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NEWS

bites& happenings The Kylie Wars: Kylie Minogue’s ﬁght against Kylie Jenner to trademark ‘Kylie’

Minogue seemed to address the legal issue with a cryptic post on Twitter. "Hello..... My name is KYLIE #lightyears," she wrote. "My name is Kylie" is a lyric from her song "Light Years," off her 2000 album of the same title.

Antoinette Bueno

For her part, Jenner has had a few undeniably successful business ventures. Last December, her lip kit sold out in seconds, and she and her 20-year-old sister, Kendall Jenner, debuted a new fashion line in January. The sisters' latest venture is a new gaming app, "Kendall & Kylie," which takes fans on adventures through Hollywood. She currently has 53 million followers on Instagram.

Reality star Kylie Jenner and Australian singer Kylie Minogue are currently engaged in some legal drama after 18-year-old Jenner applied to trademark her first name in the United States. Jenner is seeking protection for the name "Kylie" in connection with advertising services, according to World Intellectual Property Review, though obviously, that doesn't sit well with 47-year-old Minogue. Minogue's reps filed a notice of opposition on Feb. 22 to Jenner's application, claiming it would cause confusion among consumers and dilute the "Can't Get You Out of My Head" singer's brand. The documents call Jenner "a secondary television personality," and alludes to a few controversies she's been embroiled in over the years.

Jenner recently opened up about her much talked-about social media presence, which she dubbed her "alter-ego.""It's not that I don't want to do it ... Yeah, actually I kind of just don't want to do it any more," she surprisingly confessed to Wonderland magazine. "Honestly. But I've always been like that. I want to be a businesswoman and be behind-the-scenes. Kylie Jenner needs to retire."

Ricky Martin sued for Plagiarism … Again Singer allegedly plagiarized ‘Vida’ music video

"Ms. Jenner is a secondary reality television personality who appeared on the television series 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' as a supporting character, to Ms. Jenner's half-sisters, Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian (i.e., the Kardashians)," the filing notes. "Ms. Jenner is active on social media where her photographic exhibitionism and controversial posts have drawn criticism from, e.g., the Disability Rights and African-American communities." The documents seem to be making reference to the Interview magazine photoshoot of Jenner in a wheelchair that some felt was insensitive. Minogue's legal filing also points out that the singer has been famous longer than Kylie, and has owned the domain name www.kylie.com since 1996 -- a year before Jenner was born. "Kylie has been in the entertainment industry since 1979, and launched her first album titled 'KYLIE' in 1988," the documents state. "To date, Kylie has worldwide record sales of over 80 million records and tours regularly around the globe, including in the United States."

For the second time in less than two years, Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin is being sued by the same plantiff for allegedly stealing his 2014 World Cup anthem from an aspiring artist.

Luis Adrian Cortes Ramos, once a finalist of “Idol Puerto Rico,” filed a second lawsuit earlier this month against Martin claiming his song “Vida” was almost identical to a song he composed and submitted. He wants $10 million for the “distress” still affecting him from the lack of recognition for his work, EFE reported. Ramos is demanding $1 million for being “humiliated, ill-informed, harassed and threatened,” $2 million for copyright violation and another $2 million for the “severe mental anguish he has suffered and continues to suffer for loss of his composition and creation without being credited or compensated.” The other $5 million, he claims, corresponds to his “right to compensation for direct or indirect profits” Martin may have received because of the music video. According to court documents, Martin took part in a public contest with Sony called “SuperSong” aimed at finding a new song for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil held in 2014. Contestants were asked to submit a song with a music video. The winner was Elijah King, of Puerto Rican roots, who wrote "Vida." The song was recorded by Martin and included in the World Cup’s official album.

"Good Morning Mr Ricky... Got a handful of love?" one cheeky fan wrote, while another added: "You have a naughty hand Ricky." Others went straight in for the kill saying: "Morning jerk off in public more like it. Well, I like it," and "Morning masturbate grin emoticon." We hate to burst the bubble, but we think Ricky's hand is simply holding his phone. The openly gay star has recently given his female admirers a glimmer of hope after admitting he is "open" to sleeping with a women. "I know that I like both men and women," he explained to Mexican magazine Fama!. "I'm against sexual labels, we are simply human beings with emotional and sexual needs… I am gay, men fascinate me, but I like to enjoy sex in total freedom, so I'm open to having sex with a woman if I feel (the) desire."

GRINDR Nightmare: Naked Grindr pair jailed for false imprisonment Bobby Rae

A naked couple, who lured a man to a house through Grindr, before subjecting him to a vicious attack and robbery, have been jailed for six years each.

'Morning jerk-off in public': Ricky Martin sends his fans into overdrive with suspicious picture Taking to Instagram, the star shared a beach pic with his fans, outlining his shadow on the ground. While many users gushed about Ricky's muscly figure, others were more concerned about what he was going with his hand. At first glance the snap looked innocent, but look again and Mr Martin appears to be… erm, pleasuring himself.

20-year-olds, Jordan Bridge-Simmons and Tyrone Platt, used the dating app to convince their victim to come to the home of Bridge-Simmons’ mother in Little Billing, Northamptonshire, on July 21, last year.

There, they beat him up in a dark bedroom and scraped knives together to put him in a state of fear. Platt then took the man to a cash machine and forced him to withdraw £300, while Bridge-Simmons drunkenly drove his car into a neighbour’s mini and house. Last month, a jury at Northampton Crown Court found the pair guilty of false imprisonment and Bridge-Simmons of actual bodily harm and robbery. Platt had earlier admitted attacking the victim and robbing him and Bridge-Simmons of stealing the car and driving while drunk. In sentencing, Recorder Kelly, said the false imprisonment charge was the most serious. “He was subject to a terrifying ordeal. He was assaulted, locked in a room where there were knives and at points you were both naked,” he said. “He was humiliated by your behaviour and I can’t imagine how frightened he would have been. “You were targeting older gay men, The reason was that you felt they would be less likely to report this matter to police.”

The court heard how the attack continued for over an hour and at one point Bridge-Simmons and the victim fell down the stairs, where both defendants then kicked him in the head and stomach. When the man was finally released, Platt told him to report his car as stolen in the morning, but instead he headed to the nearest police station where he told officers of his ordeal. After crashing the car, Bridge-Simmons was taken to Northampton General Hospital and placed in intensive care, where a blood sample showed he was double the legal limit. He was subsequently arrested at the hospital, as was Platt when he came to visit. In their defence, Platt had claimed he was a male escort and they had agreed a fee of £250 for sex. The jury, however, found them guilty of all charges that went to trial. Recorder Kelly told the pair they must spend at least four years behind bars.

Lady Gaga Gets Matching Tattoos with the Sexual-Assault Survivors Who Joined Her Oscars Performance JOSH DUBOFF

“At rehearsal the survivors and I made a pact.” Lady Gaga’s powerful Oscar performance remains one of the most-discussed aspects from the telecast on Sunday night, as Gaga was accompanied on stage by 50 sexual-assault survivors for her performance of “Til It Happens to You,” from the documentary The Hunting Ground. And now, a few days after the Oscars, Gaga, who has spoken publicly about being raped at the age of 19, went to get matching tattoos with the survivors from the performance, a process she documented on her Snapchat account Thursday. Gaga explained on her Snapchat story, “At rehearsal the survivors and I made a pact,” and then shared video of the actual tattoo procedure. The artist who did the inking was David Allen, who posted an Instagram shot of himself with Gaga, writing, “Honored to tattoo a symbol of ‘unity’ on @ladygaga today. An image of solidarity for survivors of sexual assault” (the tattoo was designed by one of the survivors, Jacqueline Lin). Per People, Gaga had her tattoo done at Pioneer Tattoo in Chicago; the other survivors shared pictures of their finished designs on social media platforms. A producer of The Hunting Ground, Amy Ziering, told People that Gaga “spent a great deal of time with the survivors throughout the rehearsal process, and they formed a unique and meaningful bond,” and that many told Ziering that “speaking with her and hearing her share her story and what she’d learned was healing and life-changing.” 9

Britney Spears

strips down to a towel Bobby Rae

Pop sensation Britney Spears is latest celebrity to strip down to a towel for celebrity photographer, Mario Testino. The photo was uploaded to Twitter and featured her in nothing by a towel on her head and wrapped loosely around her shoulder. The picture comes just a day after Britney’s latest collaboration with the snapper featured in V Magazine’s 100th issue. The ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ star is the 104th person to join the series, which also includes fashion icon Anna Wintour, and Justin Bieber. Known as the ‘Towel Series’, it features celebrities wearing nothing more than, yep you guessed it, a towel. Here some of our favourites including Francisco Lachowski, David Gandy and others.

Madonna is 'highly offensive to Christianity', says New Zealand bishop Bishop is the latest senior Catholic to take up the cudgels against the endlessly provocative singer One might think the most sensible path for the Roman Catholic church with regards to Madonna might be to ignore her – after more than 30 years of provocations based around conflating Christianity and sexuality, it seems unlikely she’s going to change any time soon. And nor do the church’s repeated complaints about her seem to have persuaded her audience to desert her. Still, that hasn’t stopped the bishop of Auckland speaking out ahead of Madonna’s concert in the city on Saturday. “There is no question in my mind that some of Madonna’s material is highly offensive to Christianity and will be found just as offensive to the majority of people of religious faith,” said Bishop Patrick Dunn, according to the New Zealand Herald. Bishop Dunn’s condemnation followed a complaint made by the archbishop of Singapore when the Rebel Heart tour stopped there last month. “There is no neutrality in faith,” Archbishop Goh said. “One is either for or against. Being present [at Madonna’s concerts] in itself is a counter witness. Obedience to God and His commandments must

come before the arts.” That was despite Madonna toning down elements of her show – which features, among other things, pole-dancing nuns in hotpants – for the Singapore performance. Bishop Dunn agreed with Archbishop Goh’s sentiments, though he did not call for a boycott of the concert. Madonna has a long history of offending the Catholic church. Her Confessions tour in 2006 was described as a “blasphemous challenge to the faith and a profanation of the cross” by Cardinal Ersilio Tonini, speaking with the approval of the then pope, Benedict XVI. “She should be excommunicated,” Tonini added. That show featured a mock crucifixion, with Madonna singing Live to Tell while suspended from a giant mirrored cross. The Church of England wondered: “Why would someone with so much talent seem to feel the need to promote herself by offending so many people?” In 1990, the pope called for a boycott of her Blond Ambition tour, in which Madonna simulated masturbation during Like a Prayer, whose original video – complete with burning crosses, a gospel choir and references to stigmata – was accused of being blasphemous.

Why Sia hides behind a wig. Sia initially found fame "destabilising", so decided to conceal her identity when she launched her second bid for career success. The 40-year-old singer is known for hiding beneath a black and white wig or hats with hair attached, and has only been seen without her disguises on a handful of occasions. As she appeared on the Carpool Karaoke segment on The Late Late Show With James Corden, Sia explained she decided to wear the hairpieces because when she became famous the first time around, she found it somewhat difficult to cope with. "I only wear this just to try and maintain a modicum of privacy," Sia said. "I was a singer already for 10 or 11 years to mediocre success. "I was an alcoholic and a drug addict and I sobered up and decided I didn't want to be an artist anymore because I started to get a little bit famous and I was destabilising in some way. "So I decided what didn't exist in pop music at this moment and it was mystery. I mean there's pictures of everyone on Instagram at the dentist!” We at Horizon Magazine certainly love that Sia’s voice is so powerful that she can get away with it.

