QS magazine

February 2009

WELCOME 3

Hi All, Welcome to this special love edition of QS magazine. Inside we have some great new features, stories and interviews.

If you like our stunning cover guy check out the feature on page 56 where we interview this rising gay star.

TV this Feb will see the return of both skins and shameless to our boxes, both shows we know are popular with you the reader.

We here at QS towers are manic organising our first birthday events in March, check out the ad on page 14 for more details, we hope you can make some of these events. Keep checking our new look site for updates on our birthday tour as we are adding new events daily.

Perhaps it’s the thoughts of our upcoming birthday that I have been getting a bit reflective. Over the last year we at QS have been privileged to work alongside Scottish venues, charities and the community.The other day I was flicking through all the past issues of QS and I noticed how much we have changed in just a year. The design has taking a more funky turn, plus editorial has become a lot more diverse. We at QS really do love the job we do. It is more than just putting a magazine together it is about the relationships we can develop with charities and groups. Just so you know QS is set to grow even more this year with a massive online promotion for our site, we now get on average of 45,000 downloads of the magazine every month bringing our readership well over 100,000. There has been ‘rumours’ of QS closing down but I assure you this could not be further from the truth, in fact we are determined to make QS even bigger in 2009. This year we will be hosting numerous charity events to raise money for LGBT Youth Scotland, a charity that is close to our hearts here at QS. I just want to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful advertisers and partners, without them this rise to success would not be possible. Other publications might criticise the way we do things but in less than a year we have become a favourite read for both the Scottish community and now on a global front.

Well valentine’s day is coming soon and there is many events happening across Scotland, we hope you get out there and have a great time. Feb is also LGBT history month; we bring you a great feature on this special event inside. Please try and support as many of the charity events as you can.

So that’s us for another month, we hope you enjoy this month’s content. Next month we have a special birthday edition and all the details about our birthday tour. If you would like to help us on our tour just drop us an email.

And as valentine’s approaches I am reminded of what someone once said to me, ‘You cannot love someone until you learn to love yourself’.

Until next month Darren, Gary and all the staff at QS.

4

CONTENTS

February 2009

3 Welcome 8 Upfront 10 Get This- Latest gadgets 16 Fashion 30 Feature - Holocaust 34 Music- With DJ Dazglaz 36 Music- Gay Pimpin 38 Feature- Shameless new series 40 Feature- Skins.. A new era 45 Interview- Ryan Ford 49 Movies of the month 53 DVD releases 54 Games of the month 56 Cover- Raphael Solomon 60 Motoring- Reviews 64 Interview- Can buy me love 68 LGBT History month 73 Health issues 75 Fitness 76 My QS- Real local people 80 Problems with Aunty Liza 82 Love by James Longworth 86 Interview- Manhunting 88 Feature- Gay weddings 92 Snapped with Wildcats 96 Away- Blackpool Pride 2009 100 Nightlife across Scotland 112 Your Stars 114 Last word with Darren

Darren Kavanagh Editor darren@qsmag.com Gary J Leek Design gary@qsmag.com Leah Ashley-Brown Public Relations leah@qsmag.com John May admin john@qsmag.com Sales admin sales@qsmag.com General information info@qsmag.co.um

GOT THE FLAIR ?

The articles and views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Arion Media accepts no liability. Prices, dates and times are correct at time of going to press. No advertisement, article or picture in part or full may be used without prior written permission from Arion Media.

We are looking for enthusiastic writers with a dynamic flair.

If you feel you have what it takes to contribute to Scotland’s rapidly expanding LGBT magazine, then send your details to recruitment. recruitment@qsmag.co.uk Your future begins here TODAY !

www.qsmag.com Published by Arion Media in Scotland

8 UP

FRONT

All the gossip from around Scotland

Terrence Higgins Trust News

tht.org.uk

Calling volunteers - They are currently looking for volunteers to help with Outreach/Netreach and with events and fundraising for more information and to get an application pack contact the office on 0845 241 2151 or email info.aberdeen@

Arlene Watt the community support volunteer coordinator is now 8 months in post and has a few volunteers under her wing. If you are living with HIV and need someone to talk to/help you please contact Arlene confidentially on 0845 241 2151 or arlene. watt@tht.org.uk Arlene will arrange for you to come into the office or meet you at a comfortable place for yourself to discuss any issues and if you wish allocate a volunteer for you to talk to.

Transgender Support – Terrence Higgins Trust now have a contact within the T community that is willing to speak to other people with T issues. If you wish to access the email address you can contact THT on 0845 241 2151 or info.aberdeen@tht.org.uk The Aberdeen LGBT Group is meeting next on Saturday 14th February - Limited places for a meal at a local restaurant. Email andi.watson@tht.org.uk to find out if there are places available.

Out & Safe Event - Saturday 28 February from 10am to 4pm Free community event, register in advance a free event for the LGBT community on policing and community safety, Cedarwood, 20 Edgar Rd, Elgin.

Contact Scott @ Equality Network to book.

LGBT Grampian Yahoo Group is the latest online place for people to find out more about local events, support groups and more. You can join the group by going to the website at http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/lgbtgrampian/join

QS goes Global.

Over the next few month’s QS is launching a massive online campaign to promote www.qsmag.com We want to promote Scotland’s thriving gay scene across the globe so we will have ads on all the big sites including manhunt.net and many more. If you cannot pick up your copy or want to tell your friends about us just check out the new look website.

MANHUNT, MANHUNT Daily and MANHUNTCares With millions of registered profiles, and tens of thousands of men signing up every week, there is something for everyone on MANHUNT.net. Founded in 2002, MANHUNT is one of the world’s leading online communities/hook-up sites, offering comprehensive search options to help members quickly find and meet compatible men. Members can create personal profiles, upload and share photos, track Buddies, IM and email, all from within the site, as well as opting for mobile access to check out guys on the go.

MANHUNT’s blog, MANHUNTDaily.com offers up a daily dose of insight and commentary on everything from pop culture to gay rights, as well as an opportunity to sound off on the day’s events. In addition to the blog, MANHUNT offers MANHUNTCares.com, which provides information on how to play and stay healthy, and gives one click access to over 400 health organizations globally.

The QS HOTTIE of the month.

No we don’t mean some airbrushed model, we at QS like to keep it real. Our hottie of the month is the gorgeous Ryan who works in Priscilla’s Edinburgh. He has a smile that would melt any heart, dresses to impress all the time and is an all round stunner.

Throw in a great personality, good sense of humour, and you have the perfect boy.

Star of Holyoaks at GHQ.

Come meet actor James Sutton who played gay character ‘John Paul’ in Hollyoaks. This gorgeous star will be at GHQ on Friday 27th Feb.

10 GET

THIS

So we’re a month into the new year, we’re all still dating things 08, none of us have kept our resolutions and we’ll all complain about it. So why not cheer yourselves up with a little bit of television.

urea 2 A s p i l Phi vision e l e T D 42in LC Now When I say a ‘little bit’ what I actually mean is 42” of pure beauty, add a 4” bezel, backlight and state of the art High Definition technology, and you have yourself the perfect night in with all your favourite stars.

Introducing the Aurea 2, the latest TV from Philips brings the cinema home, with plenty of added extras.

So lets start at the very beginning. Gimmicks oftenhelp to sell products and usually they have a short lifetime that you often or not get bored of, but Philips have brought practicality and a little bit of science to the art of selling using gimmicks. The Aurea is not only stylish in white but the clear surrounding lip frames the piece beautifully, suited to any room whatever the décor. Philips have taken these fantastic styling features to the next level, the clear lip is actually the speakers surrounding the TV and project the noise toward the audience.

However, by far the most spectacular thing about this TV is the 4” bezel, Philips refer to this as the ‘Ambilight’. The Ambilight projects an array of colours, reflecting that of what you are viewing, so for instance if an explosion happens, the frame lights lots of reds, yellows and oranges, making things more dramatic for the viewers. Settings can be adjusted due to the feel of the programme, from how active the light is to how much it separates. This is reflected behind the telly so that it softly surrounds, bathing the wall behind in light. Now down to the science…

It’s not that complicated really.When you watch such a big screen in dim light, it sometimes strains the eyes, like turning the bedroom light on in the middle of the night, or looking toward a bright sun. Philips have thought about this and the bezel twinned with the backlight on the wall softens the strain on your eyes, meaning you don’t feel tired! …Brilliant!

Moving on to the TV itself. Of all the televisions, I have tested this Aurea is by far the greatest, apart from a great set of gimmicks, this TV has the latest in Philips technology called ‘Pixel Perfect’. This increases the amount of frames per second from 24fps to 99fps, making watching telly a whole new experience. Combine this fantastic technology with Blu-Ray and you are suddenly dodging bullets with Bond and flying through the air with Iron Man. It truly immerses you into what you are watching and once you experience it, you’ll never understand how you lived without out.

Whatever you are doing, from watching telly, to playing games, this Aurea 2 is so versatile, allowing you to match your needs for a perfect night in.

For all this you probably think that the Aurea 2 comes with a hefty price tag, and you wouldn’t be wrong, this beautiful piece of art deco comes in at a massive £2,500 but trust me, it is so worth it you wont regret a penny.

Marcus Lange @ topgayer.com

12 GET

THIS

Love

Valentine’s Gadgets

is in the air, it’s that all famous Hallmark holiday,Valentines Day, where most of you will probably go out to a restaurant, have some slap up meal, be bugged by some guy selling his violin skills, when all you want to do is go to the local gay bar and get trollied.

But before all this happens, why not think about buying into the whole idea of Valentines and get that special someone a gift!

Okay so I’m a bit of a scrooge when it comes to Valentines, as I do believe it’s a huge retail scam, and I advice you to look up the history of Valentines, as I don’t think that whipping your loved ones with blood and parts of animals is particularly sanitary in this day and age. However, a lot of people love the idea of it all and some obsess over the perfect gift, so here’s a few little things that might help.

Marcus Lange www.topgayer.com

Secret Arrow

Now this little gesture I actually find quite sweet, and If I woke up to one on Valentines, it’d make me smile.

If you’re a little lonely this Valentines, why not shoot the one you love a Secret Arrow? With a little scroll (and spares so you can’t go wrong) you can write you inner most desires, roll them up tight using the ‘rolling rod’, pop the message in the Arrow head and send it on.

Just like Cupid!

Sculpture Sutra

Here’s something for all you sexual deviants out there. If you need to plan your night of bedroom behaviour and see what it will all look like, why not get the Sculpture Sutra!

Sit down with your partner, open a page and put your models into position! With Modelling clay, wire, plastic eyes, a bedroom scene and the bed and bedding you’ll have hours of enjoyment from this fun little kit.

After this night of Wallace and Gromit style of love making, have a cuppa and think about what you’ve done.

Silver Love Heart

Do you remember when you were a wee slip of a lad and used to chase the other boys and girls about the playground, giving them sweets that said even sweeter things like, ‘BE MINE’, ‘U R GREAT’ and ‘MINE 4EVA’?

Well now get the ultimate love heart. A silver love heart saying the ultimate ‘I LOVE YOU’

Board Games

Another brilliant idea to do on that day of love, is play a board game, something you can get competitive over and fall out about. Prezzybox have some alternative to that of monopoly and risk though.

GET THIS 13

Monogamy

Voted the Adult Game of the Year, this sees sexual fantasies, secrets and 3 levels of intense sexual antics.

Nookii

A sexual game involving a timer, dice and lots or umm, ooh and aah! Said to be the ‘Map of Foreplay’

Lust

A promised ‘unique love-making experience’, this is not the sort of game you play with your family after dinner. Play through the game collecting cards to create one night of steamy romance!

All the gifts and gadgets featured are available from www.Prezzybox.com at reasonable pricing, usually dispatched in 24 hours depending on seasonal peaks. Finally, I wish you all a Happy Valentines!

With Love,

Marcus

X

74 BEAUTY

FASHION

16

Shampoo £3.79, sculpting hair gel £4.00 Hair wax stick £4.50, Textured hair clay £5.50 (Neutral range).

Anti-perspirant deodorant £3.79 each (Urban, Copper,1972)

White Shirt- £55, Grey Cotton Trousers- £65

S Y O B E

FC UK weekend kit £14 Polished bronzer with tan enhancer £5

TH

Navy Suit Jacket- £135, Suit Trousers- £75

Navy Suit Jacket- £135, Suit rousers- £75

White Linen Shirt- £40, Marlon Shorts- £55

Eau De Toilet £22, Body wash £3.79, Anti-perspirant £3.79, Body spray £3.79 Anti-perspirant stick £3.79 (Urban range)

White Bib Shirt- £45, Dirty Denim Jeans- £60

Polished sugarscrub £5

Indulgent bag £15

Leather strap watch £80

Blue Patent City Bag- £40 Pure lipgloss £4.50 Red Striped Rugby Top- £35, Lightweight Denim Jeans- £65

FASHION 17

Multi row£3.79, turquoise beadShampoo sculpting hair gel £4.00 ed necklaceHair wax stick£18 £4.50, Textured hair clay £5.50 (Neutral range).

ant pper,1972)

Darcy top - £45, Luna jeans - £75, Jazzy shoes - £100

kit £14 Polished bronzer with tan enhancer £5

Art dress - £90, Wooden clutch - £55, Black and white belt - £35, Jazzy shoes - £100

THE GI

Eau De Toilet £22, Body wash £3.79, Anti-perspirant £3.79, Body spray £3.79 Anti-perspirant stick £3.79 (Urban range)

RLS

Multi colour wood bangle set- £15

Acacia jacket - £145, Cinnamon jeans - £70, Jazzy shoes - £100

crub £5

Indulgent bag £15 Sound of spring dress - £75, Stripe clutch - £40, Jan shoes - £95 Pure lipgloss £4.50

Swarovski Crystal Watch with leather strap £90

Lucy jersey jumpsuit - £65, Jazzy shoes - £100

18

FASHION

Navy oxford taped blazer £175, Pink Eton v neck jumper £60, Blue Henley stripe shirt £65, Green silk tie with pink frog print £35, Navy epsom trousers £100

Slim fit denim jacket £90 Levi’s, Green v neck jumper £75 Lyle and Scott, Pink Checked shirt £50 Fred Perry, Beige shorts £35 Howick, Red skinny leather belt £16 Linea

Black/electric blue reversible jacket £55 Linea, Navy fine stripe cardigan £70 Paul Smith Jeans, Navy gingham shirt £50 Fred Perry, Checked bow tie £65 Polo Ralph Lauren, Indigo slim leg distressed jeans £250 Diesel, Oak leather pocket bag £595 Mulberry

Turquoise blousson £110 Diesel, Pink dip dyed v neck jumper £145 Lacoste, Denim shorts £55 Duck and Cover, Red leather skinny belt £16 Linea

FASHION 19

Blue and mustard zebra print briefs , £17 each Calvin Klein

Navy satin blazer with pink piping £690 D&G, White shirt £120 Zegna, Pink silk tie £15 Linea, Pink tailored shorts £65 Polo Ralph Lauren

Natural straw trilby £35 Paul Smith, Turquoise v neck merino jumper £35 Linea, Coral short sleeved polo £19 Howick, Blue seersucker shorts £75 Ralph Lauren, Green leather skinny belt £16 Linea, Blue and yellow bowling bag £120 Paul Smith

Oak leather pocket bag , £595 Mulberry

House Of Fraser Edinburgh 145 Princes Street West End, Edinburgh, EH2 4BL 0131 225 2472

Black and white check scarf , £20 Linea

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

20

FASHION

Purple dip dye scarf £25 Linea Weekend, Flower print top £29 Linea Weekend, Indigo crease front jeans £45 Linea Weekend

Black and gold oversized square sunglasses £210 Balenciaga, Magenta striped cardigan £49 Linea, Magenta striped dress £59 Linea, Plastic bangles £15 each Untold

Maxi print dress £99 Linea, Oval stone pendant £399 Pellini, Gold chain bracelet £79 CC Skye, Grey wide bangles £399 each Pellini

Purple jewel buckle belt £19 Linea.

Multi coloured chiffon kaftan £29 Linea

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

FASHION 21

Black poppy print blouse £199 Jaeger London, Indigo flared jeans £205 7 for all Mankind, Plastic bangles £15 each Untold, White patent leather bag with tan straps and button front detail £399 Jaeger London

Black and gold oversized square sunglasses £210 Plastic bangles £15 each

Red elasticated belt £15

Grey Leather dome bag with turn lock detail £210

FASHION

22

Kaftan top £20, Jeans £25

Trilby £8,Crop denim jacket £25,Check shirt £18,Jeans £20

www.newlook.co.uk

Paisley folk top £20,Sunglasses £8,Hotpants £18,Socks £3,Sandals £40

Heart-Shaped sunglasses £8,Boyfriend jacket £30,Limited Edition summer dress £35,socks £3,Pumps £10

FASHION 23

Limited Edition cardigan £35

embellished

Limited Edition blouse £35,Hotpants £20, Socks £3,Sandals £40 Straw boater £10,Anchor jumper £28

Patent hooded jacket £25,Limited Edition pearl embellished T shirt £28,Limited Edition trousers £25,Navy pumps £10

FASHION 25

T-shirt £10,Shorts £20,Cap £8

Jacket £35,T-shirt £10,Jeans £30,Sunglasses £10

Sweater £35,Vest £4,Shorts £20

Jacket £35,Shirt £18,Bow tie £6,Denim shorts £18

26

FASHION

www.newlook.co.uk

Blazer £55,Trousers £25,T-shirt£10,Scarf £6,Sunglasses £10

Jacket £30,Shirt £18,Jeans £25

Cardigan £18,Shirt £15,Jeans £30, Loafers £30

Denim jacket £45,Shirt £18,Cardigan £35,Trousers £35

28

FASHION

www.marksandspencer.com

Blazer £TBC Jeans £35.T.shirt £TBC,Clear bangle £9.50 (3 piece set) .Brown bangle £12 , .Pink bangle £7.50

Shorts £29.50 Jacket £TBC T/T.shirt £9.50 ,Belt £15Pumps £25 ,

Dress £65 in strore May,Ring £7.50 in store Feb

FASHION 31 FASHION 29 Ginch Gonch – the title of the company comes from the Canadian slang words for underwear “ginch” and “gonch” – is heralded for its innovative and oftentimes outlandish designs. The Heart On collection is Ginch Gonch’s first holiday-inspired brief.

Ginch Gonch, the unapologetically sassy underwear and lounge-wear company, is showing it’s mushy-gushy romantic side this Valentine’s Day with the launch of its limited-edition Heart On collection, featuring playful hearts, glossy puckered lips and Cupid’s arrow briefs. Touted as “the sexiest undies you will barely wear”, the Heart On collection will be available in major department stores, select independent retailers and online at www.GinchGonch.com beginning February 1st, 2009.

“We wanted to have a little fun this Valentine’s Day,” explained Ginch Gonch founder and Director of Stitches and Inches Jason Sutherland, at this week’s announcement. “What better way to express the love we feel towards the thousands of loyal Ginch Ginch fans than with an exciting collection of sexy, playful briefs? We want everyone to know that Ginch Gonch has a heart on for you this Valentines Day.”

