GNI Mag Issue 13

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Dr Lucy Jaffa BDS Principal Dentist

If the remaining teeth are poor they can be gently removed and 4 dental implants are placed. Dental implants are metal roots that support replacement teeth on top. A bridge with 10 teeth is then made and fitted to the implants on the same day, so the patient walks out with fixed teeth that look better and eating and comfort are regained. This is a stream-lined way to replace a jaw full of damaged teeth and is faster than traditional implant dentistry. Some patients even have a full mouth of new teeth fitted in one go.

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58 Lisburn Road . Belfast . BT9 6AF

028 9032 6795

info@gdconline.co.uk

gdconline.co.uk

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

CREDITS

Shout outs to those brilliant people who made it happen.

Pictured above: A: Tony Webster - Fashion Editor B: Trudy Scrumptious - Kitsch Bitch C: Greg McCaw - Dating D: Gemma Hutton - Her World E: Scott De BuitlĂŠir - Seriously Tho F: Beth Evans - Writer/Sub-Editor G: Jordan & Diona - Comedy H: SJ Wilson - Straigh Guy View In house: Publisher: Lamb Promotions Ltd Published: Bi-Monthly Editor: Tony Day Sub Editor / Writer: Beth Evans Fashion: Tony Webster (BigBad Llama) Scene Photography: Paul McMahon, & Tony Webster Editorial Photography: Ar t Drenched Design, & Big Bad Llama Additional Writers:

Review - Conleth Kane Get The Look: Lewis Cameron Special thanks to: Christopher Hall, The Wondering Barber, everyone at Kremlin, Peter Irvine, Jay and Richard.

Socials: Website: www.gnimag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/gnimag Twitter: @gnimag Instagram: @gnimag Advertising Sales: Eamann MacManais eamann@lambpromotions.com Publisher Contact: Lamb Promotions Ltd 145 Holywood Road Belfast, BT4 1PQ Tel: +44 (0) 28 9065 4314

Email: tony@lambpromotions.com Web: www.lambpromotions.com Subscribe to GNI for free: www.gnimag.com

EDITOR

Summer’s gone but there’s still fun to be had.

Summer has well and truly left us. We’re heading into Halloween season and our jumpers are at the ready for the chill.

We have the privilege of having the amazing Trudy Scrumptious grace the cover of GNI for this issue. As you can see, not her usual look. The brief for the shoot was ‘dragged through a hedge backwards’. She didn’t fail eh, lol. Inside this issue we chat to Christopher Hall from Fivemiletown who came third in this year’s Big Brother, we also caught up with the wandering barber while he was passing through NI. Tony Webster at Big Bad Llama shakes up the fashion in this issue with some pix from his shoots in the Big Apple. Scott addresses the Transgender issue and how we as a community should offer the same suppor t afforded to the rest of us. SJ takes on the subject of fashion faux pas and Jordan & Diona deliver a comprehensive guide to Halloween costumes.

Sadly this is the last issue with a regular column from Gemma Hutton. We’ll miss her, she’s been keeping us amused since way back in the day when we were just a website.

We take a look at the history of Belfast’s longest running gay venue, Kremlin. If you’re like me and weren’t around for the opening it’s a chance to fill in a bit of background.

In September we lost a big character and influential memeber within our community here in Belfast. We say a good-bye to Ber t Doher ty, a man who was always there for others.

Tony

GNI - GOSCAR AWARD WINNERS 2013 & 2014

All submissions to GNI are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in GNI and its licensed editions worldwide. In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision ins final. Any material sent is at the owners risk and although every care is taken neither Lamb Promotions or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of GNI are accurate. However we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to following any advice offered in this publication.

Lamb Promotions Ltd 2014

ROUND UP

A look back at the world since our last issue.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS

TOP OF THE POLLS

TWO GAY DADS

Padmini Prakash has become India’s first transgender news anchor mere months after the Indian Supreme Cour t recognised transgender as a third gender.

Prakash said of her first broadcast in August, “I was very worried because I also had to focus on my diction and maintain a steady narrative pace to ensure that there was clarity and viewers could understand me.” Prakash, who is also a dancer, TV actress, trans activist, and former Miss Transgender India, has spoken about the adversities she has faced because of her gender identity.

She experienced harassment in college, which led her to drop out, and her family disowned her at 13. Prakash has come through all of that smiling, however, enjoying her new job and her happy life with her par tner and their foster son.

The Sunday Times recently carried out a survey asking 954 Irish people their views on gay rights. A whopping 86% of those asked said that they are in suppor t of same-sex couples. These promising results foreshadow the Irish same-sex marriage referendum, which will take place sometime during the first four months of 2015. Kieran Rose of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network said, “It is clear from this poll and other recent polls public opinion firmly accepts that lesbian and gay people and families headed by lesbian and gay couples should be afforded the same respect, legal status and protections that are available to the rest of society.”

A gay couple from Switzerland has been officially recognised as the parents of a child. The couple’s child was born to a surrogate mother in California, where surrogacy is legal. The men faced problems when trying to register their child on their country’s bir th registry.

They petitioned to authorities to be recognised as legal parents, but were met with opposition from the justice depar tment, which brought the case to cour t. After the surrogate mother and her husband legally abandoned all parental responsibilities, the cour t recognised the two men as the fathers, on the condition that the child’s genetic parentage also be included on the bir th cer tificate.

15th August

18th August

26th August

ADOPTED

LONG TIME LOVE

USER NOT FOUND

In the first ruling of its kind in Italy, a woman has been granted the right to adopt her par tner’s child. The child was conceived via ar tificial insemination, and is the biological offspring of one par tner.

Despite the country’s refusal to suppor t same-sex marriage through marriage equality, the Italian cour t could see no reason why the women should not become the legal parents of the child, whom they have raised together for the past five years. Taking into account the stable and loving home environment, the cour t decided adoption was in the child’s “best interests”.

After being together for 72 years, Vivian Boyack (91) and Alice ‘Nonie’ Dubes (90) married at First Christian Church in Davenport, Iowa, on 6th September 2014.

The couple met in their hometown of Yale when they were in their twenties and have remained together ever since. Vivian and Alice sat side by side in wheelchairs during the ceremony, which was attended by a small gathering of close friends and family.

Grindr decided to disable its show distance function in cer tain countries with a history of anti-gay violence, after repor ts surfaced that authorities had been using the app to hunt down gay men.

The distance setting has been disabled in Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Liberia, Sudan, Nigeria and Zimbabwe, and it is expected that more will be added to that list. Grindr commented, “In light of recent security allegations surrounding a user’s specific location, Grindr is taking measures and will be releasing updates to keep users secure in territories with anti-gay legislation.” An estimated 10,000 new users download the app every day. * *Statistics taken from www.gaystarnews. com/ar ticle/grindr-disables-distanceoption-anti-gay-countries080914

2nd September

6th September

8th September

ECUADOR!

EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE

GET OVER IT

Ecuador began recognising civil unions on official documents from 15th September 2014. President Rafael Correa commented, “The LGBT community have the constitutional right to register their union. Gays, lesbians, transgender and transsexual people have the full constitutional right to include their civil union on their ID cards.

Until now, only heterosexual marriages could be listed on the identification document. If there was any doubt about heterosexual or same-sex civil unions being put on national ID cards, there is none any more.” Many speculate that the strongly Catholic country will take no fur ther steps towards marriage equality.

A judge in Brazil made history in September by allowing the names of three parents to be included on their child’s bir th cer tificate. The child’s biological mother, her female par tner, and the child’s biological father requested that their names be included on the official document.

When couple Fernanda Batagli Kropenscki and Mariani Guedes Santiago decided they wanted a child, they enlisted the help of their male friend, Guilherme Canfield. Canfield agreed to help them, on the condition that his name could be included on the bir th cer tificate so that he would be recognised as the child’s father.

State Senator Jim Ferlo came out in an announcement during a Pennsylvania press conference against LGBT hate crimes. In his speech, the Democratic Senator said many people already knew he was gay, but that he had never before made an official declaration.

Stating that he has been “a practicing homosexual” since his mid-20s, Senator Ferlo said, “I’m gay. Get over it. I love it. It’s a great life.” He ended his speech with, “the more that people learn and respect and experience diversity, I think the better off we are as a society”, adding that we need to “provide oppor tunities for young people to be culturally accepting of their feelings and for everybody to feel a major par t, an integral par t, of the human family.”

15th

16th

23rd

September

September

September

luxury is now affordable

Quality, Service, and Trust

KITSCH BITCH

Sharp-tongued answers to your problems.

Hi KB! Summer is over and I never had a summer fling. What’s the winter good for? No one goes topless in winter.

Joe, Lisburn Joe, I feel your pain. The summer heat sends my mangina* wild with lust! But do not fear; winter can be sexy too!! It gets hot under the duvet when you are spooning, and remember: a spoon is always close to a fork!! Just make sure your onesie has easy access!! *man’s vagina

Hiya KB, Do you think it’s a coincidence that monogamy and monotony sound really similar?! I’m in my early 30s and everyone I know is settling down and/or getting married and I really don’t want to... I feel way too young!

Sara, Dublin Dear Sara, you sound like the non conformist live hard die young type of a girl! So don’t bow to peer pressure! Nipples to the wind and par ty hard!!

You are monofabulous!!

Kitsch Bitch, I’m throwing a Super Kitsch Cocktail Party for my friend’s birthday! Seeing as you’re the Queen of Kitsch I thought you’d be able to advise on how to make it unforgettable! And will you be the guest of honour?

Chris, Belfast Oooohh sounds fabulous already!! Bir thday cake, amazing guests (me) and cock…tails!! My only advice for an unforgettable par ty is that nobody should remember what happened!!!

Kitschy, Just wanted to know… Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven? ;) Graham, Newtownabbey No... I used poppers!!

Dear Kitsch Bitch, How do you go about becoming a fabulous drag queen? It’s the only career I want.

Davy, Belfast I wouldn’t describe it as a career it’s more like just being your most fabulous self!! Which is harder than it sounds!! First off you’ll need makeup, heels and a strong liver!!! Mix all these with having the balls to be fierce and you’ll be well on your way to being a drag queen extraordinaire!!

Dear Kitsch Bitch, What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Phil, Greenisland The dinosaur!!

CHRISTOPHER HALL Our local boy who went into the Big Brother house.

Christopher Hall from Fivemiletown in Co. Tyrone entered this year’s Big Brother house on 5th June, straight after graduating from a Masters degree in Broadcast Journalism. After coming 3rd and spending a total of 72 days in the all-seeing, all-hearing house, Christopher has been adapting to life ‘on the outside’. GNI chats to him about the experience, his romance with Mark, his ideal wedding, and the future.

Your Dad and your brother are dairy farmers. Why did you opt for broadcast journalism?

