ISSUE 44 STEPS

GNIMAG y o u r

l o c a l

h o m o c u l t u r a l

Steps

m a g a z i n e

Issue 44 Nov / Dec 20 £3.95 / €3.95

They’re back with a new album and a massive tour on the way. H, Faye, Lisa, Claire and Lee tell us all about it...

Paloma Faith

Setting her sights on a return to the charts with her ambitious new album.

Covid Effect

Trudy’s take on the Covid-19 pandemic as the arts industry is on it’s knees.

Lucy Spraggan

Giving up the booze, a new partner and how the Rewired Plan changed her life.

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THE EDITOR // OPEN LETTER

IS THE DOOM AND GLOOM of Covid coming to an end? I bloody hope so!

Casual convo for us living in the U.K/Ireland typically revolves around the weather, though it’s safe to say in 2020 the C word “Covid” has taken the lead in conversation starters and stoppers, after hearing the news yesterday that a vaccine could be available as early as 1st December maybe change is on the horizon. Will you take the vaccine?? I am undecided ATM myself.

DANIEL MAY Editor & Operations Director GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd. Daniel has been with GNI MAG since 2015, steering the publication forward and keeping it relevant with our growing market. Originally from Craigavon, now living in Belfast, Daniel is a keen Thespian treading the boards and taking the lead role in many local productions.

Today 20th November was due to be our 5th Annual GNI Awards, anyone who has attended will hopefully agree it is a great night filled with fun all in aid of acknowledging people and businesses who do not get the recognition for the work they do for the LGBTQI+ community. We were devastated when we found out our awards couldn’t go ahead though we look forward to 2021 and getting to celebrate with you all – watch this space.

Christmas Trees and Decorations, when should they go up? My decorations are still packed away though thousands of people literally took down Halloween things and replaced them with their Xmas Tree.

Without sounding like a Scrooge I’m content with a few weeks of festivities and the excitement on the run up, though who wants to see and clean around Christmas Decorations for 3 months???

In other news we are on the cusp of saying bye

to ole Trump, no doubt we will listen to a lot of accusations until January though inauguration cannot come quick enough. I know Biden himself is not loved by everyone, but from what I see the lesser of 2 evils. Like millions I will watch with anticipation to see how his presidency unfolds.

Oh and going to marginally abuse my position with a personal appeal This past 2 months I have done a lot of challenges – completed Sober October without a hiccup and from 1st November I have been doing a trio of things, 30K challenge which I have already smashed, Movember, ATM I look like Grizzly Adams lol and 3000 press-ups, on average 100 per day. All in the aid of Action for Hearing Loss with the intention of raising a minimum of £1000 to give someone the gift of hearing. I am 2/3 to achieving my goal though still need help, anyone wishing to donate can search for danielmaychallenge on Justgiving.com In closing I again thank all those businesses, writers, contributors etc who see the importance of engaging with the growing LGBTQI+ community across the country, and to our readers we hope you enjoy this issue.

From all of us here at GNI MAG we wish you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. See you in 2021 x

CONTENTS //

CREDITS //

WHAT’S INSIDE

[ 8 ]

STEPS

[ 13 ]

CALLUM SKEFFINGTON

[ 14 ]

PALMOA FAITH

[ 18 ]

MICKY MURRAY

[ 20 ]

LUCY SPRAGGAN

[ 24 ]

CARL CONNIELINGUS

[ 27 ]

MAGNUS HASTINGS

[ 32 ]

ANNA MONTGOMERY

[ 36 ]

TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

[ 38 ]

MARTIN MURRAY

[ 40 ]

LEMONADE DOLLS

[ 48 ]

BEAR WEAR

[ 50 ]

GERARD DEVLIN

[ 52 ]

THE GOURMET BOYS

[ 54 ]

THE CRAFT GIN CLUB

[ 55 ]

HASTINGS COMPETITION

[ 56 ]

MISSTIQUE STOCKING FILLERS

[ 58 ]

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS FACTS

[ 60 ]

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

[ 62 ]

MICHAEL ALVEAR

[ 64 ]

HADSKIS RESTAURANT

[ 66 ]

BODY PAINT WITH ONYA

[ 72 ]

AMANDA WANTS MORE

[ 74 ]

THE BERLIN PATIENT

[ 76 ]

GRAND GARETH

[ 80 ]

GOURMET GETAWAY

[ 81 ]

THE BIG DAY

[ 85 ]

PLANT BASED DIET

[ 86 ]

STAYING SAFE @ CHRISTMAS

[ 88 ]

SLEEP OVER @ CURRAN GATE

[ 90 ]

RECOMMENDED

[ 92 ]

FITNESS WITH ANTHONY

{ 95 ]

TRAVEL PHUKET

[ 98 ]

JOURNEY TO FATHERHOOD

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR / EDITOR Daniel May SALES Pauline Fitzpatrick DESIGN Tony Day

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Steps / Hailstorm PR / Callum Skeffington / Palmoa Faith / Chuff Media / Micky Murray / Lucy Spraggan / Hush PR / Carl Connielingus / Magnus Hastings / Project Publicity / Anna Montgomery / Trudy Scrumptious / Martin Murray / Lemonade Dolls / Bear Wear / Rogan O’Connor / Conor Ross Photography / Gerard Devlin / The Gourmet Boys / The Craft Gin Club / Hastings Hotels / Fiona Brown Communications / Misstique / Michael Alvear / Jeff Dorta / Phil Bessimer / Hadskis Restaurant / LK Communications / Onya Becks / RaunchyRay / Andrew Goyvaerts / Gareth Greenfield / Titanic Hotel / Shannon and Samara / Human Food / The Rainbow Project / Curran Gate Luxury Apartments / Martin Kearney / Anthony Cooley / Gavyn Andrews / Gays with Kids / Neill Barston / GNI MAG IS PUBLISHED BY...

Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd 13 Union Street Belfast BT1 2JF www.gnimag.com daniel@gnimag.com All submissions to GNI MAG are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in GNI MAG and its licensed editions worldwide. In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision is final. Any material sent is at the owner’s risk and although every care is taken neither Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of GNI MAG are accurate. However we accept no liability for any misprints that appear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to following any advice offered in this publication. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers and not those of GNI MAG or Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd. Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd 2020

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INTERVIEW // STEPS

EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // STEPS

STEPS INTERVIEW: DANIEL MAY

5,6,7,8 WE ALL KNOW THE ‘STEPS’ PARDON THE PUN AND HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF GRACING THESE GUYS ON THE COVER 3 YEARS AGO. THEY ARE BACK WITH A NEW ALBUM AND WILL SHORTLY BE EMBARKING ON A TOUR WHICH WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT. TIME FOR A CATCH UP AND TO GET SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

YOUR FANS ARE SUPER LOYAL, KNOWING EVERY LYRIC AND ROUTINE, WHEN PICKING MATERIAL IS IT WITH THE FANS IN MIND? AND IN A FEW WORDS HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FAN BASE? Claire: We are so lucky, we have the most incredible loyal fans in the world and watching people sing back our lyrics at our shows is the best feeling in the world. Steps are all about inclusivity – everyone is welcome in our world and we like our music to reflect that. Our sound is unashamed pop and it’s always made with our fans in mind.

IT IS SO UPLIFTING DURING THESE TIMES TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO NEW STEPS MATERIAL, WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS THE FIRST SINGLE FROM THE ALBUM OF THE SAME NAME IS A BANGER, AND WE LOVE THE NEW SINGLE ‘SOMETHING IN YOUR

EYES’. WAS THIS AN EASY CHOICE FOR THE 2ND SINGLE? Faye: It certainly was! It’s such a catchy song it was a no brainer! The moment we heard it we knew it had Steps written all over and it would be a crowd pleaser!! And we’re over the moon that the video got such a huge reaction. We were even trending at #7 in the US iTunes video chart!

Crazy times!

WE HAVE TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS FOR DANCING ON ICE, HATS OFF TO YOU, I COULDN’T DO IT LOL, WONDERING WITH ALL THIS EXTRA CHOREOGRAPHY WILL YOU BE INCORPORATING ANY INTO THE TOUR? A SNEAKY DRY SKATE SOLO WOULD BE INSANE. H: Ahh... thanks! It was probably THE most nerve-wracking night of my career! It meant so

NINE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // STEPS

much to me and so many people! To be part of something historical and so important is crazy but felt incredible to be part of! Ice rinks on stage tho - maybe we sing Heartbeat on skates!

LOCKDOWN HAS RESULTED IN CANCELLED TOURS AND SHOWS ACROSS THE WORLD, HOW EXCITED ARE YOU ABOUT GETTING TO PERFORM AGAIN AROUND THE COUNTRY TO YOUR FANS? AND CAN WE EXPECT ALL THE ICONIC CHOREOGRAPHY? Lisa: It’s been a challenging time for all and we cannot WAIT to get back on the road next year, and spread some Steps happiness. It’s absolutely our favourite part of being in Steps.

100% everyone can expect all our hits, new and old, and the iconic moves…it wouldn’t be a Steps show without them.

2020 HAS BEEN A WASHOUT FOR SO MANY PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES DUE TO COVID THOUGH YOU GUYS STILL MANAGED TO BRING US THIS NEW ALBUM, WAS THIS A LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE? Lee: We first heard the song ‘What the Future Holds’ a few years ago and we all instinctively loved it.

It really stood out and spoke to us, especially the lyrics ‘ one foot in the past and one foot in the future’’ as it really represented where we are at as a band now, touring and performing our older tracks alongside our new material.

The album really came from the footprint of that first song but we also wanted this album to have more diversity than our last album Tears on the Dancefloor which was up-tempo throughout. We recorded ballads, disco tracks and ABBAesque-sounding songs to give fans more of an emotional journey.

The album and video for our first single were recorded and finished last year and we were aiming to release everything earlier this year.

With Covid19 everything changed and our whole year was flipped on its head.

We are still working out how best to promote the record and perform for our fans, but we are just happy that we have had the opportunity to bring our album to the public this year at a time when I think a bit of fun, happy, pure pop

TEN // GNIMAG.COM

is needed.

CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WITH COVID THINGS ARE VERY MUCH UP IN THE AIR IN TERMS OF WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS (SEE WHAT WE DID THERE) WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU AS A FAMILY AND WILL YOU DO ANYTHING AS A BAND? ALSO IN GENERAL TERMS WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR STEPS, IS THERE A 2,5, OR 10 YEAR PLAN LOL ?

Claire: Our Christmases are usually always spent at home with the immediate family, so this year shouldn’t actually be too different! Lots of Xmas food, a few glasses of bubbles and classic Xmas movies on telly.

THERE HAS BEEN LOADS OF SPECULATION ABOUT WORKING WITH KYLIE MINOGUE AS YOU ARE BMG LABELMATES, HAS THERE BEEN ANY SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THIS OR IS IT ALL HEARSAY? Faye: So far it’s just hearsay but we’re all huge Kylie fans so it would definitely be a yes if it ever came about.

CAN WE ASK HOW LOCKDOWN WAS FOR YOU DID YOU SINK OR SWIM? Lee: I would say I treaded water :) A few positives that came out of lockdown for me was that I got to spend more time with my wife which was lovely as she works long hours and I’m away quite a lot so we made the most of it and didn’t kill each other ha ha .

I also focused on my fitness and decided to do a monthly fitness challenge on Instagram for the total beginners out there.

Each day, I would show a basic exercise and slowly progress it over the month with the ultimate aim for people to join me in a live 25minute workout.

It was such a success that I’m now in the process of taking it further via my new fitness page on Instagram called @LLEFitness.

I WATCHED A VIDEO RECENTLY, IT WAS SONGS THE ARTISTS/BANDS TURNED DOWN THAT WENT ON TO BE GLOBAL

HITS FOR SOMEONE ELSE. I WONDERED IF THIS HAD EVER HAPPENED TO YOU? IF SO WHAT SONG WAS IT? H: We’ve passed on a lot of songs... especially when we’re choosing songs to record for a new album! But I think we’ve bagged all the hits!

Haa!!

WE WERE TREATED TO VOCALS BY EVERYONE ON ‘WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS’ CAN WE EXPECT MORE FROM YOU ON OTHER TRACKS? Lee: Steps is and always will be a pure pop band with mixed vocals where we do feature boys harmonies, ad libs and leads. The fact that we are a mixed band gives us the Steps sound that people recognise and love so much.

It’s great when you have lead on a track and it’s lovely when I get feedback from fans saying they enjoy my vocals and that it’s nice to finally hear my voice. To me this is not the be and end all - what is most important is that we create the best sound possible for each individual track.

Saying that, I am happy on this album there is definitely more of a presence from the boys!

WE DON’T HAVE LONG NOW UNTIL THE ALBUM’S OUT ON 27TH NOV, CAN YOU SPILL WHICH SONG IS YOUR FAVOURITE? Lee: This is a tough one and I’m listening to the album whilst writing this to help me out ha ha.

Taking away ‘What the Future Holds’ I think ‘Clouds’ and ‘Under My Skin’ are great tracks.

One of my favourite all time Steps songs is ‘It’s the way you make me feel’ because deep down I’m a romantic at heart so bearing that in mind I would say “Hold My Heart’ is possibly my fave on this new album.

IN TERMS OF GETTING READY FOR TOURING, WILL YOU ALL NEED TO FORM A BUBBLE? AND WHEN WILL YOU START TO PIECE THE RUNNING ORDER TOGETHER AND REHEARSE? Lisa: We’re going to definitely take all the precautions we need to in order to ensure the tour is safe. We hope the current situation will be behind us by the time the tour rolls around

INTERVIEW // STEPS

next year though – and we will all certainly need a party by then!

Yes, me, all the time!! But not as often as I’ve forgotten the lyrics…

FAN QUESTIONS

IN A STEPS MOVIE OR DOCUMENTARY WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE CAST AS YOU - TIFFANY QUINN

CLAIRE: PIARAS_MCCLOSLEY ASKS IF YOU ‘STEPS’ COULD COVER AND RELEASE ANY SINGLE WHAT WOULD IT BE? We’ve covered quite a few in our time…we’d love to do a Donna Summer song one day, disco is back and we love it!

HOW DO YOU REMEMBER THE DANCE MOVES TO ALL THE DIFFERENT SONGS OVER THE YEARS, HAS ANYONE EVER ‘TRAGICALLY’ FORGOTTEN THEM – GARY CAMPION.

I would go for Sarah Paulson – people say I look like her all the time.

LISA: DAVID SINFIELD LOVES THE CHOREOGRAPHY IN “AFTER THE LOVE HAS GONE” AND ASKS WHERE THE INSPIRATION CAME FROM? We wanted an Asian feel to the choreography, and it was a fusion of different dance styles. H was proud to create the ‘Fan of Arms’ move we all did

WHAT TOPPINGS ARE NEEDED TO MAKE THE PERFECT STEPS PIZZA - CONOR DOUGLAS. I often make pizza at my friend’s house as they have an outdoor pizza oven, and they’ve named my pizza the ‘Lisa Hot-Lee’ as it features pepperoni and chilli flakes!!!

ANDREW MOLLOY ASKED: I’D LOVE STEPS TO RELEASE A CLUBLAND ALBUM, IF YOU WERE TO DO A FULL ALBUM IN A DIFFERENT GENRE WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would also love for us to release a Clubland Album as I love pop/dance! I would also like us to release an ‘Acoustic only’ album featuring our hits.

ELEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // STEPS H: LAURA HADDOCK - I LOVED THE LAST TOUR WITH THE VENGABOYS, HOW DOES THE BELFAST AUDIENCE COMPARE TO THOSE IN OTHER PLACES? Northern Ireland rocks!!! We love coming to Belfast! You are always up for a party!!

ELLA TAYLOR - WHAT IS THE WEIRDEST THING A FAN HAS EVER DONE? We had cockroaches as presents in Asia!

Apparently, they were a good luck present!!

DARREN PATTON - WHAT YOUR FAVOURITE VIDEO WAS TO MAKE? I LOVE When I said goodbye.... because I just adore Rome, we shot the video there. Still one of my favourite places!

release the endorphins and pick myself up.

I always end with a good stretch and meditative relaxation to bring myself back to feeling calm and centered.

SUSAN MC PEAKE – WHAT SONG IS YOUR FAVOURITE TO PERFORM AND WHY? I now really like performing ‘Neon Blue’ from Tears on the Dancefloor.

I think the song as a whole has a very meaningful message and encapsulates what Steps are about.

We all sing lead which I know the fans adore and myself and my wife had a lot of input in coming up with the video treatment and I helped co-direct the shoot day which was a great experience.

AS A PT DO YOU WHIP ALL THE BAND MEMBERS IN SHAPE PRE TOUR - DAN MAT

IF YOU COULD RERECORD AND RELEASE ANY NON-SINGLE FROM YOUR BACK CATALOGUE WHAT WOULD IT BE -SIMON HYLANDS I think the whole band would agree that Love U More would have been a really well-received single. We absolutely loved performing it as part of our Club medley on the Party on the Dancefloor Tour In 2017.

SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR WILL BE TOURING WITH YOU, I WAS WONDERING IF WE WILL BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE TREATED TO A COLLABORATION? D_STAR69

WILLZFITNESSJOURNEY -WHAT KEEPS YOUR BODY MIND AND SOUL HAPPY?

FAY:

We are so excited to have Sophie on tour with us next year. It’s gonna be so much fun getting to know her. I know H is desperate to gatecrash her kitchen disco party, so you never know! Watch this space!

The gym really is my sanctuary, I find if I’m down, had a bad day, or just feeling a bit crappy there is nothing better than hitting a punch bag, doing a bike class or lifting some weights to sweat it out,

EMMA MCCALLUM - IF YOU HAVE FREE TIME WHILE IN BELFAST HAVE YOU A FAVOURITE PLACE TO VISIT OR THING TO DO?

STEPS NEW ALBUM WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS IS OUT NOVEMBER 27th. TICKETS FOR THEIR UK AND IRELAND TOUR WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS ARE ON SALE NOW.

LEE:

TWELVE // GNIMAG.COM

Ha! Not sure they would let me! But they know I am always here if they wanted to get in better shape than they already are and for any advice.

I spent a few months in Belfast whilst doing Panto in 2015 and I love it there! I made some great friends and found some fabulous restaurants and bars so it would be wonderful to show the rest of the band around, time allowing of course!

OPINION // CALLUM SKEFFINGTON

CALLUM SKEFFINGTON A SIMPLER, MORE HUMBLE CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS IS A TIME OF JOY and celebration.

It is a time for sharing and caring, but above all else it is a time of traditions. Much like everything that has (or hasn’t) happened this year, those traditions will be somewhat different to those of Christmas’ past.

The big bad COVID monster has huffed and puffed and ruined this whole year, and it will unfortunately continue to lurk outside our windows as we huddle together around our Christmas trees.

However, if this year has taught me anything, it is to appreciate and enjoy the simple pleasures of my everyday life, and maybe this lesson needs to be applied to Christmas too.

In recent years, I have honestly struggled to find any Christmas spirit within me. This is probably due to Christmas starting in early October thanks to the commercial aspects of the festive season. The festive season is played out to the point that one Christmas is no sooner over until the following one creeps up on you. This year I know that some people have decorated their homes already, simply as a pick-me-up after the year we’ve all been having, but I personally still think it has begun too soon. I have already heard Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas too many times; and it’s sad because I really love that song.

I feel like Christmas is being shoved down my throat for

two full months, and too much pressure is put on us all to be giving, and receiving, the most elaborate presents; do people really need to share their gifts all over social media like it’s a competition of who is the most spoiled? I read once that parents should be giving their children less Santa presents, and giving the bigger, more expensive presents from themselves, because when one child shows up to school with their new iPad from Santa, those kids from families unable to afford such gifts are left feeling a fabricated sense of unworthiness in the eyes of this fictional man. I don’t have kids, but still this resonated with me, and I think it is something to consider before you post photos of your presents all over social media. Maybe some of those people who are following you have much bigger things to worry about this year, like being able to afford the basic necessities, never mind the extravagance of your Christmas.

Hopefully we can all appreciate a simpler, more humble Christmas period, because we probably won’t have any other choice.

