real Housewives of New York with swearing, crime, murder and more swearing. That sounds terrible. How is that allowed on television? Shouldn’t these people be in prison? Probably. You don’t sound very concerned. I don’t live in New York. So why do you watch it? To remind myself to exercise my vocal chords. Huh? There’s a character on the show called Big Ang who clearly doesn’t do vocal warm ups; she sounds like her throat is made of rubble. She’s also had more plastic surgery than maybe anyone on the planet. The reality TV barrel has officially been fully scraped. Shhhh, they might hear you! They’re frighteningly fabulous but fabulously frightening. Q
[trendsetter]
22
gaytimes.co.uk
Ever since she trod the cobbles on Coronation Street, Angela Griffin has hardly been off our telly screens. Now the lovely lady is going down a storm treading the boards in One Man, Two Guvnors on London’s West End. She took some time out to plunge a hand into GT’s Sweetie Jar of randomness!
Swe e Datie, rling ? WORDS LEE DALLOWAY IMAGES JOEL-RYDER.COM
24
gaytimes.co.uk
[first]
What do you prefer acting in, comedy or drama? People say that I seem built for comedy, but it’s not my natural home at all. I like to laugh generally in life. I think that you have to because there’s enough crap things, and I think you should be nice, kind and basically not a knob. But I’m much more at home with drama; crying in a corner, rather then making people laugh. The pressure is really hard with comedy. It’s so much to do with timing... [Angela’s phone goes off and her ringtone is the Sex and the City theme tune] Oh, how embarrassing. That ringtone [cackles]. I’m a mother of two! Have you ever been mistaken for someone else by a member of the public? Someone came up to me today and said “oh my gosh, are you the girl from Strictly?” And it was, like, “no. She’s another girl who happens to be brown [laughs].” Are you a city or country girl? City. London kids have so much opportunity. We actually moved out to the countryside when my eldest was two. We went, “oh, I don’t know if we can bring her up in scary, smoky London, where people get mugged”. We moved out to Oxfordshire and lasted 20 months, then we moved back in again. Firstly, they were the brownest kids in the village, and things like access to different types of food and different types of people, the cultural diversity, the exhibitions... everything you could possibly ever need is here. Do white people come up and touch your hair absolutely fascinated? [This always happens to our afro-haired assistant editor Lee] All the time! Anytime I do a shoot, I’ll get someone who goes “oh my God, I love your hair, let’s just make it as big as we can!” No, let’s not make it as big as we can! It’s a bit of a JD\WLPHVFRXN
novelty isn’t it? Ask first if you want to touch it, don’t just start putting your hands through! Where have your hands been? [Laughs]. “Never work with children or animals.” You’ve worked with both. Is that statement true? Erm, animals definitely! Children can be quite cool, ‘cos they can be quite funny, and they keep me young on set as well. They introduce you to all sorts of music that you have no idea about. I quite like working with them, as long as they’re professional, which some of them aren’t. Because I started when I was quite young, like my first telly job came when I was 13, I was dead professional very, very early on. I think there’s no excuse when people don’t behave. Be grateful for where you are; you’re on television! What’s been the most fun job you’ve ever had? Cutting It. All day and all night, we had such a ball on that job. Me, Amanda Holden, Sarah Parish, Jason Merrells, Ben Daniels, we just went mental. We went out all the time, got up to all sorts of shenanigans, and we’re still really good friends now. When was the last time you went to a gay club? One of the first nightclubs I ever went to when I first came to London was Heaven. I keep trying to get into Shadow Lounge, but I can’t ‘cos of the massive queues. When I lived in Leeds I spent my entire time in a gay night called Vague. There was a guy always there who was a transvestite, who had a girlfriend, they split up, and then he had a boyfriend, then he had a girlfriend... then she had a girlfriend. And there was a guy called Mad James who would just come with a little paddling pool with a bit of water in it and put it in the middle of the floor. He’d be in a tie and a tiny little pair of pants and he’d dance for six hours. He wouldn’t move out of it. He was
probably just pissing in there as well [laughs]. I loved it. It was kind of my home. Madonna or Kylie? Madonna, all day. I don’t really get Kylie, I’ve got to say. What does she stand for? Madonna stands for something. She was new, she was original, she was brave. I mean, Kylie’s nice... she’s nice. Lady Gaga – “oh my God amazing icon” or “shut the fuck up”? Absolute amazing icon, I fucking love her. She’s got something to say, she’s original, it doesn’t feel like she’s bowing down to the image that she’s meant to convey to the masses. She just does what the fuck she wants and I feel that she’s got good moral values. She stands for something that helps people. I like music, but I wasn’t someone who kind of sat and listened to Morrissey and saw messages in songs that helped me through bad times. I’m slightly weird. I wasn’t like that. But I can see the effect that people can have on those who are maybe lost and can’t find their way and are looking for an idol. I love Rihanna but I’ve had to stop following her. I’d like to know what’s gone on in Rihanna’s past. I can’t help thinking something’s gone on there; something really dark that she’s having to, erm, kick out. What’s your most embarrassing drunken moment? Probably falling over and practically breaking a rib trying to get to McDonald’s. It wasn’t even for me, it was for my mate Rachel. I was like, “I’ll get you there before it closes” running through the street in Tenerife. I was proper giving it, “look how fast I can run when I’m drunk!” Bang! Went straight down... Got to McDonald’s in time though! Had to got to hospital the next day, I thought I’d punctured my lung! Q Catch Angela in One Man, Two Guvnors DW/RQGRQ·V+D\PDUNHW7KHDWUHXQWLO 0DUFKWUKFRXN
25
analysis
[02/14]
WORDS BENJAMIN BUTTERWORTH
WITH PUTIN’S RUSSIA ENSHRINING ANTI-GAY PROPAGANDA INTO LAW, MANY HAVE VOWED TO BOYCOTT ITS UPCOMING WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES. HOW DO WE SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE RUSSIA? GT INVESTIGATES THE TRUTH BEHIND THE COUNTRY’S HOMOPHOBIC REVOLUTION A GROUP OF FOUR GUYS claiming to be athletes approach a 15-year-old boy. They greet him like an old school mate. “What’s up, brother”, they ask, as one places an arm around him. “You wanted to meet Uncle Dima? What has Uncle Dima promised?” They came from nowhere, but now they’re cosying up to the boy; an arm around the shoulder, a calm look into his eyes. Dressed in thick, winter coats, the bitterness of Russian winter is clear to see. They do just look like old school mates. Except they aren’t. “You’re gay and like to fuck old men”, one of the group says. He isn’t shouting. He even sounds soothing. Almost fatherly. “Stay, little bitch, or I will fuck you up”, another commands, as the boy tries to walk away. He’s trapped now. He can’t call for help 26
because he knows passers-by will side with this terrifying gang of homophobes. He can only stand, consumed by fear and self-hatred, as the group begin to pour urine over his head. This is the bleak situation depicted in one of many YouTube videos coming from inside Russia. Many of them stem from the Occupy Pedohpilyaj (Occupy Pedophilia) group, who claim to expose pedophiles for the safety of Russian society. Except they almost exclusively target gay teens. Under the guise of profiles like the fictitious Uncle Dima, they use the instant publicity of the internet to exploit vulnerable boys. And what’s worse? The only one of the five Russians in this particular video in fear of his identity being revealed is the defenceless teenage boy. It’s a morbid perversion of justice
that has become increasingly prevalent in Putin’s Russia. And yet despite these atrocities, which have drawn comparisons with Hitler’s Germany, this month the world descends on the country’s largest resort city Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. We met Igor Yassin, a 33-year-old openly gay man from Moscow, who is among a brave but small group who have gone against Putin and campaigned publicly for gay rights. Despite Igor being open with his sexuality to both his colleagues, friends and family, he is well aware that the way he lives his life is now looked upon as a criminal act by the Russian government. “In May, one young man was brutally killed in the city of Volgograd after he revealed to his friends that he was gay”, he tells us. “I’m openly gay, but I don’t discuss gaytimes.co.uk
[news] it with members of my family. I don’t hide anything at work, but my colleagues prefer not to discuss the question of my sexuality. This homophobic campaign has created an atmosphere of hatred and prejudice.” In Russia’s federal elections of 2011, the ruling United Russia party feared sliding support. In a bid to look strong, the party took to scapegoating the country’s gay population. It was a divide and rule tactic, pitting the most conservative lawyers in Russia’s bourgeois upper-crust against a vulnerable and powerless minority. “They used prejudices in order to divert attention from important social and political problems, like underfunding education and healthcare”, Igor explains to GT. “For example, in St Petersburg last year, the governor signed the local homophobic law, but refused to sign five social LEFT IGOR YASSIN laws which had PROTESTING AT NUMEROUS EVENTS been adopted AROUND MOSCOW by the local parliament before the elections. “They explained the city doesn’t have the money to implement those laws – which required social benefits for big families, orphans and disabled people – but that homophobia doesn’t require any money, so it’s ok.” The country’s law now bans providing information about the gay community to minors, holding gay pride events, speaking in defence of gay rights or suggesting gay and straight relationships have parity. Breaking the law can incur fines of up to $31,000 – that’s three times the average Russian’s yearly salary. But the implications have been worse than banning “propaganda” alone. In another attack, two vigilantes tortured a man to death; raping him, mutilating him with beer bottles and beating him with rocks. gaytimes.co.uk
A few weeks later, three men were trampled and stabbed to death. And all for the same reason – their sexuality. Outside of Russia, the likes of Stephen Fry and David Cameron have used their online platforms to highlight the injustices of the situation. But much of the online furore has enhanced the belief of a fearful and xenophobic section of Russian society that gay rights is the agenda of the liberal, interfering outside world. That homosexuality is fundamentally un-Russian. “The internet and social media play a big role in building the LGBT community and movement in Russia”, Igor says. “It’s much easier now for LGBT activists to communicate, for LGBT people to form their communities – even in small towns. The government tries to censor the internet, but they cannot do it effectively. “But our opponents and enemies use new technologies as well – to promote homophobia and hatred, and to whip up their message. Within Russia, their message is spreading fast. It’s the trend.” The Russian version of Facebook, VKontakte, now hosts Occupy Pedohpilyaj groups in almost every city in Russia. Some with thousands of followers ready to track young gay Russians. In actual fact, Occupy Pedohpilyaj’s neo-Nazi leader, Maxim Martsinkevich, is a prolific social networker, regularly posting photos of himself flexing his muscles, topless. A tad homoerotic, some might suggest… Igor continues to fight. But he fears that the spread of violence, organised online against him and his kind, is growing too rapidly. “I feel that my life is in danger, our lives are in danger. I don’t see any future in this country for LGBT people – unless we fight for our rights.” Q
27
[debate]
[news]
BOYCOTT OR PROTEST? The biggest sporting events in the world are heading to countries that criminalise being gay. Should our athletes and politicians go along, and try to protest from within, or boycott these events in a show of solidarity? BOYCOTT Jack Falkingham
PROTEST Blake Skjellerup
-DFNLV/*%72IÀFHURIWKH/DERXU3DUW\·V\RXWKZLQJDQGRUJDQLVHU RI6WXGHQW3ULGHZKLFKWDNHVSODFHWKHZHHNHQG6RFKLHQGV
From the passing of equal marriage to another successful season of prides, 2013 was a good year to be gay in the UK. Yet, in countries such as Russia and Qatar, 2013 could’ve been the year I was locked up, beaten up or legally told to shut up. As these countries continue to directly attack the lives of those in our LGBT communities, we’ve given them prestige. This year we’ll see the Winter Olympics in Russia. And in 2022, Qatar will parade the World Cup on its own turf. Yet we can’t expect events such as Sochi to be our opportunity to speak up. This is Putin’s party, and with a direct instruction – don’t open your mouth unless you want another canapé. So, as our political leaders rightly celebrate the achievements of our athletes, they’ll wrongly be acting complacent. With each bubble they sip and each event they attend, they will be sending a clear message of simple ignorance. Such celebration can dangerously become the façade to a backdrop of oppression, discrimination and hatred. International events like these are political. Even Eurovision has more to it than mere flag waving and Europop. And this is definitely no truer than with sport. In 1964, the International Olympic Committee banned South Africa for almost three decades due to its instigation of apartheid. Sport contains diplomacy and the opportunity for our country to take a stand. LGBT athletes and their supporters are at risk travelling to these events. By attending, years of commitment and passion will be played off against their own safety. The athletes will still go, but our leaders shouldn’t. Through boycotting such international events, our leaders will make a bigger impact. They will be refuting the façade and highlighting what is really happening in these countries. Instead of merely buying into the “spirit of the Olympic charter”, they will be enforcing it. Their absence is activism, and a stand against these countries’ homophobia. Q 28
BODNHLVDVSHHGVNDWHUZKRZLOOEHFRPSHWLQJRQEHKDOIRI1HZ =HDODQGLQWKH:LQWHU2O\PSLFVDQGDIRUPHU*7FRYHUVWDU
V
To be living in a country that oppresses my freedom as an individual is something I can’t comprehend, but this is an everyday reality for the LGBT people of Russia. The importance of athletes and allies being present in Sochi for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games is paramount. Their presence will offer solidarity to those directly affected by Russia’s archaic homophobia laws – whether they be a closeted athlete, an out athlete or an LGBT citizen of Russia. It will also allow the miscarriage of justice that is the “anti-gay propaganda” law to be highlighted, in the expectation that an education can occur on the unthreatening nature of our differences, and also allow the great feats LGBT people have overcome and achieved in the face of great adversity. Having events such as the Winter Olympic Games in Russia, and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, allows us to show the world the beauty of our different cultures, sexuality and religions. Having allies and out athletes participate during events in oppressive countries brings an attention to the fight for inclusion of LGBT people in sport. Being gay doesn’t stop you from being a competitor in sport. By hiding your sexuality – and suppressing a part of you that is something to be proud of – you waste energy that should be put to use becoming a stronger athlete, both mentally and physically. Olympians are champions, both on and off the competitive playing field. An out and proud LGBT athlete shows that they’re proud of who they are, and they feel confident enough to live their life in their respective country proudly. Every person in sport should have that same opportunity. The Olympic Games embody diversity, friendship, peace and excellence. And the fact that they’re taking place in Russia allows the athletes and allies to champion said morals and values, through sport, to bring about education and, ultimately, change. Q gaytimes.co.uk
our top lgbt moments
[02/14]
This year we turn the big three-zero. We’ve come a hell of a long way since issue one, but the world around us has changed a lot, too. So, to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’ve rounded up the biggest LGBT moments of the last 30 years WORDS RYAN BUTCHER / BENJAMIN BUTTERWORTH
[01] Queer as Folk airs in 1999. With tales of teenage lust, it was a coming of age for a generation.
[02] The life of Harvey Milk is told in a Hollywood blockbuster in 2008. He remains an inspiration to millions – just ask Dustin Lance-Black.
[03] EastEnders airs first gay kiss on British television in 1989. Just a shame it took Corrie 13 years to follow it up with one of its own.
[04] It Gets Better starts in 2010, launched after homophobic bullying led to US teens taking their own lives. More than 50,000 videos have been uploaded, including one from Barack Obama. Speaking of…
[05] Obama becomes the first serving US president to back samesex marriage in 2012. For that, Mr President, we salute you.
[06] The Doctor gets his first bisexual companion, Captain Jack Harkness, in 2005. You knew we’d get Doctor Who in this somehow…
[07] Brian Dowling wins Big Brother in 2001. And again in 2010. Oh, and he became the first openly gay children’s TV presenter when he joined SMTV Live in 2002.
[08] Brokeback Mountain is released in cinemas in 2005. It won three Oscars at the 78th Academy Awards, including Best Director.
[09] Justin Fashanu becomes
30 THINGS
the first openly gay professional footballer in 1990. Sadly, Justin 30
gaytimes.co.uk
[news] ISTOCKPHOTO
took his own life in 1998.
a large number of men, I too have
[10] Ellen DeGeneres comes
had homosexual experiences and
out in 1997, risking her headline
I’m not ashamed”, he said.
career to be herself. Now she’s the
[20] First lesbian wedding on
ultimate lesbian icon. And while
television aired in 1996. It was
we’re on icons…
Friends’ characters Carol and
[11] Sir Elton John and David
Susan who invited us to our first
Furnish become one of the first
same-sex ceremony.
couples to form a civil partnership
[21] Stephen Gately comes out at
in 2005.
the height of Boyzone’s popularity
[12] Section 28 is overturned
in 1999. He was tragically found
in 2003. Thatcher’s government
dead in 2009 after suffering from
banned schools from talking
an undiagnosed heart condition.
about LGBT issues in 1988. It was
[22] Will and Grace airs in 1998.
repealed not a moment too soon.
Will, Grace, Jack, Karen and even
[13] Stonewall is founded in
Rosario became international gay
1989. The charity has since
icons. Sixteen Emmys later and
helped lift the ban of LGBT people
we’re still in stitches.
in the armed forces and have homophobic prejudice recognised as a hate crime.
[14] Brookside’s lesbian kiss features in the Olympic Opening Ceremony in 2012, making it the first same-sex kiss to be broadcast in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations.
March on Washington in 2009. Bad Romance was a tune, too.
[24] The UK’s age of consent for gay sex is equalised with heterosexual sex in 2001. Although gay teens in Guernsey
[15] Britney and Madonna kiss in
[25] John Paul McQueen and
2003 at the VMAs. And the world
Craig Dean fall in love in 2006.
loved it. Oh, Christina Aguilera
These Hollyoaks hotties did the
was there too.
same for one generation as Queer
[16] Bronski Beat fight anti-gay
as Folk did for the previous one.
prejudice in 1984. When Jimmy Somerville and his bandmates were attacked by homophobes, it inspired them to write The Age of Consent in a bid to tackle homophobia.
[26] Same-sex adoption is made
in 1986. Criticised for spreading
legal in 2002.
30
OF RS S YEAYTIME A G
14 YEARS AGO Issue 257, 2000 The Vengaboys, Village People and… Ivan Massow? We went in search of the infamous Tory and explored his profile further. We then endeavoured into the return of Queer As Folk, and questioned the future of gay festivals as they all began to split.
[27] Reform Judaism breaks boundaries in 1990, allowing the ordinance of LGBT rabbis and cantors.
[28] Two gay men feature in an ad campaign for the first time in 1994,
hysteria, but its shocking imagery
shopping for IKEA furniture.
encouraged everyone to keep
[29] The UN’s World Health
track of their HIV status.
Organisation decides that
[18] Freddie Mercury dies
homosexuality is NOT a mental
in 1991. Just 24 hours prior,
illness in 1990. What took them
the most iconic frontman in
so long?
rock history confirmed he was
[30] Pope Francis supports the
suffering from AIDS. His legend
gays in 2013. The pontif went on to
has never been matched.
say: “If someone is gay and seeks
[19] Acting legend Marlon Brando
the Lord with good will, who am I to
reveals he’s bisexual in 1985. “Like
judge?” Well quite.Q
gaytimes.co.uk
Medical marijuana took a jump as we asked the question, could it lead to harder substances or is it was just a little bit of escapism? Gay gyms faced off against straight gyms, in the battle of which is best, and Jimmy Somerville returned after a four-year absence with a brand new album.
[23] Lady Gaga fights for LGBT
still had to wait until 2010.
Don’t Die Of Ignorance campaign
19 YEARS AGO Issue 197, 1995
rights at the National Equality
Which reminds us…
[17] The government launches its
GT VAULT
11 YEARS AGO Issue 293, 2003 With an increase in targeted adverts aimed specifically at gay men, we explored how gorgeous hunks were making us spend. Comedian Simon Amstel opened up about his sexuality, and Dannii Minogue faced a bit of trouble over some supposedly “racist” comments – we got the scoop.