Ginch Gonch is the world’s hottest and youngest underwear company. Born out of a vision to revitalize the underwear market, Ginch Gonch designs are outrageously fun with a dab of sexual innuendo in every style. With product lines for men, women, and Made from a breathable, body-conforming stretch even children, Ginch Gonch’s luxury brand is pushfabric (95% cotton/5% Lycra), the glittering Heart On ing boundaries in an effort to instill their motto “Live briefs are available in shiny red, black and combinaLife Like a Kid” into every underwear drawer. Ginch tion red/white/and blue. The “Hearts” line features a Gonch has attracted the attention of buyers from all bold throbbing heart print. The “lips” line depicts an over the globe, and is a favorite of celebrities includopen set of wet smackers in the middle of the crotch. ing Ashton Kutcher, Avril Lavigne, Tori Spelling, and The “Cupid’s Arrow” line features a single striped Britney Spears. heart with an arrow shot in the middle. All briefs include glitter for that extra punch! The signature 1 1/4 For a sneak peak at all of Ginch Gonch’s rollicking inch microfiber elastic logo waistband with matching new designs for Winter and Spring 2009, visit stitched trim, gives the collection a stylish, tailored www.GinchGonch.com. look.

30 FEATURE

Alan Parker talks to QS about the official holocaust remembrances.

Historically LGBT victims have long been omitted from official remembrances of the holocaust, with 2007 seeing those victims being mentioned for the first time, in materials issued by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. Section 175, the provision within the Criminal Code used by the Nazi’s to persecute gay men, was instituted into German law in 1871. A Parliamentary Committee had decided to repeal this section of German law in 1929 and in the late 1920s Berlin was considered a liberal city, with gay and lesbian bars, nightclubs and cabarets. Social support for the LGBT community was also well organised, the Institute of Sex Research offered a style of support comparable to that of modern day charities.

The planned repeal of Section 175 was prevented by the rise of the Nazi party. In May 1933 the Hitler Youth made an organised attack on the Institute of Sex Research.Their library and archives were looted and burned in the streets with around twenty thousand books and journals, and five thousand images being destroyed. The Institute’s extensive lists of names and addresses were also seized. As a result between five thousand and fifteen thousand gay men from Berlin were rounded up and forced into concentration camps, where they were identified by a pink triangle.

Nazi ideology believed women were inferior to, and by nature dependent on, men. They also regarded lesbians as less threatening than gay men, considering lesbianism to be a social problem.

Nazis believed lesbians could still carry out a German woman’s primary role, to be a mother of as many Aryan babies as possible. Nonetheless lesbians were persecuted.

The police systematically raided and closed down bars and clubs, forcing lesbians to meet in secret, creating a climate of fear by encouraging police raids and denunciations. Many broke off contacts, some moved to new cities where they would be unknown, others seeking the joint protection of marriages of convenience, often with gay friends.

In 1935 the Nazis exacerbated Paragraph 175 by redefining the crime of homosexuality as a felony, increasing the maximum penalty from six months to five years imprisonment. Furthermore by replacing the term “against nature” with that for “lewdness”, they removed the longtime tradition that the law applied only to penetrative sex. The marginalization of gay men in German society was reflected in the camps. They suffered unusually cruel treatment, facing persecution not only from German soldiers but also from other prisoners, many beaten to death by other inmates. Pierre Seel, one of the few gay survivors of the holocaust, recalled the death of his lover at a concentration camp in France: ‘The SS stripped him naked and shoved a tin pail over his head. Next they sicced their ferocious German Shephards on him; the guard dogs first bit into his groin and thighs, then devoured him infront of us’.

FEATURE 31 Additionally, those in forced labor camps received dangerous work assignments. German soldiers would use gay men for target practice, aiming their weapons at the pink triangles their targets were forced to wear. In an attempt to locate a gay gene to cure any future Aryan children of their homosexuality, Nazi doctors often used gay men for horrific pseudo- scientific experiments.

The first openly gay member of the German parliament tried to remove the law in 1986. Facing opposition from the other parties, Paragraph 175 remained a part of German law for a further eight years.

It was decided to strike Paragraph 175 entirely from the legal code in 1994. In December 2000 the unified German parliament issued an official apology to gay victims of the holocaust. In 2002, the German government pardoned the gay men who were imprisoned by Nazis.

The rounding up of gay men continued through the start of the war, when some were offered the choice of castration or consignment to Auchwitz. It is estimated that between fifty and one hundred thousand gay men were consigned to the camps and died between 1933 and 1944.

2005 saw the European Parliament marking the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp with a minute’s silence and the passage of a resolution, which included the following text:

After the war, gay survivors were not acknowledged as victims of Nazi persecution. Reparations available to other groups were refused to gay men, who were still classified as criminals. Under the Allied Military Government of Germany some were forced to serve out terms of imprisonment imposed under Hitler’s regime, regardless of time already spent in concentration camps.

After World War 2 the Federal Republic of Germany retained the Nazi version of Paragraph 175, with its harsh provisions for the treatment of homosexual men. In 1957 this decision was upheld when it was declared that the paragraph was ‘not influenced by Nazi politics to such a degree that it would have been abolished in a free, democratic state’. Between 1945 and 1969 around fifty thousand gay men were sentenced to prison.

In November 1973 the West German Government passed a complete reform of laws concerning sex and sexuality. The paragraph was renamed from “Crimes and misdemeanors against morality” to “Offenses against sexual self-determination”, and the word lewdness was replaced by the equivalent of the term “sexual acts”. The age of consent was lowered to 18, compared to 14 for heterosexuals.

“The death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau, where hundreds of thousands of Jews, Roma, homosexuals, Poles and other prisoners of various nationalities were murdered, is not only a major occasion for European citizens to remember and condemn the enormous horror and tragedy of the Holocaust, but also for addressing the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism, and especially anti-Semitic incidents, in Europe, and for learning anew the wider lessons about the dangers of victimizing people on the basis of race, ethnic origin, religion, politics, or sexual orientation.”

32 FEATURE To this day there are politicians and religious leaders attempting to enshrine discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. 2008 saw the Roman Catholic Bishop of Motherwell stating that representatives of the gay community are only present at Holocaust memorial events to create for themselves the image of a group of people under persecution. In a pre-Christmas address the current pontiff stated that LGBT people were as dangerous for the environment as global warming.

There were also record numbers of murders of members of the LGBT community and the suicide rate, amongst younger members of this group, is as worryingly high as ever.

In the very least, we owe it to the memory of all those that died because of the same unwarranted discrimination so abhorrently displayed by Nazi Germany to stop all discrimination, no matter what form it takes.

You can hear Alan on Sunday mornings 11am – 1pm on shmuFM 99.8FM in Aberdeen, and online at: www.shmu.org.uk

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34 MUSIC

U2 On The Horizon QS brings you all the best music for Feb and who better to share his wisdom but the lovely DJ Dazglaz, he plays the best music in town and has had more lovers than we can even mention.

Well February does seem a quiet month as not that many albums will be getting a release but here is a look at some of the albums which will surely make an impact on the charts. Also, a few soppy valentine albums for the luvvvers.

Lilly Allen – Its Not Me Its You

It’s been two-and-a-half years since the release of Allen’s debut album Alright, Still. Now she is back with an album that promises to be better than her first. With catchy lead single the fear it’s sure to be a very controversial album with other album tracks such as George Bush (F*ck You). Lets Hope we get a cracking few dance remixes for the clubs and see what 2009 will bring for miss Allen.

It’s been four years since the Irish lads have brought out a studio album. Line On The Horizon’ is U2’s twelfth studio album The first single from the album, ‘Get On Your Boots’, may be an all-out rocker to previous like ‘Vertigo’, but the remainder of the album sees the band in ways similar to their ‘Zooropa’ days.

It is no doubt a U2 album. As far as continuing the band’s lengthy career goes, ‘No Line On The Horizon’ is simultaneously a crowd-

Ultimate Love Album

For all you couple’s out there who want some sexy time for valentines day then this album could be for you. I prefer a bit Girls aloud or Beyonce in the bedroom but hey that’s personal choice…. Anyway this love album also comes with a DVD, hooray I hear you say. Usual love tracks included like Ben.e King, Rod Stewart and Bette Midler so if you’re the loving kind this Valentines Day then I’m sure this album is for you.

MUSIC 35

RnB Love Songs

R&B Love songs’ is the latest of the successful series now in its 4th year. The albums brings together the biggest R&B love songs, both contemporary and classics.

Featuring recent hits from the likes of Lemar, Chris Brown, Wiley and T.I. the album also includes classics from Mario, Whitney Houston and the massive hit from Puff Daddy, with his massive number 1 ‘Missing You’

Pussycat Dolls – Bottlepop

PCD Is back with another up tempo RnB number which wants you to bottle pop answers on a postcard or send pictures into QS with your bottle pop moves im sure Mr kavanagh will appreciate them. This may well be the last song released from their debut album doll domination but its definitely getting some attention on the dance floor Whether it’s the right one or not.

Lady GaGA – Pokerface

Dazglaz looks at what singles you will be shaking you’re ass too this Feb

February is most definitely the month of the divas with some of the biggest names dropping singles this month in February. Here is some of my favourite tracks that I am sure will do really well on the charts and also with you all.

Beyonce – Halo/Diva

Straight after the success of if I were a boy and single ladies comes 2 tracks to try and outdo the other.’ Halo’ is your usual ballad with the catchy chorus that will no doubt get stuck in your head and ‘Diva’ is a very up tempo RnB number that will give single ladies a run for its money. Both songs also have very good music videos so definitely worth checking them out

The Saturday’s – Work

These girls can do no wrong for me at the moment everywhere I go there songs are going down amazing. Could this be the year of the girl band?? Well with another great track like ‘work’ it might well be.

This track Is definitely one of my favourites on the album and sure to do well in the charts.

After the massive single ‘just dance’ can she top the charts again in February with another great track ?? Pokerface has already gone number 1 in America and Australia. Can Miss Gaga do it over here with this dirty little dance number.

Britney Spears – If you seek Amy

Definitely My favourite album track and if you listen to the song carefully you will get the sexual agenda that is supposed to be hidden within this track.

This will no doubt put Britney back on top of charts and get us all ready for her upcoming UK tour. But can Miss Spears pull it off?

DJ Dazglaz can be found playing the best music In Priscilla’s Edinburgh on Mon, Wed, Thur & Sat nights. Generally he will also be on a dance floor somewhere, holding court at Aunty mikes parties or generally cruising the streets. Lately he has also discovered dark rooms at the Newtown bar.

36 MUSIC

Gay Pimpin’

By Joel Mancusic (with Mark Bruno)

Jonny “The Gay Pimp” McGovern’s musical career began with Dirty Gay Hits, a collection of hilarious gay themed songs including “Soccer Practice”, “Lookin’ Cute/Feelin’ Cute”, and “Hey Lil’ Raver Boi”. But it was the internet release of the “Soccer Practice” music video that made Jonny an international phenomenon. The video introduced the world to the colorful antics of Jonny “The Gay Pimp” McGovern and his queer posse, dubbed “Team Pimp”.

KEEP IT FAGGITY: THE GAY PIMP REMIX PROJECT is Jonny’s first dance remix album. It continues Jonny’s journey into the fabulous fairy-land of East Village, NYC. Anywhere else in the world, gays and tranny kids are ostracized by peers, ignored by teachers, ridiculed and sent to psychiatrists by parents, even beaten by strangers. In New York’s East Village, however, the queens rule. Glamour is celebrated and every street is a runway. Every corner is a dance club. KEEP IT FAGGITY: THE GAY PIMP REMIX PROJECT transforms the rebellious rants and declarations Jonny and his Team Pimp posse have made world popular and turns them into hands-in-the-air dance floor anthems.

What exactly is faggot music?

I like to think of it as dirtygayUndergroundfagpop.

We are making pop songs but dealing with gay specific topics.

What do you say to people (gay and straight) who oppose the use of the word faggot in your music?

You can run away from the word but it’s not going to make it disappear.

Why is it important that the community embrace the f word?

When I was a teenager dealing with coming out, the idea of being a “fag” was terrifying. But as I came out and came into my own I realized all of those “faggy” things that I was afraid of being are what made me truly myself. I refuse to give the word Faggot any type of negative connotation. I’m using it to empower or fem-power.

Is being gay a big part of who you are?

In NYC we get to live in a fantastic bubble where you can truly be yourself with out any apologies.

That’s not to say homophobia doesn’t exist here, it does! We all remember a few years ago when Kevin Aviance was gay bashed in the East Village.

Still, the nightlife culture that we come out of has always really pushed you to be as faggity and bold as you can be.

What are you hoping to change?

I’d like for it to be easier for people, especially gay youth, to access pop music that shows being gay for what it is: cool, fun, powerful and sexy! That says you can be as faggy as you wanna be and don’t let nobody tell you different.

Of all the faggot tracks, which is your favorite?

It’s hard to choose just one. I love all of them.

How do you feel about out-artist Adam Joseph releasing FAGGOTY ATTENTION? Is he now your competition?

Not at all. A.Jo is my lil gay hummingbird. I love him.

MUSIC 37 Tell us about the next Jonny McGovern album, KEEP IT FAGGITY. “Keep it Faggity” is subtitled “The Gay Pimp Remix Project”. I love remixes that completely re-imagine a pop track for club consumption. It’s a way to reinterpret and breathe new life into a song. Adam and I went back into the studio and totally reproduced and re-imagined some of my fave cuts from GAYS GONE WILD for the late night club scene.

I also took my fave unreleased remixes of “Soccer Practice” and “Lookin Cute” and included them and there is also a rare track I did with the legendary DJ Junior Vasquez called “ Run to the Dance Floor” which I wanted to see the light of day. Plus I unearthed a live acoustic recording of “Lookin Cute” which ends the set as a bonus track. It’s a great record to party to.

In the East Village world you and Adam portray in your records, life is a non stop party of sex, drugs, and dance floors. Mainstream isn’t giving much respect to partiers these days. Look at Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Amy Winehouse…

They are giving them millions of dollars and tons of publicity though.

What’s next?

McGovern: Tons of stuff!! I will be making more videos from Gays Gone Wild. “Bossy Bottom” and “Girl, I Fucked Yer Boyfriend” are next. I will be producing “The East Village Mixtape 2” next summer.

And I have a new line of tee shirts!

How can the community support faggoty music?

Buy it. Spread the word, respect it.

When it’s all over, what do you hope people will remember you for?

That I made the world a gayer place!

Jonny McGovern’s KEEP IT FAGGITY: THE GAY PIMP REMIX PROJECT is available online at: www. gaypimp.com.

38

FEATURE

Shameless

Channel4’s Shameless is back again, as filming begins on series six of the multi award-winning drama series.

The Gallaghers, The Maguires, and all the lawless, loveable characters of the Chatsworth Estate return for 16 new and unpredictable episodes for 2009.

This series promises benefit fraud, brothels, stints in jail and stings gone wrong, with fake suicides, cold turkey, joyriding, lesbian romps, lingerie parties, revenge and a trip to the seaside to boot – all life-affirming events in the world of this Manchester estate.

Debbie (Rebecca Ryan) hits sweet sixteen and the Gallaghers are going to celebrate the only way they know how – a party! Frank (David Threlfall) suffers post natal depression with baby number nine – while Monica (Annabel Apsion) is busy re-decorating the house and regaining her womanhood. Micky Maguire (Ciaran Griffiths) goes to college and discovers a talent for porn, plus his ‘Madchester’ tours in his pink limo get him and brother Shane (Nicky Evans) into trouble. Liam’s (Johnny Bennett) talents continue to burst out when school discovers his leaning towards genius.

Monica Frank Gallacher

FEATURE 39 New this series, there’s feisty auxiliary nurse Maxine (Joanna Higson), who after seducing Carl (Elliott Tittensor) gets her feet firmly under the Gallagher’s table when she becomes best mates and clubbing partner with Debbie, and Mandy (Samantha Siddall) meets a charismatic new love interest Joe (Ben Batt).

Some sinister dealings and the breakdown of family on the Chatsworth Estate sets a darker tone to series six. The highly un-orthodox yet extremely tightly knit Gallagher family is torn apart, while the Maguires’ past deeds finally come back to haunt them. Even Yvonne (Kelli Hollis) has some serious explaining to do when an unexpected visitor turns up. How will they all cope?

Cracks appear in Karen (Rebecca Atkinson) and Jamie’s (Aaron McCusker) marriage and Paddy Maguire (Sean Gilder) discovers that temptation comes in various forms. Ian (Gerard Kearns) questions if Chatsworth is the place for him and introduces a strange newcomer to the estate; whilst Norma (Dystin Johnston) makes a grim discovery while refurbishing The Jockey, and a grimmer one, when she goes in search of her own past.

Ian Gallacher

Producer Lawrence Till, says: “I am delighted to be Producing the next series of Shameless and to be making television that I would want to watch. Series 6 is exciting, ambitious and daring - taking stories into areas we don’t know and places we have never been. We can delight in the surprising nature of ordinary people with drama that unpeels the enormous emotional complexity of their lives”.

Camilla Campbell, Commissioning Editor for Channel 4 Drama says: “Shameless continues to be a drama series that Channel 4 is incredibly proud of; there is nothing like it on British television and it consistently attracts a large and devoted audience. This series strikes at what has always been the heart of Shameless – the trials and tribulations of family” Paul Abbott has personally mentored and brought together a diverse and talented pool of writers to work on Shameless 6 and includes: Ed McCardie, Sarah Hooper, Jimmy Dowdall, Tom Higgins, Jack Lothian, Ian Kershaw, Davey Jones, Malcolm Campbell, Tracy Brabin, Emma Taylor, Paul Tomalin and Alex Ganley.

Carl Gallacher

Debbie Gallacher

Shameless is one of those programmes you simply have to watch to understand. It has 2 great gay characters and the most realistic storylines on TV.

Shameless returns to our screens every Tue from Jan 27th

Norma

40 FEATURE

Finally the new series of Skins has hit our screens and there are plenty of changes.

Darren Kavanagh has a look at the new series and some seriously cute new faces.

In a brave direction the old cast has been pretty much replaced by new characters, yes sorry boys ‘Maxxie’ is gone to pastures new but fret not the new cast and team are just as good as the old, with some cracking story lines to accompany them The Class of 2009 is headed up by the beautiful and mysterious EFFY (Kaya Scodelario), returning as the new queen bee. Effy is as enigmatic and elusive as ever. She’s joined by best friend, PANDORA (Lisa Backwell), sweet and kooky, she keeps the gang together.

Twins KATIE (Megan Prescott) and EMILY (Kathryn Prescott) are pulling in different directions. One wanting to shed her twin, and gain status, the other hanging on, crippled by shyness. NAOMI (Lily Loveless) a beautiful idealist - passionate, political and principled, completes the girls.

The guys are led by the irrepressible and irresponsible COOK (Jack O’Connell - This is England, Eden Lake), a daring and charismatic leader of the gang. His best mates sometimes despair, sometimes struggle to keep up, but are always there. FREDDIE (Luke Pasqualino) skateboards, smokes weed, loves his mates and is very cool. JJ aka Jonah Jeremiah Jones (Ollie Barbieri), is a master illusionist and also their strategist – together they get in, and just about out, of scrapes, as they scheme to succeed. Finally, THOMAS (Merveille Lukeba), good and honest, he travels from the Congo to set up home for his family, and has to find his feet in a new and strange country. Together the gang bond as they fall in and out of love, and lust, fight one another, compete against each another, and also unite as one.

Series three will continue with guest appearances from Harry Enfield and Morwenna Banks as the Stonem parents, alongside new guest artists including Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, and actors Mackenzie Crook, Sally Phillips and Geoffrey Hughes.

The ten new episodes are written by a young British writing team, headed up by Executive Producer Bryan Elsley. Series Producer is Chris Clough and series directors are Charles Martin and Simon Massey.

Skins have just hit our screens on E4 but if you missed the first episode we give you the run down here.

It’s the first day of term at Roundview College and a new gang is forming: the class of 2009.