Every Christmas Eve night since we were kids, my sister will ask me the exact same question; “What time are you getting up tomorrow?” Every Christmas morning, without fail, my Dad will lead us into the living room, first peeking his head in and saying to us “I wonder if Santa’s been here?”

As children we loved the suspense. As adults I guess it is fair to say we tolerate the Dad-senseof-humor. Our presents will be left in our two big Christmas bags, and as a family we will all sit in the living room, opening our presents whilst our cats play with the boxes and wrapping paper. My Dad and I will have ridiculously large portions of pavlova, before and after our Christmas dinner, and then we all divide off to nap or watch TV. I guess as we get older and certain truths about Christmas become apparent to each of us, and what once made Christmas magical is lost throughout the years. The traditions we uphold are what keeps the magic alive in some way.

The Christmas markets have already been cancelled. For some it will be an especially lonely holiday season, due to isolating and social distancing regulations. It seems to be unlikely that there will be any nights out over the

Christmas period. The chances of us celebrating New Years in Kremlin are next to none, but that does not mean that the festive season has been ruined.

Three years ago, when I was working in a coffee shop and was stuck on a slow shift between Boxing Day and New Year, the most incredible thing happened that has stayed with me ever since. A young family came into the store and bought a bottle of water, a sandwich, a muffin and a cup of tea. The mother asked for a carrier bag, and told me that it was for the homeless man who was sitting around the corner. The two young children didn’t once cry for a brownie or caramel square for themselves; they actually didn’t buy anything for themselves. This, to me, seemed like an amazingly selfless act, and a great example that those parents were setting for their two Children. Not to sound like a pompous cliché, but I think this is a good example of the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ we all talk about so much.

Christmas is a time that we all find ourselves in a mad dash to buy Christmas presents, and many struggle to find the time and money to really make Christmas one to remember. But the money, the presents, the decorations, are all immaterial. Christmas is a time for love and cheer, a time for making memories, to last throughout the year. We should all appreciate those who are congregating around the tree with us, more than the presents under it. In saying that, I hope everyone gets treated to a sexy new jockstrap this Christmas.

Follow me online: Instagram: @catchingupwithcallum

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.

THIRTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // PALOMA FAITH

FOURTEEN// GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // PALOMA FAITH

PALOMA FAITH BY: NEILL BARSTON

FROM GAINING NUMBER ONE ALBUM SUCCESS, THROUGH TO BATTLING HER WAY TO BECOMING A MOTHER, PALOMA FAITH’S REMARKABLE CAREER CONTINUES IN SETTING HER SIGHTS ON A RETURN TO THE CHARTS WITH HER AMBITIOUS NEW ALBUM, REPORTS NEILL BARSTON...

AMID A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, THIS YEAR has been one to forget for many, but as Paloma Faith reveals, she feels notably blessed by news of her second child’s imminent arrival. After a hugely testing trial of repeated rounds of IVF treatment, the Brit Award winning singer announced the latest addition to her family happily coincides with her latest musical baby in the form of her fifth studio album.

Since her last release, The Architect, achieved coveted number one status, Paloma has featured as a coach on ITV’s The Voice Kids, seen herself nominated for a clutch of industry accolades, as well as exploring new territory as an actor in the Batman prequel spin-off, Pennyworth. So, as the coronavirus crisis grimly took hold around the world, the enforced downtime offered her a rare chance to take stock after an intense period of work.

As she admits, inhabiting her line of work can

often make you ‘whimsical in going with the flow,’ yet reveals that having a toddler to take care of has, by necessity, required greater time management. “It’s ‘made me go for the jugular more,” she notes in having to be far more focused. Consequently, being ever creatively restless, material soon flowed while at home completing her latest album, led by its lyrically powerful lead single, Better Than This, a reflection on the fractured state of the world and hopes for the next generation.

It stands proudly paving the way for what is a bold, uncompromising record brimming full of confidence and self-assurance, taking on everything from her trademark soulful pop, through to sweeping orchestral ballads that stem from an artist who is at the top of her creative game.

“We live in a very volatile world that now seems as if we only get one chance, so I have been lucky that I’ve been able to put releases

out there and put myself on the map,” she says of her latest recording.

However, it’s been a far from straightforward journey for the half-Spanish East-London born singer, who holds a degree in contemporary dance, and an MA in theatre directing that saw her initially consider other artistic directions. But after early stints in cabaret, bar tending and modelling, she gravitated to singing, and has been doing things her own way ever since. There have been pressures along the route, including offering a ‘showbiz age’ several years younger than her actual years for fear of not being given a recording contract, yet she remains very much true to herself.

Despite such moments, her debut album provided plenty of vindication in reaching the top 10 in 2009, setting the tone for a career to date packed with notable milestones. There

FIFTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // PALOMA FAITH have been plenty of highlights beyond the icing on the cake of multi-platinum sales, including her friendship with the late Amy Winehouse, to whom she has been widely compared, who she penned a tribute to on her last album.

To her credit, she has stood firm on other key issues, notably on one of her biggest hits to date, Only Love Can Hurt Like this, which featured a video with an interracial love scene.

When US executives asked her to re-shoot it on grounds it ‘wouldn’t sell’, she refused, and never spoke to them again, even if it might cost her a stateside breakthrough. She says she’d rather have success very much on her own terms. As she concedes, her latest recordings, which were self-produced in her basement, allowed her the chance to push herself artistically more than ever before.

in which its central character experiences the full spectrum of human emotion, from pain to joy, within a single moment.

“With the title track, it’s about seeing things through my daughter’s eyes and is about becoming a parent, and how that it is all about continuing humanity. You experience the worst heartache with it.

“The album is also a commentary on society as well in respect of issues raised by living in the

“It is so great being a mum and I feel very lucky, as the lockdown meant that we’ve spent a lot of time together as a family, which has been a positive. Usually, it had just been one or the other of us looking after our daughter, who has now started really learning about family,” says Paloma of her now three-year old.

As she adds, the record’s title track, Infinite Things, is about her youngster, and was inspired from previously reading Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borge’s short story, The Aleph,

SIXTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

“I’d pretty much resigned myself to giving up with this latest treatment, and I thought that this just wasn’t going to happen. It felt like it was the last chance saloon and I was thinking to myself, where am I am going with this?

“With IVF, I think it’s sad that men don’t really talk about it in public, and it’s one of those things where society always assumes that it is a female issue.

It’s something that can be hard on relationships,” she admits, keen to put across the fact that they’ve split their childcare as evenly as possible.

“Well, I think being at home meant I was completely uninhibited with wild abandon, in a way that I am not when sound engineers are looking at me.

“Also, I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes land in places that are wonderful, and I wouldn’t make them if someone else was there. So, I feel like there’s more intimacy in this record, and that there’s more truth in the way that I am singing,” she explains thoughtfully, noting that the album is very much focused on motherhood and the pressures, hopes and expectations that it brings.

While the 39 year-old singer has been frank about the challenges she endured to bring her daughter into the world, a clearly understandable desire to shield her child from media intrusion has been misinterpreted in some quarters as being a conscious decision to raise her as ‘gender neutral’. While it’s led to an at times uncomfortable relationship with the media, her engaging and refreshingly honest manner remains greatly endearing to her fans.

Lahcine, a French artist, have endured a lot in recent years, including handling a total of six rounds of fertility treatment.While they may have challenges ahead, including Paloma revealing she’s prone to postnatal depression, they’ve demonstrated a strong degree of resilience.

As if that wasn’t enough to contend with, she’s greatly enjoyed the opportunity to explore acting roles – notably in the Batman series, Pennyworth, which she describes as an ‘amazing experience’ that she would love the chance to repeat.

pandemic, and also knowing people who have lost loved ones.

“It’s also about enduring love, as we’re most used to hearing about the initial parts of a relationship on that first spark, so it’s an area that that’s under-represented. I think there’s a big cultural hole there that I’m aiming to address,” notes Paloma, who isn’t afraid to tackle some difficult subject areas that many would shun. This is most notable on one of the early tracks on the album, Monster, which is a reflection on the darker side of the music business.

There’s certainly a bittersweet edge to one of the album’s standout tracks, the spinetingling ballad If Loving You Were Easy, which would not seem out of place on a James Bond soundtrack – “I was born to do Bond” she asserts, yet is also acutely aware that the more she mentions it, the less likely it will happen.

But in spite of whatever occurs, it seems there’s a strong level of support out there for her.As she explains, she and her other half Leyman

Clearly, planning for the future is a little hard contending with a pandemic, but the much-travelled singer is anticipating heading out on the road again for another UK tour next autumn. It’s a prospect she is eagerly awaiting, with performing remaining her grand passion, especially with the added bonus of designing her own sets.

Somehow, beyond being a recording artist, mum and actress, she’s still found time to devote to other personal interests, including being an ambassador for Oxfam and Greenpeace, which of great significance to her.

“Being an ambassador is fantastic, as I feel like when you’re in my industry, it’s easy to lose sight of the reality about the world. The truth is, there are a lot more pressing things going on out there than singing a pop song, so if I can use my platform for the greater good then I absolutely should and intend to. “I also find it something I get a lot of enjoyment out of and not for superficial reasons that I’ve pursued this career,” she remarks, looking forward amid an uncertain world with a true sense of optimism.

FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM ‘INFINITE THINGS’ OUT NOW

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OPINION // MICKY MURRAY

MICKY MURRAY SOOO OVER 2020!

CHRISTMAS IS AROUND THE CORNER - a time for family, friends, celebrations, presents - our nights in have been replaced by zoom hang outs, nights out have been limited to table service and no dancing! And that’s only when we’re allowed out are holidays coming when even the Coke-Cola Truck has been cancelled. I am sooo over 2020, as I’m sure everyone else is.

Now I’m not a Christmas person, but it winds me up when people call me Scrooge... bah-humbugbecause I’m an upbeat, positive person, always trying to look on the bright side of life. So forgive me if I don’t like Christmas songs, jumpers and the busy streets of the city.

Even as a child the only thing I really looked forward for Christmas was getting time off school, and I still like to take time off around the holidays to try and relax and catch up with friends, although I’m not sure how much catching up we’ll all be doing this year.

A few issues ago I mentioned about buying a house, thanks to you-know-what, I’m only getting to the end of the process now, so what I am looking for is spending my time off work decorating and making my house my home by putting up all the little random pieces of art I’ve been buying over the past few months.

I had hoped to be hosting

EIGHTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

friends over the holidays- some festive cheer in my home. But I am excited I have a bit more time to paint some walls and take a few completely unnecessary trips to IKEA to buy candles, picture frames and more unnecessary items that I don’t even need.

One thing I do enjoy about Christmas is thinking of some New Years Resolutions. Usually I wait until the beginning of the year, but I’m so incredibly excited to get started on next years life plan.

This year, while trying to come up with the plan for 2020 eyeroll I had a really great conversation with a very good friend of mine, Jenna, about starting a life map, so I came up with the skeleton of a 5-year life plan and so far things are going pretty well. I bought some hexagon cork boards and printed out little pictures, so I have a picture of a house, a little car because I’m in the middle of my driving lessons, a couple of pictures of places I want to travel to, and other things I’d like to achieve over the next half a decade.

Now, I’m not sure how realistic it is to do the amount of travelling I had planned for 2021, especially because the vast majority of it is in the states, and while Trump is away (YEY), I can’t be dealing with covid/election result deniers, so those plans may need to be pushed a little.

While looking forward and coming up with a plan for the future I think it’s important to also look back at the previous year and reflect. I had a trip to New York booked for 2020, which was unfortunately cancelled, so I’ve got some flight vouchers which I’m looking forward to using… soon…hopefully. Obviously, for a lot of people, 2020 was a complete flop, understandably, so I’m actually feeling okay about my year, I was able to continue working, I made the most of video calls and bubbling with my immediate family, so I’m confident that I done what I could and made as much lemonade out of lemons as possible.

I’m fairly certain that many of us won’t want to look back and are over 2020 (a reason I’m seeing people stick the Christmas Tree up early) and want to fall into a nice ignorance bliss of Christmas and Christmas dinners, presents, putting up tree’s, and for the first time since

March, act like everything is normal, forgetting everything that’s going on in the world and I believe that’s an okay decision to make.

Finally, I would like to take this time to update everyone on the campaign to #BanConversionTherapy. Last issue I wrote specifically about Conversion ‘Therapy’, the need to ban in, and the work that we’ve already been doing in the campaign, including the online petition which has now reached nearly 20,000 signatures!!

I’m absolutely delighted to say, after a meeting between the Justice, Communities, and Health Ministers, that legislation for a ban will be going forward through the Department for Communities. We don’t have a specific date yet as currently the plan is to legislate for the ban through the long awaited Sexual Orientation Strategy, which is due late 2021.

I’ll continue to post updates on the campaign page, my social media and through the magazine!

With all that in mind, I hope everyone is able to enjoy the holidays, however you celebrate or spend your time. Keep positive, look out for one another, and make the best out of what can truly be a difficult time of year!

-Thanks, Micky Murray

Follow me online: Instagram: @micky.p.murray Facebook.com/micky.murray.75

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.

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INTERVIEW // LUCY SPRAGGAN

LUCY SPRAGGAN TWENTY // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // LUCY SPRAGGAN

SHE’S LIKE THE GIRL NEXT DOOR WHO SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN AROUND FOREVER. OUR DANIEL CAUGHT UP WITH LUCY SPRAGGAN. THEY TALKED ABOUT HER NEW AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SINGLE - SOBER, AND THE EMOTIONAL VIDEO THAT HAD THEM BOTH IN TEARS. SHE TALKS ABOUT TAKING LIFE IN MODERATION, SETTING GOALS AND HOW HER FULLY REWIRED PLAN HELPED HER TURN HER LIFE AROUND. AFTER TOURING FOR 13 MONTHS SOLID AND THE END OF HER MARRIAGE SHE IS NOW HAPPILY IN A NEW RELATIONSHIP. WITH HER BIG 30TH ON THE HORIZON SHE’S TAKING CONTROL OF HER LIFE INCLUDING BARING IT ALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA...

SO GREAT TO HAVE YOU BACK WITH NEW MATERIAL, I HEARD THE NEW SINGLE SOBER WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME, OMG I LOVE IT, IT IS SO STRIPPED BACK AND HONEST. WHEN DID YOU WRITE IT? AND WAS THIS ALWAYS PLANNED TO BE THE FIRST SINGLE? No, I wrote it the first week I got sober. And it wasn’t even ever really considered to be anything, this song, apart from an album track. I was celebrating like, 15 months sober or something when we released it, and I was just like... Well, before I’d said, “We should put this out.” And I had an idea for the video, I don’t know if you’ve seen the video... Yeah, well, that was the idea for that, I think. It all just kind of came together.

way that I look. I always want to lift heavier weights. I don’t have any goals. It’s really funny, because we’ve become a, kind of, goal-based society. And I have goals in certain aspects.

When it comes to personal improvement, if you set a goal, often you’re either working towards the wrong thing by accident, and you don’t even know it, or you’re pushing yourself too hard. So, for me, fitness and my body is an interchanging creature that will never stay the same. So, I guess it’s very fluid.

THE VIDEO HAD ME AN EMOTIONAL WRECK. HOW WAS MAKING IT? WHERE THEY GENUINE TEARS OR WHERE ANY TRICKS NEEDED? No, that’s genuine, genuine. But in fact, that was the first take, that whole one, and it’s funny because the makeup artist and the director were like, “Okay, we’re gonna do this one with no tears. So, they hit record, and started playing the track, and I just started crying. I’m like, you know when someone says, “Don’t cry”, you’re like, “Oh well, you just pushed me to the edge.”

IT’S IMPORTANT TO SAY THIS IS A COMPLETE LIFESTYLE CHANGE AND NOT A QUICK FIX, ANYONE THAT HASN’T JOINED THE DOTS FROM THE SINGLE NAME, YOU NO LONGER DRINK ALCOHOL. TELL US WHEN YOU STARTED TO MAKE CHANGES AND WAS THERE A SPECIFIC EVENT THAT MADE YOU REEVALUATE THINGS? Well, it was towards the end of my marriage, and I had been touring for like 13 months solid. And everything was really stressful, and I kind of noticed myself getting more and more pissed, and more, like, trying to take the edge off with all kinds of stuff. And, ultimately, there was this one night out that was just too much drama, too much bullshit. And I woke up the next day and I was like, “I’m not doing this anymore.” And I didn’t.

I HAVE BEEN STALKING YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA, HAVE TO SAY YOU ARE LOOKING AMAZING, WHAT A TRANSFORMATION, I AM SO ENVIOUS OF THAT 6 PACK LOL, HAVE YOU REACHED YOUR GOAL? I mean, I didn’t really have a weight loss goal in mind. It just kind of happened. And my lifestyle was incredibly active. So I like the

GOOD ON YOU. SO, IS IT FAIR TO SAY YOU WOULD HAVE TURNED TO DRINK WHEN THINGS WERE TOUGH? SOME PEOPLE, DON’T EAT, OTHERS OVERDO IT, WERE YOU TURNING TO ALCOHOL AND THINGS? Rather than being an emotional whatever-er, whether that’s eating, whether that’s fitness,

whether that’s alcohol. My issue is with moderation. I find it really hard to moderate my own emotions, and I find it really hard to moderate how much alcohol I should have, or how much food I should have.

YOU SOUND LIKE ME WITH CADBURY’S CHOCOLATE. Oh yeah, that’s it. I’m like, that’s the balance I try to find in my life. Because I don’t need to drink, because actually, it doesn’t offer me any improvement whatsoever. And I’m confident, and I don’t need to have a bravado or being a sort of... But with food, it’s as though I’m trying to find that balance in my life, where I’m like, “Okay, I can have that thing. I don’t need to eat the whole of that thing. And it’s the same really, you know, with fitness. I like to workout a lot, but I don’t need to workout to the point where I’m in pain, you know?

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR FULLY REWIRED PLAN AND HOW THEY CAN GET INVOLVED. Fully Rewired is just all the things that I did to sort of change my entire way of thinking.

That’s why it’s called Fully Rewired, because it’s about re-establishing your connection and your wiring with food and exercise, and the things that you have issues with moderation in. It also tells you the things not to do, which were some of the things I would do. Like, eating 1200 calories a day was just a joke, and a stupid thing, dangerous thing, to do. It’s teaching people about energy in, energy out.

And just trying to sort your mental health out, as well as your physical health.

I went to training and there were bodybuilders who struggle every single day to eat anything, because they’re scared of the effect that

TWENTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // LUCY SPRAGGAN

it will have on their body. So, it’s about finding a balance, and beginning to really understand who you are.

YOU HAVE BEEN VERY VOCAL LATELY ABOUT NORMAL THINGS LIKE LOOSE SKIN AND SAGGY TITS, BRAVO, I LOVE THIS AND WISH MORE INFLUENCERS WOULD BE AS OPEN. I WONDER WHAT YOUR TEAM BEHIND YOU SAYS WHEN YOU TELL THEM YOU ARE GOING TO ALMOST BARE IT ALL LOL Well, I don’t run, per se... A lot of people are like, “Oh, the label” Or my management. As if they work for those people. But ultimately, those people work for me. And if I fuck up in any sense, I will take the flak for that. And, you know, they are all really supportive. To be honest with you, my PR people and the label are just like, “Fucking hell, sometimes it looks like you know exactly what you’re doing on social media.” And to be quite honest, I do.

YOU TAKE COMPLETE OWNERSHIP, CALLING YOUR BOOBS, EMPTY WRAPPERS AND PANCAKE TITS THOUGH YOU STILL GET NEGATIVITY FROM TROLLS, YOU SEEM THICK SKINNED FOR THE MOST PART, TELL OUR READERS HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT? Well, first of all, I’m not thick-skinned.

Fundamentally, un-thick (laughs). Totally, paper, wafer thin human being. A complete sensitive empath. And so, recently I’ve realised that I can’t keep fighting the battle against all the negative comments. So, I actually have somebody who moderates and comments on Facebook for me, because Facebook is a cesspit of middle aged trolls. So, Instagram can be friendlier, but also get quite a bit of shit on there. So, I will actually just try to find a balance, where I can still interact with people. But I’m no longer checking my message requests. It’s funny, because people are like, “Oh, you should be less sensitive and more thickskinned.” And I’m like, “No, everybody should stop being a fucking piece of shit everyday.”