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column
[news]
PUBLISHER OF PINKNEWS
In just a few weeks, the first same-sex marriages will take place in England and Wales and, as a community, we’ll be entering into a new age of equality. Sure, there’s still much to fight for, and many questions to ask, such as why private pension rights are not equal and what the effect will be of a spouse having to consent to their partner changing their legal gender. Much of the work though is done, but the same cannot unfortunately be said for other parts of the United Kingdom. While Scotland will, hopefully, be joining the rest of the mainland with same-sex marriage before this year is out, Northern Ireland is still some way behind. A samesex couple will be able to get married in London, but if they flew over to Londonderry, they’d only be recognised as civil partners. Marriage in the UK will mean a different thing depending on where you live, and that’s not what we should be experiencing if we live in an equal society. In my view, the differential status of marriage in Northern gaytimes.co.uk
[benjamin cohen]
Ireland will ultimately threaten the marriage of the UK. What’s so strange is that it’s the politicians who so adamantly believe in the marriage of Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK, the Democratic Unionists, that are so dead against the rest of mainland UK’s views when it comes to marriage equality. Northern Ireland’s government, led by the DUP, rejected the rights of same-sex couples to adopt and for gay men to donate blood. They also rejected their coalition partner Sinn Féin’s support of same-sex marriage. Gay couples will be allowed to adopt in the province, but only after the country’s health minister spent tens of thousands of pounds of tax payer’s money fighting same-sex adoption in the courts. Gay men in England (who haven’t had sex for a year) will be able to donate blood to be used in Northern Ireland, but gay men in Northern Ireland will still be banned. Talk about having your cake and eating it! The reality is that the battle over gay men donating blood and same-sex marriage will ultimately be fought in the courts, not in the
Gay men in England will be able to donate blood to be used in Northern Ireland, but gay men in Northern Ireland will still be banned. Talk about having your cake and eating it
@benjamincohen
Northern Ireland Assembly. I have a feeling that just like the adoption battle, it’ll be a fight that we will win, but at some cost. In my view, it sends a powerful symbol to the public if politicians, not judges, change the law on equality. One of the most exciting things about the introduction of samesex marriage in England and Wales was that it wasn’t decided by judges in a human rights court. Instead it happened because David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and their colleagues worked together to change the law. Sure, it was a bruising battle. Particularly among Conservative MPs. But it was a battle that was won, in both the Commons and the Lords, with extraordinarily large majorities for a free vote, and with cooperation between parties. This was very different from the abolition of Section 28, which effectively banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools, where just a handful of Conservative MPs rebelled against their party to support equality. If Northern Ireland achieves rights through the courts, it will mean that the province misses out on the wonderful scenes that we experienced in Parliament last year. Words cannot quite express how it felt to be kissing my boyfriend in the House of Commons gallery as the final debate ended and we knew that the marriage bill would become law. Words can’t either express the sheer joy that so many peers and MPs felt as they walked through the lobby to end discrimination, or how it felt for the campaigners outside cheering them on. It also loses the message to teenagers coming to terms with their sexuality, that politicians put aside their usual differences to support the right for them to get married one day, regardless of the gender of the person they’ve fallen in love with. Q
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WORDS PAUL F COCKBURN IMAGE RAY DEAN
HEROES
DEREK JARMAN 34
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20 years after his death, why is the filmmaker, artist, writer and campaigner so revered?
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“HE’S A REALLY GREAT ARTIST, important in so many ways,” says Amanda Wilkinson, director of the Wilkinson Gallery in London which, in the latter part of 2013, hosted an exhibition of Derek Jarman’s “black paintings”, which is now about to open at the respected Trondheim kunstmuseum in Norway. “He was part of the 1960s scene in London, and then the punk scene in the 1970s. He was very aware of everything contemporary around him, and he absorbed it and translated it in his own visual language in such a special way.” “One of the things people say about him is that he was a painter, but sometimes he painted on film,” adds Professor Mark Turner, who teaches English at King’s College London, where Jarman studied before going to art school. “Basically, he was a visual person who saw things in painterly terms, to do with colour, image and symbol. But the paintings get angrier; if you look at some of his earlier paintings, he was interested in the British landscape tradition. By the 1980s he’s really pissed off and you get work that makes Jackson Pollock look gentile.” When he died of AIDS-related causes on 19 February 1994, aged just 52, Derek Jarman was probably best known for his filmmaking and political campaigning, although it’s difficult to separate the two. From his first feature-length film Sebastiane in 1976, the homoerotic retelling of St Sebastian’s martyrdom, to his final work Blue in 1993 (a single shot of saturated blue filling the screen with a narration by Jarman and his favourite actors, including Tilda
Swinton), his work was always pushing the envelope. His visual originality also went down well in the burgeoning music video industry; he made promos for artists from The Sex Pistols to Patti Smith. And possibly his most infamous music videos were It’s A Sin and Rent for the Pet Shop Boys, both made in 1987. “That’s just after he finds out he’s HIV positive,” explains Turner. “It’s also the year he’s making The Last of England; that’s his state of the nation film, his concerted attack at Thatcher. He was always politically engaged, but his interest in the legacy of Englishness somehow gets personalised and politicised in a particular way with HIV.” “Jarman was a politically committed artist and film-maker,” says Peter Tatchell, who came to know Jarman primarily through queer rights direct action group OutRage! in the early 1990s. “He saw his film Edward II as a way of using historical events depicted in an ancient play to shine a light on present-day homophobia: Britain in the era of Section 28, AIDS panic, rising anti-gay violence, police repression and church attacks on the LGBT community. “In the film, church and state officials conspire against Edward II, partly because of his homosexuality,” Tatchell points out. “Derek invited OutRage! activists to be part of the film and shot us staging a protest against police harassment and queerbashing violence, complete with banners we’d used in actual demos. Cinematically, it was risky, but he pulled it off; making a strong point about 1990s’ state repression of LGBT people.” Although often described as an accessible and down to earth figure, Jarman wasn’t one for towing anyone’s line. “He was rebellious and radical,” insists Tatchell. “He never sought the establishment’s embrace or
approval. He loathed the power elite and all they stood for.” That included Ian McKellen, whom Jarman criticised for accepting a knighthood. “Derek was critical of Stonewall (which McKellen cofounded), believing it to be too establishment and conformist,” Tatchell adds. “He didn’t like its uncritical aspiration to mere equality within the status quo. Like me, he wanted to change society.” Two decades on from his death, Jarman will be celebrated through a range of events and exhibitions. “He was incredibly important in his time, partly because he became – possibly against his will – the spokesperson for a generation of artist filmmakers working outside the system. Also, of course, for his politics, his activism,” Turner adds. “Since then I think he’s important because we’ve started to discover things like the writing more. Virtually everything he’s written is now in print; that says something, because publishers have no desire to keep you in print for nostalgic reasons. He’s found a readership which are interested in his writing. “He’s still important. I know young important artists today who’re absolutely in his… not quite his image, but his lineage, who pay a debt to him.” One such artist is 2012 Turner Prize finalist Luke Fowler, who was the inaugural winner of the nowannual Jarman Award organised by Film London. “We’re looking for people who’re working in a contemporary way along the lines of Jarman’s approach to making art,” says Rose Cupit, Manager at Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network (FLAMIN). “The award shines a light on contemporary artists, to direct people to the sort of work that takes risks, that doesn’t always fit in templates that exist for mainstream film. It highlights that this approach is alive and well.” Q For more information on Jarman events, visit jarman2014.org
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Dr Kate Stone was returning from the pub with friends when a stag charged out of the darkness and gored her through the neck. Gored. It’s not a word we usually hear, is it? It’s how you describe an animal piercing human flesh with horns, tusks or – in this case – antlers. The stag stabbed Kate in the neck, impaling her, before shaking itself free and tossing her to the ground. The injuries were life threatening and Kate had to be airlifted to Glasgow hospital. As GT goes to press, her condition is ‘serious but stable’. The attack was both terrible and unusual. The newspaper coverage, however, was infuriatingly familiar. ‘Sex swap scientist in fight for life after being gored by stag in freak accident in Highlands,’ screamed Scottish tabloid the Daily Record. Kate is transgender. That has nothing to do with being attacked by an animal. Unless, of course, you’re attacked because you’re trans. You never know. Let’s assume, though, that this stag wasn’t a transphobe. ‘Woman attacked by stag’ would have made 36
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a decent headline. Kate is a woman. A trans woman, yes, but what’s that got to with the price of venison? Maybe she’s atheist too. Whose business is it to know? Only the Cambridge News and the Guardian kept Kate’s personal life personal – a fact noted by Rachel Johnson in the Mail on Sunday, of all places. Gossip, she called it. She’s right. Coverage like this is the printed equivalent of pointing at someone and shouting, ‘Freak!’ It’s the natural outcome of media that says being trans is, in and of itself, news. It isn’t. For what it matters, the toothless Press Complaints Commission agrees. Clause 12 of its Editors’ Code of Practice states: ‘The press must avoid prejudicial or pejorative reference to an individual’s race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or to any physical or mental illness or disability’. Unless it is ‘genuinely relevant’. This applies to transgender status too. I don’t represent everyone but, speaking from personal experience, as a trans person, you’re often worried about becoming a headline. Paranoid you’ll fall downstairs and land on the front page of The Sun,
As a trans person, you’re often worried about becoming a headline. Paranoid you’ll fall downstairs and land on the front page of The Sun, say. ‘Trans in freak accident’
@parislees
say. ‘Transsexual in freak accident’, or something. Before I chose to live openly as a transgender woman, I spent a great deal of time worrying that people would find out I was trans. Many trans people just want to live their lives quietly and, at the time, so did I. I was terrified that something bad might happen to me, something unlikely, or gruesome, or absurd – like getting hit by lightning, or trapped in a fire or, I don’t know, a stag stabbing me in the neck. And terrified that not only would I have something shitty to deal with, there’d be the added humiliation of people saying ‘Ha, look what happened to that tranny!’ If you think I’m exaggerating, Google Sonia Burgess. She was a leading human rights lawyer who changed the face of immigration law in the UK. She was kind, generous and highly respected by friends and colleagues. In 2010 she was pushed under a train, in front of hundreds of horrified onlookers. One of them was my friend, who tweeted that she’d seen Sonia’s death. Soon enough, journalists started to get in touch. What was Sonia wearing, they asked. What was her hair like? What did she look like? Did she look feminine or ridiculous? Like Kate, Sonia was trans. ‘Woman ‘pushed transvestite to his death on underground’ at King’s Cross’ ran the Metro’s headline. We used to see this more with gay people. I found a story from the 80s about a vicar who’d been outed as gay by a national newspaper. Which one? The Guardian. Uh-huh. Even socially-liberal publications were doing ‘Someone is gay’ headlines back then. There’s still homophobia in the media, of course, but things have improved. Now it’s time the press started treating trans people as human beings rather than freaks. Kate may not survive. I hope she lives. And that the prejudice that lingers in the British media dies for good. Q gaytimes.co.uk
IMAGE RYAN HARDING
[paris lees]
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AYDEN CALLAGHAN [ HOLLYOAKS ACTOR ]
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We’re going to be honest with you here. We’ve had our eyes glued to Hollyoaks since Ayden Callaghan joined as Joe Roscoe last year. And who could blame us? You might also recognise him for his roles in Casualty, EastEnders or as Miles De Souza in Emmerdale. But, in the name of charity, this is Ayden Callaghan as you’ve never seen him before There’s nothing sexier than a man who doesn’t realise just how hot he is. Since he turned up in Hollyoaks as Joe Roscoe, Ayden Callaghan has proved a big hit with the soap’s gay fans. But it’s something the browneyed hunk is still getting used to. In fact, he seems completely oblivious as to why he’s getting so much gay attention. “I was quite surprised, because I thought that’d be reserved for the prettier boys in the cast,” he explains. “But it turns out there’re guys out there who like the rugged man like me. I was brought up in a macho man environment – my nicknames are Caveman or Bear. But the guys who get in touch are complimentary. And a few drag queens have come on to me, too. I might be doing a role soon where I have to dress up in drag, so I’ll have to tone my bum and shape my big footballer’s thighs.” Of course, Ayden isn’t the first Hollyoaks boy to get their kit off for GT. Last year, the soap’s gay couple, played by Kieron Richardson and PJ Brennan, did their first naked gaytimes.co.uk
shoot together. And they’re not the only ones to have offered Ayden some words of wisdom. “The pictures of Kieron and PJ are up around the office, and they told me to relax and be myself,” he says. “My friend Johnny Partridge, who played Christian in EastEnders, told me when I got the Hollyoaks gig to do GT as well. “I’ve been naked a few times for work, so it’s something that’s never phased me. I was playing men’s football when I was 14-years-old and I was a bit nervous in the changing rooms, but I quickly learned nobody cares how big or small your package is. And when I’m old and fat, this shoot will be a great reminder of what I used to look like.” Looking at him in the flesh (and believe us readers, we were looking A LOT during this shoot), we can’t imagine Ayden ever looking old and fat. And with the number of hours he puts in to keep in shape, we can’t see it happening any time soon. “I go to the gym most days, but as you get older your metabolism slows down and you can’t eat pizza and chips and not expect to see it sit somewhere,” he laughs. “I’m pleased I’m in decent condition, but inner confidence is much more appealing than having a six-pack. “Actors have to have a certain level of arrogance because, if you don’t, you can fall by the wayside. But I don’t care what other people think, only what I think. Besides, my look is a bit Castaway meets I’m A Celebrity, to be honest. I look after myself, I eat well, train
hard and moisturise, but I don’t spend hours in front of the mirror. I roll out of bed, into the shower and that’s as far as it goes. I’m not a groomer.” And we’re sure his Twitter fans would be quick to point out if he was in need of a few more hours at the gym. “Since Twitter came along, it’s become an instant way for viewers to talk to us. In the first week of Hollyoaks the script had us doing a naked car wash and we got some nice feedback from that. I’m a grown man, but everyone has an ego – so it’s nice to hear if viewers think you look great.” Hollyoaks has never been shy in employing a good-looking man. In its 18-year history, it’s been known for it’s pretty boys and girls. Not that they’re just pretty faces of course. There’s a huge smattering of talent too, with former cast members going on to star in Game of Thrones, The Fall and Revenge, to name just a few. But there’s more competition on set than there is for roles once they leave the Hollyoaks village. “We’re a tight-knit bunch, but when we’re getting changed we all have a little look to see who’s been down the gym and who’s been doing what,” says Ayden. “But competition is a positive thing. It strives you on to do better.” Aylesbury-born Ayden stems from a sporty and footballing background. He played regularly up to the age of 20, and now plays mainly for charity events. Both his dad and two of his uncles were also players and managers. But despite such a heterosexual
background, Ayden has plenty of gay friends both in and outside the showbiz industry. “Sexuality for me isn’t an issue, and I don’t know why, in a country that’s supposedly as advanced as this, we still have problems with it. I grew up in a manly environment – it was football, pubs; the men went out at the weekend while the women stayed in. But I don’t remember there ever being any homophobia. “I’m a straight guy and if people in the mainstream media like me are willing to get naked for a gay magazine, then what’s the big deal? I hope it helps chip away at barriers. “Homophobia is hypocritical because many men are happy to be metrosexual and enjoy fashion, and most of that has come from the gay community. Yet you still have small-minded people who don’t like gays. I know actors who’re afraid to come out officially because they worry how it will impact on their career. It’s a terrible, sad thing.” As our time with the everaffable Ayden draws to a close, he warns us there’s a huge surprise in store for his character, but kept pretty tightlipped when we prised him for more. “Let’s just say viewers are going to be pretty shocked by what Joe has got himself caught up in,” he teases. “The Roscoes will be torn apart – but I can’t say anymore!” We’re hoping this means we won’t be seeing any less of him. Well, any less than we’ve seen today, anyway. Q Hollyoaks, weeknights on Channel 4 and E4, @aydencallaghan
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NATE JAMES
[ THE VOICE SINGER ]
It’s always a risk auditioning for The Voice, especially if you’ve already had a stab at fame. But Nate James’ silky soulful voice made him a shoe-in. Now, as he’s about to release his long awaited new album, he tells GT why he’s body confident and lifts the lid on his sexuality Are you comfortable in your own skin? Yeah, I’m quite confident with my body but I’ve been hammering it in the gym knowing I was doing this shoot. Although walking around the studio with a sock on my cock was a bit daunting. I don’t think I’ve got an Adonis body at all, but I’m quite a fit guy and there’s nothing I don’t like about it. I get complimented quite a bit on my eyebrows, but I’m not a big fan of them because they’re too big. What do people like about your appearance the most? People like my hair the most. They tell me it’s amazing and ask me how long it takes to get my quiff. But mostly it’s “you’ve 44
got rid of the ‘fro!” Even though that happened about three years ago. I’d had it for eight years and it was a lot of hard work – and a lot of hair! How much of a manscaper are you? I go to Ted Baker’s grooming salon once every couple of weeks where they do hot towel shaves, cut my hair, give me massages and thread my eyebrows. I go especially if I’ve got a red carpet and need to look the shit! I have chest hair, but I trim it. I am quite vain but I just like to keep looking good. Are you gay or straight? I’m living my life and enjoying it. It’s not even about being undecided – I love love, passion and romance. And who it will be with is who it will be with. Are you with someone at the moment? No, which is sad and tragic. I look for a sense of humour, which is a big sell for me. If we can take the piss out of each other and we laugh at jokes about each other, we’re good. Turn offs are someone who’s too into themselves. Do men and women hit on you? Since I did The Voice I don’t think anyone wants to
approach me, because they think I’m going to be standoffish or not a conversationalist. They can be a little bit intimidated. But I’m a very chatty guy and I can talk for Britain. I love to chat away whether it’s for romance or otherwise. Do you have a gay following? I’ve had great support from the gay community in general. I performed at Brighton Pride a couple of years ago so I definitely feel I have gay people in my corner, which is nice. How are you finding fame second time around? The fame, money and lifestyle is fantastic, but that’s a side product. What I love is a crowd singing my songs back to me. First time around, I was never huge in the UK. It was Japan and South America where I was headlining shows with Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Amy Winehouse, who was a dear friend of mine. But I never properly broke here. I get off a plane in Japan and I’m papped; it’s like I’m David Beckham. Why has that not happened here? It’s baffled me. A lot of it is about luck and timing but the
UK as a whole isn’t a hot bed for soul music. I don’t think we know how to digest proper soul music. But I have two gold discs on the wall, I’ve toured the world and I’m proud of what I’ve done so far. Why did you enter The Voice? I was approached by the BBC to do it and I was a bit dubious at first because I didn’t want to sell out. Then I thought “sod it”, I’ll audition and see what happens – and I got through. It was an amazing experience, but I knew from the start I wouldn’t win it because I’ve already had a career. What have you been doing since? I’ve been writing and in the studio non-stop, I have a new single out in March and the album will be released in July. That’s quite a long time, but I didn’t want to rush anything out. I’m dying for people to hear it. You asked if I’m gay or straight and on this album a lot is said and it’s up to the ear of the beholder on how they want to interpret it. Q @Nate__James, natejames.com
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DONATE £3 to National AIDS Trust and as a thank you DOWNLOAD THIS NAKED PICTURE of Nate for your mobile: Text NAT22 to 70080
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THE FORBIDDEN [ STRIPTEASE VARIETY PERFORMERS ]
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THE FORBIDDEN [ STRIPTEASE VARIETY PERFORMERS ]
It was Dita Von Teese who brought the art of burlesque back into the world of striptease. And now, The Forbidden are taking it a step further by mixing male striptease with a variety show and dampening the knickers of women across the country. But Billy, 26, Lewis, 25, Tommy, 25 and Olly, 28 are not just for the ladies, because they’re growing in popularity with the gay audience too. And while you won’t see them bare all on stage, you will in GT As classy striptease artists, you must be used to being naked on stage by now. Lewis: We have a pact as a group never to do anything fully naked. We’re not strippers, our ethos is that it’s performance art. We’re a male variety show – we’re singers, gymnasts, dancers – but with elements of striptease. Billy: The genre of male stripping has plateaued and 48
we’ve come in to the industry saying “let’s take something that’s dormant and put a new spin on it”. Our show has content that appeals to gay men and straight women. We’re throwing the bananas, baby oil and whipped cream out of the window and putting a new take on it. Lewis: We want to build a show that would be so great even if we kept our clothes on. How far do you go then? Billy: The crescendo is a bum flash at the end of the show, which brings the house down. We do numbers where we remove clothing but there’s a lot of covering. We like to leave the audience wanting more. Lewis: I’d happily invite my mum to the show. Billy: We’re the Disney of the erotic cabaret world! The crowd isn’t getting old school dry humping – it’s a performance rather than a man rippling his body, smearing it with oil and getting naked. Have you earned a gay following yet? Lewis: We seem to be quite popular on Twitter and most of our back