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Elton John Accuses Janet Jackson of Lip-Synching: 'I'd Rather Go and See a Drag Queen' Joyce Chen

Cristiano Ronaldo tranforms into human canvas for colourful new underwear ad Rosie West

The sports star wants to ‘add a splash of colour to your life’…

Elton John has never been one to filter his thoughts, and in an interview for the new issue of Rolling Stone, the music legend let his opinion be known about his fellow singers’ showmanship. “I say what I feel,” the 68-year-old musician explained. “I probably went too far with Madonna [publicly calling her out for lip-synching], and I got very personal and I wrote her — she was very gracious. … You know, f--king music magazines writing a review of Janet Jackson saying, ‘This is the greatest show — four and a half stars.’ It’s f--king lip-synched! Hello! That’s not a show! I’d rather go and see a drag queen. F--k off.”

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has taken part in a colourful new ad campaign for his line of underwear, CR7. The shots show Ronaldo getting splashed with paint – meant to symbolize the “colours of the world”, according to the sports star. “Our bodies are a blank canvas and underwear is the first thing we put on, so why not start the day well and add a splash of colour to your life!” he wrote on Instagram. “It was really fun and it was good to be taken out of my comfort zone,” he added in a press release. “I do a lot of shoots but this really was something that I’ve never done before and I didn’t know what to expect! 13

“At first I was nervous – it’s not every day that you have people throwing coloured pigments at you — but after five minutes I felt completely at home!” Last year, a French TV host claimed that the football ace was in a relationship with his close friend, Badr Hari. “Ronaldo takes three or four jets a week to see a friend in Morocco to cuddle,” he said, leading to shocked gasps from the audience. His comments came after the Real Madrid striker and his new BFF jokingly shared a series of snaps of their recent bromantic holiday. During one such trip, heavyweight kick boxer Hari posted a photo on Facebook of him holding up Ronaldo. “Just married,” the caption said. “Always there to pick you up, bro.” Other snaps of the trip shared a candle-lit image of a traditional Moroccan meal, as well as a picture of the pair post “wedding”. Ronaldo’s love of fashion, accessories and grooming has made him the subject of gay rumours in the past and he has been voted a gay icon by several publications. However, he has shrugged off the adulation, saying: “I’m at ease with my sexuality so it’s not a problem for me.”

Following the news that Chariots was closing its Shoreditch branch later this month, the London sauna chain has abruptly closed its branch in Streatham. The venue had been open for almost 20 years. One visitor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I went there at lunchtime. There was a big white van outside and they were taking away all the towels. The manager was there and he told me that staff were only informed last Friday that the land had been sold and the venue was closing. I think they closed Sunday. He said they were all shocked and that he’d had regulars turning up and some were very upset to hear of the closure – some were in tears. “I’ve had friends texting me, people who went regularly, who are really upset. I’ve supported the place for the last 15 years and am very sad to see it go.” A spokesperson for Chariots confirmed the closure: “I can confirm that our Streatham branch has closed,” said Melanie Giddings at Chariots’ head office. “Our Shoreditch branch closed on 22 February, but we are actively seeking new premises in the Shoreditch area. Until then, our Waterloo and Vauxhall branches remain open.” Chariots in Shoreditch – the largest sauna in the UK for gay and bisexual men – is being demolished to make way for a new, luxury development consisting of a 200-room hotel, retail and office space.

Criminal charges against six Rentboy.com employees dropped Darren Wee

Chariots closes another of its London saunas

'Now that my case has been rightfully dismissed I can start to put back the pieces of my life that were taken from me'

David Hudson

Following news that its East End branch is closing, the company abruptly closed another venue

US prosecutors dropped criminal charges against six former Rentboy.com employees. They were arrested on charges of promoting prostitution along with CEO Jeffrey Hurant last year. Hurrant was indicted in January and plead not guilty to promoting prostitution and money laundering. In August, federal authorities raided the Manhattan headquarters of Rentboy.com, which they described as an ‘internet brothel.’ The company had more than $10 million in gross proceeds between 2010 and 2015. More than $1.4 million was seized from six bank accounts in connection with the investigation. If convicted, Hurrant faces up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Among those discharged were COO Shane Lukas, marketing director Michael Sean Belman, Edward Estanol, an escort and social media coordinator, saleswoman Diana Milagros Mattos, sales executive Clint Calero and accountant Marco Soto Decker. 14

Trudeau, 44, is a passionate advocate for LGBTI rights who had already marched in the pride parade before his ascended to office last October. ‘Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM,’ Trudeau tweeted. The parade is scheduled to take place on 3 July. Toronto’s first-ever Pride Month will launch on 1 June and will have the theme of ‘belonging and inclusion.’ In his 2014 memoir, Common Ground, Trudeau said gay marriage, abortion and legalizing marijuana were his ‘core principles’ and that he would not ‘simply pander’ to his opponents but had to ‘adhere to my own views.’ During his campaign, Trudeau pledged to introduce legislation to add gender identity to the Canadian Human Rights Act and the hate crime provisions of the Criminal Code, and end a ban on gay blood and organ donations, which was expanded under Canada’s long-time Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

‘This trial has been nothing but a huge inconvenience to me, but now that my case has been rightfully dismissed I can start to put back the pieces of my life that were taken from me,’ Estanol, better known as Eli Lewis, wrote on social media on Wednesday. ‘I am forever grateful to everyone who supported me during the past few months. We will meet injustice with justice.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to make history by marching in Toronto Pride Parade Greg Hernandez

Trudeau tweets: 'Very much look forward to being there again, this time as PM'

It was last October that Trudeau ousted Harper in a surprise victory after his Liberal Party won 54% of the seats in parliament. The son of former PM Pierre Trudeau is the second youngest leader in the country’s history and has vowed to appoint more LGBTI people to government.

Surge in Americans looking to emigrate to Canada following Trump gains Joseph Patrick McCormick

As the dust settled following Super Tuesday, it looked like Trump and Clinton were the ones who won the night. But as the results were revealed, it appeared that Canada may have been somewhat of the outright winner. Why? Because as it became apparent that Trump was on track to get the Republican nomination, many people were looking into emigrating to Canada. Lots and lots of people used the search term “How to move to Canada”, which spiked at 1,500 percent of the usual rate at midnight on Tuesday, according to the Washington Post. So many people searched for information on how to move to Canada, that the Canadian Government’s immigration website experienced delays. Recently Trudeau confirmed plans to attend this year’s Pride parade in Toronto. Canada’s new PM has shown himself as a strong supporter of equal rights since being sworn into office. In November, the government promised to take in a substantial amount of gay refugees from war-torn Syria. The proud LGBT ally also demonstrated his commitment to equality by naming a diverse, gender-balanced cabinet. In contrast, Trump told Fox News he would likely back a plot to overturn equal marriage, just days before telling the lesbian journalist he would “move forward” on LGBT rights. When challenged on the contradiction in a third interview, Trump attempted to maintain both contradicting views simultaneously.

Justin Trudeau will become the first sitting Canadian prime minister to march in the Toronto Pride parade, organizers said Monday (22 February).

He promised evangelicals last week: “I think [evangelicals] can trust me on traditional marriage.” Those in the US hoping to move across the border may need to act quickly – Trump isn’t a fan of migration and has proposed a wall to be built at the Mexican border.

Marriage Equality in Finland Passes Final Hurdle JAMES MCDONALD

Now, couples need only wait another year before ﬁnally tying the knot.

Syrian Refugee Subhi Nahas has a message for US Republicans JAMES MCDONALD

'Don’t punish the victims’

This week, the Finnish parliament overwhelmingly approved the final legislative measure required to legalize marriage equality. Slightly behind the curve of fellow Nordic nations Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Denmark—where marriage was established between 2009 and 2012—the final amendment to Finland's 2014 same-sex marriage bill allows for couples to convert civil unions into full-fledged marriages once the law takes effect in March 2017. While a popular petition led to the Finnish parliament taking up and approving the issue of marriage equality in November 2014, with the initiative receiving President Sauli Niinistö's signature in early 2015, the progress of same-sex marriage has nonetheless been remarkably slow. From the onset, March 2017 was set as the date for the law to take effect—more than two years from the date of passage. Homosexuality was first legalized in Finland in 1971, with same-sex unions introduced in 2002, offering equal rights with the exception of adoption. Today, members of the LGBT community are also protected by anti-discrimination laws. Last year, a petition was circulated in opposition to the marriage equality measure, which gained enough support to force parliament to once again debate the issue. However, it failed to gain the legislative support needed to overturn the law. Now, same-sex couples need wait just another year before finally being able to marry.

Since the attacks in Paris, Republican presidential contenders joined the 31 governors—including one Democrat—calling for a complete shut down of the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States. French President François Hollande, on the other hand, increased his commitment to the hundreds of thousands of Syrians seeking safety in Europe and beyond. The French people were able to recognize that Syrian refugees are fleeing the very same violence that rocked the City of Lights. Newly-elected Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau similarly amped up his support for Syrian refugees, both in rhetoric and practice, personally welcoming planes in the middle of the night. Subhi Nahas fled rising anti-gay persecution in Syria three years ago, traveling first to Lebanon, then to Turkey, finally making his way to the United States earlier this year. He detailed the long process of being granted sanctuary as a refugee, noting that the average processing time is upwards of two years. Speaking with Advocate.com, which has just named him one of its Forty Under 40, Nahas had this simple message for Republican fear-mongers: “The hardest way for terrorists to come is through the refugee process." He explained that the people fleeing were trying to escape that same violence. It is easy to confuse the victims with the oppressors. He says that he was one of the very lucky ones, to have had his application accepted in the space of about eight months.

Israeli Jews & Arabs Kiss To Protest Book Ban

Former Mr Gay UK charged with male rape

JAMES MCDONALD

After the Israeli Ministry of Education banned a book for its depiction of Jewish-Arab love, six couples fought back.

A police officer who was Mr Gay UK 2006 has been charged with raping another man.

Mark Carter, 27, from Huddersfield, was arrested in December and suspended from his job as a PC.

Israel may officially be the Jewish State, but 20% of its population are Arab—citizens who vote, pay taxes, and contribute to the vibrancy of Israeli society. Mixed relationships, however, widely remain taboo, as evident from a recent decision from the Israeli Ministry of Education to pull a book from the nation's curriculum for its inclusion of a romance between a Jewish man and an Arab woman. For many people—especially young people—such divisions bear no relevance, and so six mixed couples, straight and gay, came together for Time Out to kiss on camera.

The alleged incident took place in a room in the Etap hotel in Leeds on December 19th. Mr Carter was understood to be out clubbing with colleagues in the city that night. He has been charged with at least one offence of indecent assault and has also been charged with offences relating to bodybuilding drugs, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports. He is due to appear at Leeds magistrates court on Tuesday. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: “A 27-year-old man has been charged with a number of sexual offences. “He was arrested following a police investigation at the Etap hotel in Leeds on December 19th 2009. He came out in 2005 and has served with Huddersfield Police for four years.