Best friends Freddie, JJ and Cook are enroute to college. Their world collides with Effy’s when Cook spots an opportunity to set up Jim Stonem, Effy’s dad. He carries out the practical joke, at Jim’s expense, while Effy looks on nonchalantly – Cook is intrigued. He has met his match and now has a reason to turn up at College. But, Freddie and JJ are equally smitten.

FEATURE 41

ES NEW FAC The popularity of skins has always been about the great characters we love. QS checks out the new faces of series 3.

Identical twin sisters, Katie and Emily, prepare for the day. As per usual, Katie walks all over Emily – stealing her outfit and using all of the hot water.

Katie’s footballer boyfriend drives them to College in his convertible, giving Katie the entrance she’s looking for.

Effy and Katie clock one another immediately; they are the two most desirable girls there and they both know it. Effy is with her best mate, Pandora.

The new intake is herded into the main hall. Effy locks eyes with Freddie for a second time, and smiles. Cook tries to charm the girl sitting next to him – but instead instantly winds her up. Naomi grasses Cook up, resulting in him having to drop his trousers to the whole school year – which doesn’t worry him in the slightest.

COOK

Played by Jack O’Connell Oozing charisma, James Cook pulls off daring and dangerous stunts, knowing Freddie will always be there to bail him out. When his dark side emerges there’s no act, no matter how selfish or destructive, that Cook won’t consider. There’s no saying how long Freddie will stick around to save Cook from himself.

At Cook’s behest, JJ tries out a bunch of tricks on a deaf girl, Pixie. She’s no push-over and is totally unimpressed. She kicks Cook where it hurts, then, while he’s incapacitated, Freddie grabs the opportunity to try to chat up Effy. She issues the boys with a challenge – the first one to break all the rules set out by the College Director during assembly gets to ‘know her’.

Meanwhile, Katie introduces herself (and Emily) to Effy and Pandora. Katie thinks they ought to sit together because they’re the best looking girls.

Effy tolerates this, intrigued by the twins. Naomi passes on by. She knows the twins of old. Katie pointedly tells Effy that Naomi tried to snog her sister at middle school. Naomi defends herself and Emily looks guilty.

By the end of the first day, Cook has won Effy’s challenge. He wipes the floor with Freddie, when he breaks most of the rules at once - setting Sid Jenkin’s old locker on fire to boot.

FREDDIE

Played by Luke Pasqualino Freddie Mclair’s got bags of potential but no va va vooom. He’s happily travelling through life on his skateboard, smoking weed with his mates andstaying cool. But will Freddie be forced to stand up to Cook and assert himself for the first time in his life?

42 FEATURE

PANDORA JJ (Jonah Jeremiah Jones)

Played by Ollie Barbieri Master illusionist JJ’s got a huge imagination.

With child-like excitement, he dreams up entertaining schemes, Cook carries them out, and Freddie acts as their conscience. They are the best trio in town.

What could come between them?

EFFY

Played by Kaya Scodelario Enigmatic and elusive, Effy’s the queen bee - attractive to all around her, utterly in control of herself and totally independent. But as her home life starts to fall apart, she is torn between new friends too – suddenly Effy has more to deal with than ever before.

Played by Lisa Backwell An adorable innocent, Pandora’s found a best friend in Effy.With a sweet tooth for naughtiness, Pandora is sweet, quirky and warm-hearted, and helps keep this new group of friends glued together. Pandora is desperate to lose her virginity, but might just find love instead.

KATIE

Played by Megan Prescott Super smart Katie Fitch is shedding her identical twin skin, and establishing her individuality.

She’ll try anything to gain status, and relies on her looks to help her succeed. Only Effy sees her legs furiously paddling under the water as Katie tries to make the surface appear calm.

FEATURE 43

EMILY

Played by Kathryn Prescott Emily Fitch likes being a twin. She’s crippled by her own shyness and depends on her sister to be the dynamic one. But what if her twin abandons her – who will she turn to?

NAOMI

Played by Lily Loveless Naomi Campbell is a beautiful idealist. Passionate, political and principled, no one believes in anything anymore - except for her that is. She finds a friend in Emily, but it’s complicated.

THOMAS

Played by Merveille Lukeba Thomas is a good, honest, honourable soul. But finding your feet in a new country is hard and Thomas needs to support his family. He needs money, and friends, but his mum is on his case.

KAREN

Played by Klariza Clayton Karen Mclair, Freddie’s older sister, dreams of being famous. She’s certainly not going to let her little brother, or his mates, knock her off course. The big hole in the Mclair family, since the death of their mum, isn’t going to be easily mended though, especially with these two at each others’ throats.

FANCY SOMETHING SCOTTISH?

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CALL NOW: 0131 240 0080

MEAN MACHINE

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW4545

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS FIGHTER RYAN FORD TACKLES GINCH GONCH

By William Yeoman

“I’ll knock out anyone who makes fun of me in my Ginch,” warns Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford. And he means it too. Standing 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 170 pounds, the mighty-muscled, multi-tattooed Mixed Martial Arts welterweight fighter is the new celebrity face of underwear fave, Ginch Gonch. “Ginch Gonch reminds me to take at least two moments each day from my rigorous training and smile. After all, I’m living my childhood dream.”

‘In it to win it’, Ford aims to become champion of the MFC (Maximum Fighting Championship) and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) leagues. With his record of 5 wins and no losses, he’s on his way. His most recent and most anticipated win was against Pete Spratt of the UFC via submission, where Ford first used the move he has become famous for, the Rear Naked Choke.

He is the son of retired boxer Allen Ford, once ranked third in the world and recently inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame. As the celebrity face of Ginch Gonch, the young Ford is making history of his own, becoming the first professional Martial Arts Fighter to win an endorsement contract with a leading underwear brand.

How did you become the new face of Ginch Gonch?

A lot of my buddies wear it and I reached out to the company for some digs. After chatting with them, badda boom badda bing, I was in the back of a dump truck doing my thing.

Did you have to fight former campaign model Benjamin Bradley for the job?

Who is Benjamin Bradley?

He was one of the original Ginch Gonch boys.

Not familiar with him. So to answer your question, I didn’t fight him. I don’t fight ‘boys’ anyway.

Fighting is in your blood. Is it true your dad was a boxing champ?

Yes, he was. My dad, Allan Ford, was ranked third in the world and was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame.

Did he inspire you to get into the ring?

I guess he did. I always wanted to be like Dad. But you went a different route – the mixed martial arts ring. Why? I started boxing but it just wasn’t hardcore enough for me. I wanted to go crazier in the ring, and nothing is more intense than MMA fighting.

46 INTERVIEW

How do you explain the overwhelming popularity of the sport?

MMA fighting is raw and animalistic. It’s not controlled. Anything can happen and that really appeals to a lot of people.

Is the sport aware of its huge gay following?

Gays are guys and every guy likes to see a good fight.

Yeah, but many gay men aren’t watching for the fight. Many are watching because half naked guys wrestling is, well, pretty hot…

(Laughs) I don’t know how to respond to that except to say that yeah, I’d agree I’m pretty hot.

Is homophobia a problem in the league?

Not that I’m aware of.

Would an “out” fighter be accepted?

If someone’s hardcore enough to kick ass in the ring, they deserve to be there. What they do outside of the ropes doesn’t matter after the bell rings.

What would you say to guys who believe two grown men wrestling in a ring is pretty gay?

If it was said as an insult, I’d punch him out. You know what, I’d punch him out anyway because hateful bigoted words should not be tolerated anymore.

What has been your toughest match?

They’ve all been tough but I can say my favorite fight so far was when I won against Pete Spratt of the UFC. I brought him down with a Rear Naked Choke.

What’s a Rear Naked Choke hold?

It’s a move where your arm wraps around your opponent’s neck and then you grab your own biceps on the other arm. No one can get out of my Rear Naked Choke.

Who is your biggest rival in the ring and how do you plan to bring him down?

Every single fighter in the league is my biggest rival.

I’m bringing them all down!

What is your ultimate goal?

My goal is to become welterweight champion of the MFC (Maximum Fighting Championship) and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). I’m on my way.

You’re the first Mixed Martial Arts fighter to win a national apparel campaign. Why were you chosen?

Because I’m rough and tough and I look great in my Ginches.

Does your vigorous training help you look good in briefs?

I train three times a day including five mile runs, boxing, wrestling, kick boxing, weight lifting, strength and conditioning.Yeah, I’d say it helps. Ginch Gonch is a wild and crazy underwear brand.

Are you as wild and crazy?

Look at me. What do you think? Yeah, I’m crazy.

I like to party like a rockstar and kick ass “Real Deal” style in the ring.

You’ve said in interviews that your athletic idol is ``Pretty Boy`` Floyd Mayweather. Why is that?

Because he walks the walk and talks the talk. He has incredible ambition and an animalistic passion for competing that makes him unstoppable.

Do you subscribe to Ginch Gonch’s philosophy of “live like a kid”?

You bet I do. Everyone has to have fun in life.

Besides the new Load’N & Dump’N’s, what is your favorite Ginch collection?

The multiple stars because they remind me what I’m shooting for.

What do other fighters say about your underwear when they see you changing in the locker room?

Have any dared to make fun of you?

No one has made fun of me. In fact, the opposite. I got all my buddies wearing Ginch in the ring now.

Dudes are constantly asking me to get them free gear.

INTERVIEW 47 How have your fans reacted to the campaign?

They love it man! I think they’ve come to expect crazy shit from me so they like it.

The most important question: briefs or boxers?

Both. I switch depending on the day.

75% of people from the LGBT community, in our online debate, said sex played a major role for them. The same percentage said they were more likely to be a victim of crime because of being part of the LGBT Community.

Stereotype or reality?

Visit our new Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community at www.co-operative.coop/lgbt to add your voice to the debate.

4 colour version logotype & bee 1 line

MOVIES 49

Doubt.

It’s 1964, St. Nicholas in the Bronx. A vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is trying to upend the school’s strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded by Sister Aloysius Beauvier (Meryl Streep), the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline.The winds of political change are sweeping through the community and indeed, the school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James (Amy Adams), a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guilt-inducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to unearth the truth and to expunge Flynn from the school. Now, without a shard of proof besides her moral certainty, Sister Aloysius locks into a battle of wills with Father Flynn which threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.

UK release date: 06/02/2009 Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams

Fri the 13th

Pink panther 2

The Pink Panther 2, the sequel to the 2006 worldwide hit, stars Steve Martin as he reprises the role of intrepid-if-bumbling French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau.

When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther Diamond, Chief Inspector Dreyfus (John Cleese) is forced to assign Clouseau to a team of international detectives and experts charged with catching the thief and retrieving the stolen artifacts. Martin is joined by original co-stars Jean Reno (as Ponton, his partner) and Emily Mortimer (as Nicole, the object of his awkward affections). The investigative dream team is played by Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Yuki Matsuzaki (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The story is set in Paris and Rome.

UK release date: 13/02/2009 Starring: Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Emily Mortimer

Searching for his missing sister, Clay heads up to the eerie woods of legendary Crystal Lake where he stumbles on the creaky remains of rotting old cabins that lie in wait behind moss-covered trees.

And that’s not the only thing hiding under the brush.

Against the advice of police and cautions from the locals, Clay pursues what few leads he has with the help of a young woman he meets among a group of college kids up for an all-thrills weekend. But they are about to find much more than they bargained for. Little do they know, they’ve entered the domain of one of the most terrifying spectres in American film history - the infamous killer who haunts Crystal Lake armed with a razor-sharp machete...Jason Voorhees.

UK release date: 13/02/2009 Starring: Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker, Amanda Righetti

Cancer doesn’t discriminate

That’s why we want to hear from you.

If you’ve had cancer or care for someone with cancer, we can help you use your experience to improve cancer care.

Cancer affects everyone. Talk to us.

Visit www.macmillan.org.uk/cancervoices email cancervoices@macmillan.org.uk or call 020 7091 2007 and quote ‘QS’. © Macmillan Cancer Support, April 2008. Registered charity number 261017.

Isle of Man charity number 604. MAC11404_Poster This paper is 100% recycled – please recycle

MOVIES 51

Hamlet 2

The comedy smash of Sundance 2008, Steve Coogan has teamed up with the producers of Little Miss Sunshine and the writers of South Park and Team America to bring us Hamlet 2, the hilarious and irreverent new comedy about a failed actor-turnedworse-high-school-drama teacher.

His wife hates him, his students mock him and the 13-year-old critic for the school paper trashes every production he does but when the school threatens to cancel drama, he rises above it to stage the unimaginable. Wholly original, mostly musical and widely offensive, a modern day sequel to Hamlet that is so terrible it might just work.

UK release date: 27/02/2009 Starring: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, David Arquette

Bolt.

For super-dog BOLT (voice of JOHN TRAVOLTA), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling.

When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a crosscountry journey through the real world.

Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions: a jaded, abandoned Sometimes the soul of a dead person has been so housecat named Mittens (voice of SUSIE ESSMAN) tainted with evil that it is denied entrance to heaven. and a TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named It must endlessly wander the borderlands between Rhino, Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers worlds, desperately searching for a new body to in- to be a hero.

UK release date: 06/02/2009 habit.

Writer/director David Goyer (Blade: Trinity, The In- Starring: John Travolta (voice), Miley Cyrus (voice), Suvisible, Batman Begins) gives a terrifying glimpse into sie Essman (voice) the life of the undead in The Unborn, a supernatural thriller that follows a young woman pulled into a world of nightmares when a demonic spirit haunts her and threatens everyone she loves.

Casey Bell (Odette Yustman) hated her mother for leaving her as a child. But when inexplicable things start to happen, Casey begins to understand why she left. Plagued by merciless dreams and a tortured ghost that haunts her waking hours, she must turn to the only spirtual advisor, Sendak (Gary Oldman), who can make it stop.

With Sendak’s help, Casey uncovers the source of a family curse dating back to Nazi Germany -- a creature with the ability to inhabit anyone or anything that is getting stronger with each possession. With the curse unleashed, her only chance at survival is to shut a doorway from beyond our world that has been pried open by someone who was never born.

UK release date: 27/02/2009 Starring: Odette Yustman, Gary Oldman, Cam Gigandet Meagan Good

The Unborn

DVD 53 53 DVD

FINN’S GIRL Controversy and ethical correctness collide on the streets of Toronto when Finn, lesbian mother to hell-raising daughter Zelly, comes under fire from pro-life protesters at the abortion clinic where she works. With the stress of having an unruly daughter and a controversial workplace, Finn’s girlfriend duly leaves her, only for an unlikely romance to develop shortly afterwards with Eve, the cop who has been assigned as her bodyguard. As tensions begin to escalate between the clinic and the protesters, Zelly becomes increasingly reckless, before finally discovering the astonishing identity of her true biological parents. This is a refreshingly sophisticated and original story that won plenty of acclaim at film festivals around the world.

YOU BELONG TO ME

SUN KISSED

In downtown New York, handsome young gay architect Jeffrey has just moved in to an apartment building where, unbeknownst to him, residents have been disappearing. Eccentric landlady Gladys (Patti D’Arbanville, Andy Warhol’s ‘Live Flesh’) takes a rather unhealthy liking to Jeffrey and soon begins to lavish him with affection.. Before long, Jeffrey begins to notice some strange goings on in the building, until one night he hears a voice crying out for help through the rotten floorboards below. Sure enough, a horrified Jeffrey discovers the source of the groaning, and finds himself in a battle to escape the deranged Gladys and the building’s screw-loose handyman. Best friend Nicki and Jeffrey’s hunky ex-lover René run to his aid, but are they too late? This is a witty thrill ride with surprises at every turn, not to be missed!

Young, handsome and inquisitive novelist Teddy sets out into the American desert to clear his mind and cure his writer’s block.

Upon arriving at his agent’s isolated house he meets the beautiful and enigmatic Leo, a mysterious lodger who helps him settle in.

Before long, the pair indulge in a night time bout of alcohol-induced friskiness, which soon enough leads to them waking up the following morning, side by side. Thus Teddy and Leo enter into a steamy affair, yet amongst the oases and windswept dunes all is not as it seems. As Leo is plagued by dark visions of murder and violence, Teddy begins to question not only Leo’s true identity, but his own grasp on what is real and what is fiction. ‘Sun Kissed’ is a strange film full of bizarre moments and very revealing and sexy scenes, expecially when the two leads are sporaying each other down with the garden hose!

All available at www.peccadillopictures.com

54 GAMES

Marcus Lange topgayer.com Bored of nights in with no money left after Christmas and the sales?

Fancy yourself as a rock star? Well now with Rock Band and Mad Catz you can!

Mad Catz Have created a fantastic range exclusively for the Xbox 360, so that you can rock out with your mates at a house party, or just have a night in with your mates.

Microphone

Sing your way to the top, rock out, and dance around that living room, Wired microphone with Quadrant and buttons.

Drum kit

Make as much noise as you wish, bash, crash and keep the beat.

Wired drum kit with control centre and symbol pedal.

Fender Bass Guitar

Possibly the nicest and most coveted, the Fender Bass Guitar is exclusive to mad cats, acting as a bass or a lead guitar there’s a lot of fun to be had with this Rock Star must have.

GAMES 55

Head To Head

Need for Speed Undercover Vs Midnight Club: Los Angeles

The latest NFS hit the stores just before Christmas, and it’s certainly something to shout about. Having recently played Midnight Club: Los Angeles, probably the biggest competition to the NFS series, I thought it fitting to compare the two.

So cruising the streets, upgrading engines, talking all ‘street’ and keeping your ‘bitch’ in check. This is the name of the game for Midnight Club LA. From those beautifully minded people that brought us the GTA series, Midnight club brings a higher class to being ‘gangster’ and has a lot in common with it’s sister series. From the beginning the game is very exciting and everything about it shouts perfection, from the exotic Lamborghinis and Aston’s to the phenomenal soundtrack and the introduction of Motorbikes. The graphics are stunning and the game play is easy and simple to understand.

What I love about Midnight Club is the fact you are a character on screen rather than first person, not that you can get out and run about, you drive everywhere, but it just adds something to it all.Then there’s the great ability to change almost every aspect of your ride, from the paintwork outside right through to the colour of the dials inside, adding that personal feel and really getting the most out of the ‘Modding’ experience.

You can even choose whether to drive hood up or down in the convertibles!

Moving on to Need for Speed and another triumph for ‘’’’’’’’’ bringing another fantastic storyline, some superb real acting, the token Hispanic girl (Played by Christina Millian) and the brilliant range of cars.

S E

Acting as an undercover cop, you see yourself flung into high speed street racing, building a reputation, tuning your ride, sculpting the body, and thrashing the competition. NFS have gone back to black and after the sensitive ‘Pro Street’ being set on track rather than the streets, the series has gone back to the streets and is more fun than ever. Keeping it true to the others in the series, you can pretty much tune and customise every aspect of your ride, earning not only upgrades for the cars, but driver skills too, so that you carry over skills to new cars.

M A

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Other than all these aesthetics how does the game actually play? Well think about GTA, put that on wheels, take away the guns and replace them with spanners and increase police presence by 50% now add increasingly fast competition in a car that’s half the power and there you have it! It’s fun for a time, delivering ridiculously expensive cars, making police collide and racing the competition, but when it gets to a certain point you’ll end up finding it a little hard.

Overall Midnight Club LA is a fantastic fresh break from the NFS series and finally some healthy competition that’s worth playing! But I think it just needs to stray away from feeling too much like GTA. Verdict – GTA on wheels.