room staff are gay. Billy: We never seem to have a problem hiring gay men! Olly: The number of guys coming to our shows is increasing a lot though, which is good to see. We want gay guys, not straight guys coming along with their girlfriends, because they bring the level of excitement down. Tommy: Straight men can’t let go and enjoy themselves. They have a problem with seeing a macho image on stage and think we’re a threat to them. How much competition is there between you all? Lewis: Tommy introduces us and it’s an ongoing joke each week to see who gets the most cheers. Billy: Olly has just upped his game massively with a pole routine, and that makes the rest of us want to improve. Lewis: If someone comes back with a new routine we have to up our game to keep up. That just makes the show better and better each time. Do you play pranks on each other? Billy: There’s tons of sabotage. We’ll cover Olly’s pole in baby oil or soak
each other with unexpected bottles of water while we’re performing. Lewis: And we once replaced Olly’s white vest during his macho man army routine with a floral, low-cut women’s vest we picked from H&M. Do you compete to try and look the best too? Olly: Billy and Lewis are lucky with their genetics because they don’t train at all. Unfortunately, me being a little bit older, I have to train a lot harder. Billy: Overall, I think Lewis has the best body out of all of us. But Tommy is the vainest, because he’ll go to a professional photoshoot and tell the hair and make up artist that he’s doing it himself. I also made Lewis fake tan for the first time. Lewis: I shared a house with three girls from college, and I hadn’t been there long, so I was trying to impress them – until they caught three of us starkers in the bathroom fake tanning each other. Q Forbidden-nights.co.uk, @theforbidden_
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JOHN MASON
[ MODEL & TV PRESENTER ]
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JOHN MASON
[ MODEL & TV PRESENTER ]
When Australian model John Mason touched down in England seven years ago, he wasted no time in bagging himself a modelling career and an actor boyfriend. Now, the former gymnast has branched out into television presenting and has already landed work for Sky Sports with more to come later this year. Strapping six-footer John, 28, tells GT about his most embarrassing modelling jobs and why he’ll never be Dirk Diggler We can’t believe as a model, this is your first time naked in front of a camera. I’ve done underwear modelling, but never with my willy out for the nation. I’m pretty confident with my body in day-to-day life, but when it comes to work, I’m competing with guys who’re in good shape and I weirdly get a little bit insecure. So why did you decide to do this? It’s for a very good cause and I’ve seen the shoots you’ve done in previous years, so I hoped it would be quite a liberating experience, which is was. It was good fun, but I admit I was nervous on the way here. The idea of getting naked 52
is actually more daunting than actually doing it. Has no one ever see your modelling work and offered you work in porn? No, but I wouldn’t do it anyway. I love watching it, but it’s not something I would personally do. I’m happy with how I measure up though. But like most men, I wouldn’t mind a bit more. I’ve never had any complaints, but I’m never going to be Dirk Diggler. Can we assume as professional eye candy, you’re quite vain? Well my partner would say I’m extremely vain – but I’m not! For this shoot, there was a bit of clipping and manscaping though. I have to be careful with what I eat for work, but if I had my own way I’d be sat on a couch with a pizza and a beer every night. I’m looking forward to growing old disgracefully. What do men fancy about you? They quite like my smile and my height – I like being 6ft 2ins. I don’t really like my nose, I’d rather have dark hair and I don’t really tan because I inherited my English mother’s Pommie skin. But you always want but you can’t have. How do you keep your body in shape? I go to the
gym a lot and I represented Australia in gymnastics when I was a teenager. I’ll actually be presenting the British gymnastics at the world championships in December on Sky Sports. I’ll be down in the arena interviewing the athletes. I have a great time getting the crowd all riled up. What was your first big presenting gig? It was doing the UK grand final of Elite Model Look, which is the world’s biggest model search. Then they asked me to go and host at the world finals, so I flew to Shanghai with Jessie J and was thrown straight in at the deep end going from modelling to presenting in front of thousands of people. I was shitting myself. And from there I also presented SuperCasino for Channel 5. What’s been your best and worst modelling jobs? The best was for a travel company where I spent five days driving a vintage Alpha Romeo convertible around the Amalfi coast while they took pictures. The worst was for a Russian ice cream maker which I thought no-one would see. Then my dad’s ultra-conservative business partner went driving through Russia and took a picture of a giant billboard
which had me suggestively licking ice cream off the inside of a girl’s thigh. My dad was like ‘yes! It’s just a phase.’ How long have you been with your partner, actor Daniel Brocklebank? It’s been six years now. A lot of society has a misinformed idea that young gay men aren’t into monogamous relationships. But that’s not true; there’re loads of people who are. Daniel and I don’t have an open relationship and I don’t think I could be in one. I have friends who are, and that’s cool – there’s no judgment here. I’d maybe like a family a bit further down the line and marriage is a possibility as well. If I’m going to have a family, I’d like to be in that sort of unit. But I’m not a big fan of organised religion so a church wedding wouldn’t be something I considered. Why does campaigning for LGBT charities appeal to you? I’ve supported several charities and have been to protest for gay people in Russia at 10 Downing Street, and I support Outpost Housing for gay teenagers whose family have kicked them out of their homes. It’s important to do something positive for society. Q @johnmason85
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JAMES EDWARDS [ X FACTOR AND CELEBRITY SUPER SPA STAR ]
The road to X Factor success is littered with casualties. But when you’re as hot as James Edwards, you know a second stab at success is just around the corner. James first sprang to fame in X Factor 2006 as one quarter of boyband hopefuls Eton Road. When in-fighting drove them apart, James retired from showbiz until he popped up last autumn in reality show Celebrity Super Spa. Now 28, the uber-cute Scouser is relaunching his career in style, by stripping off for GT. Is there any better way? For someone so nervous, you’re looking pretty good James! Thanks! I was nervous before I arrived because I’m kind of prudish about my body. Even around the house I wont walk around with just a towel on. I’ll have a vest and a pair of shorts on. So this was totally out of my comfort zone – but I really enjoyed it. 54
You obviously look after yourself. Yes, I’m quite an active person. I go to the gym, but not religiously, and I go to dance classes and they keep me fit. And I cut out a lot of my guilty pleasure carbs for this shoot, like crisps, mayonnaise, salad cream and coleslaw. Are you happy with how you look? I’m quite comfortable in my own skin, but exposing it to other people is a different story. I don’t make a habit of getting my torso out but if I put a shirtless picture on Facebook then people seem to like it. I like my legs and shoulders, but I hate the moles on my chest. I had one removed that had started going bad. I don’t want to get the others taken off unless I have to because they can leave severe scarring. What would it take to reveal little James? I wouldn’t say “little” James, thank you! But it would take a lot of money, to put it bluntly. I’d need more courage and confidence as well. I guess when I’ve met someone then I might have sent a picture of it! But I’d never do
porn; it’s not something I would touch with a bargepole. What kind of men are you attracted to? I like the more mature kind of guy when it comes to his personality and attitude towards life. But the maximum age I’d go to is 35. Are you still recognised from X Factor? Yes, but more locally back in Liverpool. It was an amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Why didn’t Eton Road find long-term success? There was a lot of conflict and I think certain members gave the wrong impression of the band to agents, managers and bookers. They messed it up for us all and in 2009 we split up. I’m only in touch with one of the boys every so often, so we’re not all lifelong friends. How did that affect you? I’d enjoyed being put up on that X Factor pedestal, but coming back down to reality with a bang was disappointing and knocked the confidence out of me for many years. I didn’t even have the confidence to go
to auditions and start anything up. I’d trained in musical theatre so eventually I went back to my roots. I danced on tours around Europe, including with the singer Limahl, and I did Chicago in Blackburn. I never tried to go solo but now I’d love to get back into music and dancing; I have the hunger again. Would you consider trying X Factor as a solo artist, or The Voice? No. I think because we got that far as a band, it wouldn’t come across as right to the public. It would look desperate. So what’s your comeback plan? I’ve just come off Celebrity Super Spa which was fun, and I got to work with Helen Flanagan and James Argent from TOWIE. My objective for doing it was to get back into the media and make a name for myself again. I’m passionate about my dance and singing and I want to be a success. I want to be liked again – it’s a lovely feeling! Q @jayedwardsuk
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CHRIS MARCHANT [ WELL STRUNG ]
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CHRIS MARCHANT [ WELL STRUNG ]
Four hot guys playing with large instruments that dangle between their legs? Yes please! But alas, we’re not on the set of a porno. Instead we’re meeting one member of the sexiest classical group to come out America since… well, ever. Well Strung are a four-piece group mixing classical tunes with contemporary chart toppers. And even better, they’re all gay! Super-ripped violinist Chris Marchant, 29 from Ohio, tells GT why posing naked for us is a doddle compared to his last job Out of all our naked celebs, you’re the one who’s no stranger to nudity… I was in Provincetown, Massachusetts, for a summer in 2010 doing the show Naked Boys Singing. That was different from anything I’ve ever done but it was really great. Everyone asked if I was nervous but it didn’t really bother me at all. It’s only a hundred people a night watching and I don’t think nudity is anything to shy away from. How did you prepare for GT? I’ve been in London for the week touring, so I had to put effort into planning which days I could make it to the gym. I even delayed my flight home by a couple of days so I 64
could take part. I’m not a huge manscaper though. You’re a big fella. Does that mean you’re vain too? No, I’m much more insecure than I am vain. I grew up really small – I looked anorexic until I got to the end of college. When I began doing musical theatre, my body started to naturally put on more weight. I started getting into working out and when I knew I was going to do Naked Boys Singing, I had to start bulking up. I bartend in New York City sometimes and you have to stay in shape and look good. I go to the gym six days a week. Sometimes I feel lax for not going on the seventh day and I see myself as that little twink in the mirror. With all that time spent naked on stage, do you cover up when you get home? Yes, I’m almost always in clothes. I sleep naked at my boyfriend’s house but if I’m by myself I’m almost always in gym shorts. It’s nice to wear clothes sometimes. What do men fancy about you the most? My boyfriend really likes my ass. But in general I’m pretty well proportioned. I have a really hard time growing my arms and calves and they need a lot of work though. How did you meet your boyfriend? It was a year ago in Cape Cod when I was bartending at Purgatory. Sunday night is leather night
so I was wearing a harness and a friend introduced us. He works for Ralph Lauren which means 50% discounts, but he’s a keeper regardless of that! What would your fans need to do for you to pose full-frontal in GT? It wouldn’t happen. I like to have something that not everybody knows about and keep something to myself. All four band members are gay – when did you come out? I started coming out at college then to friends and family up to the age of 26. I went to a really conservative Bible college so friends there were very understanding from a Christian perspective. And my family have all been pretty great. Who’s your celebrity crush? I’m a big fan of Channing Tatum; he’s my number one for sure. He’s not insanely cut but I’ve never been attracted to an eight-pack. I’m attracted to someone who looks natural and who suits their own skin really well. Their personality has to match their body. Tell us about Well Strung… To make extra money I would busk on the street with my violin playing light classical stuff. But at home I’d listen to mainly top 40 songs or showtunes. A producer saw me and we started collaborating on what it might sound like if we put classical with pop. We started auditioning for other guys who could sing and play and in 2012
we first did our first gig. I love putting a twist on convention and I’m always listening to top 40 music and wondering what I could do with it. Do you have much of a gay following? About 90% of the people who live in Provincetown are gay and people from all over the world see the show over there and then go home and tell other people about it, so we tend to do a lot of gay venues. We’re all out and proud but the content of the show isn’t gay. Isn’t the classical music community a bit snobbish? I’ve personally faced a little backlash for being a musician who’s in shape. I’m probably the weakest classical musician of the four of us so I always have work to do. If I wasn’t lifting as much weight I might have a bit more dexterity, but I’m not going back to being that skinny twink! What’s the ambition for the group? We can take it any direction really because it’s a universal concept. We’ve started working with a couple of Broadway actors to do cabaret shows and we’re touring. But we’re not about making money, we believe in the juxtaposition of pop and classical music. We think what we’re doing is really cool. Q @wellstrungnyc, well-strung.com. Their album, Well Strung, is available to download on iTunes
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JAY ROBERTS
[ PORN STAR ]
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JAY ROBERTS
[ PORN STAR ]
Sexy Slovak Jay Roberts is no stranger to nudity. In fact, he’s made a career out of stripping off and getting down and dirty. But the 35-year-old porn star is not spreading himself too thinly in the world of man-on-man hardcore action. In his seven year career, he’s shot just 60 scenes. And next year, he launches his own website. He tells GT why he’s so choosy about who he’ll work with and why he’ll never have sex with another gay-forpay actor How did your porn career begin? Seven years ago, I was working in Prague when I met a guy who was a producer for one of the biggest porn houses in the USA. He invited me to watch a couple of shoots and tried to get me to do one. I said no at first, but then I gave in and did my first scene. Was it fun? No, it was awful! It was a threeway with two straight guys and it went on for two days – it normally takes just five hours! The straight guys were gay for pay and they 68
kept losing their erections. They would have to go off set to wank over magazines with big tits in them before they could get it up again. That’s not exactly flattering to know when I’m supposed to be turning them on! Why did you continue with porn? Because from then, I got the choice of who I wanted to work with. A lot of guys are only in the business for a year because they constantly shoot scenes and become over exposed, but I do maybe only four or five scenes a year. Do you have a preferred role? No, I’m fully versatile. At the beginning I was told I had a nice ass and I was only going to get fucked. But it soon switched. If you’re smart you find your way in porn and don’t stick with one thing. You give them what they haven’t seen before and they stay interested. Can you make good money out of porn? Anything I’ve earned or saved is going towards my own business. But you need to know your own price. The studios want to keep costs low so you have to know what you’re
worth and stick to it. Is there anything you wouldn’t do? Yes. Fisting is something that’s too awkward to do on a set, so it’s just the regular stuff I stick with. Are you in a relationship? Yes, I’ve been with my boyfriend for four years. He’s not in the business and he’s a personal trainer. I have a high sex drive and the two boyfriends I had before him, I cheated on because, after a while, I get easily bored in a relationship. He accepted what I do and he quite likes it when we go out and people recognise me. Have you worked together? No. He’s not the kind of person who wants to be on camera. Our private lives are totally separate to my career. He’s not the jealous type and is very secure with our relationship. He has watched my scenes but I hate watching myself perform. When we’re editing a film, I’m cringing. And when I hear my voice or see myself I think it’s awful! I’ve never seen a porn film I’ve done for another studio and my DVDs are all still shrink-wrapped. Does your family know what
you do? No, they’re from an older generation and don’t know how the internet works! I tell them what they need to know – that I’m in London, I’m working and I’m not starving. What’s the plan for the future? I’ve started to work on my own brand and choose who I want to put on my own website when it launches next year. There’s so much porn on the market, you have to find your own niche and mine is porn with a storyline behind it. I’m going the more expensive way. I like average guys; I’m turned on by masculinity and I won’t have sex with anyone younger than my brothers. When one guy I was working with in his early 20s started shouting “oh, fuck me daddy” I made sure it was edited out. I only film with people I really want to have sex with and I’ll be releasing one scene a week. I just go on the internet, see who’s doing porn on there, or visit dating sites. And if I find someone with a sexy picture and approach him and if he gives in, I’ll work with him! Q Jayrobertsxxx.com, @JayRobertsXXX
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MITCHELL HUNT [ ACTOR ]
Mitchell Hunt is one to watch – and not just because he’s willing to shed his clothes at the drop of a hat. The 25-yearold actor has done the rounds of some of the most watched shows on TV, from EastEnders to Holby City and Call The Midwife. And he runs his own comedy club too. He tells GT why he is no stranger to being naked in public and why there’s more naked pictures of him out there than you might think Does a good looking lad like you get mistaken for being gay? It’s happened a few times because some people believe in the stereotype that it’s just gay guys who are clean cut and look after themselves. Many friends of mine are gay so when I’m out with them, I just look like one of the gays. I’m from South East London and I’d never really come across the gay community before. But now, three years after coming 70
out of drama, I have five best mates who’re gay. Why did you agree to do our shoot? When my agent approached me with it I thought “why not?” I’ve not done photographic stuff in a magazine before, so I’ve thrown myself right in at the deep end here! And there’s nothing more fun than getting your kit off. I think I’m a bit of a secret nudist because when I look back at photographs, there are more pictures of me naked than I care to remember. There’ve been crazy nights which have ended up with me in a bit of a state and someone with a camera phone taking advantage of it. How did you prepare for today? I keep myself fit but I’ve had a major injury for nine months from gym training. I tore the cartilage in my sternum so I lost a lot of size and was feeling a bit down about it. This came through at the same week I had flu, but the flu meant I didn’t eat for four days so now I look good!
How much of a groomer are you? I’m not a naturally hairy guy. What I have got I like to get rid of because it makes me feel cleaner, so today has been a good excuse to treat myself to a good groom. How much do you love yourself? On a scale of one to ten, I’m probably six and a half when it comes to vanity. I used to be worse but as I’ve got older I realised some things are less important. My best bits are my white teeth and I’m relatively trim. I’m clean cut but secretly a bad boy, which is what I keep getting cast as. Which celebs would you go gay for? Definitely Zac Efron or Bradley Cooper. Bradley has great charisma about him and I imagine he’d be a great mate, but I wouldn’t let him anywhere near my girlfriend or I might lose her. Where will our readers recognise you from? I’ve been in Holby City, Doctors and Call The Midwife. And now probably from me being stark bollock naked in Gay
Times! I also run comedy club Upstairs @ The Emporium in Hanwell, London, which is a nice creative outlet too. Where’s the strangest place you’ve been spotted? I had a bit part storyline in EastEnders. Then my fiancee and I were in a safari park in Scotland on a pedalo and a bloke walking across the bridge with his family spotted me and shouted, “mate, are you from EastEnders? Can I get a photo?” So we pedaled over to him so he could take a picture. That was odd. Whose career would you like to steal? Ooh, Tom Hardy or Michael Fassbender’s. I’d love to follow the blueprint of their careers and make things from huge blockbusters to something artistic. I want to get involved in projects that make people think. The end product of success in this industry is fame, but I don’t think that needs to be your goal. That should be a happy by-product. Q @themitchellhunt
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GTF
[ MUSICIANS ]
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GTF
[ MUSICIANS ]
East End duo GTF are doing it the hard way. Instead of entering a reality TV show for a fast track to fame, Bill and Jay, both 27, have been earning their stripes by touring with the likes of Devlin, DJ Ironik, Blue and Peter Andre. And their infectious rap-meets-pop sound is winning them fans both at concerts and on YouTube. But their biggest challenge to date? Getting their kit off for GT Did this take much persuading to do? Bill: For me it did! Jay: I had to talk him into it, but he pulled it out the bag in the end. I quite enjoyed it because I’ve never had any photographs like this done before. It was a new experience. I do a lot of training at the gym so hopefully fans will like the pictures. Bill: Any excuse for him to get his body out… Have you seen each other naked before? Jay: Not when it’s as bold as his is now! Bill: It was a bonding experience and our bromance 74
has grown a lot stronger. Jay: We go to the gym four or five times a week, but at different times of the day. I do quite a bit of cardio too, but Bill is really good at skipping and can do all the moves. Bill: I used to do some boxing years ago so I tried to master it. I’ll do an hour set of weights and work one or two body parts a day. Are you confident with how you look? Bill: Yeah, pretty much. My legs are genetically skinny, but a lot of men say that. Girls seem to like my back ‘cos it’s pretty big. I’m a work in progress, so I can only get better. Jay: I don’t want to get too big. I’d rather try and stay lean. I normally get comments on my abs and arms. How vain are you? Jay: I’m really vain, much more than Bill. When you start training at the gym and seeing results, you want to improve on that and look better and better. You’re always looking at yourself and seeing what you can do to improve. Knowing we were doing this shoot, I’ve hardly eaten any carbs at all. It’s all been chicken and avacados for me.
Bill: To pull off a look, you need a bit of vanity. What goes GTF stand for? Jay: It’s Got The Formula. But we’ve had all sorts of variations from people like Get The Females, Got To Fuck, Got The Flu, Got The Farts… basically anything that fits. So who are GTF? Bill: Jay and I have been friends since we met at school in Bow, London, when we were 14-years-old. Jay was recording a song last summer and asked me to rap on it. Then we shot a video and everyone could see the vision. They thought we looked the part, there was a good mixture of singing and rapping, without sounding awkward, so we decided to form the band. We just cracked on with the songs and now we’re gigging. Jay: We’ve supported Blue, Peter Andre, Liberty X, DJ Ironik and Devlin. Bill: We call what we do urban pop music. I’d like to think we don’t sound like anyone else. I’m of an urban and hiphop background while Jay is coming from a UK garage background. When we come together we come out of our comfort zones to do stuff we wouldn’t usually do.