ARE YOU SEEING ANYONE ATM FOR

TWENTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

SINGLE AND READY TO MINGLE LOL I’m in a relationship.

OH, ARE YOU? I DIDN’T KNOW THAT. CONGRATULATIONS. Thank you very much. She’s very hot.

IS THIS SOMETHING RELATIVELY NEW, OR WAS THIS ALSO KIND OF PRECOVID? It was a pre-Covid thing. Yeah, I just wanted to be really, really open about all aspects of my life...

THAT’S BOUND TO HAVE PASSED A LOT OF TIME THEN DURING LOCKDOWN LOL WINK WINK Well yeah. But, I just guessed it’s really important to, like, keep a bit of stuff for yourself. So that’s why I’ve not been... yeah..

I would never want a makeup or to go through a public breakup ever again.

SO TOURING, ALL BEING WELL YOU WILL BE GIGGING BEFORE THE YEAR IS OUT, HOW EXCITED ARE YOU? Oh, I can’t wait. I can’t wait. Like, who knows where the country’s going to be, and everyone’s in some kind of tier somewhere.

It’s sort of a mess, but nobody else seems to be doing this, or putting their foot in the door to get it going, get it moving. So, we just decided, like, fuck it, let’s just go for it.

I think if it can go ahead, it’ll be amazing.

THE ALBUM WILL BE OUT NEXT YEAR, AND YOU CAN PRE ORDER ONLINE, IS IT ALL GETTING READY TO GO OR HAVE YOU SOME WORK STILL TO DO? Yeah, it’s ready, it was supposed to be out in October. So, it’s been ready for a long time, but it was just the production of physical vinyl’s and CDs. Obviously, the factories were closed for three months. So, we’re just on their waiting list. So, we are back up and running for February.

YOU ARE 30 NEXT YEAR, ASSUMING THAT COVID WILL BE A DISTANT MEMORY HOW WILL YOU CELEBRATE? I’m not really sure. Probably, I might go out to Vegas. I have a few friends out in Vegas,

and I just think it’s one of those times you want to just go out and do something kind of drastic.

ABOUT CELEBRATING, XMAS IS A FEW WEEKS AWAY, HOW WILL YOU SPEND IT? I don’t have any plans. You know, I’m like the same thing as the tourists, just waiting to see what the governments say. But like, as long as I have some box of Roses or Celebrations or something like that, and loads of food, I literally don’t care. I don’t even care about being here just with the dog.

WOULD YOU NORMALLY GO TO FAMILY, FRIENDS ETC FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER AND THINGS? Yeah, I kind of dart around a few different houses, but obviously that’s not an option this year. So, maybe it’ll just be me, gorging under the blankets, on my own.

AND LASTLY, YOU CAME OUT AT ONLY 14 YEARS OLD WHICH IS EXTREMELY YOUNG, SO MUCH HAS CHANGED THANKFULLY FOR THE BETTER IN TERMS OF EQUALITY THOUGH MILLIONS OF PEOPLE STILL STRUGGLE WITH THEIR SEXUALITY, ANY WORDS OF WISDOM? I think it would be that whoever judges you, based on who you love, is a fucking dick anyway. As hard as it is to hear - that just, it’s so unfair, and you’re just worth so much more than that somebody who would ever do that. I think the other thing is, just giving yourself time. You know, I think everybody shouldn’t be in such a rush. And just give yourself time to work out who you are, and don’t feel like you have to put yourself in any kind of box. I feel like we should live in a world where you don’t have to come out.

I COULDN’T AGREE MORE. THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING TIME WITH ME, HAS BEEN LOVELY CHATTING, GOOD LUCK WITH THE TOUR AND ALBUM INTERVIEW: DANIEL MAY

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OPINION // CARL CONNIELILNGUS

TRASH HITS & BITS WITH CARL CONNIELINGUS HEY

THERE

BEAUTS,

IT’S

YOUR FAVOURITE DRAG KING QUEERLING

HERE

AND

LIFE & LOVE - CHAPTER ONE - A QUEER LOVE STORY

I’M

GONNA TAKE YOU THROUGH

As most of you know, Hayley and I have been together officially now for 1 year on the

THE LAST FEW MONTHS FROM

1st of November and what a year it’s been. When people say “What a difference a year

MY END, INCLUDING LOCKDOWN

makes”, it’s this moment that rings that true.

NO. 2, WHAT THERE WAS OF HALLOWEEN SOME

AND

POSSIBLY

UNPOPULAR

OPINIONS

ON CHRISTMAS HAHA . . SO SIT BACK AND LET’S HAVE A BITTA CRAIC :) :)

Around 6 years ago, whilst in the middle of a mental breakdown lol I vowed to stay Single for as long as I could so that I could really work on my Mental Health and get back on my feet again, then after 2 years I vowed Celibacy which continued for another 3 years!! Until one late night, scrolling down Instagram (drunk lol), I came across a profile and immediately I was drawn and done something I didn’t do very often, I DM’d the profile and within minutes, Hayley responded. With that came a quick meet up and we became fast friends, although our intentions were more, I realised that there were a few factors that were holding me/us back. I didn’t have anywhere to live at the time

HALOWEEN WAS SHIIIIIIIIIITE!

because life hit me hard and there was also a 13 year age gap. From then we decided to be friends but I always knew that at some point, we would end up together.

Leaving things like that was hard but so necessary because Hayley got to do what she

Guys what can I even say about 2020,

needed to grow, she even had a relationship through our friendship, and although

never mind Halloween 2020?? What an

it was hard to watch at times, I just always knew if I was patient it would happen.

absolute washout!! This is probably one

And it did, after a few years of intense friendship and feelings (and getting my own

of my fav times of the year, bar a great

apartment) and with all avenues cleared to have a relationship we finally got together

Summer lol but even the motivation to

and I honestly have to say it’s been one of the best years of my life. She is so beautiful,

dress up was not there, so I have no new

kind, creative, talented & funny and sometimes I just can’t believe my luck that I get

pics to delight you with from Halloween

to share my life and memories with her..watch this space for more of our “Queer Love

haha . . Hayley and I did watch a lot of

Story” :) :) <3 <3

scary Movies suitable for October time and I’ll go over those on Page 2 :) :)

FUN FACT I was an army Wife in my early 20’s lol I know right?? Haha . .

So yea, I was married to a British Soldier and we were together for 7 years total!! After our divorce he got remarried and had a wee family, and I couldn’t be happier for him!!

He was a really great guy and not many people can say that about their exes :) :)

TWENTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

OPINION // CARL CONNIELINGUS

LIVING DURING A PANDEMIC 2020 is the year of Clear Vision, or is it?? What about our Mental Health??

I mean I do get that, a lot of stuff has come to light this year and they also say that 2021 is the year of Reflection!! Is it possible that the Universe is doing a clear out and reboot if you like, or are we just living in one of the craziest times in Modern Human History??

For me, as an Empath, it’s both and its overwhelming!!

After 6 months of a complete Lockdown due to Covid-19, I think we all had hope and faith that things would get to some sort of normal, and they did, for just a matter of weeks until Lockdown No. 2 came. This time it’s been for 4 weeks but this one is different

because everyone’s Mental Health and Financials are severely low and there seems to be no major movements to be able to live with this Virus that Scientists say may take years to completely go away!! How as Humans will we survive this and how will our resilience get us through?? I know I’ve been struggling a lot personally due to my diagnosis’ and just basic human instinct that something doesn’t feel right right now, because it’s not. Everything we’ve ever know has been turned upside down, so please remember, you’re not alone!!

We are all struggling in our own ways and we need to reach out to those who need a help in hand.

If your Mental Health has been

suffering due to current events please do not suffer in silence.

If you can’t talk to friends or family for whatever reason you can email myself or alternatively you can contact a variety of places - see below a few OUTRO examples: Aw beauts that’s us for another Contact your GP/The Rainbow Quarter, and it’s flying in!! I Project/Cara-Friend/Lifeline NI wanna take this time to thank 0808 808 8000 each and every one of you for reading my column and for all of your continued support!! I hope you enjoyed this read and please feel free to drop me an LIFE’S FUNNY email if you have any questions This is a very unpopular opinion..but I detest or queries at carlconnielingus@ Christmas!! I like what it’s supposed to gmail.com!! be but I hate what it’s turned into!! I even MUSIC & MOVIES enjoy a wee Christmas Song or Carol and Next time I’m gonna update you I enjoy the day itself but I hate the run up guys on my Level 2 Barbering This past while has been quite fun our end for Movies & Music Course, some info on my Ann to it, I hate that people get themselves Summers Parties and of course as we had a Scary Month for October watching the likes of into debt and danger for it, I hate that whatever Life is gonna throw at Nightmare on Elm Street, Hellraiser, Poltergiest and all of the things are expected from people, I hate us over the next few months lol Screams (since the new one is out in 2021) but then also we that prices get hiked and I hate that Kids but I wish everyone Health & couldn’t leave out Hocus Pocus!! Is it even October if you are lied to about Santa haha I know, Wealth, please stay kind but stay haven’t watched it at least once?? Lol . . **Fun Fact - I seen you’s are all calling me “The Grinch” or true :) :) Hocus Pocus in the Cinema when it first came out in 1993 :) :)** a “Bah Humbug” but I don’t care, it’s very traumatic when you find out Santa Until then, Give it 10.

Music wise we’ve been swaying more towards Slow Jazz isn’t real and yes, that’s from personal Lots of Love Jams and Hertz Music with Jellyfish/Aquarium Visuals, as we experience lol find those really help if I’m/We’re feeling really anxious or Carl ConnieLingus overwhelmed!! We are also currently obsessed with Bob Ross Although as I got older, I got smarter You can also find me on and his “Joy of Painting” Series on YouTube, we’ve currently in where to “hunt” for toys etc etc and Facebook at www.facebookcom/ just started the Season 4 Compilation and we watch it for a ended up ruining my whole Christmas carlconnielingus and Instagram soothing experience before bed and also to get some creative Day a few years in a row because @carlconnie_lingus ideas from his fabulous Artwork!! My favourite thing about I found everything I got..so yea, I Bob Ross is how sweet and kind he is!! He always encourages detest Christmas LOL . . Anyone else This is an opinion piece from the you to be better because he believes it, and you can feel his feel the same?? Throw me an email columnist/contributor and not the sincerity, which in turn has a weird confidence effect on you at to discuss. opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & home lol definitely recommend :) :) Julian Publications Ltd.

TWENTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

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INTERVIEW // MAGNUS HASTINGS

RAINBOW REVOLUTION

MAGNUS HASTINGS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE PHOTOGRAPHER TAKES AN EMPTY WHITE BOX AND ASKS HIS SUBJECTS TO PRESENT THEMSELVES THE WAY THEY WANT TO BE SEEN? IT MAY START A REVOLUTIONâ&#x20AC;¦

TWENTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // MAGNUS HASTINGS

Chronicle Books.

Magnus Hastings’ new coffee-table

Griffin, Boy George, Luke Evans, and

book, Rainbow Revolution is a

fan favorites from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

collection of vibrant portraits that

Accompanying Hastings’ gorgeous

Magnus Hastings’ passion to depict

celebrate the expanding spectrum of

photos are powerful essays from some

the queer community in all its

queer identity and visibility. Inspired

of the subjects, detailing their own

technicolor gloriousness runs deep,

by the photographer’s social media

personal battles in stories that are

and it shows in earnest from cover to

campaign #GayFace — a project

marked with sincerity and oftentimes,

cover. “The inspiration for Rainbow

that quickly became a viral sensation

humor. “The essays elevate the

Revolution came from watching the

for featuring an array of people

book for me and give it a purpose

world moving to a dark and right

representing all of the different colors

beyond the social media recognition

winged place,” says Hastings. “I

of the LGBTQ community — Rainbow

the images have gained,” says

wanted to create a project that was

Revolution is packed with more

Hastings. Magnus Hastings’ “Rainbow

highly visible and unapologetically

than 300 photographs of everyday

Revolution” is available everywhere

queer, and one that shouted with

individuals and celebrities like Kathy

books are sold on November 24 via

pride, defiance, humor, and joy

TWENTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // MAGNUS HASTINGS

because, after all, if the LGBTQ

together some shapes, struck a pose

to compile some of the best for his

community is good at anything, it is

and in that instant, magic was born.

second book: Rainbow Revolution.

Over the next two years, with his

The end result is funny, personal,

The project began in the winter of

camera in tow, Hastings traveled

political, racy and magical; a

2018 when Hastings built a box in his

between Los Angeles, San Francisco,

beautifully diverse celebration of

parking garage, a 3-D blank canvas,

New York, and London, building

queer identity and community.

and enlisted RuPaul’s Drag Race

more white boxes and snapping

Inside the pages are fashion

star Alaska Thunderfuck as his test

hundreds of mini theatrical pieces that

designers, medical doctors, nightlife

subject. The idea was to allow Alaska

provided hundreds more subjects of

personalities, sports teams, finance

to transform the space in any way she

varying gender and sexual identities

executives, sex workers and more.

chose, so that the image represented

a platform from which to tell their

“Of all the extraordinary people I have

how she wanted to be seen. Alaska

unique stories. Upon shooting close

been lucky enough to photograph

nailed up some blue fabric, threw

to 1000 boxes, Magnus felt ready

in one of my boxes, I think Ruby has

laughing in the face of adversity.”

TWENTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // MAGNUS HASTINGS

deeply moved to see Ruby’s adoring

Kennedy Trust in the UK. Digital

parents allowing their child to be

galleries can be seen and prints can

When Ruby arrived for the shoot,

themselves. It is really exciting that

be purchased at magnushastings.com.

Magnus was introduced to a sweet,

the spectrum of what is accepted and

shy kid called Jacob who he had to

celebrated today is broadening so fast

coax into doing a headstand. Jacob’s

allowing people like Ruby to find their

dads then informed Magnus that

tribe and belong.”

impacted me most,” reveals Hastings.

Jacob would like to become Ruby, so Jacob left the box, changed into his

Visit: http://magnushastings.com/

red dress, and came back. All timidity

rainbowrevolution

vanished as Ruby was ready to rock!

A portion of print sales from Rainbow “As a child who sometimes wore

Revolution will go to Magnus

dresses, I identified with Ruby,”

Hastings’ chosen charities: True Colors

Magnus Hastings reflects. “I was

United in the USA and the Albert

THIRTY // GNIMAG.COM

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INTERVIEW // ANNA MONTGOMERY

ANNA // MONTGOMERY OUT FOR A NIGHT OUT WITH PARTNER, LOCAL GIRL ANNA WAS ASSAULTED FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN WHO SHE WAS.

BY DANIEL MAY

ANNA THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US TODAY, OBVIOUSLY WE WANT TO DISCUSS HOW YOU WERE TERRIBLY ATTACKED LAST MONTH THOUGH WE FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU AS A PERSON AND ALSO GIVE OUR AUDIENCE AN INSIGHT INTO YOUR JOURNEY. FIRST OFF ASL, OJ, TELL US WHERE YOU ARE FROM, WHERE YOU LIVE AND WHAT YOU DO? I live in Newtownards and work as a care assistant - not really selling myself here.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PARTNER JAMIE, HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER AND HOW DID YOU MEET? Me and Jamie have been together 3 months now and met on Instagram.

WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? Yes, ha ha IS THE DREAM THE WHOLE WHITE PICKET FENCE, BIG WEDDING, FAMILY ETC? Hopefully, I would love nothing more to be honest .

SO, TIME TO EDUCATE AND DELVE INTO THE PAST, TAKE US BACK TO CHILDHOOD, WOULD YOU SAY YOU HAD A NORMAL (WE SAY THAT IN THE LOOSEST TERMS, WHAT IS NORMAL) UPBRINGING? My childhood was good, I had a lot of friends and my parents were supportive, I don’t really know what a normal upbringing is, but I know that I had fun.

WHEN/WHAT IF ANYTHING MADE YOU REALIZE YOU WERE TRANS?

THIRTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

I have known since I was a young age, I was always more interested in the girls and girl toys. But only built up the courage in secondary school to tell my parents I then started transitioning in sixth year.

WHAT AGE WERE YOU WHEN YOU TOLD FAMILY/FRIENDS AND HOW DID IT AFFECT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM?

...SOMEONE WALKED INTO THE RESTAURANT AND STARTED REPEATEDLY PUNCHING ME IN THE FACE. IT WAS COMPLETELY UNPROVOKED THAT PERSON WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO MAKE ME FEEL HUMILIATED AND EMBARRASSED...

I told my mum when I was about 13/14 that I was not happy living my life as a male.

She was incredibly supportive I would have experimented with makeup and clothes while I was out with my friends. My friends and family where all supportive and welcomed the new me with open arms it was not really a surprise to anyone.

DO PEOPLE OFTEN QUESTION YOUR SEXUALITY WHEN YOU SAY YOU ARE TRANS? Not that many people think I am trans to begin with. Most people think I am telling a joke when I tell them that I am trans and say I look like female.

N.I IS BOTH A BACKWARD AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST HURTFUL QUESTIONS TO ASK? The most hurtful would be “So are you a boy then?” “Why not stay as a boy?”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR TRANSITION SO FAR? The hardest part would have had to be coming out to my friends because you just don’t know what way some people are going to react, and my fear was having no friend’s.

As for surgery that does not scare me in the slightest because I know I will come out the other end a lot happier HOW CAN ALLIES BEST SUPPORT TRANSGENDER CHILDREN? I feel if it were talked about more, I probably would have come out a lot sooner. It needs to be normalised in conversation at school also.

SINCE BEGINNING YOUR JOURNEY HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGES IN SOCIETY? Yes, people are becoming a lot more supportive of each other and a lot more accepting.

DO YOU THINK CHILDREN AND ADULTS FOR THAT MATTER NEED TO BE EDUCATED? I think in general LGBTQ+ needs to be talked about more in schools I used to go to an

INTERVIEW // ANNA MONTGOMERY

THIRTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // ANNA MONTGOMERY

YOU ARE SO BRAVE AND STRONG TELLING THE WORLD ON SOCIAL MEDIA, HOW HAS THE SUPPORT BEEN FROM PEOPLE? I was overwhelmed when I first posted the attack on Instagram and Facebook I just remembered waking up to 15’000 likes and 20’000 shares it just kept growing and growing and my inbox had been filled with such positive and kind messages. Although you get the few trolls who would comment something transphobic it is just sad, they need to go out of their way. But I was really surprised of the support I got from people

all-boys school up until finishing my GCSE’s I then moved to a mixed school and my previous school had no support system for pupils who were struggling with their sexuality and identity.

THANKS FOR BEING SO OPEN, NOW WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THAT HORRIBLE NIGHT ON 26TH SEPTEMBER, WE HATE TO MAKE YOU RETELL IT BUT FOR ANYONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED. THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS BOUND TO BE SO DISTRESSING, LOOKING BACK CAN YOU SEE THINGS LEADING UP TO THE ATTACK OR WAS IT COMPLETELY UNPROVOKED? I was out with my boyfriend for our date night we were having a meal then someone walked into the restaurant and started repeatedly punching me in the face. It was completely unprovoked that person went out of their way to make me feel humiliated and embarrassed when I was just sitting with my boyfriend having an amazing time up until that point.

LASTLY IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD, MAYBE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THOSE HIDING THEIR TRUE IDENTITY? IS THERE A CHARITY OR ANYTHING YOU WOULD SUGGEST REACHING OUT TO? Do not be afraid to be who you are. It is not you that is the problem it’s the person that has a problem️. I would say to anyone who feels as if they are transgender just to find it in themselves to be their true authentic self because the rewards are out of this world. A charity I would recommend would be KOI which stands for knowing our identity.

I THINK IN GENERAL LGBTQ+ NEEDS TO BE TALKED ABOUT MORE IN SCHOOLS I USED TO GO TO AN ALLBOYS SCHOOL,THEN I MOVED TO A MIXED SCHOOL AND MY PREVIOUS SCHOOL HAD NO SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PUPILS WHO WERE STRUGGLING WITH THEIR SEXUALITY AND IDENTITY.