I always idealised bright lights and I always thought I’d have so many more oppor tunities if I went to the city. My parents really pushed me towards education and doing well for myself.

I prioritised getting a Masters degree, and I’ve always loved language, learning and writing.

Why did you want to go onto Big Brother?

I’ve watched it since I was 11 or 12… I probably shouldn’t have been watching such adult programming! It was just something I always wanted to do; it looked like a brilliant experience. Being in there completely changed

my whole understanding of the show. I didn’t think it would be so difficult. If you are a thinker by nature it can send you a little bit crazy because there’s nothing else to do but think. I’m only just getting my sanity back now!

What’s the hardest thing about being in there?

The tedium. There genuinely is nothing to do. There’s no mental stimulation. You’ve been talking for 18 hours a day and by about week 6 you’ve heard everyone’s stories and there’s nothing fresh to talk about.

Do you have any audition tape advice for those wanting to go on Big Brother?

Be for thright, be opinionated, and have conviction in what you’re saying. I don’t know why I got in because the producers never told me, but at the auditions I listened and I formed strong arguments in my head.

They make you debate issues, so you need to be asser tive and take a side. Ultimately be yourself, but have an opinion.

Once in, what tips would you give to someone for surviving in the house?

At the beginning I was so judgemental and quite critical about things people said. I regretted that because I made a lot of enemies very quickly through distancing myself. So, no matter how you feel, try and get along with people and stay openminded. Above all, try and enjoy the experience! Big Brother will put obstacles in your way to create arguments and create tension but just try and relax.

Are you aware of the cameras?

Yes. You can hear them turning, especially at night. You can sometimes hear the cameramen coughing or sneezing… you can hear them when you’re sitting on the toilet – it’s horrible… and sometimes they laugh at things you say!

Christopher came third in this year’s Big Brother.

In your VT you said that Kim Kardashian is the spawn of Satan. Why? Is it because she takes so many selfies?

It’s not because of the selfies, and it’s not because she’s a model… it’s because she’s giving young girls unrealistic expectations. I think she’s a talentless celebrity, and it’s very vacuous doing nothing all day but uploading selfies. I long for more positive role models for young women. She’s one of the ten most followed people in the world on Twitter, and she could do so much good for society.

You also said that we live in a culture that validates and glorifies superficiality. Some people might argue that Big Brother acts as a vehicle for certain people to promote themselves on a superficial level. Would you agree with that?

Yes, 100%. But models do it for a reason. Most models aren’t there for the experience; they see it as a stepping-stone into getting more work. If you’re anything other than a model you will be sorely disappointed to come out of it and see that you’re put in a taxi straight back home. It’s all over just like that.

If you can use it to your advantage, by all means, go for it. I always said that if I got work off the back of the show I’d be a fool to turn it down, but that wasn’t the reason I did it. I was realistic enough to know that two million people watch it now, and back in the day ten million people watched it.

Did you fancy Mark straightaway?

No. He’s not my type at all. I usually go for 6ft tall guys who are knowledgeable and passionate about world events, and Mark isn’t anything like that! A lot of the time we had nothing to talk about so we’d sit and discuss Mark’s eyebrows for 40 minutes. I never knew how impor tant eyebrows could be to a person! It was his personality that truly grew on me; he made me laugh hysterically. I found him really adorable as the weeks went on, and by about week 4 I star ted to fancy him. He’s got beautiful eyes and a beautiful smile… At times I wanted to take a brillo pad and scrub his eyebrows off though!

You two argued a lot…

Those were genuine arguments that we had, and some of them were terrible. The thing with Mark and I is that we’re both Scorpios, and we’re both strongminded people. It got to the point where we’d argue about things that didn’t even concern us! It was meant to be a sor t of honeymoon period, but it’s pretty much impossible to have that in there. In the real world things progress much more slowly – you’ll have a date, you’ll text each other, you’ll flir t a bit.

When you spend 24 hours a day with someone it’s sped up dramatically. In the house you see people at their absolute worst.

It’s definitely not the best place to star t a relationship.

Are you still in touch with Mark?

Yes. I saw him last week.

Have you been on a date?

We went out for drinks and we decided we’re better off being friends. We realised that Big

On Mark: “I found him really adorable as the weeks went on......”

Brother was what brought us together, and outside of that we don’t have a lot in common.

I would talk about things that Mark would find boring, and Mark would talk about things that I would find… tedious. We would never function properly as a couple; it’s fantasy to think that we would. I want to have him in my life, as a good mate.

He’s not someone I am going to settle down with and be with forever… there was a time when I thought that would happen, but it’s not meant to be.

Are you in touch with anyone else from the house?

Ashleigh, Matthew, Chris, and Danielle.

You said at one stage that if you and Mark got married, it would be the campest thing in the world…

Oh, it would. I can picture Liza Minelli springing out of a four-tier cake with glitter flying everywhere!

Describe your ideal wedding…

Mine would be a very low-key affair.

Awww, come on!

Yes, it would be quite basic… A nice country wedding in a nice country hotel.

Were you surprised that Helen won?

Yes. I was amazed. She’s an amazing housemate; I’ll give her that. She’s not a winner for me, but I don’t dislike her. She can be very sweet, she’s more intelligent than people give her credit for, and she’s very passionate, caring, and loyal. The

problem is she’s very volatile as well. We’re never going to be best mates, but if she wanted to meet me for a drink I would go.

What do you think of the gay scene in Belfast?

I don’t know it that well, but I used to go to Kremlin a lot.

Kremlin was the first club I ever went to, and it’s still one of the

“Kremlin was the first club I ever went to, and it’s still one of the nicer gay bars I’ve been to.”

nicer gay bars I’ve been to. I love going back… I spent New Year’s there!

people dislike me because of my personality than because of my sexuality.

Have you had a lot of support from gay fans?

I’ve had a few people getting in touch with me either to ask me out – which is very sweet – or to tell me I was a great gay role model. That’s an amazing thing to hear. I didn’t know Mark was going to be there so my first thought was ‘oh dear, I’m this year’s gay contestant’. A lot of people have said they didn’t realise I was gay until week 4 or 5. That doesn’t necessarily please me, but I kind of like it

How has your life changed since being on the show?

I’m just a lot freer. I don’t care what anyone thinks of me, and that’s the honest truth.

I’m not dismissive of people’s feelings, and if someone has a problem with me I’ll listen, but I’m not taking things to hear t anymore.

because it shows people that there are all kinds of gay guys.

I’m not macho man – far from it – but I’m not the campest gay man either… I’d say I’m somewhere in between. Since I’ve come out of the house I’ve had a few people yelling abuse at me on the street, but none of it has been homophobic. I think that’s great; I’d far prefer

What are your plans for the future?

I’m considering moving back home. I’m kind of sick and tired of London. I’d like to work somewhere a bit smaller, and I like the idea of seeing my family more as well.

Miguel Gutierrez, better known as The Nomad Barber, has been travelling across the globe since June of this year. His mission? To make the world a dapper place. In his web series entitled ‘The Nomad Barber’, which can be found on YouTube (check it out, it’s brilliant), Miguel aims meet and learn from barbers living all over the world. Miguel recently ticked Northern Ireland off his ‘places I’ve been’ list, and spent some time beautifying folk on the Holywood Golf Course and at The Giant’s Causeway.

GNI caught up with the wellgroomed globetrotter for a quick chat…

Firstly, tell us about your career. How did you become a barber, and what made you decide to do the web series?

I left school at the age of 16 with terrible GCSEs, mainly due to not being interested in learning much from school. When I was considering different trades, barbering stuck out, as it didn’t involve me standing out in the cold all day! Ten years on I decided that I wanted to go travelling again. The main thing was combining film, travel and barbering in one project, and that’s how it begun.

Where are you from, and where are you normally based?

I’m from Liverpool but I’ve been based in London for the best par t of five years.

Have you always had the travelling bug?

I’d say so. I left for Chile when I was just 18, and I ended up staying for 6 months. I’ve also spent a year in Australia.

How many people do you travel with whilst filming The

Nomad Barber?

Literally just my cameraman, Mike Hannides. We’ve picked up stragglers along the way but that’s always the case when you’re backpacking.

Miguel spent some time beautifying people on the Holywood Golf Course and at The Giant’s Causeway.

Where have you been so far, and where are you going next?

We’ve covered 22 countries so far. We’ve been to Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia, Australia, and also the US and South America. We’re just on our UK tour at the moment, heading for Liverpool next week. And next, who knows?

What have you learned about humans from your travels so far?

Generally everyone is really nice across the world, as long as you’re willing to smile. Smiling gets you far in life.

it was similar to a chapati.

Why is grooming important?

Grooming is huge! It shows how much you care about yourself, and I think it shows you want to look good and be treated with respect by your peers. It’s also good for your own personal happiness. When you look good, your confidence thrives and you achieve more.

What’s your favourite treatment to do?

Haircuts for sure. You can’t beat giving someone a good haircut and them being happy… you change their day.

What differences, if any, have you noticed between shops in different countries?

Most barbershops offer a similar environment: a place for men to come and relax, chat, or just listen to local gossip. The only things that really change are the haircuts and the décor.

In this part of the world, the ‘bearded hipster’ look is currently very ‘in’… Could this have contributed to a resurgence for traditional barbershops?

Yeh everyone has star ted to go to barbershops to keep their beards intact, so that’s definitely a contributor. Another massive thing is social media.

What’s the funniest/strangest thing that has happened to you during filming?

Lots of things happened, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. One story that comes to mind is when Mike was talking to a teenage boy on a train in India and he couldn’t get his head around a Yorkshire pudding… he was adamant that

Do you think there was ever a time when barbershops were threatened with the possibility of becoming obsolete?

Many times barbers have come and gone. In the UK anyway, going back 100 years guys would have got shaves every day or every other day at the barbershop, so it’s not quite the same nowadays. Barbershops nearly died out in the 70s with the long hair trend, but the ones that stuck around were the ones

that adapted and offered different haircuts. I’ve been a barber for 11 years and I’ve never seen it dying out.

Which country, in your opinion, takes the most care over their appearance?

Probably people in England…

London specifically to be honest.

Guys there are probably more willing to spend that little bit extra and use conditioner – not all London guys, but I’d say more so than people living in regional areas.

You’ve got some impressive tattoos. Would you say tattoos and traditional barbershops are part of an ‘alternative’ lifestyle?

I’d say lots of barbers have tattoos. Tattoo ar tists and barbers have similar working

“.... everyone has star ted to go to the barbers to keep their beards intact.”

environments. People come in, hang out, get their look changed, have a laugh and then leave. It’s relaxed so it flows.

We can imagine all that travelling and working is extremely tiring. What drives you to keep going?

The end goal and keeping people happy. As long as people keep watching, I’ll keep doing it.

Out of all the places you’ve been, where would you most like to live?

If I had to move it would probably be to New York but to be honest, I love London.

