GTeen Magazine by Dan Gray

THE UK’S ONLY LGBT YOUTH MAGAZINE

st issue JLS Birmingham Pride radioARTPOP Rylan Clark homophobic Russia Tom Daley comes out

JANUARY 2014 | UNITED KINGDOM | £4.20

A STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY PUBLICATION

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JANUARY 2014

CONTENTS

News

Tom Daley Comes Out

Features

Rylan, JLS, Lucy Spraggan and Kitty Brucknell! radioARTPOP talk to us exclusively

Reviews Opinion 15 Birmingham Pride! 13 Why Russia doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Actors, 18 deserve to dancers, host the and blood, Olympics oh my! 14 Equality All things 20 on an society at international University scale JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |

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tom daley makes a splash with coming-out video

In a video posted to YouTube, 19-year-old Tom Daley announces that he is in a relationship with a man. The pin-up Olympian, known around the world for his diving prowess and tumultuous young life, is careful to not use the words ‘gay’ or ‘bisexual’ in the video. “Come spring this year my life changed massively” he said. “I met someone and they’ve made me feel so happy and so safe and everything just feels great. And, that someone is a guy.” Entitled ‘Tom Daley: Something I want to say...”, the clip is intimate in its simplicity as Tom talks directly to the camera, laying on his bed nestled between two Union Jack pillows. “Of course I still fancy girls but, I mean, right now I’m dating a guy and I couldn’t be happier. I just feel safe and it just really does feel right.” Tom has previously discussed being bullied at school and in a documentary exploring his journey on the run up to the 2012 London Olympics viewers saw his grief after losing his father to cancer in 2011. Pre-empting any questions the public may have to what his father would have thought, Tom says; “He always said to me as long as you’re happy, I’m happy. And right now I couldn’t be happier.”

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this has been a hard decision to make, but I wanted you to hear this from me... The video instantly went viral and fans of Tom took to Twitter to show their support. Neil Patrick Harris from the TV show ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and Stephen Fry were just two of the celebrities who wrote congratulatory tweets to Tom.

Not all posts on the micro-blogging site are as positive, however. Many twitter users have taken the opportunity to spread hatred and homophobia directed at the diver.

Responding with nothing but positivity, Tom tweeted:

Tom getting limbering up, getting ready to dive at the London Olympics. Photograph courtesy of David Jones on Flickr.

| Gteen | JANUARY 2014

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Rylan joins us on the sofa for a chat.

Rylan Clark, Lucy Spraggan, Kitty Brucknell, and; JLS on...

LIFE

AFTER THE X FACTOR 6

| Gteen | JANUARY 2014

T seems a little strange to think that before 2012 nobody had even heard of the undisputed star of reality TV- Rylan Clark. Of course it wasn’t for his lack of trying, the self-confessed “eternal wannabe” seems to have tried everything to hit it big; from modelling on Katie Price’s program ‘Signed by Katie’, to singing in a Take That tribute band ‘Fake That’ and even a few supporting roles in the films ‘Love Actually’ and the Harry Potter series. So, what’s his advice for all the other ‘wannabes’ out there? “Just go for it babes! That’s what I say! I knew this is what I wanted… And I just kept plugging away- I mean, can you actually imagine me doing anything else? You couldn’t see me on the fish counter in Asda could you?” Rylan’s laugh is infectious and whatever judgements I may have had of him before our meeting had disappeared. His confidence and energy-levels are infectious. “It’s true I’ve tried it all, but I made it big just being myself in the end and that feels great.” Rylan is of course referring to his winning Celebrity Big Brother at the beginning of this year. “People were saying I went in the house because I was some fame hungry monster- and I’m not going to lie, I’ve wanted to be famous since I was 13but, I went into that house because it was always something I’ve wanted to do and I really felt like I needed to let people see the real me. I had been slated in the papers for weeks on X-Factor and my mum said; ‘You’ll either go in that house and people will hate you or they’ll see the real you and love you’ so I took the chance. I love my mum” He says before trying to catch the eye of one of the waiters; “He’s a bit fit isn’t he?” He bursts out laughing. Rylan shocked the majority of the viewing public and even a gob-smacked Gary

fEaturEs Lucy Spraggan

How the devil are you? I am great- I’ve just seen Rylan. I haven’t seen him in ages! What was your favourite mouc ys ment on X Factor? to e ps h I love the fact I met Rylan (and for ep t S , a se r everyone) but I think my favourite dito lfie w ith Gteen’s E thing about X Factor was singing my songs and them being liked by peoplenow I’m just loving life and I’m putting a Kitty takes her single out! applause Do you have a message for the gay youth? “Lick my ripples! [laughs] And, of course, be strong/ it gets better and all that jazz!” Would you vote “yes” on gay marriage if you were an MP? “One hundred per cent! It’s about bloody time, isn’t it?” What’s next for you? “Well, I’m releasing a single, ‘Lighthouse’ you can check it out on iTunes and download it. I’m also working on my album and just taking things as they come- I’m loving life at the minute. But, right now, what’s next is I’m going to go and grab a cheeky champers and catch up with Rylan!”

