GNI MAG ISSUE 63 - Will Young

HILLSBOROUGH CASTLE AND GARDENS

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF NORTHERN IRELAND ONLY 20 MINS FROM BUZZING BELFAST.

A historic Georgian mansion with breathtaking gardens and regal interiors, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in County Down offers a jaw-dropping setting for couples seeking a wedding day surrounded with timeless elegance and beauty. Originally built as a home for Wills Hill (first Marquess of Downshire) and his family in the 18th century, today the castle is the official residence of the Royal Family in Northern Ireland and has served as a venue for various stages of the Irish Peace Process, playing host to monarchs, ministers, presidents and princesses. It’s our privilege to invite you to add your unique love story to this legacy.

From grand ceremonies in the Throne Room, to intimate vows in the Red Room, the castle’s romantic interiors with their silk-adorned walls and world-renowned artwork provide a majestic backdrop for saying “I do.” The castle is no stranger to lavish banquets and can host seated dinners for up to 80 people. For lovers of the outdoors, our stunning marquee sites offer the opportunity to create your own slice of heaven, set amongst perfectly manicured lawns, trickling water fountains, and pretty box hedges.

Our small but dedicated team of event professionals have 84 years of combined events experience at prestigious venues in Northern Ireland and across the water. They offer tailored services to ensure that each wedding is a true reflection of the couple’s love and individuality.

One lovely couple, Conor and Philip, recently tied the knot at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and shared their experience “During the organising of our wedding, we had the pleasure of working with many excellent and highly professional vendors and coordinators. The events team at Hillsborough Castle were exceptional in their knowledge, organisation, attention to detail, and overall commitment to our wedding’s success. We are extremely grateful to them for making the whole process so easy.’

We know that your story is unique, and it’s our joy to discover how Hillsborough Castle fits into it. Our goal is to create an unforgettable day for you and your guests, filled with cherished memories.

Contact our friendly Events Team today: T: 028 9268 1345

E: Hillsboroughcastleevents @hrp.org.uk

Historic Royal Palaces is a team of people who love and look after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world. We create space for spirits to stir and be stirred. We want everyone to feel welcome and accepted. We tell stories about the monarchs you know and the lives you don’t. We let people explore and we set minds racing. We are a charity and your support gives the palaces a future, for everyone.

Registered charity number 1068852. For more information visit www.hrp.org.uk

Credits

Daniel May Editor & Director

daniel@gnimag.com

Pauline Fitzpartick Commercial Executive

Joanne McKeever Commercial Assistant

Tony Day Design

Columnists

Gary Campion / Xand / Gavyn Andrews / Danny Malone / Martin Kearney / The Gourmet Boys / Martin Murray / Paul McAllistar / Scott Aldred / Tailor Maid

Thanks to:

Will Young / Pixie Lott / Charlie King / Travis Holp / Pretti Boi / Shane Gallagher / Melissa Stone / Josh Lefferson / Nicholas Eastman / On Mekahel / Frank Doll / Christopher Fragnito / Eddie Suarez / Dan Carter / Sam McConnell / The Rainbow Project / Hinge / The Outing / Four Seasons Carlingford / Equality Commission / Mountwear / Brecken Hill / USPCA / Galgorm Collection / Black Arts PR / Halestorm PR / Ragency / David Mahoney Communications / Project Publicity / LK Communications and those who submitted content.

Meet our columnists

Danny Malone Gavyn Andrews

Gary Campion Gourmet Boys

Martin Kearney

Paul McAllistar

Martin Murray

Scott Aldred

AN INTRO FROM THE CHIEF

I had already the intro to the magazine written prior to devastating news I received on Friday 9th August at 11.26am, my best friend ‘My Sharon’ suddenly passed away, I am in complete shock, I can’t get my head around it, honestly the most lovely soul, I dedicate this issue to you, I’m going to miss you so much xx

Here we are with Issue 63! Before we delve in a little update on moi!

My journey as a parent has hit a milestone, the wee man has been with me now 6 months however our future is very much on borrowed time as changes are afoot, it is unknown at this point how much longer he will be with me but regardless I will continue to offer him the best life I can, filled with love. I’m still holding out for a holiday, fingers crossed it happens late Aug or early September - watch this space.

Other news, my house sold within less than a week, though as this prints I’ve no idea when or where I am moving too, it is both nerve wracking and exciting.

My stage sabital is coming to an end, well it will in December, I have signed up for Panto on the run up to Christmas - will be 3 weeks of fun with the cast and team of Mr Hullabaloo, will share more in due course , can’t believe i’m already thinking about Christmas.

Baby news - my sister Linda is having her 2nd baby, at the big reveal we discovered a little boy was on the way, this will bring the running total of nieces/nephews to 11 xx

I am compelled to mention the riots that have been taking place of late. It makes me so angry and sad to see what these thugs are doing, destroying lives, properties, businesses etc. There is no place in society for uneducated individuals aimlessly causing havoc without any just cause. It needs to stop. Parents need to be responsible for their children’s actions, Community groups need to come together and everyone needs to unite.

Lastly please pop over to gnimag.com/awards to nominate for this year’s event in November - you can also read more info on pages 18+19

Right on to issue 63

The magazine is always a team effort though this is proba bly the first time I personally done all of the lead interviews.

First up Will Young, he has graced our cover now for a 3rd time, his tour sold out across the U.K and his new album is OUT NOW, we talked about all of that TikToc, Politics, Labels and much more, we had a lovely catch up.

Pixie Lott is also back, it’s 7 years since we last chatted, her new album is out 20th September, her first release in 10 years, you must pre order it ahead of the release. We also chatted about parenting, the voice kids, her musical endeavours with Made In Dagenham and plenty more.

And to complete the holy trinity of interviews was Charlie King - I was practically drooling while talking to him, what a beautiful man, heartbroken to hear he is in a relationship - knife right to the heart lol on a serious note it was such a great interview, we played games, he answered reader questions and we talked about everything from Towie to coming out 10 years ago on live TV, his mental & physical journey, Personal training, amazing fashion line and so much more.

This issue has not 1 not 2 but 3 fashion pieces we have teamed up with Bycharlesking, Mountwear and Pines Playwe feature their latest offerings.

Thrown into the mix is an array of features, articles from our columns and allot more to keep you entertained

Enjoy reading

Daniel May Editor and Director

WILL

young

HE IS THE FIRST POP IDOL , HAS RELEASED MULTIPLE CHART TOPPING ALBUMS IN SUCCESSION, EARNED TWO BRIT AWARDS, ACTED AND PRESENTED PROGRAMMES ON TV AND RADIO. HIS MENTAL HEALTH PODCAST ‘THE WELLBEING LAB’ HAS RUN FOR TWO SEASONS, AND HE HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED TWO BOOKS FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH ‘TO BE A GAY MAN’ AND ‘BE YOURSELF AND HAPPIER’.

If you haven’t guessed already, we of course are talking about Will Young. He is gracing our cover for a 3rd time, I caught up with him for to chat about his new album ‘Light It Up’ which is out now .

Interview by Daniel May

FAN QUESTIONS

Caitriona Corr asks would you ever do a Pop Idol reunion show or All Stars Tour? We were going to do a reunion show but sadly we lost Darius. We were going to do a 20th anniversary one but before that very sadly Ant lost his brother so we didn’t do it.

Gary Campion wants to know, from the Pop Idol alumni who do you feel has been most underrated and not shone to their full potential? I think Gareth was underrated. I think what he delivered in his style of pop was great and I think sadly a couple of things happened, one being pop music changed and I think Jordon damaged his career to be honest. I think it was very unfair. He was only a young lad and he got hounded a bit by her and it was just a bit unfair really. I think she bullied him, he was only young. So I think those two things underrated him.

Tina McKinney said - you have had a long and varied career, if you could change anything without consequence what would it be?

There is only one thing I would have changed. I did a video for a song called Grace and it wasn’t very good. I am very proud of my catalogue of videos, however I would re-do Grace as I think it stands out as not one of the good ones, which goes to show I

was pretty lucky with the people I work with.

INTERVIEW

I watched the election video you posted on TikTok, it was so funny. I lose hours scrolling sometimes, are you an addict or do you like to dabble?

I actually don’t know how to get on to my TikTok, I only have Instagram so I don’t really know what goes on in TikTok. But I know we had a big hit last week, because we did an acoustic version of Evergreen and that more than doubled my followers. I think it’s got about two million views, so we had a bit of a viral moment which is really fun, but I am still not sure what’s going on.

The general election is over and apparent change is afoot, are you happy with the decision and do you think Labour will turn things around? Well, I feel like it needs to be adults in the room now. If we use the car analogy I felt like there were spoiled, squabbling children with very sticky fingers because their hands had been in the toffee jar trying to drive the car - and now I feel like we have got adults in the room who actually maybe care about people. So from that perspective there has been a collective sigh of relief because it was just horrific. So yes, I am really positive actually and I think their transparency so far has been very refreshing. It’s great to see more Greens get in and not surprising to see maybe four or five people from Reform get in, but that’s people voting for that so that’s on them. Keep the transparency.

What is your take on ‘Coming Out’, is it a good thing for your people so they can relate to role models or should labels in general be redundant?

At the end of the day it comes down to the individual. You can’t force anyone to do anything and I suppose the sadness about some sports is, it is just whether people are choosing to be open because they are scared, that’s a different thing. I also think that it is undeniable that there are more openly gay people in various sports that would be nice to have that merit for people so they could say “Alright, well I could do that”. Maybe if you are gay you think well

I can’t become a footballer so I won’t do that. Just the same as there are areas of life where lots of people feel they can’t do things because of who they are may it be colour or religion. I think it can really only be a good thing to see. I would have thought by now we would have had an openly gay premier league footballer. If you had a person whose talent overrides that bigotry that could be promising. I think if you look at someone like Tom Daly, because he was so good, that probably helped.

In terms of labels in general, do you think there will be a day on the horizon where we are not LGBTQIA++++?

Labels are a really tricky one because labels are really important in some regards. For some people labels are very freeing and for others people it can make them feel restricted. For some people labels give them ammunition to attack, which we have seen very much with transgender people. So, I don’t think we should do away with labels, I just think it is how people utilise that label, because we are all labels really. I am a singer, I am an uncle, I am a human, I am a man, I am in my 40’s, the list could go on and on. Some people choose a label and that’s how they live and that is absolutely fine. For me, my label is just being a human.

Back in 2016 you joined the Strictly lineup though sadly decided to leave after 3 dances, what’s your take on the latest scandal, and in the future given the opportunity would you like a second go at it?

I was talking to Jamie Laing the other day and he left because he broke his arm or something, and he went back the next year. I suppose I left because of an internal injury not a physical injury so from that regard I could go back. Do I deserve another crack at it? Based on that I probably do. I think never say never, but my life is really busy at the moment. Going back to the bullying allegations, I am really pleased that it is now being addressed because I knew about stuff when I was on Strictly and I had a female competitor ring me in tears and she didn’t feel supported. I was actually very supported but I don’t know if she felt supported as a woman. It didn’t surprise me when it came out, I was actually really pleased. Because people thought I had a bad

time on the show, people would get in touch with me from previous seasons as well, all women by the way, and say what an awful time they had. But the thing is, I didn’t have an awful time with the show, I was treated really well, I just wasn’t very well.

I got a sneaky listen and I honestly love it, it brings you on such an emotional journey. After more than 2 decades in the music industry, what gets your creative juices flowing?

I don’t know is the honest answer. I think it is seeing other arts, may it be film or theatre and sometimes music. It depends if I think “Oh I could do that” or I worry that I am copying them so with music it depends. Because there are so many different creative areas in my job, I can see something and think “Brilliant, that is what the photoshoot will be”, or I will see a picture and think, “That is going to be my video”. To be honest it starts with the music. As soon as I get the music I can formulate it in my head, so the hardest bit is probably writing the music.

When we last chatted , you said the plan was for a 2022 album release, I wonder if ‘Light It Up’ includes tracks that you had ready back then?

I have always been writing and have always got bits and bobs going on. I know I have two or three songs for the next record already. I like to work and I know that at least one of them is a first single already.

I found myself listening to ‘The Worst’ and ‘Midnight’ on repeat, which song are you most proud of, and why?

I think those two songs are potentially the best on the album. I think ‘Midnight’ is a brilliant song and quite hypnotic. Those two songs are probably the most emotionally honest, so I am not surprised you picked those two.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from the new album?

I have this approach with anything, if I am doing a play or music, or maybe like a TV drama in a different way, is that it evokes some sort of movement. Either someone listens to it and goes “That could be me, I relate to that”, or they just enjoy listening to it when they are driving their car. As long as it evokes some sort of emotion or reaction I think that is the idea of it really. Someone might just like listening to it when they are doing the washing up or another person might be able to really relate to it.

I love the video for ‘Light It Up’ . In fact I love the various characters and emotions you portray in all of your videos. Do you get involved with the concepts? Most of the time it has been someone else’s vision, but I am probably getting more and more involved in the videos. I

have directed two videos for this project. ‘Midnight’ wasn’t really a full video and then another one is coming out. ’Falling Deep’ I wanted it to be like chorus line and ‘Light It Up’ I had seen something and I thought “OK that’s interesting” - I wanted to slightly mix it with The Joker, which was the inspiration for that.

In ‘Light It Up’ there were all raised fingers and jazz hands, was that your idea?

No, Harry Price who I have worked with for the last few projects, had the idea for movement. What he found was this repressed joy wanting to come out, but there was a bit of a clash. That is when we found little movements - I like doing that, it is really fun.

Your tour kicks off on 3rd September and you have dates right through till 4th December, are you excited about getting on the road?

Yes, I can’t wait. It is sold out which is brilliant, I love that feeling. I just really like the routine, I love singing so whenever I get to sing it is just absolutely great and so much fun. I get three weeks on and then a week off, so it is long but it is very doable. I have also never done a tour like this as I am deliberately performing in smaller venues, it is just me and a piano which will be really good fun. It is more intimate and gives the audience something different and because we are going to so many different places, people don’t have to travel as it is pretty much near peoples towns or in their town.

Final thought or word of wisdom for anyone struggling with their mental health or identity?

I think it is about being open and finding the right person to open up to. Someone that is going to validate you and not ignore your feelings or invalidate your feelings. Find someone who is going to properly hear you and just listen and not try to fix and change you, just empathise and support - that really is the key.

Will, thank you so much for taking the time to talk it has been lovely

‘Light it Up’ is OUT NOW, you can purchase it via willyoung.co.uk

THE RAINBOW PROJECT

This past month or two has come with high highs and low lows for our community and for marginalised communities across Northern Ireland.

Belfast Pride was a beautiful and joyous event, with thousands coming out in support of LGBTQIA+ equality. The streets of Belfast were lit up with Pride flags, filled with the sounds of jubilance, celebration and peaceful protest for a better future for Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ communities. Placards featuring demands for more inclusive education, better care for trans people, reducing HIV transmissions, ending hate crime and banning conversion practices were sprinkled throughout the march, and it all went off peacefully, with attendees going about their evenings and having a ball in various parties and clubs throughout the city.

The following weekend saw Belfast reach one of its lowest lows since the Troubles. In stark contrast to the joyous, progressive and inclusive scenes of Belfast Pride - and the beautiful sights of Portrush’s first ever Pride rally taking place at the same time - racist and Islamophobic rioters gathered across Belfast city, converging on Royal Avenue. There they were confronted by a massive counter-demonstration focused on sending the message that migrants, refugees, and all those from minority ethnicities and religions are welcome in Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Despite this impressive show of resistance against racism, which Rainbow was proud to support and several of our staff attended, the mob made their way towards the city’s most ethnically diverse region - the Botanic and Ormeau areas of South Belfast - where they enacted heinous violence and intimidation. Shop windows were smashed. Cafés and supermarkets were burnt out. Barbers, with clients still in their seats, were targeted and projectiles lobbed through their open doors. Racist mobs ravaged several areas in South Belfast late into the night, with the sole aim of inciting and carrying out violence against ethnic minority communities in Belfast, making them feel unwelcome and unsafe in their own city.