In terms of game play it’s great fun, and in general sticks to the distinct NFS style. The Police presence is a little heavy at times, and can slow you down, but bringing down wrong doers and cleaning up the streets by merely racing helps you feel a little bit righteous. Featuring the new 370Z from Nissan and an array of other new models this is definitely one for the motor heads out there.

Overall Need for Speed is miles ahead when it comes to experience in the driving games, and it shows. All aspects of the game are familiar and fans of the series will enjoy speeding through the streets in their TT or lotus leaving the competition standing, and out handling the police.

Verdict – Undercover Lover

56

COVER

INNER BEAUTY Raphael Solomon Releases debut cd, “Beautiful Dancer”

By Zachary Trevor

At 28 years old, Raphael Solomon knows a little something about life, love and the pursuit of happiness.

Self-describing his sound as “pop with a Latin twist,” his music is based on both basic and complex human emotions and experiences. Take “Sex with My Ex,” for instance – the forthcoming first single from his debut album, Beautiful Dancer. It was penned by Solomon after preparing a supper for, then seducing, a former flame.

Most of Solomon’s songs, in fact, are steeped in similar soils: the concept of love – or the lack thereof. With all his talk of heartbreak, however, Raphael also has a strong sense of humor. Like the night he became the king of more than a few people’s jungles.

“I once went onstage dressed as Tarzan and twenty seconds into my number, my loincloth came undone,” he recalls. The performance became a metaphor for his life. “I just picked it up, dusted it off, and continued with my performance.”

Beautiful Dancer is in stores and on i-Tunes now.

Looking at you, I can’t understand why someone would flee the country. But, according to your song “Baby’s Gone to Rio”, that’s what they did.

Sadly, it’s true.

What did you do to make your lover run away?

(Laughs) I’m secretly a high maintenance and possessive freak. Nah, I’m just kidding! I don’t know what I did, really. I don’t think I did anything wrong.

Why does it have to be my fault?

Could it be that you attract people that are only interested in your face and body?

Initially, we’re all attracted to people on a physical level. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t. I’ll admit that there have been people who are just interested in the physical part of me, and that’s been a problem because they’re not always interested in learning what’s inside of me. I’m more than a pretty face.

(Laughs) You are gorgeous, Raphael.

Thank you!

Why, then, are you so unlucky in love?

I’m not sure I’d go so far as saying that I am unlucky in love.

Are you smart when it comes to love?

I think love is about being true to your self. Sure, I can sit down and think of ways to keep a lover hooked but I’m not sure I want a lover to stay because I played the game right. I want people to stay because there is no place they would rather be.

Most of your songs tend to be about heartbreak.

I’ve had relationships with some wonderful people, we just weren’t in the same place at the same time in our lives and when you’re not in sync, it makes it pretty impossible to sustain a relationship.

You sing about sex with your ex. Can you see now why that is always a mistake?

The scary thing is I still don’t think it was a mistake!

Maybe that’s just me being a guy and thinking with my dick.

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COVER

Did the sex reignite the relationship?

Well, no, but sometimes you don’t stop loving someone ven long after the relationship has ended. You may accept that it’s over but you still to want to revisit it sometimes.

You weren’t left feeling empty?

I guess I did feel a little emotionally vandalised. Ok, you got me. I’ll keep my pants on next time, ok?

You’re a very passionate person, Raphael.

I don’t deny that.

Does your intensity sometimes scare people away?

Sometimes. But they always end up coming back when they realize that a passionate lover beats a cold and frigid lover any day. They come back because I made them feel special. I don’t edit my behaviour. If I’m into someone, I let them know it.

In the title track, Beautiful Dancer, you text your lover that “you never want to be their ex”. Isn’t that something you shouldn’t tell someone?

Why not? Every person in love wants to believe that their love will last forever.

But what about keeping some mystery about you?

That’s playing games.

Why not simply text “Hey babe, miss you…”

I do, sometimes. But reaffirming your love is a positive thing. It’s not like I am desperate or needy. Saying something like “I want to be with you forever” is a point of strength for me in that I am a man who is not afraid to say what he feels.

COVER 59 You say in the song that your “heart knows no lies”.

But don’t you agree that sometimes in a relationship, you need to hide some of those lovey dovey feelings to make the love grow?

Call me a romantic but I believe the purpose of every union is to allow your faith in love to evolve and to show you that for every person who runs away from you, there is another person who is willing to run to you.You can’t be afraid of love if you are seeking to be loved in return. And “my heart knows no lies” in the sense that I know that an equally emotionally expressive lover like me would be the best match for me.

“Wish I Could C U Today” is another example of a guy that wears his heart on his sleeve.

Musically, my inspiration for that song was Burt Bacharach’s classic “Close To You” by The Carpenters, which is one of my all time favorites.

If there’s one thing I learned in the cd, it’s that even pretty people hurt sometimes.

(Laughs) I am going to have a hugely inflated ego after this interview. It’s true, everybody hurts.

What exactly are you looking for in a partner?

Someone who I’m physically attracted to, sexually satisfied with, mentally stimulated byand emotionally engaged with. Someone who is ready to reciprocate the love they receive. Someone I can be myself with and someone that I wouldn’t want to change.

How close have you come to finding perfection?

No one is perfect.

How much blame do you put on yourself for your failed relationships?

I don’t believe in blame and honestly, I wouldn’t change the way things turned out.

That’s true, every experience is a lesson. What have you learned from your past relationships that you’ll apply to your next?

To remain true to myself, so when the right person comes along, they’ll love me for who I am.

Do you still believe “the one” exists?

Absolutely.

Will you write about your lationship in your next album?

I’m always writing. Some of my more recent songs are from a single perspective, so the second album will likely be much different than Beautiful Dancer.

What’s next for you?

Currently I’m promoting my first single, “Sex with My Ex”. Next will be “Baby’s Gone 2 Rio”. which I am in the process of shooting the video for. I Just came back from Rio which was fantastic!

Did you find any love in Rio? I sure did. Maybe you’ll hear about it in the next album.

Raphael Solomon’s Beautiful Dancer is available on i-Tunes now. For more info, check out his Myspace page www.myspace.com/RAPHAELSOLOMON

60 MOTORING

Rich Tuckwell brings you the latest on 4 wheels It’s not the size of the engine that matters….

When it comes to convertibles the Eos has always been a distinctive car for the market, offering hard top coupe to stylish convertible in just 25 seconds.

As many of you know the Eos won Top Gayer’s Car of the Year 07 and I still stick to it, testing the 1.4L petrol has only reinforced my high regard for this truly beautiful creation.

When it comes to style, the Eos definitely has it, you could argue that a lot of new cars, including the new Scirocco, are a bit more edgy and odd looking, but there is a class to VW’s styling that shouts classic, that giant chrome grill with the rounded headlights surrounding it, the sleek hood pinching in at the waist and the pert bottom, with its LED lights winking as it pulls into the outside lane to jet off with a blip of that fantastic 1.4 engine. Truly a celebrity of the car world, the Eos is as handsome as Mark Wahlberg with all the reliability of Mark Foster getting his kit off on TV.

Rich X With Valentines Day just around the corner and Hallmark rubbing its hands together with the prospect of yet more guaranteed profits (well Christmas made them more than smile), love is most definitely in the air. With that in mind I thought this month I’d review motors that make you fall in love with them. Most of us start our love affair with cars in our mid to late teens, passing that all important test (even without actually being able to afford a car at the time) gives us true independence, the ability to go on a gay club crawl in any city we want, and more importantly for those gays not ready to come out, the ability to live a gay life in a different town without risk of exposure. Yes the car for us gays can be the difference between gay life and abstinence. So let’s kick off this months motoring section with one of the best convertibles on the market

Moving on from looks and aesthetics, what about the handling? Often or not convertibles are a little here and there when it comes to throwing it round some swooping country lanes or flying between mountainous rolling hills, this is because the extra weight of the hood in the boot changes how active the back end can be. But it seems that Volkswagen are perfectionists and have thought of it all, there is no doubting that this convertible is planted and clings to the road effortlessly, making driving this car more pleasurable than a night in with Chad Michael Murray.

I’m at a little bit of an advantage having tested the Eos in most of the engines available, and I must say comparing this to the 3.2 V6 would be unfair, but a very impressive 158bhp from a 1.4 just goes to show how suited the entry level Eos fits perfectly into the whole ethos of driving an Eos. Comparing it to other mid sized convertibles, the Eos definitely has the looks, but what puts this bundle of fun above the rest? That all important TSI engine, that we all know and love from the Golf.

MOTORING 61

Fitted with a pretty nice basic interior as standard, the Eos has an array of optional extras, including sat nav, leather in a spectrum from black to luxurious deep red, bi-xenon headlights, steering wheel mounted controls, 7 more colours, right down to the 18” rims. You could have an absolute field day configuring your very own Eos; however this may come at quite a price, starting at a rather sexy £19,030 right through to a staggering £34,428 for the top of the range with all the trimmings.

Volkswagen had a tough icon to follow with the Golf Cabriolet and they have certainly done well to create another icon, boasting class, sophistication and a touch of fun, that now thanks to the this new 1.4 TSI engine being made available, means younger drivers can afford to insure one and get in on the fun as well. VW you really do think of everything!

The 1.4l TSI sport Eos tested begins at £22,251

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MOTORING

At the Copa Copen Kabana Without doubt the Copen is the gayest car I’ve ever driven, but also one of the most fun! Imagine an 18yr old disco bunny, full drag, arms flailing around stood in the middle of a dance floor, lip-syncing to some abomination by Step’s / ABBA. The Copen is the motoring equivalent. However the Copen is far more endearing and entertaining than the aforementioned queen. It’ll also attract ten times the attention without the fuss, or the requirement to tell it how amazing it looks every 20 seconds. It’s because it’s cute with a funky appeal that I actually totally fell in love with it.

It’s the smallest of micro-cars, but still seats two in the relatively cramped but comfortable interior. The sports style seats are very supportive; the dashboard layout is simple but ultra effective and adding the optional Recaro red leather interior really makes it stand out. The handling is pretty much that of a Go-Kart, which of course makes the Copen a lot of fun to drive. It sticks to the road and bunny hops round tight corners, I was surprised at just how well it handles. Performance is great with 0-62mph taking under 10 seconds, which doesn’t sound quick, but being 3” off the ground with the front / rear bumpers feeling less than 3ft away from you, it certainly feels quicker.

Boot space with the hard-top hood up is superb, but almost non-existent when down, don’t think you’ll be stowing your Gucci man-bags inside the cabin with you either, if there’s two of you in the car, then the cabin is full. It’s worth remembering that the Copen isn’t designed to be a load carrier, but rather for two people buzzing round town to look chic and super cool, which it achieves by the bucket load.

Value for money would be an understatement.The little 1.3L engine does about 50mpg, and it costs just £120 to tax. To buy, even fully loaded with every optional extra, it’s still under £14,000 brand new, so it really is a bargain! I love it and if you don’t understand why – go test drive one and you will.

MOTORING 63

Audi R8 So I’ve saved the best for last, trust me the Audi R8 really is the best of the best…

If men were cars this particular motor would have Vin Diesel’s body, Brad Pitt’s face and Daniel Craig’s arse. I know my dream man is half black, half white and has a combined age of 125, but the point I’m making is that the R8 is a fantasy come true, take-your-breathe-away styling coupled with road dominating performance. As sports cars go it ticks all the boxes, beauty, brawn, power, stability and desirability.

Suitable for everyday awe-inspiring use, the V8 4.2L FSI engine does 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds with an equally amazing soundtrack coming from the mid-mounted engine and the quad exhausts. The Quattro four wheel drive system means that when you choose to use all 415bhp the engine produces, the handling is phenomenal with the cornering ability leaving you breathless.

The R8 is indescribably fantastic; words just can’t do this car justice. Sex appeal wise, trust me, behind the wheel of this motor you’re suddenly so desirable that anybody, male female straight gay old or young wants to be your ‘friend’ anytime, anywhere. So what will the ability to transform into someone slightly more appealing than a CK model in his tighty whitey’s cost you? Well all this gorgeousness, power and street cred starts at £79,000, however, start choosing the colour of the sexy side blades, add the 19” or 20” wheels, sling Sat Nav and the Audi’s cracking sports auto gearbox on and its nearer £90,000. But it’s still worth every single last penny, oh Audi R8, be my valentine, I’m in love!

LH drive version shown

64

INTERVIEW

Can Buy Me Love

By Leif Mendelson

Valentine’s Day is a day for lovers.

Sadly, not everyone has a significant other to spend it with. But does that mean the poor single saps have to spend the most romantic evening of the year alone? Hell, no. There are plenty of gorgeous men willing to offer their companionship this Valentine’s Day – for a price. If you have the dime, they got the time. We polled three professionals from the world’s leading male escort listing service, Rentboy. com, to uncover the answer to the biggest question this Valentine’s Day: what is the price of love?

aac s I am Ad Jennifer Lopez’s ‘love don’t cost a thing’.

Why does yours?

Adam Isaac: Sex is not love and love is not free. A relationship takes work. I am always open to meeting a special guy who can see past what I do to pay my bills.

There’s a lot more to me than escorting.

What can you offer a lonely heart this Valentine’s Day? I can offer this advice: seek spiritual growth, because humans are fallible. If you are lonely, seek what you have a need for and take the action.

Is Valentine’s Day a busy work day for Rentboys?

Right now, no day is a busy day. I am so broke that I am frightened. One of my biggest fears is not being able to meet my financial responsibilities.The busiest time for me has always been the summer months.

What are most clients looking for on Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day is just a day where if you want to feel pressured to think about your love-life a little more, than feel free. I think about love and real romance every day. I’ve paid for sex before, and I couldn’t see how hiring a call boy would make my romantic woes any less heavy.

What’s the strangest gift you have ever received from a client?

One time a client gave me huge antique Guerlain perfume bottle, the type that was originally made for the likes of Napoleon. It held a litre of perfume and is ornately decorated with the old Guerlain honey bee etching on the glass. Beautiful! The most useful gift I ever received was a Toyota Tacoma. I wish that would happen again. Anyone have a car they don’t want?

Does it get hard putting other guys’ companionship needs before your own?

Only one percent of my clients are looking for companionship. The other 99 percent are looking for “IT”. You know what I mean.

Has a client’s love for you ever become scary?

I practice healthy boundaries with my clients. I make it very clear to them that it is a business relationship, nothing more.

Would you give up your career for “the one”?

My thought is that we don’t even attract the one we are meant to be with until we are happy and contented with our own life choices. And although I am not exactly ashamed of being an escort, I know it is not my ideal job. But anything is possible! I just met a guy over the weekend while I was on a call that involved a group who is really hot and really sweet.

He already knows what I do. We’ll see what happens. I hope to fall in love someday. Some say that love knows no bounds. I would love to believe that.

I really would.

lon

don

INTERVIEW 65

boy

pet

e

What’s the strangest gift you have ever received from a client?

In the last few months, I’ve been given three different paintings from three different clients. If this keeps up, I’m going to open a gallery.

Does it get hard putting other guys’ companionship needs before your own?

It just makes you enjoy your own time more. I think it’s like a switch when I’m working and having fun. I don’t even know how it all works, but it does.

Has a client’s love for you ever become scary?

Some people can get really obsessed. I always back off from guys if it gets too intense.

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘love don’t cost a thing’. Why does yours?

London Boy Pete: Jennifer has enough ‘rocks’ of her own to give her love away! Also my love is probably a lot more fun to guys then hers. Oh and I love selling my love, it gives it a certain feel you just can’t describe.

What can you offer a lonely heart this Valentine’s Day? What can’t I offer? Not only would I give him the horniest experience of his life, I would make his special day that little something more with great company and lots of fun, leaving him with a warm glow inside!

Is Valentine’s Day a busy work day for Rentboys?

I already have bookings, so it must be. I think Christmas has to be the busiest holiday. I have been a guy’s Christmas present several times already.

How much money can you make on Valentines Day? You never know how much you are going to make.

I’ve been paid $2000 for an hour from a guy, but you can never tell.

What are most clients looking for on Valentine’s Day? A little bit of added attention. Whether it’s a little more sensuality, understanding… or he might just want a harder pounding!

Would you give up your career for “the one”?

I wouldn’t give it up for anyone. Being successful at what I do comes before anything else.

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INTERVIEW

r

ate l s n kevi

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘love don’t cost a thing’. Why does yours?

My love is free, too. My time, however, is $250 an hour.

What can you offer a lonely heart this Valentine’s Day? Companionship. Anything else that happens is between two consenting adults.

Is Valentine’s Day a busy work day for Rentboys?

The day after Thanksgiving is typically my busiest day.

Christmas Day is also busy.

What are most clients looking for on Valentine’s Day? Not many clients confuse Rentboys and romance, so Valentine’s Day isn’t different from most other days - at least not for me. A cute and cuddly blond may have a different story to tell.

What’s the strangest gift you have ever received from a client?

Maybe not the strangest, but the best gift I’ve received is my sling.

Does it get hard putting other guys’ companionship needs before your own?

Not at all! I love meeting new people.

Has a client’s love for you ever become scary?

There have been a few times where I’ve had to gently back clients down. But people tend to get it.

There are very nice ways of saying “look, this is my job. I like you, too, but it’s professional.” I’ve heard horror stories from other escorts, but luckily I’ve never had it too bad.

Would you give up your career for “the one”?

I can imagine a scenario under where I meet a wonderful guy and put the escorting aside. I love my job, but I love “love” too.

rus

INTERVIEW 67

ty

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘love don’t cost a thing’. Why does yours?

Hiring an escort is not about love. It’s about having a boy to spend time with and have fun. Love really does not cost anything. It’s not something you can put a price one. Having a hot boy you have picked out for yourself to have fun with, on the other hand, is something that can be negotiated.

What can you offer a lonely heart this Valentine’s Day? I am a very affectionate person so if you’re alone on valentines and want a warm body to cuddle with, give me a shout and we can spice up your Valentines Day! What are most clients looking for on Valentine’s Day? Something to spice up their day.

What’s the strangest gift you have ever received from a client?

It was a little weird when a client gave me a custom made teddy bear with my name on it. What is even more weird is that he said it was his wife’s idea.

Does it get hard putting other guys’ companionship needs before your own?

I don’t think of it that way. I put myself first. I don’t do anything that I’m uncomfortable with. I am there to entertain my client but if I am not having fun, he wont either.

Has a client’s lust for you ever become scary?

It has never been scary, but it has been annoying.

One of my clients kept calling and calling. Without exaggeration, I had 48 missed calls and 22 voice messages in the span one night.

Would you give up your career for “the one”?

If things got serious and he wanted me to stop, it would be up for discussion. Relationships are about compromise.

Editors note: QS magazine within this article is not condoning the use of escort agencies. The purpose of this feature is to highlight the difference of ‘love’ and ‘sex’

68 FEATURE It’s time once again to celebrate the lives and achievements of LGBT people. Scotland has been celebrating for 5 years and each year demonstrates the growing commitment to LGBT equality from the Scottish Government, local councils, health services, businesses, LGBT groups and individuals.

The following are some of the events planned for the coming month. New events are coming in on a daily basis, to be kept up to date keep checking the website or sign up the LGBT History Month e-bulletin.

If you are planning an event please let us know.