Barlow by making it into the final live shows and lasting until week seven on X Factor. By his own admission Rylan isn’t the greatest singer but he insists that we didn’t hear his real voice on the show. “I’ve always said each week I came out and gave a proper Pop performance. Other people came out and stood by the mic each week and sang a ballad, but that ain’t me- I promise you, you wouldn’t recognise my voice if I started singing now”. How did you cope with all of the negative press in the papers and do you consider yourself to be a gay role model? “I would love it if other gay kids looked at me and thought they could go for it too- but most of them are probably horrified and think they are nothing like me! I say, at least there are gay people like me on tele nowadays- there weren’t really any when I was growing up. With the negative stuff in the press, I mean, it wasn’t easy but at the end of the day I’ve got to thank them because they put me here! Just keep strong, and believe in yourself until others do- that’s what I always say”. So what is next for Rylan I ask, are the rumours true about Big Brother 2013? “Yes, yes! I am a presenter on Big Brother’s Bit on the Side this year! It is going to be Ah-mazing!” What else can you tell us? “Well, this year it’s going to be called secrets and lies so expect the unexpectedthat’s all I’m going to say” I press him for a little more information. “Nope, that’s all you’re getting out of me- it’s all secrets this year, if I say anymore it’ll just be a lie! You’ll have to tune in and see”. And with that, Rylan left the interview giggling and trying to catch another waiter’s attention.

Kitty Brucknell

Kitty belts out her new song at Birmingham Pride

How the devil are you? I am hot and sweaty! [Kitty has just stepped off stage] What was your favourite moment on X Factor? Meeting Lady Gaga! I loved it all and would do it all again- I love my fans and thank them for their support every time I perform. But, if I had to pick just one moment it would be that- she’s such an inspiration to me. Do you have a message for the gay youth? “Believe in yourself- no matter what anyone else says. Love yourself and love will come to you- I love you all!” Would you vote “yes” on gay marriage if you were an MP? “Of course I would! Wouldn’t everyone? I believe we are all equal.” What’s next for you? A million things! I am performing all over the country; I have just got back from performing at Gran Canaria Pride- I’m always supporting the gays! And, I have a new single coming out next month so I’ll be shooting the video in the next few weeksI’m so excited! JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |

JLS

How the devil are you? [JB] “ Yeah, we are good, man. Just excited to get on Stage” What was your favourite moment on X Factor? [Marvin] “Just one? We loved it all. We have to thank that show for everything- we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the support we got from it”. Do you have a message for the gay youth? [Ortise] “Just keep doing what you do best- live and love”. Would you vote “yes” on gay marriage if you were an MP? [Ortise] “For sure.” [JB] “Of course- equal rights are equal rights”. What’s next? [Aston] “Well, we’re just planning our farewell tour- it’s going to be a big few months. We just want to thank all our fans for their support, we are still going to be here for a while yet.”

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#RadioARTPOP

loads were records and pop stars were rock gods. In today’s technological cavalcade of freeware and instant connectivity the Fanzine has been transformed. Gone are the days of typewriterproduced, photocopied booklets passed by hand between fans- now we have online forums, podcasts, Facebook posts, Instagram memes, Twitter updates and YouTube broadcasts. Introducing, RadioARTPOP. Born from a colliding of Little Monster minds in arguably the world’s only fan base as famous as their idol; RadioARTPOP is a weekly YouTube show that discusses all things Lady Gaga. The show consists of creator Timothy Cox, 21, from Indiana, along with friends Jessica Finn, 17, from New York and Justin Revel, 25, from Tennessee. With guests each week and racks up thousands of views each episode. It has gained notoriety from Gaga herself. Mentioning them on The Graham Norton Show (BBC1) and tweeting;

Jessica talks to the rest of the team on radioARTPOP

JuSTIn: “Having Gaga herself give us a shout out on Graham Norton was just out of this world.” So how did it all get started? TIMoTHY: “I had the idea to start RadioARTPOP last January when many rumours were surfacing about the [ARTPOP] album but none of them had a legitimate source. Justin and I met on GagaDaily.com forums, but we didn’t know each other well until I asked him to be on the first episode with me.” JuSTIn: “Essentially the birth of Radio ARTPOP was embedded in our never ending thirst for news.” Just some geeks in their bedrooms chatting about Gaga gossip or something all the more revolutionary? TIMoTHY: “I think Radio ARTPOP is an undeniable example of youth connecting and creating. We began with our own webcams and spoke only while filming. We didn’t know each other. Now we collaborate on online activism events, art and graphic design, charity events.”