Has recording the show opened up doors for you?

Hugely. I can pull so many favours in these days and the coverage the project gets is

unreal.

What will you do when your web series ends?

Lot’s more to come so don’t worry :)

iPhix

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BERT DOHERTY A tribute.

Bert Doherty; a gentleman, a life partner, a son, a dad, a friend, a genuine man who encouraged and helped so many people on our small scene here in Belfast.

I first met Ber t almost five years ago when I star ted the GayNI website. At the time Ber t was running Revue, a weekly night for LGBT people in what used to be Copperfields. He contacted me and offered to help raise the profile of our new site by hosting a talent night.

And that was just the type of Ber t, always there to help and encourage the development of our scene in Belfast.

Through the years I was lucky enough to get to know Ber t on a personal level too. It was great to visit his home and watch the interaction between him and his par tner Ian, to listen to them bickering and laughing. These guys had shared a life and a home together for many, many years. It was almost like visting your favourite uncle’s house - always a warm welcome.

As I got to know Ber t and find out more about him from the people around him, I learned about how he’d helped and shaped the scene in Belfast, especially the Bear community, and

also how he had provided alternative environments for those within our community who are maybe not completely comfor table visiting the bars on the scene.

Since his untimely passing I’ve chatted with lots of guys, each giving their own stories about Ber t. Almost every one of those stories had the same running theme - that Ber t was always there to help them, whether that be getting them a taxi home when he was a bouncer at the Kremlin; in business passing on contact details to people who could work together; on the scene recognising people who were lonely or had lost their way and including them or introducing them to new friends.

This was a man who actually made a difference.

Something that gave Ber t enormous pride each year was being involved with the organisation of the Belfast Bear Weekend. He worked tirelessly visiting buinessess across the city raising funds for the event, and he sor ted out the venues and the enter tainment - he was involved in it all. During the weekend itself he was always there with a hug and a smile.

Every month at Men of the Nor th

you’d see Ber t offering guys somewhere different, somewhere to go that they could be themselves regardless of their appearance, status, confidence or familiarity with the Belfast Scene. He knew that sometimes people felt out of their depth in cer tain bars and he wanted to offer something more comfor table and approachable.

Our thoughts here at GNI go out to Ian, we can only imagine what an unimaginably awful time this is for him right now. For anybody to lose the love of their life is hear t-breaking.

Ber t Doher ty, we raise a glass to you.

PS FROM IAN: Big Man Big Shir t Ian x o x

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KREMLIN GNI go and find out a bit more about Belfast’s longest running gay venue

KREMLIN advertorial HISTORY KREMLIN The story of Belfast’s longest running gay venue.

Kremlin opened its doors in March 1999 (almost sixteen years ago, if you can believe it!) Entrepreneurs Andre Graham and Seamus Sweeney were behind the new club, which became the first full-time gay owned, gay run gay venue in the whole of Northern Ireland. The space, which had previously been a small and quiet public bar called The Penny Farthing, was transformed into a large disco with a members’ lounge and a clubroom at the back.

Andre and Seamus were behind the new club.

Start as you mean to go on…

During the club’s lavish launch night, some nameless ‘well wishers’ called in a bomb threat in an apparent attempt to spoil all the fun. But, as you all know, you can’t keep a good drag queen down. As the police arrived, the club’s patrons spilled out onto the street to see what

all the fuss was about, but the par ty continued. The very next day, pictures of Baroness Titti Von Tramp draped over the top of an RUC Land Rover hit the press, signalling the dawn of a new era for Belfast’s gay scene.

Kremlin opened in a blaze of publicity. Its headline-hitting debut night helped to eliminate the secrecy that had previously surrounded gay nights in the city, allowing the underground gay scene to finally come to the surface. The club’s main entrance, which was initially tucked away at the rear of the building, was promptly moved to the front, in pride of place on Donegall Street.

In Full Swing The first ever Goscars Ceremony took place at Kremlin in November 1999 – an event that, to this day, remains a highlight on Belfast’s gay calendar.

The popularity of Kremlin continued to grow during its first couple of years, and in 2000 its members’ lounge was con-

2014

ver ted into ‘Tsar’, a luxury public bar bedecked with unusual Soviet-inspired décor. It wasn’t long before the club underwent its first of many expansions, and sticking to its Soviet theme, The Kremlin introduced its new larger clubroom, ‘Red Square’.

Kremlin had no option but to expand.

Onwards and Upwards Due to its ongoing popularity, Kremlin had no choice but to expand again. In 2001, another level was added to the clubroom, providing an additional bar and a mezzanine with a great view of the stage.

2003 saw the opening of Kremlin’s sister venue, Union Street Bar: a stylish bar/restaurant serving food during the day and providing live enter tainment in the evenings. Not long after, The Union Street Bar was joined by its very own club venue, The

Shoe Factory.

By the time its 6th bir thday came around, Kremlin was ready for more changes. The entire venue was redeveloped in a million pound project (the

Kremlin as many people will remember it.

largest single investment into the gay community in Ireland). As well as the introduction of a new large outdoor multi-levelled area, second levels were added to the Long Bar, the Tsar cocktail lounge, and Red Square, turning Kremlin into a two-storey complex comparable to the biggest and best mainstream clubs in the UK. Over the years the building has grown into a network of separate venues that link up via various doors and corridors, allowing it to fully open up for special occasions.

In May 2008, owners Andre and Seamus leased the building to Anthology NI Ltd., a company owned by local businesswoman, Anthea Wilson.

Anthea is thrilled to be Kremlin’s new owner.

This year, Andre and Seamus finally cut ties with the club and sold it to Anthology. Without their big ideas and their courage to make them happen, Kremlin may not be the great gay institution it is today.

Anthea Wilson is thrilled to be the new owner of Kremlin, and she has already star ted implementing big plans for its future. New state-of-the-ar t lighting will be installed in the club before the end of this year, and the construction of a large roof garden above The Shoe Factory will begin in 2015, adding yet another dimension to the multi-faceted venue.

With weekly themed nights, famous music stars and drag acts, and special drinks promos on offer, large crowds continue to frequent Kremlin every night of the week.

Sixteen years, several facelifts and a change of hands later, Kremlin still stands, as proud and as outlandish as ever.

KREMLIN advertorial SLOSH

SLOSH WEDNESDAYS Sixteen years and still going.......

Robert May, who runs Slosh, has been putting on events and club nights for the last 30 years. Slosh started out almost 16 years ago in White’s Tavern, and had a stint in The Crow’s Nest before moving to The Union Street Bar. These days it takes place every Wednesday night in The Shoe Factory, a venue that Robert describes as “Perfect.

It’s small but it’s not too small, so it creates an intimate and happy atmosphere.”

Rober t tells us he got into the nightclub business “kind of by accident”; he put on his first ever disco in the early 1980s after joining a diving club and finding out that it needed to raise money to buy a boat! The kiddies discos Rober t set up for the cause were a huge success and it wasn’t long before the diving crew got to go out on the high seas in their brand new vessel. After that, Rober t hired some basic lighting and sound equipment and spent a few years travelling around Nor thern Ireland putting on ‘pop-up’ discos in pubs and hotels. However, the late nights coupled with the long journeys took their toll, so after Rober t began DJing on the gay scene in 1985, the disco roadshows dried up.

When Slosh star ted, “there was a cer tain anonymity about it. People were happy to go to

White’s instead of going to a known gay bar – which was The Parliament back then.” Initially, Slosh wasn’t branded specifically as a gay disco; instead it was marketed as a night for ‘boys who like boys, girls who like girls, and their admirers’ – a slogan

Rober t runs Slosh every Wednesday in The Shoe Factory.

the dance floor at this club night.

Rober t describes the music he plays on the night as “commercial and uplifting. We remix ballads, speeding them up so people can have a good dance to their favourite slow songs… I call it ‘progressive camp!’” Rober t’s main priority is that everyone who comes to Slosh has a great time and gets to hear the music they love. For this reason, he happily takes requests and prefers to be spontaneous when it comes to the tracks he plays.

This October will mark Slosh’s 16th bir thday, and a super sweet soiree is on the cards. Keep an eye out for this bash, because it’s bound to be a good’un! A CD entitled ‘The Best of Slosh’ will be launched to coincide with the special occasion, and will feature all the best, most memorable tracks that have been played there over the years.

Slosh is free in before 10pm and drinks are £2 all night.

it still uses today. As Rober t explains, “We don’t take ourselves too seriously, and neither do our customers. It’s a great, friendly, informal and fun night out. There’s a come as you are attitude; tux, or t-shir t, it’s your call. Everyone is welcome!” Slosh advocates an all-inclusive environment… you’ll find no ‘Mean Girls’ cliques on

KREMLIN advertorial M R O F R PE

IT’S ALL AN ACT One of the first clubs to bring artists over from UK & USA

Andre and Seamus were behind the new club.

Kremlin is known for bringing the biggest and best acts to its stage, and was one of the first clubs in Belfast to bring artists over from the UK and America. Over the years we’ve all seen someone unforgettable doing their thing during one of Kremlin’s many big name nights.

Countless celebrities have shimmied across Kremlin’s stage, putting in personal appearances, performing songs, and meeting excited fans. In the early days, acts included dance and pop ar tists from the 80s and 90s such as Hannah Jones, Angie Brown, and Kym Mazelle.

Char t-topping pop sensations Toyah Wilcox, Sinitta, Gareth Gates, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor have also performed at Kremlin, drawing in huge crowds and putting on brilliant shows.

As The X Factor gained enormous popularity, the show’s contestants became favourite Saturday night guests at Kremlin, with the likes of Ruth Lorenzo, Amelia Lily, Lucy Sprag-

gan, Joe McElderry, Luke Friend, Misha B, Kingsland Road, and Union J all performing to the packed out club.

More recently, people have swarmed to Red Square to watch sell out performances by several of the contestants from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including

The Risk performed at Kremlin (note the unfor tunate positioning of Ashley against the ar twork - lolz).

Selena Gomez, who couldn’t resist dropping in for a bevvy and a boogie.

Here in the office, we discussed our favourite Kremlin acts, and came up with our top 5 list (in no par ticular order): 1. DWV 2. Samantha Mumba 3. Latrice Royale 4. Joe McElderry 5. Union J Who is your favourite Kremlin Act? Tweet us: @GNImag and @KremlinBelfast, and include #KremlinActs to let us know!

Adore Delano, Latrice Royale, and DWV. Kremlin is a celeb spotting hotspot – over the years it has received VIP guests such as Christopher Biggins, Dale Winton, Katherine Jenkins, Pixie Lott, and Justin Bieber and

Sophie Ellis-Bexter performed at one of Kremlin’s popular street par ties.

KREMLIN advertorial SOCIAL THE SOCIAL SIDE Facebook, Twitter, The Website and more.