Would X Factor have been a quicker route to fame? Bill: We’ve tried to avoid that to be honest. Jay: Success isn’t guaranteed, and you can get shaped and moulded into who you don’t want to be. If you’re successful it doesn’t look like you get much freedom. Then again, Rylan Clark is a friend of mine and he did really well in the end. And even though he didn’t win, his career has blossomed. Bill raps and Jay sings – can you do the other one’s job? Jay: I can’t rap nowhere near as good as him. I’m good at backing him up though because I know all his words. Bill: And I can’t sing. Are you ready for the gay attention this shoot will bring you? Bill: We’ve already done a lot of gay pride events and we loved them. Jay: We weren’t sure how we’d go down with a gay audience, so the first one was a bit of a test to see if they would like the rap element. But they loved it and were all jumping up and down. Bring on more attention please! Q *7)·VGHEXWVLQJOH:DQQD%H:LWK
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LYNDON OGBOURNE [ ACTOR ]
Ex-Emmerdale bad boy Lyndon Ogbourne is no stranger to taking his clothes off for GT. He’s posed naked for us before and now, three years later, he’s back to remind us what we’ve been missing. Despite being straight, the 30-year-old actor and writer has no qualms about wandering around the studio without even a modesty sock to hide notso-little Lyndon. And as any of his 20,000 Twitter or Instagram followers can verify, he’s not shy about batting his eyelashes in the direction of Gayville Do you find it hard keeping your clothes on, Lyndon? [Laughs] Taking my clothes off for a gay mag is the same as if I was doing it for a girl’s mag. It’s a way of showing a different side of me, even though it’s the naked side. I’m putting myself out to another fan base. I’m kind of playing a character who’s totally at ease with being naked in a shoot. My mates find it funny, though. Do you look in the mirror and think ‘Christ, I’m fit?’ No! But I’m fairly at ease with my own body. I didn’t prepare for today with fake tanning, although I like to take the scissors to my garden. I’m generally not really a male grooming type of guy. 80
How vain are you? I’m not a very vain person, but the only way you can truly be yourself and be happy is if you accept what you look like. Whatever you have, be confident with it. What’re your best bits? I get the most compliments on my chest and bum, but my best bits are probably what I have inside. Fuck the façade, I’m a nice guy! Over the next 30 years of my acting career I hope I become more craggy looking. And if I can grow old being happy with what I’ve got, I’ll embrace those changes. How do you keep fit? I cycle every day, I go running and I try and have as much sex as possible. As long as my flatmate is out, I try and spend time naked at home. If I know he’s away for a couple of days, then as soon as I get in the house I’m nude. The stuff I’ve got up to in various rooms you can’t do with clothes on. Which celebrity’s body would you like? You mean which of them would like my body? [Laughs] At some point in my life I’d like a Brad Pitt-esque body. I’m nowhere near that, but I’d like to achieve it one day. At the moment it’s so much effort and I can’t be fucking bothered. I’m happier partying and getting wrecked. You’re clearly comfortable around the gays… Well, I’ve always had gay mates and I loathe homophobia. The likes
of what’s happening in Russia in this day and age is disgusting. I don’t understand how we’ve got to this stage in our existence and we’re still having issues about people’s sexuality. I’ve always been able to accept that if I’m appealing to somebody, why shouldn’t I embrace that and give them what they want, regardless of their sexuality? Plus I like to be a provocative bastard. Since we saw you last, you’ve not been shy with your own Twitter and Instagram pictures. Ha! When I put those shots on Instagram it was purely for shits and giggles. The reaction was funny and vaguely intriguing. If I wasn’t aesthetically pleasing in any way I’d probably still do it because it’s a laugh. My exgirlfriend used to encourage me to do it to see how long it would take to get a reaction. I like teasing and the gay audience knows I don’t mind flirting with them. How far have you gone with another man? I’ve snogged another guy when I was drunk but I’ve never touched another guy up! If you’re straight and not snogged another guy then that says more about you. But I enjoy women’s bodies too much to be gay or bisexual. I’m straight meat, sorry. We’ve seen what you’re packing downstairs, but will your fans ever get to see you
do a full frontal? I’d have no problem going full frontal in a TV or film role but only as long as it’s necessary. I’m not going to do a photoshoot or it’ll be ‘there’s Lyndon with his cock out’. But I’m happy with how I measure up and I’ve never had any complaints. You first came to our attention playing Nathan Wylde in Emmerdale. What was that experience like? I was very happy with my time in Emmerdale, I enjoyed playing the character so much. Nathan was a horrific bastard and I was pleased with the reaction I got. I was invited to stay on but I made the decision to step away even though I loved my time there. But if I’m going to pursue this career forever, I need to step out of those kinds of things at the right time. And after two and a half years, it was the right time for me. What have you been doing since then? I’ve done three plays, voiced an animated series and I’ve been writing, producing and putting together a film called Ready. It’s a love story that involves swimming and bog snorkeling! I’m in the process of filming a short that introduces the characters, and hopefully it’ll eventually make a feature film. Seeing my words come alive is blowing my mind. It’s fantastic. Q @LyndonOgbourne
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Some people need renovation or retouching, some are pretty perfect apparently, some are in need of a polish and some are just as found.
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One thing we just absolutely must have? This leather tote, courtesy of Marks and Spencer’s Best of British range marksandspencer.co.uk
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spring preview
[02/14]
Spring into action Look, we know it’s cold and miserable outside. But these dark winter months will come to an end soon, we promise. So let’s get thinking about how we’re going to spruce up our spring wardrobes. River Island, for one, has some great stand-out pieces this season to help you make a real statement. From bright colours, interesting fabrics and easy-to-wear garments, it’s our high street store of choice for transitional outfits to carry you through to a warmer climate. When it eventually gets here... Q
riverisland.co.uk
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gaytimes.co.uk
[style] We don’t think too many of our readers have a problem wearing properlyapplied, complexion-perfecting makeup. John Christopher, makeup artist to the stars, has worked with Hollywood heavyweights Henry Cavill and Pierce Brosnan, to name just a few. Now he shares his top tips exclusively with GT [01] Skincare Before using any makeup, a good skincare routine is essential. A good face wash, exfoliant and moisturiser; use what works for you and in your SULFHUDQJH.LHKO·V is a good starting point, and the staff there will advise on a great range for any skin type. GT LIKES.,(+/·6 FACIAL FUEL (1(5*,6,1*6&58% .,(+/·6)$&,$/)8(/ $1'.,(+/·68/75$ FACIAL OIL-FREE &/($16(5
P NU A M
---------[02] Fake tan 7RKHOSOHVVHQWKH amount of makeup you actually need, a light application of fake tan is good. It can even out tone, and give your skin a boost. But remember to build your colour up
slowly using Dove 6XPPHU*ORZ No one wants to kiss an Oompah Loompah! ---------[03] Concealer After cleansing and tanning, start off by using a good concealer; such as Mister Light from Givenchy or the Garnier roll on. :KHWKHULW·VXQGHU the eye or over a small pimple, apply a small amount and ZLWK\RXUULQJÀQJHU SDWLQWRVNLQGRQ·W rub, and apply a second application if needed. ---------[04] Powder Apply to areas ZKHUH\RX·YHDGGHG FRQFHDOHU,W·OOVHDO the makeup onto your skin, helping it last longer. GT LIKES %$5(0,1(5$/65($'< 63)728&+839(,/
---------[05] Bronzer If needed, bronzer can help to contour the face. Apply lightly, working from the temples in a number three motion, so brush also hits cheekbone and jawline. GT LIKES MAC %521=,1*32:'(5
---------[06] Guyliner 7KLVLVDQDFTXLUHG ORRN%XWLI\RX·UH going for it, apply a jet-black soft eye pencil along lash line, top to bottom. 6PXGJHZLWK\RXU ÀQJHUDQGDGGWKH same pencil along \RXUZDWHUOLQH,W·OO help make your eye appear whiter and look more intense. GT LIKES 0$&(<( KOHL
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04
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03 02
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steal our style
[02/14]
01
Introduce camo into your wardrobe Sometimes the oldies are the best. We reckon camo is making a big comeback this year. Like this jacket from U Clothing. Oki-ni.com ----------
86
THE TOP STYLE TIPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW THIS SEASON gaytimes.co.uk
03
[style]
Add colour to your wardrobe
02
Not that daring? Add a splash of colour through accessories. This TRIWA watch caught our eye. Triwa.com ----------
Try wearing selvedge denim
:HORYHWKHVHUHJXODUÀW jeans from Albam. Albamclothing.com ----------
Invest in quality headphones Impeccable sound and stylish to boot, these iconic Marshall headphones are a winning choice. Marshallheadphones. com ----------
Buy a decent rucksack Try this orange leather one from Mi Pac Mi-pac.com ----------
06
04
Upgrade your footwear
Don’t be afraid to bring patterns to your wardrobe
7UXVWXV\RX·OOORRN great in this Samsøe & Samsøe patterned shirt. 6DPVRHFRXN ----------
05
JD\WLPHVFRXN
07
A great shoe come wind or rain, these boots from Red Wing transform a ZDONGRZQWKHVWUHHWWRD VWUXWGRZQWKHFDWZDON Redwingshoes.com ----------
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flower power
[02/14]
FLORAL&MONO
88
gaytimes.co.uk
[style] Look, we’re not saying you have to change your style for 2014. No doubt you’re fine just the way you are. But if you fancy giving yourself a bit of an extra sheen, here’s our pick of beauty products to see you right throughout the year
Acqua di Parma Colonia Travel Spray acquadiparma.com/en
Tom Ford Purifying Mud Mask For Men houseoffraser.co.uk
Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturiser labseries.co.uk
It’s always difficult at this time of year to know what to wear, isn’t it? Shops are nearing the end of their winter sales while sandals are being put on the shelf in time for summer. February, though, is a month of transition before we launch into spring, and it’s the perfect time to introduce new styles and pieces that’ll be staples in your outfits for the next few months. “Monochrome is going to be key for spring and summer,” reckons Matt Thomas, menswear designer at ASOS. “The trend has a strong American street-style feel. Joggers, American football inspired t-shirts and leather biker jackets look great styled-in with this trend.” While we’re at it, we’re picking floral patterns as the one to wear this year, too. “Sometimes floral is hard to wear, but this trend is best introduced through detail, whether on the sleeve of a bomber jacket, a print on a plimsoll, or the typography on a cap.” Q
AVEDA Exfoliating Shampoo houseoffraser.co.uk
Clarins Men Line-Control Cream escentual.co.uk
Molton Brown Black Pepper Bodyscrub Bar moltonbrown.co.uk
Clarins Toning Body Polisher clarins.co.uk
Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream clarins.co.uk
UltraDEX Recalcifying & Whitening Daily Oral Rinse ultradex.co.uk
All clothes asos.com
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Inigo Rooms Somerset House East Wing Strand, London WC2R 2LS
23 January – 9 March 2014
Daily, 12.00 – 18.00 (until 20.00 on Thursdays)
F r e e Ad
m
issi
on
Derek Jarman Pandemonium An exhibition and series of events celebrating the life and work of Derek Jarman Presented by the Cultural Institute at King’s www.kcl.ac.uk/cultural
work, Ryan!
[02/14]
[reviews]
When we finally stopped drooling over Ryan Adamés, we gave his cover of Work Bitch a listen and, well, we loved it. He’s hot, talented and manages to make Britney sound listenable – sign us up! We can’t wait to hear more from him in 2014. Q @RyanAdames
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albums
[reviews]
Katy B Little Red :HFDQ·WPDNHRXUPLQGVXSRQ.DW\%2QWKH RQHKDQGKHULPPHGLDWHO\LGHQWLÀDEOHYRLFH has armed her with an increasingly hit-packed back catalogue, mixing on-trend 90s dance music and garage-lite. Lights On is still a tune, ULJKW"6KH·VVWUDQJHO\SXUHRIYRLFHERWKEODQG and distinctive at the same time. As cited in the second single 5am, the beats “so sick” and the tunes “so ill” are all present on Little Red, with an 80% make-you-wanna-move ratio. Combined with the previous single What Love Is Made Of, and adding in tracks like New 7KLQJWKHUH·UHSOHQW\RIH[DPSOHVRQKHUHRI .DW\%GRLQJZKDWVKHGRHVEHVW$SLF·Q·PL[ VPDVK·Q·JUDERI²IRUZDQWRIDEHWWHUWHUP² “urban” pop styles. And like any splatter-gun DSSURDFKWKHUH·UHDOZD\VDIHZZRQN\PLVÀUHV for every hit. Crying For No Reason sounds like sub-Rihanna ballad pub karaoke, with some misguided electronica whacked in to spice things up. It feels like Katy is always going to QHHGDFOXEÀOOLQJFDUGLDFUDLVLQJEHDWLQWKH EDFNJURXQGWRFRPSOLPHQWKHU²DQGZHKDWH WRVD\LW²YDQLOODYRFDOV%XWZH·UHVWLOOKROGLQJ out for a completely stripped back, bongo free ballad. Come on, Katy. Give the people what they want. QQQQQ
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Dum Dum Girls Too True The biggest fault to aim at the Dum Dum Girls is also their absolute saviour. They sound dated. Fortunately, this also means they sound like all the very best bits from the careers of Tanya Donelly, Kristin Hersh and DWWLPHV/XVK,I\RX·UHIDPLOLDU with these Golden Girls of indie, WKH\·OOWDNH\RXWRDKDSS\SODFH ZKHUHHFKRH\JXLWDUVRORVÀOOVFKRRO hallways and you can write the name of dreamy boys on your English lit IROGHU,IQRW\RX·UHDERXWWRJHW\RXU own education. QQQQQ
Grouplove Spreading Rumours/HQ·V one-hit wonder Steal My Sunshine found an aural sister-inODZLQ*URXSORYH·V breakthrough song Ways To Go (see the Girls season three trailer, excitement itself). Over the space of their VHFRQGDOEXPLW·V spawned a whole breed of equally catchy siblings. Ruling the rocky end of pop, Grouplove have the added credibility of being an actual band. QQQQQ Angel Haze Dirty Gold The Azealia Banks-baiting rap prodigy has gone and outdone her Twitter-spatting rival by dumping her album online a
few years before the long overdue Broke With Expensive Taste. So instead of drawing comparison WRKHUVKH·VH\HLQJ XS1LFNL0LQDM²DQG certainly gives her a run for her (dirty) money. QQQQQ Marc Almond Tasmanian Tiger EP6KH·VEDFN$QG this time with Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker in tow to write and take up backing vocals on the amazinglytitled bedroom pop number Worship 0H1RZ+H·VDOVR called up former workmates Carl Barât and producer Tony Visconti. This is already ·VPXVWKDYH turquoise 7”. QQQQQ
Fanfarlo Let’s Go Extinct A SUROLÀFLQGLHJURXSZKR·YHSRSSHG up on too many soundtracks and adverts to mention, their third album is a coherent introduction to their disparate appearances. From the harmonising opening, their strongest songs make use of the winning classic-indie boy/girl vocals ²ODQGLQJWKHPLQWKHVDPHEDOOSDUN as contemporaries like Camera 2EVFXUD,·P)URP%DUFHORQDRU Architecture In Helsinki. The solo male vocals shift from sounding like Super Furry Animals (Myth of Myself) to an 80s-tinged Tears For Fears (A Distance). The title ending track takes things full circle into some lovely shoegazing indie-pop. QQQQQ gaytimes.co.uk
[music] WORDS BOB HENDERSON
EVERYONE IS GAY! (HOORAY!) A Great Big World ----------
EM Forster came up with “Only connect…”, while John Donne immortalised “No man is an island”. And now, piano-punching pop duo A Great Big World are unleashing their manifesto, a debut album run through with the same basic principles. With an added “Cheer up!”. Already huge in the US with a number one single (thanks to a So You Think You Can Dance appearance and more than
piano weepy, featuring glacially-
of irrepressible joyful abandon and
slow chords chiming like a death bell
glee. So it’s hardly surprising to learn
tolling the end of a relationship. It’s
that the all-singing all-dancing TV show
one of the few downbeat moments on
of the same name has taken their song
one of the bubbliest, non-synth lead
This Is The New Year and Glee-ified it,
pop albums ever recorded.
despite the fact they’ve already pitch
The music of A Great Big World is like a chirpy Victorian knees up
perfected their grin-inducing tunes. The pair are Ian Azel and Chad
around the piano, more Mika than
Vaccarion, and though we wouldn’t be
Chas ‘n’ Dave, with a hint of Ben
too crass as to assume either of their
Folds Five and a nod to Owl City.
sexualities, they’re definitely pro-
Almost every song is piano led, with
gay. The self-explanatory album track
the kind of bold choruses that sound
Everyone Is Gay is a fairly unamiguous
like they’re sung by an entire league
rallying call for acceptance of all
of harmonious football teams. Life
sexualities, as they chirp “If you’re
affirming, if you will.
gay, then you’re gay / if you’re straight
Their debut album Is There Anybody
well that’s great / if you fall in between,
12 million YouTube views), it won’t be
Out There? is packed with instant
that’s the best way to be”. Everyone is
long before they break the UK.