JuSTIn: “Being on RadioARTPOP gives me and the other members the chance to reach out to viewers that may also feel isolated and misunderstood and help make them realize that they are not alone. As a young gay male living in rural west Tennessee- equality is in the forefront of my mind at all times. Living here is a daily reminder that not everyone understands or agrees with homosexuality.”

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...youth have the moral imperative to stand up for the direction they want their future to go in...

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anzIneS have existed since down-

And they are not just talking of lofty pipe dreams; the trio are passionate about tacking teen suicide and ending bullying. Tim has taken Lady Gaga’s message of “Promoting Online Kindness” literally and created a successful website named as such that aims to change the way we JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |

Fan art courtesy of Timothy Cox

communicate online. TIM: “The ‘Remembering Jamey’ episode was a very open, loving, and personal video where we discussed the anniversary of Jamey Rodemeyer’s death and the impact of online and offline bullying. Jamey was a young, gay teen from Buffalo, New York who took his own life because of anti-gay, homophobic bullying in his school and on the internet.” JuSTIn: “Youth have the moral imperative to stand up for the direction they want their future to go in. I am so thankful that I have met Jess and Tim so we can contribute to the movement of youth empowerment and equality for everyone through Lady Gaga's message and music.” JeSSICa: “We are all LGBT activists and we are all constantly sharing both love and equality on and off the show. At the end of every episode, we have a segment called ‘A Piece of Us’ where one of us will talk about something we have been through, things we see online that we want our viewers to acknowledge,

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or flat out just tell our viewers that we are always here to listen and help them whenever they need someone.” From their humble beginnings alone in their bedrooms, the hosts of the show have gone on to be the first to air snippets of new songs from Gaga’s ARTPOP album. JeSSICa: “One of our good friends, Emma, is part of the Haus of Gaga. A few months back when Gaga gave us snippets from her album “ARTPOP,” Emma was the one playing the songs for us to hear.” So, why Gaga? JeSSICa: Gaga is all for equality, positivity, love, and kindness and so am I.” JuSTIn: “I find Lady Gaga appealing because I am a diehard music fan. I appreciate the work that she puts into her creations and music because I know it's her vision and her art. Wrap this up with her never ending battle for equality and her huge heart full of compassion for humanity and you have my reason for loving her so much.” What is the future for RadioaRTPoP?

JuSTIn: “I think the future of RadioARTPOP is very bright. I can't wait for the tour to kick off so we can discuss that and honestly you never know what we will have up our sleeve, so stay tuned”. How can uK viewers get involved? TIM: “Right now, fans can go to RadioARTPOP.com/contests and see instructions on how to send us a video submission to be on the show. When we’re planning 2014’s schedule, we’ll be using the video submissions we receive to invite new fans on with us.” “UK listeners can get JeSSICa: involved by contacting us on twitter @radioARTPOP or by emailing us at radioartpop@gmail.com. We each have personal twitters as well where they can tweet us and talk.” anything else you’d like to add? JuSTIn: “When it comes to the UK- If I could visit ANYWHERE it would be the UK. Y’all have the greatest taste in music and fashion and fully appreciate everything that Gaga stands for. By the way, I have a huge weakness for an English accent- they make me melt.”

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cold hearted Russia

superior to the rest of humankind. In allowing Russia to host these games, he wrote; “The Five Rings would finally be forever smeared, besmirched and ruined in the eyes of the civilised world.” It’s hard not to share Fry’s opinion. Olympic protocol Rule 6 clearly states that the organisers must “Act against any form of discrimination affecting the Olympic Movement” which is ultimately to “place sport at the service of humanity and thereby promote peace”. However, it seems as though the IOC do not share the views of Mr Fry. Lamine Diack, a member of the IOC, has come out with a statement saying that “there is no problem” and he was “not worried at all” about hosting the games in Russia. “Russian law has to be respected”, said Mr Diack who is a citizen of Senegal where it is illegal to be Gay. “We are not going to be disrupted by political problems”.