This violence and intimidation cannot go unanswered by progressive communities across Belfast, and particularly by LGBTQIA+ communities. Many of the people who are out hurling racist abuse and targeting businesses and spaces run by or frequented by minority ethnic communities are the same people who target and harass LGBTQIA+ communities. Many of those in the media and political sphere who have been stirring up hatred against migrants and refugees are also responsible for stirring up hatred against trans people in particular and LGBTQIA+ communities more broadly.

The violence we’ve seen demonstrates quite clearly the impact of this inflammatory rhetoric on communities on the ground, which LGBTQIA+ people know all too well. For years we’ve seen, almost in tandem, a ramping up of anti-migrant/refugee rhetoric - with Government ministers using terms like ‘invasion’ and an unending media focus on boat crossings - as well as anti-trans/LGBTQIA+ rhetoric - with trans people being portrayed as impeding on women’s safety and the relentless targeting of gender affirming care. In both cases, a purported ‘threat to children’ is consistently weaponised and already marginalised minority communities are scapegoated for many very legitimate issues facing the country and all communities within it, such as failing health services and a lack of social homes. Migrants and refugees, minority ethnic communities, and trans and LGBTIA+ communities are impacted by these societal failings in acute and heightened ways, many without a platform to resist this misinformation and prejudiced rhetoric.

The impact of this is felt even more keenly by LGBTQIA+ people of colour, particularly refugees attempting to navigate the convoluted and discriminatory asylum system. A report launched by Rainbow Refugees NI, a group established to advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ refugees and provide a safe space to meet others like them, highlighted the monumental failings affecting LGBTQIA+ refugees in the asylum accommodation system. The systemic and interpersonal violence experienced by LGBTQIA+ refugees in asylum accommodation is unconscionable, and requires all of us to work together across sectors to create a fairer and more just asylum system.

It’s clear: the struggle for racial justice and LGBTQIA+ equality are interlinked and intertwined, and we cannot have one without the other. However, even if this clear overlap did not exist, it would remain incumbent on all of us to make our voices heard and to stand against the aggressive racist rhetoric and violence being perpetrated within our own communities across Belfast, and to work towards equality, inclusion and justice for all marginalised communities.

We also must acknowledge that LGBTQIA+ people of colour face racism often from within our own community, while at the same time facing racist and anti-LGBTQIA+ discrimination in intersecting ways outside of it. We know that, within our sector, there is a body of work to be done to ensure that LGBTQIA+ people of colour feel safe accessing services, attending social events, and joining organisations or groups. Too often LGBTQIA+ people of colour do not feel sufficiently welcomed into our communities. This needs to change, and everyone within our communities deserves to feel included, respected and represented.

This inclusion cannot be a tokenistic exercise, and must be a consistent and ongoing approach to ensure that both our campaigning work and services are anti-racist, working towards a better Northern Ireland for all LGBTQIA+ people, including those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We remain committed to that work, and it is vital that everyone within our communities recommit themselves to this in light of the horrendous violence we’ve seen on the streets of Belfast in recent weeks.

No amount of words in the pages of this magazine can summarise or do justice to the pain and fear felt by ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland, nor can they provide comfort or solace to those communities in the wake of this violence without appropriate action to back them up. However, it is my firm belief that these racist actions and groups are not representative of the views of people across Belfast or Northern Ireland. We cannot allow this small minority to intimidate communities, spread fear, and drive people out of this city.

If you have experienced a hate crime, the Hate Crime Advocacy Service is there to help. The Rainbow Project, Victim Support and the Migrant Centre can support you whether or not you wish to report to the PSNI. Our LGBTQIA+ Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Officer is also here to provide support, a listening ear, and to help you find community and safety in Belfast. GEG, our Gay Ethnic Group, provides a space for those within LGBTQIA+ communities from an ethnic minority to meet other folks with similar experiences, while the aforementioned Rainbow Refugees NI are there for those who are navigating the asylum system to meet others and build up their social circles in Northern Ireland.

Through these services and through supporting organisations across communities, we’ll continue working to build what is needed most at times like this: support, solidarity and community.

WE THOUGHT WE COULD BREAK THE ICE WITH A LITTLE GAME OF WOULD YOU RATHER

Always have to sing instead of speak or dance everywhere you go? I would always rather have to sing instead of speak

Have the ability to teleport anywhere in the world or be able to time travel to any era?

Time travel to any era

Be stuck in a rom-com with your worst enemy or in a horror movie with your best friend?

Horror movie with my best friend

Be an extra in a hit movie or the lead in a box office flop?

An extra in a blockbuster movie

Have a constant clown nose or permanent clown shoes?

Permanent clown shoes

Always have to wear mismatched socks or always wear your clothes backward?

Mismatched socks

Have to live without your phone or live without your favourite food? Live without my favourite food ‘cause there loads of other ones that I like

Be able to talk to animals or speak every human language fluently?

Speak every human language fluently, I think. But they’re both very good

Be a famous villain in a movie or a forgotten hero in real life?

A forgotten hero

And lastly, name 3 celebrities dead or alive that you would invite to the ultimate dinner party.

I’m gonna say Joni Mitchell, because I’ve been listening to a lot of her amazing songs and songwriting to help inspire me for this album. Whitney Houston because she’s someone who I never got to meet or see live, and her voice was amazing and taught me a lot about singing when I was growing up and Marilyn Monroe for the stories that she would be able to tell of that time.

PIXIE LOTT

She is the epitome of a triple threat, we have been in awe of her smile, talent and friendly nature on The Voice Kids for years, she has sold millions of albums since her debut back in 2009 and racked up millions of followers across social media. Now she is back with new album Encino and a string of other projects. We of course are talking about the amazingly talented Pixie Lott.

Since we last spoke so much has changed, you are a mum to little Albert, how have you found parenting and what type of parent are you?

I love it. I feel like it’s the best thing ever. I’m a go with the flow type of parent, and I want Albert to have as many adventures as possible, and I just love him so much. I feel like that’s my everyday adventure.

Is this the first of many or are you happy with your family as it is now?

I hope it’s the first of many. I love big families and I come from a very close big family.

Is parenting easier or harder than you imagined and what is the one piece of advice you would pass on to others starting a family.

I’d say it’s easier but it’s also maybe a bit of both, because you just don’t realise the layers of it. I love sleep, so I thought the lack of sleep is what I would find terribly difficult because I also need sleep to sing, but that’s actually been absolutely fine. Thank the Lord. Even though my sleep is still broken, it’s fine as in, you just get used to it. And my voice is dealing with it so it’s all good in the hood. The easy thing is, you just want to do everything you can because you just love the little baby so much. And it’s crazy,like how you grow it in your tummy and it’s half of you and half of the person that you love. Also it’s so hard to prepare for. But the amazing thing is that you think, Oh God, I don’t know what I’m doing, but as soon as you become a parent the natural instincts take over so much that you’re just doing it before you even know you’re doing all the things like even just how you hold them, how you are with them. It’s just like such an instinct thing that just comes naturally.

We have to ask about The Voice Kids, ITV announced a break in 2024, did you know this was happening ?

Well, to be honest we only thought the voice kids was gonna be on for two seasons. Two years, and we did seven seasons. So it was so much fun. Full of laughter, fun and so much talent. I had the best, best time.

Will you go back as a judge/mentor if it does make a return ?

Absolutely. I loved being a mentor and just helping all the talent. Because it’s a world that I know so well. I grew up in and I love helping other people, especially in music. And I love helping people believe in themselves.

Tell us about McDonald and Dodds, people across socials were so shocked when they saw you in it, how did that come about and were

you a fan of the show prior to your appearance. Yeah, I also love acting. I was thrilled to be part of McDonald and Dodds, cos I think it’s such a brilliant show and the cast are amazing. The lead actors were so welcoming of me and the other guest actors in the show. It was a, you know, short film. It’s like 90 minutes, nearly two hours long. The director was fantastic. Everyone was just amazing. And I learned so much. I loved doing it. And I love acting, so there’ll definitely be more coming soon.

You did ‘Made In Dagenham’ for a one off show in the London Palladium. Did you enjoy it and do you ever see yourself doing a proper run in the westend? Oh and what show could you not say no to? - hanifest to the world

Made in Dagenham was so amazing. Definitely a learning curve because I had to learn the whole show in five days. We had a five day rehearsal period and then we had a sold out performance at the Palladium. And again, it’s working so closely with an amazing cast for a short period of time. And they were so talented and so kind to me. I love any project where I’m learning new things and to learn that amount of words in that amount of time was like nothing I’ve ever done before. Usually I have a lot more time, so I feel like it helped my brain expand a little bit more from just that experience. And also, it wasn’t long after I’d had my little Bubba, so I felt like it wasn’t even just going back and doing a normal show that I’m used to. It was going back and throwing myself in the deep end, doing something completely different that I hadn’t done before. But it was a really good thing to throw myself in that way, because then it felt like I could do anything after doing that. It was a great first job back and I loved it. I don’t know if I would be able to do a tour. I heard there’s a tour in the works but because now my album is coming out and I’m all guns blazing, focusing everything on that. But I related to the character loads, and I really found so much in Rita’s story that I loved. it’s about real people and real stories, and I love anything like that. So I’d love to help tell the story again in the future.

I read that later in the year you are in a festive movie called Christmas Karma , what can you tell us about the movie, your character and working with such a bonkers list of celebrities including Eva Longoria, Hugh Bonneville, Billy Porter and Boy George. That was a really fun project. I’m not sure if it’s this Christmas or next Christmas, but it was another working class character like I’d just done in ‘Made In Dagenham’. It’s a very heartwarming story. So I really related to it so much, because it’s about family, giving. I love Christmas, I love music, so a Christmas music movie is like my dream project. It felt amazing

to be a part of. The director, again, was incredible and the whole of the cast, so I feel very lucky to have been involved in that one as well.

On the subject of celebrities, you are so fortunate to have worked with icons such as Stevie Wonder and Lionel Richie, do you ever get starstruck ? and is there anyone on your bucket list that you would love to collaborate with ?

Yes. I was blown away working with such legends, and I’m always in awe of people who are so talented and have been in the business for so many years and are still so talented and professional. And they were both just incredible. I would love to work with loads of more people - Chris Martin from Coldplay. Love his songs and the emotion in his writing and his voice, so I think that would be one for the bucket list.

Right we need to talk about the new album, the new album Encino is available to pre order now and will be released on 20th September

It’s 10 years since your last album, tell us why it has taken so long working on this album and also what does the name Encino mean ? When I googled I got a few different meanings Encino is a place in California where we wrote the album, made the album, and it actually means Oak Tree, which is really cool because the album is all about just authenticity and rawness and honesty and finding my roots and being who you truly are. And I feel like that is an oak tree vibe. So it was really cool when I found that out as well. But yeah, we’ve been making it for five years. I started it as a side project, as a passion project on the side, because I was actually doing dance pop at the time. But then I loved it so much. I was like, Why aren’t I doing this? The album I’ve always wanted to make. I loved it. I’m craving this authenticity, live music sound, which I’d never done before, but always loved. It was the music that I listened to, but I wasn’t making. I basically worked with Dave Gibson and Jeeve Ducourne on this because they also believed in the vision and believed in this project. We just started it all from scratch and made it all together in Encino. And it took five years in the making because not only did we want to really focus on every detail and really craft it over time instead of just putting it out willynilly. Covid was in the middle of it too. So there’s a few little things that held it up, but it needed to be right. Now thinking about it, the timing is so much better and perfect. Ten years ago, my last album came out. The first five years, I was doing lots of other projects. I was in a play, Breakfast at Tiffany’s for a year. I also was releasing demos and one-off singles. I did a dance feature with Anton Power’s called Baby, which was really fun. We performed it on the final of The

Voice with millions of dancers. I also was a coach on The Voice Kids for seven years. Even though I can’t believe it’s been 10 years, I feel like I’ve done so much in that time. But to the outside, it probably looks like I’ve just been sitting on my sofa. I haven’t been doing lots of stuff behind the scenes. But I’m very excited to be back with a full body of work this time.

Walk us through your creative process for writing songs on this album? Do you have any rituals or routines?

So it’s the first time I’ve ever done an album with just a really small team of people, which was really freeing. I got to write about everything that was actually in my heart, what I was learning, what I was going through, and I got to build up a real rapport where I could write about those things. Whereas previously, all my other albums, I’d worked with a different person every single day and so and you never go that deep with the subject matters. But doing a whole album with just 2 people, you can really go to town especially after 5 years. So that was the process and also I was really a part of the production.

I flew out to LA and was in Encino and focused on every single sound and made sure that it was cohesive so it sounded like a body of work. And Jeeve would show me a drum sound in the studio in which the Beatles used to record, and we’d use that drum sound. Then we’d use a piano that was in a hall in Austria back in the seventies. Also, before going to the studio, I was heavily into meditation which really helped with my writing and just like my life lessons of what I wanted to write about. So I’d always go to my meditation classes in Santa Monica and West Hollywood at a place called Unplug Meditation. I then, in the lockdown, did my meditation teacher training because of that. So that’s heavily involved in the album. And any other rituals, I would always go to Starbucks and get the coffees before the session, which I still do to this day. I love coffee.

Somebody’s Daughter is following me, just minutes ago it was on BBC Radio 2 , I love the story and vibe of the song. Was this an easy pick to be the first song released from the new album?

Well, I’m so pleased that you like it and it was basically the first choice because it really showcased the sound of the album. And it was quite a dramatic hit you in the face sound with the big drum sound and all the musicians being in there. So I feel like it was a really good first one to show the sound of the album, to show that it’s a different sound to what I’ve done before, and also that it has a message and it does have a meaning, which is hopefully an empowering message, which a lot of the songs have.

So I kinda wanted to show that with the first song to let people know what they’re in for, with the album.

I got a sneaky listen to the album , I must say It really felt like you were singing to me, so many personal and vulnerable songs, I love Vintage, Anybody Else and Say So, Is there a particular song on this album that you’re especially proud of or that has a deep personal meaning for you? That’s so cool. I love ballads too. Because they do get really emotional and you can really go to the heart of the matter. And also when it comes to live, I can really sing and belt them out. But, yeah, those ones are all personal to me for obvious reasons. Well, the whole album is, but they are particularly emotional. I think they definitely mean a lot to me, but I’m such a nostalgic person so I really love Blockbuster Video because it goes through all the memories of my life so far. And I also love Comes Back Around because it’s all about finding and learning my lessons, and going around the houses and trying all these different things and directions and sounds, and then coming back to stripping it all back to what is underneath. What I truly am, what music I love, what I love to do, and the lesson I learned in making this album. So I feel like it sums the album up perfectly.

Will you be sharing any other songs ahead of the album ? If so can we ask which lol Yeah. So, there’s definitely some more songs that I’m gonna be sharing before the album drops. So you have to guess which ones they’re gonna be, because there’s a couple more that you’re gonna hear before the album. I’m really, really excited!

I have to ask about Fashion, you wear some of the most amazing outfits, I adored the 2 piece white outfit you wore at Wimbledon, gave off old school hollywood glamour, do you wear what you like and piece things together yourself or is it all a facade and the work of a designer/ stylist?

It’s kind of a mixture. For Wimbledon, that was an outfit that I’d picked out myself. I love fashion and I love old school stuff. I just feel like things that are more lived in or more timeless, are cool. So I’ll always go towards that style. But, for instance, for my music video, I worked with an amazing stylist called Mollie French who picked the lovely body with the fluff and the gloves that I wore and the power suit for the end with the sparkly bits on. So, yeah, it’s kind of a mixture, but I dress myself a lot. But I love working with amazing stylists, and I love shooting for fashion magazines and love following fashion.