AND REGARDING THE ATTACKER CAN WE ASK IF YOU HAVE PRESSED CHARGERS? This is the thing with hate crimes in NI, too many people get away with it and the PSNI

THIRTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

do not know how to handle it. I reported the incident, but it took them ages to reply to me but they were happy to give a statement to the press. I am pressing charges I just hope I get the justice.

YOU!

FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLBEING, TAKING TIME FOR YOU!

Photo credit: Laura J Curran www.laurajcurran.com

FEATURE // TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

COVID EFFECT

BY TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS AS I STARTED TO WRITE THIS ARTICLE ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE COVID19 PANDEMIC ON MYSELF AND THE LOCAL LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY I REALISED THAT TO DO THE STORY JUSTICE, WE SHOULD REALLY GO BACK TO NEW YEARS’ EVE 2019. THE EVENTS OF 2020 STARTED A DAY EARLY FOR OUR COMMUNITY HERE IN BELFAST, GIVING US A DRAMATIC WARNING SIGN OF THE YEAR TO COME. I WAS GETTING READY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE WITH THE USUAL BUZZ AND EXCITEMENT OF THE NEW YEAR’S EVE GIGS AND PARTIES AHEAD, WHEN I GOT A MESSAGE FROM MY FRIEND TELLING ME OF A FIRE THAT WAS HAPPENING IN KREMLIN NIGHTCLUB. THE EVENTS OF THE NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS CONSISTED OF HEARING HOW THE FIRE ESCALATED SO QUICKLY AND FEROCIOUSLY THROUGH THE MAIN CLUB ROOM BURNING AN AREA WHERE SO MANY OF US HAVE DANCED , LAUGHED AND CREATED MEMORIES ALONGSIDE OUR FELLOW LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS INJURED THAT NIGHT, BUT THE FEELING OF LOSS WAS FELT AND WITH HINDSIGHT IT WAS A VERY SYMBOLIC START TO THE YEAR AHEAD. WITH ONE LESS VENUE TO DANCE IN, IT MEANT AN EXTRA QUIET JANUARY AND FEBRUARY IN THE GAY QUARTER IN BELFAST, BUT ALSO ALLOWING US TO HEAR THE RUMBLINGS OF AN EVEN MORE SERIOUS SITUATION UNFOLDING AROUND THE WORLD AND BY THE TIME OF EARLY MARCH IT BECAME APPARENT THE COVID19 PANDEMIC WAS HERE IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND QUICK AND DRASTIC ACTIONS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN...

THIRTY SIX // // GNIMAG.COM FORTY FOUR GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

The pandemic has been talked about by so many and so often this year that I’m sure you are very familiar with how events unravelled globally and personally, but being a raging homosexual I thought I could use the analogy of the Wizard of Oz to explain the emotional experience of this year! Now! I know what you are thinking… that the second lockdown has sent me over the edge but think about it…. A tornado (covid19) comes and turns your world upside down and you land in Oz (lockdown), and in this strange “new normal” there are two witches (Arlene and Michelle … you can decide who is the green one!) and a fake wizard (Boris Johnson) behind the curtain pulling the strings! Whilst trying to navigate your way through this new landscape you meet strangers (key workers) who have the brains, the heart and the courage to help you find your way and keep you safe!

Another obvious comparison in this analogy is the rainbow. In the movie the Wizard of Oz, gay icon Judy Garland sings the anthem somewhere over the rainbow, which is often affectionately associated with our pride flag. During the pandemic rainbows became a symbol of gratitude in our windows to all our NHS staff working hard to keep us safe. Some voices in the LGBTQ+ community were uncomfortable with the use of the rainbow representing anything other than pride for ourselves. Which is understandable considering the struggle for acceptance and equality and therefore the emotional connection to the pride flag.

I initially struggled with the idea of sharing our rainbow, but I know of many NHS staff who are LGBTQ+ who said, it made them smile and feel extra proud of themselves and of the work they were doing during this difficult time. Just like Dorothy or friends of Dorothy, I think the one thing that the rainbow represents in each of these scenarios is hope, hope for a way out, hope for a better life or a return to a life that we love and as the covid19 story continues, hope is the one thing will see us all through.

The pandemic itself is a scary event to get our heads around but its knock-on effects are equally impactful on us individually and within the larger community. When the first lockdown happened the fear of keeping safe was coupled with how financially to stay afloat especially if you were not able to work from home. Personally, as a self-employed entertainer not being able to work during

lockdown was difficult on many levels. I have had the blessing of doing a job I love for many years and to lose the daily structure, financial stability and creative self-expression all in one fatal sweep was devastating. Many of my LGBTQ+ friends that work in the entertainment and hospitality sectors have had the same struggles.

Certain Industries were affected more than others this year, many in the Arts and Entertainments sector were and are still not allowed to work, and the governments tone that the arts are somehow disposable or not important, was demoralising and dismissive of millions of creatives who have worked hard at their craft for years, not to mention the blow to self-worth and mental health in an already vulnerable state. The hospitality sector was also hard hit, they opened their doors after taking many new and expensive steps to keep their customers and patrons safe, but every week there seemed to be a new announcement of rules, restrictions and curfews that was slowly crippling the industry to an eventual second lockdown. All this happened with little or no evidence that this industry was causing any large surges in numbers.

Historically gay bars are not just pubs, they are community centres where LGBTQ+ activism plays a major role, they are safe havens for us to express and connect with other people just like ourselves. This dual purpose is not only important but necessary in times of crisis. There are many out there from our community who do not have great support networks and the bars are a place go to and connect, so now more than ever they serve a role in our community. Another area severely affected by the pandemic in Northern Ireland is the charity sector which with the problems of social distancing and funding not being prioritised it has led to difficulties in providing the usual services.

We have amazing LGBTQ+ charities here in Northern Ireland, so if you can please support local LGBTQ+ businesses and charities that really do give us a place to commune, and help individuals in our community survive in difficult times! If you need to use any local services/charities or can help in anyway, go to the inside back cover, there is a list of contact details.

In writing this article, I am aware that looking back over this year and analysing it can

be triggering, especially as events are still happening both locally and globally affecting our daily lives. I’d like to think that reading this article will encourage you to live in hope and pride every time you see a rainbow and remind you to support your community in any way you can.

To leave you all with a smile I’ve asked some of my drag friends to leave a personal message to you all! My personal message is that although things are difficult and sometimes not perfect here in Northern Ireland. It really is what we make it, to quote Dorothy Gale “There’s no place like home!”.

“You haven’t been forgotten and you’re not alone. We’re all still here for you! Lots of love from the tired ass showgirl!” Onya Becks “keep your lockdown chins up!” Electra la Cunt “There is no escaping how hard this is and how much life has changed forever. But when we look back on this next year, and how we learnt the meaning of community spirit again, we will be stronger people for it.” Dick Von Dyke “Don’t let anyone rain on your parade. If they do piss on theirs!” Rusty Hinges “2020 has been ‘a wig caught in a desk fan’ kinda year, otherwise known as awful but we are resilient, and we will get past it! Sure, look at us, the LGBTQ+ community! We’ve put up with so much including the DUP! Stay strong, stay fabulous and keep going!” Roxy Tumbledryer “when life gets you down, throw some glitter on it!” Glitzy Glamour “Corona she better don’t! We all may not be together right now but soon we will be. Keep your gorgeous heads held high and I will see you all on the dancefloor very soon. Now wash your hands, stick on a pair of heels and do the hoovering. Lots of love Auntie Sass!”

Sassie “Be your own diva… be strong… be brave…

Don’t be afraid to cry it’s a sign off strength, not weakness and in the words of my diva … ‘it’s not right, but its ok, I’m gonna make it anyway…’ . we shall raise a glass as one on the other side xx lots of love Titti” Titti Von Tramp

THIRTY FORTY SEVEN FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY WAITING ON A WINTER WONDERLAND WE ARE APPROACHING THE END of 2020. A year, known for public division, an international virus, unemployment, protests, police brutality and Trump making things up.

As it is almost over and Trump is on his way out of the white house, I feel it is a time for reflection and time with loved ones. My sister like many of us in lockdown looked to go through some self-improvement and went back to education. She is currently studying “Of Mice and Men” which I think is a perfect novel to sum up 2020. Of Mice in Men is a book

by John Steinbeck inspired by a famous line from the poem ‘To A Mouse.’ The line is ‘The best laid schemes O’ Mice an’ Men. Gang aft a-gley’ or, the bestlaid plans often go awry.

based on Fitness for the modern gay. As for smoking, the lockdown actually helped with that. I used to

working from home, I have been able to replace smoking with a workout of a podcast or some baking so I have not touched a cigarette in 9 months.

As for the marathon, social distancing has ended that dream but I did sign up for boot camps and continued working with my PT to keep my fitness journey going.

Christmas is fast approaching and I hope for some snow.

Like Lorelai Gilmore in the Gilmore Girls, I am obsessed with snow. Everything is magical when it snows. It is as if a pure white blanket covers the world and when it melts; we come into spring and a time of rebirth so that is why I hope it snows this year so we can come out the other side anew.

My new year’s resolutions this year are to launch my podcast ‘Fab, Fit & Femme’, finish and publish my book and perhaps buy a home.

As I said, the best-laid plans often go awry but that is the fun of it so make you New Year’s plans, enjoy the journey and celebrate where you end up.

A YEAR, KNOWN FOR PUBLIC DIVISION, AN INTERNATIONAL VIRUS, UNEMPLOYMENT, PROTESTS, POLICE BRUTALITY AND TRUMP MAKING THINGS UP.

My new year’s resolutions for 202 where to be published again, quit smoking and run another marathon.

GNI Magazine has wonderfully kept me publishing over the last year while I work on my next book, which

THIRTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

smoke as part of my daily routine at lunchtime in work but through

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY

STAYING MOTIVATED AND IN SHAPE You may be saying to yourself “Martin, we have been in lockdown for a year and the weathers colder now and the days are longer so how do you expect us to stay motivated and in shape?”

I am glad you asked. I have now started with Bayburn fitness and it is the best decision I have made this year. They have a range of payment monthly plans that you can cancel at any point. As I currently go 5 days a week, I am paying an average of about £3 a session for a qualified trainer, space, equipment and knowledge. The trainers are all friendly and love what they do and have gave me tips and tricks outside of the training sessions as well. My favourite thing is the locations. There is no better way to start your day than working out

on a beach overlooking the ocean and that ocean breeze when you are working out is a treat. The other clients are also super welcoming and usually after a weekend morning session, some of them run in to the ocean together. If like me that does not sound enjoyable, you could also have a seat at the campfire with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and have a chat with some new friends.

My social circle has many people older than myself who often respond to my ideas with the line “I am too old for that.” Bayburn fitness has classes for teens and older people. You can get a taster session to try it yourself. The Masters Team training sessions cater specifically to older adults supporting improved muscular and cardiovascular endurance. They use a range of light free weights, bands, boxing equipment, rowing machines and bodyweight as tools to improve strength and balance. The Masters membership is £47 a month, which includes four classes a week Tuesday to Friday doing a range of Pilates, Zumba and strength training. There is also an option for teens aged 12 – 16 at £27 per month if any of our younger BAYBURN FITNESS ARE OFFERING A readers are looking FREE GYM TESTER SESSION. VISIT something to keep them THEIR WEBSITE BAYBURNFITNESS. active while so many COM AND USE CODE SMXZSM leisure centres and sport centres are closed.

THIRTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

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FORTY // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

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FORTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

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FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

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FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

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FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

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FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

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FORTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // LEMONADE DOLLS

BRAZILIAN LACE SET (BRALETTE & BRAZILIAN PANTS) COST: £32 (CHRISTMAS SHOP ONLY) BRALETTE - £22.00 BRAZILIAN PANTS - £15.00 WWW.LEMONADEDOLLS.COM

FORTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

BEAR WEAR // FASHION

BEAR WEAR FASHION FOLLOW-UP TEAM GNI We all love a Hoodie especially in the winter months, though when they incorporate comfort & style and are created by a celebrity without a celebrity price tag, we are immediately sold.

In our last issue we featured Bear Wear by Rogan O’ Connor, if you missed the piece pop over to gnimag.com/magazine. Rogan was generous enough to give us a hoodie each so we thought what a great idea it would be to get a few snaps of the team adorning them outside our office on Union Street.

We reached out to local photographer Conor Ross who kindly took the shots, here is a few words from Conor...

“Growing up I have always had a passion for photography & being creative. I enjoy the thought process & having a vision or an idea that I can then transfer through a lens. Now that I have decided to become a professional photographer full my passion has extended into creating special moments in other people’s lives.

There is no better feeling than having a client happy with your work. Having a job that allows me to be creative & build memories for others is extremely rewarding, from this my love for photography grows. You can find me on Facebook or via Instagram “Conor Ross photography” Thanks again to both Rogan and to Conor Ross, be sure to check out www.bearwear.clothing and hit Conor up if you need a local photographer.

FORTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

BEAR WEAR // FASHION

FORTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE// GERARD DEVLIN

GETTING CREATIVE DURING LOCKDOWN GERARD DEVLIN

ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO I thought I had all I needed. Wonderful family, loving partner, beautiful, detached house, great job and a lovely car. After a sequence of events too much to explain here but a snowball effect meant I lost everything but what I learned then I still had my family who have been my rock. After moving back home to my parents in Magherafelt. After a year I felt a little trapped. Was a cycle of work home dinner bed then all over again! So, I thought I need to change this. Started travelling on my own, of which I got a bug for. I’ve been to many many places but then one day I decided I liked this one place so much I thought I could call it home and that was Benidorm. I met a guy and that made the move easier. Though we did split after about a year and I have virtually been on my own since. And for the first time since coming out I have begun to appreciate myself as a person.

So, all was going OK. Not the dream life of living in the sun that everyone thinks.

Same life struggles but at least the sun shines more. Then an opportunity came up for me to open my own bar, this was something that I had always wanted to do. Something for me to put my heart and soul into and to be proud of. So, I jumped at the chance and began preparations to refurbish the premises so that I could be ready to trade as soon as I officially signed. And boy it was a stroke of luck for me in the end that this had been unintentionally delayed by a month cause along comes the dreaded C word. I have since come to realise and appreciate that there is a bigger C word that many many millions of people and families must deal with daily. Nonetheless, life as we all knew it was put on hold, mainly from the effects of the major lockdown.

Living on my own and not being allowed out only for essential shopping once a week. I must admit to struggling with the loneliness.

During my process of decorating the bar.

FIFTY // GNIMAG.COM

That incidentally fell through in the end being a victim of the restrictions that are currently in place, I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for. So, I thought I’ll get a blank canvass and paint what I had in my head. I done a few then before the lockdown but was during the lockdown that I really got into it. Ordering my paints and canvases from Amazon and just kept painting. As you can see the theme being rainbow pride colours behind silhouettes but was more a splash of happiness in some of my darkest days of lockdown.

It was shortly after lockdown when I then showed some friends what I had been up too, I got such positive feedback that I realised that maybe I can share these with other people and maybe also try and make some sort of a living which is where I am now. I get asked sometimes who my inspiration is, I would like to say particular artist names but to be honest it’s actually just life itself. I think it has been the lockdown that has brought my talent to the front that I have never really had any confidence in.

I have decided to follow on this theme but also can adapt to any colour scheme that is required. I have just completed two paintings for a local bar/restaurant that you will see here. And have also agreed a space for displaying my work in the local area.

If you would like something individual and unique to hang at home or business contact me with your requirements or ideas and I will produce a piece specifically to your needs. No two paintings will be the same.

Contact me on Facebook at DevArt or my own page Gerard Devlin.

LIFE!

FITNESS, WEDDINGS, SCENE OUT, REVIEWS, LIFE IS REAL!

FOOD// THE GOURMET BOYS

FESTIVE FAVOURITES AT HOME THE GOURMET BOYS WITH CHRISTMAS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WE ALL HAVE TO

ADMIT THAT 2020 HAS BEEN QUITE THE YEAR. REGARDLESS OF WHAT

RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE, OUR

YULETIDE FESTIVITIES ARE LIKELY TO

BE VERY DIFFERENT FOR MANY OF US. SO, WHAT BETTER WAY OF INSTILLING SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER THAN TO

SPOIL OURSELVES WITH A FEW FOODIE TREATS.

WE WERE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE LIDL DELUXE CHRISTMAS RANGE,

WHICH ARRIVED IN STORE AT THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER, AND DECIDED TO TRY A COUPLE OF

THEIR FESTIVE RECIPES. ALL THE

INGREDIENTS ARE EASILY SOURCED,

ARAMEL SALTED C MARTINI ESPRESSO

THE RECIPES ARE SIMPLE TO PREPARE, AND THE DELICIOUS RESULTS ARE

SURE TO IMPRESS: WE KNOW THAT SANTA WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO

Once

ARRIVE AT YOUR HOUSE AND BE

shaken, tap the side to

GREETED BY THESE INDULGENT SURPRISES ON CHRISTMAS EVE.

THE EXTENSIVE LIDL DELUXE RANGE

MAKES IT REALLY EASY TO CATER FOR FAMILY GET TOGETHERS, OFFERING HIGH QUALITY FESTIVE TREATS AT

VERY REASONABLE PRICES. THERE ARE SOME WONDERFUL FROZEN OPTIONS, FROM THE UBIQUITOUS TURKEY TO STUNNING VEGAN CENTERPIECES,

READY TO COOK DISHES INCLUDING MAIN COURSES, SIDES, DESSERTS

AND PARTY SNACKS, AND DELICIOUS ACCOMPANIMENTS SUCH AS

CHUTNEYS, STUFFINGS, AND CHEESES. IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY THAT SOME RESTRICTIONS WILL STILL BE IN

PLACE, SO WITH THAT IN MIND, LIDL

OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A “ONE STOP SHOP” TO GET BOTH YOUR

CHRISTMAS ESSENTIALS AND LUXURY

ITEMS FOR ANY FESTIVE CELEBRATION.

FIFTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

Here’s a decadently luxurious spin on a cocktail favourite - a Salted Caramel Espresso Martini. All ingredients can be purchased in Lidl.

using a strainer, pour into chilled glasses. Garnish with white chocolate shavings, or coffee beans.

IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING

Ingredients •

break the vacuum seal and

70ml Deluxe Salted Caramel Irish Cream Liqueur

•

35ml Korol Vodka

•

60ml hot espresso

•

White chocolate shavings to serve

Method Place all ingredients into a cocktail shaker along with some ice. You want the ice to smash up while chilling the liquid down as this is what creates the frothy top.

Who can resist a sumptuously warm and comforting dessert?

Try making this bread and butter pudding, again using Lidl Salted Caramel Irish Cream.

It’s incredibly easy to make, tastes fabulous with hints of orange, caramel and white chocolate, and is sure to impress your guests.

FOOD // THE GOURMET BOYS

Serves: 4

white chocolate across the dish. Pour

(we went for crumbly mature Irish

Cook time: 30 minutes

over the custard mixture and leave to

cheddar), one blue (Stilton perhaps,

soak for at least 2 hours. When ready

or we chose Gorgonzola), one soft

Ingredients

to bake, sprinkle over the demerara

rinded cheese,

•

1 X 250g panettone

sugar. Preheat the oven to

•

500ml custard

180C and pop

•

100g butter

the baking

•

100g white chocolate, roughly

dish on the

chopped

middle rack.

100ml Deluxe Salted Caramel Irish

Bake for 25-30

Cream Liqueur

minutes until

50g demerara sugar

golden.

• •

Method

And as if

Pour the custard into a small saucepan

that wasn’t

and warm through over a gentle heat

enough gooey

until the mixture has slightly thickened.

sweetness,

It should lightly coat the back of a

watch out from

spoon. Once it has reached this point,

21 December,

stir through the cream liqueur.

as Lidl plans to stock Irish-made

Butter a baking dish and arrange the sliced panettone in it. Evenly disperse the

Fresh Artisan Cakes (£9.99).

These indulgent cakes come in two delicious flavours, Belgian

S CHRISTMA ARD O B E S E E CH

Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Sponge, so be sure to snap up one of these from 21st December while stocks last.

(we were tempted by the heart-shaped Neufchâtel, but Brie or Camembert are also popular choices),

CHRISTMAS CHEESEBOARD

and perhaps a goats’ cheese, or

Manchego for variety.