The more pessimistic amongst us may feel like this is another example of us being told to accept our lot in life by the powers that be. “Big brother appreciates how you feel and will get back to you at a later date.” But, there is still reason to be heartened. Some Olympians competing in the 2014 games have taken it upon themselves to form their own silent protest. Whilst voicing their opinions in Russia may land them in jail, at home they have taken the opportunity to speak out. American runner, Nick Symmonds, is set to compete in 2014. He has said; “I disagree with their laws and I disagree with their views. “I’m trying to tread a thin line of being respectful as a guest in this country and also speaking out against some serious injustices ...Facebook, Twitter and that I see”. YouTube became inundated with He went on to say that he would like to wear a badge showing the Pride colours during the videos and written accounts of games but did not believe it was worth being arrested for. crimes against gay people... “As adamant as I am about this issue, I don’t And whilst our ‘beloved’ David Cameron and know what me sitting in jail is good for” he the great Barack Obama have come out of the said. closet expressing their concern at the treat- Other athletes taking part in the world chamment of LGBT people in Russia, neither one pionships held in Moscow currently are also has agreed that a boycott of the games is the showing their support. High jumper Emma Green Tregaro and Swedish sprinter Moa right course of action. So it looks as though the Winter Olympics are Hjelmer painted their nails in rainbow colours to go ahead despite the protestations of people before completing in their heats. And while our leaders may not believe a boyfrom around the globe. of the games is right, ...I’m trying to tread a thin cott clarification of how the laws line of being will affect those staying in Olympic village was respectful as a guest in this the called for with Putin assurcountry and also speaking ing they would be “safe”. out against some serious in- Around the globe we are seeing solidarity for the justices that I see... cause being shown by ordinary folk refusing to buy Russian vodka and bars refusing to sell it. The big brands supporting the Olympics like Coca Cola, McDonalds and Visa are being fought to withdraw by campaigners like Peter Tatchell and Dan Savage. Members of the punk band “Pussy Riot” brought more attention to the country by singing a protest song in a Moscow cathedral and getting themselves arrested. And, petitions are being signed in America and the UK to have the games banned from being aired on television or to be moved to Vancouver. In the cold light of day, when the sun dawns over the Sochi Olympics and we all watch the coverage on the BBC we’ll see the spectators who paid the IOC for their tickets with their Visa, eating their McDonalds Happy Meals and swigging at the Stolichnaya vodka we will wonder if any of it made any difference at all. If the games still go ahead and all that we managed to do was make a noise then that noise was heard around the globe. It spread like wild fire melting away any ignorance there was towards the plight of LGBT Russians. You have your opportunity now to stand up and be heard, to join the chorus. Whether the Olympics go ahead or not, we are reminded by each person who calls for change now that it is merely a single date on a calendar littered with future crimes against free people. It will not begin and end there. This is merely a single battle in the larger war. Our Russian comrades are being shown they are not left out in the cold, alone.

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uSSIa, the largest country in the world; is known for its Vodka, communist regimes, and more recently, for its despicable treatment of its LGBT citizens. Proving that an icy heart beats deep within its cold landscape many now fear for the frosty reception that awaits the gay Olympians that will descend upon on the country for 2014’s Sochi Olympics. In June, President Vladimir Putin signed the controversial “Gay propaganda” bill into Law meaning that Gay Russians can be fined £4000 and tourists can expect to be arrested and deported for ‘promoting homosexual behaviour’ (which includes holding hands with someone of the same sex in public). This comes as old news to many gay folk with the briefest interest in social media. Almost as soon as the law was signed into effect, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube became inundated with videos and written accounts of crimes against gay people. However, for the wider population this news seemed to slink completely under the radar and was mostly ignored by the mainstream news outlets. That is, of course, until some canny fellow named Stephen Fry took it upon himself to pen an open letter to David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In this letter, which went viral, Stephen Fry called this a “fascist” and “barbaric” law. He condemns the decision to host the Winter Olympics in Russia, comparing it to the infamous 1936 Olympics where Hitler used his power during the Games to try and promote the idea that the ‘white race’ was infinitely

S n o i n opi

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JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |

ride Season- also known as Gay Christmas! It’s a time to don your shades, shielding your eyes from the glare of the British sun and the many tanned torsos of LGBT people across the country. Here at Gteen, we spent the year, like the scene queens we are, preening and peacocking, strutting our stuff and showing off all of our hard work in the gym at all of the glorious Pride festivals of the UK. And the point is- we are to remind ourselvesthat is quite exactly not exactly the point to Pride. As countries around the world battle over the rights of their LGBT citizens, we found ourselves feeling not-altogether-comfortable dancing to deafening Gaga grooves in our lycra tank-tops, in overcrowded, fairy-filled nightclubs. This year we are asking the question; Why Pride? If Pride began as a protest then surely we are in danger of losing our way. The shell that we are left with is confused over whether it should be a celebration or an expensive and extravagant party for a minority. It seems that we have lost the politics in Pride. Liberation is limitless in Britain. This year we won the rights for equal marriage, the equal age of consent was achieved in a long ago battle, and we’ve even fought our way to seeing equality in adoption and IVF.