You’ve been in the industry so long, what keeps you inspired and motivated to continue making music?

I just think music is in my DNA and in my bones, so I wouldn’t be able to stop. I love performing. I love making music. I just feel like I have stories to tell, and I feel like I’ve learned so much. And, I also feel like I’m just getting started even though I’ve been in the business for a while.

Are there any plans for a tour or more live performances to promote the new album? What can fans look forward to?

Yes. There’ll always be lots of live shows coming up. There’ll be a tour next year. I’m doing random shows here and there. But always keep your eyes peeled on my Instagram because I’ll be announcing every show on there, and definitely, I’ll be on the festival circuit next summer.

Final Question, describe your album in a few words

Real, raw, authentic, organic, emotional and timeless.

Be sure to pre order her new album Encino NOW ahead of its 20th September release date

Pixie thank you so much for taking the time to chat

Interview with Daniel May

The Awards 2024

NOMINATE NOW GNIMAG

IN 3 MONTHS TIME WE WILL BE CROWNING THIS YEAR’S WINNERS. FIRST THOUGH WE NEED YOUR GUIDANCE ON WHO THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARDS SHOULD BE.

To nominate you must complete the form on our website gnimag.com/awards . Below is a little brief to assist you with what we look for in each category. Categories this year are:

PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY - this award honours an individual who has made a significant, positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community through their dedication, advocacy, and service. This award recognises those who go above and beyond in their personal or professional lives to support, uplift, and champion the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

LEGAL REPRESENTATION AWARD - honours a law firm, legal team, or individual lawyer who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and skill in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality through legal representation. This award recognizes their pivotal role in defending the legal rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ individuals, advancing social justice, and promoting inclusive legal practices. By celebrating their achievements, this award highlights the importance of legal advocacy in creating positive change and ensuring equal rights and protections for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

ALLY OF THE YEAR - Sometimes it is our non-LGBT allies who make the biggest difference to our community, this could be a work colleague, friend or family member who has proven their intent to create a more inclusive society.

BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY - This award honours a company that has demonstrated a significant and positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community through its policies, practices, and outreach efforts. This award recognises businesses that go beyond mere compliance with equality standards to actively support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community.

REPUTABLE RETAILER AWARD - This category is designed to honour a retail business that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to inclusivity, ethical practices, and community engagement, especially concerning the LGBTQIA+ community. A retailer that is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all customers and employees.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION AWARD - recognising a bank, credit union, investment firm or other financial entity that has made outstanding contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community. This award celebrates financial institutions that not only provide inclusive and equitable financial services but also actively engage in advocacy, support, and community-building efforts.

SUPPORTIVE MEDIA AWARD - a media organisation, publication, or platform that has made outstanding contributions to promoting understanding, visibility, and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. This award honours media entities that use their influence to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, tell diverse and authentic stories and provide a platform for voices.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AWARD - celebrating those who have made significant strides in ensuring that LGBTQIA+ students receive an equitable, supportive, and inclusive education. The recipient of this award is recognised for their dedication to fostering an environment where all students can thrive, feel safe, and be themselves. This award highlights the crucial role that educators, institutions, and programs play in shaping a more inclusive and just society through education.

SMALL BUSINESS AWARD - acknowledging the vital role small businesses play in advancing LGBTQIA+ equality and inclusion. The recipient of this award embodies dedication, innovation, and leadership in creating a positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community through their business practices and initiatives. This award celebrates small businesses that prioritize people over profit and actively contribute to making their communities more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER AWARD - celebrates organisations that prioritise creating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment where LGBTQIA+ employees can thrive and succeed. The recipient of this award exemplifies leadership, innovation, and dedication in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workforce. This award not only recognises the importance of workplace inclusivity but also sets a positive example for other employers to follow in promoting LGBTQIA+ rights and equality in the workplace.

UNSUNG HERO AWARD - honours individuals who exemplify dedication, selflessness, and passion in their efforts to support and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. The recipient of this award may not seek recognition but deserves to be celebrated for their invaluable contributions, which often form the backbone of community support and progress. This award not only acknowledges their contributions but also encourages others to recognise and appreciate the unsung heroes who make a profound difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals and their communities.

FRIENDLY ESTATE AGENT - celebrates an estate agent who not only excels in their profession but also champions inclusivity, respect, and support for LGBTQIA+ clients throughout the home buying or selling process. The recipient of this award is recognized for their dedication to creating a positive and affirming real estate experience, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples feel valued and respected in their journey to finding a home. This award highlights the importance of fostering LGBTQIA+ inclusivity within the real estate industry and promoting equal access to housing for all individuals.

STYLIST / SALON OF THE YEAR - this award celebrates a salon or particular stylist that not only excels in providing exceptional beauty and grooming services but also leads by example in promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and acceptance within the beauty industry. The recipient of this award is recognized for their commitment to creating a positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community through their inclusive practices, skilled services, and dedication to customer satisfaction. This award highlights the importance of fostering an affirming environment where LGBTQIA+ individuals can feel empowered, confident, and celebrated.

AESTHETICS PRACTITIONER/PRACTICE - A Practice or individual practitioner who not only excels in providing top-quality aesthetic treatments but also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, respect, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ clients. The recipient of this award is recognized for their dedication to enhancing

the well-being and confidence of LGBTQIA+ individuals through personalized, ethical, and skilled aesthetic care. This award highlights the importance of creating a positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community within the aesthetics and beauty industry, promoting acceptance and celebrating diversity in beauty standards.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR - award celebrates an establishment that excels in providing exceptional dining experiences while fostering inclusivity and respect for LGBTQIA+ patrons and employees. This award recognizes restaurants that go beyond culinary excellence to create a welcoming and affirming environment where all guests feel valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.

LGBTQIA+ CHARITY

OF THE YEAR - award celebrates a nonprofit organization that embodies dedication, impact, and innovation in supporting and advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community. The recipient of this award is recognized for their transformative efforts in providing essential services, advancing rights, and fostering inclusivity and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This award not only honours their achievements but also inspires others to support and amplify the voices and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING AWARD - honours individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and impact in promoting mental health and wellbeing within the LGBTQIA+ community. Recipients of this award are recognized for their contributions to reducing stigma, increasing access to care, and supporting the mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals in meaningful and transformative ways. This award not only acknowledges their achievements but also raises awareness and encourages continued support for LGBTQIA+ mental health initiatives.

NIGHTLIFE AWARD - honours venues and events that play a vital role in the LGBTQIA+ community by providing inclusive, diverse, and vibrant nightlife experiences. Recipients of this award are recognized for their dedication to creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals can celebrate, socialize, and express themselves authentically. This award not only celebrates excellence in nightlife entertainment but also acknowledges the cultural and social impact of these venues within the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond.

GET OVER TO GNIMAG.COM/AWARDS TO NOMINATE AND READ ABOUT ALL THIS YEARS CATEGORIES

GNIMAG.COM/AWARDS

HINGE DATING

The latest dating trend, ‘Slowmance’ - what is it and do you need to know?

In 2024, it’s time to embrace the “slowmance.” Revealed in Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. Report, this approach involves dating more consciously. It means slowing the pace down to enjoy the ride rather than rushing things, putting clear boundaries in place, and setting intentions.

LGBTQIA+ daters are increasingly looking for a more mindful approach to relationships, where quality trumps quantity, and connections are built on a solid foundation of trust and understanding.

Dating can be especially complex for queer daters for many reasons. At any point in time, LGBTQ+ daters could be navigating challenging political landscapes, changing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, unfavourable societal expectations, and difficult social interactions, all of which make dating more nuanced for LGBTQ+ daters. In a society that has not always been celebratory of LGBTQ+ relationships, dating as a queer person means risking criticism or rejection from society just because of who we choose to love. Because of these risks, it’s not a wonder why more and more queer daters are opting to take an intentionally slow approach to dating, prioritising safety and emotional intimacy upfront. Opting for a slowmance helps cultivate emotional intimacy and build the strong foundation necessary to navigate those complexities.

Why slowmance works:

Building a Strong Foundation: Slowmance allows us to truly get to know someone before diving headfirst. We can communicate our needs and boundaries clearly, ensuring we’re on the same page from the start. This intentional approach leads to a stronger foundation for a lasting relationship. Prioritising Emotional Intimacy: Embracing a slow start allows us to focus on quality conversations and shared experiences, fostering a deeper emotional connection

that’s crucial for LGBTQIA+ daters seeking genuine connections.

But how do you actually put slowmance into practice? Here are some tips:

Take a Soft Start: In the face of ongoing challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s crucial to start slowly and take the time to understand what brings comfort to you and your potential partner. One way to do this is to keep early conversations light, positive, and engaging from the start to the first date. Starting off gently can help alleviate tension and establish a relaxed pace right from the start, recognising that deep emotional connections take time to nurture.

Plan a Low-Pressure Date: For LGBTQIA+ daters, it’s important that the first date creates a safe and welcoming space that makes it easy to connect and do a vibe check. An LPD (Low-Pressure Date) is a relaxed and secure date spot where people can assess

their chemistry in person before deciding to move forward. Surprisingly, the top date spot for LGBTQIA+ daters on Hinge is a coffee shop, so suggest a daytime date!

Softly Launch the Partnership: When it comes to social media, it’s important to remember that our posts can greatly impact the emotional closeness and trust in our relationships. Taking a thoughtful and mindful approach is crucial for nurturing these important aspects of our connections, especially at the beginning of a partnership. This is especially true when LGBTQIA+ daters face unique concerns around safety and acceptance. 48% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters prefer to soft launch a relationship with a new romantic partner.

By prioritising intentionality and fostering genuine connections, slowmance allows you to invest in yourself and connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about slowing down, savouring the conversations, and rediscovering the joy of getting to know someone for who they truly are. And who knows, that genuine connection might just blossom into the love you deserve.

Hinge surveyed over 14,000 LGBTQ+ users, Hinge shared Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise (D.A.T.E) surrounding how to best build healthy connections in 2024 and beyond.

Attributed to: Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love & Connection Expert (he/they)

Charlie King

Charlie King is a prominent British model, TV presenter, and reality TV star, best known for his role on “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE), where he appeared from series 4 2012. Beyond his reality TV fame, he has modeled for top brands like Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani, and Tommy Hilfiger. Charlie is also an advocate for mental health awareness and body positivity, having publicly shared his struggles with body dysmorphia and coming out as gay during a live interview on ITV’s “This Morning” We chat about all of this, his fashion brand and more.

LETS PLAY A GAME OF WOULD YOU RATHER...

Would you rather work exclusively for 1 brand for the rest of your career or work with a new brand every year?

I think I would like to work with a new brand every single year. I am all about things that evolve and how things change - having my own brand I realise it is so hard to try to reinvent. Even in the music or film industry, something that is flavour of the month one year or during one year, the next year it might not work. I guess if I could get the chance of being “what’s hot” and “what’s fresh” I would do that.

Would you rather never be able to lift weights again but always stay fit, or lift weights daily but never achieve your fitness goals?

How can you do that to me as a fitness coach! Honestly, the importance of lifting weights I have really understood in recent years. Now that I am getting a bit older, I realise that if you can lift weights there is an element of fitness in that anyway so you are kind of killing two birds, and muscle mass is so important as you get older, so the weights have got to stay.

Would you rather live in a luxury apartment in London or a beachfront villa in the Caribbean?

My personality says both! However, I am a beach guy - I need the water around me more often than I need the city around me. If I could be on the beach on the Caribbean and get all of that energy around me from the ocean I would be happy. I like a rustic and polished way of life - I have done a bit of the whole luxury living

thing and it is nice but it can be a little bit soulless.

Would you rather have a million Instagram followers or a highly influential YouTube fitness channel with fewer followers?

I would go for a million followers. If they were real followers I think that a million followers on Instagram is quite a powerful thing.

Snog, Marry, Avoid - TOWIE

EDITION

Mark Wright, Gemma Collins, Bobby Norris

I would probably snog Mark Wright - I have never snogged him before and I am not sure if he would be a good kisser or not to be honest, but he is a good looking boy and the original TOWIE man and I think we all have a bit of a crush on Mark, even straight men. They all want to be Mark, all of the girls want to be around him and obviously he has got a beautiful wife as well, so I think he is quite credible.

I would marry Bobby because obviously he was a very good friend of mine, I haven’t seen him in recent years but we got on very, very well. Being two gay guys and understanding our lifestyle, being proper about things like hygiene and cleanliness - just how we like to live, we were very similar.

I think I have got to avoid the GC.

FAN QUESTIONS

Afraser84 asks - What are the key factors in achieving a healthy body and mind and how do

you get harmony between the two?

That’s a good question. Obviously your mental and physical journey have got to work in tandem. I think it is really important that first and foremost you take action with whatever it is you need to do. Over the years I have worked on myself, I have had my highs and my lows. The actions of exercise and keeping fit, having that accountability has kept me going in many ways. As I have progressed on and learnt a lot about myself it is now all about having that balance and not putting yourself under the pressure, not looking at exercise as something negative or a tedious task. You have to try to find ways that make it enjoyable and sustainable so that you keep that habit up, and then all of the bi-products around that, your mental health, how you feel about yourself, your confidence it will all connect. That is the beautiful thing about fitness is people really give it that thought and so that is what I try to advocate now. I don’t always get it right, sometimes I am quite hard on myself, but then you have to check yourself in the mirror and say “Remember what you are doing this for?” And I find my level with it again.

Elitewellnewsswarriors wants to know - what steps do you take daily to ensure you maintain a healthy relationship with yourself?

I think how you talk to yourself is really important. I recently bought an apartment in Essex and my bed is next to my sliding, mirrored wardrobes. So as I roll out of bed the mirror is right in front of me. So, even when I have messy hair and I look like an absolute sack of crap, I always look at myself and say “Right, we are going to smash today, this is going to be a good day, the

start to a good week, we’ve got this!” And we just start with these positive formations and attitudes - without sounding corny I think it is really important that you just have a few seconds to say “come on” because that changes the mindset instead of waking up sluggish and picking yourself apart. I may look terrible but you have to just override that and say “come on, let’s go”. Joe Wright asks - do you look at what you’ve achieved with pride?

That one is still a work in progress. I don’t think I always process what it is I have done because I am always thinking about what is next. I think that is something that I am quite guilty of because of the pressure that I put on myself. I think that I always need to be at the top of the tree or keep moving with the times and sometimes I don’t savour or relish the progress that I have made or the achievements that I have made in that moment, However when I do look back, and I am in quite a reflective place right now because of my birthday coming up and getting to the end of my 30’s, where I look back over the last 10 years and I think what a journey it has been and there have been some real achievements in that. I am trying to focus more on this on a daily basis and moving forward, but there have been some really important wins in my life.

James/David/Espie asks can he see you on TV any time soon and is there anyone special in your life?

There is someone special in my life at the minute, there are actually a few people - I have been mingling and it is going nicely, we keep it nice and steady and we will see what happens.

With regards to the TV side of things, maybe. The TV game is hard and I have done many castings and been up for many different things and it hasn’t quite worked out which can be quite challenging at times and can affect your confidence a little bit. There are a couple of things bubbling away and we will see. I believe I will be back on TV sometime in the future for sure.

INTERVIEW

Charlie, you gained fame on “The Only Way Is Essex”. You have been vocal over the years about your thoughts of the show and reality TV, can you look back at it fondly and tell us of any big regrets?

When you look back at TOWIE when it first started around 12 years ago, I think I was on it within the first year. It really was a show of its time and it was an amazing opportunity, and obviously we all went in not really understanding what this game was, we were all new to it, there was an organic feel about it and we just rode the wave. It was very unique. When you are at this stage in life and you look back you think “Wow, that was wild!” Whilst there is duty of care now and a lot more awareness in relation to reality stars and making sure that everyone is being looked after we were really put into the fire pit and just had to figure a way out. So it was unique but it actually was amazing. I saw Chloe Sims, who starred on the show with me, at an event last week and we were just reminiscing about it and we would love to go back, just for that reunion aspect to revisit that time when it was so special.