Once upon a time, back in the ‘dark ages’ (before the rise of social networking), not everything could be done at the touch of a button, or the tap of a screen. Back when Kremlin opened its doors in 1999, the printing press was working overtime.

At a time when most family computers were used for playing about on Microsoft Paint, clubs relied solely on printed media to promote special events. PR boys and girls were not just there to look super-hot; they often had to trek around town handing out flyers and sticking posters on every surface in sight. Flyposting was a great way to spread the word about an upcoming event, but it didn’t allow for any last minute updates, nor did it guarantee the intended message would reach the maximum amount of people.

Printed promotions such as flyers and posters gracefully stepped aside when social networking took to the stage sometime in the early 2000s (we can’t remember exactly when… it’s a blur of likes, shares, tweets,

Keep up-to-date on Facebook, Twitter and Kremlin-Belfast. com

pins, and ‘hotdogs or legs’).

With the dawn of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter came a new and amazingly effective way for clubs to promote their special nights efficiently and instantly, to a massive audience. Now, at the touch of a button and the tap of a screen people can find out when the next big act is playing at the club; what promotions are on offer every night of the week; and whether their crush is going to Deuce next Thursday… they can even see how dodgy they look in an official club photograph mere hours after it was taken.

After years of relying on printed media for promotions, Kremlin jumped at the chance to instantly engage with its large, loyal, and growing customer

base. Today, with almost 12,000 online followers, Kremlin is a dab hand at social networking.

The club launched its brand new website last month. It’s packed with all the info you could ever need, including: a comprehensive diary of upcoming events; profiles of DJs and performers; a complete history of Kremlin; and pictures and videos of past events. You can even take a tour of the club in pictures if you’re missing it when you’re at work.

If you haven’t had a good gander at it yet, you can find it on the internet at kremlinbelfast.com Happy surfin’!

Jacket x Fawn Miskelly (facebook.com/fawnmiskellydesign), Trousers and bag x Viktor Luna (viktorluna.com)

Suit x Viktor Luna

Jacket x Julia Sokele (facebook.com/sokeleapparel), Swimsuit x Viktor Luna

Jacket x Fawn Miskelly (facebook.com/fawnmiskellydesign), Trousers and bag x Viktor Luna (viktorluna.com)

Dress and headpiece x Viktor Luna

Shir t and Trousers x Viktor Luna, Jewellery x Bohemian Vixen (facebook.com/bohemian-vixen)

Shir t and Trousers x Viktor Luna, Jewellery x Bohemian Vixen (facebook.com/bohemian-vixen)

GET THE LOOK Autumn/Winter has arrived.

As much as it kills me to say this, the darker evenings and the colder mornings have forced me to do so, Summer has gone and Autumn/Winter has arrived. This means it’s time to move on to pastures new and those pastures new thankfully involve a little something called ‘the statement sweater’.

Be it a Beyoncé ‘FLAWLESS’ embellished number, a psychedelically yellow SpongeBob alternate or a quirky fashion-bloggerinspired Parisian worded jumper, the statement sweater is an essential must for the coming months ahead. Why? Because it is undeniably cool, 100% on trend and in a nutshell, completely and utterly versatile. Basically, the statement sweater works with absolutely everything.

For the guys, the oversized sweater is perfect. Paired with skinny fit denims and 90s inspired trainers of the spor ts lux variety, this look breathes youthful and energetic whilst remaining simplistic and contemporary all at the same time. Add a backpack or baseball cap for those looking to inject a hint of street style finesse to their statement sweater ensemble.

For the girls, textured skater skir ts and an incredibly oversized overcoat, paired once again with trainers, are entirely integral.

For those looking to give their look a slightly rockier edge, Doc Mar tens are your best bet.

And if you are really confident and always one for inviting all things catwalk into your life, then I have one word for you: neoprene. The high street is literally filled with these scuba moulded beauties that have a cer tain gift for creating futuristic and alienesque silhouettes of epic propor tions.

After all, statement sweats are all about making an individual impact, standing out from the crowd and creating a look completely separating you from the norm. It also helps if it has the words Givenchy or Kenzo sewn into the collar.

Having said all of the above, it appears the darker and colder days/nights might not be such a bad thing. Every cloud has…a statement sweater? I’ll let you be the judge of that one.

Words & Styling: Lewis Cameron Photography: Mitchell Cahoon Model: Marc Neill Hair: Jonny McKelvey (Uber Hair) Clothing: Jumper, River Island. Shor ts, H&M.

PARTNERS

Richard and Jay tell us about their love.

Meet this issue’s happy couple, Jay and Richard McCloskey-Wall. Jay calls Bangor home, while Richard hails from Hillsborough. The couple live together on the Lisburn Road in Belfast in “a very eclectic house”. Jay collects My Little Ponies and Disney villain dolls, and Richard is obsessed with Doctor Who… would you believe they have a full size replica Tardis in their dining room?! Not many people can say that.

Richard and Jay met five years ago on Gaydar, and spent about three weeks chatting online before arranging their first date; dinner and drinks in The Merchant – oooooh, fancy!

Richard says he still remembers “how stunning Jay looked” when he stepped out of the taxi that night, awwww. They have been together ever since, and just a

year into their relationship they flew to Las Vegas to get hitched!

At the time, Jay was a male burlesque performer, so the guys had a burlesque themed wedding, a joyous occasion which they shared with “a few burlesque legends”. The guys did it all over again last year, this time putting on a show stopping par ty for their friends and family at home. Once again, they pulled out all the stops with “vintage picnics on an old double decker bus” which took the wedding par ty to several places that were of personal significance to the couple.

Romance lives! After that, they had their do upstairs in the Hudson Bar, and danced the night away with their guests.

Richard, who was struck by Jay’s good looks, feels very lucky because his par tner “has the personality to match”. He’s a keeper! Jay was initially attracted to Richard’s “big

The couple live together in Belfast in “a very ecletic house”.

muscles and ice blue ‘serial killer’ eyes (lol)”. The loved up pair love going to the movies together and dining out… they REALLY enjoy their grub! It doesn’t really matter what they do though, because no matter what, they both “have a bloody good laugh with each other on a daily basis”.

CIVIL PARTNERSHIP The GNI guide to civil partnership suppliers.

Here at GNI mag we have personally chatted to each of the wedding professionals on the following pages. There’s a shor t editorial piece on each of them so you have an idea of how they can help you when planning your big day.

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

EMBER JEWELLERY Located in the centre of Belfast, Ember Jewellery is coveted for its superb craftsmanship and outstanding designs which are created using traditional techniques. At Ember’s own Wedding Ring Studio, couples are given the oppor tunity to create custom-made weddings rings, under exper t supervision. Before coming into the studio, each couple attends a design consultation, during which their ideas and preferences are discussed.

Following this, a studio day is booked and couples will enjoy hands on involvement, shaping and soldering their weddings bands. Each couple is guaranteed the best guidance and will leave with beautifully crafted rings.

Cyril at Ember has over 20 years’ experience designing and making unique jewellery. Wedding rings are symbolic of love and commitment and Cyril believes they should be unique and personal to each individual couple.

You will be pleasantly surprised at how competitive Ember’s prices are, and with free delivery on all items and a ring sizer posted to your door if required, you can’t go wrong!

You are more than welcome to call in to the workshop to see how Ember’s handmade jewellery is carefully crafted.

A full list of the Wedding Ring Studio Terms and Conditions can be found on the website.

POP PHOTOGRAPHY

POP PHOTOGRAPHY 1 SERPENTINE ROAD, BELFAST, BT36 7AH 07754039280

Pop Photography founder, Gabrielle Cosgrove, specialises in newborn and wedding photography. Her patient, caring nature coupled with her impeccable attention to detail allows her to sensitively capture your most impor tant memories.

Gabrielle builds close personal relationships with all the spouses-to-be she works with, and has remained close friends with several of her past clients. At each event, Gabrielle and her team are happy to help with make-up retouching, dress fixing, and picture planning.

Gabrielle believes your wedding is an oppor tunity to invite all your loved ones to a uniquely personal par ty celebrating two people’s shared love and future. She believes that every minute detail of that celebration should be captured with meticulous care and attention, and she promises to do that. Her fun and relaxed approach will make your day as memorable as her timeless images.

With two photographers capturing everything from the bridal preparation right up to the first dance, you can rest assured that Pop Photography will have your wedding day well covered. All you need to do is relax and smile for the camera!

Pop Photography is available for weddings and shoots in Nor thern Ireland and beyond. Contact Gabrielle for fur ther details.

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

ELITE AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

In its first year, Elite has established itself as Northern Ireland’s leading aesthetic clinic. An ever-increasing catalogue of exclusive and innovative treatments coupled with a continued commitment to enhancing natural beauty through empathetic, client-focused practice ensures that Elite provides an unmatchable service. A host of Northern Irish talent who class Elite as their clinic of choice include Glee Star Damian Mc Ginty, NI model/Big Brother 2014 star Ashleigh Coyle, and Miss Earth Northern Ireland 2014, Justine Mc Eleney.

Elite Aesthetic Clinic was a finalist in the Local Women Business Awards, and is now a finalist in the London Aesthetic Awards for ‘Best New Clinic in UK and Ireland’. The awards ceremony will take place on 6th December 2014.

Elite Aesthetic Clinic offers the following treatments: • •

• • • • •

dermabrasion Biomimetric Mesotherapy & Hair Restoration Botilium Toxin / Dermal Fillers Genuine Dermaroller Therapy Megawhite – Blue Fusion Teeth Whitening 3D Lipo

And the following products: • • • • •

Hollywood Eye Magic Treatment Serum Skincerity Treatment Serum Ark Age Aware Skincare Range Renokin Shampoo & Conditioner Lash Lash Eyelash Enhancer

To celebrate its first bir thday, Elite is unveiling an exciting new treatment in October/November… stay tuned for that one!

Gift vouchers available in store. Contact Elite for fur ther information on treatments, products, and pricing.

Skin Analysis / Hydro Facial Skin Peels & Medical Micro-

look your best, feel your best...

AWARD WINNING

Unit 9 Springtown Industrial Estate 18 Ballinska Road, BT48 0LY T: 0771 233 2154 / 0771 233 2158 E: eliteaestheticclinic@hotmail.co.uk W: www.eliteaestheticreatmentclinic.co.uk

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

TELEPHONE 028 9146 9122 07702 835 509

www.northern-ireland-icesculptures.co.uk

nt Hlcc

ICE SCULPTURES NI

Ice Sculptures NI is a family run business that prides itself on its ability to create breathtaking ice art, adding a touch of elegant sophistication to any occasion. Every sculpture is carefully carved by hand, and requires an abundance of dedication and skill. The artists at Ice Sculptures NI – husband and wife team, Debbie and Graeme Stratton – love bringing your ideas to life, however challenging the task in hand may be!