FEBRUARY

Aberdeen

LGBT History Month February 2009 Programme of events 6 February 10.30 for 11.00 Invitation only Launch of LGBT History Month and exhibition, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill Aberdeen 6 February – 15 February Daily (closed Mondays) Public access LGBT History Month exhibition, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen 9 February lunchtime Invitation only Grampian Fire and Rescue Service Awareness Event, guest speaker, Tim Hopkins of the Equality Network, Fire Station, North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen 16 February lunchtime drop in Grampian Fire and Rescue Service Awareness Event, Fire Station, North Anderson Drive, Aberdeen 16 February 7pm – 10pm Free public event Film night, Aberdeen Arts Centre, King St. Aberdeen 17 February – 27 February Daily (closed Sundays) Public access LGBT History Month exhibition, Central Library, Rosemount Viaduct, Aberdeen 28 February 10 – 4 Free community event, register in advance Out and Safe, a free event for the LGBT community on policing and community safety, Cedarwood, 20 Edgar Rd, Elgin LGBT History Month resource packs will be distributed to Aberdeen City Council’s secondary schools during this month.

Angus

Angus College will be running daily lunch time drop ins from the 9th to the 12th of February, and launching a weekly lunch time drop in for LGBT students, their friends and supporters. For more information, please contact Katie Anderson, Student Engagement Officer 01241 432 776

Dumfries and Galloway

22nd Jan – Stranraer Services Launch LGBT Youth Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway Service is pleased to announce that they will be launching services for LGBT people living in the West of the region.

Currently, LGBT Youth Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway Service operates in Dumfries, and is hard to reach for people living in the West and Far East of the Region.

This event will be a great opportunity for LGBT people living in the West to have their voices heard about how they want direct services to be delivered, find out more about LGBT Youth Scotland’s work, and what runs locally and nationally for LGBT people.

The event will be held at Stranraer Library, North Strand Street, Stranraer, DG9 7LD, 12-4pm, Thursday 22nd January 2009.

FEATURE 69

2nd Feb – Dumfries LGBT Centre Open Day Dumfries LGBT Centre would like to invite you, family, friends and supporters to our open day.

If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or would just like to find out more about what LGBT Youth Scotland and the OUTfront project do then come along: Where: LGBT Centre, 26 Brewery Street, Dumfries, DG1 2RP When: Monday 2nd February 2009 Time: 12pm-4pm Refreshments provided Come along and chat to staff and volunteers about the services we provide.

For more information, please contact the LGBT Centre in Dumfries: Tel: 01387 739 888 Email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk Web: www.lgbtyouth.org.uk 3rd Feb – Dumfries and Galloway College Outreach LGBT Youth Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway Service will be running an outreach session at Dumfries and Galloway College’s flagship Crichton Campus from 10-1pm on Tuesday 3rd February.

Staff and volunteers will be available at the Student Association Executive Common Room (0058) and will hand out flyers, be available for a chat, and raise awareness of a brand new drop-in for LGBT students at the Campus that will be launched later this year.

So drop your text books and have a chat with a member of the outreach team to find out how you can make things better for LGBT students in Dumfries and Galloway.

For more information, please email: info@lgbtyouth.org.uk with D&G College in the subject line.

5th Feb – Mixed Bag on Tour (Stranraer) Mixed Bag, Dumfries and Galloway’s only LGBT club night will be heading out on tour to Stranraer on Thursday, 5th February.

Expect the usual great crowd, music, and outreach team as in Dumfries, but in the picturesque port town of Stranraer.

Stranraer FC Social Club, North Strand Street, Stranraer (opposite the library), 7-11pm.

Please note that Mixed Bag is for over 18’s only due to licensing laws - to find out more about these events, LGBT Youth Scotland’s work in Dumfries and Galloway, or what runs for under 18’s, please email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk with D&G in the subject line.

Dundee Monday 9th February, LGBT Launch Event, The Shore, 5-8pm.

LGBT Youth Scotland will be holding a launch event for services in Dundee. There will be a range of speakers, information stalls, showcases of local youth groups and projects, and the opportunity to explore the impact of homophobia and transphobia on young people living in Tayside. Please note that this event is by invitation only. For more information, please contact info@lgbtyouth.org.uk

Edinburgh and Lothians 29th January – Holocaust Memorial Day Event LGBT Youth Scotland’s Lothian service will be running a Holocaust Memorial Day event at the John Cotton Centre, Edinburgh, 7-9pm, 29th January. This event is open to LGBT young people aged 13-25 and their friends and supporters.

LGBT Youth Scotland Lothian Service All groups running at LGBT Youth Scotland’s Lothian service in February will be themed around LGBT History Month: Volunteering – There will be weekly History Month Volunteer meetings starting on Monday 2nd February 7-9pm, at the John Cotton Centre, Edinburgh.

Skittles Crew – Group for LGBT young people aged 13-17, Wednesdays, 6.30-8.30pm, John Cotton Centre, Edinburgh.

Vada – Group for LGBT young people aged 17-25, Thursdays, 7-9pm, John Cotton Centre, Edinburgh.

For more information about these groups, please email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk

70 FEATURE The month of February is dedicated to celebrating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History. Find out more about LGBT History Month by visiting www.lgbthistory.org.uk All events are open to everyone to attend and are FREE of charge.

• Storytelling with Our Story Scotland • Film Showing: ‘Beautiful Thing’ (1996) • Performance by Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus • LGBT Book Collection and Exhibition • East Lothian Council Museum Service: Online LGBT Lives

Storytelling with OurStory Scotland

Saturday 7th February from 1.30pm - 3.30pm Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6HA Personal stories, memories and reminiscences give a real insight into the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Scotland, and OurStory Scotland have been involved in collecting such stories from folk all over the country. This year, they are bringing their unique brand of storytelling to East Lothian and they are looking for your input. Add your story to their fishing net, hear other’s stories around a ‘camp’ fire, compare past, present and future LGBT lives, or digitally record your own memories. Stories will be served with refreshments in a friendly atmosphere.

Please contact Sarah Cowie, Museums Education Officer, to book your place: Telephone 01620 828225 or Email scowie@eastlothian.gov.uk

Lothian Gay & Lesbian Switchboard Cupid’s Ball, 14th February 2009, Assembly Rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, 8pm-1am. Dance the night away with DJ Michelle and the Lismore Ceilidh Band. Dress to impress (fancy dress, kilts, formal/smart casual). Tickets £17.50 (14.50 concessions). For more information or to book tickets call 0131 473 2000 or online www.lgls.co.uk/Cupid%20Ball.htm

Sun 15th Feb

Valentines Cabaret Fundraiser Café Habana- from 5pm- close Come and join Café Habana and LGBT Youth Scotland for fun and frolics at this valentines themed fundraiser. There will be a bumper raffle, karaoke, DJ requests and guest Drag queen. Come along for prizes galore, drink promos and the usual Habana party spirit!

Showing of ‘Beautiful Thing’ (1996) on Friday 20th of February at 6.30pm at John Muir House, Brewery Park, Haddington, EH41 3HA

Join Stonewall Scotland’s showing of the film ‘Beautiful Thing’, a story of a young gay man growing up in London.

Stonewall will facilitate a discussion about the themes arising in the film afterwards for those who are interested in taking part. This film carries a 12 certificate. Free popcorn!

For your free ticket please contact Rebecca Spillane on 01620 827134 or email equalities@eastlothian.gov.uk 20th February – West Lothian Training Event, Strathbrock Centre, 1-4pm. Do you work in West Lothian and want to find out more about LGBT issues and history? Email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk to find out more about this training event.

Speed

en!

Dating for Women who like Wom-

The Deep Blue @ The Blue Moon Café 7pm- 9pm (bar open afterwards) Why waste time chatting to incompatible prospective partners? Ditch the pleasantries and bag the babe of your dreams with our fab new monthly speed dating night! The Deep Blue at the Blue Moon Café offers the perfect subterranean secluded space which will be hosted by our lovely in house dating hostess Ms Lizz. If you want to meet women in a safe space, this is the place to come. The bar will be open all night for those who stay on afterwards.

Entrance £5.

FEATURE 71 From Tue 24th Feb (Monthly, the last Tuesday of every month) The World Famous Regent Bar Quiz The Regent, 2 Montrose Terrace. From 9pm Come down and support the launch of the first ever regular quiz night at The Regent Bar. Relax on the sofas with a drink and put your general knowledge to the test, a great way to spend a dull Tuesday night!

Top prizes for the winning team and free nibbles for quiz contestants. Quiz entrance £1.50 per person Tuesday 24th – Beyond Gender Beyond Gender is an event for transgender people and their friends aged 13-25.

We would love you to join us to make new friends and get involved with LGBT History Month.

Refreshments and Food will be provided!

• Do you want to explore your gender?

• Do you feel that you were born in the wrong body?

• Do you feel that your gender is fluid and changes from day to day?

• Do you feel neither male or female?

• Do you like to express your gender in the way you want to?

• Do you want to support your friend or family member to attend?

Please RSVP to info@lgbtyouth.org.uk if you are interested in attending; although this is an Edinburgh & Lothian’s activity, we welcome young people from all areas of Scotland.

February 27th – Las Zorras - Kabarett at the Voodoo Rooms February 27th. Doors open 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm. For more information, please visit: www.myspace.com/itsykabarett

Performance by Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus

Sat. 28th of February at 7pm Supper Room, Brunton Theatre, Ladywell Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6HA Come along and enjoy the energetic performance of popular music performed by the Edinburgh Gay Men’s Chorus. Complimentary refreshments provided on the night.

For your free ticket please contact Rebecca Spillane on 01620 827134 or email: equalities@eastlothian.gov.uk

Online LGBT Lives East Lothian Museum Service Our East Lothian (www.oureastlothian. org), a website which is dedicated to people sharing their stories and memories of East Lothian, will focus on the stories of the LGBT community during February.

Visitors will be able to read about LGBT life, add their own comments and stories, or even upload photographs. It will be updated throughout February with each new event which takes place. Get involved by logging on now!

East Lothian Library Service

LGBT Book Collection & Exhibition Musselburgh Library 10 Bridge Street Musselburgh East Lothian EH21 6AG Throughout February, East Lothian Library Service will have a special collection of LBGT themed books available in Musselburgh Library.

An exhibition will also allow you to find out more about LGBT History Month and LGBT History. Come along and view the collection & exhibition. Contact the library on 0131 665 2183.

Coming up in March 2009

Celebrate International Women’s Day with a special coffee morning event to remember the Suffragette Movement will be held in the Port Seton Community Centre. More information about the date and time of this event will be available shortly. Contact Rebecca Spillane, Equalities Officer on 01620 827134 or email equalities@eastlothian.gov.uk for more information.

Ideas!

If you have any ideas for events that would highlight and celebrate East Lothian’s Diversity, please get in touch. Email Rebecca Spillane, Equalities Officer, East Lothian Council,rspillane@eastlothian.gov.uk or phone: 01620 82 7134.

T:Time – 21st February at the LGBT Centre for Health and Wellbeing, contact Lauren at LGBT Centre for health and wellbeing 0131 523 1100

72 FEATURE Glasgow Family and Friend’s film and discussion night.

To celebrate LGBT History Month the Glasgow youth groups will be running an event looking at the plight of gay men in Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945, by showing the acclaimed film : Paragraph 175 Berlin had become known as a homosexual eden, where gay men and lesbians lived relatively open lives amidst an exciting subculture of artists and intellectuals. With the coming to power of the Nazis, all this changed. Between 1933 and 1945 100,000 men were arrested for homosexuality under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code dating back to 1871. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps. Of the latter, only about 4,000 survived. Today, fewer than ten of these men are known to be living. Five of them have now come forward to tell their stories for the first time in this powerful new film.

Girls Groups (history of women’s art and poetry) Throughout February Rainbow Sisters will be looking at female artists and poets who have created LGBT centric work and will be attending an artists discussion session at Goma shhOUT Tue 10th Feb shhOUT are having an LGBT History Quiz Night in the LGBT Centre.

Digital Story Telling A group of 12 young people will be working with Our Story Scotland developing digital stories of those young peoples LGBT history to date.

For further information about LGBT History Month Events in Glasgow, please email : info@lgbtyouth.org.uk

Inverness Wednesday 25 February from 7-9pm Film evening at Terrence Higgins Trust, Inverness office Dangerous living. Coming out in the developing world. Broadening our mind by looking at what it means to be LGBT in the developing world.

Terrence Higgins Trust, 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness IV11NB Thursday 26 February from 6-9pm.

‘Tell your life story’ event. Looking at LGBT history in Highland through the life stories of elderly LGBT people. Come and listen to these stories, contribute and have a great time. High tea will be provided.

THT, 34 Waterloo Place, Inverness IV1 1NB. This event is a collaboration between Help the Aged, Girlzone and Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland

Oh for the love... of chocolate Hi I’m Rebecca, for here on I’ll be writing the QS health column, more importantly I’ll be trying to help you eat and drink the right things and avoid the wrong (or at least cut down on the wrongs lol).

My background is in sports science and I’m a qualified Naturopath. Naturopathy is a little like a herbal doctor, the qualification is awarded as a degree from university which includes full qualifications in Nutrition, Herbs & Homoeopathy. I’ve been active within the health & fitness industry for 20 years, training fitness trainers all over the world, as well as writing columns for health and fitness publications in Australia, the USA and the UK. I’m also a regular TV presenter for FLEXI-SPORTS UK, showcasing their fitness products on Ideal World TV as well as many industry events throughout Europe.

Now if you’re feeling guilty about piling on the pounds over Christmas, your jeans are still a bit tight, is the enviable muffin top peeking out over your waist band. (although for some of us ‘peeking’ is more like ‘exploding’). Then you might feel a little apprehensive about another celebration, so close to the diet anarchy that was Christmas. You’ve already stipulated to your loved one “Don’t you dare buy me any chocolates or sweeties” because 1.You don’t want to feel disappointed when they forget ( or is that just me?) and 2. You know you won’t be able to resist another gluttonous episode. Needless to say, when the time comes, you’ll convince yourself you need a reward for being ‘good’ for the past 6 weeks, and even though you haven’t lost much weight, you’ve been trying to, so you deserve it, right ? And unfortunately, if your loved one REALLY loves you, the box of choccies is going to be huge isn’t it ?

HEALTH 73

With all this in mind, let’s focus, very positively, on a slim excuse for eating a product that is high in saturated fat & sugar! That is, of course, because it’s good for you! (don’t worry, apart from giving you sound nutrition and diet advice, the hedonist inside me will always find a way to remove the guilt of celebration).

So why is chocolate good for you ? First of all, I should probably point out that it’s not ‘milk’ or ‘white’ chocolate that I am talking about, which is what the majority of us prefer……..it’s the dark, sensuous variety that has all of the goodness (and the most fat!).

Chocolate does indeed appear to have ‘heart’ protective effects. New reviews suggest that cocao lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, increases HDL’s (good fat) & decreases LDL’oxidation (bad fat). Extra dark chocolate has the most potent antioxidant qualities of all chocolate types, so eating it in moderation should actually help the integrity of you heart! BUT - if you’re anything like me, finding it impossible to sit in front of the TV, with an entire box of choc’s in hand, unable to stop until you’ve gobbled up every last one! Nevertheless, if you can practice some self control & choose (or request) only the dark variety this Valentine’s Day you could quite possibly come out on the other side with a healthier heart – and that’s something worth celebrating!

Fit For L ve

FITNESS 75

Welcome to the all new and improved ‘Fitness’ column with me, Steve Schiemer.

Who am I and what right do I have giving you fitness advice?? I am the owner of FLEXI-SPORTS UK (www.flexi-sports.co.uk ) a company that supplies cutting edge fitness equipment to both the fitness and rehab industries, as well as to people at home. I write a regular product review page for Top Gayer, as well as writing regular columns for fitness industry publications. All of this comes on the back of nearly 20 years in the fitness industry, with 15 of those years spent ‘training the trainer’………..it is estimated that I have trained in excess of 350,000 trainers in more than 35 countries worldwide!

But enough about me……..let’s talk about you! Specifically, let’s talk about Valentine’s Day. It is that time of year when a harsh spotlight is shone on to our love lives – or lack thereof! With Valentines little more than a month away, you may be thinking there is not much you can do to spruce up the old body in preparation for that hot date. But you would be wrong! There are a few little ‘tricks’ that you can employ to help you through the date and into the next morning……. regardless of whose bed you wake up in!

With a few weeks to go, it is not too late to burn a few extra calories and trim down that bulging belly. Aside from reducing the fat intake (come on, it’s only for a month and you may just get lucky as a result), make sure you get in 2-3 fat burning sessions a week.A brisk walk or slow jog should do the trick (add a set of XCO-Trainers to speed up weight loss by up to 30% www.xco-trainer.co.uk ).

Believe it or not you can make a noticeable difference in just a month.

The other thing to do in the next few weeks is to pick out a body part that is either a) your outstanding body part, or b) a body part you want to improve. So if for example, your arms are your standout body part, or you want them to be, spend the next month targeting them. That means bicep curls every other day, at least 3 sets of 12 curls with a decent weight. By decent weight, I mean that the last couple of Reps should be a real struggle.

If you are cruising through comfortably, the weight is not enough. Vary your hand position from palm up, to palm in (hammer curls) so you hit all the muscles of the bicep.

By the end of the month, your chosen body part should be looking pretty fine. Now for the final step…….showing off.This should be the easy part!!

Make sure that whatever you do for Valentines, you get the opportunity to show of the new improved you. So if your arms have gone from pee shooters to big guns, get them out! A nice tight t-shirt should be just the trick. Even better of you can find a reason to get them out……bowling anyone?

76 MY

QS

IF YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE MY QS SECTION PLEASE EMAIL JOHN@QSMAG.COM OR VISIT WWW.BEBO.COM/QSMAG

MY QS Name? Jamie Age? 18 Location? Central Glasgow Shoe Size? 9 Single/Taken? Single Occupation? Department Specialist/Sales Assistant Who Was The Last Person Who Commented On Your Bebo/Facebook? My Best Friend Catriona Name Of A Song That Reminds You Of A Loved One? Valerie Reminds Me Of Mum! Favourite Song At The Moment? The Promise by Girls Aloud When Was The Last Time You Cried? Few Days Ago When My Friend Told Me About Their Gran What Is Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? Hugo Boss Who Would You Invite To Your Dream Party? All My Friends and Girls Aloud Who Would You Swap Places With For 24 Hours? Bryan Freidman Favourite Holiday Destination? Turkey What’s Your Most Embarrassing Moment? Farted During Sex Oh God! What’s Your Biggest Phobia? Onion Rings What’s The Worst Injury You Have Ever Had? Heartbreak Lol Just Kidding My Eyebrow Slit Open If You Could Go Back In Time Where Would You Go? Primary School When Everything Seemed Perfect Who Is The Most Fanciable Male On T.V? Brian Freidman What’s Your Biggest Fashion Disaster? My Hair Was Died and I Looked like My Head Had Been Burst Open Was like Blonde/Red Etc. What’s The Strangest Snack You Enjoy? Salami and Space Raiders What’s Your Favourite Film Ever And Why? The Notebook Best Love Story Ever What Can’t You Live Without? Mum Friends and Money What’s The Saddest Cd In Your Collection? Nana’s Cd For Her Funeral :( Who Would You Most Like To Be Stuck In A Lift With? I’m Scared Of Lifts So Probably Someone Who Could Fix Lifts!

Who Would You Least Like To Be Stuck In A Lift With? Someone Who Can’t Do Anything When Was The Last Time You Were Really Angry? Yesterday When I Spilled Die On My Favourite Jeans Who Would Play You In A Movie Of Your Life? Heath Ledger What Is Your Hidden Talent? Singing Kind Of Gave Up On It Now Did You Ever Get Suspended From School? Once Yeah Lol Everything Built Up And Eventually Got Suspended For Imitating A Teacher To The Limit Pathetic Or What!

What’s Your Most Treasured Position? A Picture Of Me And My Nan And Sis :) What’s The Best Advice You Have Ever Been Given? Don’t Give Up In Your Dreams.