sugary hits, with songs like Land of
gay – Hooray! – as they say. Q
Say Something features none other than Chris-X-tina Aguileria, a rare
JD\WLPHVFRXN
Opportunity offering the kind of bouncy pop to rival ELO’s Mr Blue Sky in terms
$*UHDW%LJ:RUOG·VGHEXWDOEXP,V7KHUH$Q\ERG\ 2XW7KHUH"LVRXW)HEUXDU\DJUHDWELJZRUOGFRP
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profile
[reviews]
XIU XIU If you’ve ever been to an anarchist squat party – and we get the feeling the Xiu Xiu’s lead singer Jamie Stewart may have been to a few – you might be familiar with the slogan “Not gay as in happy, queer as in FUCK YOU”. At the very least it’s a sentiment he could probably identify with, as Xiu Xiu release their latest album Angel Guts: Red Classroom. It’s bleak, and that’s a massive understatement. Capturing all the grim beauty of his new home in LA, of unsafe unlit streets and drowned corpses, it opens and closes with instrumental title tracks – a horror soundtrack of feedback, distortion and what could possibly be a chainsaw. These are the non-verbal 94
clues to the frenetic singing style Jamie adopts for the whole record. At times, his distressing vocals sound like a Dalek screeching a last confessional during the apocalypse, recorded on the world’s first-ever mobile phone. Stewart’s breathy half whispers are almost beyond the grave, in a voice soaked with regret, sadness and bile. “Once we felt sorry for you people… we’re not that sorry,” he whispers on Stupid In The Dark, their closest brush with a pop sensibility, complete with whooshy (unintentional) ThunderCats noise, and feedback with such intensity it will induce migraines in the weaker listener. It’s hardcore, like Dennis
Black Dick, as titles and repeated refrains go, jumps out and slaps you in the face, both lyrically and with its Casio beats
Cooper level hardcore. Previously the band covered Only Girl In The World, though there’s no such frivolity this time around. Black Dick, as titles and repeated refrains go, jumps out and slaps you in the face, both lyrically and with its bastardised Casio beats. Strangely it’s a Rihanna album title that springs to mind – unapologetic. Xiu Xiu are essentially an un-camp Marilyn Manson, the true sense of goth without the drag, making Jamie Stewart the anti-Christ of indie. You won’t enjoy this challenging album immediately, but you certainly won’t sleep well or forget it. Q Angel Guts: Red Classroom is out 4 February on Bella Union
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[music] WORDS BOB HENDERSON IMAGES '$1%/(&./(<./$867+<0$11
Iggy Azaela Goddess The ego – and guitar solo – has landed. Unfortunately, we did all our bowing down to… Q Beyoncé Pretty Hurts Yeah, you all got the album straight away and listened to it constantly IRUDZHHN²ZHOOGRQH%H\,W·VDPD]LQJZHNQRZ Q Tinie Tempah Lover Not A Fighter Featuring Discovery-era Daft Punk keytar riffs, it sounds like DQROGIDVKLRQHGYLHZRIWKHIXWXUHZLWK7LQLH·VYHU\ own rap brand sprinkled on top. Q Lea Michele Cannonball The perfect combination of Broadway IRJKRUQDQGFRPPHUFLDOSRZHUEDOODGU\:H·UH predicting 2014 to be the year of the beach, curve and bowling ball. QAiden Better Man Having dropped his surname (Grimshaw), Aiden is becoming quite the independent recording DUWLVW,W·VDOOJHWWLQJDELW&DOYLQ Harris, which is never a bad thing. Q Christina Perri Human An emotional whiplash, with an false FOLPD[DQGVWULSSHGEDUHFKRUXV%DVLFDOO\LW·V everything Katy B should have done in a slowie. Q Tiesto Red Lights All necessary ingredients are present and correct; softie guitar riff, euphoric top line, noodly counter synth riff, the washing machine sound effect into the chorus and general life-isJUHDW,·OOKDYHD-lJHUERPEDSSURDFKWRHYHU\WKLQJ :H·UHQRWNQRFNLQJLWQ Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne Rather Be A brilliantly fresh mix of classical strings, soulful vocals and disco pop. We love them, OK? Q Danity Kane All In A Day’s Work7KH\·UH making this shit look easy, sounding like En Vogue and probably, much to their chagrin, Little Mix. Q
[tracklist]
Wild Beasts Can you believe it’s been three years since Wild Beasts put an album out? It feels strange to us – but that’s probably because we’ve had their last few records in and out of our CD player (remember those?) for all that time. And their other-worldy wonky pop sounds as fresh as it did on our first listen. So we’re very excited to report that the fourth offering from the Leeds-based quartet is business as usual; their haunting distinctive falsetto, frankly-bizarre lyrics and dramatic grandeur are all still intact. From the off, they threaten to tread new territory, starting with the electro-poppy Wanderlust, but soon get back on track. Much like The Hidden Cameras, you can find yourself – or your family members – humming along before suddenly a lyric that was otherwise ignored becomes embarrassingly apparent. “Don’t confuse me with someone who gives a fuck,” being one such example. In the best possible sense, this is beautiful background music. You can turn the most mundane parts of your life (waking up, getting dressed) into the most dramatically soundtracked and elegant moments never committed to film. Q The as yet unnamed fourth Wild Beasts album will be out in February, wild-beasts.co.uk
Pearl s Negras Our new favourite %UD]LOLDQUDSJLUO gang has arrived, drawing us to make the obvious comparison to fellow baille funk pioneers Bonde do Rolê. But WKHUH·VVRPHWKLQJ DERXWWKHPWKDW·V harsher and yet just as cute as their predecessors. Fresh from a favela in Rio and spitting a
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thousand words a PLQXWHWKHJXQÀUH patter is as tight as the backing drums and woopy-woopy noises (we have no LGHDZKDWWKH\·UH called). The lyrics could be massively homophobic, but… WKH\·YHFOHDUO\VHHQ a stylist and been touched by a hand of gay at some point. %HVLGHVZH·UHWROG
their rapping is a response to the misogyny of the Rio VFHQHVRZH·UH VXUHWKH\·UHRQRXU side. Regardless, ZH·UHLQORYHDQG look forward to getting our hands on more of their cute addictive mixtapes. The Biggie Apple mixtape is out now, facebook.com/ pearlsnegras Q
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[print]
[reviews]
Look the Age You Feel: A Man’s Guide to Looking Younger Henrik Vejlgaard Do you look in the mirror and see a haggard old husk? Well, stop that! Henrik Vejlgaard indulges our shallow side, but backs it up with actual research, to give stacks of useful tips on feeling young and staying young. +H·VHYHQFRLQHGWKHWHUP´DJH HODVWLFLW\µWRH[SODLQWKHGLIIHUHQFH between our biological age and our VHOISHUFHLYHGDJH7KHERRNFRYHUV HYHU\WKLQJIURPORZPDLQWHQDQFH ZULQNOHSUHYHQWLRQWRDJHVSHFLÀF SURIHVVLRQDOWUHDWPHQWVÀWQHVV advice, youthful eating habits and even fashion tips that will help you IHHOVZHHWHYHQLI\RX·UHVLQJLQJ :KHQ,·PQQQQQ
Barracuda Christos Tsiolkas You may have heard of Christos Tsiolkas from his previous bestseller The Slap, where a PDQVODSSLQJWKHIDFHRIDWKUHH\HDUROGER\ sends all of those involved into a spiral of 21st FHQWXU\QHXURVHV)RUKLVIROORZXSRSHQO\ gay Australian Tsiolkas serves up not only DQRWKHUYLYLGZDUWVDQGDOODFFRXQWRIOLIHLQKLV KRPHODQGEXWDOVRRIWHHQDJHKRPRVH[XDOLW\ :RUNLQJFODVVKDOI*UHHNVZLPPHU'DQQ\LV our lead character, who just happens to be gay, and has one goal in his life – winning Olympic gold. His parents manage to send him to a prestigious private school (which Danny refers to as “Cunts College”) where he feels a huge sense of estrangement and displacement in FRPSDULVRQWRKLVPRUHZHOOKHHOHGIHOORZSXSLOV 7ROGIURP'DQQ\·VSHUVSHFWLYHRXU\RXQJKHUR is both naive and reactionary in his dealings with both other individuals and the world around him, but Tsiolkas crafts such a clear and sympathetic FKDUDFWHUWKDW\RXFDQ·WKHOSEXWURRWIRUKLP :HOOSDFHGULFKO\ZULWWHQULGLFXORXVO\IUDQN and constantly engaging, Barracuda has an unmistakably realistic air and comes littered with H[SOLFLWGLDORJXH%XWLW·VXOWLPDWHO\SHSSHUHGZLWK wit, heart and a sense of optimism. QQQQ Q
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7th Time Lucky Dave Rigby As with many people across the globe, Dave Rigby dreamt of being a parent – and in 2008, he decided to make that dream come true. But as a gay man, he knew it ZRXOGQ·WEHHDV\ 7th Time Lucky charts his shaky steps to fatherhood. QQQQQ Do Me! The Complete Guide to Adventurous Gay Sex Stefan Müller Oi oi! As the demure title suggests, this LVQ·WIRUWKHIDLQW KHDUWHG,W·VDVH[ guidebook that will take you “from the VH[XDOOLWWOHOHDJXH to the erotic world
series!” It promises WKDW\RX·OOOHDYH both a one night stand and long term partner agog with VH[XDOVDWLVIDFWLRQ :H·YHSUHRUGHUHG ÀYHFRSLHV QQQQQ A Girl Called Jack Jack Monroe Jack is a single mum who found herself with a shopping budget of just £10 a week to feed herself and her young son. She addressed the situation by embracing her ORFDOVXSHUPDUNHW·V basics range and creating simple but delicious meals. Perfect for those of us scrimping in Cameron and 2VERUQH·V%ULWDLQ QQQQQ
The Gender Book Mel Reiff Hill, Jay Mays and Robin Mack And now for something a little different WKDQRXUXVXDOSULQWURXQGXS7KH *HQGHU%RRNLVD SDJHHERRN that both teaches and unteaches some of the basics of gender theory. It covers topics such as JHQGHULGHQWLW\JHQGHUEDVHG assumptions, preconceptions and generalisations, androgyny, the transgender umbrella and much PRUH,W·VZRQGHUIXOO\LOOXVWUDWHG DOPRVWOLNHDFKLOGUHQ·VERRNEXW LW·VFHUWDLQO\HGXFDWLRQDOIRUSHRSOH of all ages. A truly visionary project. There is actually a hardback copy now available, or you can read the HERRNIRUIUHHDWWKHJHQGHUERRN com QQQQQ
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[stage]
[reviews]
Swan Lake Men in Lycra: three words that will get any gay man out of the house. You’re probably sold on seeing this show already. But if you want more than scantily clad athletic men (we’re pretty sure that’s enough to satisfy anyone) then Matthew Bourne’s reinvention of Swan Lake also has humour, drama, narrative... and did we mention the fit men? The ballet is going on a major national tour – from Plymouth to Glasgow – so get yourself an eyeful. So to speak. Q 8QWLO0D\VZDQODNHWRXUFRP
Until 22 Feb /HW·VEHKRQHVW² ZKRGRHVQ·WORYH DJRRGELWFK" :HDOOGRLW%XW ZKHQLWJHWVLQWR WKHVHULRXVOLIH TXHVWLRQLQJVWXII LWFDQDOOJHWYHU\ KHDWHG5DSWXUH %OLVWHU%XUQWHOOV DFDSWLYDWLQJVWRU\ RIWZRZRPHQ OXVWLQJDIWHUHDFK RWKHU·VOLIHVW\OHV KDPSVWHDGWKHDWUH FRPQ
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Until 7 June 'RQ·W&U\)RU0H $UJHQWLQD*RRQ ZHNQRZ\RX·UH VLQJLQJLWQRZZH·YH VDLGLW ODXGLQJ DURXQGWKHOLYLQJ URRPKDQGVVSUHDG LI\RX·UHDQ\WKLQJ OLNHXV(YLWDLV EDFNDVDQHZ WRXULQJSURGXFWLRQ VRQRZZHFDQIDZQ DOORYHUDJDLQDWWKH H[WUDRUGLQDU\OLIHRI (YD3HURQWDUJHW OLYHFRXNQ
27 Jan – 1 Feb 1RERG\OLNHVD JRRG\WZRVKRHV EXWZHDOOORYH LWZKHQWKH\ IDOOIURPJUDFH )DOOHQ$QJHOV WHOOVWKHVWRU\RI WZRSUHHQHGDQG SHUIHFWODGLHVDV WKH\NQRFNEDFN FKDPSDJQHE\WKH EXFNHWDQGGLYXOJH WKHLUGHHSHVW GLUWLHVWVHFUHWV URVHWKHDWUHNLQJV WRQRUJQ
28 Jan – 9 August 7KLVLVRQHWRWDNH \RXUEXGGLHVWR
30 Jan – 1 Feb 6H['UXJV 3RUQRJUDSK\7KDW *RJJOHER[VKRZ RQ&KDQQHO *XLOW\DGGLFWLRQV DOORIWKHP $QGGHSUDYHG FRPHG\GXR *XLOWDQG6KDPH KDYHPDQDJHG WRÀWWKHPDOO LQWRWKHLUQHZ VKRZ$GGLFWHG WR(YHU\WKLQJ FRPLQJWR6RKR VRKRWKHDWUHFRPQ
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cinema/disc
[reviews]
12 Years a Slave Chiwetel Ejiofor stars in this harrowing, true account of a man sold as a slave to a cruel plantation owner, played by Michael Fassbender. I think we’re all slaves to Fassbender, one way or another. Q Grudge Match Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone play ageing boxers reunited for one last fight in this geriatric sports comedy. Remember when Stallone was nominated for two Oscars for writing and starring in Rocky? Or when De Niro won an Oscar for Raging Bull? Me neither. Q Robocop A half-human mishmash is resurrected by a greedy corporation out to suppress any memories of the original. That’s not only the plot of this remake, it’s also the production. Q That Awkward Moment Imogen Poots was amazing as the daughter of porn mogul and notorious cocaine user Paul Raymond in The Look of Love. Now she’s playing Zac Efron’s love interest in this romantic comedy. Q
[also out]
About Time Disc5LFKDUG&XUWLV· time-travel rom-com is sweetly surprising; I felt like someone had gone back in time and murdered my cynicism. Domhnall Gleeson is adorable as the heir to a family secret: the men in his family can revisit moments from their past. And hijinks ensue as he navigates his relationship with his dream girl Mary (Rachel McAdams). So far, so funny – but the plot also features a bittersweet time-travel twist worthy of VHULRXVVFLÀQQQQQ Filth Disc James McAvoy is gloriously nasty as Detective Bruce 5REHUWVRQLQ-RQ6%DLUG·VJOHHIXO adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel, which features outstanding performances from Jamie Bell, Eddie Marsan and Shirley Henderson. This tale of a corrupt cop snorting his way around Edinburgh is a smörgåsbord of north-of-the-border unpleasantries and a sweary masterclass in how to lose friends and alienate co-workers. +H·VOLNHD6FRWWLVK3RLURWQQQQQ Captain Phillips Disc Tom Hanks VWDUVLQ3DXO*UHHQJUDVV·VDFFRXQW of the Maersk Alabama hijacking, in which a tiny band of Somali pirates nicked a huge fucking boat and threatened the life of its crew, attracting the US Navy. Hanks is superlative as a canny everyman, and the action is nail-biting, but Danish thriller A Hijacking explored similar themes more economically. Captain 3KLOOLSVPD\EHWUXHUEXW$+LMDFNLQJ felt rawer. QQQQQ
DALLAS BUYERS CLUB Short of dying RI$,'6WKHUH·V not much more Matthew McConaughey FRXOG·YHGRQH to make his performance as Ron Woodroof more convincing. Diagnosed with
100
HIV in 1986, Woodroof turned from homophobic cowboy to pharmaceutical pirate, smuggling unapproved medication across borders to give himself – and fellow
patients – a chance of survival. McConaughey lost 23kg to play the UROH KH·OOQHHGWR put it back on again to carry all those acting awards KH·VJRQQDZLQ Out in cinemas 7 February. Q
Léon: The Professional – 20th Anniversary Special Edition Disc 6LQFH/pRQ·VRULJLQDOUHOHDVH/XF %HVVRQ·VVWRU\RIDPLONGULQNLQJ hitman (Jean Reno) and his 12-yearold quasi-pubescent sidekick 1DWDOLH3RUWPDQ KDVPRUHWKDQD touch of Operation Yewtree about it. But while Jimmy Savile was tawdry, this stylish thriller oozes class, and Gary Oldman is chilling as maniacal corrupt cop du jour. QQQQQ gaytimes.co.uk
[screen] WORDS0,/2:$.(/,1'$9,'&800,16
Out of the Furnace Cinema Christian Bale stars as Russell, a blue-collar millworker in this bleak KLOOELOO\QRLU+LVGDG·VG\LQJRI cancer, his deadbeat brother (Casey $IÁHFN KDVWXUQHGWREDUHNQXFNOH boxing to make ends meet, his JLUOIULHQG =Rs6DOGDQD ZDQWVD EDE\KHFDQ·WDIIRUGDQGWRWRSLW off, he hits a kid with his car. If life LQ$PHULFD·V5XVW%HOWLVXVXDOO\ WKLVGHSUHVVLQJLW·VQRZRQGHU HYHU\RQH·VKLJKRQFU\VWDOPHWK – supplied by murderous Harlan 'H*URDW :RRG\+DUUHOVRQ D SV\FKRWLFH[ÀJKWHU$IWHU2XWRIWKH Furnace, I felt like sticking my head ,QWRDQ2YHQQQQQQ
Lone Survivor Cinema “Golf is a good walk spoiled”, as Mark Twain may have once said, and the same is surely WUXHRIZDU3HWHU%HUJ·VQHZÀOPLVDFDVHLQ SRLQW ZKHQ\RX·UHQRWGXFNLQJWKHH[SORVLRQV \RX·OOEHJD]LQJLQDZHDWWKHVFHQHU\ 0DUN:DKOEHUJ7D\ORU.LWVFK(PLOH +LUVFKDQG%HQ)RVWHUSOD\DWHDPRI1DY\ 6($/VZKR·UHVHQWWRVFRSHRXWDQRWRULRXV Taliban leader. Before long, they run into a band of shepherds, and a moral dilemma: should they let them go and risk discovery, or execute them in cold blood and risk the ZUDWKRIWKHORFDOV"6XIÀFHLWWRVD\RXU KHURHVVRRQÀQGWKHPVHOYHVFDXJKWLQDQ almighty shit-storm of bullets, explosions and beardy men with bayonets. Then things JHWZRUVH7KLVDFFRXQWRIDGLVDVWURXV86 operation in Afghanistan is a nerve-wracking tale of rugged men being run ragged around a rocky mountain. Repeatedly. 'LUHFWHGE\WKHPDNHURI%DWWOHVKLSLW·V an earnest testament to patriotism and endurance, and a masterclass in kinetic ÀOPPDNLQJ²EXWDOVRDVXUSULVLQJO\WHQGHU depiction of the bonds that form through friendship, duty and adversity. Think Brokeback Mountain, but with guns.QQQQQ
gaytimes.co.uk
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg DVD It may be grey and wet outside, but -DFTXHV'HP\·V 1964 classic will brighten up any day. Restored in HD, its colourful visuals are as iconic as its all-sung dialogue, with music by Michel Legrand. Like any romance, LW·VELWWHUVZHHWDQG beautiful, and the melodies will linger ORQJDIWHUWKHÀQDO scene. QQQQQ Scatter My Ashes DW%HUJGRUI·V DVD Despite featuring the likes of Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld, this documentary about the famous Manhattan department store comes across less
like The September Issue, and more like an upmarket Are You Being Served (with Joan Rivers as Mrs 6ORFRPEH 7KH fashion industry is fascinating; shops DUHQ·WQQQQQ Stranger by the Lake Cinema A cruising ground turns into a meeting place for murder LQWKLVFXPÁHFNHG French drama. Franck (Pierre 'HODGRQFKDPSV falls for dashing yet dangerous Michel (Christophe 3DRX GHVSLWHWKH ODWWHU·VSHQFKDQWIRU bloodletting. Filled with nudity, sex and VSXUWLQJLW·VWZR parts horny, one SDUWKRUULÀF QQQQQ
Labor Day Cinema An escaped convict kidnaps and gradually befriends a depressed divorcee and her teenage son in this romantic drama from Jason Reitman (Juno, 7KHPRUDORIWKHVWRU\LVWKDW everyone needs a man around the house – and given that the man in question is played by Josh Brolin DQGNQRZVKRZWREDNHLW·VKDUG to argue. Kate Winslet is brilliant but understated as a woman slowly DZDNHQLQJIURPORQHOLQHVVDQGLW·VDOO EHDXWLIXOO\ÀOPHGDVEHÀWVDQRVWDOJLF coming-of-age yarn. But in between the generous helpings of home-made peach pie, I could have done with a bit more meat. QQQQQ
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My
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By Susie Boyt Adapted by Amanda Whittington
#myjudygarlandlife
Fri 31 Jan Sat 15 Feb 2014
WORDS7,00,7&+(//
[geek]
[reviews]
ThunderCats Ho! ,I\RXGLGQ·WJURZXS ZLWK7KXQGHU&DWV LQWKHVWKHUH·V VWLOOWLPHWRSLFN EHWZHHQ/LRQ2 DQGKLVQHPHVLV 0XPP5D $OWKRXJKVWDQGLQJ IRXULQFKHVWDOOGRHV NLQGRIWDNHWKHELWH RXWRIERWKWKH/RUG RIWKH7KXQGHU&DWV DQGWKH´HYHUOLYLQJ VRXUFHRIHYLOµQ
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Geronimo!7XPEOH WKURXJKWLPH DQGVSDFHZLWK WKH'RFWRU:KR 7XPEOLQJ7$5',6 7RZHU*DPH ,W·V QRW-HQJD«KRQHVW 7KLQN\RXFDQ ´0DVWHUµWKLVWZLVW RQDFODVVLFJDPH" :$51,1* QRWELJJHURQ WKHLQVLGH1RW UHFRPPHQGHGIRU 6RQWDUDQVQ
GOING BACK FOR SECONDS Bryan Lee O’Malley, wunderkind author and illustrator behind the Scott Pilgrim series, has been working (for some time now) on an exciting new project called Seconds. Let’s take a second to look back over the genius mind that birthed six volumes in print and a major blockbuster starring Michael Cera. O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim series chronicles the trials of an unemployed twentysomething (Scott), who falls in love with a girl (yuk, we know) and is forced to fight her seven evil exes (again, we know). The highly anticipated followup to the best-selling Scott Pilgrim will be an original graphic novel, Seconds, set in a restaurant of the same name. The now award-winning Canadian cartoonist worked in a Toronto restaurant to pay the bills while writing the second volume of Scott Pilgrim, and planning the rest of the series. Originally scheduled for release last year, Seconds was delayed several months due to a shoulder injury he received, but has thankfully since recovered from. JD\WLPHVFRXN
The injury prevented him from working on Seconds, but there’s been an upsurge of his work of late. His excellent collaboration with illustrator Kevin Tong on their interpretation (a limited edition film poster) of cult classic Battle Royale, or his variant cover for Marvel’s Young Avengers. Over the past few months, O’Malley has fired Seconds tidbits from behind a carefully maintained wall of secrecy. The odd crumb of art here, and morsel of detail there, teasing fans with a limited edition print and a couple of rare interviews. The tone will be set between the realistic world of his 2003 story Lost at Sea and the farfetched and fantastic realms of Scott Pilgrim. While the narrative will be very much grounded in the realities of a restaurant environment, you can expect a high enough dose of weird and funny to turn the mundane setting on its head. Given Bryan’s former work Seconds is hyped to be a threecourse platter you certainly won’t mind paying a service charge for. Check it out! Q
Summer School with Wolverine and The X-Men Mahmud Asrar and Jason Latour take the reins of this latest incarnation of the smash hit title, with Logan and the rest of the faculty charging forward into an explosive new start for the Jean Grey school, Fantomex joining the staff and, erm, is that Quentin Quire as a teacher? Q
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[reviews]
[apps] Nevo Moving with the times, the Nevo app comes from universal remote experts One For $OOZKR·YHPDSSHG their technology to a KDQG\DSSZKLFK² as you might expect ²WXUQV\RXUSKRQH
Premium G Delivering a valuebased smartphone experience rather than a coma in a Vauxhall club, the Moto G has arrived and promises a premium experience for under £100. That’s one third of the price of competitor’s models, don’t you know? It might feel a little value, but it’s hard to argue with the specs, including a 4.5 inch high-definition display, quad-core processor and impressive battery life, all running off Android 4.3 Jelly Bean – perfect if Christmas has left your wallet a little
ES M A G Mario Party: Island Tour Game of the Month 1RUPDOO\DTXLHWWLPHIRUJDPHVWKLVPRQWK QHYHUWKHOHVVVHHV1LQWHQGRWU\LQJWRNHHSWKH SDUW\JRLQJZLWKWKHDUULYDORI0DULR3DUW\ ,VODQG 7RXURQWKH'6DQG'61RZOHW·VFXWWRWKH FKDVH²LW·VEHHQDORQJWLPHVLQFH0DULRKDV felt like anything much more than a cash cow. Given the slow uptake of the Wii U, perhaps the FRQWLQXDWLRQLQWKLVYHLQLVIRUJLYDEOHEXWLWGRHVQ·W KLGHWKHIDFWWKDW,VODQG7RXULVDOLWWOHEHORZSDU² FHUWDLQO\DVDRQHSOD\HUJDPH%RZVHU·V7RZHU LVWHGLXPSHUVRQLÀHGEXWWKHFDPSDLJQPRGH is little better. As a multiplayer, however, things FRPHWROLIHDOLWWOHPRUHZLWKRYHUPLQLJDPHV ZKLFKYDU\LQTXDOLW\EXWZKLFKKLWWKHULJKWQRWHV PRUHWKDQWKH\GRQ·W Q $YDLODEOHQRZRQ'6DQG'6
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into a universal remote. It works with over 300,000 AV GHYLFHVIURP EUDQGVDQGFDQEH set to work in up to ÀYHURRPVZLWKXS WRGHYLFHV²HYHQ LIWKH\·UHNHSWLQ cabinets. Available for free from *RRJOH3OD\DQGWKH App Store Q
lighter than usual. Q Motorola.co.uk Ultimate Gay Fighter ,WKDGWR happen. Well, it GLGQ·W%XWLWJLYHV us great pleasure to announce that LVKDV7KHZRUOG·V ÀUVWJD\YLGHRJDPH KDVDUULYHGDQG ZKLOHLW·VDIXQQ\ LGHDRYHUJDPH PHFKDQLFVWKHUH·V more than enough to raise a smile. 7DNLQJLW·VFXHVIURP Street Fighter et al, Ultimate Gay Fighter SLWVGUDJTXHHQV fashionistas, OHDWKHUGDGGLHVDQG
lesbians against GXQJHRQGZHOOLQJ VDGRPDVRFKLVWV IXQGDPHQWDO &KULVWLDQVDQG FRQVHUYDWLYHSXQGLWV LQDÀJKWWRWKH GHDWK%LOOHGDVD SDURG\RI0RUWDO Kombat, as well as a comment on the lack of gay games, Ultimate Gay Fighters is also a love letter to its FUHDWRU·VIDPLO\DQG HQRUPRXVO\JRRG fun. Available on L3DGL3KRQHDQG $QGURLGQ
gaytimes.co.uk
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JD\WLPHVFRXN
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a subwoofer DQGDKDUPRQLF GLVWRUWLRQWR GHOLYHUDQ XQULYDOOHGOLVWHQLQJ H[SHULHQFH 0RVWO\WKRXJKLW·V just really, realy FRRO$YDLODEOH IURP6HOIULGJHVQ
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[life]
[02/14]
Robert Taylor Nottingham, 62, retired pilot When you get to my sort of age, you just think “I am what I am”. Getting naked GRHVQ·WSKDVHPH, VXSSRVHLQSXEOLF, GRQ·WJHWP\WRSRII WRRRIWHQEHFDXVH LW·VQRWP\VW\OH EXWZHVKRXOGEH SURXGRIKRZZH ORRN,·YHEHHQWR Gran Canaria on the QXGLVWEHDFKHVDQG, IHOWYHU\FRPIRUWDEOH VWULSSLQJRIIWKHUH ,·PVLQJOHDWWKH PRPHQWEXW,·PVHW LQP\ZD\V²WKHUH·V DELJGLIIHUHQFH EHWZHHQEHLQJDORQH DQGEHLQJORQHO\ 2.WKHUH·UHDIHZ guys in Nottingham ,·GOLNHWRVHHLQ WKLVPDJD]LQHEXW ,·YHQRWFRPHRQ WRWKHP,I,FRXOG see anyone naked LWZRXOGEH-RVK *UREDQ ,·YHJRWDFRXSOHRI VRQVIURPDSUHYLRXV marriage, and they ZRQ·WEHVXUSULVHG ,·YHGRQHWKLV7KH\ know dad does different things… 1RZLI,FRXOGWHOO P\\HDUROGVHOI VRPHWKLQJLWZRXOG EH´EH\RXUVHOIµ, FDPHRXWYHU\ODWH, UHPHPEHU\HDUV DJRZDONLQJSDVW 1RWWLQJKDP·VJD\ FOXEZRUU\LQJ,·GEH WRRROG%XW,ZHQW in, I did it, and my OLIHWUDQVIRUPHGIURP there. Q
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readers’ lives
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readers’ dilemmas
[life]
I’ve been on a dating site for around three years. I’m picky about who I talk to, so only go on dates with guys I think will be a good match for me. Every time I go on a date, we get on really well and sometimes there’ve been kisses or I’ve gone home with them (not that often!). But they never ask to see me again. Either I don’t hear from them or they make excuses – the usual stuff about being busy with work or wanting to just meet as friends. I’m not sure what’s going wrong. How can I bag the elusive second date? Michael, via email
need advice?