They have been known to carve anything from motorbikes and cruise ships, to guitars and saxophones… they even make a mean Homer Simpson! No theme is too tricky, and no request too bizarre!

Why not do something a little different and get an icy cool centerpiece for your special day… Your guests will be most impressed! Want something to melt their hear ts? For the romantically inclined, Ice Sculptures NI can craft beautiful personalised love hear ts, charming pairs of enamoured animals, and intricate frames housing pictures of the bride and groom.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

Whether you’re looking for a stunning sculpture for your top table, something a bit smaller for your guests to admire, a unique seating plan plaque, or clever drinks coolers… do it with ice!

For more information, contact: John and Phyllis Stratton on 028 91 469 122 or 07702835509 Graeme Stratton on 028 91 466482 or 07988309078 stratton787@btinternet.com nor thern-ireland-icesculptures.co.uk

DATING

Dating tips for autumn/winter.

We’re approaching my two favourite seasons; there’s a few reasons why autumn and winter are dear to me. Yes it’s grossly disappointing that the boy next door will now start running with his top on, and that all of a sudden the fattest of the population emerge in their ponchos that cover a multitude of sins because the temperature has become more bearable for them, and finally, that minority group ‘the gingers’ all of a sudden feels accepted because autumnal colours are in.

I love these seasons. For one, every gay man has to adore autumn/winter fashion and the excitement of layering.

Yes, layering has it downsides which is just that getting naked becomes harder.

The second thing I love is that every gay man star ts to consider his circumstances and whether or not he can break through the pain barrier of another single Christmas. It’s gay mating season.

The energy that every gay man puts into finding a potential par tner before Christmas is a more rigorous process than the X-Factor auditions for the

ultimate prize of not having to watch Bridget Jones for the 10th consecutive year and stuffing your face with more stuffing. The only stage of X-Factor you might want to leave out is the Judge’s Houses because all those gay men under one roof would just be considered a ‘gang bang’... or I suppose you could call it a gay pride.

So what can you do to avoid the George Michael Effect which is the risk you’ll get someone’s hear t and the very next day they’ll give it away: 1. Clean up your dating profile: it needs to be seasonal; no one wants to see every photo of you on your Holiday.

As good as you might think you look in your aviators in the dating world, they’re called ‘hide the minger shades’, so don’t think what you’ve just pulled off is something special. Quasimodo looks good in shades.

2. Nice from far but far from nice: is that you in the distance? I just don’t get why any man would choose a profile photo that requires so much zoom... you look more pixelated than a Lego character.

When people go on a dating website they are looking to date you, not the scenic backdrop.

3. Filters: unless you plan to walk with an X-PRO screen on wheels which keeps you looking as photoshopped as your picture, try and show the real you. Put it like this; do you know that disappointing feeling when you order a Big Mac and it looks nothing like the picture? Yup. 4. Lazy profile: you say you want to date someone witty, charming and intelligent, but you’ve just written your profile like a recovering stroke victim. Don’t expect to fulfil your love life ambitions and meet Prince Charming when you can’t even be bothered to make an effor t.

Cinderella didn’t go to the ball dressed as a hooker.

aQUAFORCE GETTING THE BUILDERS IN? Joinery . Plumbing . Roofing Decorating . Heating Extensions . Renovations Bathrooms . Lofts 028 9084 2202 . www.aquaforce.org.uk . brian@aquaforce.org.uk

COMING OUT Peter’s story....

I kind of accidentally came out. I had always intended to, at some stage, but when I came out to my best friend Vicky it wasn’t planned, the time just felt right. We had been on a night out and we were drunkenly walking home in the rain.

We lay down on the grass and I said “I’m gay”, her reaction was “Thank God!!! Now we can talk about boys!”

I couldn’t believe how easy it was!

The next time I came out wasn’t planned either. I was getting ready for a par ty and my Mum came into my room. She’s one of my best friends, and she always knows when I’m lying, so when she asked if everything was OK and I said “yes”, she didn’t believe me. I burst into tears and told her I was gay.

Mum insisted we told my older brother, who was downstairs at the time. He was much more surprised that Mum felt the need to tell him I was gay than hearing the actual news – he assumed everybody already knew! After that I told my Dad and then I began gradually telling everyone else I knew.

I never felt pressure to come out.

People asked and I said no, and everyone just accepted that. To be honest, I probably said “no” before I even thought of the question. Nobody ever bothered me about it, but I’m sure everyone knew. I don’t know who I was trying to kid… When I was in ar t college I had pink, purple, blue, and green hair, and I wore white skinny jeans and shiny shoes!

With hindsight on my side, I can now confidently say that I should have come out the second I knew I was gay, which was way back at the beginning of high school. Looking back, I wasn’t really living my life then, not like I am now. I was really afraid to come out, but the fact that my sexuality was ‘a secret’ was really upsetting me. I really don’t think it should be a big deal. I was talking to someone recently who said it’s almost cool to have a gay best friend these days, and I think I agree… Over the last few years attitudes towards gay people have really advanced and it’s much more accepted now. We’re very lucky in that respect. These days everybody knows someone who is gay. I came out 7 years ago and at the time there was maybe a tiny bit more

pressure than there is now, so that could have been why I was so afraid. My own personal growth has taught me not to be afraid. I could tell someone who is in the closet that they should come out; that it’s so easy and everything will be fine, but everyone has their own fears and they’re going to be afraid for their own personal reasons. I could tell them there’s nothing to be afraid of, but really, each person has to do it when they’re ready… or drunk!

As for my career, I’m a visual merchandiser… I’m gay, I love clothes! I’ve always loved working with clothes. Retail is great for me because I love working with people too. It’s not the career I really want long-term, but in terms of the qualifications I have and the path that I’m on it’s great for now. After school I went to ar t college, so obviously I definitely became a lot gayer after leaving school! I did a diploma there and I went on to do a graphic design course. It was too typography based for me; I much prefer more traditional ar t forms, so I dropped out. Over that year I was able to practice my drawing a lot because I was at home and had no

course to do. I looked like a bum, but I was working, I promise! I work 6 days a week right now so it’s hard to find the time to focus on my ar t. I do commission work, and I’ve made prints of 4 of my pieces, which I’m selling at the moment.

Before I came out I definitely could have used some suppor t. For a while I was very unhappy about being in the closet. Once I came out I was fine – it was like there was nothing else to think about.

Because I didn’t have any gay friends at the time, I didn’t really know who to look to. I was on MySpace so I suppose I could say the internet helped me a bit. I chatted to people from Australia, America – all over. I could chat to them about anything because there was a cer tain anonymity – I knew I’d probably never see them in the flesh. They were all friendly to me, but I didn’t necessarily turn to anyone. My friends and I all learned about me together… I’m still learning about myself, and so are they. The main thing is that they’re always there for me.

I’d love to go to America on a creative visa, but I don’t think I’m doing enough in my field to use that right now. I would really love to live in L.A. I went there last year, and again this year, and both times it felt like home. There’s freedom in the air over there. You can walk around with whomever you want and nobody will bat an eyelid, whereas over here, if I had a par tner, no matter how much I loved them, I wouldn’t feel like I could hold their hand in cer tain places, and that’s a shame.

Since coming out I am so much happier and so much more confident. I’ve got this attitude now that it’s my life, and I’ll live it just the way I like.

Facebook/PeterIrvineAr t

SERIOUSLY THO

Trans equality is a goal that we all must be advocates for.

As I write this, both Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and Diversity Champions, Ireland’s network for promoting LGBT equality and inclusion at work, are running a seminar in Dublin on transgender inclusion in the workplace. This is an event that is long overdue, because for far too long, trans issues on this island are often ignored, or put on the back-burner, while the LG(B?) community focus on other issues. Trans equality is a goal that we all must be advocates for, but before that, we need to achieve a level of widespread respect and compassion for trans* people, something that is currently fragile, if it exists at all.

When it comes to the workplace, though, some major companies on both sides of the border have led the way to inspire other companies to show compassion for their LGBT employees, including Allstate Insurance in Belfast and EY (formerly Ernst & Young) in Dublin, alongside the ‘old reliables’ such as Google and Facebook. To have such major companies

on this isle is a major bonus to business here What about the smaller companies, though? Let’s ignore the multinationals in large cities; what about the small office in Ballymena, or the garage in Ballyhaunis, or the café in Clonmel?

Are they as likely to be inclusive to any LGBT staff? Would they have policies in place? Would their managers know what (not) to do if a member of staff becoming the victim of homophobic/transphobic bullying at work?

Truth be told, having attended previous ‘LGBT at Work’ events in Dublin, I fail to see how grassroots businesses across Ireland – nor th and south – are going to be directly, and quickly, influenced by diversity promotions by major businesses. It doesn’t take a economics exper t to know that small businesses aren’t likely to pay much attention to large corporations, unless they’re in the same industry with the smaller ones. One could say that a ‘trickle down’ effect could happen, where larger companies will (eventually) influence smaller ones, but how long will that take before equality and respect are felt across the land?

“Whatever about mainstream society, the gay community nees to actively suppor t their transgender friends and allies...”

The Irish parliament is only now star ting to look into hate crime legislation, which, combined with their supposed goodwill towards marriage equality, means that the Republic is edging closer to equality. Where does that leave Nor thern Ireland? Stormont is hardly a place best known for forward thinking, and yet it could have a fantastic influence on the quality of living for transgender people, as well as others, across the province.

Still, a vulnerable group within our own community is too often overlooked, almost to the point that we don’t deserve their suppor t at events like Pride. Whatever about mainstream society, the gay community needs to actively suppor t their transgender friends and allies more of the lip service that seems to go on at the moment. If we are meant to be this four-lettered community, transcending cultural and national divides, we need to lead by example, and star t acting united in our mission for equality.

Scott De Buitléir EILE MAGAZINE

LIVING WITH HIV We find out about living day to day with HIV.

Experts believe that around 27% of people with HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) do not know that they have it. Cases of HIV in Northern Ireland are on the increase. We were approached by someone living with HIV who wanted to share his story anonymously.

How long have you been living with HIV? Since February 2013.

Tell us about finding out you had HIV… It completely blew me out of the water.

I wasn’t expecting it at all. To be honest, I would have been more ready to receive a diagnosis of cancer. I was shocked and in denial – I really didn’t want to believe it. I couldn’t understand why this had happened to me; I hadn’t done anyone any harm. It’s only really sinking in now.

After receiving the news, was there support immediately available to you?

There was, yes. The GP diagnosed me on a Monday, and was very suppor tive.

On the Thursday the consultant saw me and I got a few bloods done, and then I had to wait two weeks for the results to come back before I was referred to Level 3 in the Royal. The counseling service provided was really helpful, but I’m not sure I was ready for it at that early stage. I have to say that the processes of getting me from the GP to the hospital to the mental health system were all done fairly quickly.

How did you tell your loved ones, and how did they take it?