Peter Tatchell (right) with protestors outside the Commonwealth offices in London

groups know they have lost the battle against LGBT rights in the US, and they're now aiding and abetting anti-LGBT forces in countries where anti-gay violence is prevalent," said Beirich. That would be the classic missionary model perfected by, you guessed it, us. The commonwealth comprises of 53 countries, which were formerly part of the British Empire. Today, 40 of them uphold a total ban on homosexuality. Penalties for the ‘crime’ include life imprisonment, flogging (which often results in death), and in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda And yet, LGBT Britons still gather together at rudimentary homophobic witch hunts take this time of year and proclaim their differ- place. ences to the world. Surely, if it’s acceptance we A fact made worse, when you realise that until crave, we should shut up, sit down and just act they were conquered by Britain’s colonial rule, “normal”. they had absolutely no such laws or judgeIf we refuse to, then we best damn-well know ments regarding homosexual behaviour and in why we refuse to. many, like Papua New Guinea, had cultures Homosexuality is punishable by death today in that honoured homosexual practise. at least 9 countries around the world including One would be wise to remember that, if ever Iran, Afghanistan, Mauritania, Saudi-Arabia, the lives and wellbeing of those in foreign Sudan, Yemen, Somalia, Nigeria and parts of lands seems too distant for you to turn your the Maldives. mind to. Russia is in the spotlight of the World’s press So, shouldering the weight and responsibility at the moment concerning their anti-gay laws for helping these LGBT people sits squarely but the sad truth of the matter is that being with those who govern the Common Wealth Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered is il- one would assume. But, expect no shining legal in nearly 80 countries around the globe. knights on white horses- their action has neiWith the recent news of India and Uganda re- ther been steely nor swift. moving the equal-rights of their LGBT people, In their yearly meetings of heads of states “the it seems as some of us are stepping forward, Commonwealth has consistently refused to other nations are stepping back into the Mid- address the issue of human rights for LGBT dle Ages. people” says Alistair Stewart, “this is a stain on Alistair Stewart, assistant director of the Kalei- an organisation supposedly committed to doscope Trust told the Guardian newspaper: equal rights for all.” “the advances that are being made in some Human rights activist, Peter Tatchell, celeparts of the world encourage a backlash in brated in 2012 when the foreign ministers of other parts of the world.” the Commonwealth agreed to uphold the Yet others argue that it’s the anti-gay groups human rights of LGBT people and enforce a of more privileged nations like America who scrapping of homophobic laws. are using the influence of their much needed However, since then he calls for protest as we resources in the third world to spread their are yet to see these laws being brought into efhomophobic message. fect. Heidi Beirich, author of a report from The In November this year he was with campaignSouthern Poverty Law Centre told the ers outside their London Head Quarters reGuardian reporter that in Belize recently we monstrating the “Commonwealth’s collusion saw the classic “missionary model” in effect. with homophobia”. "Many of these American religious-right “This massive scale of anti-LGBT persecution”

...surely, if it’s acceptance we crave, we should shut up, sit down and just act “normal”...

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Why Pride?

said Tatchell, “makes a mockery of the Commonwealth Charter that was agreed earlier this year. It supposedly commits the member states to respect universal human rights, including the human rights of millions of LGBT Commonwealth citizens. Despite most member countries having failed to meet this commitment, the Commonwealth Secretariat says and does nothing. Silence is collusion.” Other governing bodies, such as the United Nations don’t seem to be doing too much to help support our brothers and sisters either. The UN was set up nearly 60 years ago, and 2010 was the first year that they met to discuss the prospect of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. At the same time 70 countries around the globe banned together to petition the UN to remove any protection in their constitution that LGBT may have- which they did. It is time that we stepped out of our safe, little, beautifully bedazzled bubble and saw the world for what it is.

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14 | Gteen | JANUARY 2014

...this massive scale of anti-LGBT persecution makes a mockery of the Commonwealth Charter...