There's Now a Study That Proves Gay Men Fat Shame One Another LES FABIAN BRATHWAITE

The proof is in the sugarfree, low calorie, no fat pudding. If you self-identify as a gay, bisexual and/or otherwise queer man, and you're breathing air, you've probably experienced, witnessed or perpetrated some form of fat shaming. A recent study in Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity refers to this as the more scientific-sounding "antifat bias." "Fat Chance! Experiences and Expectations of Antifat Bias in the Gay Male Community"—or, as I'd like to refer to it, "The Mean Gays Report"—used two studies to explore just how antifat gay men are, because simply logging into Grindr doesn't carry quite the same professional heft.

The first study found that out of 215 gay men, age 18 to 78, over one third of them had directly experienced antifat bias, even though most of them were not overweight using common body mass index guidelines. These men also reported that the most common form of antifat bias they received was from potential romantic partners, which was associated with several types of body image disturbance. The second study compared the expectations of antifat bias among gay and straight college men. These 'mos and bros rated the likelihood of certain outcomes if they saw an overweight man hit on an attractive target. Basically, if they saw a fat guy hitting on someone out of his league, what would they expect to happen: Gay men reported greater likelihood that the overweight man would be blatantly ignored, treated rudely, or mocked behind his back if he approached an attractive potential romantic partner. The shade of it all. So not only do gay men face antifat bias, regardless of actual weight, we also expect our peers to exhibit the same kind of behavior in our pursuit of love, or what have you. The results aren't surprising, which is perhaps the worst part of this study. It only confirms what so many of us have experienced and further illustrates a problem that it seems has plagued gay men for as long as anything resembling a gay community has existed. A problem that is exacerbated by the media and perpetuated by hookup culture. There's no simple solution to fixing generations of this antifat bias—the idolization of the male body has always been part and parcel of gay culture—but that's why we have bears. And otters and cubs and others in this sexual menagerie that reject and subvert the idea of the ideal body. One simple solution we can all do, however, is to stop broadcasting ignorance and prejudice—like, if you're filling out a dating profile maybe, I dunno, leave out the "no fats, femmes, etc." bullshit. Just a thought. Oh, and don't fuck with others who use that kind of language.You know, gay it forward, be the change you want to see in the world, etc, etc. And on Wednesdays we wear pink.

Indian Supreme Court to Reconsider Criminalization of Homosexuality JAMES MCDONALD

The court reinstated a colonial-era ban in 2013, resulting in widespread state-sponsored persecution of gay men.

In 2013, the Indian Supreme Court shocked the nation and the world by re-criminalizing homosexuality. Decades of progress, which had culminated in a 2009 ruling by a lower court to legalize same-sex activities, were swept away by the odd decision to reinstate a ban first imposed by British Colonial authorities in 1860. Tomorrow holds hope for change, however, as India's supreme judicial body is set to decide whether or not to revisit the issue. Activists are hoping that the Supreme Court, which is known for its progressive approach to civil rights and the rights of minority groups, will rectify what many have interpreted as a gross affront to human dignity in the world's largest democracy. Sadly, the legal challenge faced by LGBT people is not unique to India. While Britain has progressed immensely on LGBT issues in recent years—marriage equality is now legal in England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland—its legacy around the globe is far less positive. Of the 76 countries that still criminalize homosexuality, more than half of them do so because of laws imposed by the British Empire in the 19th century. Activists have repeatedly called upon Britain to pressure Commonwealth nations (former colonies) to overturn the archaic laws. At the opening ceremony for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow just months after Scotland voted to legalize same-sex marriage, organizers included a same-sex kiss—something that was broadcast live to more than 1 billion people across the Commonwealth. While a number of countries retain laws on the books without actively persecuting gay people, more than 600 arrests were reported in India in 2014. Shashi Bhooshan, a gay rights activist, spoke with the Guardian about what a positive outcome would mean: “I feel excited and nervous for tomorrow. If we get a good verdict, it will be a big step forward and give me security as a citizen of this country. How can I be living in the world’s biggest democracy in 2016 and still be denied a fundamental human right? “Right now, I am considered a criminal. There’s a fear around it, a social stigma. But it becomes easier to change people’s minds if the law is on your side. It is easier to explain to them that you’re not doing anything wrong, that you’re normal.” On Tuesday, February 2, the Supreme Court announced that it would reopen hearings into the criminalization of homosexuality. It's a rare move to accept a "curative petition," a legal procedure that allows for Supreme Court rulings to be revisited. Buzzfeed reports that only three such petitions have been successful since the procedure's inception in 2002.

Sensual Journeys with

Kemuel Valdes This month, the Horizon Magazone is transported on a journey by the black and white photography of Kemuel Valdes. The images capture beautiful male bodies contrasted by their environments. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a symphony of textures: the smoothness of the skin, the fluidity of the water, and grainy sand set against a rough and rocky beach. These contrasts help the images come alive, and one can almost feel every grain of sand against the skin. Valdesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; imagery creates a unique multi-sensory experience, and like one of his models, we too are transported up in the air to appreciate and feel this special captured moment. Back Cover Photography: Kemuel Valdes

Kemuel Valdes is a Sports-Science major with a background in figure drawing and photography. This is perhaps why we see such lyricism in his approach to photography. He has been a photographer for the past 15 years and has worked with Mastrioni, Aussibum TOUS, 911 Fitness Challenge, MuscleMania, PIPE underwear, SociallyEngaged, Todd & Terry, Habitamiami, Next models, Elite models, Front models, Florida Sports Magazine, Bello magazine, Carbon Copy magazine, Miami Living Magazine, CREATOR magazine, Assouline & Berlowe, Miami Herald, Ohlalamag, among others. You can view more of his work, his books and calendars on his website: www.valdesarthouse.com

www.valdesarthouse.com

The 7 most

idiotic things people say to bisexuals Kate Harrad

‘A l e s b i a n f r i e n d s a i d I w a s n ’ t a p r o p e r b i s e x u a l because I had slept with more men than women’ 1. Bisexuality is not real

4. Prove it

A lot of people are convinced bisexuality isn’t a real thing, and sadly a lot of those people are in the lesbian and gay communities. This is very confusing if you’re a bi person. It’s bad enough having your sexual identity insulted, having denied altogether is quite scary. Hessie says: ‘At college once I got told by a pair of short-haired lesbians they were fed up of “obviously straight” long-haired women turning up and claiming to be bisexual – everyone knew bisexuals didn’t really exist.’ If someone tells you they’re a particular sexuality, just believe them. It’s polite.

Sometimes if you tell people you’re bi, it’s as if you’re suddenly in a courtroom being ordered to defend your sexuality to a hostile jury. How many people exactly have you slept with, and what genders were they? Who’s your current partner? Are you sure you really feel this way? Bisexuality doesn’t need to be proved any more than any other sexual orientation does. If you wouldn’t cross-question a gay person about whether they were ‘really’ gay, don’t do it to bi people either. There’s a worrying side-effect of this, too: bisexual asylum seekers often experience more intrusive questioning by agencies of the state in order to ‘prove’ their sexuality.

2. So are you going through a phase? This is only one step up from ‘there’s no such thing as bisexuality’. You’re saying that whatever we might think we feel right now, it can’t be a proper identity like being gay or straight. Christopher Biggins said last year: ‘People who fear homosexuality most are the ones who could be gay. The world is full of bisexuals because that’s the way they want to do it. What do they do? They ruin a woman’s life. It’s so wrong, because you’re not owning up to what you are. You lead a double life so how can you be a real person?’ It’s true some people do come out as bisexual and then later come out as gay. Maybe they’re actually changing their sexuality, or maybe they really were gay all along. And that’s fine. It doesn’t mean all bi people aren’t really bi, though, does it? If someone is vegetarian and then starts eating meat, does that mean vegetarians don’t exist?

3. Being bi is trendy these days People have been describing bisexuality as trendy since at least the 1980s. It can’t have been in fashion non-stop for four decades. That’s not how fashion works. If being bi was a cool, trendy thing to do, the bi community would be a very different place. I love my community, but ‘cool’ is not the first word that comes to mind. The implication is that bi people are in some way pretending. There’s a lot of hostility around towards people who ‘pretend’ to be bisexual, for example two girls who snog each other for the enjoyment of men. But bisexuality is a very broad church. Maybe one of the girls, or both of them, are acting out their actual desires in the only way they safely can. You don’t know, so don’t judge.

lesbian and gay asylum seekers, and they’re often sent back to countries where their lives are in danger with instructions to ‘simply’ live a heterosexual life. If people just accepted bisexuality as a legitimate identity, this wouldn’t happen.

5. Can’t you decide? ‘Ever since I told my boss I was going to a bi event she seems to treat me as a flake. She makes little comments all the time about how I can’t stick at things, how I’m not a team player. One time she told me not to apply for a promotion because they wanted “someone loyal, who could commit”. I wish I’d never mentioned it now,’ is one story from The Bisexuality Report. There’s this idea that bisexual people are confused about who they ‘really’ fancy, haven’t decided on their sexuality, or are trying to have it both ways. People failing to choose a side, or trying to be on two sides simultaneously, is traditionally a sign that they’re untrustworthy – they’re trying to play both sides off against each other, they’re double agents, they’re disloyal. Analogies are powerful. One popular description of bisexuality is ‘batting for both teams’. In any game, playing for both sides at once is clearly unsportsmanlike. Even switching between games would be seen as dodgy. So it’s easy to see why the idea of bisexuality looks like a kind of betrayal. However, just because you can make a metaphor doesn’t mean it’s true. Bisexuality is just a type of sexuality. It doesn’t imply anything else about you or your personality.

6. Everyone’s bisexual really This is something often said by bisexuals and non-bisexual alike: everyone’s a little bit bisexual. It feels right to a lot of people, and it’s a positive thing to say, surely? Well, not necessarily. First, it’s not true. Most people aren’t bisexual and don’t identify as such. The rules about not imposing your labels on other people apply here too: don’t label your gay, lesbian or straight friend as bisexual if that’s not something they’d call themselves. It doesn’t help bi visibility. Everyone isn’t bisexual, and that’s ok.

7. Oh, so you’re 50% straight and 50% gay? ‘I was once told by a lesbian friend that I wasn’t a proper bisexual because I had slept with more men than women,’ recalls Cat. ‘I then told her that she couldn’t be a proper lesbian because I’d slept with more women than she had. Not entirely fair, I know, but saying something that stupid deserves an equally stupid answer.’ The idea that proper bisexuals are exactly 50-50 in their sexuality is obviously ridiculous, but it’s extremely popular. Non-binary genders tell us gender is not neatly divided up into half-and-half. But even if that weren’t the case, bisexuals don’t have to like men and women equally. How would that work, anyway? As soon as you see a man you fancy, you have to look round for a woman you also find attractive, so the Sexuality Police don’t get you? Do you have to keep a scorecard of everyone you sleep with and make sure it adds up at the end of every year? Or are you allowed to wait till the end of your life before you calculate your final score? And what counts? Is it sleeping with precisely equal numbers of men and women, or is it who you eye up in the street? What about kissing? Or do only actual relationships count towards the total. Maybe fancying equals one point, kissing two points, sex five points and dating 10 points? It feels like a sexuality test. Let’s just accept that sexuality isn’t a pass or fail, and let bi be bi. This list was created using extracts from upcoming book Purple Prose: Bisexuality in Britain, edited by Kate Harrad.