No real regrets apart from when I look back at my

coming out journey and I didn’t come out on the show. Maybe I should have come out on TOWIE as opposed to coming out on This Morning as a loyalty to the show angle, but equally is wasn’t the right time so I can’t see it as a regret.

There is so much drama going on around Strictly, what are your thoughts on it and in terms of being in the show have you ever been asked?

I have never been asked to do Strictly, I think you have got to be at a certain level to be put on that show. I do love to dance - if you look back at some of my TOWIE days, even though the dancing was questionable, I do love to dance and I am a big fan of music and dance. With regards to all of the controversy around it, I just hope that they do their investigations and they can sort out whatever it is they need to sort out, clear the decks with it, and let it just come back to let it be what it is, which is a staple entertainment show which most of us love. It is a big part of our rundown to Christmas and it is fantastic to see the dancers flourish. It is a shame it has got this cloud over it at the minute, if they called and asked me to go on it right now, I would go in a flash. I would love to do it, but we’ll see. Never say never, maybe one day we could have a chat and I could be saying “I’m on it”.

You have been so fortunate modeling for brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. What is your most memorable experience? And on the flipside, have you ever been asked to do things or wear things that you just had to refuse?

I mean when I did some of those underwear campaigns

they were quite risky and exposing, which at the time I was quite fearless and happy to get involved. Obviously I transformed my body and I was getting quite a lot of recognition for that. I had done Men’s Health magazine and I had got a real reputation for my physique changing which was great, and for the first time ever I felt very sexy, but I have to say, when you are on those shoots and are put in skimpy pants… I remember when I was asked to wear a jockstrap for an underwear brand and I just couldn’t do it, even though I was quite happy to do the naked shoots for Attitude and Gay Times, there was something about putting a jockstrap on that I just couldn’t get my head around and I wouldn’t do it. I don’t know why, I just didn’t want to do it.

Fitness, Personal Training etc has been a big part of your life, what is it about it that you love and have you achieved your personal goals or are things forever evolving?

I got the opportunity to shoot for Men’s Health magazine and that was a real eye opener to what goes into getting a good body. Whilst it was quite an intense and extreme transformation program which in reality you couldn’t sustain because it was literally eat, breath and sleep for fitness for around 6 to 8 weeks. My whole life was consumed by the workouts, the food, the recovery, the rest, the sports massages, getting ready to shred for the shoot the whole week prior it really was a lot. While it was a great experience it was just a huge eyeopener into what athletes and cover models go through. However, the catalyst was to continue because I felt really good about myself and my physique looked amazing and I was really proud of it. I guess the social media interest and the work that started coming in off the back of it really opened up my eyes and I realised there’s something in this in my career, for sure. I then started the PT courses because I really got the bug for it and I knew that it would be a great way to continue my journey and it has been a saviour for me. It has been great when I’ve noticed media work comes in because you get some real low points in this game when you don’t get the gigs. The PT and the fitness stuff has been a real bread and butter - I am going to work, I am working with other people, getting to learn about other people’s needs and I’ve got to work with some amazing people such as celebrities. It has really opened a door for me to do different things and of course as I am getting older what my needs and wants are now about balance and looking after my body as I go into a slightly older age. I am realising what’s important and what I want moving forward and I will continue to share that as I evolve and grow and get old!

Tell us about your 360 Fitness Plan and how can people get your help?

It would be lovely to see your reader’s get involved. Obviously there is a lot of online coaching out there and it is quite a saturated market but over the years I have had quite a bit of success with personal training clients and obviously people responding to my content, my visuals and my physique. It felt like the right time to put all of my knowledge together and come up with a plan that is accessible and realistic. You can factor it into your workouts, you can pick and choose what you want to do, but ultimately there is 6 weeks of a great plan

that has separate handbooks and video libraries where you can see how to do the exercises. I think the whole point for me is that some people think that they have to go to the gym for an hour and a half to two hours, however if you workout well and you workout tactically and have a structure to it, you can get in and get out and still get great results, as well as fuelling your body correctly and doing all of the other bits. I have just put it all into one thing and people are really enjoying it which its lovely to see.

You’ve been open about your struggles with body dysmorphia. Many people resort to self harm in various forms and feel unable to communicate, for anyone struggling have you any words of advice? I have done quite a lot in this space because with everything that has gone on in my life, especially around Covid, I realised that BDD was very prevalent in me and after having therapy, understanding what it was and putting everything out there, I found so much peace knowing that so many other people have struggled with it and that I wasn’t alone. This always goes back to what I say moving forward, I stand by a mantra through sharing and you can find a common ground. The one thing that I always tell people to do, whether it’s in regard to sexuality, things that are on their mind, maybe they are struggling with their body image, is that those feelings are valid. There is help out there, but obviously to get help you need to vocalise and express how you feel and it is about choosing the right people or the right resources. Just remember there is help, because every time that I have bottled things up and it becomes like a pressure cooker in my head, that is when I have made the wrong decisions and probably suffered more than I have needed to. As soon as I open up, share things and decompress that valve things instantly feel better. It might not be instant in a sense of getting the answers but you just realise ”OMG, I was really holding onto a lot there” and slowly but surely you can work things out.

I felt so embarrassed about the BDD because I felt like it was self obsession, I was vain and attention seeking, playing a victim, but actually when I put how I was feeling out there and how it made me feel, it all made sense into this shame that I felt and then I realised that there was nothing to feel bad about and that my feelings are valid. It is a very common thing and it really does affect people, and body image really affects mental health. That is why I spoke in Parliament and spoke publicly about it - it’s been a very positive thing and they have taken note which is great.

We have to talk about your Fashion - I have a few of your top’s and have to say the quality is amazing and the sizing is perfect. I was actually wearing one of your Tee’s yesterday and got a few compliments - so thanks lol - was coming up with your own brand always a dream/plan?

Thank you for those compliments because it really is a labour of love, a lot of work and as you know, fashion is very saturated. At the lower point in my life a few years ago I really was not in the best place, in the depths of my BDD and I was off social media and feeling very, very flat. A PT client of mine worked in fashion and we had spoke about things for a while and I just called her

up one day and I said “I really want to try to do some T-Shirts, that’s where I want to start with this”, and she was like “Well, we’ve got time”. We were all locked in at home and we started the work whilst we were all coming out of those lockdowns and it just became a trial and error exercise. We launched 4 or 5 t-shirts to start with, just to see… I had this mantra of how I wanted to own my crown again, I wanted to feel confident and empowered, and even though I wasn’t in the best place at that time I know by wearing that crown it was just my little idea of you own who you are, your individuality, your flaws and when you put that t-shirt on you can just feel empowered. That was the motivation behind it and slowly, slowly, slowly, and it has been a very slow process, we’ve built collections and we are getting out there to people like yourself, people that get it they really like it, and we have got a very loyal customer fan base and we will just continue. Fashion is a big, big industry and it is something that I am learning on the go. We are just taking it slow and steady, I have to be sensible about it, and I also really enjoy it. I used to get sent a lot of rubbish in the mail such as fast fashion and I remember looking at them and thinking “I don’t want to promote them, this is not what I stand for”, and I also want to be as environmentally conscious as possible which I try to do in the best way that I can.

How important is being green and sustainable? I think that we all have a duty of care now to the environment. Whilst we all know there is a long way to go and there are certain things that you cannot avoid as a fashion brand owner it’s about making those conscious decisions to leave as little footprint as possible. That means sourcing the right material, making sure what we give is quality so people do not have to buy as often, it’s about using recycled packaging when we send it out, it’s about using the right factories that look after their staff and just trying to be very aware in whichever way possible.

I have had a few investors come my way saying “you need to scrap that model” and I just say “no way, I am not here for fast cash and to leave more damage on this planet”.

There is a sale on atm if people get over to bycharlesking.com - 50% off of items - does this mean that new lines are coming soon? Yes! Every year I do a Leo season sale, I am all about the Leo energy as I am a Leo. Because we are a small brand we don’t hone in on many sales to be truthful, so we wait until a special occasion such as my birthday month, so these coming weeks we are doing our sale and we are also incorporating the 360 fitness plan into that if you want to buy it. Now we are starting to work towards Autumn - we have got some new colours and things coming - we go at our own pace and we are not governed by Seasons as such. We just do what we can within our resources.

It’s 10 years next month since you came out as gay on live TV. What prompted you to share your story on “This Morning,” and how has it affected your personal and professional life?

It was an organic journey to get there. I remember when I did it that day and thereafter it all made sense

to me why it took me so long and why I hadn’t said anything before. If I was going to do it, that seemed to be the absolute right way to do it. People followed my story on TOWIE for a good few years, there were a lot of questions around who I was, my sexuality. I was saying things that people couldn’t grasp at that time because I don’t believe in labeling and I think you should have the space and experience to explore who you are without defining yourself and whilst now I think that would be more accepted, back then it was quite new to hear and it put me right in the firing line of who I was and what my identity was. So, going on This Morning and having that moment to speak my truth and explain things, it was a defining moment for me and it really led the way for how I was going to move forward in the media and how the LGBTQ community was going to embrace me and my positioning within the community.

I think you should have the space and experience to explore who you are without defining yourself

I think it shows that all of our journeys are different and that is the beautiful thing about this. I have had so many guys approaching me about coming out later and struggling, maybe being in relationships with girls and trying their best to be anything other than what they really are if you like, and finally they have seen my YouTube clip or they have found out about me in some way, and they see something similar. It is a real honour to be an example and I still get so many lovely messages on the back of that interview from people who might be searching for answers, and to me that is ‘job done’ that was an amazing opportunity that I still hold very closely. I still can’t believe that was 10 years ago!

Social media can literally destroy people. How do you handle the pressures of public perception and media scrutiny?

Social media trolls? You would think by now the noise would have been drowned out, but we know more than ever now things are at crisis point with what people say, how things are spread, the no filter on things and I know we keep hearing it but I don’t know how we keep action on it as such. There has just got to be more around this element of social media companies taking more accountability for what is out there and how people suffer at the hands of people who feel they can say and do what they want and it causes this knock on effect. Psychologically or the things that are happening in the news right now with what is happening on the back of social media and fake news, it is just a mess and it is really hard to drown out that negativity. Recently, I was in Mykonos doing beach shots, and I was feeling confident, and then I got this message which said “I thought you had body image issues and you are parading around” calling me contradictory and that kind of stuff and I just thought “What the hell is this and what is the negativity about?”. It does get you for a minute but then you just have to think “Hang on, NO!”. You can’t control what other people say and do, it is hard and it doesn’t get any easier truthfully, but you do become thicker skinned to it. The good outweighs the bad for me personally, which I am very fortunate about, but ultimately there needs to be a way that this stuff is filtered and it is down to these tech giants to figure it out.

You’ve a milestone next year - The Big 40 - how do you feel about it and any plans on how you will celebrate it?

Tbh, age does bother me a little bit. I don’t want to be that guy, but I think it just really highlights a ‘time’ aspect and obviously time we have no control over and how quickly it all goes. That freaks me out slightly, but equally you have to live in the moment and you have to try to enjoy everything that is happening now and in the present. So I’m just working on staying as fit and as healthy as possible and being a great example for a guy in his late 30’s/early 40’s to show that you can still be really fit, happy and healthy and to continue this journey that I am on in the best possible way. I would absolutely love to do something really fun within the media - I would love to do a show where I would be part of a group and really tested me physically or sent me on an adventure in some way, shape or form. That kind of stuff would be cool because I have a lot of skills and other than that just to keep growing my brand and see where life takes me. My life is quite random so I like random!

What upcoming projects or goals are you most excited about, both in your personal life and professional career?

I am working on my brand and fitness. I have casted for a TV show, but I cannot say which one yet because it hasn’t happened. But if it goes anywhere I will mention it, but that’s all bubbling away, and it may happen this side of Christmas.

I’m just a tad older than you and new to parenting. I have been fostering a little boy now for 6 months, do you see children in your future?

I have to be honest, I don’t think so. I very nearly became a stepfather within my first relationship and it just didn’t

work out, which is one of those things. I love children, my sister has got two boys and my nephews are everything, but from where I am at right now I don’t see it. Also, with the state of the world and I am a bit of a worrier I think I would be a nervous wreck being a parent. But, who knows, as I get older my needs and wants might change, but it is not on my plan for the immediate future.

Assuming the next time we speak will be before your 50th in 10 years - where would you like to be both professionally and personally?

I was a massive fan of Paul O’Grady and I got to meet him a good few times before he passed away. The way he was living his life within the countryside and looking after animals and he had the whole set up going on. I really love the idea of country living and being amongst nature, that kind of vibe. Also maybe having my own studio or gym because obviously the fitness will never leave me, I know that. I would just like a chilled way of life - countryside or the beach life, travelling and just being content and happy, that would be the goal.

Final words of advice for anyone struggling with their demons?

At the end of the day we are all going to struggle at some point or another, it is just part and parcel of life. I can’t stress enough the importance of expressing how you feel knowing that we all have to go through stuff, we all need to speak up at some point. The help is there and you will see that as soon as you do open up about things and I think that has just been my biggest lesson over the course of the years, is that I live in so much fear and shame for many, many years all because of how I fabricated things in my head, and actually none of them came to fruition, everything that I was building up didn’t happen. That is the importance of anything that is bringing you down, to just let it out, speak it out, and realise there are people around you.

Thanks a lot Charlie

Interview with Daniel May

TAYLOR

HELLO EVERYONE,

IF YOU HAVE BEEN READING MY ARTICLE FOR A WHILE NOW YOU WILL NOTICE THAT I HAVE WRITTEN A LOT OF MY PREVIOUS ARTICLES FROM TAILOR MAID’S PERSPECTIVE, BUT I FEEL THAT I WOULD LIKE TO WRITE TODAYS ARTICLE FROM MY BOY SELF AND SHARE SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT WITH YOU ALL.

I am turning 40 in a few days’ time and I feel completely fine about it, grateful even to have reached this age. But there’s a lot more going on in life that’s causing stress, anxiety and worry but thankfully reaching the big 40 isn’t one of them. I have always been young at heart and definitely act a lot younger. I always say James may be in his late 30s, but Tailor is stuck at 25 forever lol.

So for today’s article I would like to share some advice with you all, and hopefully it will act as a bit of a reminder for me as well to reflect on if and when I have a wobble and want to re centre myself.

Here is 40 pieces of advice to remember @ 40!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

1 DRINK WATER: I drink at least 2.5 litres a day, it helps with skin’s radiance and hydration and flushes toxins, it’s my number 1 beauty secret.

2. SLEEP: Try to have a healthy sleep pattern. As a creative person, I find this very challenging and can have real bad insomnia sometimes. If you can’t sleep, put your phone away and read a book, I find this helps.

3. EXERCISE: Find an activity that makes you move your body that you enjoy doing and do it as often as you can. I obviously love a bit of dancing and gymnastics but even something simple like walking will help clear the cob webs away.

4. EAT FRUIT & VEGETABLES: essential minerals and vitamins, I mean this one doesn’t really need explaining, does it?

5. FOCUS ON NUTRITION: Pay attention to your diet, ensuring it’s rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

6. PRIORITISE YOUR HEALTH: You get one body, listen to it, if there is something wrong get it seen to/ checked on.

7. TEETH: Brush and floss your teeth, if you need to see a dentist/ hygienist, book the appointment, don’t wait for months for something to get worse.

8. MEDITATE: I Find this really difficult to do with such a busy mind all the time, but I am putting this one in as a reminder for myself to try to Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into my day to reduce stress.

PERSONAL GROWTH & MINDSET

11. EMBRACE CHANGE: Understand that life is ever evolving, and welcome change. This is a very difficult one for me, I have discovered especially getting older, I don’t really like a lot of change, especially a lot of change at once.