Finally, no Christmas celebration

BREA

D AND BUTTE PUDD R ING

would be complete without a selection

Served with Rosemary Crackers,

of cheese accompanied by a glass

Christmas Spiced Chutney, dried fruit

of port. If you find it difficult to

and nuts, olives, and cracked pepper

decide, Lidl are launching a Deluxe

butter, all that is required is a glass of

Cheeseboard selection on 10

port or a rich red wine to complement

December (£17.99).

the cheese.

However, part of the fun is choosing an interesting variety of different

Follow the @thegourmetboys on

strengths and textures, and remember,

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

there are no rules! As a guideline, you

Email - thegourmetboys@gmail.com

can’t go wrong with one hard cheese

FIFTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

CHRISTMAS // CRACKERS

IT’S A // CRACKER HOW DO YOU DRESS YOUR DINNER TABLE ON CHRISTMAS DAY? A centrepiece?, Some candles?, a Garland ? Bow’s around the chairs and cutlery? These all great choices and perfectly acceptable though today what has our attention is some Christmas Crackers with a difference brought to us by Craft Gin Club.

thousands of members their regular Gin Box has brought us some crackers that will certainly spark conversation across the table.

order yours today and also see what other festive goodies they have to offer such as the gift of a membership, advent calendar, craft gins and loads more.

These are the perfect way to decorate any table and equally ideal a gin enthusiast and those you simple enjoy a tipple of this delightful spirit.

Box of 4 is only £29.95 with further discounts if you buy more.

The company that deliveries

Pop over to their website to

FIFTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

Craft Gin Club https://club.craftginclub.co.uk/

HASTINGS HOTELS // WINTER ESCAPE

ENJOY A WINTER ESCAPE Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is the perfect location for a winter break to relax and rejuvenate.

The lovingly maintained Victorian hotel stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds and boasts 180 luxurious bedrooms, including six magnificent Suites, many of which have stunning panoramic views over the Mountains of Mourne and County Down Coastline. All bedrooms are finished in tasteful, traditional styles with every modern comfort, including Hastings Hotels famous King Koil Cloud Beds.

The Slieve Donard Resort offers a fabulous choice of dining options including relaxed cuisine in the Percy French, fine dining in the Oak Restaurant, light snacks in the Lighthouse Lounge and delectable Afternoon Tea. There is no other hotel in Northern Ireland set in a stunning seaside location while offering breath-taking views over the Mourne Mountains and one of Europe’s finest resort Spas.

Split over two floors, The Spa at Slieve Donard transports guests to a zone of complete peace and tranquillity. A luxurious range of ESPA holistic therapies have been created to truly balance mind, body and soul and can be enjoyed in one of treatment suites, each with individual mood lighting, sensory showers and luxuriously comfortable treatment beds. The spa has a stunning swimming and vitality pool, a range of heat experiences and leisure club.

The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa has a selection of fabulous offers available including the ‘Relax, Dine & Stay’ package from £105* per person sharing and includes luxurious overnight accommodation, three course evening meal and Full Irish Breakfast the following morning.

For further information visit www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-spa or call 028 4372 1066. *Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

WIN A £100 HASTINGS HO TELS GIFT CARD! Northern Ireland’s leading colle ction of hotels have teamed up with GNI to give you the chan ce to win the perfect Christm as present, a £100 Hastings Hot els Gift Card!

As the season for giving approac hes, Hastings Hotels will take the strain out of your Christm as shopping with the versatile Gift Card which comes with no exp iry date.

Redeemable at any of the seve n Hastings Hotels, in the two magnificent spas and any of the restaurants or bars, it’s the idea l gift that lets people choose the perfect present for themselves, be it a special night out, a luxu ry weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a roun d of drinks at the bar!

For further information or to get your Christmas presents sorted at the touch of a button, go to www.hastingshotels.com/ Christmasgifts or call 028 9047 1066.

To be in with a chance of winn ing simply answer the following question: Q: When does a Hastings Hot

els Gift card expire?

A) After one year B) Never C) After two years Email your answer to daniel@ gnimag.com. Please ensure to include your name, address and contact number within the email when entering. Entry’s clos e Wednesday 15th December and winner will be announced on Friday 17th December *Terms and conditions apply.

Prize is as stated and no alternative will be offered.

FIFTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

CHRISTMAS GIFTS // MISSTIQUE

SEXY STOCKING FILLERS OUR FRIENDS AT MISSTIQUE GIVE US THE LOW-DOWN ON SOME STOCKING FILLERS TO SPICE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS. ALL AVAILABLE AT MISSTIQUE, 27 GRESHAM STREET, BELFAST. 028 9031 4185 VISIT MISTIQUEBELFAST.CO.UK

OUR SEX GAME

SRP £19.99 Anything but a Bored Game! OSG is a game of access all areas, encouraging stimulating conversations, erotic exploration and experimentation that will leave nothing untouched – literally!

FUN FACTORY COBRA SRP £119.99 The Penis Massager. Sensitive. Powerful.

Innovative. A state of the art toy lined with soft, velvety silicone which envelops the head of the penis in snug rumbling vibration.

FIFTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

DOMIN8 MASTER EDITION

SEXY 6 DICE (ALL 3)

SCREAMING O JACKITS STROKER PAD

COLT POWER STROKER

SRP £29.99 Master the art of domination with this devilishly deluxe edition of Domin8!

Now featuring a feast of fetish luxuries including a paddle, feather tickler, handcuffs, bondage tape and a blindfold.

SRP £6.49 You don’t know Jack! until you’ve tried the Jackits Stroker Pad by Screaming O. The ultra-soft, flexible wrap-around pad and no-slip grip, takes masturbation to the next level.

Each SRP £7.99 Sexy 6 is on hand to shake up your sex life with a little roll-play! A simple ‘fling’ will have your lover in a spin. Dare you dice with pleasure?

SRP £18.99 A stroker of the utmost masculine shape in the form of a grenade. Super tight and stretchy with a vacuum suction shaft creating a bomb-shell of a masturbator.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS // MISSTIQUE

COLT NIPPLE PROSUCKERS

SRP £11.38 Nice pair! Two, fully adjustable, multi-use suckers with a unique vacuum pressure design that involves a simple twist to alter the desired level of suction. For the ultimate in nipple pleasure!

QUICKIE GAGS

SRP £19.99/£21.99 Get the bondage look! Render your lover speechless in seconds with these soft but super strong silicone Ball or Bit gags!

Comfortable to wear and easy to bite down on. You’ll be gagging for more!

COLT CAMO HOG TIE

QUICKIE CUFFS

INTIMATE EARTH MOJO HORNY GOATS WEED LIBIDO WARMING LUBRICANT

ID LUBRICANTS VELVET SILICONE LUBRICANT

SRP £62.99 Submit to the mercy of dominant primal passion and restraint play with a set of 4 camo-canvas padded cuffs, swivelling universal clasps and heavy-duty, 4-point harness. Try a variety of positions with adjustable Velcro straps for versatile attachment to both ankles or wrist.

SRP £18.99 Designed with men in mind! A natural performance and libido enhancing glide, playfully named Mojo: Get It On. Specifically formulated with proven natural sexual enhancement and pure vegan ingredients, it’s body-safe and offers a pleasing aroma.

SRP £9.99/£10.99 The first flexible cuffs on the market!

Easy to use, silicone cuffs that fit anyone’s wrists! No noisy chains or fiddly keys just comfortable, yet strong and secure control!

SRP £8.49 – £32.63

Insatiably soft, smooth and luxurious lube. Incredibly long lasting, even in water, this high pure grade silicone even moisturises the skin.

FIFTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

CHRISTMAS// 10 HORRIBLE FACTS

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS// TEN FACTS...

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS, THE WORLD’S FIRST & BEST SELLING DRIVE-IN CHRISTMAS SHOW IS TOURING THE UK THIS FESTIVE SEASON TEN HORRIBLE FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS ONE: William the Conqueror was crowned on Christmas Day but when the guards outside heard a huge cheer they thought a rebellion had started and burnt all the houses in the area.

TWO: In Greenland they eat a Christmas delicacy called Kiviak which is the body of a seal filled with hundreds of small birds left to ferment for three months.

THREE: In 1644 the Puritans banned Christmas, mince pies and going to church (unless it was a Sunday) and ordered all shops to stay open.

FIFTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

FOUR: In a town in Sweden the people celebrate Christmas by burning down a giant figure of a goat.

FIVE: The reason that carol singers knock on your door and pester you is because Medieval priests threw them out of the church, so ever since they sing outside houses instead.

SIX: An old English custom was to beat children on 28 December to remind them of Herod’s cruelty in massacring all the babies in Bethlehem.

SEVEN: Nativity scenes in Catalonia feature a character doing a poo.

EIGHT: The Good King Wenceslas

celebrated in the carol was a duke not a king and was chopped into pieces by his mother and brother.

NINE: The first ever bomb to land on British soil was dropped by a German airship at Christmas 1914.

TEN: Brussels sprouts are first mentioned in books in 1587 and children have had to suffer them at Christmas ever since.

HORRIBLE CHRISTMAS TOURING THE UK THIS DECEMBER, WWW. CARPARKPANTO.COM

GOURMET GETAWAY

IT’S TIME TO GETAWAY AND INDULGE ON AWARD WINNING GOURMET CUISINE

Enjoy a luxurious two night stay in one of our nautical themed rooms including:

A six course tasting menu with optional wine pairing in the Wolff Grill restaurant Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two on one day A welcome plate and miniature cocktails on arrival Unwind with a pre-dinner cocktail in Drawing Office Two A heritage tour of ‘the heart of the yard’ A Titanic sized breakfast each morning A late checkout time of 1 p.m.

And complimentary car parking for 48 hours.

FROM

£450 per room

Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply..

www.titanichotelbelfast.com | +44 (0)28 9508 2000

CHRISTMAS // 12 DAYS

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HEALTH MARTIN MURRAY

SIXTY // GNIMAG.COM

CHRISTMAS // 12 DAYS

DECEMBER 25TH Christmas day is a day of family and many of us cannot have Christmas with our loved ones this year so instead of that being a negative, let us make it a year to remember. Get your immediate family together for a Christmas morning walk to an elderly relative’s house and do some carol singing in their front garden to spread Christmas cheer and make them feel special. It is a great way to get some exercise in with the Family and spend time together.

DECEMBER 26TH No one really does much this day so why not get some healthy vegan recipes and make some healthy food with those you live with whether that is your partner, friends or family. You will pick up a new skill, get some great food to settle down and watch a movie with and all without worrying about having to work of the calories.

DECEMBER 27TH It’s Sunday so feel free to sleep in to noon and then take a trip out to explore the coast and go for another walk or a jog.

DECEMBER 28TH Instead of waiting until the New Year, get started now. Sign yourself up for a Bayburn Fitness taster session and pop down for a session. Feel free to hang around after and have a chat with the instructor about your goals.

DECEMBER 29TH Do something Kind for someone. Whether it is giving to charity, giving someone a lift, buying them a gift. Giving can be a great boost to your mental health.

DECEMBER 30TH Take a day to look over your successes and obstacles over the last year. Look at your New Year’s resolutions from last year. How have they been successful or how have they changed. Identify how you have grown and what you have learnt from obstacles and what you should improve.

DECEMBER 31ST Write out your new year’s resolutions for the coming year and draw a map of how you can achieve them.

JANUARY 1ST I hope to be releasing the first episode of my Podcast so check out the details on my Instagram AwayWithTheFairiesAWTF. You will also be able to join me on a virtual jog of Manchester.

JANUARY 2ND Get yourself a gym membership sorted or if you already have one, get yourself down to the gym. I go to Pure Gym and my Personal Trainer is Stephen Irvine. I recommend a personal trainer to keep you going so you do not become one of those people who joins at new years and never goes again.

JANUARY 3RD Set yourself a Fitness Challenge for January. In October for example, I started with 100 Push-ups for 10 days, which is a great starting point. For more advanced, try below for everyday in January.

• 18 Minute AMRAP (Try for 3 rounds ) • 50 Low squat tap out • 40 Marching Plank • 30 Body Weight Thruster • 20 Crunches • 10 squat thrust -> Frog Squat JANUARY 4TH Get yourself a diet plan. Speak to your doctor about what you might need to include based of your health records.

Your trainer should be able to help if you provide them with a current weekly record of your diet so they can advise changes.

JANUARY 5TH Start the 2 litres of Water a day challenge.

The Elite Hockey League celebrated their first Pride event, which I was happy to witness at SSE Arena.

FEBRUARY Gus Kenworthy won his first Gold Medal as a Great Britain skier, setting him on route to complete for Great Britain in the next Olympic Games.

MARCH Coronation Street focused on a storyline of James Bailey, an LGBT character struggling with balancing his coming out with his football career.

APRIL Rugby star Levi Davis informed his team he was bisexual and celebrated being welcomed with love and support.

MAY Megan Rapinoe awarded best in Sports Shorty Award and is included in Time Magazines 100 most influential people.

JUNE Craig Donald, Chief Information Officer for The FA, who identifies as gay wrote about how The FA is working to make football more inclusive and a game for everyone.

JULY GNI Magazine celebrated the local LGBTQ community highlighting methods they used to improve their health and fitness in lockdown.

OCTOBER Announcement of the first ‘World Gay Boxing Championships’.

DECEMBER Na Gaeil Aeracha is founded becoming Irelands first explicitly LGBTQ Friendly team which will initially be based in Dublin.

2020: A YEAR OF PROGRESS Now that we have looked at our own health and fitness, let us look at how LGBTQ Sports have developed this year.

JANUARY

SIXTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

STOCKING FILLER // MICHAEL ALVEAR

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING // HANDY BOOKS FOR THAT CHRISTMAS STOCKING SIXTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

STOCKING FILLER // MICHAEL ALVEAR

“‘TIS BETTER TO GIVE AND RECEIVE” ACCORDING TO BOOKS DEBUTING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON America’s #1 Gay Sex Guides Are Perfect Gifts The author of Amazon’s two best-selling gay sex guides hopes presents aren’t the only things getting laid under the tree this year.

Michael Alvear is out now with the second editions of How to Top Like a Porn Star and How to Bottom Like a Porn Star. Both feature dozens of brand new, eyepopping medical illustrations that provide visual aids to Alvear’s funny, informative howto’s.

How to Bottom Like a Porn Star is a beginner’s realtime, step-by-step guide to clean, painless bottoming.

It reveals all the secrets to having great sex including the best positions to increase enjoyment, doctorrecommended cleansing products to avoid mishaps, and the :60 Sphincter Release Method, a foolproof way of relaxing the sphincter for pain-free penetration.

How to Top Like a Porn Star flips the script on its companion guide. Being the penetrator, or wanting to be the penetrator, often poses a series of logistical and psychological obstacles brought on by performance anxiety, condom-causing impotence, or the smell, stains and messiness that can accompany anal sex. Many willies simply ‘will not’; but Michael Alvear’s expert instructions present readers with the best methods to give, as well as to take, pleasure.

BY INCORPORATING UNCONVENTIONAL MEDICAL ILLUSTRATIONS THAT DRAMATIZE WHAT HAPPENS INTERNALLY DURING INTERCOURSE, HE DELIVERS TWO ENGAGING HOW-TO BOOKS THAT ENTERTAIN AS MUCH AS THEY INFORM.

“My goals are to liberate men from their fears, preconceptions, and hesitancies so that they overcome their physical and emotional struggles and enjoy a more rewarding sex life,” says Michael Alvear from his Atlanta home.

was later broadcast on HBO in the USA. He has spent the last five years writing books.

In How to Bottom Like a Porn Star and How to Top Like a Porn Star, Michael Alvear combines the witty wisdom that has delighted fans of his gay sex advice column for years with the most up-to-date research from his team of urologists and colon-rectal specialists.

By incorporating unconventional medical illustrations that dramatize what happens internally during intercourse, he delivers two engaging how-to books that entertain as much as they inform.

Other books in the Like a Porn Star series are How To Give Head Like A Porn Star, How To Cum Like A Porn Star, How To Get A Sex Drive Like A Porn Star, How To Spice Up Your Sex Life Like A Porn Star and How To Talk Like A Porn Star.

How to Top Like a Porn Star and How to Bottom Like a Porn Star are available now at https://likeapornstar.net/duo/

Michael Alvear has written on gay sex for close to 25 years.

His syndicated sex advice column, Need Wood? Tips for Getting Timber, appeared nationally in multiple gay press publications. He also co-hosted a sex makeover show that premiered on Channel 4 in the UK and

SIXTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

FOOD // HADSKIS RESTAURANT

EATING OUT AT HOME HADSKIS RESTAURANT DURING THESE TRYING TIMES A REGULAR FOOD REVIEW IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE, IN STEPPED LK COMMUNICATIONS WHO KINDLY ARRANGED A COOK + DINE EXPERIENCE FOR US WITH HADSKIS RESTAURANT, WE HAD SUCH A GREAT NIGHT, AND I SHALL TELL YOU WHY IN JUST A MOMENT!

TYPICALLY, I WOULD BE TALKING about the location, decor, service and atmosphere in an establishment though today our review takes place from the comfort of my friend Sharon’s beautifully welcoming kitchen. I love cooking and equally love eating so the opportunity to prepare restaurant quality dishes at home is right up my street.

Hadski’s offer this wonderful service 4 days per week from Thursday-Sunday (times for each day available online) and you can currently preorder right up to 3rd January via

SIXTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

their website hadskis.dishup.app/hadskis/ menus.

The website unlike some I have experienced is super easy to follow, once you select your pickup date and time you simply select the items to add to your basket.

They have cleverly put together menu’s with diners needs in mind with an offering of 2 course Vegetarian meal, 3 course Meat or Fish menu or you can piece together a menu to suit your personal taste, this is what I

decided to do.

All items are precooked to a degree saving loads of time and confusion when you get home.

I had arranged to collect our goodies at 5.45pm though with finishing work early and traffic being light I arrived at 5.15pm, I was prepared to wait until the agreed time though the super attentive staff had our items boxed up for us within minutes and we ready to go.

FOOD // HADSKIS RESTAURANT We were talked through the items and given an instruction sheet to follow once we got home, it was all quite exciting.

Once we got home, we unpacked the box and lay all the items out on the bench, oh before I go any further on advice from the Chef we already had the oven on and ready to go.

of a few funny snaps lol.

This beauty was steered and precooked to Blu, we followed the instructions for a medium cook though found it wasn’t quite to our liking, not sure if the timings were for an industrial oven or if my friends oven temperature was up the left though lol so left it in a tad longer and enjoyed a wee glass on wine and catch up.

Each item was individually packed and clearly labeled with its contents and cooking instructions, even the most basic of cook would find it hard to go wrong.

was enough for 3 good sized portions as later in the evening I went back for another munch.

I enjoyed all the sides bar the courgette, for me it didn’t belong with the steak though this is just personal preference, the mini roast potatoes were lovely, super crispy edges and drizzled in garlic and the mushrooms were so Moorish, I had to refrain myself when dishing it out so to leave some for my guest.

For Dessert we ordered the Tarte Tatin, again super easy to prep, it took around 8 minutes in the oven and served this with ice cream, this was also part of the meal which we had chilling in the freezer. For me this was the perfect dessert, the apples were so soft the fork slipped straight through them, the caramel sauce was so sticky and rich, and the pastry was so light and flaky. I am going to attempt to recreate this dish though I am under no illusion that it won’t be anything close to the standard, it was to die for!

After a speed read of the instructions, we popped the main event into the oven then began to prep our starters. I ordered the Arancini, Parmesan and Salsa Verde while my guest fancied the Crab and Chilli Linguine, neither item took more than 10 minutes to prepare, these starters are designed to get those taste buds going rather than fill a plate though we still split the portions and tried each other’s.

We also ordered a small cheese box for a nibble with wine, you must forgive me I did not write down the names of the 3 cheeses though one was a blue cheese, one a brie and the third a hard cheese, these came with chutney and homemade crackers, all were lovely and the perfect end to a delightful dining experience.

Being a cheese and seafood lover, I equally enjoyed both dishes. The Parmesan really made the Arancini balls come to life they were beautiful, those not familiar the dish is rice coated in breadcrumbs and fried, accompanied in this case with Parmesan and Salsa Verde.