FASHION HIGHS Spring / Summer

2016

Dolce & Gabbana

The S/S 2016

Runway collection

S/S 2016: Spring Blossoms from the Far East

The S/S 2016 Runway collection takes us on a beautiful journey to the far east full of whimsy and fantasy. We see rich silks with elaborate Eastern essences juxtaposed with Sicilian motifs. We also see some traditionally Eastern cuts reinterpreted in blazers and suits. The collection is full of colour, confidence, bold patterns and a lightness in the fabrics.

The exotic beauty of the chinoiserie and the geometric and colorful shapes of Sicilian folk motifs characterize the Spring/Summer 2016 men's runway show collection.

Inspiration THE CHINESE PALACE OF PALERMO The Chinese Palace of Palermo, with its fine panels, tapestries and paintings is a paragon of this eccentric taste for exoticism.

“Chinese atmospheres and the Mediterranean tradition of Sicily come together in the Summer 2016 men's fashion show”

“Pagodas, lanterns, cacti, oriental dignitaries and peacocks create fancyful prints inspired by the Chinese Palace of Palermo”

London Fashion Week

LFW Street Style

Men’s Street Style

As the London Fashion Week A/W 2016 runway shows come around there is often as much interest in what men are wearing to the shows rather than just what they’re wearing on the catwalks. The keen eye will always ﬁnd some interesting examples of personal style, denoting just how vast the range is to express ourselves through fashion. Horizon Magazine picks out a couple examples of street style at this year’s LFW A/W 2016.

"Personal style is all about expressing your unique individuality. We like the idea of taking classic well-made pieces and pairing them with something whimsical or unexpected."

Male The spring season brings with it a host of new product favourites. The heaviness of winter fades away and we look towards the lighter, brighter and fresher scents, textures and colour palettes. The same can be said for skincare, as we look toward re-energising, renewing and revitalising our skin for the season ahead.

DIOR SAUVAGE François Demachy, Dior perfumer-creator, best describes it as both raw and noble all at once. Its creation was inspired by wide open spaces: an ozone blue sky sprawled above a rocky landscape, white-hot beneath the desert sun. The carefully selected natural ingredients range from top notes with the juicy freshness of bergamot, while the ambroxan, derived from precious ambergris, unleashes a powerfully woody trail.

ACQUA DI PARMA – COLONIA ESSENZA AFTER SHAVE BALM Shaving can take its toll on your skin, particularly after the winter months. Acqua Di Parma’s after shave balm is a fluid and soft gel

ELEMIS PAPAYA ENZYME PEEL Spring is a great time to renew and refresh your skin after the winter weather may have left it looking dull and lifeless. The Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is a rinse-off exfoliating cream that contains nourishing milk protein, anti-oxidant rich vitamin E and marine algae to moisturise, repair and protect the skin. It’s full of natural fruit enzymes of exfoliating papaya and calming pineapple to smooth and clarify and brighten the complexion and is even suitable for sensitive skin types. 33

BOTTEGA VENETA ESSENCE AROMATIQUE We are loving the Essence Aromatique by Bottega Veneta. It’s the right combination of fresh and masculine with an essence of luxury. It’s long-lasting and yet feels light and cool at the same time. The freshness of Italian bergamot blends beautifully with the strong patchouli essence from Indonesia along with Siberian pine to create a fresh yet intoxicating concoction.

REDKEN FOR MEN - WORK HARD MOULDING PASTE Redken for Men’s Work Hard moulding paste is a great every day moldable paste. One pump into your palm is enough; then rub your hands together to warm up the product and work through your hair to shape styles with strong yet flexible control. Great to add definition to a clean haircut.

LAB SERIES AGE RESCUE EYE THERAPY The Lab Series Age Rescue Eye Therapy is our secret weapon to looking fresh and well rested. It doesn’t matter how young you are— eye cream is always a good idea to maintaining a youthful and healthy appearance. This one contains ginseng extracts to energise the skin for a revitalised look. It helps fight the look of wrinkles and fatigue while reducing the appearance of under-eye puffiness and dark circles.

KIEHL’S OIL ELIMINATOR MOISTURISER The radiator heating, the cold air and occasional rain that accompanies the end of winter can often leave your skin quite dry and damaged. Don’t be put off by its name; Kiehl’s Oil Eliminator is an excellent 24-hour anti-shine moisturiser that keeps your skin hydrated without causing that excessive oiliness and residue that many moisturisers leave behind. This is an ultra-light blend supposedly formulated with ‘space-age’ Aerolite Technology along with Totara wood extract to leave the skin feeling clean, fresh and visibly reducing the appearance of pores. A definite keeper for your gym bag. If you love this then you’ll also love the accompanying cleansing wash from the same range.

Skincare We must say the Tom Ford men’s skincare range is looking mighty impressive. Our initial doubts of anticipating average product formulation under beautiful packaging were quickly dissipated once we got up close and personal with the range. Two particular products that stand out are the Intense Purifying Mud Mask and the Bronzing Gel..

TOM FORD INTENSE PURIFYING MUD MASK This weekly mud mask is designed to counter the dulling and irritating effects of a busy lifestyle on the skin. As it changes colour on your skin to light grey, the oil, dirt and toxins are drawn out and tension lines are diminished— or so it claims. We did certainly find that it leaves the skin feeling clean, hydrated and conditioned and is definitely one of the better mud masks out there.

TOM FORD BRONZING GEL Bronzers are often quite hit or miss, but the Tom Ford Bronzing Gel can become a regular part of your arsenal. It adds a healthy-looking touch of colour to your complexion which leaves you looking like you’ve spent a few minutes out in the sun. You can even apply small dabs to parts of your face where the sun would normally hit, such as your cheekbones, bridge of the nose and top of forehead. The water-based oil-free formula blends nicely with the skin’s natural features and contains the Tom Ford Skin Calming and Infusing Complex.

Gentlemen’s Tonic The ultimate grooming and wellness escape in Mayfair Horizon has discovered a new favourite grooming spa for men. Discretely located on a small street at the heart of Mayfair, Gentlemen’s Tonic is the ultimate male grooming establishment designed exclusively for men. GT is truly a revelation for those who have not tried it. It’s the perfect escape from the stress and fast-pace of modern day life.

Classically designed bringing together old and new, GT Mayfair is furnished with wood, leather and marble, with a high-tech twist. GT features a barbershop, grooming and lifestyle treatments plus one of the largest ranges of male-only grooming products. Their philosophy is to be understated and self-confident while providing their clients the highest level of dedicated care and attention. After spending some time here, it’s easy to see why Gentlemen’s Tonic has now opened its doors everywhere from Dubai to Hong Kong and even New Delhi.

“A personal touch” Exclusively for men Spas can sometimes feel cold and intimidating to new visitors, but one of the first things you notice as you enter its Mayfair premises is that it feels warm, inviting and yet discrete. The fact that it’s exclusively for men brings an added comfort factor. The comprehensive menu offers an array of lifestyle treatments ranging from tension reducing head and body massages, sports massage, and popular alternative therapies of osteopathy, reflexology, reiki and acupuncture. I had the pleasure of indulging in a number of treatments myself. After sipping on some camomile tea, I was ushered into a treatment room for a relaxing Hot Stone Massage (90 min - £125) with Louise. Louise’s experienced hands feltlike heaven and the hot stone massage is certainly worth it if you’re looking to de-stress. I opt for the 60-minute version which is a full-body massage and leaves me feeling completely relaxed and yet energised at the same time. 37

“High quality treatments with attention to detail”

All of the GT facials are based on the researched proprietary layering technique that allows the product to penetrate into the lower levels of the dermis by using them at the right stage and with tailoured massage techniques for maximum absorption. The end result is that skin is left looking healthy, bright and refreshed. I personally found the entire process is incredibly relaxing and after the facial I literally felt my skin was glowing.

Barbershop & Grooming

Gentlemen’s Tonic Male Speciﬁc Facials

The barbershop and grooming service is certainly a highlight, if you’ll pardon the pun. Every barber has his private space that is curtained off, which means that you get to have your haircut and shave service in complete privacy. I found the private barber space very roomy and comfortable. You also have your own private plasma screen if you wish to watch TV, as well as complimentary drinks and a selection of newspapers and magazines. The barbershop services reinvent traditional gentlemen’s services such as special wet shaves, beard trims, hair & scalp conditioning, haircut and colouring as well as head, neck and shoulder massages. My personal barber, Imad, took great care in cutting my hair just the way I like it and made me feel like becoming a regular. The grooming services include male essentials such as facials, back treatments, hair removal, eyelash tinting, eyebrow shaping, manicures and pedicures.

We all know that regular facials can be a great benefit by properly treating the skin and delivering concentrated therapeutic ingredients where the skin needs it most. What makes GT’s facials so great is that they make use of GT’s Male Specific Professional Cosmeceutical Beauty Range which features natural active ingredients and is (amazingly) free from synthetic materials and harmful chemical additives (even free from parabens). So this means the products don’t contain any artificial colours, animal extracts, synthetic perfurmes, TEA/DEA, sodium lauryl or any of the baddies that pollute most of the skincare products out there. Instead you find alpha lipoic (a universal antioxidant), kaolin, drenalip and soybean extract among others.

“Award-winning product ranges" I experienced the Gentlemen’s Tonic Advanced Anti-Aging Facial (60 min - £90) first-hand. This facial helps to accelerate cell renewal and promote the production of collagen. All the products used in the facial harness the power of natural ingredients and are used based on your unique skin concerns. Using an anti-oxidant peel, hero peptide serum, time control solution, active antioxidants, peptides and concentrated vitamin serums, it is designed to help target fine lines and wrinkles. You also get the option of having blackheads extracted as part of the facial.

- Darius Stone Address: Gentlemens Tonic, 31a Bruton Place, London, W1J 6NN +44 (0) 207 297 4343 | info@gentlemenstonic.co.uk Now also available in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Moscow, New Delhi and Mexico City. For the full menu of treatments, visit www.gentlemenstonic.com 38

Revolutionary Effective Atomised NIGHT SER U M

Three words which cannot be applied to any other product in the male grooming world. Zenvie have created a powerful skin care regime for everyman. A secret weapon in the arsenal of the modern man, ZVÂ˛ is delivered through an innovative atomised application. Minimum effort and maximum results. Natural ingredients, specialist skincare experts and water-transported formulas, the Day and Night serums are the ultimate antithesis to dry and fatigued skin. Appropriate for all skin types, the serums provide hydration, soothing relief, lift and energy - in short, everything your skin needs and wants. Find out more about their unique skincare range for men at www.zv2.co.uk

DAY SER UM

10 Products

Every Man Should Own to

PREVENT PREMATURE AGEING Ageing is an inevitable process. The fact that it's natural, however, is not an excuse to look old while you're still in the prime of your life. To ďŹ ght the aging process eďŹ&#x20AC;ectively requires adopting certain habits and adding a few products to your grooming arsenal. Here we bring you the top products that will help you cheat the ageing process and keep your body, skin and hair in peak condition. Farah Averill

Scalp stimulant / hair revitaliser Why they fight the ageing process: A head of thick, lustrous hair signifies vitality. Products designed to combat thinning hair do so either by stimulating the scalp to encourage hair growth or by improving the quality of the hair you still have so that it appears fuller and more abundant. Either way, these products make the most of the mane you have, particularly if you're in the early stages of hair loss. How to use them: The frequency with which you'll need to a use hair-growth treatment will vary from product to product. You'll almost certainly require more than one application, however, and you'll have use the product regularly to maintain its results.