12. PRACTICE GRATITUDE: Find a way to reflect and be thankful for what you have. Start a journal to focus on the positives in your life.

13. SET NEW GOALS: Reevaluate your life goals and set new ones that align with who you are now. Remember to congratulate yourself for goals that you have achieved. It’s important to celebrate.

14. LEARN CONTINUOUSLY: Stay curious and committed to learning new skills. Don’t put off learning. Take a course.

15. LET GO OF BEING PERFECT: I really need to accept that perfection is unattainable; and I need to focus on doing my best instead.

RELATIONSHIPS & SOCIAL LIFE

16.NUTURE IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS: I have a habit of shutting down when I am not feeling great about myself, I need to remember to make time for the people who matter most in my life.

17. EXPAND YOUR CIRCLE: Be open to meeting new people and forming new connections.

18: COMMUNICATE BETTER: I’m a bit rubbish at communication, which is ironic because I always have my phone in my hand. I need to remember to push through anxiety and connect anyway.

19: PRACTICE SAYING NO: Stop people pleasing. Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries.

20: RECONNECT WITH OLD FRIENDS: Reach out to friends from the past you’ve lost touch with.

CAREER AND MONEY

21: DON’T STAY WHEN YOUR NOT HAPPY: If you are not happy with your current job, move on. There WILL be something better for you.

22: SAVE MONEY: Stop spending money on stuff you don’t need.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

9. MOISTURISE: Find a moisturiser that you like to keep skin supple, SPF non-negotiable!

10: TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF: take time to dye your hair, pluck your eyebrows, have a shave, buff your nails. You are worth it!

23: PLAN FOR THE FUTURE: Put money into an ISA and pay money into your pension.

24: HUSSTLE: Put yourself out there, stop caring what people think.

25: POST MORE ON SOCIAL MEIDA: Get out of your head and just get on with it.

LIFESTYLE

26: TRAVEL: Book a damn holiday. I haven’t been away on holiday since 2022. There are so many places I want to go to.

27: HOBBIES: Continue learning how to sew and style wigs. You really enjoy it.

28: DECLUTTER: Get rid of clothes and things that are taking up space. A. clean space is a clean mind,

29: SELF CARE: Book a massage, go for a sauna, steam room, it relaxes you.

30: MOW THE LAWN: Don’t just watch the grass grow into a forest. Get out and cut the grass, it looks better, and you feel better once it’s done.

MINDFUL LIVING

31: LIVE IN THE MOMENT: Breathe, focus on being present.

32: DISCONNECT: Take breaks from screens and social media to reconnect with nature and your surrounds.

33: REDUCE STRESS: Try to be more prepared with tasks, so that stress becomes less of a worry.

34: CALENDAR: I know this is a weird one. But remember to plot all your dates and important information on your wall Calendar, it helps to keep you organised.

35: CELEBRATE SMALL WINS: Recognize and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.

36: REFLECT: Take time to reflect on your journey so far and where you want to go. The journey is just as important as the destination.

37: FORGIVE: Forgive yourself, you are not perfect, you are human. You got this. Forgive others also, it takes more energy to feel negatively towards others.

38: ACCEPT AGING: Everyone gets old. It part of this human experience. You can always get a wee nip and tuck if you need. With age comes wisdom.

39: CELEBRATE YOURSELF: Acknowledge your achievements and celebrate milestones.

40: LOVE YOURSELF: Stop being so hard on yourself. You are LOVED! Look after yourself.

I hope you enjoyed my little list of 40 pieces of advice when turning 40! I’m looking forward to my birthday, spending time with family and my closest friends, I’m not doing anything too mad for it, just something very demure and mindful. Lol. I’m having a bit of a party with my friends in England in October which I’m looking forward to.

If any of you out there have any more pieces of advice in turning 40 I’d love to hear from you. My Instagram is @just.jamesmua, my DMs are open.

Tailor Maid

I’m currently gearing up for my next UK tour in September with the AMAZING Sasha Colby with DFIU events. We are up and down the UK from the 14th – 30th of September visiting 7 cities along the way. We will be joined by a whole host of local talent in each city and I can’t wait to be back on the road!!!

I also have my usual brunches and private gigs to take us into the

autumn months.

You can check my Instagram for dates and locations that I’ll be at! I’d love to see you there.

As usual thank you for reading!

And just like that, I’m entering my 4th decade!

Xoxo James

Get your tickets for SASHA COLBY @ DFIUEVENTS on Instagram

You can also find Tailor Maid on Instagram @ totally.tailor Bookings on Instagram or via email jamesmcguigan@me.com or call/message 07540533943

G TRAVIS

one are the days of Dionne Warwick’s Psychic Friends Network or dialing into 1-800 numbers to speak with clairvoyants like Miss Cleo. Many of today’s most popular psychic mediums are sharing their gifts and abilities with their millions of followers on social media.

Travis Holp has close to 300 thousand followers on Instagram and 500 thousand on TikTok. He’s been featured on Entertainment Tonight and in Us Weekly and Elle magazines and on Today.com.

Known on social media as the Warrior Unicorn – a nod to his fighting spirit toward LGBTQ and mental health awareness issues, combined with his sparkly personality – Travis connects with those who have passed over and delivers messages to their loved ones in the physical world. We spoke with Travis Holp from his Washington home.

How did you discover your psychic abilities?

In 2017, a psychic gave me a reading, and she told me that one day I’d be doing the same kind of work that she did. During the pandemic, I ended a 17-year career in the beauty industry, and while I was figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I started doing tarot readings on TikTok. Now here we are, and I’m fully leaning into helping others through Spirit.

How does Spirit appear to you?

I see (in my mind’s eye), hear, and feel messages from Spirit. Spirit uses my own frame of reference and symbols to help me deliver messages to those who have come to seek that connection through me.

Do you recall your earliest brushes with Spirit?

I remember being very young, maybe 4 or 5, and I would spend time in the book room at my grandparents’ house. While I was in that room, I remember connecting to what I now know as my Spirit Guides. I would also use the Ouija board with my grandmother and aunt.

What makes Travis Holp stand out from all other popular psychic mediums working today?

I view myself as the Guncle of the Spirit world. I’m the gay uncle that knows a lot of shit. I always tell it like it is, but I’m careful to deliver information with kindness, joy, and hope.

Why is it important for you to share your gift with others?

I believe I am meant to help others along their healing journey. Whether that’s helping them connect to a loved one in spirit for peace, healing, and closure, or helping them live the life they want to live. Also, sharing what I

do with others helps other people who are like me understand that this is completely normal.

What are the main messages that the dearly departed wish to impart on their loved ones who are still living?

Let go of any regret, guilt, or shame. Most of what we carry isn’t necessary, and love is what matters the most.

Is Spirit always around you?

It’s very much like using a radio. The stream is always there, I just have to tune to it.

Are you able to shut Spirit off?

When I don’t want to be tuned in, I just close off my energy. This works 95% of the time.

Have you considered using your abilities to solve crimes? I have, but right now, on this journey, I don’t feel aligned to that.

Do you ever surprise yourself with the accuracy of your messages?

Yes! I especially love it when the two people shared a special word or song and then Spirit reveals that word or title to me so that I can relay it back to my client. It’s validation, for sure, but it is also a fun feather in my cap.

What’s next for you?

I’m continuing my mission of helping others through my social channels. I’m also in talks to write a book, and I love doing live events, so I’ll definitely be doing more of those! Look for me at a theatre near you.

Follow Travis Holp on Tik Tok @ traviswarriorunicorn

By Shane Gallagher

Photos by Melissa Stone of Brazen House Studios

USPCA NEW BELFAST STORE

The USPCA’s newest charity store opens on 74 Cregagh Road, Belfast BT6 9EQ selling preloved and some brand-new stock thanks to donations from the public.

The opening makes it the USPCA’s fourth charity shop across the region, raising much-needed funds to help vulnerable animals

Rachel McGreevy, Charity Store Retail Manager said:

“We are delighted to start welcoming customers and donors to our stunning new shop. We have a fantastic range of new and preloved fashion and accessories for sustainable shopping. So, whether you’re looking for clothing, children’s toys, unique homeware or a one-of-a-kind item to elevate your wardrobe, we have something for you”

John Farrell, Chairperson of the USPCA, officially opened the Charity Store, alongside the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. John commented:

“Every penny raised will support the vital work of

our charity. Our customers and donors play an important role in ensuring we can go on being here for all animals, transforming their lives from unbearable cruelty and neglect”.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “Stores like this make a real difference to our local high streets, providing important opportunities for volunteering and fundraising, and encouraging us to recycle and pass on items with a lot of life still left in them.

“I’m pleased to have helped open this latest branch today and to learn more about the valuable contribution USPCA’s stores make towards helping animals in need.”

The official opening was attended by a mixture of local politicians, residents, community groups, board, staff and volunteers of the charity. However, Clio a rescue dog from the USPCA ‘stole the show’ and served as an important reminder of the difference the USPCA makes transforming the lives of vulnerable animals.

Customers wanting to donate good quality secondhand fashion and accessories can drop items off instore where they can also sign-up for gift aid, ensuring their donations maximise the amount that can be raised through their sales.

The new shop manager will also be on hand to talk to people interested in volunteering which also includes work experience for people aged 16 and over.

Volunteering can help provide people with an introduction to working in retail, as well as offering other life and employment skills. The shop would like to hear from interested individuals who can spare a few volunteer hours a week. A full induction and training will be given, and the charity are open to all regardless of prior experience.

For further information on volunteering and more visit the USPCA website

https://www.uspca.co.uk/charity-store-volunteer

All roads lead to The Outing Valentine’s weekend to find Friends & Friendship or both?

Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community will descend on County Clare Valentine’s weekend (February 14th-16th) for The Outing Festival 2025. It’s never too early to start finding that new someone and lots of fun.....

A new twist on an old tradition The world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking arts festival returns to The Inn at Dromoland in Newmarket-on-Fergus on the grounds of Dromoland Castle Co. Clare with a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí bands, queer arts, and the best of Irish and international performers, drag artists and DJs.

Organised in conjunction with The Outing Queer Arts Collective with support from Fáilte Ireland, working alongside Limerick Pride, and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is being hosted by “The Queen of Matchmaking” Eddie McGuinness with Paul Ryder & Victoria’s Secret.

Mr McGuinness, the Festival Director of The Outing, commented, “People have travelled from all over the world to our festival in previous years to enjoy pop-up clubs, drag performances, comedy, live music, arts, literary and film festivals and interactive events.”

He continued, “Matchmaking plays a huge part in the festival. With more than a hundred relationships and two marriages, I have helped play a part in putting together our event in recent years. The Outing also acts as a celebration of the LGTBQ+ community, so whether you’re single or taken gay, trans, straight or bi, all are welcome to this fun weekend.”

The Outing organisers are also working with Quare Clare Pride and Limerick Pride to submit a bid to bring EuroPride to Limerick, Clare and the Mid-West Region in 2028, which would mark the first time that the pan-European international event has been held in the island of Ireland. Attracting over 100,000 plus people from all over the world annually, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year.

The Outing Festival 2025 Valentine’s Weekend 14th-16th February 2025 occurs at The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare. Visit www.theouting.ie for ticket and event details

TEAM LGBTQ

Over 144 Out Athletes Headed to the Paris Summer Games

Outsports, part of the LGBTQ-owned and operated media company Q.Digital, and the leading voice in LGBTQ sports, is proud to announce the launch of “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ,” the most extensive database and in-depth coverage of out LGBTQ athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Sponsored by Paramount+, Nissan, and other corporations to be announced, the number of athletes on “Outsports’ Team LGBTQ” for Summer 2024 is 144 and counting. Some of the higher-profile athletes include American track and field athletes Sha’Carri Richardson, Raven Saunders, Nikkie Hiltz and Nico Young; American basketball players Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner; and American BMX Freestyle riders Hannah Roberts and Perris Benegas. British diver Tom Daley will compete in his fifth Games, and Brazil’s legendary soccer player Marta will compete in her sixth. Canada’s soccer player Quinn returns as the rare trans and nonbinary athlete (along with Hiltz), competing in soccer.

“As the world’s attention turns to Paris, Outsports celebrates the participation and achievements of the out-LGBTQ athletes who will be competing,” says Cyd Zeigler, co-founder of Outsports. “We are excited to shine a spotlight on these incredible individuals and share their stories with the world.”

This year, at least 24 countries, including the Refugee Team, are represented by at least one publicly out athlete in 32 sports. Once again, The United States has the most out athletes at the Olympics, with 28, about a fifth of all the attendees on the list. Team USA is followed in the number of publicly out LGBTQ athletes by Brazil (22), Australia (17), Great Britain (10), and Germany (9).

Women on the list outnumber men by about a 7 to 1 margin, with women’s soccer having the most out athletes of any sports, with more than 30 out players.

“These athletes are a testament to the tremendous progress the LGBTQ community has made, in sports and society at large, in many parts of the world,” says Outsports co-founder Jim Buzinski.

He acknowledges, however, that the battle is not yet won. In many countries participating in the Games, just walking down the street, or holding a Pride parade, as an LGBTQ person is illegal. “We hope our list of athletes on Team

LGBTQ inspires people across the world, including in countries where being out is extremely difficult, to keep going,” Buzinski adds.

In addition to hosting the largest and most detailed database of out Olympians and Paralympians – with bios, achievements, and personal stories that highlight their athletic prowess and unique journeys – Outsports will continue to publish exclusive interviews with the athletes and in-depth features on their contributions to sports and the LGBTQ community.

Outsports will also provide real-time coverage and updates throughout the Games, ensuring fans stay informed about the latest achievements and milestones. Coverage will span a wide range of content, including feature stories, video interviews, and social media highlights.

Founded in 1999, Outsports is the internet’s first community covering LGBTQ+ issues and personalities in amateur and professional sports. Earlier this year, Q.Digital, announced the acquisition of Outsports from Vox Media’s SB Nation.

“’Outsports’ Team LGBTQ’ is the go-to resource for fans, athletes and allies seeking to follow the journeys of LGBTQ competitors at the Games,” Zeigler said. “As part of its unparalleled coverage and a commitment to inclusivity, Outsports’ Team LGBTQ promises to inspire and engage audiences around the globe.”

For more information and to follow the coverage, visit Outsports’ website and connect on social media using the hashtag #TeamLGBTQ.

Reflecting your values... A Celebration of Love at the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford

Nestled in the charming town of Carlingford, the Four Seasons Hotel is more than just a luxurious destination—it’s a sanctuary where love is celebrated in all its beautiful forms. With sweeping views of Carlingford Lough and the majestic Slieve Foy Mountain, our hotel offers an idyllic setting for your wedding, ensuring that your special day is as unique and memorable as the love you share.

At the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we pride ourselves on creating bespoke wedding experiences that honour the individuality of every couple. Whether you’re planning a civil ceremony or a humanist celebration, our dedicated, award-winning wedding team is here to bring your vision to life.

A Venue Like No Other

There’s something magical about the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford. The moment you step into our venue, you are greeted by an ambiance of warmth, elegance, and natural beauty.

Located on the shores of Carlingford Lough, with Slieve Foy Mountain as a breathtaking backdrop, our hotel provides an enchanting setting that feels both intimate and grand.

Our luxurious wedding suite, designed with a perfect blend of modern sophistication and timeless charm, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Imagine saying your vows as the golden sunlight spills over the mountains, casting a soft glow over the lough. This serene and picturesque environment is the ideal backdrop for the beginning of your journey together.

For those who dream of an outdoor ceremony, our beautifully landscaped garden is the perfect spot. Enveloped by nature, with the scent of blooming flowers in the air and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, it’s a setting that embodies romance. Picture yourself walking down a petal-strewn aisle, surrounded by your closest family and friends, as the stunning Carlingford landscape provides a

naturally elegant stage for your ceremony.