The fight for OUR rights is far from over. Lest we forget that most of our equality laws are only a decade old and still petitions are signed each day by the far-right to have them removed. It’s only just over 40 years ago that British people were being jailed for being gay. Today many Brits still face a life of castigation, social exclusion and fear. Far too long have we been made to feel shame for what and who we are. Far too long have we worn the badges of “filthy”, “illegal”, “unnatural”, or “sinful”. And this is the point to our merry festivities each year. We must see the fight still raging in other countries and consider all LGBT as brothers and sisters. When they are shunned, disgraced, humiliated and condemned, so are we. We must stand up for ourselves and for those who are unable to stand. We must show that we do not, and never will, feel shame. United we will show our Pride.

rEVIEWS BIRMINGHAM PRIDE irmingham Pride is one of the largest and most multicultural in the uK, and; with it being smack bang in the middle of the country, we were there, and so were tens of thousands of you! Whether you’re new to Pride, or an old hat like some of us, there is something incredibly liberating and frankly amazing about not being the minority for just one day. Expect larger than life costumes and characters, hot boys, sexy girls, freaks, geeks and bedazzling. It’s time to leave your inhibitions at the door, Birmingham hosts a party to suit every persuasion from bear bars, to camp queens, dance clubs and poetry. Here we give you all of the goss and lowdown on what went on, what came off, and all the celebs we spotted on the day. The festival was kicked off at noon in Victoria Square. After a brief press conference, hundreds of people gathered outside the City Hall where the event’s organisers climbed atop a double decker bus to give their opening speeches. “Today we dedicate our Pride to the idea of love that knows no limits with sexuality. We want equality for marriagenot “Gay” marriage. This year say ‘I do’ to equal marriage!” said Tatchell. This sentiment was echoed by Festival Director, Lawrence Barton but interestingly enough, not by the Mayor of the city who garbled on about why it was great to have so many people in his City, whether they be Gay or Straight, before announcing the official beginning of the festivities- avoiding the topic of marriage altogether. Then they were off. Led by the double decker, the parade snaked its way down New Street, through High Street and Carrs Lane before finally arriving at Hurst Street, the main festival site. It is one of the most colourful parades this country has to offer. The crowd thronged to get a glimpse of the whole show as those involved marched, danced, and twirled their batons through the streets accompanied by disco music and chants of; “We’re here, we’re Queer, get over it!”

JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |

Immixed with the African dancers and semi-naked stilt-walkers, were students marching in protest to keep ‘Pride’ a free event with their “Pride is a Protest” banners and gay couples holding hands, stopping every few steps to kiss and asking spectators for the right to be married. Once at the gay village, wristbands bought and fixed into place, there is no escaping the sense of celebration in the air. With the barriers up, and security keeping the trouble-makers out, we have claimed these streets as our own for two days. The sun is beating down and it spirits are high. Left to your own devices, there is much to choose from to keep yourself entertained. At the centre of it all is the Main Stage where you will see the likes of JLS perform, or if it’s live Drag shows you prefer there’s the Cabaret tent, there’s

THE MAIN STAGE! The main stage at Birmingham Pride was pumping with the stars of the show JLS in one of their first gigs since announcing that they will split performing their best known chart toppers and some lessknown DJing skills to the screaming crowd. MAIN STAGE BEST MOMENT: Undoubtedly, seeing A*M*E perform. The crowd loved her; she was slick, fresh and fabulous and had the audience baying for more at the end of her set. MAIN STAGE WORST MOMENT: Rylan’s mash up of Gangnam Style“Rylan Style”. (Sorry Rylan!) While half the crowd laughed with Rylan half laughed at him. Awks! MAIN STAGE CRINGIEST MOMENT: Kitty Brucknell. Not on the bill, or the website, no-one knew she was performing. Her routine of strip-burlesque (once seen, never unseen) and screeching vocals were, quite frankly, just odd. Mid-set someone threw a shoe at her- naughty, naughty.

all the fun at the fair located behind there, or you may rave the hours away in the Dance Arena. If politics is more your thing then check out the Village Green or the Women’s Area where you’ll find information on causes that need you and where to get support if you need it. And, lacing the streets in amongst it all you’ll find pop-up bars, food stands, face painting and market stalls selling everything from rainbow flags for you, to rainbow outfits for your pets. Earlier in the day we danced along with Kitty Brucknell as she screamed into the mic. Things got more soulful as Misha B belted out some kick-ass 90’s R&B and we were lulled into a festive folksy stooper as Lucy Spraggan performed her knew songs on an acoustic guitar and the masses sang along to some oldies.

THE CABARET STAGE! If it’s drag you crave then the Cabaret tent is bursting with more than enough sequins, vicious tongues to keep even the drag hungriest of you satisfied. This is what Pride is about. Often better, more polished than the acts you’ll find on the main stage. CABARET STAGE BEST MOMENT: Hard to choose but we have to go with Sandra’s set for her sheer outrageous humour. One of the only black Drag Queens in the country, expect anything but political correctness from the fierce biatch. CABARET STAGE WORST MOMENT: Don’t expect us to be throwing any shade at the acts in the cabaret tent. But, we were a bit put off from the heat in the tent and getting a drink at the bar was pretty impossible. CABARET STAGE CRINGIEST MOMENT: All of it! That’s drag for you!