The Crab and Chilli Linguine was divine, so rich with tiny pieces of crab flaked through the sauce and just the perfect amount of kick from the Chilli. Pasta dishes for some can be quite boring on the palate, this certainly wasn’t I could have easily dove into a large bowl.

Cooking away alongside the Tomahawk were the sides that came with it, Roasted Garlic, Rosemary and Thyme Potatoes, Mushrooms in a butter, a portion of greens and 2 servings of Peppercorn Sauce, which we had warming in a pot. All super simply to prepare, literally needing 10ish minutes or so in the oven to finish cooking or warm up.

For our main we ordered the Tomahawk Steak – wow, if you haven’t seen one you need to google it, this impressive piece of meat weighing in at a whopping 1.2kg was like something out of the Flintstones lol. It was definitely a talking point and the subject

I had the honours of carving up the steak and plating everything after allowing the mighty mound of meat to rest of course. The steak was delicious, melted in the mouth, my guest being somewhat of a pigeon picker didn’t eat allot though I would still say there

We had a wonderful evening, anyone wanting to impress their partner, friends or family members we cannot recommend enough, the food was delicious, and the ordering and cooking couldn’t be easier Thanks again to Hadskis, Joanne McKenna and LK communications Review By Daniel May Hadskis Cook and Dine menu, 3 course meal £24pp 33 Donegal Street, Belfast | 02890 325444 | www.jamesstandco.com/hadskis

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FEATURE // BODY PAINTING

ONYA BECKS // BODY PAINT SIXTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // BODY PAINTING Onya Becks has been is a Belfast based drag performer who has been entertaining the masses across Ireland and the UK for over eight years.

Due to all of this year’s lockdown restrictions she has had a bit more time on her hands and has put that to good use learning a new hobby body painting! Using this technique she transforms herself into many different characters, here she shares a few of her favourites and tells us how she achieved the look.

You can follow Onya on her social channels: Instagram @mistressonyabecks, Facebook @onya.becks and Twitter @missyonyabecks .

I’m not bad, just drawn that way! Jessica rabbit was hard, as I kept trying to paint for Onya Becks without thinking! Using a character with normal skin colour is jarring as my natural reaction was to do a full Onya Becks look! I’m happy with the result, though might redo it in the future as there’s parts I’d like to improve on.

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FEATURE // BODY PAINTING

Marge Simpson festive edition! I love the Simpson and really wanted to do something based on them! So I figured since there first episode was a Christmas episode they sort of count!

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FEATURE // BODY PAINTING

Rudolf the twink raindeer! A cheeky twist on a festive classic!

I love adding a Queer theme to characters sometimes!

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FEATURE// BODY PAINTING

Lucifer body paint, I used Mehron star blend cake aqua paint, then used white aqua paint to highlight and black and dark blue paints to shade. I applied the prosthetic horns and ears with pros aid and liquid latex to blend the prosthetics in.

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FEATURE // BODY PAINTING

1, 2 Freddy’s coming for you!

Freddy was 12 hours!! Trying to create texture using only make up (no prosthetics) and creating the ripped jumper effect and glove! Though I was so happy with the end result! Though I don’t know if I’d do another 12 hour paint again lol

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AUTHOR// RAUNCHYRAY

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AUTHOR // RAUNCHY RAY

WRITTEN AND ILLUSTRATED BY AUTHOR and Artist RaunchyRay, who is also a Portrait Painter, Costume Designer, and one half of @JeanjacketDesigns, who hand paint and Swarovski Crystal recycled denim jean jackets and created one off denim creations.

The first of six books; one continuous story, based loosely on RaunchyRay’s life, about Amanda’s misconceptions of life, love, sex, condoms, lesbians, and all things willies, fannys and boobs! A knicker-wettingly-funny book, with roller-coaster, interwoven, sexytime scenes and plotlines, that flick back and forth over Amanda’s life and lovers. With made-up words, centered mostly around; Lyndsey, Becki, Gina and Amanda’s fanny!

RaunchyRay handpainted the front cover of her book on a jean jacket, plus the book is sprinkled with RaunchyRay’s hilarious graphically-sexual-disturbing illustrated cartoons.

What you can expect from ‘Amanda wanted more…’: ‘Gina pressed her soft face up to Amanda’s and ever-so gently, kissed Amanda, on her lips. A spark hit the skin on Amanda’s lip, and shot through her teeth, up her cheek.

It shot into both Amanda’s raspberries and zoomed down, deep into Amanda’s nunny.’

‘Hesitant, at first, Amanda leaned down, un-cupped her fingers, and weighed-up her situation, as she stared, one-inch away from Gina’s deliciously, perky, deep-pink raspberries. “Well! At least, I can’t get pregnant! And, it’s not technically sex, without a winky!” Amanda pondered, opened her mouth, and gently sucked on one of Gina’s raspberries. “Awwwww!”

Gina yelled, “Mmmmmmm! Keep going!” as Gina felt down for Amanda’s hands, and slapped them, back on to her own boobies.’

Two characters in the book are based on RaunchyRay’s friends. All round hottie, sexy, Welsh, Rock Star, Singer James Kennedy, whose wild days as Lead Singer of Kyshera rock band, are the basis of his character, in the book. James gave permission for two of

his song, from his brilliant album ‘Home’ to be used in the book.

And RaunchyRay’s hilarious mate Drag Queen Alexis Cox, whom has been her muse on several occasions. RaunchyRay designed several outrageous costumes for Alexis for her preview in Belfast Alternative Week 19 at Belfast Castle, organised by Northern Irish World Equal Magazine, and wonderfully featured in GNI Magazine.

Although, the first time RaunchyRay met Alexis, in drag she did get quite a shock, with Alexis’ outrageous makeup and black lipstick! And only discovered, this week that Alexis is, in fact, bi! A small fact, that Alexis had previously, failed to disclose to RaunchyRay! Before, RaunchyRay had stripped several times in from of her!

RaunchyRay’s unjustified fear of Drag Queens is hilariously portrayed in the book.

RaunchyRay’s friend, Grammy Award winner Mr. Skyler Jett, gave her permission to use his song, ‘Souls of Babylon’ in her book.

Jeanjacket Designs painted two jackets for Skyler song, with London based vocalist Nakisha Esnard, for a documentary to be released “Toxified”, about the effects of GMO’s and 5G, being released in U.S.A. 2021.

RaunchyRay firmly believes everyone should feel beautiful, and has dressed many different shapes, including several models with Dwarfism. However, RaunchyRay pokes fun at ‘90s concepts, chauvinistic thinking, every shape body, modern day life, bizarre inventions, woman-things, willies, menstupidity, Superheroes, and, unfortunately, football!

It a crazy, wild, fast, ride! With rude, made up songs, Motown themes and very bad singing! Peek into Amanda’s life, with her disastrous sex-life, and her hilarious, swearing South-East London neighbour, Lyndsey, who requires a translation; in the back of the book. Amanda’s lazy, overweight Mum, and all her fat-slimming fads, and stuck-up Nan, and her hilarious, chauvinistic-singing ‘man friend’ Pete, who she wouldn’t touch him with someone else’s pole!’

RaunchyRay told GNI, “If anything, life has taught me to date, live, love, laugh every day, and most of all, enjoy sex! Sex and lovemaking should be funny, spontaneous and adventurous! If you cannot laugh during sex, when can you?”

Pissy-Pads and vodka maybe required!

Gregory Abbott gave RaunchyRay permission, to use her favourite song of all time, ‘Shake you Down’ for her big lesbian sexy-time scene. Happily married for the last thirty years, to a man, RaunchyRay has always been fascinated with lesbians.

RaunchyRay’s girly-crush was Sarah Beany, of ‘Property Ladder!’ But she thinks, she’s over that, now!

RaunchyRay tried to write her book ten years, ago! But life got in the way. But, during Lockdown, when no one was going out! And no musicians were on tour; so, no custom jean jackets to paint! RaunchyRay found time. RaunchyRay told GNI, “I was bored! So! We sat around, at night, got drunk and wrote a book!” Rude and sexy songs, lesbian sex, Man-damning, Mansplaining, wildly-vivid sexual encounters!

Side-splittingly gross and hilarious!

This book could improve your sex life!

RaunchyRay does not endorse any of the sex acts, in this book, and you may like to try them out, at home, at your own peril! But definitely, had fun attempting some of them on her husband! For research purposes, obviously!

Grab a beer, snuggle up under the duvet, read ‘Amanda wanted more…’ to your fella or lady in bed!

LOOK OUT FOR: Book 2: ‘AMANDA WANTED A BIT MORE…’ coming out, 2021. @Jeanjacketdesigns on Instagram and Facebook.

‘Amanda wanted more…’ OUT FOR CHRISTMAS 2020!

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ANDREW GOYVAERTS// TIMOTHY RAY BROWN

TIMOTHY RAY BROWN // THE BERLIN PATIENT ANDREW GOYVAERTS TELLS THE STORY OF MEETING TIMOTHY TO DISCUSS HIS HIV CURE AND THE TIRELESS WORK AND ACTIVISM THAT FOLLOWED.

SITTING IN THE COOL SURROUNDINGS of an air conditioned coffee house in Palm Springs I awaited the arrival of a man who along with his team of Doctors in Berlin revolutionised the field of HIV, his name was Timothy Ray Brown Brown otherwise known as the Berlin Patient. We first made contact with each other when I was blogging about HIV and published an entry entitled when will the Berlin one turn into the Berlin many.

The essence of this entry questioned why so many years had passed without anyone else being cured of the condition, Timothy, having recently relinquished his anonymity in order to talk openly about his experience, reached out to me. We spoke for hours about the science behind the cure, how it worked for Timothy but did not work for his counterpart in the trial, we also spoke about the effect it had on him physically and mentally, it was a conversation that could have continued into infinity so we decided to meet up a couple of months later when I was visiting the area. As I awaited his arrival my mind wondered on the feeling one would have being cured of a virus nobody else in the world had previously been cured of, in life people tend to enjoy being first yet this was different, was it pure elation, was it responsibility, was it a mixture with perhaps even a little bit of survivors guilt?

I came back to myself as two tall figures walked through the door, I instantly recognised Timothy being accompanied by his partner Tim, its strange but for some reason my first thought turned to having expected Timothy to be shorter but camera’s are deceptive and in real life he was much taller. After a period talking about every day things we moved on to the conversation of a HIV cure.

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The treatment developed in Berlin is a stem cell treatment that involves taking bone marrow from a donor who does not have the infection and transplanting it into the recipient who’s cells have been infected, clearly this is a physically draining approach having been used to treat certain types of cancer for years however in order to become a universal cure for millions of people living with HIV it would require one bone marrow donor per recipient, the mathematical odds of this being practical are astronomical.

Less clearly it took Timothy’s personal experience to see how mentally draining this type of treatment can be with him saying that had he not already needed a bone marrow transplant to treat cancer he possibly would not have went through with it, especially giving the amazing medication available to treat HIV nowadays that leads to a person being unable to pass the condition on as well as a normal long life expectancy. We spoke until dusk was upon us and then split for our respective dinner plans deciding to meet up again in the coming days.

At our next meeting we spoke of our intended plans for the coming year regarding HIV awareness, it was always during this line of topic Timothy’s face came alive with happiness and pride, for him responsibility did come with the territory of being the first of something, it was a responsibility he took serious, visiting venues around the globe to promote HIV awareness along with a cure, his selfless work started a debate not about if a cure becomes available but when it becomes

available.

The last time we met up was in Amsterdam at the 2018 International AIDS Convention where we were both speaking, as usual Timothy brought with him an energy of hope and determination. It was with honour he walked with the HIV torch in hand through the Dutch streets after it was lit for the first time ready to take place at every bi annual IAS conference. In 2019 another unknown person was cured of HIV at a

London hospital using a similar treatment, one that without Timothy being prepared to take the chance of being the first, would not exist today.

Sadly while the treatment worked in terms of curing HIV it was not as successful in treating Timothy’s cancer which returned, he died at his home in Palm Springs surrounded by Tim and the rest of his family on September 29th, leaving behind a legacy of courage, selflessness and love.

The work he undertook has created a lasting conversation about when a cure for HIV becomes available along with practicalities such as how it will be distributed, ensuring developing countries or marginalised communities have access to it.

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ART// GARETH GREENFIELD

GRAND GARETH

LANDSCAPE SCHMANDSCAPE! WHEN YOU THINK OF (Northern) Irish photography, where

photography into my work, as I find it important to get creative,

does your mind think of? Awk, are you thinking of wee

especially when I’m that stage of constant development and

landscapes? Aye, the typical agricultural natural beauty of the

willing to take fresh ideas, increase my equipment and present a

country. Spending the last 18 months learning photography, oh

...not a polish but a wax finish...yeah let’s’ go with that.

mummy, I’ve met an abundance of photographers from baby cake smashers, to horror to skateboarding. Now I’ve sort of

Obviously during this new age of Covid-19, wear a mask, stay

added myself into queer umbrella of camera work. I say camera

distant, sanitise all that stuff is really important, however my

work because I am a videographer first. One of the local bars

style of directing is spontaneous and at a fair distance already,

asked me to do a night doing photography for them and for

so not much has changed. I am the model that never was, so

the same night, a local drag haus, Haus of Falls, started up their

I end up posing as if I was the model and hope to get such a

own ball and wanted some sort of coverage for it.

model to mimic me. It’s really cool when I see it work but I wish I modelled more...

Comparing those images, 18 months ago, to now? Flip me there’s a massive difference. So understanding that I have a

Anyway, stay Covid-Free, and be grand!

unique perspective of this part of photography, I was able to expand into Brighton, UK to work with more drag artists

Instagram: grandgareth

there. Working with this nice variety of artists, I get to adapt of

SHOOTING FOR ONYA BECK’S TRIBUTE MUSIC VIDEO FOR KYLIE MINOGUE’S SONG ‘SAY SOMETHING,’ I WAS PRACTICING TEST SHOTS OF ONYA LYING ON THE FLOOR. I HAD RECENTLY INVESTED IN STREAK AND STAR EFFECTS IN CAMERA AND THUS CAME THIS DREAM-LIKE IMAGE OF A QUEEN LYING ON THE FLOOR BESIDE A POLE.

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ART// GARETH GREENFIELD

DANIEL TOOK ME TO A WONDERFULLY DERELICT BACK STAIRCASE AND I LOVED IT. PRAYING THE SENSOR LIGHTS WON’T TURN ON FROM THE OTHER RESIDENTS AS I DIDN’T WANT THE MODEL TO HAVE A SHADOW UNDER THE CHIN. ADDING TO THAT GRIMEY DERELICT VIBE, WAS TO TONE UP GREEN SHADOWS IN CONTRAST TO HOW SMART THE MODEL IS NICELY DRESSED.

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ART// GARETH GREENFIELD

WITH LITERALLY 15 MINS ON THE CLOCK BEFORE THERA’S PERFORMANCE, WE WERE JUST RUNNING AROUND THE GROUNDS OF ULSTER UNIVERSITY BELFAST’S HOPING FOR A FEW SHOTS. THIS IS ONE OF THE FINAL SHOTS WHERE WE RAN TO MAVERICK AND STOPPED UNDER THE PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY AND TOLD HER TO LEAN BACK AND MAKE A FACE. DIRECTING AT IT’S FINEST.

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ART// GARETH GREENFIELD

EDITED BY NATHAN MAGEE (INSTAGRAM: PAPERTREEEES) WE HAD ACCESS TO A PRIVATE GARDEN AND FOUND THIS LANTERN LYING AROUND AND IMMEDIATELY I GOT THE IDEA OF A LOST DRAG WARRIOR WALKING THROUGH A MISTY FOREST WITH FIREFLIES SURROUNDING THE LIGHT EMANATING AROUND THE MODEL. ALSO I’M LOW KEY OBSESSED WITH ‘FIREFLIES’ BY OWL CITY.

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OFFER // TITANIC HOTEL

premium Titanic Hotel Belfast’s es new nch waterfront hotel lau kage starting pac ay” taw “Gourmet Ge one night and from £290 per room for £450 for two nights. ideal for anyone • This new offer is culinary delights the oy hoping to enj fast this of the Titanic Hotel Bel autumn. ww.

• To book https://w om/ st.c elfa titanichotelb

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TITANIC HOTEL // GOURMET GETAWAY TITANIC HOTEL ON BELFAST CITY’S famed waterfront recently marked three years in business since first opening in 2017. The building itself was the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, the shipbuilders of the world-famous RMS Titanic. History aside, the hotel is fast becoming one of Belfast’s “must-do” locations when it comes to eating well in Belfast.

Conveniently located on Belfast’s “Maritime Mile”, an area that attracts tourists from far and wide because of its history and tourist attractions, Titanic Hotel Belfast stands majestically on the waterfront. The hotel itself has several dining options, namely the Wolff Grill, Drawing Office Two, and the upper Presentation Room, all of which are in use for food and dining purposes.

Titanic Hotel Belfast’s new “Gourmet Getaway” package is a chance to experience the tantalising dishes the kitchen is capable of serving, with Head Chef Nigel Mannion at the helm. The

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Gourmet Getaway experience will begin with a welcome plate and some delectable miniature drinks to accompany its arrival.

From there, you will unwind with a predinner cocktail in the elegant surrounds of Drawing Office Two, made by the hotel’s expert bartenders. After that, you can decamp to the hotel’s quaint and cosy dining room, known as the “Wolff Grill”, which was voted Ireland’s Hotel Restaurant of the Year in 2020. Here, you will be blown away by a stunning six-course tasting menu prepared by some of Northern Ireland’s most talented chefs. Plates include mouthwatering items such as Duck served with Fennel, Orange and Pine Nut and Beef fillet with Goats cheese, Horseradish, Mushroom and Beetroot. An optional wine pairing is available with this deal at £45 per person, each wine has been expertly selected to enhance your dining experience.

Guests availing of the Gourmet Getaway will sit down to a Titanic sized breakfast the following morning, overlooking the city’s famed docklands. Included in this getaway

is 24 hours complimentary car parking.

OPTION B: THE TWO-NIGHT GOURMET GETAWAY PACKAGE FROM £450 per room.

There is an option to enjoy a two night Gourmet Getaway which, on top of the above treats, also includes added perks such as a Sparkling Afternoon Tea for two on one of the days, a thirty minute heritage tour of the ‘heart of the yard’ hosted by our Concierge which will brief guests on the history of the Harland & Wolff headquarters and Belfast’s shipping industry, a Titanic sized breakfast each morning, a late checkout time of 1:00 p.m. and complimentary car parking for 48 hours.

Terms & Conditions Available on select dates Sunday - Friday.

Subject to availability.

LOVE // SHANNON & SAMARA

THE BIG DAY // SHANNON & SAMARA

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LOVE // SHANNON & SAMARA

SO TELL US HOW YOU MET, WERE YOU SINGLE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU STARTED DATING? SHANNON: We met once before but only briefly which lead samara to add me on Facebook I have a flower shop so it mainly started there when she bought flowers off me for her mum and granny which I thought was normal, I found out later she had never bought them flower before meeting me lol I was with someone else and me and samara became close friends and she helped me through a very hard time which led to us spending a lot of time together & then we ended up never being apart from then on, I’ve never met someone like samara before and I knew we would play a big part of each other’s lives, I just didn’t know how big that was going to be.

Samara had her flight ticket bought for Australia her visa & job set up when we met, I told her I would wait the year but samara told her family on Christmas day she wasn’t going they were so happy and supportive of her decision and of course I was over the moon she was staying.

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DATING DID IT TAKE TO POP THE QUESTION, WAS IT AN IMMEDIATE YES? SAMARA: We met for 2 months and after

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that on Jan 14th Shannon asked me to be her girlfriend of course I said yes and was in shock she had even asked me then 6 months after in June the 28th I had already picked the ring in her favourite antique shop and a few days before we went for a drive, some food in north 55 and then went to the beach, Shannon’s Granda told them he used to own and I asked Shannon take some pictures of the view and I wrote in the sand will you marry me she shouted I’m going to pee and then she screamed yes of course I will.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY, LOCATION, NUMBER OF GUESTS ETC. WAS IT PLANNED PRE COVID, HAD YOU TO ALTER MANY THINGS? SHANNON: We had the best day ever!