Most were very good. There was always a big fear of rejection. I only mustered up the courage to tell my Mum very recently.

What kind of medication is available nowadays and does it interfere with your life at all?

Medication is a lot better than what it was. I take tablets once a day. Once you get into a routine it’s easy. There are unpleasant side effects, like diarrhoea, but once your system gets used to it, that becomes less of a problem.

Have you encountered any negative attitudes towards your illness?

No. There are very few people who know about it – maybe 10 or 12 – and most of them are very close to me. The people that do know are people that matter to me, as well as the people I’m obliged to tell – the likes of my dentist.

What do you think are the most common misconceptions about HIV, and people living with HIV? A lot of people believe it’s not out there.

It’s not really discussed like it was in the 80s. The attitude to HIV and to STIs in general has become a lot more lax.

Some people seem to think that people with HIV have been hopping into bed with everybody and anybody. Kids now are more sexually active at a younger age, and therefore the risk of STIs, HIV, Hepatitis etc., is increasing. It’s important to remember that five minutes of pleasure can have an impact on the rest of your life. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It is a virus that can mutate, and if you miss a couple of doses, the medication can become ineffective. You’re not automatically put on medication – it all depends on your blood results. They look at your viral load, which tells them how much of the virus is in your system, and they

check your white blood cell count to assess the healthiness of your immune system. If it falls below 300 they star t to look into introducing medication.

Some people prefer to go on medication straightaway, but it comes down to the consultant and the patient, and what they feel is the most appropriate course of treatment.

How can we help to dispel the myth that being HIV+ is the end of the world?

I did think it was the end of the world.

Now I’m at the point where I realise it’s not. It’s all about accepting the fact that you’ve made choices and you have to accept and live with those choices. I took an overdose and I survived, and for me that was the turning point. After that I realised that it’s definitely not the end of the world… far from it.

Would you encourage people to get tested for HIV? Yes. Not just for HIV but for other STIs too, in order to maintain good sexual health. In Nor thern Ireland we tend to look on those sor ts of things as taboo.

It should be just like going to the dentist – why is there that embarrassment? If you’re grown up enough to have sex then you have to be grown up enough to take precautions.

How can we raise awareness about the virus, and how can we raise money for medical research?

There is a Belfast-based organisation called Positive Life that provide suppor t, and allows people to make donations.

They work directly with people with HIV, and the families of people affected by

HIV. Whenever I initially went I wasn’t ready to hear what they were saying.

Now I’m more receptive and ready to discuss various issues in a group setting.

Since testing positive for HIV, how have you moved on with your life?

I’ve had to. It’s a decision that I’ve been forced to make: either I am prepared to live with it, or I’m not. If you’re not, you’ll spiral downwards and life will become a burden. That’s how it felt for me initially, and that’s what pushed me to take the overdose. Sitting there in hospital and seeing the people I care about huddled around me, crying was a real turning point for me. I’m a control freak – I dot my i’s and I cross my t’s, and then I go back to check them. Whenever I was told I was HIV+ I felt that I had lost all control of my life.

It’s only now that I feel I have turned it around. There is this virus going round in my body that I have absolutely no control over that whatsoever. You have to take a degree of responsibility, and make sure you don’t spread it on.

The whole point of me speaking about this is to make people aware that HIV is very much still out there. It’s very much a major reality, just as STIs are a major reality. If you’re having sex with somebody you don’t know, you must be aware that you are putting yourself at risk.

What advice or words of wisdom would you give to someone who has just found out they are HIV+?

Hit it front on. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. At the end of the day, no question is a silly question. Get in contact with Positive Life, discuss it with your GP, and

with the health advisors. If things are really desperate, talk to the likes of Lifeline NI. There was a time when I was getting calls from them 3 times a day, and sometimes I’d be on the phone with them for an hour. They provide a 24/7 service. Lifeline NI deals with things like depression and suicide but they do have knowledge and experience about HIV. If your family and friends aren’t very suppor tive, this organisation won’t judge you for having this illness. The big thing for me was accepting that I had put myself at risk, and that I made the choices that landed me in the position I’m in.

That’s what takes the most time, but once it star ts falling into place, you can begin to move on. Telling the likes of my mum and the rest of my family helped me enormously. At one stage my consultant asked me if I’d told my par tner how I was feeling. I said ‘no’, and he asked ‘what is he, a mind reader?’ HIV wasn’t really something I discussed with my par tner outside of hospital appointments. It was brushed under the carpet, but in the last month I’ve talked about it more than I have ever done. Actually saying the words – or rather, the initials – really helps to accept it. Your loved ones are not mind readers. You have to verbalise your feelings. It all comes down to how you deal with it.

DINING OUT

We try out a few of Belfast’s favourite eateries.

Feel like treating yourself to a great meal out, but not sure where to go?

Look no further than our special Dining Out feature. Here’s our pick of top quality eateries…

The Albany, located on the Lisburn Road in Belfast, is a spacious old school American inspired restaurant.

There you can enjoy cocktails specially prepared by drinks specialists, as well as a large choice of simple snacks and three-course meals. Fancy a really relaxing Sunday? The Albany does classic Sunday Roasts every week, taking the stress out of Sundays for you and your family. The Albany is currently taking reservations for Christmas celebrations.

The impressive venue provides par ties with an intimate environment in which to enjoy quality food and excellent live enter tainment. Vegetarian options are available.

If you prefer a friendly pub atmosphere, or you simply need a break from shopping, head to Queen’s Café Bar in Queen’s Street Arcade in Belfast City Centre. This conveniently located bar serves everything from a quick bite to eat to succulent steaks, light salads, and the catch of the day, all washed down with your favourite drink. The menu will leave you feeling spoilt for choice, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the price of everything on it. Queen’s Café Bar offers vegetarian options and some

gluten free dishes.

If you’re based near Carlingford or planning a trip there soon, make sure you get to The Carlingford Arms. Nestled on Market Street in the hear t of the picturesque village, the traditional style pub is a cosy home from home. The dishes available include freshly caught seafood, prime cuts of beef, and their hugely popular seafood chowder. The Carlingford Arms is a family friendly venue with full baby changing facilities and highchairs available, as well as wheelchair access and disabled toilets.

Vegetarian options and full children’s menus are also available. We recommend the homemade desser ts!

Happy dining!

GNI Gay friendly businesses

ACCOMMODATION,

Queen’s Café Bar

Queens Arcade Belfast BT15FF

Meal Deal for 2 2 Porterhouse Steaks with sauce and sides

Includes a bottle of red or white £29.95 for 2

HOLIDAY PACKAGES, EXCITING ACTIVITIES, THERE’S SOMETHING

FOR EVERYONE!

Thurs– Sat from 5.00pm

Food Served Mon-Wed 12-7.00pm Thurs-Sat 12-9.00pm Sun 1-5.00pm T: 90 249105 E: queenscafebar@hotmail.co.uk W: queenscafebar.co.uk

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

PROPERTY We take a peek into a gorgeous home.

Summer’s over and it seems there’s loads of property coming onto the open market - for sale boards are popping up everywhere.

This one caught our eye though......

Offering more than initially meets the eye, this well proportioned home was designed and built by its current owners with an emphasis on socialising and spending quality time together.

Rather than a maze of separate reception rooms, this home offers one generous living room where everyone can gather around the open fire, and when the weather is good you could throw open the french doors that lead directly out onto the massive veranda. The kitchen/dining area is equally impressive fitted with quality oak units, Belfast sink and a

The spacious living room leads out onto the veranda.

range cooker, ideal for the budding Gordon Ramseys and Jamie Olivers amongst you.

The kitchen also has room at one end for a dining table. So

when the par ty migrates to the kitchen (as they always do), there’s plenty of room.

For those of you who work from home all or par t of the

time, there’s a separate office/ study so you can keep it all tucked out of sight during your time off.

Upstairs there are four double bedrooms, two of which have ensuite shower facilities.

The master bedroom also has a dressing room so you no longer have the excuse that you’re not buying a new outfit ‘cos you’ve no room in the cupboard.

The main bathroom is a fabulous size, large enough to house a freestanding roll-top “slipper” bath for that touch of luxury.

Externally, French doors lead from the living area to a full length veranda overlooking the spacious rear garden - perfect for sitting out on those long summer evenings and enjoying a glass of wine.

This detached home also has an integral garage and tarmac forecour t so there’s room for your pride and joy too.

For the commuters amongst you this house is far enough out so you get the benefits of country living,

but close enough to the main roads that it’s easily accessible.

The Chapel Road in Ballinderry Upper is just off the main Moira/ Glenavy Road, not far from the Moira roundabout at the M1 motorway. So you’re handy to Moira village for the bars and cafes, and on an easy commuter

route into Belfast, Lisburn or Por tadown to go shopping.

Where the par ties end up... the kitchen dining room is a great size.

A touch of luxury in the main bathroom.

7a Chapel Road, Balllinderry Upper is being marketed for sale

by Milk Estates for £395,000.

Contact Milk Estates on 028 9065 4314 to arrange a viewing or for more information.

milk

ELL WE WANT TO S Y YOUR PROPERT ____________________

estates

7a Chapel Road Ballinderry Upper

Flat 3, 10 Castleton Ave Belfast

33 Rosebery Road Belfast

Detached country residence 4 bedrooms & 2 ensuites Spacious living room Open plan kitchen / dining

First floor 3 bedroom flat Lounge with balcony Fitted kitchen PVC double glazing / GFCH

Traditional Belfast mid-terrace Open plan lounge/diing area Two bedrooms PVC double glazing / GFCH

34 Loopland Gardens Belfast

16 Laurelhill Road Lisburn

2 Bellevue Terrace Derriaghy

Bay fronted mid-terrace Separate lounge & sitting room Three bedrooms Development oppor tunity

Substantial detached home Open plan living area Five bedrooms Double garage

Mid-terrace bungalow Lounge / dining area Kitchen open to conservatory PVC double glazing / OFCH

agreed

FREE PROPERTY 145 Holywood Road, Belfast TION www.milkestates.com | 028 9065 4314 VALUA

Photo taken at the Milk Estates launch night in August 2014

TEST DRIVE Time to revisit Honda.

For the test drive in this issue I contacted Donnellys personally to request a specific car to take out on the road. I’ve had my eye on one for a while; the car on my mind was the Honda Civic.

I’d been a Honda owner many years ago. Back when I was in my early twenties I thought I was the dog’s proverbial when I bought myself a Honda HRV, which was marketed as the Joy Machine. I wanted to see how the Civic compared.

So, I arrived at Donnellys on the Boucher Road and Scott greeted me at the reception area and showed me to the car. It was beautiful, a deep orangey/red colour with the most stunning alloy wheels. I popped into the passenger seat while Scott showed me all the technical functions from the driver’s seat. Fully prepped, I left the showroom.