Multi-vitamins Why they fight the ageing process: Vitamins are micronutrients your body is not able to manufacture on its own, so they must be derived from outside sources. These micronutrients work from the inside out by feeding your cells, resulting in healthy skin when consumed in adequate quantities. Additionally, some vitamins prevent and repair cellular damage by neutralising harmful free radicals, thereby slowing aging.

How to use them: The best way to get your vitamins, of course, is by filling your plate with plenty of fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, busy lives often leave us little time to prep food, which means that popping a multivitamin every day can help increase your chances of giving your body what it needs to function at its best.

Exfoliant Why it fights the ageing process: An exfoliant is any product that sloughs off dead skin cells and helps unclog pores. Removing all the gunk from your skin will reveal a new layer of cells, meaning your epidermis will be visibly brighter and younger looking.

High-quality razor and shaving cream

How to use it: The skin cell turnover cycle takes approximately 28 days, so don't exfoliate more than about twice a month. When selecting an exofoliant, search for a product with fine grains as it will be gentle and won't scratch your skin. For more mature skin, exfoliants containing alphaor beta-hydroxy acids are a smart choice.

Why they fight the ageing process: While gray facial hair can look distinguished on an older man, it's unflatteringly aging on anyone under 45. Adopting a fuzz-free look will shave a few years off your mug. A clean-shave should also be coupled with soft skin, another sign of youth. How to use them: Depending on how fast your facial hair grows, you'll need to shave anywhere from daily to once a week. For super-soft skin, invest in a razor from a reputable brand and spend a little extra on an emollient-rich shaving cream, too.

Eye cream

Antioxidant moisturiser Why it fights the ageing process: As we age, our skin becomes more dry. A moisturiser that's full of antioxidants will not only drench the upper layers of your epidermis with a hydrating tonic but will also pump nourishing ingredients into your cells, helping skin retain its youthful elasticity. How to use it: Seek out moisturisers with high doses of ingredients like resveratrol, as well as vitamins A, C and E. You'll know if the product you're considering purchasing has a hefty dose of antioxidants if you find one in the first five ingredients listed on the packaging. Once you settle on a moisturiser, apply it twice daily, once in the morning and again before bed.

Why it fights the ageing process: Eye cream is designed to hydrate and deliver nutrients to the sensitive, thin skin around your eyes, where wrinkles often first appear. Top products either plump up skin to minimise the appearance of any fine lines you presently have or target the cell turnover process to slow the formation of future wrinkles. How to use it: Use an eye cream twice daily -- once in the morning and again before bed. A light touch is needed when applying this product as stretching out your skin will encourage wrinkles rather than get rid of them. Dab on eye cream by moving in semicircles toward your nose underneath your eye and on your lids. Store this stuff in the fridge if you also want to depuff under-eye bags and wake up tired eyes.

Good reusable water bottle Why it fights the ageing process: Dehydration leads to parched, wrinkle-ridden skin. In fact, if you've ever noticed fine lines around your eyes that seem to appear and disappear, it's a sure sign you're not getting enough H2O. Staying hydrated is, therefore, essential to ensuring plump, youthful skin cells. How to use it: Down 8 200ml glasses of fluid a day for optimum cell function. Active men should drink more than this minimum. To make sure you're getting all the water you need, purchase a reusable water bottle, fill it up in the morning and sip from it throughout the day. Non-plastic bottles are ideal, though you can safely consume water from bottles made out of No. 2, No. 4 or No. 5 plastics.

Great mattress Why it fights the ageing process: Sleep is when the body repairs itself, which means that it only takes a couple of nights of deprivation to leave you with dark circles, red eyes and a generally haggard appearance. To make your slumber as restorative as possible, it's worth shelling out for an amazing mattress and making sleep a priority. How to use it: Aim for seven to nine hours of shut-eye to wake up looking refreshed and invigorated. A mattress that offers superior back support will also help make your sleep more comfortable by reducing the tossing and turning that can accompany a bad bed.

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Why they fight the ageing process: One of the top ways to slow down the aging process or lessen its effects is to use sunscreen religiously and don sunglasses every time you step outside, even when the sun isn't bright. While the combination of sunscreen and sunglasses won't magically get rid of any wrinkles you already have, it works by preventing future skin damage from occurring. How to use them: Slather sunscreen on in the morning and reapply periodically throughout the day if you spend a lot of time outdoors. While pale guys will need a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, very dark-skinned men can get away with using SPF 15 or SPF 20 products. Finally, buy your sunglasses from a label you trust so that you know the lenses will effectively block harmful UV rays. 43

Weights and exercise equipment Why they fight the ageing process: The No. 1 way to stay young and improve your appearance, both in mind and body, is to exercise four to six times a week. Sweat sessions keep your DNA young, which translates into looking younger than your real age. How to use them: Aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour of heart-pounding workouts almost every day. When you lift weights, avoid doing so on consecutive days to give your muscles time to repair and grow. Also, making a commitment to working out is important for reaping the age-reducing effects of exercise as regular workouts increase the body's antioxidant defence system while sporadic activity actually promotes the generation of ageing-free radicals.

44 64

Fitness & Nutrition

Health and Nutrition Tips

Kris Gunnars

That Are Actually Evidence-Based There is a lot of confusion when it comes to health and nutrition. People, even qualiﬁed experts, often seem to have the exact opposite opinions. However, despite all the disagreements, there are a few things that are well supported by research. Here are 27 health and nutrition tips that are actually based on good science.

3. Avoid Processed Junk Food (Eat Real Food Instead) All the processed junk foods in the diet are the biggest reason the world is fatter and sicker than ever before. These foods have been engineered to be “hyper-rewarding,” so they trick our brains into eating more than we need, even leading to addiction in some people. They are also low in fiber, protein and micronutrients (empty calories), but high in unhealthy ingredients like added sugar and refined grains.

1. Don’t Drink Sugar Calories 4. Don’t Fear Coffee Sugary drinks are the most fattening things you can put into your body. This is because liquid sugar calories don’t get registered by the brain in the same way as calories from solid foods. For this reason, when you drink soda, you end up eating more total calories. Sugary drinks are strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and all sorts of health problems. Keep in mind that fruit juices are almost as bad as soda in this regard. They contain just as much sugar, and the small amounts of antioxidants do NOT negate the harmful effects of the sugar.

Coffee has been unfairly demonized. The truth is that it’s actually very healthy. Coffee is high in antioxidants, and studies show that coffee drinkers live longer, and have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and numerous other diseases.

2. Eat Nuts

5. Eat Fatty Fish

Despite being high in fat, nuts are incredibly nutritious and healthy. They are loaded with magnesium, vitamin E, fiber and various other nutrients. Studies show that nuts can help you lose weight, and may help fight type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, about 10-15% of the calories in nuts aren’t even absorbed into the body, and some evidence suggests that they can boost metabolism. In one study, almonds were shown to increase weight loss by 62% compared to complex carbohydrates

Pretty much everyone agrees that fish is healthy. This is particularly true of fatty fish, like salmon, which is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and various other nutrients. Studies show that people who eat the most fish have a lower risk of all sorts of diseases, including heart disease, dementia and depression.

6. Get Enough Sleep The importance of getting enough quality sleep can not be overstated. It may be just as important as diet and exercise, if not more. Poor sleep can drive insulin resistance, throw your appetite hormones out of whack and reduce your physical and mental performance. What’s more, it is one of the strongest individual risk factors for future weight gain and obesity. One study showed that short sleep was linked to 89% increased risk of obesity in children, and 55% in adults

8. Drink Some Water, Especially Before Meals Drinking enough water can have numerous benefits. One important factor, is that it can help boost the amount of calories you burn. According to 2 studies, it can boost metabolism by 24-30% over a period of 1-1.5 hours. This can amount to 96 additional calories burned if you drink 2 litres (67 oz) of water per day. The best time to drink water is half an hour before meals. One study showed that half a litre of water, 30 minutes before each meal, increased weight loss by 44%.

7. Take Care of Your Gut Health With Probiotics and Fiber The bacteria in your gut, collectively called the gut microbiota, are sometimes referred to as the “forgotten organ.” These gut bugs are incredibly important for all sorts of health-related aspects. A disruption in the gut bacteria is linked to some of the world’s most serious chronic diseases, including obesity. A good way to improve gut health, is to eat probiotic foods (like live yogurt and sauerkraut), take probiotic supplements, and eat plenty of fiber. Fiber functions as fuel for the gut bacteria.

9. Don’t Overcook or Burn Your Meat

12. Eat Vegetables and Fruits

Meat can be a nutritious and healthy part of the diet. It is very high in protein, and contains various important nutrients. The problems occur when meat is overcooked and burnt. This can lead to the formation of harmful compounds that raise the risk of cancer. So, eat your meat, just don’t overcook or burn it.

Vegetables and fruits are the “default” health foods, and for good reason. They are loaded with prebiotic fiber, vitamins, minerals and all sorts of antioxidants, some of which have potent biological effects. Studies show that people who eat the most vegetables and fruits live longer, and have a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and all sorts of diseases.

10. Avoid Bright Lights Before Sleep When we’re exposed to bright lights in the evening, this disrupts production of the sleep hormone melatonin. An interesting “hack” is to use a pair of amber-tinted glasses that block blue light from entering your eyes in the evening. This allows melatonin to be produced as if it were completely dark, helping you sleep better.

11. Take Vitamin D3 if You Don’t Get Much Sun Back in the day, most people got their vitamin D from the sun. The problem is that most people don’t get much sun these days. They either live where there is no sun, or they stay inside most of the day or use sunscreen when they go out. According to data from 2005-2006, about 41.6% of the US population is deficient in this critical vitamin. If adequate sun exposure is not an option for you, then supplementing with vitamin D has been shown to have numerous benefits for health. This includes improved bone health, increased strength, reduced symptoms of depression and a lower risk of cancer, to name a few. Vitamin D may also help you live longer.

13. Make Sure to Eat Enough Protein Eating enough protein is incredibly important, and many experts believe that the recommended daily intake is too low. Protein is particularly important for weight loss, and works via several different mechanisms. A high protein intake can boost metabolism significantly, while making you feel so full that you automatically eat fewer calories. It can also cut cravings and reduce the desire for late-night snacking. Eating plenty of protein has also been shown to lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Bodybuilding: The Power of Black Coffee Believe it or not, black coffee can be an amazing addition to your diet. It’s particularly good news for bodybuilders who are trying to cut body fat while staying energized for intense workouts. Here are three ways black coffee helps support your bodybuilding gains.

Coffee increases strength when consumed before workouts. Researchers believe caffeine blunts the pain associated with anaerobic training, helping you push beyond your previous bests.

Coffee helps you recover from intense training. Coffee’s antioxidants help fight the free radicals generated during training. Coffee pre- and post-workouts will help reduce oxidative damage from these harmful chemicals that are a by-product of intense workouts.