Who’s Your Hero? Mum she’s Been Through A lot And Is Very Strong :) What Makes You Lose Your Temper? Immaturity, Eating Loud And People Who Come To The Cash Desk And Kiss

MY QS 77

Name? Marie Age? 23 Location? Edinburgh Shoe Size? 6 Single/Taken? Single Occupation? Homemaker Name Of A Song That Reminds You Of A Loved One? Athlete’s Wires (My Daughters Song) Favourite Song At The Moment? Danity Kane’s Damaged Who Was Your First Kiss? Craig Thomson Who Was Your First Love? Andrew Bruton If You Were On A Desert Island Who Would You Like To Live On It With? Matteo (Only if John May gets to come too) Who Would You Swap Places With For 24 Hours?

Katie Price What’s Your Most Embarrassing Moment? Falling Off Revolution’s Podium Shock Shock Horror Horror What’s Your Biggest Phobia? Snakes What’s The Strangest Snack You Enjoy? Pot Noodle With Pickled Onion Monster Munch Yummy What’s Your Favourite Film Ever And Why? Raise Your Voice It’s Just So Sad and Love the Songs in It! What Can’t You Live Without? My Mobile Jeezo I Feel Like I’ve Lost A Limb Without It Ha-ha What’s The Saddest Cd In Your Collection? The Cheeky Girls Not Mines Though I Swear Who Would You Most Like To Be Stuck In A Lift With? Hmmm Someone Hot Who Would You Least Like To Be Stuck In A Lift With? John May Think He’d Cry Ha-ha Who Would Play You In A Movie Of Your Life? Someone With Breasts Tits I Guess What’s The Most Important Lesson Life Has Taught You? To Live It Royally Do You Plan To Grow Old Gracefully? Ha-ha Me You Got to Be Kidding Did You Ever Get Suspended From School? Yes I Beat Someone Up: O What’s Your Most Treasured Possession? My Boobies Ha-ha What’s Your Favourite Word? The Infamous Whatever What’s the Best Advice You Have Ever Been Given?

To Shut Up Ha-ha

Name? Paul Toal Age? 28 Location? Moodiesburn, Glasgow Shoe Size? 7 Single/Taken? Single Occupation? NHS Favourite Song At The Moment? Just Dance By Lady Gaga – Been Listening To It For Months And It’s Now Number 1 In The Chart!

What’s Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? Clinique “Happy” For Men! What Music Do You Listen To? Urban R&B Stuff And Generally Female Artists Usually.

What’s Your Most Embarrassing Moment? Having To Have Handcuffs Cut Off At The Local Fire Station!

If You Could Go Back In Time Where Would You Go? Back To The Early 80s And Hang About The Club Scene With Boy George Etc? That Would Be Brill!!

What Can’t You Live Without? My IPod Do You Plan To Grow Old Gracefully? As Gracefully As I Can!!

What Are Your Vices? Haribos!!

What’s Your Most Treasured Possession? My Huge Collection Of Photos From Various Times And Events Over The Years!!

Who’s Your Hero? Janice Dickinson If You’ve Read Her Life Story You Would Understand Why.

MY QS

78 MY

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Name? Michael Orr Age? 40 Location? Edinburgh Show Size? 10 Single/Taken? single Occupation? In between jobs Who Was The Last Person Who Commented On Your Bebo/Facebook? My wee sister (mirrelle) Name Of A Song That Reminds You Of A Loved One? Wake me up before you go go by (WHAM) Who Was Your First Love? Actually had 2 couldn’t choose so Paul/Robert If You Were On A Desert Island Who Would You Like To Live On It With? Anybody that likes to party ohh what a island that would be What Is Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? AMEN (Anyone care to buy it for me I’m skint) Favourite Holiday Destination? Thailand What Music Do You Listen To? Electro House What Was Your Last Text Message? Dirty Joke Who Was It From? Ryan barman Pricilla’s What Can’t You Live Without? Mobile phone What’s The Saddest Cd In Your Collection? Shaking Stevens (this old house) When Was The Last Time You Were Really Angry?

About 4am on 12/01/2009 What’s The Most Important Lesson Life Has Taught You? Treat others as you expect to be treated yourself, even if people don’t return the favour, you can feel good about yourself as you know the way you treat people is right Do You Plan To Grow Old Gracefully? NO Did You Ever Get Suspended From School? YES What Was The First Thing You Thought Of This Morning When You Woke Up? SEX What Makes You Lose Your Temper? People that lie.

What’s Your Current Mobile Ringtone? Exorcist Theme If You Could Change Anything In The Past What Would It Be? Wouldn’t change anything it’s made me who I am today

Name? Tommy Shannon Age? 22 Location? Edinburgh Shoe Size? 9 Single/Taken? Single Occupation? Customer Service Advisor Who Was The Last Person Who Commented On Your Bebo/Facebook? James Telfer Favourite TV Show At The Moment? One Tree Hill Favourite Song At The Moment? Killers – Human What Is Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? Ultra Violet Favourite Holiday Destination? Ibiza How Do You Relax? On the couch watching girls of the play boy mansion What’s Your Biggest Phobia? Sharks What’s The Strangest Snack You Enjoy? Pizza with mayo What Music Do You Listen To? I’m into all sorts of music Who Was Your First Kiss? Christina Murphy

MY QS

MY QS 79

Name? Jamie Maunders Age? 21 Location? Greenock, Scotland Shoe Size? 11 Single/Taken? Taken Occupation? Customer Service Advisor For T-Mobile What’s Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? It Has To Be Intimately Beckham Who’s Your Hero? My Hero Is Batman, He’s Brilliant.

What’s Your Current Mobile Ringtone? Guru Josh Project Infinity 2008 What’s Your Biggest Phobia? Thunder And Lightning, Omg Can’t Stand It! What Music Do You Listen To? Dance & Pop Music Who’s The Most Fanciable Male On TV? Zac Efron :P What’s Your Hidden Talent? Love To Sing, Am Always Singing How Do You Relax? Lying On My Bed Either Listening To Music Or Watching TV What Makes You Lose Your Temper? When Someone Doesn’t Do Something Right Lol Favourite TV Show At The Moment? CSI: Las Vegas, Love It!!

MY QS

Name? Christophe Tixier Age? I am gay not saying , how rude lol Location? Leith Edinburgh Shoe Size? 8 Single/Taken? married with the best husband Occupation? sale advice and fire eater –magician –fortune teller Favourite TV Show At The Moment? Britain got talent lol wonder why lol What Is Your Favourite Aftershave/Perfume? Jean Paul Gauthier Who Would You Swap Places With For 24 Hours?

My husband could I stand myself? Not sure Favourite Holiday Destination? Playa del ingles gran canaria How Do You Relax? Having fun :P What’s The Strangest Snack You Enjoy? Snails and frog legs If You Had 3 Wishes What Would They Be? Rich happiness for everybody and no wars What Can’t You Live Without? Fags lol Do You Plan To Grow Old Gracefully? Of course look at me lol :P What’s Your Hidden Talent? You sure u want to know? :O What Makes You Lose Your Temper? Stupidity

IF YOU WANT TO BE FEATURED IN THE MY QS SECTION PLEASE EMAIL JOHN@QSMAG.COM OR VISIT WWW.BEBO.COM/QSMAG

80 PROBLEMS

Ask Aunty Liza....

Well here we are again at the start of a brand New Year! All recovered yet from your parties, drinking, dancing and general debauchery? Well your dear Aunty Liza and her friend the Countess Von Glow enjoyed yet another quiet Christmas and New Year at the Hellfire Club Reunion in Paris this year – not too much excitement :P Hope you’ve all made your New Years resolutions as well.This year I’ve decided to give up Boots Own Brand Make-Up – its not doing anything for my delicate skin despite the fact there’s a credit crunch on and I’m skint!

The wonderful people at QS Magazine have very kindly asked to help solve one or two of the wee problems the QS readers have sent in so let’s crack on!

Dear Miss L, I have now been in a relationship with my girlfriend for about a year now. Despite the fact that she lives in Brighton and I live in Edinburgh, we have managed to make our long distance relationship work. However, over recent months I’ve been having doubts about how long it can continue like this without one of us getting bored and moving on.

Should I just ignore these feelings or is it perhaps time we ended things before it gets to difficult to keep the long distance thing working?

Yours Anon Dear Anon, Well I’ve always said long distance is a blessing in disguise! These relationships are like Rivercity – you see it once in a while and that’s enough to keep you satisfied. In all seriousness, I have been in the same situation myself, and certainly absence doth make the heart grow fonder, but it does make the mind wander. The best advice I could give is to have a good heart to heart with your partner next time you see each other face to face and iron-out any doubts the pair of you have, that way you can make and amicable decision together whether it is better to continue the way you are.That way if you do decide to part, you have done it under the best of circumstances rather than letting things boil out of control.

Dear Liza I have been single now for over a year since separating from my partner of two years. I have been on several dates and seen a few guys since but have never really been content about moving on. I certainly don’t have feelings still for my ex, but I’m still not sure if I’m ready to start a relationship again. Do you think I’m trying too hard to find Mr. Right again, or am I still haunted by my ex?

Much thanks JW Dear JW Ah the single life! Having being wed only once before to my dear ex husband Marcus who unfortunately went missing on a cruse round Arran seven years ago and subsequently left all his inheritance to my poor bereaved self, I too have been a lonely single searching for Mr. Right with his bulging pockets (his wallet readers! Nothing else…). Many a night I’m to be found trawling the bars and clubs of Glasgow searching for my one true love – a man with a gold American Express Card, but that’s enough of me. JW, yes, it does take time to move on after a relationship, and yes it does seem to me that you’re trying to hard. Finding a partner is a tricky business (you should try being as fabulous as me and getting a lumber!) but there is no use jumping into bed with every Tom, Dick or Bob. It’s never an instant thing either and takes time. As they say when the right one comes along, you’ll know it – and most likely like buses, there’ll be four at the same time, and if there is… chuck a couple towards your Aunty Liza dear!

Dear Aunty Liza I have recently developed a crush on this guy I see out and about. We both know each other, but I’m not sure if he’s interest in me any more than just an acquaintance and I’m too shy to ask him in case that makes things awkward. What should I do?

Yours “Much Infatuated” Dear JW Oh a crush! Now these are horrible things! A crush is one of those niggling feelings that makes your stomach do back flips – well nowadays its cause of my liver complaint mines does back flips! I once had a crush on a dashing young beau, and I crushed that by living with them and realizing what they were really like! My advice to you would be to play it safe just now. Get to know the person better before making any drastic moves – you don’t want to get caught in a relationship with a guy who looks pretty on your arm but when you get him home all you’d rather do is read a book! Once you are more comfortable with the person, then you can decide if you want to pursue it further or just stay friends. Believe me – friends are worth so much more to you in the long run than broken hearts and exs.

Dear Liza I recently met this guy on a night out. He was really nice and completely my type. We exchanged numbers and have been in text contact since. The chat has been great; however He revealed that he already has a boyfriend. I’m not sure if he’s looking for friendship or something more, and if so what should I do, should I keep texting or tell him where to go?

Yours “The Other Man” Dear “The Other Man” Two’s company, three’s asking for trouble! This could be two things as you suspect.The guy you met could just be looking for friendship. It’s understandable that if he is having trouble with his relationship that he could use an outside body to confide in – when I say outside body readers, I don’t mean “physically” to confide in! On the other hand, it could be looking for something more than your shoulder to cry on.

You need to establish what it is he’s looking for in you, but caution. You don’t want to be the one that causes a break-up, that’s something that two people need to decide to three. Don’t try to lead the guy on, and if he is looking for more than just friendship, back away. There is nothing worse that being the other party, you have to think about how you would feel if your partner was cheating on you and how it would make you feel. Also, the guys with the biggest smiles and charm and the ones that have always been the biggest trouble for me. Tread carefully, so nobody gets hurt.

PROBLEMS 81 Dear Miss Liza, I have been in a relationship for 3 years now, however in that time my girlfriend and I have gone through several make ups and break ups, with us seeing other girls at points. Recently things have been quite tough, but we’re still trying to make it work. Do you think it’s time to call it a day on the relationship or keep battling through?

Yours confused heart Dear Confused heart Now this is a rather tricky one. Give me a minute *Miss L pours a large G&T* Now *hiccup* relationships are tricky things. The people that we care about can be the greatest person in your life at times, and at other time you want to chuck them in the Clyde or any other large body of water. It’s natural for people to have their differences and it’s natural for couples to argue. You need to take several factors into account. Firstly, how often do you argue/ split up and what the reasons for that are. It’s normal for people to fall out over silly things, such as difference of opinion, what film to watch and so on – little petty things. If you are arguing over things that are affecting you emotionally and mentally, the there is a serious issue with the relationship!

Secondly, the fact you have both been seeing other people during your breaks in the relationship is a factor that might not necessarily figure as much as you think. It’s natural for the eye to wander, and when you are in a relationship to worry that there may be someone else better out there. What you need to think about is why you are seeing other people, are you using them for personal satisfaction or is it a genuine search for something better. I hope this small essay – I do ramble a bit after a Gin – has helped in someone and given you something to think about.

Well that’s my advice for this issue, I hope that’s help some of you out with your problems and given others food for thought. If any of you readers have any problems – big and small – that you would like your Aunty Liza to solve you can send me a wee private message on my bebo: www.bebo.com/DevineMissL Miss Liza can been seen hosting “DELSFACTOR” in Delmonicas on a Wednesday Night through till March and at Delmonicas Quiz every Thursday Night in Delmonicas with Quiz Master DJ Darren

82 LOVE

Y A D S E N I VALENT

By James Longworth

Writing an article about Valentine’s Day is a doubleedged sword. No one is ever going to leave happy.

On the one hand there is an expectation that you are going to wax lyrical on all the best restaurants, all the slushy movies and the very tippety toppest romantic spots in the country. In reality, however, I’ve made a pretty impressive habit of being single at this time of year. I think the fun of sharing Christmas and New Year with a boyfriend wears off, the central heating is repaired and the rutting season of Spring starts to course through gay veins. So it is that by February everyone’s marital status starts to become the focus of magazines (sic), slick marketing campaigns for restaurants, hotels and holiday companies. Those that are loved up start to prance around looking smug, whilst the singletons are left wondering if the grass really is greener on the “other side”.

I have definitely spent way more Valentine’s Days single rather than attached which is actually quite impressive, because I have spent much more of my adult life in, rather than out of, relationships. It’s practically a curse that dreaded 14th Feb. As it approaches I can practically smell a relationship evaporating from underneath me. My initial advice would therefore be not to buy some lavish Valentine’s gift unless there are just three minutes left before the shops shut on the day itself. There is way too much that can go wrong before then. Trust me. It’s just not worth the financial pain so far from pay day.

The other problem with the day is that it is rather difficult to overlook the fact that it’s really just a huge commercial exercise to exploit cash out of star-crossed lovers. I bet Romeo and Juliet didn’t have to worry about where to eat or what to buy each other. It is rather convenient that the day falls between the excesses of Christmas and the overindulgences of Easter. A natural lull in the shopping year is neatly filled by some random day that alienates half the population and is an inconvenience for the rest.

I really don’t want to sound overly cynical, even though I clearly am. There are good points to the Day. It is good to celebrate a boyfriend or girlfriend. Waking up next to the same person for fifty years will get a tad repetitive. An annual injection of romanticism into a relationship can’t be a bad thing. This, however, is really assuming that all gay couples abide by the same middle class rules that our parents do. I think it’s fair to say that the average readership of this magazine are far from that demographic. If I take my club night VIBE as an example, most of the couples that will be there on our Valentine’s Day special probably only met the week before. It’s young love. Valentine’s Day should therefore be all about snogging the faces off each other and having sex all day in exotic locations. It’s just a damn good excuse to let it all hang out, so to speak.

I’ve had some distinctly good Valentine’s Days, both single and double, which I’m happy to share memories of, on the off chance that it might inspire. Let’s start with Valentine’s Day on your tod seeing as this has traditionally been a strength of mine. I think the first rule is not to spend the day alone. There is far too much slushy stuff bombarding the senses that will eventually bring you down in a gin-soaked heap. If you have a single flatmate then get a bottle of voddie in, hire some dark, satanic DVD and get take-away. The night will pass perfectly harmlessly and before you know it you’ll be at work on the fifteenth with just a mild hangover and no memory.

I’ve done that before, but admittedly I used champagne not because I was showing off, but because I felt that I was celebrating my right to shag anything when I wanted. Couples can’t do that. Well most can’t, but that’s another story.

LOVE 83 Taking the “don’t be alone” theory up a gear, I’ve often found it ideal to find “love” just for the night.

Fuck buddies are absolutely brilliant on 14th February. Make a pact that you are going to have a night of passion for that one night only and you get most the perks of a relationship without the expense.

Buddy leaves the next day with smiles all round, who needs commitment? Gay life rocks.

If, heaven forbid, you don’t have a little black book oozing with the aforementioned then get yourself OUT THERE! Yes, leave the comfort of the flat and go join the masses for whatever Valentine’s Special club nights are on. The bars and clubs never want to lose out on those pink pounds and you can be damn sure that half the people in there will be equally gagging for a night of passion. I’ve headed from Edinburgh to Glasgow a couple of times in the past for Valentine’s Day. Something in the February air seems to make pulling a tad easier, and going to the other coast offers you some fresh talent, and anonymity if you’ve done most the local scene.

A day trip to another city is a good idea, glitter or no glitter. It’s way cheaper than a holiday but with most the excitement. Failing that, yes, a romantic night in a restaurant is always good. The Italian places are hugely clichéd but ideal. The Italians fancy themselves as great lovers, so you are in pretty good hands. I’d go for the small family owned places over the bigger commercial ones. Email me if you want specifics.

I’d leave the cinemas well alone on Valentine’s Day. It will be full of oldies trying to recreate their first dates together, and there is nothing worse than seeing parents snog. If you fancy a movie, then definitely rent (the film not a boy), get some good bevy in, and snuggle up on the sofa.

What am I doing this year for Valentine’s Day? Erm, well I’ll be on the beach in Mauritius with my new man, Daniel for a few days. What can I say… the central heating was broken!

It’s also something that you can do if you have a partner. I once went through to Glasgow with a boyfriend for the night and booked myself into the penthouse suite of a top hotel. It was midweek and on offer for about £100. The previous guest to stay in the room was Diana Ross so I reckoned it was showbiz enough to house my substantial ego for the night.

The best thing about the room was the bathroom where a huge stainless steel bath dominated the centre of the room. My boyfriend at the time, knowing that I love long lingering bath, had cunningly bought a couple of bath bombs from Lush as a present. Some drinkies later we launched into the bath for a romantic love-in with the bath bombs. Little did we realise that these particular bombs were absolutely packed full of glitter. We got out of the bath for a major romp only to find the next morning that we had trampled glitter into every corner of the room. It was everywhere. God knows how we managed it. Wherever you turned the fixtures and fittings were glittering away. I felt so sorry for the cleaners. When we checked out and they asked if we had enjoyed the stay I said that it had been lovely, except Diana Ross seemed to have left rather a lot of glitter in the room! I feel guilty about it to this day.

James longworth runs and DJ’s at Vibe,Tuesdays at GHQ.

84 TRAVEL

ISTANBUL Istanbul…. The Hippest City on Earth – Officially!

Straddling the 22-mile Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul (formerly known as Byzantium, and then as Constantinople) is frequently described as the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Fought over time and again, the city became the centre of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Its historic heart – Sultanahmet and the bazaar quarter, with its great mosques, opulent palaces and Byzantine ruins – offers a fascinating glimpse into those tumultuous times.