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The Guyliner replies The very simple – and indeed boring – answer to this is that there is no secret formula to nabbing yourself a second GDWH7KHUH·VQRPLUDFOHFXUHDOO thing you can do that will ensure \RXJHWDFDOOEDFN%XWWKDW·VQRW exactly what you want to hear. There are, of course, things you can do to HQFRXUDJH\RXUÀUVWGDWHVWRJHWLQ WRXFKDJDLQEXWHYHQLI\RX·UHWKH best company ever, have oodles of sexual chemistry and end the night with promises of “next time” or “soon”, \RXFDQ·WSUHGLFWKRZLW·VJRLQJWR turn out. Why? Well, to put it simply, GDWHVGRQ·WMXVWLQYROYH\RX LW·V DERXWWZRSHRSOH²RUWKUHHLI\RX·UH SRO\DPRURXVEXWOHW·VWU\DQGNHHS
things as vanilla as possible here, I GRQ·WKDYHPXFKURRP :KHQ\RXJRRQDGDWH\RX·UH not the only one with a multitude of KDQJXSVDVSLUDWLRQVH[SHFWDWLRQV and insecurities to deal with. Your GDWH·VKHDGLVFKRFNIXOORIVWXII too. So while you may have been the perfect date – charm itself and sizzlingly sexy at all the right moments – your date could be open WRRXWVLGHLQÁXHQFHV0D\EHWKHUH·V DQH[VWLOORQKLVPLQG'RQ·WIRUJHWKH might not be telling you everything. Breakups can take a long time to get RYHUDQGLW·VSRVVLEOHWKHUH·VDIRUPHU paramour either on the scene and causing complications or, worse, has totally moved on and your date is trying to prove to himself he can too. You may also be coming at the date from totally different places. For you, WKLVLVDVHDUFKIRU0U5LJKW
Got something to get off your chest? Need some good old-fashioned advice on matters of love, life or relationships? Email The Guyliner (and his panel of experts) on
[email protected]. We can’t respond individually and your emails may be edited for use in the magazine.
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THE GUYLINER LENDS AN EAR TO YOUR LIFE DILEMMAS AND DISHES THE DIRT ON THE UNDATEABLES
The Social Media Refusenik “Oh, I don’t do Facebook,” he’ll say, proudly, “and Twitter’s just a waste of time.” It’s likely you’ll be aghast at this confession. You thought everyone spent their days liking baby photos posted by forgotten schoolmates or checking into Foursquare while on their lunch. Hey, you really earned that mayorship of Greggs – don’t let anybody tell you different. So what the hell does he do with his downtime in the office between 9 and 5? You’re playing right into his hands; this shock reaction is exactly what he wants. There’re plenty of people who don’t bother with social media. If they want to miss out on GIFs of trashy women you don’t quite recognise from American reality shows cussing at each other, that’s their lookout. Most of these people go about their business quietly, but your brand of social media refusenik falls over himself to tell you just how special he is because he doesn’t spend his hours glued to a blue and white screen or linking to think pieces about Miley Cyrus. He wants you to think he’s above it all, with no time on his hands to sit tweeting. He’s like those guys who go on about not having a television. We get it: you’re a cultured being, your time is precious and you’re too good to post a picture of a latte to 23 devoted followers.
soon kick in and he’ll be sharing his musings and sharpening his Twitchfork before you can say “status update”. Like. ---------Mr Vague “Yeah, so I guess I’ll call you later or whatever.” Sigh. “I’ll be there kinda… um… lunchtime.” Great. “Yeah, nothing much really happened. Just a few people and stuff. It was OK.” Rightio. Your vague guy doesn’t like being pinned down to anything specific, and while spontaneity can be fun, he is so random he makes you feel like a dowdy schoolteacher trying to organise his life. You will forever be on edge, wondering when you’re going to see him next, while he breezes in and out of your life, not realising his inability to say when and where is driving you insane. Asking him what his plans are for the weeks is met with a constricted throat and a ghostly pallor. He is the scrunched up t-shirt in the bottom of a bag to your freshly pressed formal shirt hanging on a wooden hanger. He is a month of maybes, acres of not-so-sureactually and gallons of see-youaround-then. His vagueness isn’t malicious – he’s just a free spirit, right? Right. He might even think he’s being sexy. In the meantime, you’ve got table reservations to make and a train to catch.
The solution Look on the bright side: at least you’ll avoid every part of your relationship being splashed all over Facebook, and nobody wants to read those “adorable” tweets between couples. Nobody. But if your man’s social media swerving is getting you down, make sure he knows just how many Facebook-organised parties he’s missing – by going to every single one of them and leaving him home alone. Fear of missing out should
The solution You could either ease up a bit and go with the flow a bit more. Miss the odd train, turn up late a few times. Maybe make yourself less available for Mr Vague. If you’re just as hard to pin down, perhaps he’ll get just as frustrated as you. Make him commit to one planned event a week so you can satisfy your burgeoning OCD. And try not to get too upset when he forgets or turns up on the wrong day. Q
WORDS THE GUYLINER IMAGES ISTOCKPHOTO
[01]
ALL THE MEN YOU SHOULD NEVER DATE gaytimes.co.uk
[advice]
[02]
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column
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‘I’m her son, I’ll get her.’ That lasted until 14 or 15 years of age. And not because all of a sudden my voice dropped – I forced that shit to drop, pushing my larynx down until my voice more closely resembled the clown guy in Saw. Ominously, I would lift the telephone to my ear, breathe heavily (read: manly) and grunt. The voice on the other line would more often sound very disturbed, but this was okay by me, because there wasn’t a shred of a chance he or she thought I was a woman. My mother would be incensed. ‘It’s rude, PJ! You don’t even give them a moment. Jesus Mary and Joseph! We taught you better than that.’ I eventually realised that my phone etiquette matched that of a kidnapper. I eased up on my larynx, worked on my syntax and settled on a warm yet authoritative, ‘Hello, may I ask who’s calling?’ No one really understood that this could have been avoided if they just knew I was a dude in the first place. ---------[02] My mother seems to enjoy the gifts I get her because usually I get something that decorates
@peejaybrennan
gaytimes.co.uk
IMAGE LIMEHOUSE PICTURES
Gender confusion is a real thing. But what happens when it all seems to be taking place outside of you? Maybe it’s time for a haircut. Or maybe it’s time for people to realise that anyone can have long hair and wear ‘women’s jeans’. Either way, these moments can create some of the most selfdeprecatingly funny memories that become wonderful anecdotes to break the ice. So, why not break the ice a bit with all of you guys? ---------[01] Growing up, my voice had the purity of an old school Julie Andrews. This worked to my benefit when my brothers and I would sing along to the Aladdin soundtrack. Only I could be trusted with Jasmine’s swooping vocals in A Whole New World. Only I could sing those notes with such conviction. Counter to all of this, however, was the whole ‘answering the phone’ situation. During the evenings, I was greeted with variations of, ‘Oh hello, is that Mrs Brennan? [no pause] Well, Mrs Brennan, I just wanted to let you know about this fantastic of-’
the house. Seriously, we’re that boring and gendered. I was in a homeware store a few years ago, in the late afternoon on 23 December. In the midst of Christmas chaos, I was trying to get my hands on a tablecloth with a blue chicken or something on it. I approached an employee who had all the telltale signs of a temp. ‘Excuse me,’ I said. ‘I was just wondering if I could see a bigger version of this tablecloth to check if it’s the right size.’ She looked flummoxed, performing the I’m Overwhelmed dance; a mixture of The Robot and The Hustle, where your arms freeze with the elbows bent and your feet dance back and forth restlessly. ‘Ooooo, I’m not sure… I can… Lemme get someone,’ she replied. I watched her hesitatingly walk over to a bristling man whose staccato rhythm would be offputting to anyone, let alone a stressed temp who had to ask for help in helping someone. Straight away I realised he was the sort of person who thrived on being a busy body, always shouting orders over his shoulder because he was so busy he couldn’t actually stop and have a face to face conversation. In his spare time, I imagined him teaching a body pump or Zumba class. ‘Rosie, what is it?’ He sang/ spoke as he wiggled around the counter, every heavy step creating a false vibrato in his voice, which, inwardly, I think he loved. ‘Rick, I was wondering if you knew which sizes were which when it comes to the tablecloths. I’m just helping—’ Rick’s eyes flashed in my direction for a brief half-second before returning, ‘Tell this lovely lady I’ll be with her in a second.’ The store was so crowded at this point that Rosie, Rick, and myself were not the only people privy to this conversation. Most of the store heard and glanced over
THE THREE TIMES I WAS MISTAKEN FOR A WOMAN in my direction, believing they were about to witness something incredible, in a ‘I saw someone humiliated today’ sort of way. Rosie was squirming, the I’m Overwhelmed dance gaining speed and precision. She went to speak, as though she were going to correct Rick, so I discreetly touched her arm. She turned to face me and I shook my head with a goofy grin on my face. ‘It’s fine. Honestly, it’s fine. I’ve got long hair. I’ll just get this one, I’m pretty sure it’s the right size,’ I whispered, conspiratorially. There was a collective exhale of disappointment. ‘Thanks a lot, asshole,’ I saw the man next to me think. ‘That was about to make my day.’ ‘Fuck you’, I thought back, like a mind bullet.
at a small programme linked with my university. I was flying on my own and making my way through security, when I was mistaken for a woman in the most outrageous and awe-inspiring way. I had successfully exposed myself to the staff at JFK Airport inside one of those scanning machines and was about to put my shoes back on my feet, my computer back in my bag, and my pride and self-respect back in my pocket, when I heard, ‘EXCUSE ME, ma’am!’ My back was facing the voice and I didn’t really register what it was saying at first, but I heard that phrase shouted at least four times, each one growing in frustration, until I realised… it was being directed at me. I took a deep breath and turned.
For one moment, I had this idea she’d find a tampon, and they’d all be convinced I was a lady forever and ever I bought the tablecloth. My mom takes it out at big family functions and always mentions that I’m the one who got it for her. I was a lovely lady to her that year. ----------
[03] This episode was singlehandedly the most dumbfounding moment of my recent life. I was in the depths of a very dark time. It was 2006 and I was basking in my newfound identity as a hipster. My jeans were beyond skinny, I used to wear a headband to get my long hair to dry in a certain way, and many other things that I’m either partially or entirely ashamed of. Looking back, I was embarking on the journey that basically decided the next near decade of my life. I was heading to London to study drama for one semester gaytimes.co.uk
‘EXCUSE ME, ma’am!’ I saw a small woman waving me over with her rubber gloved hand. I carried my bag over, one heel still hanging out of my shoe. ‘Yes?’ I replied, smiling, about a foot away from her, basically next to her, convinced she’d see the error in her ways. ‘Ma’am, have you packed your bag today?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Okay, ma’am, I’m gonna ask you to open the bag up for me, okay?’ she regurgitated in perfect Brooklynese. This was maybe the thousandth time that day she had said this exact phrase and you could tell she was so bored of it. Without really taking the time to look at me she was simply carrying out procedural protocol.
[pj brennan] ‘Sure,’ I replied. She’s looking at my hands, I thought as I unzipped the bag, that’ll show her. I looked at my hands closely, realising that even I thought they could be baby hands. That wasn’t going to work. ‘Okay, ma’am, you’re the only one to open this bag since it’s been packed?’ For one moment, I had this idea that she’d find a tampon, and I’d deny it was mine, but they’d all be convinced I was a lady forever and ever. Of course, she found nothing like that, and upon being satisfied that I didn’t have anything in my bag that would make me a terrorist, she took a step back and said, ‘okay ma’am, you can zip your bag up and be on your way.’ In that brief moment she finally made eye contact with me and casually exclaimed, ‘Oh, you’re a man? I’m sorry.’ That’s it. She just walked away after that thinking, ‘on to the next one’. I was stood next to her for about a minute, using my voice, very nearly having an actual conversation with her, and she mistook me for a woman. There was an episode of Law and Order that aired when I was a kid where the defence attorney claimed that his client couldn’t be guilty because white people have a harder time differentiating between black people, and vice versa. At the time, that sounded ludicrous, but in that moment at JFK, I was clinging to that theory. That’s why she didn’t realise I was a man, I thought. It wasn’t the fact that I was literally wearing women’s jeans and hair down to the shoulders, not because of the fact that I shaved for the sake of ceremony more than necessity; it was race. ‘America’ I said, lightly shaking my head. This story kills at dinner parties, by the way. Also, does ‘ma’am’ imply she thought I was an older woman? Q
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Returning headline sponsors this year already include the British Surrogacy Centre based in Essex, and California Fertility Partners, based in the USA. %RWKFRPSDQLHVUHSRUWKXJHEHQHÀWV from their involvement last year, so GRQ·WPLVVRXW7KLVRQHGD\HYHQWZLOO EHDQDPD]LQJPDUNHWLQJRSSRUWXQLW\ not only to meet future parents but also to meet other worldwide industry professionals. So do not hesitate to get in contact with us about having your own stand at the event. We are offering a 10% discount for all new standholders this year up until January 2014. Repeat stand-holders are offered a GLVFRXQWRQODVW\HDU·VUDWHV Saturday 5 April 2014 The Mercure, Manchester Piccadilly Hotel Conference Suite Manchester
[email protected] thebuildingfamiliesshow.com 01621 878 658
Media sponsors:
small things
[life]
[pets]
H POSPS PU MICHAEL AND RALPH MAN’S BEST FRIEND The process I put my parents through to persuade them to get me a dog was both dramatic and boisterous. Weekly interruptions of their watching Desperate Housewives occurred as I chanted with my brother over and over about how much we wanted a dog. There were slideshows, family conferences and even a few tears on my part. Fortunately, it worked. We named him Ralph, he is now nine and I can safely say that persuading my parents to get him was the best thing I’ve ever done – for all of us. He’s always around the house, doing something stupid but always making us smile, and he’s always there when you’re in desperate need of a cuddle. At 12, when I started to realise and accept my sexuality, it was Ralph I told first. In retrospect that was probably quite an odd thing to do, but even now I turn to him for emotional support. Being a 17-yearold in a conservative part of the south coast isn’t the best position to be in when guys and relationships gaytimes.co.uk
are concerned. And, crazy as I may sound, it’s amazing to have a loving pile of fur to cuddle with whenever it gets lonely. The beauty of having a dog is that they respond to your mood: he’s there when I need a hug, but he’s also jumping and barking when I’m dancing around the kitchen before going out. A dog, or any pet, moulds into your life and becomes a part of it. I cannot remember a time when Ralph wasn’t there looking miserable as sin, but being more adorable for it. I love that my memories of growing up have had Ralph there. Sadly, the fact that he turns ten this year is looming over me. My upcoming departure for university highlights that, one day, Ralph won’t be around. I’m usually pretty cold, but the thought of losing him brings tears to my eyes – watching Marley and Me was catastrophic. He has such an irreplaceable presence. Getting another dog would be like cheating! Q
Dressing our dogs up like people has been fashionable for some time. But now, it’s all about dressing our possessions like dogs. Between this pug-covered cushion and Dachshund-littered apron, pup chic is totally “in” for 2014 interiors. Though as anyone with a pup knows, most household items are probably covered in dog already – whether you’re making a fashion statement or not! Q Pug cushion, £40 and Dachshund cotton apron, £35, fenellasmith.com
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[life]
YOU’VE SEEN HIM IN THE BAR – he’s the grey-haired, much older man sitting with his hand on a much younger guy’s thigh. Immediately you assume the attraction is either based on a mutually satisfactory financial agreement, a daddy fetish or a mid-life crisis. But does an age gap relationship need strings attached to work? Can’t it just be two people who have fallen in love despite the years that separate them? Most of us in the gay community have dated, or at least had a one-nighter, with someone considerably older or younger than us. Friends of Tom Daley, who recently revealed he’s in a relationship with a man, say that finding love with Milk writer Dustin Lance Black, a man 20 years older than him, was the catalyst to him talking publically about his sexuality. However, it’s often the case that being in a long-term, committed relationship with an older or younger man must still raise eyebrows from some quarters. And in some cases, it can find the older man branded a pervert or manipulator while his younger counterpart is dismissed as a gold digger. There’s a 24-year age gap between Michael and Dennis*. They began dating three years ago after meeting online. “My last boyfriend was ten years my junior and I was dubious about dating someone younger again,” explains Michael, 53. “When we split up, I started internet dating and was adamant I wanted to meet someone my own age. I went on several dinners with men in their 40s and 50s, but we didn’t click. “Then I met with Dennis at a bar in Vauxhall, London, and we hit it off straight away. But the age gap worried me, even though the more time we spent together, the more we got on. And soon I realised I was being prejudiced about younger guys. Just because my last boyfriend 114
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MIND THE GAP
What do older men with younger partners have in common? Why are they attracted to each other? And why does it offend some members of the gay community so much? With Tom Daley, 19, making headlines for his relationship with Dustin Lance Black, 39, GT talks to five gay men to discover whether or not we should mind the gap WORDS JOHN MARRS IMAGES ROBERT GERSHINSON
REAL LIFE
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mind the gap
[02/14]
turned out to be an immature idiot, it didn’t mean everyone younger than me was too.” Dennis, 29, adds: “I’m not into older or younger guys, it’s about how we get on, and Michael and I just fit. I like the grey bits in his hair, the fact he’s lived a bit more of life than me, that he’s had experiences I haven’t. The only time our age difference gets in the way is when we’re doing a music quiz down the pub. He knows everything about the 1970s and I wasn’t born until 1984.” “Some guys in bars have suggested Dennis is a kept man, but he actually earns a lot more than me,” Michael continues. “One friend says I’m a dirty old
considered a societal norm, which makes them more open to breaking such barriers. “There is still a stigma attached, even among other gay men. Freud might encourage the assumption that there are a few father issues for both the younger and older man. We may see manipulation, a life crisis, one being kept or something worse. However, an age gap relationship can be functional and successful if built on solid foundations with mutuality. But it’s more difficult to achieve long term compatibility.” Gay age gaps like that between Tom and Dustin are nothing new. French poet Arthur Rimbaud was 17 when he started a relationship
away, but he did look quite young. And when it turned out he was 17 I thought, ‘ahh, okay this could be a problem,’” recalls Joe. “James was still in college, and that sounded so young. Even if he’d been 18 or 19 it would have sounded better. But he didn’t seem bothered about my age. “I’m a member of a few groups on Facebook that help young people to come out. Most people I’ve dated have been in similar situations – they’ve had no or few friends and struggled to meet people without the help of the internet. A lot of younger people look for older people because there’s potential for a deeper relationship there. “I had 110,000 Facebook followers. But when it came to talking about my relationship with James, I got so much hate online. They asked why he’s with me because he can do better. If I post pictures of us I will get more than 100 messages saying they want to sleep with him. “Eventually it got too much and I deleted my account. The age gap comments were a whole new level of nastiness and jealousy. I put a lot into the gay community so it was a surprise to get such negative comments just because I’m going out with someone younger than me. At one point I even thought about ending the relationship; it would have been so much easier to go out with someone my own age.” According to Lemarc Thomas, an age gap is just one of many factors which can contribute to whether a relationship is functional or dysfunctional. “At Seventy Thirty, when we’re matchmaking for our members, we don’t look at age per se, instead we think of life stage. We also consider shared core values, background, lifestyle, goals, personality and attraction.” Some therapists believe younger gay men are attracted to older men because, when they were boys, they were deprived of their father’s attention and became isolated in their own closeted gay world. So
[ ] ONE FRIEND SAYS I’M A DIRTY OLD MAN FOR FALLING FOR A YOUNGER GUY
man for falling for a younger guy. We don’t speak any more.” Age differences between gay couples are much more common that straight ones. A study in the UK, USA, Sweden, France and the Netherlands revealed that gay couples are almost three times more likely to have an age difference of more than ten years between them, compared to heterosexual couples. “In speaking with thousands of people about relationships, gay men are more open to a relationship with an age gap,” says Lemarc Thomas, managing director of Seventy Thirty, the exclusive matchmaking and introduction agency. “Most gay men over 30 will understand the feeling of going against what’s 116
fellow poet Paul Verlaine, 11-years older than him. Oscar Wilde was 36 when he became involved with the 22-year-old Lord Alfred Douglas. There are 15 years between Sir Elton John, 66, and husband David Furnish, 51. Stephen Fry made headlines in 2010 when he started dating actor Steven Webb, despite their 26-year age difference. And designer Calvin Klein was 48 years older than his expartner, model Nick Gruber. There’s nine years difference between Joe Marsden, 28, and James Hilton, 19, who met on a phone dating app. But that nine years was enough for Joe to be on the receiving end of a flurry of nasty Facebook messages when the two began dating. “I didn’t notice James’ age straight
RIGHT JAMES HILTON, 19, AND JOE MARSDEN, 28
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[life] older gay partners can become a role model, a teacher and protective elder friend. In return, it can bring out the paternal side of an older gay man. Others claim it’s an issue of control – the older men want to be in charge in a relationship. It’s that reason which has put Jeremy*, 24, off dating anyone over 30. “Most men I’ve been out with have been at least a decade older than me,” he begins, “and without fail, those relationships have all gone wrong because they don’t trust a younger guy. They think we cheat on them, that we want them to come home, but behind their backs we’re fucking around with people our own age. Older men are very, very insecure. They want a good-looking lad on their arm to control them. I’ve yet to meet one who is confident enough in themselves to trust me not to cheat on him.” “Balance is important in relationships and each person must feel what they bring is equal to what they receive,” adds Lemarc Thomas. “A study on social exchange in age gap relationships suggested the younger partner was much more likely than the older to grant or refuse sexual gratification as a means of securing or maintaining power. Sex was not necessarily exchanged for financial compensation, the older partner offered intelligence and social accomplishments, which are often as strongly attractive to younger partners as material possessions. “When we think of gay history, there has been rapid societal changes. In the early 70s, homosexuality was still listed as a pathological disorder; today we’re talking about gay marriage. The generation gap for gay men is potentially massive. This means that the couple may realise they’re from very different backgrounds, from which it is difficult to build a mutual understanding.” Q Some names have been changed by request
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nom!