Coffee helps reduce stored body fat. Caffeine stimulates your CNS and supports energy expenditure by releasing stored fat. So coffee not only helps you fuel activity, but it also does so by burning body fat—each cup contains between 60 and 100mg of caffeine. That’s why you find caffeine in most fat-burning and pre-workout supplements. It also only contains around 10 calories a cup! 4745

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Taste & D I N I N G PARK CHINOIS: 1930s Jazzy Shanghai Decadence Comes to Mayfair Darius Stone

When Alan Yau announced his opulent Park Chinois, we knew we were in for a treat. A new era of glamorous dining with entertainment opens its doors on Berkeley Street.

This is a first for Mayfair. In comes a swanky Chinese restaurant inspired by the jazz clubs of 1930s Shanghai. As you walk in, you enter a world of the past. It all feels secretive, mysterious and seductive all at once. As the red velvet curtain is pulled back from the entrance foyer, an elongated dining room is revealed throwing back to the days of over-the-top Shanghai opulence of the 30s contrasted with a modern twist. Everything from the entrance to even the powder rooms takes you to a different era—the attention to detail is what makes everything so special. This isn't just a restaurant, as the serial concept-launcher Alan Yau says– it's "more like an entertainment lifestyle project". We certainly feel this brings something new and very special to the ordinary dining experience.

Whether it’s the impeccable service (very cute waiters, dressed sharply of course), the varied menu, or the live jazz singer with band belting out “Fly me to the Moon”, we certainly felt transported to another time. This seems like a major departure from Yau's minimalist history (ie Wagamama). Renowned for taking Asian food to the masses via Wagamama, we love that Yau has pulled off the complete opposite with Park Chinois. It’s mysterious, secretive and definitely for a selective audience. We love that even 47 37 49

though this shares the same stretch of land as Novikov and Sexy Fish, Park Chinois brings along something completely new. It’s a fantasy, almost over the top, and yet we are seduced by it and ready to be taken on the journey. The seating is great for some people-watching as well—almost designed for eye contact with a distant stranger. The room is shaped in an elongated multi-tiered oval, and somehow everyone looks in on a secret under the dim lights, the soft jazz and red velvety vibe. The red curtains, lamps and chairs with red tassels adds a teasing orientalist cabaret/showgirl vibe but with an element of luxury and a touch of glamour. The menu is filled with cutting-edge Chinese dishes and unexpected delights from Italy to Japan. We absolutely loved the lobster noodles, and of course the dim sum starters help start things off. The roast duck, served Cantonese-style is priced at £75, and available with eight different grades of caviar, rising to Imperial Beluga commanding a £200 supplement. The prices may be intimidating but the dish sizes are generous and designed for sharing. The crisp salt and pepper squid loaded with a sharp green papaya salad is a great starter, and main-course sized.

If anybody’s wondering where all the top London staff has gone, you’ll find them at Park Chinois. From the doormen, to hostesses, bus boys, waiters, maître d's, the beautifully dressed and coiffed staff look so ready to serve and keen to please, you’ll certainly feel more than well looked after. The desserts were perhaps the only part of the dining experience that didn’t wow us in the way we had imagined. Certainly they sound interesting and are beautiful to look at, but the taste leaves your mouth hoping for something more. As the band begins another set and couples come back on the dance floor, we take a moment to appreciate the comeback of the dinner-dance lifestyle of a bygone era. At the heart of Mayfair, it certainly feels new once again. Glamour, mystery and theatricality… We are just starting our journey back in time to a more indulgent time.

Park Chinois, 17 Berkeley Street, London W1 Telephone: 020 3327 8888 Afternoon tea: £45 a head. Dinner: around a £100 a head

PARK CHINOIS 38 48

Ed Freeman

Horizon Magazine is simply captivated by Ed Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photography. His work ranges from traditional to surrealistic and even abstract, and we are transfixed by how evocative every image is. As we peer through his photos, we are taken on a journey through colours, light and motion. His underwater sequences are simply magicalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; creating an underwater ballet of emotion, tenderness and meaning. Every image tells a unique story, and the experience is as breathtaking as it is compelling. Cover Photography: Ed Freeman Cover Model: Billy bedell

The Artist Ed Freeman was born and raised near Boston and majored in French and Russian at Oberlin College in Ohio. After college, he had a career as a performing musician, arranger and record producer. Highlights of his music career include working as a road manager on the 1966 Beatles' tour, arranging and conducting a touring orchestra for Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers, arranging Carly Simon's debut album and arranging and producing Don McLean's iconic "American Pie." Moving to California in 1977, he gravitated towards film scoring, computer music, consulting and teaching. In 1989, he set up a studio in downtown Los Angeles and began a gradual transition to working full time as a photographer.

These days he shoots stock for Getty Images and has an active career as a fine art photographer. His commercial clients have included Agfa, New Line Cinema, Miller Beer, Sony Music, and Warner Bros. He taught Photoshop at Santa Monica College for ten years and has given seminars at the Los Angeles Center for Photography and WPPI. His computer-enhanced images have been featured in a dozen one-man museum shows, scores of photography magazines, including Photo District News, Camera Arts, Rangefinder and Popular Photography, and countless general interest publications, art books, greeting cards, calendars and posters.

Bruno Gmünder published “Work,” his first book of nude photography; Los Angeles Times Books published his first collection of landscape images, entitled "Desert Realty" in spring 2002; it was re-released by Chronicle Books five years later.

When he is not working, Freeman travels extensively (fifty countries and counting), plays piano, is fighting a losing battle to learn Mandarin Chinese and dreams of someday writing the Great American Symphony - whenever he gets some spare time. Don't hold your breath.

See more of Ed Freeman’s breathtaking photography at www.edfreeman.com

Gallery Exhibitions in London

W h a t’s o n i n t h e Lo n d o n s c e n e n ow.

Vogue 100: A Century of Style Fashion may be fickle, but the fashion photographer’s lens is also a mirror. ‘Vogue 100: A Century of Style’ is as much a reflection of a hundred years of our history as it is a celebration of the original glossy. Born in 1916 during WWI, when shipping the US magazine became impossible, British Vogue has always been more than a fashion mag. And this exhibition is so much more than a collection of pretty models in pretty clothes – Boris Johnson has found his way on to the walls, for goodness’ sake!

Where: National Portrait Gallery When: Until May 22, 2016

Delacroix and the Rise of Modern Art Sex, love, death, war… Lions. More death. Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) isn’t for delicate blooms (those of a fragile disposition should head instead to the Royal Academy’s ‘Painting the Modern Garden’). But if massacres and revolutions are your thing, then fill your boots at the National Gallery, where the French Romantic painter serves up scenes of sword-plunging, foe-slaying, flesh-conquering fantasy unrivalled in nineteenth century art.

Where: When:

Saul Leiter: Retrospective It seems an irony that Saul Leiter always considered himself more a painter than a photographer. Firstly, because it was the latter that made his name. Secondly, because he was pretty bad at the former. Leiter moved to New York in the 1940s, soaked up the abstract expressionist scene, and occasionally showed his twitchy, garish, overworked paintings in galleries in the East Village. Fortunately, alongside the art exhibitions, he also visited a show of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s photography in 1947. Soon after, he bought a Leica and started taking pictures on the city’s streets.

Where: When: 59

Photographers’ Gallery, Soho Until April 3, 2016

National Gallery, Trafalgar Square Until May 22, 2016

Painting the Modern Garden:

Monet to Matisse

For a show that was always going to be a surefire hit, ‘Painting the Modern Garden’ more than delivers in the ways you’d expect. Floral masterpieces by Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and Henri Matisse are abundant; there are also endless discoveries to be made, from Henri Le Sidaner’s ‘The Rose Pavilion’ (1936), pink and powdery like your nan’s cheek, to the fiery sunset strangeness of little-known Spaniard Santiago Rusiñol’s ‘Glorieta VII, Aranjuez’ (1919). The Royal Academy has embraced the theme with gusto. Walls are painted the sludgy greens and subdued blues of posh garden sheds. There are park benches to sit on. You half expect a holographic Titchmarsh to appear, offering advice about your hanging baskets.

Where: When:

Royal Academy of Arts, Mayfair Until April 20, 2016

Creation from Catastrophe In 1666, the Great Fire of London wiped out five sixths of the medieval city. From the ashes, a new kind of capital had to be built. This free exhibition at the Royal Institute of British Architects examines the curious tabula rasa paradox: that with destruction comes the opportunity for innovation and improvement. Christopher Wren’s sweeping plans for a new London of piazzas and concentric boulevards (largely quashed by budgetary issues and landowner squabbles) are fascinating, but not nearly as much as the proposals that were rejected outright.

Where: When:

RIBA, Marylebone Until April 24, 2016

Alexander Calder: Performing Sculpture Artists aren’t widely known for inventing things of practical use. Things of beauty, yes, but something you might wind up buying in a shop, carting home and assembling with the aim of making your life easier? Believe this show’s publicity, though (and there’s no reason to dispute it) and American artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976) is the man responsible for distracting restless babies and relieving dog-tired parents the world over by inventing the mobile.

Where: When:

Tate Modern, South Bank Until April 3, 2016

Arts &

Culture Pop-Culture

Madonna's Blond Ambition dancers: New ﬁlm 'Strike a Pose' reveals what happened to them

It's 25 years since seven male dancers were picked out by Madonna for her Blond Ambition tour. They became gay role models and celebrities in their own right but inevitably the bubble burst, as a new ﬁlm reveals.

It's just over 25 years now since Madonna placed an ad anonymously to recruit “FIERCE male dancers who know the meaning of TROOP STYLE, BEAT BOY and VOGUE…wimps and Wanna-Be's need not apply.” The seven dancers she chose from open auditions in LA and New York accompanied Madonna during her 1990 Blond Ambition world tour, celebrated in the Truth Or Dare (aka In Bed with Madonna) documentary. They were all in their early twenties. Six were gay. They became celebrities in their own right as they travelled the world with the biggest pop star of the era. The dancers were wildly flamboyant. Most were classically trained. “They are still very intriguing characters, all of them,” says Reijer Zwaan, whose new documentary about them, Strike a Pose (co-directed with Ester Gould) screens at the Berlin festival next week. Five of the dancers will be in Berlin for the world premiere. “To this day, they are great, inspiring and bold characters. These guys, when they were 20, were having the time of their lives. They were travelling the world. They were well known. They were performing in front of 50,000 people.” The dancers and the singers became a very close-knit group. Madonna talked about “feeling like a mother” toward them.

As a kid growing up in the Netherlands in the early 1990s, Zwaan, now a respected current affairs journalist with Dutch public TV, had been obsessed by Madonna and the dancers. He first saw Truth Or Dare when he was 11 years old. “At the time, I was just fascinated by the tour, by the concert footage but also by the backstage material – the larger-than-life reality that they were all in. I saw it (the film) many times afterwards for the simple reason that my stepmother had bought the VHS.” What, Zwaan wondered, had happened to all the dancers in the intervening years? He decided to find out. Thanks to social media, the dancers weren't hard to track down. The trick was to convince them all to appear in the film. Zwaan and his co-director, Gould, wrote them all “a beautiful letter”, asking them to appear in the film. Some responded immediately and agreed to appear in the film. Others were more cautious. “It's not the same story for each dancer but in general, they were interested in what we were talking about… they were flattered and wary at the same time,” Gould suggests. It was clear to the dancers that this wasn't just a gossipy, nostalgic film with Madonna at the centre. The real intention was to explore just how these dancers reinvented their lives once their time in the limelight was over. The dancers are acknowledged to have had a considerable influence on gay culture. Truth Or Dare was considered groundbreaking – a mainstream film that turned into a huge box office hit and featured a scene of two gay men kissing.