On a recent Topgayer.com launch I ended up spending four glorious days at the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet, wandering around visiting historic sites, shopping in the Bazaars and then partying the night away at the great bars and clubs (no gay bars though as this is a predominantly Muslim region).

Encompassing three land masses – two on the European side of the Bosphorus, divided by the Golden Horn (it’s a place! Minds out the gutter please), and the Asian shores – Istanbul is best when explored fully. Lucky for me staying at the Four Seasons meant I enjoyed the advantage of staying at one of the city’s most exclusive hotels, perfectly located for exploring everything and situated in the shadow of one of the worlds most famous and stunning mosques - the Blue Mosque (a must see at night!). The driving route on my launch also took me across the magnificent bridge and into the Asian side of Istanbul. I enjoyed lunch in a cliff top restaurant hanging over the Black Sea with stunning views all around (including a very fit waiter).

Well worth the trip if you have time.

It’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action mode. Locals are flocking to see and be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs and restaurants, bringing with them that infectious sense of fun and a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music and food as well as their position in the what’s-hot and what’s- not stakes.

Now if your pushed for time here’s my top 3 must see’s of Istanbul.

TRAVEL 85

The Basilica Cistern

Firstly it’s a bit creepy, its damp, dimly lit and has a musky smell hanging heavy in the air, in fact throw a bar in the corner and a mirror ball in and its a gay bar lol. The Sunken Palace, the most exclusive of the myriad underground cisterns, features the statue of the head of Medusa.

Dolmabahce Palace Dolmabahce Palace: Let’s face it every queen wants to wander round a palace once in a while, even if it’s to get some idea’s for that Eastern themed dining room.

The palace was the 19th-century rococo residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the place where Ataturk died in 1938. Visitors are admitted in groups and led by guides.

Grand Bazaar Grand Bazaar: Built in the 15th century, Istanbul’s legendary bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 little shops and is everything you dreamed an oriental market could be, minus the Thai lady-boys lol. It offers everything from gold and jewellery to carpets, leather and meerschaum pipes.

Overall I totally fell in love with Istanbul and I’d definitely go again tomorrow, well worth a visit and with a plentiful supply of good 3 / 4 / 5 Star hotels in the heart of the city it’s got something to suit everyone’s pocket.

86 INTERVIEW

MANHUNTING MORMAN

By Nathan Chea, ManhuntDaily.com Thousands of gay men pray daily to the Manhunt Gods for a heavenly gift, but Michael Walker has taken his worshipping to a whole new level. The former Mormon is Manhunt’s newest cover model.

Is this another case of good boy gone wild? Perhaps. But this isn’t the first time Walker has made waves in the Mormon community. Last year, he came under fire when he and eleven other young Mormon men appeared shirtless in the “Men on a Mission” calendar.

Walker escaped discipline then, but will he be as lucky this time around – especially considering he is now plastered all over the world’s leading gay website? We chatted with the rebel Mormon to learn why he did it and the repercussions he expects to encounter as the new face of Manhunt.

First, tell us about the “Men on a Mission” calendar.

It started out as sort of a joke, but Chad (the creator of the calendar) and his team were very professional and it is truly something that I’m proud I was a part of.

Why Mr. December?

I wondered the same thing. Chad told me that my picture seemed like the perfect bookend to the other pictures. I can’t complain. Mr. December’s a good spot.

Did you run into any trouble with the Mormon Church as a result of your involvement with the calendar?

I was called by my Stake President (a local leader of the congregation in L.A.) but I never returned his call. I’ve heard that some of the other models in the calendar have had interviews regarding their involvement, but none have been ex-communicated, as far as I know.

Photograph by: Peter Palladino Palladinoimages.com Hair and Makeup: Travis Pates

INTERVIEW 87 The creator of the calendar, Chad Hardy, was excommunicated from the church.

My heart goes out to Chad. Not only was Chad excommunicated, but they decided to strip him of his degree from Brigham Young University. They claim that they excommunicated him because of reasons outside of the calendar; something that Chad has told me is a bold-faced lie. It’s sad to me that all of this would happen to him over something so ridiculously innocent as a shirtless calendar.

Is it true you donated your calendar earnings to the Ronald McDonald house?

I served a two-year mission for the church at the Ronald McDonald house in Buffalo. It was an incredible experience and I’m thrilled I was able to support them through this project.

You’ve left the Mormon church?

I had to. But that being said, I hope that people understand that there are many, many good and decent members of the Mormon church that understand our struggle and support us in every way .

How did you become the face of MANHUNT? I have been an on-and-off member of Manhunt since I came out, about a year after my mission.

They asked and I said yes.

Had you done any modeling prior to the MANHUNT shoot?

I was signed with Wilhelmina Models for about ten years, so I’d done random projects here and there.

How was the photo-shoot?

The shoot was very professional and relaxed.

When I first arrived, I was adamant about not doing any shots in my underwear, but somehow they soon convinced me otherwise (laughs). Everyone was really nice and did what they could to make me feel comfortable.

All our readers are dying to know…are you single?

Yes. Single. My profile on Manhunt is a little different than a lot of the others you’ll find on the site, since I am primarily relationship-oriented. I’m a serial dater, but haven’t found him yet.

Photograph by: Peter Palladino Palladinoimages.com Hair and Makeup: Travis Pates

To read more with Michael Walker, go to www.manhuntdaily.com

Photo in tie by: Brian Dalthorp courtesy of Mormons Exposed TM.

To say the gay community and the Mormon Church haven’t been getting along lately is an understatement. What are your feelings on the recent rift and on Proposition 8?

This one’s tough for me. Growing up Mormon and gay has to be one of the most difficult social and spiritual conundrums anyone can be subjected to. I was deeply disturbed and saddened by the churches support of Proposition 8. Their usual non-involvement in politics rule was abandoned for a sickly impressive campaign that ended in the taking of basic fundamental rights for me and my friends.

How has their position affected your relationship with the church?

It forced me to call into question everything about the institution I was raised a member of. While I respect the Mormon church for instilling the values I carry with me today, the passing of Proposition 8 has caused me to lose my affinity for the church and left me feeling almost like I’ve lost a good friend or family member. It was the final straw that caused me to finally say “you’re not Mormon any more.”

88 FEATURE If you are thinking of proposing this Valentines Day QS brings you a feature on the perfect website that will cater for all you civil partnership needs.

The best day of your life...

One year on from starting The Big Gay Wedding Directory for Scotland’s gay community they are proud to have over 200 suppliers and venues featured in the directory . This means that Same-Sex Couples Can Plan Their Big Day Without Fear Of Prejudice.

Leading hoteliers include the Hotel du Vin Group , and specialist companies include always blooms , who specialise in Bouquet/ Button hole preservation and AMD Videography who will look after all your video and photography needs. Over the last year they have made so many good contacts who have in turn become good friends and like many other companies out there are more than willing to help make your day very special indeed. One of their Suppliers and friends ,Executive balloons was even involved in supplying a 4 feet world aids day ribbon constructed by balloons for Charity Week in Delmonicas . It’s these little things that make having a great network in the directory worthwhile.

Having a dedicated Scottish gay wedding directory means Scotland’s gay and lesbian couples know they won’t come up against prejudice anymore When you browse The Big Gay Wedding Directory you know you will be looking at companies and organisations who are 100 per cent gay friendly. QS chats to the owners of the directory who give a personal insight.

Paul Wilson of the Big Gay Wedding Directory, said: The idea to create the Big Gay Wedding Directory for people who want to have a civil partnership came about when my partner and I were trying to organise our own civil partnership more than 2 years ago.

From the people that brought you Opportunity Frocks – we give you The Big Gay Wedding Directory.com

Even although the law had been changed, many companies we approached obviously weren’t ready to embrace that change so we thought it would be a good idea to get companies together who didn’t have those kind of prejudices to make things easier for gay couples.

And I have to say, since we first started putting the word out, the response has been tremendous.

It is only 2 years on since my own civil ceremony but I think things have changed a lot in that time, with more and more companies becoming gay friendly and not just using it to expose the pink pound.

FEATURE 89 Four years ago, before civil partnerships became legal, my partner and I, decided to cement our relationship with a blessing. There were hardly any companies out there that wanted to help us, and even when we were planning our legal civil partnership we hit brick walls One big Glasgow photographer more or less put the phone down on us when we told him we were a gay couple.

Unfortunately its still happening and one catering company in Glasgow refuses point blank to deal with same sex couples because that one of their main contracts is the church of Scotland. A major hotel chain discourages same sex weddings at there venues.

A lot of gay couples want nothing but the best for their weddings so we decided to set up the big gay wedding directory www.thebiggayweddingdirectory.com have been compared to as the gay yell.com for Civil Partnerships in Scotland.

And it doesn’t stop there with the directory – the site gives you facts, gay celeb related monthly gossip, a online diary of events that you can attend, wedding and non wedding related. And coming soon a brochure version of the directory which will be available in the second half of the year.

QS since it’s launch has developed string friendships with this site and we highly recommend them.

Check them out at: www.thebiggayweddingdirectory.com

92 NIGHTLIFE

Mondays @ Byblos Glasgow

Photographs by Wildcat Photography in association with QS Mag www.wildcatmodels.com

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96 AWAY

Blackpool Pride will be held on Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th May 2009.

This year will see the 4th annual event taking place this time in and around the main venues.

The following is a press release by Jonathan Marr PR for pride 2009.

The 2009 campaign to host the LGBT Blackpool Pride festival kicks off with a launch evening on Thursday 29th January. It is expected to be a fun-packed night of camp, fun and frivolity hosted at the Mardi Gras by Miss Stella Artois and Miss Roxy Hart. Auctions, raffles and a superb entertainment line up will all contribute to bringing in much needed funds to bolster efforts to stage this year’s main event.

In an unprecedented move, the Pride Committee have won preliminary Council support to relocate this year’s main event, on Saturday and Sunday 16th and 17th May, to Dickson Road in the heart of the ‘Gay Village’. In a statement Mark Seargent, Chairman of Blackpool Pride said “4 or 5 years ago it simply would not have been an option to close down one of the busiest roads in the resort, but the credibility the Pride Management Committee have secured since their formation has allowed this fantastic event to become a realistic proposition.” He acknowledged that there was still a long way to go and many obstacles to overcome if the event is to become a reality but went on to say “Pride has always worked exceptionally closely with the local authorities and other agencies such as the Lancashire Constabulary and we will continue to do so to ensure that this groundbreaking date on Blackpool’s annual calendar of events is a true success story.”

Further details of events and how to get involved in Blackpool Pride can be found on the site.

With a brand new logo and new faces supporting the event it’s looking like it’s going to be the biggest and best pride ever.

This year there will also be a spectacular closing ceremony. Something which has never happened before and will end the two day celebrations with something to remember for a long time.

QS mag are also one of the media partners so we will have a feature in the June edition.

The committee welcome as much support as possible and you can advertise your business or organisation on the website for a modest cost.

More information will also come in the next couple of months in Gayzout Magazine Blackpool Pride edition giving you all the information and events over the weeknd.

Several fundraising events will be held leading up to the weekend with participating venues raising money for 2009.

Wristbands are on sale via the website: Over 18- £7 and 14-17 £5.

Valid both days proof of age evidence will be required Under 14’s free when accompanied by over 18 All the latest information can be seen by logging on to www.prideblackpool.com All the scene news in Blackpool can also be found on: www.blackpoolgayscene.com

By Gary Leek

The Capital’s favourite pre- club bar

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OUT IN EDINBURGH WITH DJ LUCIANO

Happ’nin!! I’ve been set the task of doing a page for the lovely QS Mag this month. So it is my pleasure to be totally self-indulgent and tell you about my favourite clubs running this month, some of my favourite tunes, and to gratuitously promote my new club night, ELECTROsexual!

Remixes that should never have been: Public Domain - Operation Blade 2009 This was originally released in 2000, and samples New Order’s Confusion (Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix) as featured in the Blade movie soundtrack.

Operation Blade was a huge crossover hit for Public Domain and had clubbers screaming ‘bass in the place London’ all over the UK. It was hard, it was fast, and that’s what was great about it. So what have they done for the 2009 remix? Erm... well, they’ve slowed it down a bit... Thankfully there is an alternative version out there by Warp Brothers, Ali Payami & Aquagen called Blade. The Peejay P Remix is the one I’ll be playing.

DJ Luciano Remixes to listen out for: Livin’ Joy - Dreamer (Dirty Freek Remix) I spent £8.50 on this one-side vinyl, but you know what? It was worth it for a slab of pure electro filth packed to the rafters with old school samples and sounds.

Filly - Sweat (The Drip Drop Song) (Tastemakers Remix) I thought the Wideboys remix of The Drip Drop Song was dirty enough. That was until I heard this and gave my ears a thorough bashing. This is nasty bassline electro at its best.

Ce Ce Peniston Finally 2008 (The Kam Denny & Paul Zala Remix) The 1991 classic house anthem gets brought kicking and screaming into the 21st century with this shockingly dirty electro remix.

Kidda - Under the Sun (Herve Remix) Some of electro guru Herve’s finest work, giving Kidda’s eclectic track a thoroughly dirty makeover.

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face while you bounce about the place!

Inaya Day vs Thomas Penton & Hernan Serrao Hold Your Head Up High (Lucky Luciano Vocal Mix) Combining the immensely uplifting synths from Penton & Serrao’s Jack’s Funk with the equally uplifting vocal from Inaya Day’s classic house tune, this is a hands-in-the-air anthem! (If I do say so myself :-P) (All these tunes can be heard on the ELECTROsexual Bebo page: www.bebo.com/electros61)

Stunt ft Sash! - Raindrops (Encore Un Fois) A classic example of a great mashup track being reissued, dressed up, and effectively ruined. Stunt originally released Raindrops in 2005 and this version actually sampled the original Sash! track, Encore Un Fois, whereas the 2008 version re-records the track from scratch with different synths. This new version (which annoyingly is the only one the general public is ever likely to hear) sounds like a poor imitation by comparison; over produced, with none of the original’s impact. Hear the original version on the ELECTROsexual Bebo.

NIGHTLIFE 101

February & March Clubs More @ Cabaret Voltaire Sun 1st February/1st MarchFree Entry, 11pm-3am.

Cab Vol’s weekly Sunday institution and spiritual successor to the mighty Taste takes over the main club this week, returning to The Speakeasy (upstairs) every Sunday after the 1st. Edinburgh legend Miss Chris plays a mix of everything house, from funky to electro to progressive. Sounds like a perfect excuse to call in sick on Monday!

Fuse @ Luna Fri 6th February/6th march £5/£4, 11pm-3am.

Residents Gus Armstrong, Stu Todd and Tim James have already made a major impact with their new night Fuse, mixing nuwave, electronica and what they call ‘wonky electro’ and ‘fidgety house’, with the added bonus of DnB and dubstep downstairs. Previous guests include Doorly (Ibiza Rocks, Wax: On, Afterparty) who played a superb set the last time. Shots from £1, drinks from £1.50.

Mumbo Jumbo @ The Bongo Club Sat 7th February/7th March £7/£6/£5, 10pm-3am Here’s a chance for you to see Trendy Wendy spinning at her best, joined by Headspin DJs Colin Millar and Steve Austin. The music policy covers everything from classic funk and soul to pumping electro with the “emphasis finally on fun” as the club tagline goes . Previous guests have been Kidda and Fred Deakin from Lemon Jelly.

ELECTROsexual @ CC Blooms Sun 22nd February/22nd march Free Entry, 11pm3am By time you read this the launch of CC’s brand spanking new club night will have been and gone.

ELECTROsexual promises a mix of unashamedly dirty electro and cheeky bootlegs. As a special treat we are making this month’s night a ‘glow-in-the-dark’ party, so expect plenty of free glo-sticks and body paint to be given away! Some guy called Lucky Luciano will be on the decks, whoever he is....

102 NIGHTLIFE

Darren Kavanagh brings you all the best scene news & gossip from Edinburgh and beyond.

Hi boys and girls.

‘Oh my head hurts’ has been my usual morning though since before Christmas. I have been lead astray far too many time by Aunty Mike and DJ Daz, seriously my liver can’t take much more!!

Well we hope you enjoyed your Christmas break and that you are now recovered. I spent most of the time propped up at Priscilla’s bar chatting nonsense as usual. Xmas Tackno was fabulous, this was my first Tackno experience and I loved it. Trendy Wendy laid down some great tunes that had the place rocking.

Wendy was in full angels costume and it was lots of fun watching her knock people over as she moved around the club, or was that wobbled? Wendy is the only DJ I know who can drink the bar dry and still manage to play a set. Of course Tackno will be holding more parties in 2009. But anyway Santa is back in his cave, grotto or wherever he lives for another year and now it’s all about some bloke called St Valentine.

I love Valentine’s Day, it’s the one night of the year you’re pretty much guaranteed a shag or a lot of snogs from cute boys, yes boys if you see me feel free just to snog me randomly.

There seems to be lots of changes going on about Edinburgh these days, nights like fever, vibe, taste all finding new homes. Electrosexual launching at CC blooms, whilst all the venues fiercely competing against each other for your hard earned pink pounds. The credit crunch doesn’t seem to have affected the scene to much but at least now you can get cheaper drinks and more entertainment which can only be a good thing.

There is tons of new events etc happening soon so over the next few pages I have brought you all the news from each of them.

Coming in March will be ‘The QS first birthday TOUR’ yes I did say TOUR. Since we launched last March we have built strong links with all the venues in Scotland so we think it is only fair to host a birthday party in as many as possible. For more info check out www.qsmag.com but trust me you will not want to miss out as I am on a mission to make each event spectacular. The OFFICIAL birthday party will be in GHQ Edinburgh on Friday 20th March.

If you want on the VIP guest list just let me know.

We will have 2 themed areas, the ‘Gay Oscars’, Burlesque dancers, hot boy dancers, drag queens, PA’s, and much more.This will be the party of the year as your favourite magazine pulls out all the stops. Of course each event on the tour will be fabulous so come and see us. Anyway more about that in next month’s birthday edition.

Right I am off to rest my liver for a while. Actually as I write this I am heading out to see good old Aunty Mike again, even my mum says he’s a bad influence!!

Have a great month and if you see me out and about come say hello, especially if you’re cute and have large vodka for me.

Love you lots,

Darren X

EDINBURGH Vibe.

Tuesday’s at GHQ. Mr longworth and co have left Luna but move just up the road to GHQ.Vibe for years has been Scotland’s best Tuesday night out and this is set to continue in the new home. James has promised us that this new phase of vibe will be bigger and better. There will be sexy dancers, topless bar staff, extra cabaret, more drink offers and much more. So much has changed that it is now called Vibe NG (new generation). The music as usual will be great courtesy of James and Ali in the main room and DJ Jamie (locash) will be in the back room. Yes boys and girls since Jamie left Vibe it has not been the same, welcome back Jamie I look forward to dancing my ass off to your amazing RnB tunes once again. If you are reading this Jamie Morrison, get in touch ASAP (LOL) Entry will be the usual £4 but worth every penny.

For more info visit www.jameslongworth.com

Planet.

NIGHTLIFE 103 WITH DARREN

Vicky and the wonderful staff continue to improve and change things around at Planet, Every time I go in there it seems like Vicky has a new idea up her sleeve, It’s great to see a manager with such enthusiasm. Well done for their holiday prize draw that happened recently in association with Lotus travel, I hope whoever won has a great time away.