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ingredients into the dry and mix together to form a rough dough. Dip out on the work surface and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Dont add anymore flour and keep a light texture – just keep kneading, it will eventually form a soft elastic dough. Take a large clean bowl, brush lightly with oil and place the dough inside. Cover with cling film, leave in a warm area for about an hour and allow to double in size. While the dough is rising it’s time to make the filling. Roughly dice the chorizo and the mozzarella, and then mix together with the rocket. Once risen, remove the dough from the bowl and gently knead to knock out the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and cover with cling film to stop it from drying out. Working with one piece of
There’s something very satisfying about taking flour, water, yeast and turning it into bread, using no equipment or any fancy kit. Just your hands and a bit of effort. Bread is one of those foods nearly all of us eat every day. Unless you’re avoiding carbs, that is! Baking and eating bread also makes a nice change from all the sugar I consume as part of my work. The more I bake, the more I crave something salty and savoury. These little stuffed buns are like an all-in-one lunch and take very little work. They use a very simple bread dough and are filled with chorizo, mozzarella and rocket. But really you could fill them with whatever you fancy.
D D E BER KIM O WH Y O B S HE IS T BAKE
dough at a time, press into a flat round shape and top with a small amount of the filling. Fold over the sides, pressing them together to seal in the filling. Turn the roll over and place seam-side down onto a baking tray, greased well with olive oil, and cover lightly with cling film or a tea towel. Repeat with the remaining dough, making sure you leave enough
Dough 550g white bread flour 1 tsp fine salt 300ml warm water 100ml olive oil 7g dried yeast
space between the finished buns so they can rise properly. Allow the buns to rise for about 45 minutes to an hour until almost doubled. While the buns are rising, preheat the oven to 200°C. When ready to bake, brush
Filling 1 ball of mozzarella 200g chorizo handful of rocket
the buns with a beaten egg and sprinkle with some seeds. Anything you have is good. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.
To make the bread dough, place the flour and salt into a large bowl and mix together. Mix the water, oil and yeast in a measuring jug or bowl until combined and the yeast has dissolved. Pour the wet 118
Allow to cool slightly before serving. My preference is to reheat these slightly if serving later – they taste so much better warm. Q Author of The Boy Who Bakes and Say It With Cake, @TheBoyWhoBakes
gaytimes.co.uk
[food]
A SIDE ORDER OF ALAN ROSENTHAL A good massage is one of the few things in life that completely relaxes PH DFRQÀGHQWSDLURIKDQGV dissolves as many emotional aches and pains as physical ones. But last week, during a session at my regular haunt in Covent Garden, the KDQGVZHUHDELWWRRFRQÀGHQW $V KHU ÀQJHUVUHSHDWHGO\
brushed past body parts XQDFFXVWRPHGWRDODG\·VWRXFKP\ suspicion was aroused and quickly FRQÀUPHGZLWKDQRIIHURID´VSHFLDO
The fountain of youth Beauty in a bottle? Of course we’re going to be sipping ‘til it runneth over. But this is no Death Becomes Her sorcery. OCÓO contains 100% of your daily vitamins, antioxidative power berries and vital beauty substances, which will apparently boost the appearance of your hair, skin and nails. Drink it? We want to BATHE in it. Q OCÓO is available from ocoobeauty.com and in Harvey Nichols nationwide
gaytimes.co.uk
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First, on a baking tray, roast the walnuts at 180°C for about ten to 12 minutes until just beginning to smoke. Set aside for later. Now, cut half the beetroot into 5mm dice and coarsely grate the other half. In a medium saucepan, sweat the onion, celery and carrot in the
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and black pepper.
is no different. Beetroot and Stilton risotto with roast walnuts and crème fraîche Serves 2 1½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil RQLRQÀQHO\GLFHG VWLFNFHOHU\ÀQHO\GLFHG ôFDUURWÀQHO\GLFHG FORYHJDUOLFFUXVKHG RUVSULJVRIWK\PH ODUJHEHHWURRWSHHOHG DERXWJ J$UERULRULFH POZKLWHZLQH POKRWYHJHWDEOHVWRFN JEDE\VSLQDFK J6WLOWRQFUXPEOHG
Add a ladle of stock and simmer till almost dry, stirring regularly. Repeat, one ladle at a time, until all the stock has been used. After about 18 minutes the rice should be cooked. Stir through the butter and half the Stilton, and then the spinach. Finally, top with the crème fraîche, roast walnuts and the remaining Stilton. Q Alan Rosenthal is the author of Stewed! 80 Stews and One Pot Wonders, available on Amazon, @alanrosenthal3
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with Tom Jones
[life]
BURN FAT IN FIVE EASY STEPS IMAGE JOE MCCORMICK
Are you still suffering from post-Christmas blubber? Fallen off the New Year’s resolution wagon already? Want a flatter stomach? Well look no further, as I’ve included five easy steps to shed the pounds and see results in just one week Fad diets at this time of year are everywhere – take this pill, do this many sit-ups, join this gym. It can be never-ending and have a negative effect on your body. Being down and depressed is more likely to cause you to gain weight than anything else. With a fad diet comes restricted eating – the sort of artificial diet that is nigh on impossible to keep. Health experts will tell you the only way to effectively lose weight and keep it off is by making long term changes to your lifestyle. That means, as old fashioned as it is, adapting to a healthier diet and regularly exercising. These five steps will not only help you shed 120
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[get fit] those pounds, but will contribute towards a healthier diet and help with achieving those 2014 goals. ---------[01] Drink more water Energy drinks, fizzy drinks, fruit smoothies and alcohol can contain up to 250 calories each – yet they’re not going to fill you up like food does. When people start counting their calories, they can often forget to take into account that cheeky glass of vino or five. A large glass of wine contains as many calories as a Cornetto ice cream, so having a bottle in the evening is equivalent to a whole extra meal. Other drinks may be high in sodium and carbohydrates, which store unused energy, tricking your body into retaining water. That’s just going to puff you out. With water making up more than 64% of the body, we depend on its intake to flush vital organs of toxins, carry nutrients and provide moisture in our ears, noses and throats. Try drinking only water throughout the day, and if it gets too boring add a slice of lemon, a mint leaf or some low sodium cordial. ----------
[02] Eat less white grain Cutting out white grain products like white rice, bread and spaghetti will have an instant impact on the waistline, because simple carbs like these are easily stored as fat around the mid-section. White carbs – foods like rice, potatoes, bread and pasta – are digested very quickly, but also leave you feeling hungry and more likely to overeat and snack. Try replacing white carbs with veggies. This way a chicken sandwich becomes a chicken salad, and steak and chips becomes steak and asparagus. If steak and asparagus doesn’t sound so appetising, just remember that asparagus is actually rather lovely fried with a small amount of oil and garlic. Plus, it’s an aphrodisiac. A bowl of chips isn’t going to get anyone horny. ---------gaytimes.co.uk
[03] Have more sex There’s nothing better than a good excuse to do the horizontal shuffle, so it’s applause all round with the news that around 200 calories can be burned off in a 30 minute sex session! Well, maybe a bit less if you’re just lying there – so get moving! Sex also pumps levels of feel-good neurotransmitters and endorphins, helping you ride out food cravings (although we wouldn’t recommend repeating this as dirty talk). And just think, after a day of asparagus sticks you’re going to be as randy as anything – win/win! ---------[04] Exercise regularly Try adding 30 to 45 minutes worth of exercise into your daily schedule. Whether it’s walking home from work, using a bike, spinning class or a spot of boxercise, if you’re feeling feisty. If you’re in the gym, 30 minutes lifting weights will do you the world of good. If training at home, be sure to do at least three sets of 15 on squats, pushups, and sit-ups. ---------[05] No after dinner snacks It can be hard to resist some chocolate or a bag of crisps, or two, when there’s a new episode of Wentworth on. But late night snacks mean your body will be digesting your food while you sleep, instead of burning fat. This is the rule people are most likely to break – but it’s my top tip. If that pack of Walkers is being digested while you sleep, then it’s going straight on the waist as fat. And we don’t want that. ---------Success doesn’t just come from a quick-fix diet, it comes from making changes that you have to stick to. Grab a friend for moral support if it’s tough, or find someone to duo diet with. Follow these steps and record your success to get a flatter midriff now. Eat well, train well, look hot! Q
[ask tom] I keep hearing that I should drink more water, but how much exactly should I drink and how much is too much? Everyone is different – we all come in
different shapes and sizes, and what each body needs varies person-toperson. Men are told to drink around three litres (about 13 cups), while women should drink around 2.2 litres (nine cups). You can’t over-drink water, though. This will just help flush your body out even more so. Q
Need advice? Ask Tom on Twitter @tomgt1
Mega Fat Burners by Optimum Nutrition are a natural, stimulantfree blend of essential minerals, B vitamins, garcinia extract and L-carnitine to complement your active lifestyle. I highly recommend for anyone whose goal is to lose weight.
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AVAILABLE IN-STORE z LONDON z BRIGHTON z BIRMINGHAM
IMAGE CHRIS GILES PHOTOGRAPHY
column
[life]
Many HIV-positive people have selfesteem issues. For me, in part, poor self-esteem was one of the reasons I became HIV-positive in the first place. When I was younger I just didn’t care enough about myself to not take the risk. This is a very sad statement to make, but true. I try and look back on my younger self with kindness, and today I have much better self-esteem and fiercely protect it. Some people can be cruel, just for the hell of it. Like any walk of life, there’re going to be unpleasant people, and this isn’t exclusive to the ‘scene’. The caring gay community portrayed at Pride events is not the reality all of the time. Having the friendship of a few good quality people who care about you is essential if you’re HIV-positive. I keep a very tight circle of a few quality friends, but most people I know I would term politely as acquaintances. There’re also people that, for the sake of my self-esteem, I have to keep at arm’s length. It takes time and gaytimes.co.uk
HIV: RECIPES FOR LIFE
experience on the ‘scene’ to learn how to navigate it, for all of us. Whether HIV-negative or positive. Over the years, I’ve met some fantastic people, and others who were not so great. Perhaps you’re a better judge of character than I am and have always met genuine nice guys? Good for you, but you’re probably in the enviable minority. In Autumn 2012 I was very ill. I had pneumonia and ended up having to take a long time off from work and socialising. It wasn’t completely unproductive, though. It provided me with some breathing space and quiet time to take stock of my life, and to realise what I really wanted for the future. It was one of those pivotal times when making changes seemed so much easier. One of the things I did was to take an ‘audit’ of my friends and the other people around me. On a practical level, I found it useful to make a list of three columns, with the headings ‘friends’, ‘acquaintances’ and ‘arms length’. Those who I definitely considered good friends went in the first column, those who were pleasant enough acquaintances went in the next and so on. The list I ended up
[paul thorn]
The caring gay community portrayed at Pride events is not the reality all of the time. Having the friendship of a few good quality people who care about you is essential if you’re HIV-positive
@paul_thorn
with was very telling and useful. I realised that I had fewer genuine friends than I originally thought, more acquaintances than I could fit on the list, and a small number of completely toxic people in the third column that I needed to protect myself from. I can only speak from my own experience and everyone’s circumstances are different. The really interesting thing is, I noticed those names written in the final column had a common trait. My observation was that they seemed to have a lot of spare time, or would tend to spend most of their days in bars enjoying happy hour! The outcome of the exercise was that I had a better picture in my own mind of the people around me. Those who cared about me and that I needed to spend more quality time with; those I could be amiable towards, but not such an open book as to disclose too much information about what was really going on, not only in terms of HIV, but other aspects of my life; and those who I should have no communication with and be absolutely ignored for the sake of protecting my self-esteem. Good friends are the cement that hold the building blocks of our selfesteem together, and an important element to surviving with the virus. If someone with HIV has poor selfesteem, then adherence to taking ARVs is, at best, going to be patchy. And at worst, non-existent. We all know where that path leads. Stick with a handful of those who you consider winners and the people that make you feel good about yourself, not with the losers or those who engage in the sadistic sports of gossiping and dreaming up ways to emotionally and mentally damage other’s self-esteem just for the hell of it. It’s better to walk away and have no friends at all. You only need a few good quality people around you for a little of the diamond dust to rub off for it to be mutually fulfilling and worthwhile. Q
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Join us in Provincetown for Valentine’s & President’s Day February 14-18
IMHPG'HK@
WIN A FREE HOLIDAY FOR 2 AT THE EUROPEAN GAY SKI WEEK! Over 1000 Guests from around the world will descend on The European Gay Ski Week in Alpe D’Huez from 22 – 29 March. With 15 parties and 35 international DJs, performers and artists, one amazing week of snow fun is guaranteed. This fantastic event is now in its sixth year, and promises seven days of skiing, fun, partying and who knows what else? The organisers are giving away a week for two at next year’s event. To enter the competition and find out more, go to:
WWW.EUROPEANGAYSKIWEEK.COM
WORDS MATT PEAKE IMAGES ISTOCKPHOTO
[rights]
[life]
LETTER FROM UGANDA WE LOOK AT THE RIGHTS OF GAY MEN LIVING AROUND THE GLOBE
DJ Erycom tells us his story: I was born into a Christian home where religion was always the order of the day. While at school, I had a close friend Robert. During the holidays, my mother would allow me to go and spend time with him at his home. We became so close that we used to share almost everything from clothes to school materials, we even slept together. After a time, we developed intimate feelings. Neither one of us could live without the other. We would kiss, sleep holding each other and we were intimate. During secondary school, my mother took me to a mixed school far away, I pleaded with her to let me join Robert who went to an RQO\ER\V·VFKRRO,WVRKDSSHQHG that me and Robert met again, the time spent apart meant that our relationship grew stronger. After secondary school, Robert and I decided to focus on our future WRJHWKHU5HDOLVWLFDOO\LWZDVQ·W going to happen as my parents were WRRLQWRWKHLUUHOLJLRQDQG5REHUW·V gaytimes.co.uk
NO
No same-sex sexual activity is legal No equal age of consent No anti-discrimination laws of any kind No same-sex marriage No recognition of same-sex couples No joint and step adoption by same-sex couples No gays allowed to serve in military No right to change legal gender No commercial surrogacy for gay male couples No gay men allowed to donate blood
YES parents planned to take him to Canada for university. Luckily Robert GLGQ·WZDQWWRJRVRZHERWKHQUROOHG at Kampala International University. I studied multimedia and sound engineering and Robert studied IT. I joined the DJ business and begun working for a local radio station. Robert got a job in South Africa and would come back to Uganda when he was free. In 2010, the law for LGBT people in Uganda got so strict that most gays and lesbians were arrested. Many were NLOOHGEXWWKHPHGLDGLGQ·WUHSRUW it. In 2011, I had become a famous
DJ and radio presenter in Kampala. During my radio programme, I EHJDQFDPSDLJQLQJDJDLQVWWKH¶NLOO WKHJD\V·ELOO Newspapers and the press then began to follow me. At the time ,GLGQ·WNQRZWKH\ZHUHFDUU\LQJ out an investigation. I once went into a hotel with my Canadian friend Charles and we spent the night together. After two days, my name was in the newspapers and everyone referred to me as a VKDPH0\ERVVÀUHGPHDQGWROG my colleagues that I was no longer part of the radio station because they could not work with gay people. My mother and my entire family gave up on me; they said they could not have a gay child. They all hated me, except my sister. All my IULHQGVZKRGLGQ·WNQRZ,ZDVJD\ all gave up on me. The police then came to my home. One policeman together with the neighbours beat me and I lost a tooth. Police searched my entire house and they found gay magazines and DVDs. My neighbours also dismantled my car into scrap and even posted pictures around the local area WHOOLQJHYHU\RQHWKDWZKRHYHUÀQGV me should kill me, because I was useless. My sister hid me in her house but she was, after some time, arrested and interrogated by the SROLFHEHFDXVHVKHVDLGVKHGLGQ·W know where I was. In December 2011, another newspaper had the KHDGOLQH¶'-(U\FRPLVJD\DQG VKRXOGEHNLOOHG· In September 2012, Charles put me in contact with one of his friends. My sister withdrew all my small money (almost 3,000 dollars) IURPWKHEDQNDQG&KDUOHV·IULHQG got me out of Uganda. I arrived in Sweden in October 2012; I am now living happily as an asylum seeker in Sweden. I am still in touch with Robert and Charles. We always exchange e-mails and I am just praying that at one time I get to meet the two of them again. Q