As one fan puts it, “I remember watching this movie in middle school. It was before the internet. I rented it from the video store. It was the first time I saw gay people talking uncensored, being themselves, with this amazing woman.” Twenty-five years on, the dancers are still stopped in the street. “People will say to them, 'Thanks to you, I dared to come out to my family,'” says co-director Gould. “Every week, they get a letter or message from somebody thanking them. They know they have had an impact. At the same time, they have had to move on.” Strike a Pose includes scenes in which the dancers read some of their fan letters. These message are often very poignant. “You guys were and still are my heroes. You gave me hope when there was none,” reads one typical message. “ The dancers may have been role models and a source of inspiration to fans but they have experienced chequered lives. They were all from very different backgrounds. One of them, Gabriel Trupin (whose mother appears in the film), died of an Aids-related illness in 1995.

Not long before his death, Trupin, together with two of the other dancers, had launched a lawsuit against Madonna (which was later settled), claiming that the film had invaded their privacy. It highlighted a paradox that Strike a Pose now attempts to unravel. Trupin has been an inspiration for many young, gay kids. He and the other dancers gave the impression on screen and on stage that they didn't care what the outside world thought about them. They were reckless and very creative. As it turned out, though, they were far more vulnerable than they appeared. Trupin was horrified that the scene of him French-kissing another man had been included in Truth Or Dare. “That paradox was very interesting to us and something we talked about a lot to the dancers and to Gabriel's mother,” says Zwaan. “So many people have pointed out to us that that scene (of the gay kiss) helped them to accept themselves and to dare to come out. Then, at the same time, one of the kissers had a whole different feeling about it.” During their time with Madonna, the dancers had been living in “a bubble” and inevitably that bubble burst. There were struggles with alcoholism, illness, professional disappointment, personal rifts.

“They all have dealt with self-doubt, shame and losing their own identity,” says Zwaan. These proud dancers became defined in the public eye for what they had done with Madonna. “It's one of the themes of this film – how do you get over this highlight? If you have this highlight when you're 20 or 21, or for Jose and Luis, I think they were 18 or 19. There comes a point where they think, do I have to do another interview about Madonna? It keeps on following you throughout your life. Of course, they're trying to move on,” Gould remarks.

Geoffrey Macnab

Sean O’Pry

Salim Kéchiouche

inPROFILE We like to look back at some of the unsung heroes of gay cinema. French cinema regularly offers us some gems, and Salim Kechiouche is certainly one of them. Horizon Magazine is mesmerized by the French-Arab actor. At first a kickboxing champion, he was discovered for the movie À Toute Vitesse by director Gaël Morel. Audiences then saw him in a number of gay themed films, and he has since become an icon of French gay-themed films. Whether it’s his exotic bedroom eyes, toned body, mysterious demeanor or the apparent nudity that always ensues, he has become the symbol of an exotic object of affection in controversial storylines. Even as a supporting character, we love his choice of films. He was a show-stealer in Les Amants Criminels (Criminal Lovers), and gained further notoriety after Grande École. Look out for these along with Come Undone, Three Dancing Slaves and his short films. We highly recommend a closer watch.

You might have seen him on billboards for H&M, ad campaigns for any major designer and even starring in a Madonna or Taylor Swift video. Sean O’pry is officially one of the highest paid models in the world, and we can see why. His intense eyes, chiseled features and transformable look make him the perfect gift to any designer. Born in Georgia in the US, O’pry was scouted from his photos on MySpace by Nole Marin. Since then, O'Pry has been featured in numerous advertising campaigns and editorials for Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Gianfranco Ferré, H&M, Massimo Dutti, Zara (retailer), Armani Jeans, Marc Jacobs, Emporio Armani, Lacoste, DSquared², American Eagle, Bottega Veneta, DKNY, Fendi, GQ, Dazed & Confused, V, Details, Barneys, Uniqlo, Bloomingdale's, Belstaff, D2, Arena, Diesel, Gap, JOOP! and Numéro Homme. His runway credentials include opening Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Salvatore Ferragamo, closing Moschino, Trussardi and Zegna, and both for Balmain. Other designers he has walked for include Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Michael Kors, and Hermès. In November 2011, O'Pry was selected as the star of Viktor & Rolf's Spicebomb fragrance campaign. O'Pry appeared in Madonna's music video "Girl Gone Wild". He also appeared in Taylor Swift's music video for her song Blank Space, as her love interest.

in focus

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH: How the brand made a conservative America look and think twice.

Today Abercrombie & Fitch is synonymous with shirtless male models showing off their washboard abs outside their stores around the world. Upon closer inspection, A&F accomplished what few brands could get away with— they got away with using traditionally ‘macho’ iconic American imagery such as footballers or other athletes and portrayed them in a much more homoerotic manner. The subtlety with which the models were depicted in a homoerotic context was always an important choice. Here are some of our favourite occasions where A&F dared to push the envelope just that much more, leaving a conservative mainstream audience scratching their heads and provoking thought (and sometimes repressed feelings!)

Abercrombie took the ‘buddies hanging out’ concept a little further with time.

IN REVIEW CINEMA The Erotic Films of Peter de Rome Peter de Rome was born in 1924, and started shooting 8mm films in 1965 for his own amusement, putting on screenings primarily for friends. When pioneering producer Jack Deveau saw one of them, he persuaded de Rome to collect eight together, blow them up to 16mm, and release them commercially as The Erotic Films of Peter de Rome. Peter de Rome is now in his 80s and divides his time between Manhattan and Kent.

Director: Peter de Rome

Boys on Film 14 BOYS ON FILM 14 features 9 new, powerful, and dramatic short films that will make you laugh and cry, question your inner self and give life to your darkest fantasies. Worlds collide in more ways than one in this stunning collection of award winning short films. Confidence is violated, classes clash and desire is concealed, yet love still triumphs regardless of the consequences. Showcasing talent from around the world, some of them just might shake you from your very seat:

Director: Lee Haven Jones

Some of the titles on our radar

Xenia In today’s world, is it wise to follow, or even trust the white rabbit? Join Dany and Ody as they journey across the wonderland of 21st Century Greece in a quest to find their last living family member – the “unmentionable” father who abandoned them 13 years before.

Director: Panos H.Koutras Starring: Kostas Nikouli, Nikos Gelia, Aggelos Papadimitriou

Departure Departure is an intimate story beginning at dawn on the first day and ending at night on the sixth, charting the end of a summer, the end of a childhood and theend of an otherwise nuclear, middleclass family.

Director: Andrew Steggall Starring: Juliet Stevenson, Alex Lawther 64 6668

London GAY life & LON D ON

W hat’s

SAUN AS

Chariots Vauxhall

Sailors Sauna

Mon-Thu 12:00 – 08:00; Fri 12:00 – Mon 08:00 nonstop 63-64 Albert Embankment

Daily 11:00 – 23:00; Fri, Sat till 08:00 574 Commercial Road

+44 (0) 20-77356709 Gay sauna next to the big gay clubs and bars in London Vauxhall. Admission: £17–19

+44 (0) 20-77912808; www.sailorssauna.com Gay sauna in London East End. Admission: £13-15

Chariots Waterloo

The Stable

Daily 24h 101 Lower Marsh

Mon-Sat 12:00 – 23:30: Sun 12:00 – 22:00 29 Endell Street

+44 (0) 20-74018484 Gay sauna. Admission £10–14

+44 (0) 20-78362236; www.thestable.london Gay sauna in Central London. Admission: £19 (£10 under 25 years)

The Locker Room

Sweatbox Soho

Mon-Thu 11:00 – 24:00; Fri 11:00 – Sun 24:00 nonstop 8 Cleaver Street

Daily 24h 1-2 Ramillies Street

+44 (0) 20-77356064 Small friendly gay sauna in London Kennington/Lambeth.

+44 (0) 20-32146014 Stylish gay sauna and gym in London Soho. Admission: £17 (£10 under 25 years)

Pleasuredrome Daily 24h Arch 124 Cornwall Road / Alaska Street +44 (0) 20-76339194 Located in a railway arch, with bar, saunas and pool. Admission: £17 (£12 under 25 years)

O N

PA RT I ES

E VE N TS

Upcoming Irregular Parties Lady Olé @ Archway Tavern Saturday, 26 March 2016, from 22:00 1 Archway Close. New party in the north of London, from DJ and event producer Alejandro Asencio (ex Pelucas y Tacones, Spanish: Wigs and High Heels). 'Celebrating all things bizarro, kitsch, queer, dance and Spanish.'

The Week @ The Coronet Bearracuda @ Eagle London Saturday, 12 March 2016, 21:00 – 04:00 349 Kennington Lane www.bearracuda.com/london The bear's party from North America back again in London. Admission: £8 (£5 before 23:00)

Shake Yer Dix Superstore

Dalston

Friday, 18 March 2016, 22:00 117 Kingsland High Street Fresh new synth and mega electronica for an alternative queer East London crowd. Admission: £5 (free before)

As One – Easter 24 – 28 March 2016 Several top parties join forces again for this gay mega event in London with 9 parties. Tickets & wristbands at www.orangenation.co.uk

Douche Bag Party – Easter Edition @ The Star of Bethnal Green Friday, 25 March 2016, 22:00 – 04:00 359 Bethnal Green Road Trashy synth, sideways pop and fag guitar for queers, dykes and friends. Admission: £5 (£3 before 23:00)

Sunday, 27 March 2016, 23:00 – 07:00 28 New Kent Road, Brazil's biggest circuit-style gay party on tour again in London. Closing party of the As One Easter Weekend Festival.

Bootylicious – Easter Edition @ Union Sunday, 27 March 2016, from 23:00 66 Albert Embankment, www.bootylicious-club.co.uk. Monthly gay party for Black Music: R'n'B, Hip-Hop, Dancehall etc. Admission:: £8-12

Urban World Spring Ball @ The Scala Saturday, 9 April 2016, 22:00 – 06:00 King's Cross, 275 Pentonville Road Large bi-monthly gay and lesbian party on four dancefloors with World Music, R'n'B, Soulful House, Middle Eastern club sounds, Bhangra and Desi beats. Celebrating diversity, unity and

Regular Parties

& Clubs

Beyond @ Ministry of Sound Sunday morning 05:30 103 Gaunt Street [Tube: Elephant & Castle] Popular Sunday gay after-hours party. High musclemania rate. Admission: from £12

Vogue Fabrics Dalston (VFD) Fri, Sat 22:00 – 03:00, 66 Stoke Newington Road www.vfdalston.com. Crazy club and ›creative hub‹ in the north-east of London.Very mixed clientele. Admission: £5

Wrong @ Union Friday night 01:00 – 13:00, 66 Albert Embankment [Tube: Vauxhall] TechHouse party with mixed crowd. Admission: £8–10

Dalston Superstore

XXL London @ Pulse

Mon 12:00 – 24:00; Tue-Thu 12:00 – 02:30; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 03:00; Sun 10:00 – 02:30, 117 Kingsland High Street +44 (0)20 72542273 Popular gay resto-bar in London's East End. Food (breakfast, lunch, burger), drinks, art and DJs. Friday and Saturday night also parties in the basement club.