I had to nip back to the office so I

drove straight here to show it off to the team. Upon seeing it, Eamann commented, “wow, that’s a mean machine”, and he was right. Make no mistake, this is a striking looking car, the face is defined in black giving a very, very sleek front. The curves contour up over the wheel arches to the back where the stylish break lights dissect the back window. I had the SE Plus model so inside was full of all the gadgetry you’d expect. The dashboard was deep and masculine, the digital area peering out from behind the three prominent dials.

To get a feel for this motor I took it on a spin up the motorway and then back to Belfast down the Hillhall Road to see how it fared on the back roads.

Driving was a pleasure, I can honestly say that this is the quietest car I’ve ever driven; the only sound I heard was the road noise. For such a substantial car it’s also extremely light to drive, and steering was a dream. Parking is made

easy by the sensors on the front and back, and there’s also a camera in the back for reverse parking.

This is a great spor ty looking car with loads of room inside. The hidden door handles on the back doors give it a coupe look. For practicality the boot is massive and the back seats fold down to give even more space.

When you’re thinking of changing cars, do yourself a favour and take a trip to Donnellys and give this beast a spin, I’d say you won’t be disappointed.

To top it all off, Donnellys are offering some amazing finance packages on the Civic too.

EVERYTHING ON EVERYTHING ON BLACK CIVIC BLACK SPECIAL EDITION CIVIC BLACK SPECIAL 0 deposit 0% APR Representative.

EDITION 0% APR Representative. 0 deposit

78.5 miles per gallon.

Voted UK’s most reliable car brand for 8 years by What Car ? readers.

78.5 miles per gallon.

Voted UK’s most reliable car brand for 8 years by What Car ? readers.

DONNELLY HONDA

8 Boucher Road, Belfast. Call 028 9503 0033 59 Moy Road, Dungannon. Call 028 8786 0011

DONNELLY & TAGGART HONDA

122 Antrim Road, Ballymena. Call 028 2545 0022 Campsie Ind. Est., Eglinton, Co. L/Derry. Call 028 7100 0017

Or visit www.donnelly-honda.co.uk (WGN EQPUWORVKQP Ć‚IWTGU HQT VJG %KXKE K &6'% $NCEM 5RGEKCN 'FKVKQP KP ORI N MO 7TDCP 'ZVTC 7TDCP %QODKPGF

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A-Z Everyday horrors.

Halloween is almost upon us. It’s time for some of you to get the wigs out of the closet (LOL), and don them for one night only… The rest of you (who are used to wearing them on a daily basis) might consider taking the wigs off and going au naturel…uh oh, run for the hills! Ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves, and stampedes of sexy animals come out in force on the evening of the 31st October, but there’s usually no sign of them the next day… Unless you count walks of shame. We love Halloween, but it isn’t really all that scary; we’re much more terrified of the very real ghastly goings on that can happen every single day.

Read the following list of everyday horrors and try not to shudder…

A – Alarms set before 7am.

B – Being late for work on that one day you have to be in early.

C – Coming home to realise your Sky Plus failed to record the season finale of Revenge.

D –Drinking sour milk. * Shluuurp… Chomp…. Barf * E – Essays.

F – Far ting really loudly when you were 100% cer tain it was going to come out quiet.

G – Getting chewing gum stuck in your hair… Cue the worst haircut of your life.

H – Hangovers from hell. A large truck has reversed over you 12 times, you’re on the world’s longest rollercoaster, and a small animal has curled up and died in your mouth.

I – Ill-fitting underwear. You’ll spend the majority of your day excavating it from your crack.

J – Jackie Stallone’s face. Yeesh.

K – Kids kicking the back of your seat on public transpor t.

L – Leaving the house in a dress and realising you didn’t shave your knees properly, and that you look a bit like Harry from ‘Harry and the Hendersons’’s cousin.

M – Monday mornings. It doesn’t matter how many times you tell them that it’s not working out, they just keep coming

back.

S – Socks with sandals. NOOOOOOOOOOO!

N – Needing the toilet so bad and discovering that the godforsaken establishment you are in charges people to defecate. Longstanding principles tend to go out the window when you’re seconds away from soiling yourself – and in public, no less.

O – Opening your wallet after a night out.

P – Parsley stuck in the gap between your two front teeth.

All. Day. Long.

Q – Queues at the bar… six feet deep… just after they’ve called last orders! DUN DUN DUUUUNNNNN R – Rubbing your eyes after cutting chili… sometimes you’re your own worst enemy.

T – Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La-La, and Po. Brightly coloured full body fat suits will never be OK. U – Ugg boots season.

V – Varicose veins.

W – When you’re outside the club and you smell onions frying and think, ‘mmm I could do with some dir ty food’, and then you realise it’s not actually chip van onions frying… it’s the armpits of the creature standing next to you.

X – X rayed in your underwear in front of strangers.

Y – Yelling at people when you’re drunk, then waking up and piecing together your awful, awful antics.

Z – ‘Zero funds available’ :O

CONLETH RECOMMENDS Theatre: TINSELTOWN Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey I am delighted to announce that this Christmas marks my return to the Nor thern Ireland stage for the first time in 2 years. I will be appearing in Paul Boyd’s brand new musical ‘Tinseltown’ at the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey from December 1st. I absolutely LOVE Christmas, so naturally I jumped at the chance to do this show. The cast includes Jane Milligan (direct from the West End hit musical ‘MAMMA MIA!’, and daughter of the legendary Spike Milligan), comedienne and TV actress Nuala Mc Keever, and many more! The show has the same creative team that are behind the cult hit musical ‘Molly Wobbly’ that star ted 3 years ago in N. Ireland and went on receive critical acclaim in both Edinburgh and London. ‘Tinseltown’ tells the story of a secret village called Estincele, hidden in the centre of a dark wood and founded centuries ago by Santa Claus the first to provide everything that the world needs to celebrate Christmas. But when young Jack, a boy from the real world, stumbles across the village one night, the local residents fear for their very future. One villager in par ticular, Estincele’s last remaining witch the evil Foofaleena - sees Jack as her chance to cancel Christmas once and for all, and so it’s up to locals Pookie Bogthrollop and Boke Nubbins to convince their new friend Jack that Christmas is wor th believing in after all ...

Tickets can be purchased online at www.theatreatthemill. com or call the box office on 02890340202.

Movie: PRIDE Who knew that a young gay community who suppor ted a bunch of Welsh-striking-

miners back in 1984 would be responsible for one of the key movements in gay rights for modern day Britain? I cer tainly didn’t. It’s been a while since I’ve witnessed people laughing and crying throughout a picture.

The performances are excellent throughout (apar t from a pretty dodgy N. Irish accent from actor Ben Schnetzer), and in par ts you can’t help but feel widely educated on just how tough life was for the LGBT community just 30 years ago. A special mention to Imelda Staunton who hilariously por trays a wonderful character called ‘Hefina’, who you just cannot help but love. George McKay manages to step into the role of a 20-year-old named ‘Joe’, with whom we travel on a ‘coming-out’ journey, and brings to the screen a stunning performance that many young gay people will identify with. Director Matthew Warchus deserves serious praise for his ability to keep the cinema audience totally enthralled from star t to finish, casting ripples of sheer bellylaughter in moments of high comedy, and yet manages to create a spell bounding silence when touching on more sensitive topics like the effect of the AIDS outbreak back at that time.

‘Pride’ is a wonderfully produced and emotionally driven film that should be seen by everyone, gay or straight, and really celebrates what was a turning point in prejudice.

Album: DAMES DUDES AND COWBOYS TOO - JOHNNY PARTRIDGE With countless Musical Theatre credits, a role in ‘Eastenders’ and a recent appearance on the BBC Reality TV Show ‘Tumble’, what is left for Mr Johnny Par tridge?

An album of course! It isn’t the first time a soap star has ventured into a recording career; you just have to look at the likes of Kylie Minogue, Holly Valance

Originally from NI, Conleth has carved out a successful career in London both on stage and on screen.

and Mar tine McCutcheon. Last Christmas, I had the absolute pleasure of working alongside Johnny in the Birmingham Hippodrome Pantomime, and what a star he is. I was blown away by his work ethic and all-round talent, especially his voice, so I was both delighted and excited to learn of this album release.

‘Dames Dudes and Cowboys too’ sees Johnny taking a very brave, unique and fresh recording direction that has resulted in a slick, diverse range of sounds from the star t of the record right through to the end. He has managed to cover the likes of Dolly Par ton, Rufus Wainwright, Nine Inch Nails (and many others), and has crafted them into versions that sound like they were written for him.

His version of Dolly Par ton’s ‘Jolene’ (my personal favourite), showcases a more vulnerable side to his voice and manages to slow the pace of the album down after the rather amazing dance-floor fillers ‘Bite The Hand That Feeds’ and ‘Tino Kino’ and I feel that on these two tracks in par ticular we hear just how unstoppable his voice can be, and just how fearless he is prepared to be as an Ar tist.

Also appearing on the album as a guest vocalist is an old mate of mine, Hayley Sanderson (who has appeared as a vocalist on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing’).

Both their voices blend perfectly on the very classy ‘Bar ton Hallow’. I cannot stop playing this album, and it gets better after each listen. It really is brilliant.

Bravo Johnny!

PS. Come see me open the Christmas Tree Switch-on celebrations in Por tadown town centre (Friday 14th November) and in Lurgan town centre (Friday 21st November).

Jordan & Diona Halloween fancy dress ideas.

Don’t Judge A Spook By Its Cover… (Or Do) Sexy ‘insert animal name here’: This wildlife enthusiast has decided to raise awareness of animal hotness. Usually found to be of the female species and normally quite shy and retiring. Approach with caution. This one’s prone to a nip slip or a slutdrop. She may also throw up on you in the taxi ride home. Bring baby wipes.

Toilet Roll Zombie: This guy never empties the dishwasher, leaves the toothpaste cap open and NEVER recycles! Why? Because he’s a lazy bastard, that’s why. And it’s written all over his ‘made in 3 minutes flat’ ass paper costume. By the end of the night there’s usually only the odd few sheets of loo roll still actually attached to him… Representative of his pride.

Spartan/Roman Soldier/Toga: This guy has been waiting all year for Halloween. His

nipples twitch at the thought of exposing his fake tanned, gym built torso. He’s in the toilets doing press ups and spent three days waxing his armpits but he is ready to par... well, not par ty, but at least stand about holding his breathe looking moody. He’s got no banter but he does have large arms...

Current Sex Offender: Oh hahaha well done aren’t you Mr Funny Pants? He’s spent weeks agonising over whether he should wear it and approaches you with a smug smile saying “Classic me, right” until toga boy smacks him for upsetting his girlfriend.

He’s a try-hard who may end up as a die-hard...

No Costume: This barrel of laughs is staring miserably at everyone from the bar. They don’t ‘do’ costumes and think anyone who does is a tit. Well we’ve got news for you: you’re a tit...