Monday club continues to be busy as usual with lot’s of drinks for a quid, great music and company this is a night out you really should try. Planet will be showing all the six nations rugby matches in Feb, also coming soon each month will be the ‘Killer pool competition’ and I for one will be entering now that I’m out of that bloody cast. The wonderful Freddie now hosts his infamous karaoke every Thursday with prizes and much more. I never really mention Freddie but he knows I love him, his banter is top class and always brings a smile to peoples faces. Wed Jules hosts quiz night, with games, prizes and of course ‘Splat the rat’. On Fri 13th Feb planet hosts the pre furburger party, so ladies get yourselves to planet that night. Feb 14th of course is valentines night and planet are holding a singles night, so if you want to bag yourself a hottie you know where to go. Planet now seems to be the main pre-club venue in Edinburgh with pre-vibe every Tuesday with Jamie and Pre-booty on the last Sun of the month and for the ladies pre-furburger on the second Fri of the month. Planet will also be hosting a QS birthday party in March. There is also drink offers galore every day so pop in for ‘one or two’.

104 NIGHTLIFE

Priscilla’s.

Edinburgh’s favourite cabaret bar gets better each month with lots of new entertainment, drink offers and even some very fancy décor. Drags aloud have been pulling in the punters each weekend with their amazing cabaret and banter, these are some of the nicest drag queens I have ever met. News just in that Jessica & Amanda from drags aloud have been whisked back to Australia to start preparations for a new tour but fear not their leader is still here.

The wonderful Kris del vayze is now resident at Priscilla’s and is launching some fantastic new shows and events. ‘Bent bingo’ will be every Wed night and promises to be ‘A night of twisted bingo, prizes and other camp silliness’ and trust me this lady knows a thing or two about balls. A new show called ‘Filthy Fridays’ is a night of bawdy ballads and general smut on the last Friday of every month. Saturday nights is ‘Saturday night and almost live’ and this will see Kris bring in other talented acts, great games and prizes.

ON Feb 14th she hosts a special valentines edition with a twisted version of speed dating. Personally I cant take speed it gives me an awful headache lol.

Drags aloud are responsible for creating some of Melbourne’s most iconic gay venues and I am sure with their help they can do the same to Priscilla’s.

Taste/fever/more.

GHQ.

As we go to print we hope you are all preparing to head to GHQ to see X factor star Austin perform on Sat 31st Jan. Amar has yet again pulled a great one out of the bag for Friday 27th Feb with the appearance of James Sutton the actor who played the gorgeous gay character ‘John Paul’ in Hollyoaks. This is going to be yet another amazing night at GHQ. Other news at GHQ is that poptastic now happens on the first Friday of every month. Furburger continues to host the best girl night around on the second Friday of every month and Dale Lushes ‘booty’ pulls in the crowds on the last Sunday of each month with some crazy theme nights. Now hosting vibe each Tuesday GHQ continues to entertain the masses.GHQ is hosting a massive valentines ball, for more info check out their ad on page 11. If you are out and about pop into Piccardy place for a drink in sumptuous surroundings. Also if you are celebrating your birthday, or any occasion Piccardy is available for hire. If you happen to be in Edinburgh from far away they also have gorgeous boutique style rooms for the night. GHQ will be hosting the official QS birthday party on Friday 20th March, check venue for more details or visit www.qsmag.com

Taste from Sunday March 1st will be in its new home at GRV. Taste has had a few homes over the years but this new change we think is one you will love. GRV has 2 great rooms and of course you can be guaranteed amazing dance music.

Fever will be moving home from Saturday 21st March at the gorgeous faith nightclub. Fever on this night will also be hosting a QS birthday event, so we hope you all try and make it. Faith has 3 great rooms and even a swanky cocktail lounge. The boys that bring you taste and fever also host ‘More’ at cabaret Voltaire’s speakeasy every Sunday except when taste is on. We will be bringing you a special feature on all these new events next issue. QS wishes Gordon and all the gang the very best in this new phase.

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Habana.

Hab continues to be one of the busiest venues in town and no wonder why. Weekends the place is rammed with the FITTEST crowd around. Tuesdays DJ Chris will now be on the decks with the new night ‘On Demand’ and I am sure that will pull in the young pre vibe crowd.Thursday’s is now ‘Cheesy what’s it’ for all those pop queens out there.On Sunday 15th Feb Habana is hosting a valentines cabaret fundraiser in support of LGBT youth Scotland.There will be a huge bumper raffle, guest drag queen, karaoke, DJ request, drinks offers and lots more. Hab yet again shows that it is a real community focused venue, please go and make sure you dig deep in them pockets to support such a great charity. Habana was due to be ‘The QS venue of the month’ but we will be doing a huge feature on them next issue. If you have any old images of hab, stories to tell, gossip about the staff please let me know. drop me an email to Darren@qsmag.com . Gordon has been at the helm for many years so we are doing a feature called ‘Ask Gordon anything’ so send me your questions.

We will also be bringing you profiles of all your favourite staff members, so if you have any gossip on these naughty boys let me know. Word just in to QS is that habana have just launched a new 99p drinks menu on Monday’s until Thursday’s. Now there really is no excuse to visit one of Edinburgh’s best gay venues.

Other news.

CC blooms.

The venue that is responsible for more of my hangovers than anywhere else continues to get better and better. Electrosexual launched with great success on Sunday 26th Jan and what a brilliant night, well done to luciano and all the crew. If you managed to miss it electrosexual is on the last Sunday of every month with the next theme ‘glo in the dark’.

Valentines night at CC’s will have the infamous drag queen Sassy Stryder belting out her hits and amazing routines. Sassy is one of the UK’s biggest cabaret performers and a real treat for all of us here in Edinburgh, again well done CCs for pulling out the stops. CC blooms will be hosting the final part of the QS birthday tour on Sunday 29th March. Mitch promises to make this an amazing night; more details will be in the next magazine.

The big event this valentine’s day will be the LGLS cupids ball which takes place on 14th Feb at the assembly rooms Edinburgh. Check out their sexy ad on the back cover for more info and how to get tickets.

The Newtown continues to attract the usual eclectic crowd and their monthly bears night is one you all should try.

Right I have waffled enough now, sorry to anyone who didn’t get a mention but I need a vodka soon, just before I go the street as usual have a great mix of events, check out their ads for info or pop in. Yes I am getting lazy now but with all this chat about valentines day I need to find myself a date or it will be me and aunty Mike propping up the bar of Priscilla’s again!!!

Don’t forget next issue will be the birthday edition and wee hosting lots of parties in your favourite gay venues. Get in touch with all your news & gossip and I will try to get it in the mag.

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February, the second and probably best month of the year! Winter is almost at an end, and spring is right around the corner. It’s the month for love, change, and most importantly, the birthday of yours truely!

So here’s the low down of what’s happening around Glasgow in this rather fabulous month!

First off, we’ll go with what the lovely guys and gals at Delmonica’s have to offer us, and as usual, they never fail to deliver!

This month starts “Del’s Factor”, a contest to see the marvellous talent out there in the fine city of Glasgow! Taking place every Wednesday of the month, the 2 semi finals will happen on the 18th and 25th, with the grand final on the 4th March. Not only is it a great opportunity to laugh/marvel at the singing talents of the regulars, but there’s also a £500 cash prize on offer for the winner, and the grand final will have celebrity judges deciding the overall winner! Whether you’re up for the gold, or simply want a laugh, this contest will be the one not to miss! Also , on the weekend of the 6th - 8th, Del’s will be offering up the delightful naughtiness which is, “Boner”. Naked butlers, table dancers, and a hot stripper, complete with raunchy games and cash giveaways, this weekend will be a shameless delight to all. The weekend of the lovely Saint Valentine will consist of a bountiful prize draw, with cash prizes and cinema tickets up for grabs on the Friday. The day of love itself will be a little different than the normal Valentine’s night out. This is the “Anti-Valentines” Day, for all you singletons out there. Promising you a night with a saucy theme, there will be more prizes and giveaways to be won! Rounding off the weekend, the Sunday will bring Nicki French to the Del’s stage, to sing her little heart out to all the couples, including her hit single “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. And don’t forget, on Friday 20th, Del’s will be hosting the pre-poptastic party for Polo, giving you the chance to all get merry in time for the cheesiest night of the month, and also giving you unlimited passes for the act at the end of the month! Impressive eh?

NIGHTLIFE 107 Over to Bennets, they’ll be hosting their own Saint Valentine’s party on the 14th, with drinks promo’s all over the place, including cherry sourz for a very loving £1 each. Also, if you buy a bottle of Red WKD, priced at £2, then you’ll be entered into a raffle for a set of 2 tickets for Lily Allen, who’s performing at the Carling Academy on the 14th March.

Now, for the first time in the history of my humble little article, I’ve actually received word back from G1’s newest additions to the scene, FHQ and Speakeasy.

Since they opened late last year, the hype that surrounded the pubs has all but disappeared.

Starting off with Speakeasy, although not much goes on there. I did have a funny experience of watching a drunk old man being pulled out of the woman’s toilets, which definitely brightened up my night. Saying that though, they do make up for the lack of excitement with a whole host of hot drinks promo’s on offer! Ranging from £2 cocktail Thursdays, £1 shots all week, and £1 selected drinks on Tuesdays to cocktail jugs at a very modest £7.95. They even do quiz nights on Tuesdays, and free jukebox nights on the Fridays. It is a nice place though, don’t get me wrong, we just need to see a bit more exciting nights planned.

For all you lesbians out there, Glasgow’s only female only bar FHQ have a bit more on than their neighbours, with a games night on Mondays. A pool table, fooseball table, and the Nintendo Wii available for play on the big screen are what’s an offer.

They have the same drinks promo’s on throughout the week as Speakeasy, but their weekends differ in the sense that they actually have DJ’s, playing all the best in dance, R&B and chart music. At first I thought it was a female-only bar, with guys turned away at the door.

But my sources tell me that guys are allowed, but only with their lesbian mates! A bit unfair to be honest, but oh well.

Another G1 venture that is always growing from strength to strength, Moda.

Since they introduced their very nicely priced fishbowls, ranging from £8 to £9, they’ve been a major hit! One of the bar staff even made me a Cosmopolitan fishbowl, which made my evening. Definitely still one of my favourites. Bringing us on to our next venue, through the doorway to Polo. If you’ve been suffering lately, financially, and you need a good night through the week to go out and get trollied as cheap as you can, then Polo’s still one the best bets. Wednesday nights at Polo are “Taste”, with drinks priced at a fantastic £1, and the club downstairs bringing all the best music of the moment. As mentioned earlier, Friday 20th brings the entity itself which is, Poptastic. This month, it’s “Poptastic’s Tunnel of Love”. If the innuendo itself isn’t incentive enough to get you to go, the drinks promo’s, cheesy music, and chance to strip to win a Poptastic t-shirt should change your mind. As we all know, Polo being Polo, always like to give the audience a live act at least once a month, to keep them all entertained. This month will be no different, with Alex Party indeed showing us all how to party, with their hits “Don’t Give Me Your Life” and “Read My Lips”. They’ll be performing on the 27th, so get it noted in your diaries.

Keeping us going throughout the week, with their mid-week delights of ‘Passionality’, ‘Fun’ and ‘Allure’, the Thorn guys are still growing from strength to strength! If you’ve got week-days off work, or even if you don’t, make sure you get down to Byblos on Monday’s and Tuesdays, and Tunnel on the Wednesday. Probably the best reason to go out through the week, and drink away your liver. But hey, I’m not complaining, that’s what transplants are for, right?

Anyway guys, that’s all for this month, go out and enjoy yourselves!

Fizza X

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ABERDEEN

QS

have been mad enough to let me loose on these glossy pages again with a wee rundown of all that’s happening in the North of Scotland.

2008 has been and gone and now its time to look back on some of the events and look forward to what 2009 has to offer to the LGBT community in the area.

The city’s main venues of Cheerz, Foundation and The Market Arms continue to keep all you gays, lesbians and whatever you want to be happy.

Cheerz

is open from 4:30ish every day of the week – opening times depend on how quick Callum gets served in the baker, Chinese or where-ever he choses to get his dinner from. Open 7 days a week Cheerz is a great bar to pop into after work for a quick drink and to socialise with friends. Entertainment all week too including DJ Steve Motion, Stuart Jolly and the Thursday quiz with Mike “queen o’ the quiz” Smith there’s so something for everyone.

Following the fantastic Rocky Horror Theme Night the next theme night at Cheerz is the Valentines on Sat 14th February for all you lovely single people out there. Come along and find the love of your life as well as helping to donate to Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland. For More information visit: www.bebo.com/cheerzbarclub

The Market Arms

continues to provide Karaoke and Abuse from the bar staff to all that enter through the door. Open from 11am-11pm Monday To Saturday and Later opening on a Sunday pop in and be yourself but prepare for some banter from Malcolm and the Staff.

Foundation are heralding the new year with

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drinks promos and credit crunch busting free entry some nights of the week.

Looking for love or less? Join Ryan and the Foundation team every Wednesday from 11pm-2am for chart, R’n’B, dance anthems and the famous shag tag board. Free Entry and drink deals all night. Thursdays are less class and more trash as DJ Ben-Doer plays your favourite tunes from old to new 11pm to 2am with free entry and drinks promos start your weekend early.

Head right into the weekend every Friday with free entry ‘til 12:30am save £4 and get in early for cheap drinks and a comfy seat! Saturday bring you the scenes Number 1 Club night keeping the dancefloor jumping with dance anthems and floorfillers.

DJ Ryan kicks off his non-stop 5 hour set at 10am taking you right through to 3am. £4 entry all night and drink promos ‘til midnight. For more info and to comment on the club get along to: www.bebo.com/foundationnightclub If your not really into pubbing and clubbing head down to Wellmans Health Studio to relax and calm your nerves after a hard day at work. There’s a Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steam Room, Coffee Area to help you wind down. You can also find all the scene mags and leaflets from all of the appropriate LGBT & Sexual Health agencies. You can find them at 218 Holburn Street. www.wellmans-health-studio.com or 01224 211441 for more information.

The UK’s newest Gay Football Team “Granite City Stormers FC” have got more of a structure to them now and a website is in development along with a more sturdy training schedule etc. If you want to be part of the team or can help out with sponsorship get in touch with them on email at abdngayfootball@hotmail.co.uk or on bebo at: http://www.bebo.com/abdngayfootball Hopefully I Have remembered everything that is happening in this wee corner of Scotland. For more information visit: www.lgbtaberdeen.co.uk or email: info@lgbtaberdeen.co.uk

You never know I might be writing for you again soon so keep the news coming in.

Andi xx

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QS magazine

was out for the launch of Electrosexual at CC blooms on Sunday 25th Jan. We also popped into both Planet and Habana.

Electrosexual is the night at CC’s that runs the last Sunday of each month. The launch night was amazing and DJ Luciano had the dance floor rocking all night. Customers also got free T-shirts and Electrosexual CD’s.This night looks set to take Edinburgh’s scene by storm.

QS wishes all the guys the very best with this new night. On another note all I can say is that the afterparty at Aunty Mikes was the most interesting nights/days of my life and in the words of a wise man there ‘Eat a pound’. PS ‘The vengabus is coming’

www.wildcatmodels.com

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www.wildcatmodels.com

112 STARS ARIES 21 March-20 April This month you have the perfect blend of confidence and charisma – and a link with the entertainment world could add much to your life, just be careful it’s not a shag with Alan Carr. Just because it’s Valentines Day soon don’t expect cupid to help you because you’re going to be alone again.

TAURUS 21 April-21 May Luck is on your side with a massive windfall. Be careful of people around you that just want a share of your good fortune, they will be gone when the money is. A past love makes a surprise revelation this Valentine’s day

GEMINI 22 May-21 June This will be an adventurous month Gemini. A home move might be on the cards after recent parties cause problems with your neighbours. Your circle of friends is important to you.

CANCER 22 June-23 July You understand how a partner’s mind is working and make a little compromise than can lead to a lot more loving. Your social life takes a turn for the better when you go out with colleagues, but be warned of your wagging tongue.

LEO 24 July-23 August This month you will be dealing with a lot of family issues and relationships, you can see that being the first to forgive is a strong move to make.Valentine’s Day will be the best you ever had. Cupid is at work for you all month and love is very much in the air.

VIRGO 23 August-23 September

You will start to look at your love life in a realistic way. This is the key to making it work much better. You need to learn how to compromise and realise you are not always right. Luck shines a light on you at a concert soon..

LIBRA 24 September-23 October Single? You meet someone special where Italian food is served.

This fling will be so exciting and just what you wanted but your partner could find out. Work has been causing you stress lately but instead of complaining like a fool get off your back side and find a job that suits you.

SCORPIO 24 October-22 November

Feeling a bit angry inside? Well don’t take it out on real friends as they could soon turn on you. You need to let go of all the negative things in your life and find new positive channels. A trip to a sunnier climate is on the cards.

SAGITTARIUS 23 November-21 December Focus this month and you will reap the benefits. New contracts are coming your way so make the most of this. Your love life will be at it’s best but you cannot have your cake and eat it.

CAPRICORN 22 December-20 January If you want to make changes at home, this is the time to start the conversation – gently. You finally discover the meaning of commitment, which is a good thing for you, so no more playing away. A red door can lead to success.

AQUARIUS 21 January-19 February Take yourself away for a quiet weekend alone this Valentine’s bas there will be no love for you anywhere. Your love life plummets to an all-new low and not even once besotted ex wants to know you.

Never mind you might meet a nice sheep on a country walk.

PISCES 20 Februrary-20 March Your party lifestyle is taking its toll on your relationship this month. As much as your partner likes your friends they don’t want you bringing them home every night for parties. Stop acting like a child and grow up or you could soon be single again

114 LAST

WORD

Valentines day is one of those days that I have been trying hard to ignore, which is very hard doing a love issue of QS. It’s not that I don’t think love is a good thing but when your love life is as crazy as mine, you really do not want to ponder on it too much. Never mind here I am being reflective thinking about past loves, infatuations or just plain mistakes.

Last valentines I shared a wonderful evening with a gorgeous lad, a nice meal, few drinks, then back to mine. It really was a great night but all good things must come to an end. I recently bumped into this person and it was a bit weird, I still got ‘the butterflies’ when I looked at him but I knew in my heart we had both moved on.

Since last year I had one or two relationships, one didn’t really go right and it ended up a bit of a mess with us now simply not speaking.

I don’t know why but I always stay friends with most of my ex a boyfriend, perhaps this is why I get so confused in my little head when it comes to love.

Lately I have realised that in love you really do have to let go. What do I mean by this? I think most of us have that ‘special someone’ that we once went out with that meant a lot top us. For one reason or other it never worked out, we then spend months or even years missing that person, wondering how they are, thinking ‘what if’. For each of us I think the best solution is to simply let go, to move on and to simply realise that sometimes people are not right for each other.

But some people won’t do this, some live in a world that is perfect and they really do get that love that was lost. I am not saying that occasionally we can get back with ex partners and things work out, but generally if it doesn’t work the first time it wont work again.

Love plays on our every emotion; I for one will admit that it’s the one department I really do shop blind in.

I fall for people far too easily and this (not surprisingly) scares them away. I am the worlds worst for texting an ex saying ‘I really miss you’ when I know it’s a mistake to do so.

My new resolution is to not get back or be with anyone I have been with before, to look to pastures new and to put the past in the past. I have fond memories of different partners and some I will always cherish but I have realised that the people we meet sometimes turn out very different.

I hope this valentines you do spend it with someone special, even if it’s just for a night. Real love takes years to nurture and develop; if you work hard at it you will find ‘true love’. As for me my search continues, I am sure one day I will find my prince charming.

Until next month stay safe.

Love Darren X