I have never felt as happy in my life.

We got married in Orange Tree House Greyabbey thee most perfect venue, they were incredible and went above and beyond for us! We had started planning our wedding a few months after our engagement when Covid hadn’t made an appearance yet so we had a far bigger quest list originally which due to Covid we had to cut down to 80 of our closest family and friends we were so so lucky to have this as we got married on the Friday just before the new restrictions

came in on the Saturday putting it to weddings of 25 people then Monday 25 people and no reception. We had an original date we never changed it once I refused to change or cancel I just kept telling everyone our wedding will be going ahead just you wait and see & someone was definitely was looking over us because our day went ahead like I said just by one day and no more! The relief we felt just the day before our wedding when the orange tree gave us the go ahead to start setting up our flower’s we done our own flowers which I was so proud of me and my team. The only changes we had to make was we couldn’t of our band or live entertainment, but we had DJ Gaz set up & my friend Amy sang us down the aisle, everything was perfect from start to finish we were surrounded by love and support. We still were aloud our first dance which we choose Whitney Houston I want to dance with somebody and we owned that dance floor we said if we are only aloud one dance we are going to make sure we DANCED!!

YOU ARE ONE OF THE FIRST SAME SEX COUPLES IN N.I TO TIE THE KNOT, WAS THIS PLANNED OR DID IT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT? SAMARA: We already had our date booked before the law changed but we

LOVE // SHANNON & SAMARA

were so happy to hear that it had we were over the moon and very proud to be able to get married!

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD AND DRINK? SHANNON: Food & Drink thee most important part once we said I do. We had canapé’s & drinks straight after the service along with a dinky donut van! that was followed by a 3 course sit down meal we also had a caramel & Bischof naked wedding cake and then a hog roast by the spitting pig. In between there was tea and coffee in china teacups with shortbread just in case there wasn’t enough food. We took a shot of Guinness in memory of samara’s grandad jimmy.

The orange tree house had an app to order table service for all our drinks it was a little bit too handy and I think there was quite a few sore heads the next morning

WITH RESTRICTIONS WILL YOU GET A HONEYMOON OR ARE YOU PLANNING ONE FOR NEXT YEAR? SAMARA: We love our dogs too much to leave them for more than a night so we decided when we were planning it all we would buy a camper instead so they could all come with us whenever we wanted to go! So one day on the way home we spotted one so we pulled over to see it as we pulled in the owner was pulling out of his drive he shouted out its open jump inside, he seen the excitement on our faces so he stopped his car jumped out and chucked me the keys and told me to take it a sale! I been driving an automatic for the past year and a bit so going into a 1992 no power steering geared camper I was abet worried but Shannon said wise up you’ll be grand so off we went! we completely fell in love with it and paid a deposit straight away!

My dad is a mechanic he got it all done up for us for the wedding and Shannon the bridesmaids and the two mums went in Bowie the camper to the wedding!

IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIVE ARE YOU INTO THE SAME THINGS? WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE THAT ARE DIFFERENT? SHANNON: We have the same moral and values, but most hobbies expect for being around nature and being with our dogs are quite different. we spend most days with each other once I get home from work, I normally get home cook dinner then we head to the local forest or beach to let the dogs run wild. I enjoy yoga, embroidery and reading and watching movies samara loves playing the play station and loves fast car’s anything dangerous or fast samara is there for it. I just like being in my flower

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LOVE // SHANNON & SAMARA

shop and coming home to spend time with the dogs and doing creative things I’ve chilled out in my old age of 24 haha. We both enjoy movies, and she has turned me into a horror fan something I never thought i would be. We like random adventures together and glamping is what we do best!! We have an amazing group of friends and family we always spend time with but mostly together. our families and friends never know what we are going to be up to next and nothing would surprise them haha I love all my spiritual side of things all my sage and crystals like samara’s mum she used to laugh at her mum and now I come home and samara is walking around with burning sage I knew then I had got the right woman!

Samara LOVES food that would most likely be her favourite hobby eating though where she puts the food I’m not sure I look at a slice of cake I gain the weight she eats a whole cake and it wouldn’t show! she’s one of the lucky ones DO YOU DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER OR DO YOU LIKE TO KEEP INDEPENDENT? SAMARA: We both would spend most of our time together unless Shannon is working and even then I pop in to see her to have a coffee and help her out in the shop in any way I can which isn’t much but any help is appreciated! We have the best laugh with each other no matter what we do she’s my best friend soul mate and wife all in one so i love every minute I get to spend with her and of course the thee dogs Calla Odin and Athena! The only thing we don’t do together is when I get to play call of duty on the PS4 I’ll be blowing stuff up while Shannon is doing yoga or reading.

HAVE YOU A FAMILY, IS THIS SOMETHING ON THE PLAN FOR YOU? SHANNON: We just have the three fur babies Calla Odin and Athena, but we definitely want kids! That is one of the main reasons we wanted to get married and married a year after our engagement so we would have a wee while to travel in the camper while married before we start to make our family bigger, I always said if I had kids I would want to be married before having kids it was important to samara too so we got hitched and now can’t wait to get on the road in our wee camper making amazing memories to hopefully tell our kids. Samra would like a football team of kids but we have settled at three.

TELL US WHO MADE YOUR DAY POSSIBLE IN TERMS OF RINGS, FLOWERS, PHOTOGRAPHER ETC...

SAMARA: My beautiful wife made the venue stunning with the flowers everywhere no one could of done a better job than Shannon when it comes to flowers and everything else she planned and made it happen. Steven Neeson our photographer was absolutely brilliant! he is so so good at what he does! he was just like one of the family the whole day and night! I honestly could not fault any of our suppliers they all made our big day special from start to finish.

EIGHTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

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• Contains only plant based nutrients - and is the only food product available anywhere in the world which includes 100% of the RI of vitamin B12 in an organic form (all others are either in animal products or are synthetic).

• Contains a broad range of essential nutrients, which can be difficult to obtain from a plant-based diet, and was developed specifically for vegans and meat reducers.

• Contains no added sugar, no GMOs, no

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soy, no artificial flavours, sweeteners or flavourings.

Contains whole daily amounts of a range of functional ingredients such as turmeric, spirulina, ginseng, maca.

Is filling enough to replace a meal.

Is the most researched product in its category in the world, with two research partners Swansea University and Aberystwyth University.

100% of Human Food’s packaging is compostable, with their wrappers made from plant based cellulose.

as nutritionally dense and as unique. I’ve searched for a bar like this since going plantbased - not only addressing the macros - but also the micronutrients. All three flavours are delicious, satiating and full of superfoods that you might otherwise struggle to get on a daily basis.”

Practicing physician / certified in plant-based nutrition / Nutrionfacts.org Medical Moderator For more info or to order visit www.humanfood.bio

Dr Hamed Kamali “I haven’t heard of anything

EIGHTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

THE RAINBOW PROJECT // STAYING SAFE

STAYING SAFE

THIS FESTIVE SEASON ADVICE FROM THE RAINBOW PROJECT

WHETHER IT’S GRINDR, SCRUFF OR Tinder, there’s nothing unusual about using a phone app to find dates and hook-ups.

Thousands of people use these apps everyday in Northern Ireland and the vast majority without any incident – but in recent months a number of gay/bi men they met on dating apps have been blackmailed and had their intimate photos circulated to friends and colleagues, the need to be cautious is real.

In the time of writing this article, COVID-19 is still happening. We are advising that you stay at home and minimise your contact with others to stop the spread. But if you are going to hook up, we are advising you to hook up safely with others and, if you can, avoid sexual conduct with those

EIGHTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

exhibiting symptoms, which include fever and a cough. COVID-19 is spread through touching infected surfaces as well as from coughing or kissing.

In recent years, we have seen gay/bi men in Northern Ireland be targeted by so-called ‘paedophile hunters’ over the Grindr app.

These vigilantes create fake accounts to entrap gay/bi men by asking the person to engage in sexual conversation and swapping pictures. If you’re talking to someone online, ask them their age or ask them to send other social media accounts to prove who they are. If you think you may be communicating with someone under the age of 18 on an app, report it to the app or police.

I don’t want to be the Christmas Grinch telling you not to hook up because of COVID-19 or safety concerns. I just want you to be safe and think about it before you hit send on that message. The majority of people on apps are just like you: looking for hook-up, possible romance or someone to hang out with. It’s a lot of fun to engage in online chats or play, but you need to be aware of the potential privacy risks that come with apps such as Grindr.

It’s exciting to meet someone new — even if you know it’s not going to last. Whether you’re looking for some casual sex or are just looking to send some naughty photos back and forth – here is a few things to keep in mind. Not every person who is on these apps is a real person.

THE RAINBOW PROJECT // STAYING SAFE

IMAGES If you are sharing pics or video online, ask the age of the person you are chatting with and get their consent before you send that pic!

Only send intimate pics or video to someone who you trust – once that image is out there you have no control over it. Once the photo is in their possession, control is theirs. Do you trust them? Ask the recipient for pics – if they are not legit it is unlikely they have more pictures to choose from.

Keep your face and other identifying features out of the frame of the image, don’t forget to check the background of the image so that your work uniform, badge etc are not visible.

DON’T SHARE PRIVATE INFORMATION When chatting with them don’t share private information like your password, addresses, place of work or your bank information.

CHAT BEFORE MEETING Ask for their phone number or ask for a facetime call – most people who are looking a hook-up are happy to have a brief chat before meeting up in real life. During this chat you can talk about what you want to do before (sexually) meeting and discuss protection etc. This isn’t pushy or too much work, simply a chat about what you plan to do together.

TELL A FRIEND! Tell some-one what you are planning to do Send a friend a text to let them know you’re going out for a hook-up, and if they don’t hear from you in a few hours or see any movement, they should find out what’s up!

MEET THEM IN A PUBLIC SPACE Meet them somewhere in public – granted this was easier before the time of COVID-19. But even if it’s a hook-up, it’s best to meet them outside in a park, close to their building or at location in the town/ city centre.

This meeting will help you figure out if they are legit and just because you planned to do things with them sexually before meeting doesn’t mean you lose all sense of autonomy the moment you meet them.

If it doesn’t feel right, you always have the option to get the hell out of there. TRUST YOUR GUT! There is plenty out there and it is not worth risking your safety and emotional wellbeing for a casual hook-up.

SAFE SEX AND TESTING We’re not here to judge, only to help! As long as the sex that you’re choosing to have is consensual, pleasurable and all parties consider the wellbeing of those involved, then I’m not going to be concerned about what sex you’re having or even who you’re having it with. Take care during sex – use condoms or lube, wash and clean sex toys before and after play.

The Rainbow Project is funded to provide LGBT individuals with access to free Safer Sex Packs in Northern Ireland. You can receive a pack by simply filling out the form on our website and you will receive your pack within 2 weeks.

To protect yourself from STIs, it’s best for you or your partner to wear a condom especially if you’re having anal or vaginal sex. Remember that you can get PEP for free at any A&E in Northern Ireland to dramatically minimize your risk of contracting HIV if you’ve had unprotected anal or vaginal sex. For PEP to be effective you need to start taking it within 72 hours of having unprotected sex, the sooner the better!

If you want to eliminate your risk of contracting HIV altogether then you can access PrEP (a drug you take daily or before and after you have sex) via the NHS or buy privately online at www.iwantprepnow.co.uk.

Remember that the NHS PrEP clinic is only beginning to resume after being on hiatus due to COVID so returning clients have priority first.

judgemental rapid HIV & syphilis testing at our Belfast and Foyle centres Monday to Thursday 10AM-5PM by appointment.

This is to limit the amount of contact we may have with clients outside of the actual testing process (AKA, taking your finger prick blood sample).

Please contact Leo Lardie by phone (028 90 319 030), text (079 04 864 861) or e-mail (leo@rainbow-project.org) for more information on PEP, PrEP and sexual health or to book a rapid test.

REPORT THINGS It is unlikely that you will be the victim of abuse or blackmail while using the apps.

However, I would encourage any person experiencing any issues, then report it to the PSNI and if you don’t feel that you are able to, tell us!

Tell us what has happened, we need to stop people abusing the systems and apps. We need to have fraudsters and blackmailers reported to the police. By reporting them, means this can stop them harassing or hurting someone else. Just because you met someone who has targeted you on a dating/hookup app doesn’t make the abuse or crime any less real.

The advocacy service has been put in place to support victims who naturally and understandably are fearful of the consequences to themselves and the perpetrators of homophobic or transphobic hate.

Should you need to speak to someone – please contact Aisling Twomey, Advocacy Officer on 02890 319030, Text 07904 864957 or email advocacy@rainbow-project.org .

Happy Holidays from The Rainbow Project – Be safe, be smart and most importantly have a GAY AULD TIME!

We provide free, confidential & non-

EIGHTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

SLEEP OVER // CURRAN GATE LUXURY APARTMENTS

SLEEPOVER // CURRAN GATE HI HO HI HO IT’S OFF to the North Coast we go… To be more precise we headed to the beautiful exclusive Curran Gate apartments in Portrush I must confess my last visit to Portrush was easily 15 years ago when Kelly’s was the place to be, so I was super excited to get back and spend some time with family albeit limited due to our dear friend COVID. In actual fact I believe this review was destined to happen when it did, and I shall happily tell you why.

Firstly, a little overview on Curran Gate direct from the people who know it best Our Luxurious oceanfront apartments offer breath-taking views over the North Atlantic and Royal Portrush Golf Club. Constructed in Lazy S design with Duplex apartments on the ground floor, luxury rooms on the third and fourth floors and out of this world Penthouse apartments on the fifth floor.

That little paragraph had so sold, ok so let us delve in and tell you more. Our review took place slap bang in the middle of our circuit breaker, had we planned to visit a regular hotel our stay would have definitely

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not went ahead hence why I said in opening that this was perfect timing. Times are tough for individuals and businesses therefore this opportunity could not have come at a better time as we all need time physically and mentally away from Covid.

With restrictions in mind I invited my family, 5 of us all headed off from Co. Armagh in one

car, as you can imagine roads were particularly quite so the drive took us around 90 minutes.

Thanks to satnav we had no problems at all with directions.

We arrived at approx 1pm, Deirdre the owner was there to greet us and show us around, we were all instantly in awe, I’ve have had the pleasure of staying in many

SLEEP OVER // CURRAN GATE LUXURY APARTMENTS hotels though nothing quite as unique and grand for a handful of guests, am sure you will agree by the pictures the place is super stylish and modern. Often with pictures the photographer knows how to bring the best out in a space, in the case of Curran Gate I can honestly say the rooms are equally if not more stunning and grander in real life.

The apartment had 3 bedrooms, 2 doubles and 1 King size bedroom with an ensuite, obviously I thought it only fair to opt for the larger room lol, though all rooms were impressive. The next thing to catch our attention was the views WOW, the sliding doors off the bedroom and living room opened to a large balcony which overlooked the beach, simply gorgeous At this stage It would be a sin not to back track and discuss Deirdre and all the extra things provided at Curran Gate to make a stay memorable. Deirdre was lovely, such a welcoming person it was evident they go well beyond the norm. On their website it says, “Our friendly concierge service is available for each apartment so whatever you may need, someone will be on hand to help”.

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wheaten bread.

The Fridge was stocked with Milk, Cheese, Ham, Butter and loads of other unexpected things.

In the Cupboard they had a selection of tea’s, Coffee’s, Condiments, cereals, eggs and much more.

On the bench there was a beautiful wicker picnic basket filled with Crisps, Chocolates, Nibbles and Wine Where would you get service like it? And it doesn’t stop there, while we settled in and enjoyed some of the above goodies for lunch, Deirdre returned with another member of staff carrying a tray of cocktails and mini deserts. Beautiful Daiquiris with edible straws and an individual trio of desserts with portion of honeycomb ice cream, fresh strawberry and a mouth-watering chocolate.

Curran Gate and Deirdre, you have blown us away!

Ok, so a little more about the facilities, cooking enthusiasts will be delighted though

SKY TV including Sky Sports, Wi-Fi, phone and underfloor heating.

Oh, and one particularly important thing to mention, all apartments are accessible by lift and wheelchair friendly.

As I mentioned our stay was during the circuit breaker so we couldn’t enjoy many of the amazing things Portrush and the North Coast have to offer.

The Causeway Coastal Route is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and fuchsia-edged clifftop paths.

Absorbing this epic landscape from the car is wonderful, but the other senses could be missing out! And on the doorstep, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit such as Royal Portrush Golf Course, The Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle and Old Bushmills Distillery Our plan was to spend the night in, Deirdre again being the host with the most recommended local restaurants who offered a takeaway service. We enjoyed a lovely evening catching up, consuming way too much wine and playing games into the wee hours, oh and we also ordered an Indian from one of Deirdre’s recommendations.

We all slept wonderfully am sure that was a combination of excess vino and the soothing noise from the waves.

It goes without saying we had the most amazing time, yes it was short lived and yes we couldn’t do all we wanted though this means we will have to return and yet again take in the amazing service offered by Curran Gate Apartments.

Thanks again Deirdre and staff, we cannot give a higher recommendation Review by Daniel May Reviews from prior guests: “So nice!!! Best place I’ve stayed! Everything is beautiful and well planned. The lazy S shape of the building makes the interior rooms interesting. The acoustics of the room are relaxing.”

This statement could not be truer though I would be incredibly surprised if any guests need to contact them as the have everything you can think of pre-arranged and then some.

Forgive me if I forget a few things though I will give you a few examples: • The Kitchen table was set with an array of fresh tray bakes, pastries, biscuits and

not surprised to hear the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with all the latest gadgets and every utensil you can think of.

No two apartments are the same, each uniquely designed and flawlessly finished, no expense has been spared when it comes to furnishings or furniture, can I move in please lol. Everything is finished to a high specification, smart technology throughout,

“The views are great. You can see the Golf course, the beach, downtown. The gated parking lot is great, especially when events are happening, and parking is sparse.”

Curran Gate Luxury Apartments 115 Causeway St, Portrush www.currangate.com +44 28 7772 5466

EIGHTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

RECOMMENDED // MARTY KEARNEY

RECOMMENDED // MARTY KEARNEY WHAT TO WATCH...

WANDAVISION // Alas phase 4 of the Marvel cinematic universe is upon us and it’s about bloody time may I add. WandaVision was never intended to be the first release of Phase 4 but due to the pandemic, the Scarlet Johansson led Black Widow was pushed back along with its follow up The Eternals, It wasn’t even to be the first Marvel show for Disney+, that was to be The Falcon and the Winter Soldier but in no way am I complaining and I’m looking forward to its release of Jan 15th. I wonder will all 6 episodes be dropped all on the same day are will I have to wait weekly to see my favourite Avenger the Scarlet Witch in her very own “sitcom” yes that’s right WandaVision will be a sitcom. That said I have no doubt in my mind this is one of Wanda’s alternate realities and over the course of the series things will take a sinister and darker tone as this is a direct lead in to Doctor Strange in the multiverse of madness. One of the things I’m looking forward to most about WandaVision is finding out how Kat Dinning’s Character Darcy Lewis, last seen in Thor : The dark word comes into play, along with a now grown up Monica Rambeau (the daughter of Carol Danvers best friend Maria Rambeau who we last seen in 90s era Captain Marvel)l. Disney+ for me so far has been a bit of a disappointment with its contents, here’s hoping with the release of WandaVison it will become worth the subscription fee.

ADULT MATERIAL // I came across this show by accident and I’m so lucky that I did as its one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. And it’s not too often I get into a British drama but with 4 parts it wasn’t long before I was wishing for this mini – series to be a full blown 24-episode season that would air on our screens for years. Adult Material follows Mum of three Hayley Burrows whose alter Ego Jolene Dollar is one of the UKs biggest porn stars (imagine Katie Price but only likeable). When Jolene take a “new girl “under her wing it isn’t long before her professional life and personal life start to fall apart in an all about eve style way. This show has comedy elements to it and there is an odd couple story line as a disgraced politician against the porn industry comes to Jolene’s aid and becomes her solicitor in a defamation case, that being said It gets very dark and twisted very quick and the acting especially from the lead Actress Hailey Squires from I Daniel Blake gives one of the best “fall from grace” performances I have ever seen.