One Wedding a Day Promise

At the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most significant events in your life. That’s why we make a simple yet profound promise: one wedding per day. When you choose to celebrate your love with us, you can rest assured that you will be the sole focus of our attention. This exclusive approach ensures that your wedding day is truly yours, with every detail tailored to reflect your unique love story.

This commitment to personalisation is at the heart of everything we do. Our award-winning wedding team, recognised as Ireland’s Best Large Hotel Wedding Venue 2024 by Save My Day Awards, is dedicated to creating a day that is as seamless as it is spectacular. From the initial planning stages to the final farewell, we work closely with you to ensure that every element of your wedding exceeds your expectations.

A Ceremony That Reflects Your Values

We believe that your wedding ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you choose a civil ceremony or a humanist ceremony, we are here to support you in creating a celebration that aligns with your values and beliefs.

Civil ceremonies offer a flexible and legally recognised option for couples who wish to craft a ceremony that is personal and meaningful. Our team will work with you to incorporate any special rituals, readings, or vows that hold significance to you, ensuring that your ceremony is a true representation of your relationship.

For those who seek a more philosophical or nonreligious approach, a humanist ceremony provides an opportunity to celebrate love, commitment, and the human experience. These ceremonies, often characterized by their warmth and inclusivity, focus

on the story of your relationship, the journey you’ve shared, and the promises you make for the future.

Award-Winning Excellence

Our dedication to excellence is evident not only in the beauty of our venue but also in the accolades we’ve received. Being named Ireland’s Best Large Hotel Wedding Venue 2024 by the Save My Day Awards is a testament to our commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every couple who walks through our doors. This award reflects the hard work, passion, and creativity of our wedding team, who go above and beyond to make your wedding day extraordinary.

But awards are only part of the story. The true measure of our success lies in the countless couples who have entrusted us with their wedding day and left with memories they will cherish forever. We are honoured to be a part of your love story and are committed to ensuring that your wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is nothing short of perfection.

A Day to Remember, A Venue to Cherish

Your wedding day is a moment in time—a day filled with love, joy, and the promise of a beautiful future together. At the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we offer more than just a venue; we offer a space where your love can flourish, where your dreams can take shape, and where memories are made. From the stunning views of Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foy Mountain to the elegant wedding suite and lush gardens, every element of our hotel is designed to create a wedding day that is as extraordinary as your love. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, our team is here to bring your dream wedding to life.

We invite you to discover the magic of the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford—a place where every love story is celebrated, and every wedding is unforgettable.

Say "I Do" in the Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford with a Civil ceremony or Humanist Ceremony. Carlingford offers a truly unique setting for you to exchange vows. You may wish to say “I Do” in the garden overlooking Slieve Foy mountain with the soft sound of cascading water in the background, or choose our newly designed wedding suite to host your wedding ceremony overlooking Carlingford Lough and Slieve Foy Mountain.

TEXT BY JOSH LEFFERSON

PHOTOS BY NICHOLAS EASTMAN

G PrettiBoiRog... is fast and furious in “In my ride”

ay Rapper PrettiBoiRoq is revving up engines once again with the release of his steamy new summer jam, “In My Ride.” The song, with its sweet, catchy hook and its top-down, riding-‘roundthe-beach pop vibe, is about a young and innocent California meet-cute. It was inspired by PrettiBoi’s own short-lived but high-octane romance. “I had just ended a long-term relationship and was discouraged with the dating scene when I met my ‘In My Ride’ guy,” he recalls. “He showed me I could connect with someone and that I had the ability to love again.”

After the success of his single, “Bad Bitch Alert”, PrettiBoiRoq says he aimed to show a different side of his music and aesthetic with “In My Ride”. “I wanted to show my versatility as an artist and do more than talk about shaking ass and being bad,” he says from his Los Angeles home. “In gay hip hop, I don’t feel like we have enough representation of love. We have plenty of tracks about sex and casual hookups, but not much about real romance, even though most of us live both pretty equally.”

Sonically, “In My Ride” is very different from anything the artist has released before. It is reminiscent of something out of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream era. “I wanted a very pop oriented sound,” PrettiBoiRoq explains. “Something that really personified summer love, and the feelings I was experiencing at the time.”

Nicholas Eastman directs the music video. It depicts a young couple on their first date. We watch as they start at the beach, enjoying a typical Southern California day. The guys then walk along the Santa Monica Pier and that’s where things between them start to heat up. “They end the night in a hotel, as all great first dates do,” PrettiBoiRoq laughs. “in all seriousness, it was important that the scene not be

sexually gratuitous. It’s simply about the connection between two people. There’s no real emphasis on the actual bedroom action, just hints and glimpses.”

Diego Escobar stars as the love interest in the video. “We met while on set filming a music video for a friend of mine,” says PrettiBoi. “Diego was playing the love interest in that video, too, and I could tell he was more than a pretty face. He was an actor and his ability to create chemistry on camera was amazing.”

It helped that Diego Escobar was professional because the day of the shoot was an unusually cold one for Southern California. “Diego and I had blankets on set and we were constantly under them in between takes. Riding around in that jeep with no roof was particularly bone chilling!”

PrettiBoiRoq grew up in a tiny town in North Carolina. After his mother succumbed to drug addiction, his parents divorced and he was raised by his religious dad and step mother. He was picked on for the clothes that he wore and for being gay. “I moved out of the house as soon as I turned 18 because I was desperate to leave my hometown behind.”

He moved to Los Angeles where he started working in films. “My LA dreams weren’t on modeling or acting, it was always on the music,” PrettiBoiRoq explains. “I got hooked on hip hop, the lyricism, the lifestyle from 2Pac and Dr. Dre’s “California Love.” I think hip hop resonates with people who face adversity and with everything I had struggled through with my mom and weight and living in poverty, the aggressive nature of the music allowed me to express myself.”

He released his first single, “PrettiBoi Anthym” in December 2015. His first EP PrettiBoiRoq, a pop hop record, was released in June 2016, along with his second single, “New Sh!t.” “You Don’t Own Me,” with its music video featuring porn star Arad Winwin, was released in April 2017.

In his second album, Haus of Ken, PrettiBoiRoq honed in on his hip hop roots. The single “‘Wanna Be Me,’ had a slightly darker, Trap sound to it along with a traditional hip-hop beat.

He followed the album with “Bad Bitch Alert”, a duet with rapper Chanel Jole. It is PrettiBoiRoq’s most successful single to date, with over 85,000 views on Youtube and counting.

Over the past couple years, PrettiBoiRoq has matured a lot. “I think working with so many amazing artists and building such a great fan base has really forced me to step out of my comfort zone and continue to get better at what I do,” he says.

“The biggest thing people are going to realize with this upcoming project is how much thought and passion went into it. During my Haus of Ken era, I was making music I thought everyone else wanted to hear. I don’t think I was truly comfortable with who I was as a person or an artist. With this project, I’m making music for me, that tells my story and who I am today and I’m hoping everyone else will like it. As you get older, you get wiser, or so they say.”

Visit: https://www.prettiboiroq.com

Follow PrettiBoiRoq on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ prettiboiroq

By Charles King...

Welcome to Our Kingdom

With a mantra to own your crown and feel empowered when wearing it. Our goal is to create garments that are unique in every way.

Our designs are limited edition, sourced from local UK businesses and delivered to you using fully recyclable, eco friendly packaging. Sustainability is our top priority.

We are so excited to keep growing, sharing and seeing you wear the brand. No matter who you are and where you are in the world; you are ALL welcome in the Kingdom

MARTIN M

Quire Belfast

Belfast Pride Entertainer or the Year

Quire Belfast, the city’s premier LGBTQ+ choir, has been awarded Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 Belfast Pride Awards. Celebrated for their dynamic performances and commitment to inclusivity, Quire Belfast has become a beacon of unity and joy within the community. Unlike the other performers nominated Quires members cross into bars, hotels, hospitals, churches, television, radio, town squares, multiple prides and its members represent the wide variety of our LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse repertoire and vibrant shows have captivated audiences, reflecting the spirit of Pride. This accolade recognizes their artistic excellence and significant cultural contribution, marking a milestone in their 20 year journey. The award underscores the choir’s role in fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating diversity through music and as a result the upcoming Quire Recruitment night will bring our membership to over 100. I have been proud to serve as Vice Chair for Quire in their biggest year for growth and one of their most exciting year for collaborations.

Sporting Pride; represented Gary Mc Nevin and myself also had a surprise nomination at the Belfast Pride 2024 awards for the Activist Award. This recognition celebrates their unwavering dedication to promoting inclusivity and equality in the world of sports, marking a significant milestone for the organization and the broader LGBTQ+ community. Throughout the past year, Sporting Pride has made substantial strides in creating safe, welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ athletes. Their efforts have included organizing local sports leagues, hosting educational workshops, and launching impactful campaigns aimed at reducing discrimination and fostering allyship within sporting communities. These initiatives have empowered individuals to pursue their athletic passions without fear of prejudice, significantly enhancing the inclusivity of sports in Belfast and beyond.

Belfast Pride Family Fun Day

Belfast Pride’s Family Fun Day 2024 was a resounding success, with the introduction of tennis and badminton proving to be a highlight for attendees. Held on the grounds of Belfast City Hall, the event brought together families and individuals from across the community, celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the joy of physical activity. The tennis courts were buzzing with energy as participants of all ages took to the game. Out2Tennis Belfast and Shuttle Belfast provided engaging support, ensuring everyone, from novices to seasoned players, could participate. The sessions emphasized fun and inclusivity, allowing families to bond over the sport.

Children and adults and even the Lord Mayor enjoyed friendly matches and conversations, showcasing their new found skills and competitive spirit.

Attendees praised the variety of activities on offer, noting that the inclusion of tennis and badminton enriched the experience. Many families expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn new sports and spend quality time together. The event highlighted the power of sports to unite people and foster a sense of community. Overall, Belfast Pride’s Family Fun Day 2024 was a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and togetherness. The day was filled with joy, camaraderie, and the shared spirit of pride, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Féile An Phobail Inclusive Rounder’s

Sporting Pride celebrated a milestone event in collaboration with Féile an Phobail, as Tuatha De Danaan hosted the first inclusive rounder’s session at Cardinal O’Donnell’s as part of the festival. The event marked Sporting Pride’s first venture into the Feile following the LGBTQ GAA team turning down the Feile back in 2022. The session, aimed at fostering inclusivity and community engagement, saw a diverse group of participants come together for an afternoon of fun, teamwork, and athleticism. Tuatha De Danaan impressed the local community with great coaching ensuring that everyone, regardless of their skill level or background, felt welcome and included.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Badminton also drew large crowds, with many families flocking to engage in the fast-paced, reflex-testing game. Experienced players and novices played side by side, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The badminton area saw numerous impromptu matches and playful competitions, with plenty of laughter and cheers resonating throughout the day. The introduction of these sports added a dynamic new element to the Family Fun Day, aligning perfectly with Belfast Pride’s mission to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for a healthy mind while celebrating diversity. The event provided a fantastic platform for community members to connect, compete, and enjoy each other’s company in a supportive environment.

Cardinal O’Donnell’s grounds buzzed with excitement as participants learned the fundamentals of a sport deeply rooted in Irish culture. The event highlighted the importance of inclusivity in sports, offering a platform for individuals of all abilities to connect and enjoy the game and I was proud to return to the space where I built up my first team. I was also delighted to see the pride flag raised once again on the GAA grounds.

Sporting Pride and Féile An Phobail’s collaboration demonstrated the power of sport in bringing communities together. The success of this event sets a positive precedent for future activities, reinforcing the commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity through sport. This memorable day at Cardinal O’Donnell’s was a testament to the unifying spirit of GAA and the vibrant community it supports. I also have to give a shout out to my team Down LGFA that permitted me to host the first LGBTQ+ Pride podcast on the Down LGFA channel with 3 inspiring guests including the Lord Mayor, East Belfast LGFA PRO and the Down LGFA Senior Ladies Captain.

XAND

A LETTER TO MY ATTACKER

To the young man who attacked me four days ago.

As you walked away from me, adrenaline still rushing through your veins, eyes wide and heart pumping. The thrill and satisfaction of having humiliated another victim. The memory of those few seconds already beginning to fade, what was the rest of your day like? What did you do? Who did you talk to? What did you eat for dinner that night? How did you sleep?

The next morning, as you stretched in the sunlight, a smile of satisfaction curving your lips. As you lit a cigarette and felt a slight ache in your knuckles. As you showered and dressed. As you left your home and stepped outside. As you began just another day free from fear, free from trauma, free from nightmares, how was your day? What did you eat? Who did you

see? Which friend called and asked if you wanted to get drunk that night?

What’s it like to be able to walk down the street? What does the sky look like? What does the air smell like? How does it feel to not be afraid? What’s it like to not have to check if the door is locked 50 times? What’s it like to not replay the moment in your mind over and over and over and over and over?

As the past melts away and becomes just another story, another tale to tell your friends, another joke to laugh at, what’s it like to feel ok? What’s it like to walk down the street with your girlfriend? What’s it like to hold her hand? What’s it like to kiss her and have no one look at you in disgust? What’s it like for there to be no consequences? What’s it like to just go on with your life and for those seconds to disappear into the mists of time? What’s it like to forget? How does that feel?

As I sit here typing these words, I look at the leaves of a tree outside my window. A gentle breeze makes them dance in the sunlight. It feels good to have the window open. I couldn’t do that before. The night you attacked me I closed the windows and barricaded myself into my flat. The nights were stuffy in a room without fresh air. The night you attacked me I couldn’t eat. The next day I sat shivering in fear, watching the door, waiting for you to break it down. I couldn’t eat, fear twisting my stomach into a thousand knots.

confidence I had remaining. I already was afraid. I already found it hard to go outside. Now… there is no outside. Only these walls.

It took four days for the bruises to turn a sickly yellow colour. My face still hurts. I’m not sure what was worse, the few seconds I was more scared than I have been since I got beaten up as a child, or the way I was made to feel like this was somehow my fault afterwards as I spoke to men who just didn’t get me. “This kind of thing happens all the time. We deal with much worse than this. Do you want to go to court or just leave it?” They told me and I wondered just how hard does someone have to punch another person for it to be bad enough?

I forgive you. Not because I’m a nice guy, not because some priest told me to, not because it’s the right thing to do, but to sever the cords that connect us and to release myself from the rage that burns inside of me like fire.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Fear turned to sadness then anger and then a sort of hollow emptiness. The police told me without a name it would be difficult to identify you. I’ve become one of those statistics I used to write about. I’ve become a number, a curve on a graph. I ask what the sky looked like because I have not left my home since that day you took from me the little

EQUALITY

Need Advice? Call the Equality Commission’s Discrimination Advice Line for Help

If you have faced discrimination due to your sexual orientation or gender identity, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is here to help and has a dedicated discrimination advice line to provide people with support and guidance.

Last year, the Equality Commission discrimination line received over 3,000 calls from across Northern Ireland from people concerned about discrimination in workplaces and when accessing goods and services.

Despite the high volume of inquiries, only about 45 calls related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner at the Equality Commission, said. “Our advice

discrimination line does not have a lot of queries from the LGBTQ+ community compared to other equality groups. It may be that people worry about drawing attention to themselves or causing a fuss,” she said.

“We want people to know that we are available if you need advice, if you feel you have been discriminated against or are experiencing harassment or victimisation. By standing up and seeking help, you contribute to challenging and reducing discrimination for yourself and the wider LGBTQ+ community.”

LGBTQ+ individuals in Northern Ireland are legally protected from discrimination in employment and when accessing goods and services, including education, healthcare, housing, and public spaces.

The discrimination advice line provides free confidential advice on how to handle any alleged discrimination. In certain cases the Commission may

also be able to provide legal assistance through the courts.