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ESTONIA WORDS STEVEN COOPER IMAGES ALLAN ALAJAAN / TOOMAS VOLMER
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[travel]
I
t might sound like a fairy tale, or at the very least like the premise of a Channel 5 daytime movie, but there’s a place full of beautiful people where they celebrate Christmas twice a year. Only it’s real, three hours away and I’ve been there: Estonia. Attractively, Estonia is a largely irreligious country. So this is Christmas with a little less Christ and a lot more tinsel. A portion of the population is Russian Orthodox and, as the Estonian people are open and sharing, the festivities put in place for 25 December are extended to the Orthodox Christmas on 7 January. So, while we in Britain drearily suffer the after-effects of eating an entire wheel of brie and dread the return to work, our Estonian friends are tirelessly keeping Christmas alive. And it’s a very beautiful Christmas, at that. The Old Town square in the capital city, Tallinn, is given over to an enormous Christmas tree surrounded by the familiar wooden market stalls; it’s made for the crystal morning after a night of snowfall, or a chilly evening when only a mulled wine can warm you. The market infects the city with Christmas spirit; it seeps down the Old Town’s handsome streets and narrow, cobbled alleyways. A series of interconnected shops sell traditional Estonian handicrafts perfect for Christmas shopping: milliners, silk weavers and woodworkers – making utensils out of juniper – intermingle, a series of their
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striking portraits hanging in the entrance hall. There’s plenty to entertain those who’re fanatical about festive foods too: Kalev Marzipan Museum offers the opportunity to watch the famous sweets being hand painted, while I took part in a gingerbread making workshop in Bonaparte Restaurant. Head confectioner Anne Must oversaw as I tried to out-pipe my fellow chefs with ever-intricate (and indecipherable) icing designs in a particularly festive, if substandard, GBBO. The Christmas feeling extends beyond the steeples and red tiled rooftops of Tallinn Old Town;
ESTONIA BALTIC REGION POPULATION 1,286,479 SIZE 17,413 SQUARE MILES TIME ZONE EET (UTC+2) GAY LEGAL SINCE 1992
Rein Rannap in concert, which provided a snap of culture in an otherwise tranquil evening. A tour of the complex revealed numerous spa facilities and the surrounding countryside (the manor sits on the edge of Lahemaa National Park) provides a stunning backdrop for long walks. The resort’s La Boheme Restaurant serves elegant Estonian food in the dramatic former ballroom of the main manor house and would provide a setting for the most special of occasions. It’s easy to see that Estonia is keen to prove it has what it takes to compete with Germany, Switzerland and Austria on the
Estonia is keen to prove it can compete in the quintessential Christmas playing field – and there’s no doubt that it can I visited two of the 400 manor houses that are dotted about the dense, pine heavy Estonian forests. The rococo Sagadi Manor is dedicated to environmental education. Though I indulged in more craft making here, making a Christmas bauble out of forest lichen, the abundance of microscopes and stuffed animals bolted to the walls make it clear that raising awareness of the surrounding wildlife is a passion. Nearby, Vihula Manor is a resort of 25 buildings that promises a luxurious getaway for couples. While there, I watched noted Estonian composer and pianist 128
quintessential Christmas playing field – and there’s no doubt that it can. But the country has a lot more to offer beyond that. Estonia regained its independence 22 years ago, after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, marking its longest ever stretch as a nation in its own right. Little surprise then that there’s a great sense of building potential here; an almost palpable buzz in the air. Perhaps this is most obvious in their technological advances. Estonia is the birthplace of Skype and wi-fi is freely available across the whole of Tallinn. It was even offered on our minibus, with the
guide dryly noting that Estonians “freak out if they’re unconnected for 10 minutes”. Most notable, however, is that the hospitality industry is really getting it right, meaning that Tallinn is a city break to rival any of the European greats. I stayed in the St Petersbourg Hotel, a 27-room luxury boutique hotel sat on the corner of a bumpy street opposite an old well, which sounds like the very definition of “rustic charm”. Yet, when inside, I couldn’t have been more comfortable: an enormous bed is engulfed by a fur throw and smothered in cushions; a desk hosts an enormous anglepoise lamp and an iPad, pre-connected to the hotel’s (naturally) free wi-fi. Breakfast, which for me consisted of deliciously sweet crêpes, was served in a traditional timberclad restaurant by staff in lederhosen. Such novelty can be found at other mealtimes in Estonia’s capital; on my first night in the city I ate in a medieval themed restaurant, drowning in herby beer, flame roasted meat, and delicious lentils and barley. For that’s the thing: novelty or not, the food in Tallinn is exceptional. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the chefs in the city have jumped on the “locally sourced, seasonal ingredients” bandwagon blazing its way across Britain right now, but this is just the way of life here. Lieb, the first restaurant in which I ate, served 24-hour cooked lamb followed by crème brûlée made with the country’s famous black bread. Our chef explained each course to us, and matched ales to the food. It was the sort of eating experience you see on MasterChef, but served without any pomp or ceremony, in a warm and comfortable room. Later gaytimes.co.uk
[travel]
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that day I tasted delicious wines at Luscher and Matiesen, where Estonians are making wines from their own grapes for the first time in decades. They predict that it will be another decade yet before they’re in a position to export wine to the UK. The highlight, though, was OKO restaurant, situated a half hour drive from the city on a desolate marina. The style of cooking in Estonia, while traditional, also frequently echoes that of their Scandinavian neighbours (Helsinki is just 90 minutes away by ferry). And so it was, I was greeted in the restaurant by a platter of salted whitefish with whitefish roe; fresh herrings with sour cream, caramelised onion and dill; and more of that rich, unguent, herby black bread. I followed this with an elk goulash, the rich meat tumbling back from the fork into silky gravy. After lunch I took a stroll out to the marina, jumping from the deck down onto the soft sand. It was a grey day; a lifeless sky melting into the Baltic Sea, itself barely lapping onto the white beach, without fracture. The air was still; there were no sounds. It was spooky, giving me that unique chill of seeing something for the first time, and ethereally beautiful. Tallinn and the surrounding countryside makes for an ideal Christmas city break, small enough to see in a day or two but bursting with the festive staples we’ve come to expect from the continent. It’s unfair to restrict such a vibrant, charming, exciting city to one month of the year though; Tallinn deserves to be seen the year round. It’s abuzz with the promise of big things to come. It’s a city of hope. And what’s more Christmassy than that? Q Travel via Easyjet and Ryanair from London and Manchester from £49.99, one way GT stayedDW+RWHO6W3HWHUVERXUJ KRWHOVWSHWHUVERXUJFRP)RUPRUHGHWDLOV see visitestonia.com
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GT 737647 FUN-LOVING 0HQMR\VQLJKWVLQ6HHNVVLPLODU 0IRUIVKLS IXQWLPHV 6KURSV%R[ RUWH[W
*7 GLAMOROUS, BI &'ORYHVWRGUHVV6HHNVVLPLODU 0IRUIXQWLPHVPD\EHPRUH &R'HUU\%R[ SINCERE, ABSTEMIOUS 0QRQGULQNHUQVHQMR\V country drives & cosy nights in. WLTM M for f/ship, poss more. Can DFFRPWUDY&R$QWULP%R[ SLIM, FUN-LOVING CD, 45, WLTM strong, stocky BI M IRUJRRGWLPHV PRUH%HOIDVW %R[RUWH[W *7 MATURE, GAY &'VVHHNV&'RUDGPLUHU SUHIHUDEO\ZLWKQRWLHVIRUIVKLS IXQWKLV&KULVWPDV EH\RQG&DQ DFFRP&R'RZQ%R[
ADVENTUROUS BI CD, 49, passive, into most things. 6HHNV0IRUIXQWLPHV&DQWUDYHO poss accom. Warrington. %R[ ATTRACTIVE, CROSS-DRESSING 0VHHNVFURVVGUHVVLQJRU ELVH[XDO0IRUJRRGWLPHV7HHVVLGH %R[RUWH[W *7 SLIM, ATHLETIC &'VHHNVVLPLODUO\DWWUDFWLYH&' for fun & f/ship+. Co. Antrim. %R[ ATTRACTIVE, FUN-LOVING &'VHHNVVLP&'IRU JRRGWLPHVPD\EHPRUH6WRFNSRUW %R[ CURVE APPEAL 6XE0VVOLPVPRRWKFRPSOLDQW ZLWKFXUYHDSSHDO6HHNVXSVWDQGLQJ 'RPJHQWRUIXQ H[SORUDWLRQ 6XUUH\/GQ%R[ RUWH[W
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GT 749367 BI CD Loves dressing up, 38, seeks M for IXQWLPHV0DQFV%R[RUWH[W
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DATING '5(66,1*723/($6( Bi-curious M, 75, seeks crossdressing M for fun & more. Surrey. Box 989595 +21(676,1&(5( Would you like to have fun with an KRQHVW0"&DOOPH,·GORYHWR hear from you. Mancs. Box 168294 or text GT 168294 6,1&(5(,1(;3(5,(1&(' M, 51, new to all this. Seeks understanding M for f/ship & fun. Chester/NW. Box 839688 67
GT 481488 68%0,7<2856(/) +RQHVW0·µVHHNVVXEPLVVLYH gent, 60+, or couple, for great fun. S East. Box 657381 or text
GT 657381 6/(1'(56257 Very slim gay M, 43, enjoys country walks. Seeks older mature M, 60+, IRUIVKLS0·VLGH%R[ /22.,1*)25$*22'7,0(" Affable M, 70s, seeks nice M for f/ship & good times. N Wales/ Cheshire. Box 194088 3/($6$17($6<*2,1* M, 72, WLTM slim, cross-dressing M for great times. Middx. Box 145367 287*2,1*$'9(1785286 %L0·µZHOOEXLOWVHHNV79 CD or Bi M for good adult fun. Can accom/travel. Mancs. Box 372082 '20,1((5,1**8< 'R\RXQHHGFRUUHFWLRQ",·PD\U old guy from Kent & will administer this correction with my very strong arms. Box 720890 or text
GT 720890 &$5,1**(17/( 0\RXQJ·µSDVVLYHVHHNV nice assertive M, 50-80, for lots of love & LTR. Mancs. Box 769639 75$169(67,7( M, 36, seeks active M for fun times. SW Ldn. Box 451875 5(*8/$5)81 Active, bisexual M, 67, seeks M for fun times. Lancs. Box 332970 7$//$1'),7 ,·PDZKLWHJX\MXVWGLYRUFHG ,I\RX·UHDFURVVGUHVVHU79RU76 then contact me for fun times. S Ldn. Box 900964 6((.,1*/,.(:,6(*8< Cross-dressing M, 64, seeks likeminded M for fun times. Stockport. Box 953192 *(1,$/),7 M, 50, seeks bisexual M, 40-55, for fun, f/ship & further. Denbigh. Box 167740
127%$'/22.,1* +L,·PD\UROGJX\ZKRHQMR\V QLJKWVLQ,·PORRNLQJIRUVLPLODU IRUIVKLS WRHQMR\HDFKRWKHU·V company. Shrops. Box 943113 *(1,$/ M, 51, medium build, seeks passive, compliant younger M who will obey his every command. Surrey. Box 394052 ),7 +($/7+< M, 39, into sport, meals out & travel. 6HHNVVPDUWÀWROGHUZHOOGUHVVHG M for lasting r/ship. Belfast. Box 999574
,6$,':$,7 Mature Dom M, 63, seeks mature slim Sub M to do his bidding. Chesh. Box 218749 7:,&($61,&( BI widower, 60s, n/s, tactile, sensual, generous. Seeks M for fun times. North Ldn/South Herts. Box 291355 68%0,66,9(&' ,·PYHU\QDXJKW\ HDV\WR please. I like to role-play & WLTM a Dom M to correct me on a frequent basis at my place. Deeside. Box 963717 $//'$< $//2)7+(1,*+7 Dom disciplinarian M, 67, seeks very Sub M for 24/7, 365 servitude. Kent. Box 919433 or text GT 919433 $775$&7,9(352)(66,21$/ %LFXULRXV0·µHQMR\VGLQLQJ out, theatre & places of interest. Seeks TV or TS for fun r/ship. N. Wales. Box 858769 ),76/,0 M, 26, has a dog, non-drinker, n/s, seeks M for r/ship. Coventry. | Box 300717 $775$&7,9(&5266'5(66(5 Tall blue-eyed CD, 38, smoker, med EXLOG6HHNVWDOOFRQÀGHQWJD\RU%, M, 45+, great personality, for fun+. Co. Down. Box 729383 68%&' 0$6&8/,1( 54, seek retired gent, 65+, who M, 70, seeks feminine M who can can accom. Central Scotland. accommodate, for f/ship, perhaps Box 128360 more. Tameside. Box 777637 23(17268**(67,216 758(,17(17,216 Open-minded, bi-curious, white Easy-going polite M, 46, seeks SURIHVV0ÀWZHVHHNVVLP genuine BI or gay M for adult fun. slim w/e M. Can travel/accom. Age/size unimportant. Can accom. S. Ldn. Box 173029 North Ldn. Box 168153 0$785,7<0$77(56 6/,0*(18,1( 6OLPÀWJD\0VHHNVROGHU0 Are you a manly M? Why not give 65+, for no strings adult fun. Can this cross-dressing bi she-male, 67, travel/accom. Berks. Box 276767 a call? NW Box 967482 or text or text GT 276767
GT 967482 *(7,721 7$//*(18,1( Fit, active, Asian M, 43, seeks 0ÀUVWWLPHUDELWVK\VHHNV passive stocky guy, 21-40, for horny feminine, cross-dressing M for fun & bedroom fun. Middx. Box 447443 maybe more. Co. Down. Box 683569 ),5677,0(5 or text GT 683569 $OULJKWODGV,·PD\UROG0ORRNLQJ +21(67 for other Bi lads or couple for horny M, 42, bi-curious, seeks similar M fun & meets. I can accom. Get back for light fun, to begin with. Middx. WRPHODGV0·VLGH%R[RU Box 763374 text GT 305600 0$1720$1 &20(,1720</,)( *HQXLQHJRRGORRNLQJ0· *RRGORRNLQJJD\0·VWRFN\ slim build, seeks M for fun, f/ship & enjoys walks, swimming & telly. hopefully lots more. Co. Down. Seeks gay M for fun & f/ship+. Box 921655 Gwynedd/Surrounds. Box 597670 or 0$1210$1 text GT 597670 Fit, attractive, experienced M, 58, 83¶1·81'(5 seeks M for adult fun.CD or TV Hirsute rugby player, early 50s, welcome. Cheshire/NW. Box 774030 seeks younger M with whom to score or text GT 774030 a try! Belfast. Box 834976 $//'2//('83 67$1',1*121216(16( Cross-dressing, bi M, 65, seeks M, Traditional discipline administered 50-70, for fun times, perhaps more. E\ÀUPEXWIDLUPDVWHUODWHVYHU\ Rochdale. Box 606525 experienced. Ldn. Box 844265 )81 *(7%$&. Gay M, 20, seeks M, 18-35, for good *HQXLQH0V·µµZDLVW times & more. Durham. Box 638426 seeks similar M for f/ship & good 9(5<)(0,1,1(&' times. Ellesmere Port. Box 435319 52, seeks M for good times & more. )81/29,1*/29($%/( NE, Box 880640 ,·PDNLQGFDULQJWUXVWZRUWK\KDSS\ 6/,0&5266'5(66,1* go-lucky M, 55. Are you the right n/s M, 46, into lingerie, seeks M, 60+, M for me? Ipswich. Box 825167 or for fun times. Crewe. Box 847862 text GT 825167 ,1(;3(5,1&('*8< <285)/(;,%/()5,(1' )LWVWURQJ0·µGDUNH\HV Slim versatile M, 37, into rubber. short hair. WLTM understanding WLTM passive or active M, 40-75, for H[SHULHQFHG&'IRUÀUVWWLPHIXQ fun times. Oldham/Rochdale/Bury. NW Ldn/Surrounds. Box 317171 or Box 577815 text GT 317171 /29,1*5(/,$%/( )2//2:0( 0 ·µPHGLXPEXLOGORYHV 9HU\DVVHUWLYHZKLWH0·µPHG camping & holidays, nights in with build. Seeks very unassertive M. TVs bottle of wine, seeks sincere M for welcome. Can travel & accom. Ldn. caring, lasting r/ship. Mancs. Box 989199 Box 567040
ERY NAUGHTY M, 60, seeks M to put him on the straight & narrow & get to the bottom of things. Kent. Box 654104 ATTRACTIVE Easy going M, 47, GSOH, seeks M for fun times, maybe more. Kent. Box 392549 ,7·6$:21'(5)8//,)( 6OLPDWKOHWLFÀWZKLWH0VHHNV similar guy for fun & f/ship. S Ldn. Box 262958 or text GT 262958 58%%(5/29(5 Genuine M, 37, into rubber, seeks passive guy for f/ship & fun times. Lancs. Box 882659 )5,(1' /29(5 Honest M, 86, slim build,. smooth, many interests, seeks M for good r/ ship. Merseyside. Box 288039 /22.,1**22' BI CD, 51, stocky build, enjoys the gym. Seeks M for fun & f/ship. S Ldn. Box 457020 6+251$*$,1 Dom M, 59, shaved head, ex military, seeks short/shaven-haired M for mutual satisfaction. Oxon. Box 981659 *(18,1(/2&$/ I WLTM a local TV/TS or she-male, for genuine LTR. M 59. Yorks. Box 650285 3+21(72'$< &XGGO\%,0·EOXHH\HVGDUN grey hair, glasses. Seeks M or F for adult fun. Can accom. Mancs. Box 105212 *(7727+(*22'7,0(6 )ULHQGO\JX\·µVHHNVVLPLODU guy for good times & more. N Coastal. Box 694888 3,&785(7+(6&(1( Genuine, open, honest CD, 70, seeks M, over 65, for role-play fun. Mancs. Box 828760 6/$9(72/29( Genuine Sub gay M, 44, seeks strict Dom M, 55+, who can accom, to use him as his LTR slave. Looks XQLPSRUWDQW/·SRRO%R[ 7$/.72+,0 Genuine M, 60, seeks M, 60-70, for f/ ship+. S Ldn. Box 649618 /($'7+(:$< Genuine, down-to-earth M, 70, enjoys dog walk & cooking. Seeks M, age unimportant, for f/ship & company. NW Ldn Box 339064 '21·7+(6,7$7(72&$// Genuine, friendly, honest M, 49, enjoys walking, cycling, cooking & swimming. Seeks M, 49-89, for fun & f/ship+. N.Devon. Box 789936 6+<48,(7 CD, 37, seeks M for f/ship, hopefully more. Lancs. Box 464898 675$,*+7$&7,1* M, 60, seeks M for good times. Chester. Box 169457 or text
GT 169457
:,/'$7+($57 Genuine M, 63, enjoys country walks, wildlife, cooking & chillin out. Seeks M, 45-65, for true f/ship & poss r/ship. Wilts. Box 295617 or text
GT 295617 7+(*22'678)) 6OLPRSHQPLQGHG0·µOLNHV good food & wine. Seeks M, 50-70s, for fun times & r/ship. Can travel. Bristol. Box 531976 or text
GT 531976 /(7·6*(76(5,286 Outgoing M, 44, med build, seeks nice, genuine, older M, 55-70, for fun, f/ship & lasting r/ship. Co. Durham. Box 819034 *22'/22.,1*&+,//(' M, 39, medium build, smoker, likes walks, meals out & camping. Seeks M, 34-45, for r/ship. Mancs. Box 596025 or text GT 596025 ,·0$//<2856 %LSDVVLYH0\RXQJ·µVOLP build, smooth, WLTM Dom M/F or couple for good times. Preston. Box 947928 or text GT 947928 ,·0$0$785(*8< 2I ,·PORRNLQJIRUDIHPLQLQH TV/CD to have some fun with. Belfast. Box 364355 or text
GT 364355 6/,0)$,5+$,5(' M, 46, n/s, seeks n/s gent, 50-60s, for fun & f/ship. Cheshire. Box 890253 &219,1&(0( Slim M, 52, seeks convincing TV/CD for fun times. Can travel. Wrexham. Box 962649 +(<+$1'620( Good-looking genuine gay M, 63, ·µORYHVFRXQWU\ZDONVFRRNLQJ music. Seeks gay M, up 65, for r/ship. Mancs/Stock. Box 357611 /(7·6*(7,17(176 )LW0· µLQWRFDPSLQJVDLOLQJ walks & clubs. Seeks M, 18-30. Soton/Ports or Winchester. Box 469066 60227+/<'2(6,7 %LZKLWH0· µPHGEXLOG clean-shaven, easy-going, seeks clean-shaven Asian M for fun & f/ship+. Middx. Box 471117 or text
GT 471117 %(0$67(5)8/:,7+0( 6OLP6XE0· µVHHNVROGHU very Dom master. N Ldn. Box 546849 %(1'720<:,// Strict demanding M, 68, seeks servile M, 40+, to be his personal servant. Race unimportant. Can not accom. S Ldn. Box 698472 or text
GT 698472 6+2:0(7+(523(6 Attractive M, 32, relatively inexperienced, versatile, seeks older M for fun & excitement. N Ldn. Box 618668
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