Her one liners and sassy come backs will have you cheering and clapping for her while her cries for help will have your eyes filling up and watching her struggle while trying to hold it together you will learn she becomes very relatable. You could watch this show over and over. Get on you More4 app and watch this now. Thank me later.

NINETY // GNIMAG.COM

RECOMMENDED // MARTIN KEARNEY

DAWSON’S CREEK // 90s Nostalgia double feature Netflix released two 90s mega hits early November. Sister Sister and Dawson Creek. Sister Sister has even been ranked in the top ten and I’ve watched a few episodes and I’ve come to the conclusion Lisa was a drag queen trapped in a strong independent black woman’s body, but Its Dawson’s Creek that I have great love for. Dawson’s creek back in its day was a big deal, it caused a lot off controversy with its over sexualised plots and to mature for its target audience storylines, which in-fact today no one would bat an eye lid, it had its one language “creek speak” ( I still don’t know what the mean half the time”) and gave us one of the first non-camp gay characters’ on prime time TV with Jack McPhee. It paved the way for other teen shows such as One Tree Hill and The OC and, in my opinion, it is a much superior show that today’s mega teen drama Riverdale. (sorry not sorry). It also made household names of its 4 main stars James van der Beek, who still pops up now and again and was seen in first season of Pose. Katie Holmes was made even more famous for marrying then divorcing Tom Cruise still has a solid career most recent she stars in the movie version of The Secret the worldwide best seller. You can catch that on Netflix. Joshua Jackson has been a permanent fixture on TV starring in long running shows such as Fringe and The Affair not to mention he has appeared in some great limited series Little Fires Everywhere, When They See Us where and the upcoming Dr Death but it is Michelle Williams

who has went on to be a Hollywood sensation nominated for 4 Oscars for her roles including Brokeback Mountain and Manchester by the sea. She won a golden globe for portraying Marylin Monroe in My week with Marylin and won a prime time Emmy for best actress in a limited series last year for the part of Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon , not to mention she’s appeared in in some Hollywood blockbusters Shutter Island, Oz the great and powerful., Held a tune in The Greatest Showman and plays the female Lead in Venom and its upcoming Sequel. Can you tell I’m a Shelly Williams fan? If you lot are looking for a new show to binge that will get you through the winter months, then look no further than Dawson’s Creek. Opps can’t write about Dawson’s without mentioning the best character, yes even better than Shelly’s character Jen Lindley was her Gramps Evelyn, who had the best growth of all of them from a god-fearing Christian to champion for the gays.

HOLIDATE // I am not really a fan of Christmas films I think it’s because most of them come out in October. October /November is not Christmas, but I am looking forward to this one and I’ll tell you why. It’s because this one features Jessica Capshaw. Who? I hear you say. Jessica Capshaw played Dr Arizona Robbins my third favourite character in my all-time favourite show ever like ever! ever! Greys Anatomy and this is her first gig from she was wrongfully written out of the greatest show ever. I admit I haven’t watched this “Christmas film” yet, you know with it not actually being Christmas and all that.

I am saving it for when I put my tree up in DECEMBER. And when I see put tree up, I really mean take the 2-foot thing out of its box and plug it in. Holidate stars Emma Roberts the only single in her family, sick of being judged she meets a chap who is also the only single in his family, so they agree to be each other’s dates for family Holidays and functions. Yes, its sounds predictable and not very original but did I tell you Jessica Capshaw is in it.

Merry Christmas to all our Readers and here is hoping next year is a much better fun happier year and the movies that we missed out on get released and you can look forward to reading all about them here.

NINETY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

ANTHONY COOLEY // FITNESS

BYE 2020 HELLO 2021 // ANTHONY COOLEY

PERSONAL TRAINER AT DEDICATED FITNESS BELFAST

MAINTAINING A POSITIVE MINDSET AS THE YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE So here we are, it’s already November!

I can’t believe I’m even saying that, where has this year gone? I think It’s fair to say that it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster year, despite being stuck at home for a lot if it. With lockdown restrictions still in place for most of us and heading into what is the most festive time of year, I think it is more important than ever to just take a step back from everything that has happened and use this time to reset and refocus for the new year ahead of us. Ive heard a lot of people say that 2020 has been a complete write off, but it doesn’t have to be. For me, 2020 has taught me a lot of things, one being that nothing is ever set in stone, things can flip on their head in an instant. My personal training business was doing very well at the start of the year and now heading into the end of this year things are certainly a lot quieter for me. This is a familiar story for a lot of us, many have lost their jobs or are unable to work due to the pandemic. There is certainly a lot of uncertainty going forward and it’s very easy to feel a sense of negativity in our lives.

So what can you do about this?

Well, you can choose to either let it bog you down, or you can choose to pick yourself up, reset and start over. Now I know that’s easier said than done but taking time out to reflect on what has been a very tumultuous year for us all is a good starting point. So from here on in, I for one am going to start seeing things in a more positive light.

Christmas can be a joyous time for many with the joy of gift giving, seeing friends and family. Hopefully if all goes to plan, we will finally be allowed to see loved ones, reconnect and share stories of how our year has been. This thought alone is what I keeping me going. So I ask you, what is it that you are most looking forward to by the end of the year? Whatever it may be, even if its something really simple as long as it puts a smile on your face, its a really good start in creating a more positive mind set for yourself going forward. Now whilst on the topic of Christmas, I just want to bring attention to something that is gravely important at this time of year. This period for many can be a really miserable time. Spare a thought for anyone who may not have family or friends that they can go see. Or you may know someone who has lost a loved one recently. You have no idea how a simple text or phone call can make the world of difference to someone in that situation. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest impact, remember that!

And if you find that you are the one who is struggling mentally, there is absolutely no shame in reaching out to anyone and simply asking for help! You might be surprised to see how many people really care about

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you and your wellbeing. And if you would rather it was kept anonymous, there are plenty of charities out there waiting to take your call so please don’t suffer in silence at this time of year. Your mental health is just as important as your physical wellbeing, so take care of it all the same!

And what about physical health during this time of year?

I know for many gyms are either closed or you are still nervous about going. (All perfectly understandable concerns) Well don’t be too hard on yourself either, I think most of us have added on a few pounds over the past 6 months and again that is to be expected. Priorities have changed this year and I know for many that fitness has slipped down the ladder on that list. But hey, let’s not let the year go completely to waist eh? ( See what I did there?… Yeah, Dad jokes.)

There is still a lot you can do from home, and at the very least try to get as many steps in as possible each day. If you have a bathroom upstairs, why not take to the stairs instead. Or if working at a desk, try to get up once every hour and move around for a bit just to get the blood flowing.

Walk to the shops, and get out for some fresh air if you can. (Weather permitting) Filling the lungs with fresh air and walking for at least 30 mins a day has so many amazing benefits to your lung capacity and your head, I cannot stress that enough. You will be amazed at how much more focused you will be with work if you can get out and clear that head for a bit.

Let’s talk about that diet also. Now, this is probably the absolute worst time of year to try and stay on the strait and narrow with your diet, with cakes, sweets and roast dinners coming at ye full pelt. Not to mention all the copious amounts of alcohol coming your way also.

Now I am not going to say avoid all of this because who in their right mind would say no to a roast dinner 4 times a week, am I right? All I am asking is that you just be a bit more sensible with what goes down the ol’ gullet. If you find you are struggling with extra weight, try to have smaller portions if you can. Don’t sit with a tin of celebrations on your lap whilst watching Tv in the evening. Instead have a small handful of your favourite ones and then put the tin away. Out of sight, out of mind remember! And with alcohol, never underestimate how many calories are In drinks, just because it’s liquid. Instead of guzzling down those alcopops opt to have a spirit with sugar free mixer. It will still give you that sweet drink craving but with a lot less calories. Listen, I’m not trying to be a killjoy here, but with the right approach you can still enjoy all the things this time of year has to offer without putting on those dreaded excess pounds.

And what about those New Years resolutions?

I know already that if the gyms are open, they will be rammed with

ANTHONY COOLEY // FITNESS

people for the month of January as most of you will have the best intentions to get fit. “ New year, new me” and all that. But come, February the drop off from this is always apparent. So why not get thinking about it now, tell yourself that this year is going to be the year that you finally do it, and stick to it!

And If you are lucky enough to receive a gift from a loved one this year, why not tell them to get you some snazzy new workout gear. You would be surprised to see how that alone will motivate you to get stuck into some training!

So, it’s Jan 1st and you are now thinking about stepping into the gym for what might be the first time in a while or ever. That is where I come in. I would absolutely love to help you on that journey by keeping you motivated to hit those goals you have always wanted but could never keep up due to lack of motivation and guidance. Lack of motivation is usually the deciding factor that prevents people from keeping up with their fitness programme. There is a perception that personal trainers are very shouty and scary, yes some are but the majority are not, me being one of them. Get in touch with me now as come January most PT’s are already booked up with enquiries and look out for my brand new training programme called “ Body Shy To Body Confident ” which is starting in the new year.

You can reach me via email: anthony_ cooley@icloud.com or on the social media apps if you search my name. I will be running new offers come the new year so a quick message can’t hurt to find out more right?

I will end by wishing you all a very happy Christmas and New Year and I very much look forward to seeing you in the gym in 2021.

Have a great one folks!

Anthony.

NINETY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

Be yourself Everyone’s welcome in our family

Fostering Northern Ireland.

Start your fostering journey with us. /AFCNIfostercare 028 9046 0500 actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 4764232. © Action for Children 2020. 1411.

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HELPING YOU TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE Make the first step in changing your life, visit www.carlislehouse.org 2-4 Henry Place, Clifton Street, Belfast, BT15-2BB Tel: 028 9032 8308, Email: carlislehouse@pcibsw.org

TRAVEL // PHUKET

THE SIS KATA // PHUKET WORDS: GAVYN ANDREWS

NINETY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // PHUKET

DESIGN LUXURY IN THAILAND AWAITS you in 2021 so stop dreaming and get booking today.

If you want something unique and exciting for your holiday plans for 2021 then look no further than the SIS Kata resort on the island of Phuket. Phuket to this very day is an ever adapting and changing Thai island which caters for many international markets with a key focus on wellness and luxury experiences.

Kata beach resort is no different and is situated around 15 minutes from the much larger and well known Patong Beach destination which houses Bangla Road and has a very party atmosphere.

Kata Beach however is a much more relaxed destination with a fantastic chilled out vibe with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. The beach offers excellent clean white sands with spectacular views and backs up onto coastal paths where you can often find many street traders throughout the day.

LGBTQ travellers can expect a true Thai welcome and can feel instantly at ease in this award winning unique destination. It does not matter if you are a single traveller or part of a group/family SIS Kata offers you the opportunity to be yourself and really enjoy Phuket and Thailand.

Once settled into the hotel and resort you will find what a fantastic destination you are in and what entertainment is on offer for you within both your resort and nearby.

Kata is only 10-30 mins from other resorts such as Karon with its vast white

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sandy beaches or the smaller Chalong and Rawi further south. The key point is that staying at the SIS Kata means that you able to maximise the opportunities of visiting some of Phuket’s key visitor attractions & events.

The ‘Stay in Style’ hashtag was the building block for the ‘The SIS Kata’ resort which opened in June 2017 nestled a few hundred metres up from the awardwinning golden sands of Kata beach.

Hashtag #stayinstyle was created before the resort name was thought of, so when it came to resort name brainstorming sessions, ‘SIS’ came along naturally.

Owned and developed by the local Pattaravoranee Phuketian family, ‘The SIS Kata’ was the dream child of the three Sisters who joined together in designing the adult resort with a local architect.

Having operated hotels and resorts since the late 90’s the family business dream

was to open a designer in-trend resort for young couples, singles and friends plus the LGBT market.

The family really have hit the mark with this resort since opening SIS Kata has won awards for ‘NOW Travel Asia Travel Awards - Best Design Resort’ by the NOW Media Travel Organization, ‘One of the Top 100 LGBT Resorts in the World’ by EXPEDIA and ‘Best Designer Resort – ASIA’ by the International Travel Awards readership.

The SIS Kata houses 124 guest rooms.

‘Style’ is the main focus on the interior design with emphasis on guests experiencing five senses whilst staying with us. I think the hotel really does gel luxury and funky style and suits the LGBT with all its little design quirks.

The ‘marshmallow’ beds; as described by

TRAVEL // PHUKET

past guests, boast 7-foot king beds with all the trimmings. Phuket is famous for pineapples which now form our ‘welcome pineapple pies’ produced by a local family. Curtains separating the sleeping and bathroom areas reduce the sound to enhance a perfect sleep. Bluetooth speakers, hi-spec coffee machines and 42’ inch smart TV’s complete the guest room set up as well as the expected safety deposit box. ELLE spa products are used as the guest’s bathroom amenities too!

Guests can choose from a variety of ‘views’ including garden rooms which incorporate large sized Jacuzzis on their balconies offering perfect privacy whilst enjoying fresh sea breezes. Pool view rooms and hillside rooms provide a more economical option whilst the partial sea-view rooms overlook the Andaman Sea and Kata beach. Also housing an on balcony Jacuzzi for two, the partial sea-view rooms really offer the best of the best in views! The top of the range SIS Suites provide that extra luxury of style plus panoramic views oversized Jacuzzi

plus loungers for two on their balconies!

The Crescent ‘infinity’ pool overlooks the Andaman Sea with some of the best sunset views anywhere on the island – views parallel to the famous ‘Leam Promthep’. Monthly DJ Pool Parties have made local headlines offering both local and international (once borders re-open) the chance to chill and enjoy views mixed with a local DJ sounds on a Saturday night enhanced with a three hour ‘free flow’ bar and buffet. Since opening, the Crescent pool has become one of the most popular photographed views on social media.

The Stella pool is the perfect swim for a romantic evening with the stars. Over 800 underwater LED lamps twinkling like stars during the evenings, the ‘SIS Over the Stella’ guest rooms surround the pool for extra peace and quietness. During the day, the Stella pool offers Muay Thai boxing classes plus other activities for guests to enjoy.

A renowned local Thai Chef de Cuisine joined the hotel team to develop the ‘Dine in Style’ concept. The resort’s signature ‘Twilight Sky’ casual dining experience takes the best in the views across the ocean with a fusion of local Phuketian cuisine with an international twist. Phuket has been awarded a gastronomical award by UNESCO so the hotel menus were created to incorporate this award with our style. Himalayan salt stones plus hot stones feature in the menus whilst locally sourced vegetables and fruits are used. Chef Yha as created some mouth-watering dishes using cooking methods herbs and spices of Southern Thailand and combining those with his international experiences.

Fit24 the Life Fitness equipped exercise room incorporating a quite reading room plus a separate games room; Moments tea and coffee corner enhance the resort’s facilities. Bossa-nova sounds can be heard as guests mull around the resort to further touch the senses whilst in house.

GNI Magazine is very happy to recommend you think about Stay in Style at The SIS Kata – and be welcomed as a guest and leave as a friend.

NINETY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

FAMILY // GAYS WITH KIDS

THE JOURNEY TO FATHERHOOD

BY JOHN STEIN The world’s largest community of gay, bi, and trans parents and prospective parents, has launched its Fatherhood Partner program, a new initiative for men seeking to embark on their journeys to fatherhood.

As part of the program, Gays with Kids has aligned with some of the world’s top gayfriendly IVF clinics and surrogacy agencies, as well as with key adoption/foster agencies at the forefront of LGBTQ+ family building. In addition to creating comprehensive instructional courses that outline each available option for creating a family, they are connecting prospective dads with the best LGBTQ+ affirming professionals who can help them fulfill their dreams based on their individual interests and budgets.

“Our unique history as the largest online community of queer dads and dads to be has allowed us to work closely with a handful of the most proven and experienced LGBTQ+ family builders,” says David Dodge, GWK’s Executive Editor. “Our new Fatherhood Partners Program provides members of our community with free access to these experts to get everything they’ll need — resources, guides, educational courses, and more — to achieve their dream of fatherhood, regardless of their path.”

In vetting its Fatherhood Partners, GWK considered each organization’s reputation among consumers and industry peers; as well as their longevity, track record and LGBTQ+ expertise as demonstrated through participation in Family Equality Open Door and/or HRC All Children-All Families.

Each partner associated with the new educational platform is delivering their expertise as part of GWK’s completely free of charge curriculum.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with GWK on this new educational series for gay, bi and trans men interested in fatherhood,” says Sam Hyde, President and CEO of Circle Surrogacy, one of the Fatherhood

Partners. “This new platform is providing us with an unparalleled opportunity to connect queer men with the resources and education they need to build their families through IVF and surrogacy.”

“There are so many professionals to choose from, but for queer men, they are not all created equal,” said Molly Rampe Thomas, founder of Choice Network, a Fatherhood Partner focusing on adoption. “We are thrilled to be working with GWK to help educate prospective adoptive dads on how best to navigate the often-confusing adoption process, and connect them with LGBTQ affirming professionals.”

Additional surrogacy agencies in the Partners to Fatherhood program are Same Love Surrogacy, Simple Surrogacy and Worldwide Surrogacy. The IVF Clinics are California Fertility Partners, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Fertility Specialists of Texas and Reproductive Medicine Associates of Connecticut.

The adoption agencies include Amara, Extraordinary Families, Friends in Adoption and Spence Chapin.

For more information on the Fatherhood Partner program, visit www.gayswithkids.com and @ gayswithkids on all social platforms.

ADULT SHOP

Poppers, DVD’s, Toys, Clothing, Lubes & Better Sex! Misstique Belfast 27 Gresham Street, Belfast BT1 1JL

Opening Hours

Mon - Thurs 10.00am - 7.00pm Fri & Sat 10.am - 9.00pm LATE NIGHTS Sunday 12 noon - 6.00pm SHOP ONLINE:

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HERe NI empowers, supports and advocates for all lesbian and bisexual women and their families. Our vision is that all lesbian and bisexual women are visible, included and valued in all aspects of society.

23 -31 Waring Street Belfast | BT1 2DX Tel: 028 9024 9452 www.hereni.org hello@hereni.org @NIHERE

We provide regional LGBTQ+ youth groups across Northern Ireland, support for individuals, LGBTQ+ awareness training, community development, the LGBT Switchboard, and the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Schools Programme.

23-31 Waring Street Belfast | BT1 2DX Tel: 028 9089 0202 www.cara-friend.org.uk admin@cara-friend.org.uk. @Cara.Friend.NI @CaraFriendNI

SaIL provides support for trans people and their families. If you are a parent, grandparent, carer, sibling, friend or anyone who wants to talk about gender please get in touch. We are families who support families and we have a regional network of support workers and family members waiting to connect you to any information or support you need. We are here to help so that you know, you are definitely not alone.

GenderJam NI, the youth service provided by TransgenderNI, runs regular social get-togethers for trans, non-binary, questioning and intersex people aged 25 and under across Northern Ireland, with groups in Belfast, Newry and Derry.

51 Downshire Road | Newry | BT34 1EE Tel: 02895 320 023

info@genderjam.lgbt @GenderJamNI

Belfast Trans Resource Centre 98 University Street Belfast | BT7 1HE Tel: 028 9099 6819

info@sailni.com

The Rainbow Project is a health organisation that works to improve the physical, mental & emotional health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people in Northern Ireland. We deliver a range of services including Rapid Sexual Health testing and counselling.

23-31 Waring Street | Belfast | BT1 2DX Tel: 028 9031 9030 20 Strand Road | Orlan House Londonderry | BT48 7AB Tel: 028 7128 3030 www.rainbow-project.org info@rainbow-project.org @TRPNI @THERAINBOWPROJECTNI

We support and advocate for the human rights of trans people in Northern Ireland, through community building, leading campaigns for social and political change, working with government and the community sector to improve policy and inclusion, as well as providing direct support and advocacy to individuals online and through the Belfast Trans Resource Centre.

Belfast Trans Resource Centre 98 University Street Belfast | BT7 1HE Tel: 0300 302 3202 www.transgenderni.org.uk info@transgenderni.org.uk @TransgenderNI

OUT North West is an LGBTQ+ Youth Support Service for 12-25yrs. We are based in The Foyle LGBT Centre in Derry.

Orlan House | 20 Strand Road Londonderry | BT48 7AB Tel: 028 7128 3030