GEMMA HUTTON Her world in her words.

So this is my last blog for GNI. I’ve had a ball writing down all my crazy antics and ranting with the world, but all good things come to an end. Time has caught up on this working girl.... there are officially no longer enough hours in the day. I have just started a degree in counselling....yes me... Helping people with their issues...the irony. I’m giving this whole degree thing another go... I already feel like Robin Williams in Jack walking into Milli field campus.

But the great thing is that I’m the youngest in my class...been a long time since I have been the youngest at anything! I looked so smart until my Dr Who ringtone went off mid class. I am now ‘that girl’ of the course.

fluid getting from the platform to the train, and ended up sharing my Nan’s oxygen. Traumatising my grandmother was just a bonus. The best par t of London was of course ....Harrods. I officially cannot look at my credit card for two years.

As soon as I jetted home from London, I was straight onto the enterprise to head to Trinity University for the infamous comedy debate. There was wine and cheese, salmon, dickie bows, swearing and ranting and many many laughs. It made me fall in love with comedy all over again... So I will have a few more announcements in the coming months which you can check out on my f b fan page. I’d like to thank the GNI team and wish them the best of luck with their many ventures. See you on the scene... lezzer love.

Of course I missed the first class as I was in London pretending to be a witch bitch in Harry Potter world and doing the touristy thing with my grandmother.

This was a f***ing nightmare, as it may or may not shock you, the tube is not the most wheelchair friendly of things. I basically sweated half a litre of

Gem.x

SJ WILSON

A straight guy’s views on fashion faux pas.

Back once again with the renegade master. More like reprobate master. So I have been asked to voice up about Fashion Faux Pas. For anyone that does not speak pig latin that means basically guys that look like twats but think they look totes amazeballs.

Now by no means am I Gok Wan but it doesn’t take a fashionista to spot a ballbag when you see one. Let’s tell it like it is...

First off in my opinion, I just want to say that just because you are gay does not mean you have to dress up to the stereotype. I am a kinda break the mould, reshape it and stick a sparkler in it kinda guy. I do however think it is perfectly acceptable for somebody that is camper than Lazytown at Christmas to dress a little more flamboyant. But straight guys, what are you playing at?

We need to take some tips from gay guys! Skinny jeans are

not “Fatty Jeans”. If you are a heavier set guy like myself do not pour your fudge into a pair of skin tight jeans. You look like the Staypuft Marshmallow man in a morph suit! Skinny Jeans are for Skinny people HENCE THE F***ING NAME! Double denim is back but denim suits are not. Oh Oh-ooo....B*Witched? Anyone? Ugh, back to the point at hand. If you have denim jeans on, wear a denim jacket. Not a denim shir t, denim jacket, denim undies, denim socks and denim shoes.

Denim is not going out of fashion. Do not rush it. Do not embrace denim to the point that you are an overprotective father to denim.

The most commonly worn clothing in Nor thern Ireland is the immor tal tracksuit! What is wrong with you people? Are you going to the gym? Lounging around the house? Running on a track field? Playing some form of spor t? NO? Then why in the

Follow me on Twitter @SJWilson25 or at facebook.com/ sjwilsonofficial

name of Buddha, Jack Sparrow and Rumpelstiltskin would you wear a tracksuit in public as casual clothing? IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE CLOTHING! It is on the big no no list. It is a tracksuit for the reason it is to be worn when working out or doing spor ts... or, it can be acceptable to wear it around the house. If you wear a tracksuit as casual clothing it is automatically assumed you wear a balaclava as your work uniform.

Other clothing that offends my eyes and bugs me would include scarves in the summer, gutties that are treated as dress shoes and bow ties for the sake of wearing an accessory. If it is illegal for a man to marry a man then I move to make a motion for the above clothing faux pas to be made illegal.

GNI popped into Union Street and Kremlin to see what was happening......

Cabaret was on at the Mac, GNI went along....

A

East Belfast’s newest estate agency Milk Estates opened in August......

N S HOE FAC TOR Y S UNF LOW ER MAV ERIC K Q UEE NS B AR CEN TRA L BA R

A glance at what’s happening around Belfast and Dublin.

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Tuesday Kremlin (Belfast) – Klub 180 with DJ Miss C, drinks £1.80, 10pm – 2.30am Union Street (Belfast) – Grannie’s Fun Factory 9pm, all drinks £2 Maverick (Belfast) – Countdown with Contessa Maximillion Von Tramp with DJ Ryan from 9.30pm Boombox (Belfast) – Hoochie Tuesdays, Urban, Hip Hop, R&B Sunflower (Belfast) – Open Mic Night 7pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Final Countdown Wednesday Union Street (Belfast) – Tina’s Stop the Clock The Shoe Factory (Belfast) – SLOSH! Music with Regal MC till 2.30am, Drinks £2 Maverick (Belfast) – Open Mic Wednesdays hosted by Cherrie On Top Boombox (Belfast) – Bitch Please! with Roxy Tumbledryer, Rusty Hinges, DJ Kenny K & special guests Sunflower (Belfast) – Piping Hot Sessions 8pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Big Gay Wednesday Thursday Kremlin (Belfast) – Deuce with DJ Jamesy, £2 entry £2 drinks Union Street (Belfast) – Okie Dokie Karaoke hosted by Trudy Scrumptious & Rober t Brown Maverick (Belfast) – TNT Thursdays: This ‘n’ That with Rusty Hinges and Roxy Tumbledryer, 9.30pm Boombox (Belfast) – Ultravamp with Electra La Cnt, drinks £2.50, bombs £1.50 Sunflower (Belfast) – Manouche Gypsy Swing 5.30pm, Folk Club 8.30pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Thirsty Thursday Friday Kremlin (Belfast) –Weekly theme nights with DJ Gareth Woods & DJ Malc Union Street (Belfast) – An evening with Glitzy Glamour Maverick (Belfast) – WINE CLUB! Half price bottles of selected wine from 4pm-7pm! VAGABOND with DJ Marion Hawkes from 9pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 9pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Friday Mash Up with DJ Ola

Saturday Kremlin (Belfast) – Revolution with DJs Regal MC, Kristian Nairn, 7 Jamesy from 9pm Union Street (Belfast) – Tina’s Trannyoke 5pm-8pm, Grannie’s Time Tunnel 9pm-late Maverick (Belfast) – Maverick Saturdays with DJ Sean McCann from 9pm Boombox (Belfast) – DJ Ciarán Boylan & Special Guests, 10pm – 3am Sunflower (Belfast) – Appalachian Session 8pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Saturday Beats with DJ Ricardo Sunday Kremlin (Belfast) – Industry with DJs Regal MC, Gareth Woods & Miss C, 10pm Union Street (Belfast) – The Sunday Bingo Show 8.30pm Maverick (Belfast) – The R&R with Rusty and Roxy 5pm, Sunday grooves by Groovebound from 8pm Boombox (Belfast) – Full Circle with DJ Stuar t Millar and hostess Sassie Longshaft, drinks £2.50 Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 7pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Spiritual Sunday Regular Nights Rewind @ Kremlin – 1st Friday of the month BUBU @ The Shoe Factory – 1st Friday of the month (men only) Cherry @ The Shoe Factory – last Friday of every month (women only) The White Mansions @ The Sunflower – 1st Friday of every month Pub Quiz @ The Sunflower – 1st Tuesday of the month Duke Special’s Gramophone Club @ Sunflower – Last Friday of the month Passion @ Bellinis (Newry) – 1st Saturday of the month Lovebox @ Boombox – last Friday of the month (women only) Hotel Motel Residency @ Boombox – Last Friday of every month Fuzz Box @ Boombox – 3rd Friday of every month (men only) Room Service @ Boombox – bi-monthly Specials Saturday 11th October @ Queen’s Café Bar: Superfly, Funk n’ Soul Night Saturday 18th October @ Queen’s Café Bar: B Side Social Club, Funk n’ Soul Night Mondays 6.30-7.30pm @ Sunflower: Free Spanish Classes (Contact The Sunflower on 028 9023 2474)

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Monday Union Street (Belfast) – Trudy’s Monday Club Maverick (Belfast) – Motor Mouth Mondays Comedy Night with Gemma Hutton El Divino (Belfast) – SWAGGER Central Bar (Strabane) - BOGOF

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Monday The George – Win, Lose or Drag with Phil T. Gorgeous and Bunny from 8.30pm, free entry The Dragon – Dolly Does Dragon Pantibar – Pints and Chats Tuesday The George – Bassline with DJ Karen, free entry The Front Lounge – Davina Devine’s Casting Couch, Karaoke from 10pm Pantibar – Pints and Chats Wednesday The George – Space N’ Veda with Veda Beaux Rêves and gorgeous guests. Cabaret, Drag, Video Ar t & Live Music Pantibar – Pints and Chats Thursday The Dragon – PrHomo. Dublin’s biggest gay student night. Drinks promos The George – Davina Devine hosts Thursty Thursdays with the 11 0’clock show (ish) The Front Lounge – 2 for 1 cocktails Pantibar – Joystick, DJ Dr Beat plays quality 80’s music Friday The Dragon – Plastic. Free in before 10pm and €5 after The George – Glitterbomb hosted by David D-Pole. Free before 10pm, €5 from 10 til midnight, €18 after Pantibar – DJ Steobear and Our Perfectly Preposterous Drinks Specials The Hub – SweatBox Saturday The Dragon – Dragged Up & Queen hosted by Victoria Secret from 10pm The George – SaturGays with DJ Sean John, Davina, Veda & guests with Beauty Spot Karaoke from 10pm Pantibar – The Panti Show from 10pm. Cruisin’, Music, Dancin’, Chattin’ Copper Alley – Mother, home of synth pop and electronic music Sunday The George – Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar from 9.30pm Pantibar – Sunday Shenanigans with Panti & Dizzy

Regular Nights Pop Rox Indie Night @ The Dive Bar (Turk’s Head) – For tnightly Saturdays Crush Girlclub @ Lafayette Club Specials 10th October @ The George – Ms Gay Ireland judged by 2011 winner Ms Emma Parkes 17th October @ Lafayette Club: Crush Girlclub 31st October @ Lafayette Club: Crush Girlclub Halloween Par ty

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LANDMARKS A - Parliament Square B - Temple Bar C - Dublin Castle D - The Needle E - Gaiety Theatre F - Grafton Street G - Olympia Theatre

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LANDMARKS A - Grand Opera House B - The MAC C - City Hall D - The Fish E - Odyssey F - Ulster Hall G - The Waterfront H - The Cour ts

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VENUES 1 - Union Street Bar 2 - Kremlin 3 - Maverick 4 - Sunflower Bar 5 - Kellys Cellars 6 - Queens Cafe Bar 7 - Yard 401 8 - El Divino 9 - Boombox

F E Golden Lane