The Equality Commission has supported a range of cases in the past. Examples include a trans woman who settled a sex discrimination case against a major department store after being rejected at the interview stage due to her gender identity.

In another case, a male couple sought advice after experiencing harassment and unsafe conditions at home, leading to escalating attacks on their property.

The Chief Commissioner emphasized the importance of seeking help quickly.

“While most issues can be resolved without the

need to go through the courts, there are time limits for bringing legal action so it is important that you act quickly if you feel you have been a victim of discrimination. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are just a phone call away.”

If you need help or wish to make a discrimination complaint, call the advice line on 028 90 500 600.

PAUL

UNHEALED WOUNDS IN THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS: A REFLECTION OF OUR TIMES IN TODAY’S GLOBAL LANDSCAPE, COLLECTIVE UNHEALED WOUNDS SIGNIFICANTLY SHAPE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL REALITIES. THESE WOUNDS ARE NOT MERELY INDIVIDUAL GRIEVANCES; THEY ARE DEEP-SEATED TRAUMAS AND UNRESOLVED ISSUES EMBEDDED IN THE COLLECTIVE PSYCHE.

This phenomenon manifests in ongoing struggles with systemic injustices, environmental crises, and widespread feelings of division and unrest. Crucially, these wounds also encompass issues related to gender and sexuality, reflecting a profound need for recognition, understanding, and healing. When I refer to ‘collective consciousness,’ I’m talking about the shared attitudes, beliefs, and morals that act as the ‘social glue’ holding a group together. This collective set of norms dictates what is considered right, wrong, appropriate, true, and how we relate to each other and make sense of the world.

It’s fascinating to think that these shared ideas and beliefs are not purely individual but part of a collective force shaped by our society’s history, stories, and accessible information. The current explosion of information challenges us as a global society, bringing both inspiration from new knowledge and technologies, and a heightened awareness of complex, interconnected problems. This duality leaves us navigating unprecedented awareness and challenges, with a clearer view of both our potential and the obstacles we face. The expansion of our collective consciousness is causing societal division and turmoil, revealing deep-seated issues. As we face this crisis, the “social glue” that once held us together is weakening, leaving many overwhelmed. Some avoid the chaos, others watch passively, and some struggle with anxiety, feeling compelled to act but unsure of the way forward.

This turmoil stems from the challenge of processing vast amounts of information, leading to disillusionment, polarisation, and political violence. It disrupts communities and families, highlighting a need for new skills and support systems to navigate these complexities.

Present Manifestations

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Women have long faced collective trauma from centuries of disenfranchisement, sexual violence, and exclusion from public life. Persistent gender pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership, and reinforcing gender stereotypes highlight the ongoing struggle for equality. The recent vile media treatment of Imane Khelif at the 2024 Olympics has highlighted the struggles that women are challenged with. Resistance to gender equality and LGBTQIA+ rights, including anti-gender movements, reflects ongoing societal struggles. These movements often defend traditional values against modern understandings of gender and sexuality. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict deeply influences global consciousness, shaping perspectives on justice, self-

determination, and peace. It symbolises broader struggles for justice and the international community’s ability to resolve conflicts. The lack of a lasting peace agreement fuels disillusionment with international diplomacy and conflict resolution, reflecting broader concerns about justice and human rights.

This turmoil stems from the challenge of processing vast amounts of information, leading to disillusionment, polarisation, and political violence.

In the UK, current racial attacks significantly impact collective consciousness, affecting societal attitudes and policies. Media coverage amplifies these issues, shaping perceptions of race, diversity, and inclusion.

The Role of Media and Communication

In the digital age, the media plays a significant role in both highlighting and perpetuating these collective wounds. Social media platforms have become arenas where these issues are discussed, debated, and, at times, distorted. While these platforms can help bring awareness to various causes, they can also amplify misinformation and deepen divisions. The phenomenon of echo chambers, where people are exposed primarily to information that reinforces their pre-existing beliefs, further entrenches societal divisions.

However, the media also has the power to foster empathy and understanding.

Documentaries, films, and literature that explore historical traumas and social injustices can help educate and open dialogues.

Healing Through Acknowledgment and Action

Healing these collective wounds requires acknowledgment, dialogue, and action.

Acknowledgment means recognizing the pain and trauma that certain groups have endured. Dialogue involves creating spaces for open and honest conversations about these issues. It means listening to the voices of those who have been marginalised and oppressed, and taking their experiences seriously. Action, however, is the most critical step. It involves implementing policies and practices that address systemic issues and promote justice and equity. Healing is an ongoing process that requires sustained commitment from individuals, communities, and governments alike.

A Path Forward

This moment of heightened awareness could be a crucial opportunity for growth, not a downfall. By embracing both intellectual and emotional complexity, we can guide this transformation constructively. Collective healing, as a part of this process, can help us turn current challenges into opportunities, suggesting that we have the tools needed to adapt and

evolve. Only by facing these wounds head-on can we hope to create a world that truly reflects our shared values of justice, equity, and compassion.

Paul McAllister- Aho Wellness

IG: aho_wellness

Facebook: aho.wellness.belfast

Email: wellness.aho@gmail.com

MOUNDERWEAR

On

Mekahel Makes a Splash With his Swim collection and Blazing New Summer Song

BY FRANK DOLL

On Mekahel is an entertainment powerhouse. He is a model, actor, fashion designer and social media influencer with nearly three million followers. He is best known for starring on the reality show, Putting On, a series that ran for two seasons on Revry TV. It followed the ups and downs of his personal and business life, with viewers watching as the underwear model built his Mounderwear fashion empire from the ground up.

Mounderwear continues to thrive today with On Mekahel recently unveiling the company’s summer 2024 collection. He’s also adding one more title to his resume this summer: pop singer. This month, On Mekahel is debuting his first music single, “Play with Fire”. Produced by DJ Ran Ziv, the song is a European house and dance-pop record that captures the energy and excitement of the dance floor.

We caught up with On Mekahel from his home in Los Angeles.

Congratulations on the new song!

On Mekahel: Thanks! This song is just the beginning. I’m working on an entire EP!

Is singing a new thing for you?

Not really. Growing up, I was that kid that performed in every school and community event; the one that would put on a show wherever he was. The world has always been my stage.

Why was now the right time to release a music single? There is never a better time than now to do absolutely anything. That’s my life’s motto! Also, I just felt ready and like I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I feel more confident now than ever before: ready to make the transition from shirtless boy on Instagram to someone that is creating a body of work that goes deeper. I know the direction I want to take my music and I’m not afraid of opening myself up to judgment.

Is that why you exited your show after two seasons?

Did you grow tired of the judgement from viewers? No, it was more due to creative differences with the network. While I loved the process and the results of doing the show, filming two seasons took a lot of time and energy. We won the Queerty Award for best streaming series in 2021, and after that, we sort of hit a plateau with the network and decided it was in everyone’s best interests to go out on top.

What did you learn from shooting the reality show? I learned about the art of storytelling and all that is involved in the process of sharing your life with the world. It’s not nearly as simple as turning on the camera and filming. In order for the audience to engage with the show, the story has to make sense and grab interest. As the person whose life is under a microscope, you want to make sure that certain elements of who you are and what you stand

for shine through but it’s hard to do that when you have producers twisting the story to fit their narrative.

What were the best parts of doing a reality show?

Working with my husband every day. There is nothing I love more in life than spending time with him. The show also kept me extremely busy, which I loved. I’m a better version of myself when I’m busy.

Worst parts?

Having cameras in your face when things are not great in life. Like when my first love broke my heart, or when my husband and I were struggling with our relationship. Those were really personal moments, but when you’re on a reality show, you’re required to show up and film, no matter what. But man, having a camera crew in the room with you makes life’s problems so much more difficult.

Would you do it again?

I don’t know. I’m forever thankful that I was given the opportunity and I will always cherish how, especially after the first season, I received so many messages about how simply sharing my story had inspired men to come out, follow their heart and chase their dreams. That made everything worth it.

Do you credit the show with the success of your Mounderwear brand?

I believe that it helped in some ways, absolutely. It shined a spotlight on the brand, the creative process and the hard work we put into it. My social media channels also deserve credit.

How has the Mounderwear brand evolved in the last few years?

We grow a bit with every new collection we put out. Our customers are vocal and we listen.

Your tattoos…

You like?

Oh, yes. There are so many! Do you have a favorite?

I have two. I love the Eiffel tower tattoo because my husband and I got married in Paris and we had what I can only call my dream ceremony. The second tattoo that has major significance would be my dog paws. My dog babies are my world. They are my rocks. My soul. I put their paws on my leg so we can walk together forever.

On Mekahel’s debut single, “Play with Fire”, is available on Apple, Spotify and all major streamers.

Follow On Mekahel on Instagram: iamonmekahel

TikTok: iamonmekahel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/on.mekahel/ X: iamonmekahel

Naked in the desert...

by sam mcconnell

Naked yoga and fitness instructor Dan Carter and artist Saul Lyons are hosting a long weekend of uninhibited camaraderie under the hot desert sun at INNdulge Palm Springs.

SELF DISCOVERY - A NAKED MINDFULNESS RETREAT will take place September 26-30 and will feature classes such as “Yoga for Sexual Health”, “Embracing the Artist Inside You”, and “Drum Up Your Bum”; all with an emphasis on self-discovery and encouraging men to connect and fall in love with their bodies.

According to Jon Jackson, a co-owner of INNdulge, the clothing-optional resort in Palm Springs, while women have embraced the body positivity movement, body acceptance among men has been slow to catch on. “Men suffer silently while the media bombards us with idealized images of what our bodies should look like,” he says. “It’s time men develop pride and a love for the skin they are in.”

“I used to treat every retreat the same way, but after four years of leading this getaway, I’ve learned that every group brings a distinct variety of personalities and needs,” Dan Carter adds. “Much of the long weekend is planned out, but we often shift the schedule to prioritize creating a community among this unique group of individuals.”

He’s also reshaped the weekend from feedback he’s received from previous retreats. “We’ve added new workshops and classes, including a Nude Drawing workshop that I am really passionate about!” We spoke with Dan Carter to learn more.

Why do you think men have been slow to embrace the body positivity movement?

Dan Carter: I think many men, particularly those who identify as gay, bi, trans, or queer, were taught to ignore or completely hide their emotions from a very early age. When you shut yourself off from that kind of thinking and feeling, a lot of resentment and a lack of self-esteem can build up. Fortunately, I believe this trend is changing with the culture, and I’m happy to be a part of that shift.

How does being naked in the desert help to encourage men to love their bodies?

Dan Carter: There are plenty of lovely places to be naked and fall in love with your body. However, I think the desert is a very special place for this. Thanks to the hot, dry weather, guys who might normally be shy about being naked quickly forget they’re not wearing clothes. The extra dose of vitamin D and the remarkable desert landscape certainly keep the feel-good hormones flowing!

What are some of the highlights of the retreat?

Dan Carter: I am particularly excited to welcome Saul Lyons for our firstever Nude Drawing class on the retreat! Saul is a completely self-taught artist who will show guys that even if they doubt their creative skills, there is an artist inside each of them.

Why is naked drawing a key element of the weekend?

Dan Carter: Much like yoga, drawing is a skill that takes practice and a love for the human form. I like to think of naked yoga and drawing as a fine wine and cheese pairing; they are unique modalities, but together they create a tantalizing fusion that allows for self-love and discovery. In addition to Saul’s workshop, the hike through the desert is an absolute favorite of mine, and I don’t know of anywhere else in the world where you can do something like that.

Is it important that most activities be held outside?

Dan Carter: Anytime we reconnect with nature and get off our electronic devices, I think we are doing a tremendous service to ourselves. When we’re outside and naked, it’s much easier to put away our phones and appreciate the splendor of the Coachella Valley.

Are meals included in the weekend?

Dan Carter: Breakfast and one meal a day are included in the price of the retreat. We intentionally leave space and time in the schedule to encourage retreat participants to explore the rich food scene of Palm Springs.

What are the key lessons and/or takeaways that you learned from previous retreats?

Dan Carter: I used to treat every retreat the same way, but after four years of leading this getaway, I’ve learned that every group brings a distinct variety of personalities and needs. Much of the long weekend is planned out, but we often shift the schedule to prioritize creating a community among this unique group of individuals.

For tickets and more information on the SELF DISCOVERY - A NAKED MINDFULNESS RETREAT, visit https://bornnakedyoga.com/palm-springs.

SCOTT

GRUMPY OLD BUGGER

YOU SEE AN UNMADE BED…

…I SEE A CATASTROPHE’

I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING. ARE THESE THE RAVINGS OF A LUNATIC? THE DERANGED RAMBLINGS OF AN ESCAPED MENTAL PATIENT? NO... RATHER MY BOYFRIENDS SOMEWHAT OVERBLOWN RESPONSE TO MY ‘FORGETTING’ TO ADJUST THE DUVET INTO AN EXACT ALIGNMENT WITH THE MATTRESS ONE MORNING.

‘YOUR DAUGHTER’S RIGHT…YOU HAVE ADHD’

HE THROWS IN FOR GOOD MEASURE.

You should have seen him. Jumping up and down like Rumpelstiltskin. Hurling a torrent of vile abuse at

me, such as ‘I like it tidy’ and ‘have you finished with that cup’. I seem to recall that particular exchange ended up with me doing the grown up version of running away from home. Sitting in the car outside the house for forty five minutes. Listening to Jess Glynne singing ‘Hold My Hand’, pretending I was on a plane somewhere nice and never coming back.

I wouldn’t mind, my being here takes a minimum of 9 hours travel (one way). I have to pack everything I may possibly need for the month, including my coffee machine, CPAP and enough ill-fitting vests to open a shop. There’s bound to be a little untidiness. If I could fit it all into a smaller space I’d be on Britain’s got Talent pulling doves out my hole. You’d think the whiny wee bastard would be a bit more understanding.

Lately, he’s started trying to ‘contain’ the fallout. A bit like they did at Chernobyl, only with thicker walls. I’ve been ‘given’ a room in which to make a mess. He stands in the doorway, looking at me with an alternating combination of fondness and disgust. Like some sort of sick puppy training centre. Except every so often, when he thinks I’m not looking, he’s lobbing his dirty underwear onto my floordrobe and its messing with my head.

Floordrobe. That was a new one on me, but a phrase that made perfect sense when I broke it down. A wardrobe… consisting of your clothes…strewn across the floor. Where you know where they all are. It seemed perfectly reasonable. Normal even. Until someone threw their mess into the middle of it.

My eldest daughter, hearing of these sort of exchanges (or seeing me bruised and beaten, I forget which) suggested it was an indicator of potential for ADHD. I raise what I can of an eyebrow. Is she being shady? She’s a lesbian, they’re known for it. Not being shady. I mean being so subtle about it you don’ t know if they’re being shady.

I smile. ‘ADHD…me. Pfft’

Now I’m no medic. Though someone once remarked I’d fucked more doctors than Matt Hancock, but surely there has to be more to a diagnosis of ADHD than being a trifle disorganised. I go to Google it, but forget what I’m doing and find myself looking at videos of cakes being decorated for three hours.

and haven’t cooked.

Come to think of it, if this is my new hobby, I’m going to need all the premium equipment. Like a little blowlamp for my crème brulees and piping nozzles and … oh my cards been declined.

I did actually do this with bread. My mum asked did I want a stand mixer. Fast forward to a fortnight of baguettes, bagels

I thought this was just part and parcel of being gay. That innate sense of ‘well I’m special so I must be able to do [insert any activity here] and do it to a standard you’d think I was a professional’.

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

Cakes… that’s what I’ll do. I’ll do some baking. Not just any old baking. Procrastibaking. Who needs to deal with problems, or life admin or really important stuff (like this article) when you can make cakes. Or bake bread. Or order kitchen thermometers because it’s important to know the internal temperature of a joint of beef…that you don’t have…

and baps. As I say that out loud it sounds like a drag show. I cast my mind to the unhealthy volume of various sized loaf pans and cake decorating tools. All packed helpfully away in a big crate behind the piano. Come to think of it I’ve got 14 kilos of different coloured ready made fondant icing in that crate.