Wed 21:00 – 03:00; Sat 22:00 – 07:00 1 Invicta Plaza [Tube: Southwark] www.xxl-london.com Men-only dance club for bears, cubs, chubs, muscle bears and their admirers. Admission: Saturday £15, £8 for members (£10 per year); Wednesday £3, free for members

East Bloc Wed 23:00 – 03:30; Thu 22:30 – 04:00; Fri, Sat 22:30 – 06:00 217 City Road [Tube: Old Street]. Gay-minded club in London's trendy neighbourhood Shoreditch. Admission: £3-10

Fire Club Fri from 02:00 Gravity, Fri from 23:00 A:M, Sun from 23:00 Orange South Lambeth Road / Parry Street [Tube: Vauxhall] +44 (0)20-32420040;, Popular gay clubbing location in London Vauxhall with several areas and cutting edge sound and light systems. Weekly parties: Gravity – Friday morning from A:M – Friday night/Saturday morning 23:00 – 11:00, £8–13 Orange – Sunday night from

G-A-Y & Popcorn @ Heaven Mon 23:00 – 05:30; Thu, Fri 23:00 – 04:00; Sat 22:30 – 05:00 Under the Arches / Villiers Street [Tube: Charing Cross, Embankment], +44 (0)20-79302020, London's gay mainstream party temple since decades. Thursday, Friday and Saturday G-A-Y party, Monday night mixed party Popcorn.

Horse Meat Disco @ Eagle London Sunday 20:00 – 03:00 349 Kennington Lane [Tube, Bus: www.eaglelo don.com/horse-meat-disco Popular party with lots of music from the 1970s. Unpretentious and quite trashy. On Sundays at the Eagle London + special parties in different venues. Admission: £6

Room Service @ Club 49 Thursday 22:00 – 03:00 49 Greek Street [Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square] House DJs and Gogo dancers. The gay Thursday night in Soho.

RVT – Royal Mon-Wed 19:00 – 24:00; Thu 19:00 – 02:00; Fri 18:30/22:00 – 03:00/05:00; Sat 21:00 – 02:00; Sun 15:00 – 02:00 372 Kennington Lane [Tube: Vauxhall], +44 (0)20-78201222; Queer comedy, cabaret and party nights. Admission: £5–10

Shadow Lounge Wed-Sat 21:00/22:00 – 03:00 5 Brewer Street [Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square] +44 (0)20-73179270; Private members gay club, but open to non-members also.

CRUISING & FETISH PARTIES The Backstreet Fri, Sat 22:00 – 03:00; Sun 22:00 – 01:00 Wentworth Mews [Tube: Mile End] +44 (0)20-89808557; Gay fetish bar in London's East End, for more than 30 years. Strict leather and rubber dresscode.

Hard On @ Union (Usually) 3rd or 4th Saturday of the month, 22:00 – 05:00 66 Albert Embankment [Tube: Vauxhall] www.hardonclub.co.uk Monthly gay fetish party with DJs, dancefloor, performances and wellequipped playroom. Strict dresscode: leather, rubber, sports kit, uniforms, or just boots. Admission: 20 £ (15 £ for members)

The Hoist & Bar Berlin Wed 17:00/21:00 – 01:00; Fri 22:00 – 03:00; Sat 22:00 South Lambeth Road, Arch 47B – 47C [Tube: Vauxhall] +44 (0)20-77359972; www.thehoist.co.uk A long-time institution in London's gay fetish and hardcore scene. Strict dresscode: leather, uniform, rubber, industrial, skinhead, boots (no trainers), except to special parties with other themes (see the What's On page on the Hoist website).

The Underground Club @ Central Station Mon-Wed 13:00 – 01:00; Thu 13:00 – 02:00; Fri, Sat 13:00 – 04:00; Sun 13:00 – 24:00, 37 Wharfdale Road [Tube: King's Cross / St., +44 (0)20-72783294; Cruisy bar with some dark corners and several special interest parties (agenda on their website). Located in the basement of the gay bar Central Station (with separate entrance).

Vault Daily 13:00 – 01:00, 139-143 Whitfield Street [Tube: Warren Street], +44 (0)20 73885500; www.vault139.com. Gay cruise bar some blocks north of Soho. With underwear and stripped nights. Admission: £7–8, incl. 1st drink

Ted's Place Mon, Tue 19:00 – 24:00; Thu 19:00 – 02:00; Fri 19:00 – 24:00; Sun 19:00 – 02:00;Wed, Sat closed, 305a North End Road [Tube: West Brompton, West Kensington] +44 (0)20-73859359; Small club bar in West London. Thursday and Sunday TV/TS nights. Admission: £3–5

BARS

P UB S

The 2 Brewers Daily 17:00 – 02:00; Fri, Sat till 04:00 114 Clapham High Street [Tube: Clapham North, Clapham Common], +44 (0)20-78199539; South London's camp cabaret bar. It also has a club in the back with resident DJs, open on Friday and Saturday from 22:30 till 04:00.

Admiral Duncan

Dalston Superstore Mon 12:00 – 24:00; Tue-Thu 12:00 – 02:30; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 03:00; Sun 10:00 – 02:30, 117 Kingsland High Street +44 (0)20 72542273; Popular gay resto-bar in London's East End. Food (breakfast, lunch, burger), drinks, art and DJs. Friday and Saturday night also parties in the basement club.

The Duke Of Wellington Mon-Sat 12:00 – 24:00;, 77 Wardour Street +44 (0)20-74391274. Traditional gay pub in London Soho.

Eagle London

Mon-Thu 13:00 – 23:30; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 24:00; Sun 12:00 – 22:30 54 Old Compton Street [Tube: Leicester Sq, Piccadilly Circ, Tottenham], +44 (0)20 74375300. Traditional London gay pub. With drag shows and karaoke.

Mon-Wed 21:00 – 02:00; Thu, Fri 21:00 – 03:00; Sat 21:00 – 04:00; Sun 20:00 – 03:00 349 Kennington Lane [Tube, Bus:, +44 (0)20-77930903; Men-only bar, except for the camp dance party Horse Meat Disco on Sundays.

BJ's White Swan

Friendly Society

Tue 17:00 – 24:00; Wed, Thu 17:00 – 02:00; Fri 17:00 – 04:00; Sat 17:00 – 05:00, 556 Commercial Road [Tube: Limehouse DLR], +44 (0)20-77809870; The gay legend in London's East End. British pub atmosphere.

Mon-Sat till 23:00; Sun till 22:30, 79 Wardour Street (entrance via Tisbury Court)[Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square] +44 (0)20 74343805. Friendly small bar with quirky interior.

Bloc Bar

G-A-Y Bar

Daily 17:00 – 01:00; Fri, Sat, 18 Kentish Town Road [Tube: Camden Town]. New gay bar in London Camden, the little brother of East Bloc in Shoreditch.

Daily 12:00 – 24:00 30 Old Compton Street [Tube: Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road] +44 (0)20-74942756. Pre-clubbing gay bar with plasma screens and video walls.

Bridge

G-A-Y Late

Daily 16:00 – 23:00; Fri, Sat, 8 Voltaire Road [Tube: Clapham +44 (0)20-36326426; New gay bar in Clapham in the south of London. Tapas, cocktails & wines.

Daily 23:00 – 03:00 5 Goslett Yard [Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross] +44 (0)20-74370479. One of the few gay bars in London Soho that serve drinks until 03:00. Rather young clientele. Music: Pop a la Rihanna.

Central Station Mon-Wed 12:00 – 01:00; Thu, Fri 12:00 – 02:00; Sat 12:00 – 03:00; Sun 12:00 – 24:00, 37 Wharfdale Road [Tube: King's Cross / St. Pancras] +44 (0)20-72783294; Long established gay pub in London King's Cross, famous for its comedy and cabaret performances on Friday and Saturday night. In the basement cruising bar The Underground Club.

Circa Soho Daily 16:00 – 01:00 62 Frith Street [Tube: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square] +44 (0)20-77346826; Popular gay music bar in London Soho.

City of Quebec Mon-Thu 12:00 – 02:00; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 03:00; Sun 12:00 – 01:00 12 Old Quebec Street [Tube: Marble Arch]+44 (0)20-76296159 One of the oldest gay bars in London (since 1946) and traditional British pub. With karaoke, quiz and drag shows. Popular among the older gay crowd.

Comptons of Soho Mon-Thu 12:00 – 23:30; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 24:00; Sun 12:00 – 22:30 51-53 Old Compton Street [Tube: Leicester Sq, Piccadilly Circ, Tottenham], +44 (0)20-32380163; The classic in the gay center of London Soho – for more than 30 years.

Kazbar Clapham Mon, Tue 17:00 – 23:00; Wed, Thu 17:00 – 24:00; Fri, Sat 17:00, 50 Clapham High Street [Tube: Clapham North] +44 (0)20-76220070; www.kazbarclapham.com Hangout for guys in and around London Clapham.

& P U B S P U B S

BARS

King's Arms Mon-Thu 12:00 – 23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 24:00; Sun 13:00 – 22:30 23 Poland Street [Tube: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Rd] +44 (0)20-77345907. Popular London pub for bears in Soho.

Ku Bar (Frith Street) Mon-Thu 12:00 – 23:00; Fri, Sat 12:00 – 24:00; Sun 12:00 – 22:30 25 Frith Street [Tube: Leicester Square], +44 (0)20-74374303; Gay bar in London Soho with a rather young clientele.

Ku Bar (Lisle Street) Mon-Sat 12:00 – 03:00; 30 Lisle Street [Tube: Leicester Square] +44 (0)20-74374303;. Clientele mainly in their 20s and 30s. In the basement KuKlub with DJs every night from 22:00.

New Bloomsbury Set Mon-Sat 16:00 – 23:30; 76 Marchmont Street [Tube: Russell Square] +44 (0)20-73833084; Small gay bar and cocktail lounge a bit north of Soho. More intimate and less hectic than the bars in Soho. With free Wi-Fi and at weekends with DJs.

Queen Adelaide 483 Hackney Road, +44 (0)20-70121100; Facebook The new home of the former George & Dragon bar in London Shoreditch. Camp & queer, with a mixed crowd.

Rupert Street Bar Daily 12:00 – 24:00 50 Rupert Street [Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square] +44 (0)20-74943059; Large gay cafe-bar in London Soho, popular early in the evening. At weekends with live DJs from 21:00.

RVT – Royal Mon-Wed 19:00 – 24:00; Thu 19:00 – 02:00; Fri 18:30/22:00 – 03:00/05:00; Sat 21:00 – 02:00; Sun 15:00 – 02:00 372 Kennington Lane [Tube, Bus:] +44 (0)20-78201222; Queer comedy, cabaret and party nights. Admission: 5–10 £

Village Mon-Sat 17:00 – 01:00/03:00; Sun 15:00/17:00 – 23:30 81 Wardour Street [Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square] +44 (0)20-74780530; www.village-soho.co.uk Stylish bars on 3 floors; in London Soho since 1991.

The Yard Bar Mon-Thu 16:00 – 23:30; Fri, 57 Rupert Street [Tube: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester, +44 (0)20-74372652; www.yardbar.co.uk Popular gay bar in Soho, with outdoor space.