Owen Richard (left) filming the nightclub scenes in the Dancing Bear Trilogy

The Dancing Bear Trilogy In an exclusive interview, owen Richard, one of the uK’s best known Drag Performers talks to Gteen about his new art-house film “The Dancing Bear Trilogy”.

Fletcher, an artist based in Leeds. Of the trilogy, Jamie said; “Our aim is to create conversations and open up dialogues about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender issues. “I am very proud of the film. It’s experimental in its approach to blurring the lines between dance and live art and EST known as his Drag alter ego, raises important questions surrounding Divina De Campo, we find Owen LGBT people”. frantically sorting through wigs Entirely funded on donations from supand costumes in a dressing room “no bigger than a dog’s kennel” he laughs, “Dame Shirley doesn’t have to put up with this”. It’s the day of filming and Owen tells us that he has spent the morning teaching the choreography to the dancers and is awaiting the arrival of a hundred volunteers to shoot the crowd scenes. The film is the second of a trilogy ex- porters, the film will be split into three ploring gender and sexual identity on acts. The first act will explore how an outsider may view the gay scene. Act the gay scene. “We are exploring how the scene has two looks at how people interact on the changed through the years and how in- scene through modern dance (with clusive it can be on the one hand and signature moves made famous by all the how damaging it can be on the other” icons from Liza, to Madonna, through to he says frantically squeezing a wig over Gaga and Nicki Minaj), and the film culminates with the death of the Drag his head before disregarding it for Queen: Owen performs an operatic aria another. The Director of the trilogy is Jamie whilst stumbling through a desolate

“

...we create our own family in the gay world...

“

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nightclub in a torn wedding dress. Who are they hoping will see the film? “Everybody and anybody! The trilogy will be shown around the UK when it’s completed in March 2014,” Jamie says, “we really want to get as large an audience as possible, and are in talks with Channel 4 about broadcasting it. “Gay people may have more rights than ever before, but the gay scene is still a mystery to many straight people- and they are our audience. “We still have a long way to go until homosexuality is fully accepted in society and opening the doors to people on some of our hidden corners is an important step in fully coming out of the closet as a group.” We ask the pair how important they believe the gay scene is in 2013 and a serious look falls over Owen’s face; “It is incredibly important. People come to the scene looking for other people just like them. Some have lost friends and family when they’ve come out, for other people it’s a chance to associate with a group of queers who have the same experiences and dreams as them, things that their straight friends would never fully understand. We create our own family in the gay world- we look

Dancers take to floor on set

Owen Richard as Divina De Campo

out for our own- without the scene, God knows what would happen to some of these kids.” Jamie’s response is slightly more negative; “I’m not sure if in this day and age the scene does more harm than good. It can get to be a bit like a ghetto, where we cram ourselves into one space and don’t mix with the rest of society. “I’m really interested in the stereotypes we create on the scene, the young twinks that seem to own the nightclubs on a night out and then the older hairy guys we call bears who sometimes don’t seem to fit in- or can be made to feel like they’re not part of the cool gang. “We seem to perpetuate these stereotypes of ourselves and they can sometimes be really damaging. My hope is that as society becomes more accepting we will start to break down the ghettoization of the gay scene because we simply won’t need it anymore.” Owen feigns disgust; “And put me out of a job? Over my dead body!” The Dancing Bear Trilogy is set to be shown UK wide next year with sneak previews available online at www.dancingbeartrilogy.com

The cast pose for a group picture after a long day filming

START AN LG How to...

university societies are as British a tradition as mum’s Sunday roast or the whole family squeezing into a car bound for a summer holiday at Butlins in Bognor.

As students wave their parents ‘good riddance’ at the doors of their ‘Halls’ accommodation, joining a society is one of the first things on the to-do list. Stonewall UK, one of the nation’s largest LGBT charities, has put together an extensive list of Universities across the UK and given them a ranking on just how Gay and Trans friendly they are. Ben Summerskill, Chief Executive for Stonewall, says; “There are Universities across the country that are leading the way in making their campuses places where gay young people can flourish. We must strive to make all Universities live up to that bench mark.” For an LGBT student, one of the greatest things about uni life is finding the space to truly be yourself and celebrate it! And, what better way to do that than finding other like-minded people to celebrate it with you and fly your freak flags together! Sky Yarlett, one of the LGBT Officers for the NUS said; “We’ve all seen the ‘jocks’ in American movies, hazing the crap out of each other in their frat-houses or Legally Blonde-esque beauty queens playing ‘who’s the bitchiest bitch’ in their sororities. But, our students should expect social groups with a clear function, a fusion of ideologies and networks of new drinking buddies.” Think Hogwarts with more cheap cider. So here at Gteen we’ve teamed up with Sky and Rebecca Unsworth, President of Staffordshire Universities LGBT Society, and put together a guide on all the things you should expect from an LGBT society.

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RULE 1 ersity

niv one; U r e u If yosn’t havone! doe create

RULE 2 Get a good group around you.

There is more to a society than its leader. While the President or Chair of the society is key in bringing people together and keeping activities focussed on the overall mission; a multi-faceted LGBT society will need; - A Social Rep to organise and gather support for all of the nights out that you plan. - A Media Rep. Aside from keeping in touch with all of your members it is important to some societies to know that there is a strong LGBT student voice in your community. - A Treasurer to keep on top of all monetary incomes and outgoings. - A Secretary to keep record of meetings and upcoming dates. - A Policies Officer. Depending on whether you plan to affect social and political change in your community or the UK as a whole this person will be key in organising how and when you do so. And, if you are the leader, don’t be afraid to invent your own to share your responsibilities; the last thing you want is for your passion to become a chore and interfere with your degree.

RULE 3 Harness the power of social media! Keeping your members involved and up-to-date in all things

is essential if a society is to function as an open and inclusive forum. If you have not done so already create a Facebook page and update it regularly- this is possibly the greatest people connecting tool we have because, let’s face it; who doesn’t have Facebook. And branch out even further, there’s Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr just waiting for you to connect with current and perspective members. Don’t be afraid to create your own website full of information on the society, past and future events, and those all-important contact details.

GBT SOCIETY RULE 4 Don’t forget about your Transgender members! RULE 5 Organise meet-ups for those in your University who are fighting society and their own bodies when it comes to gender. Think about what would be truly great for these people to do- maybe make-up consultation. This can be done very cheaply Be political! The advent of equal-marriage has

by organising an Avon representative to visit the group; this also creates a safe space for those members who may feel intimidated by the thought of sitting at not meant that we have won the a ‘Boots’ counter and having their five o’clock shadow being masked in front of fight full equality just yet. As a student we are almost societally obliother shoppers. gated to continue this fight; you have a voice and it is time to be heard. Contact your members and speak to fellow students about what policies they really want changed! ULE

RULE 7 Create a constitution! Your members deserve a society

6 Have fun! Remember that there are those

members of the LGBT community who, mystifyingly, do not enjoy the ‘scene’, nightclubs, or even drinking. It’s a great idea to have a weekly tea and coffee get-together in the Union bar or café. If the meeting place is on campus then you are ensuring all students should be able to get there, with a clear mission statement and especially those who may not be able to travel to nightclub set of behavioural codes- remember that some students will want to know destinations. It creates a cosier atmosphere and a less formal occasion for members to air their concerns if they can speak to you confidentially. If the thought of drafting a con- or ideas for future events. ULE stitution from scratch freaks you out- copy one! Rebecca is more than happy for you to log onto the Staffordshire University LGBT Society webIn order to promise your members trips to site and pinch theirs! Make any changes theme parks, political rallies, or museums (for you deem fit and your hard work is those of you into that sort of thing) at a reduced done. rate it is important to raise money. Speak to your students Union about the rules or funding yourself. Some ULE great ideas to raise money include; - Charging a joining fee for members. As a society that has a social responsibility of inclusion to its members i suggested that this amount remains small. Whether you’re at University in Manchester with its queer -isCreate a membership card. If you have secured deals packed canal Street or in Stoke-on-Trent with its solitary your local for reduced prices for your memGay bar, there will be many a drunken night out in your time bers thennightclubs card is a great way to make sure that spent at University. With our pitiful student loans, we are all only yourthis LGBT students proper. As long as the looking to do it in the cheapest way possible. It’s time to put cost of this remains separate from the your sequinned business caps on and start thinking about get- joining feecard then you can reasonably charge ting the best bang for your pink buck. Speak to the owners of the gay establishments in your towns and about £10.00 for one. cities. You have something they want; the influential power of deciding just where all of your LGBT members will be spending their drinking money. Don’t be afraid to ask for free entry to students from your University- many across the country are already doing it. And don’t stop there; set up deals for free shots with each students first drink bought, or reduced prices on drinks when they show their student cards; if the bar doesn’t already have one, talk about starting a weekly student night on one of their quieter days- a provento-be successful venture for any nightclub owner.

R 9 Raise money!

R 8 Think like a business person!

JANUARY 2014 | Gteen |