Where was I? Oh yes, ADHD. Apparently being a completer / finisher is alien to those with ADHD. They love to start new things. They are very creative. They just can’t be arsed seeing anything through to a conclusion. So I start to think of my

hobbies. They do all seem short lived. OH MY GOD I BOUGHT A PIANO!?! What’s that doing there still? Lurking in my living room like some angry ex that won’t move on.

The professional modellers clay I started making wire frame models from. Happiest fifteen minutes of Covid that was.

I once went ice skating as I had a dream it was really easy. I took the day off work. I went to the ice rink, strapped on some disgustingly damp skates and then felt a combination of horror and ‘Please God, let nobody be looking’ when I realised I wasn’t a professional ice skater like I had genuinely convinced myself I was. To actually have that realisation – ON THE ICE was a slap in the face. This is nothing like my dream I thought, as some old lady went whizzing by like she’d been shot out of a cannon.

I was genuinely perplexed. Why was it so different from my dream. It’s a good job it wasn’t a flying dream. That could have been a rude awakening. Though it makes you wonder why when people overdose and think they can fly they go to a rooftop to test that theory. They never try taking off from ground level. Or maybe they do and don’t have a column in this magazine.

Where was I… Oh, ADHD symptoms yes. I thought this was just part and parcel of being gay. That innate sense of ‘well I’m special so I must be able to do [insert any activity here] and do it to a standard you’d think I was a professional’. I went to the gym once. Back when I was straight. Saw the personal trainers in action. Like every gay men ever I thought ‘I could do that’. Took the exams, said ‘push, push, c’mon’, got bored and left. Come to think of it, I also thought I could be a midwife. Maybe I could.

I once worked as a telephone psychic. No really. I didn’t set out to be psychic. I just thought ‘how hard can it be?’. Within a few weeks word got out and ‘genuine’ psychics were phoning me for advice and life lessons. I’m not making this up I swear. I had a doctor phone me once. Three hours she was on. I was dying for a wee. She was making decisions on a legal case based on me turning cards over on the other end of the phone. Actually, rambling aside, spiritualism is a good example of gays being special. Or more specifically, male spiritualists.

Find me a straight one. You can’t. They’re all gay. They’re all gay because we will do and say anything just to be different. Including pretending to talk to the dead.

My brother is the same. Not gay… or a spiritualist come to that. I mean he exhibits symptoms of ADHD (familial link… it’s all adding up). Fixing things until they are broken. Attention span of a gnat. I would have said goldfish but gnat sounded better.

To be fair he’s ten times worse than I am. Some people get intrusive thoughts. He lets them play out into reality. Things like ‘I wonder what will happen if I let go of this zip line’ (Spoiler - concussion) or

ADHD. In the meantime, my boyfriend (I’ve actually proposed really badly twice in the last week, so I may make this the third)…I mean fiancé, can keep hiding my keys and my wallet and making me think I’m going mad until I get an actual diagnosis.

Until that point… *turns card…’Oh…death… …No, that’s good… Means…new beginnings…’ *cough

Under the Drum... a new boutique music & arts festival

Under the Drum is a new boutique music and arts festival set in a beautiful and natural setting in the Antrim Hills. It features some of the best new folk, rock and pop acts from across Ireland and the UK, as well as yoga, spoken word, falconry, art markets and more. Around half an hour outside Belfast, we think there is nothing else that offers the same kind of unique experience in the area.

So why is it called ‘Under the Drum’? Well, one of the hills overlooking the site is named Drumadarragh hill, but we also liked the associations of the name. The idea of ‘peering under the lid’ of a drum, and finding all the art and talent that teems out, that we believe is especially prevalent and undervalued in the Belfast area, as well as across NI and beyond.

Under the Drum is a family run festival that has

been a dream for all of us for a long time, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to the elegant surroundings of the venue. As 2024 is the inaugural year, we are keeping things intimate and fairly lowkey this year, which we hope will create a serene and welcoming atmosphere. We will welcome daytrippers as well as campers, and the entertainment will run all day and into the night. We have a great selection of local food vans as well as drinks from some NI providers too.

A big tentpole of our festival will be its sustainable approach, in-keeping with the verdant environment at the base of the Antrim hills. We aim to use as many recycled materials as possible in the creation of our festival site, and will be encouraging our guests to minimise and dispose of waste, as well as reuse all containers and cups.

As it takes place on the 28th of September, there is no better way to celebrate the end of the summer festival season than with great music, company and entertainment in a natural haven.

Hot Hits & Celeb Bits

Gary Campion

Pride has been and gone, and the summer that never was continues but I’m not letting that stop me from sticking on my beats and making the most of it between the rain showers!

Gigs I’ll be reviewing on our socials... Maybe I’ll see you there

Tom Grennan

CHSQ Belfast

Mon 19th Aug 24

I am taking my nieces along with my life sidekick dangerous Di aka “the Holden/Dizzy” Here is hoping we get a dry evening otherwise it will be ponchos at the ready for us! - limited tickets are still available.

The Last Dinner Party with support from KAETO

Telegraph Building Belfast

Wed 18th Sept 24

I fell in love with this band, their stage theatrics and their sound after seeing them during coverage of Glastonbury in 2023, having since seen them on the likes of the Graham Norton show I have been busting to see them live so this is one I am looking forward to with the bonus of also getting to see Kaeto who is opening for them- SOLD OUT

POST PRIDE BLUES TOP 5:

KHALID HEATSTROKE

Full of his heartfelt vocals and down-to-earth perspective lyrics this is a great one to have playing in the background when chilling with your significant other(s).

LONDON GRAMMAR STRONGER

A go-to track of mine when I want to be calm, gather my thoughts and make sense of things.

Snow Patrol

SSE Arena Belfast

27th & 28th Feb 25

I have worked on several of their live events/tours over the years in my previous life in PR and Tour Management these guys put on one hell of a show and are always so down to earth and grateful for their success, something I have always admired them for.Limited tickets are still available.

KATE MILLER- HEIDKE THE LAST DAY ON EARTH

I first heard this when my old chum Dannii Minogue was being interviewed by Piers Morgan and it’s been on my playlist since.

NOAH KAHN FT JULIA MICHAELS HURT SOMEBODY

A catchy toe-tapping duet between Tennants Vital headliner and Julia from before Noah’s big “Stick Season” breakthrough.

ZAK ABEL UNSTABLE

One of my favourites off his album “Only When We’re Naked,” if you like this track go give the album a listen.

Here are the 3 forthcoming releases I can’t wait for...

TOP five LATEST RELEASES ON REPEAT Album Releases

Sabrina Carpenter - Short N Sweet - 23rd Aug - A Sweet Reflection of Success!

Get ready, music lovers! Sabrina Carpenter is set to drop her highly anticipated 6th album, “Short n’ Sweet”, via Polydor Records. Following the record-breaking success of her lead single, “Espresso,” which dominated the UK charts for seven consecutive weeks and held the Spotify Global Chart top spot for an impressive eleven weeks with over half a billion streams, Sabrina is riding high.

Hot on the heels of “Espresso,” the follow-up single, “Please, Please, Please,” has already made waves, securing the UK number 1 spot for five weeks. Collaborating with GRAMMY-winning producers Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, the track showcases her witty lyrics and signature delivery, solidifying her place in pop royalty.

Having supported Taylor Swift on her Era’s Tour and dazzled at Coachella 2024, where her performance was hailed as one of the festival’s highlights, Sabrina is no stranger to the spotlight. With multiple gold and platinum certifications and soldout shows worldwide, she’s truly broken the Disney girl mould. Don’t miss her live at Dublin’s 3 Arena - 3rd & 4th March 2025.

Snow Patrol - The Forest is the Path - 13th Sept - Snow Patrol are Back!

After a six-year hiatus, the iconic local lads done good are unleashing a brand new album, ‘The Forest Is The Path,’ via Polydor Records. Co-produced by the legendary Fraser T Smith known for his work with Adele and Stormzy, this eagerly awaited album showcases the trio of Gary Lightbody, Nathan Connolly, and Johnny McDaid.

Kicking off the excitement, the band has released their first single, ‘The Beginning,’ written during a reflective trip to Somerset. With lyrics revealing a deep introspection about love from a distance, this track encapsulates the essence of the album—a poignant exploration of memories and relationships. Gary notes the profound nature of writing and recording the song in a single take, adding to its raw authenticity. With twelve tracks and a blend of fresh sounds, ‘The Forest Is The Path’ promises to be a gripping listen.

Alongside the new music, Snow Patrol has announced an exhilarating 8-date UK and Ireland Arena tour set for February 2025, making stops in iconic venues like the 3Arena in Dublin and The SSE Arena in Belfast. Grab your tickets soon—this is a comeback you won’t want to miss!

Nelly Furtado - 7 - 20th Sept - A Personal and Joyous Return to Music!

Grammy Award-winning global superstar Nelly Furtado has officially announced her much-anticipated new album, “7”! This collection marks her most inspired and personal work yet, born from 4 years of self-discovery and artistic expansion. After focusing on motherhood, Furtado felt the magnetic urge to return to her musical roots. “I heard the calling!” she declared, as she witnessed a resurgence of her music among Gen Z fans.

During her artistic journey, Furtado penned an impressive 400 songs, collaborating with talented artists across the globe. The first single, “Corazón,” featuring the vibrant Bomba Estéreo, showcases her renewed passion and unique sound. Crafted amidst the Colombian backdrop, this celebratory pop anthem, co-produced by Furtado and T-Minus, blends empowering lyrics and eclectic melodies, creating a track that captivates audiences worldwide.

Following the hit “Love Bites”, which racked up over 13 million streams, Furtado continues to thrive in her musical renaissance. With 1.5 billion streams in 2023 alone, she has firmly reestablished herself as an icon of millennium pop, delighting fans with unforgettable performances at events like Coachella, Fan Fest EURO 2024 and one I was lucky enough to experience Mighty Hoopla in June of this year. Get ready for the joy and infectious energy of 7!

What I have been listening to on repeat since our pride issue:

JADE

ANGEL OF MY DREAMS

An absolutely offthe-wall amazing piece of Pop Art, well worth the wait for Jades’ 1st solo music venture! #puppetonastring

JOE JONAS WORK IT OUT

The Jonas brothers are a guilty pleasure of mine, honestly, I’ve not disliked any of their solo material yet, adding this one to the list!

PARIS HILTON FT. MEGHAN TRAINOR CHASIN

Let’s be honest anything Meghan releases is normally a bop, but this is next level, think stars are blind but better!

TONES AND I TO BE LOVED

Taking a big step away from Dance Monkey and showing their talent as a clever lyricist, deft producer and an inimitable vocalist!

BROKEN HEARTS CLUB (WELCOME TO THE) BROKEN HEARTS CLUB The final single to be taken from her forthcoming EP, (Welcome To The) Broken Hearts Club out 7th Aug check it out.

MARTIN K

CASTING COUCH

I DON’T KNOW WHY I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I READ NEWS, THE FANTASTIC NEWS, THAT BRITNEY SPEARS BESTSELLING RECORD BREAKING MEMOIR “THE WOMAN IN ME“ WAS SCOOPED UP BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND IS TO BE MADE IN THE BIOPIC OF THE “STRONGER” SINGER’S LIFE, I DON’T KNOW ANYONE WHO ISN’T A FAN OF THE PRINCESS OF POP, SHE ANNOUNCED THE NEWS HERSELF LAST MONTH STATING. “EXCITED TO SHARE WITH MY FANS THAT I’VE BEEN WORKING ON A SECRET PROJECT WITH #MARCPLATT. HE’S ALWAYS MADE MY FAVOURITE MOVIES … STAY TUNED.” IT’S ALSO COME TO LIGHT THAT JON M CHU FRESH OFF HIS DIRECTORIAL DUTIES IN THIS WINTER’S LIVE VERSION OF THE MUSICAL WICKED WILL BE BEHIND THE CAMERA AND ON A DIRECTOR’S CHAIR, THIS SURE TO BE A MASSIVE HIT.

The movie will explore Spears’ childhood, her rise to fame, her struggles and the battle over her conservatorship against her greedy, very greedy parents.

Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston have all recently had biopics come out, they have been enjoyable but for me the best has been What’s love got to do with it. Tina Turner’s story Angela Bassett embodied Tina Turner so much so the real Tina thought Angela was too thin to play her and didn’t get the casting right, though when she saw her at rehearsals she gave her approval and became Bassetts mentor. Already an established actress with a promising career Angela, it was this role that made her a household name as she was nominated for an Oscar.

I asked an old work colleague as he’s the biggest Britney fan I know. Apart from Britney herself, who would he like to see play the 42-year-old Britney Jean Spears? He expressed he doesn’t want her cast in the movie as he fears critics would tear her apart, I do agree but if she was to, why not? she is the one who lived through it, she could have full creative control. She can act, Crossroads was a great movie. This would prove to the haters that she can work and she can function. She just needs to set the knives down and get rehearsing, there is no harm in getting an acting coach. The only drawback is that reliving it may cause more harm than good. My colleague thought it should go to an unknown actress or Stranger Things actress Mille Bobby Brown. Mille would be fantastic.

I have compiled a list of my Top 3 actresses who I think would be great at playing the role of this living legend.

NUMBER 3 - MELISSA BENOIST

Perhaps it would be suited for an actual Supergirl to take on the role of Britney ?. The Supergirl actress could easily embody Britney, but can she sing? Yes. She starred in Glee for a season and a half and covered Britney, you drive me crazy, and she Played Carole King on Broadway’s Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

NUMBER 2 - MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

This would be a nice little full circle moment as the Dawson’s Creek actress was the audio narrator for the book in question. Michelle Williams is one of the best actresses of our time with Multiple award wins including 2 Golden Globes, 1 Emmy and 6 Academy Award Nominations. We

know she can sing and dance as we witnessed in The Greatest ShowMan, My week with Marylin and in her limited TV series Fosse/Verdon.

NUMBER 1 - HAYDEN PANETTIERE

The Heroes, Scream and Nashville actress has been forthcoming about her battles and struggles with addictions, her times in rehab and going through postnatal depression. She was also a young woman in the spotlight forced onto red carpet events, high on happy pills which were provided by those who should have been safeguarding her. This role could be extremely relatable. Hayden has made a small comeback with Scream 7, some interviews and an upcoming thriller ‘Amber Alert’ not to mention she will be publishing her own Memoir, a story not too far from the likes of the woman in me. She has an amazing singing voice especially after playing the role of complicated country star Juliette Barns in the fantastic TV show Nashville.

Other actresses I think could do the part Justice would be Lily James, Riley Keough, Miley Cyrus, Daisy Edgar Jones, Lilly Reinhart and Sydney Sweeney who is great and seems to be in everything these days.

All we can do now is dream and wonder until the official casting news is revealed.

PINES PLAY

Pines Play, a Vibrant New Lifestyle Collection, Celebrates the Gay Paradise of Fire Island Pines

Pines Play, a new lifestyle brand that pays homage to the rich history, unique style, and inherently sexy vibe of Fire Island Pines, is launching this summer. Founded by husbands Dennis Kenney and Steve McGee, longtime Manhattanites who have shared a second home in the Pines for five years, the brand encapsulates a wide range of items from tees and hoodies to limited edition art works and homemade scented candles. All feature original graphics and designs specially crafted to evoke the vibrant, liberated spirit of the iconic gay summer destination.

“Steve and I wanted to create something together that combined our professional backgrounds with our shared love for the Pines,” explains Mr. Kenney, a fashion expert on Good Morning America who previously worked as a Creative Director for one of North America’s largest retailers. His husband Steve McGee is a former Vice President at Bed Bath & Beyond. The pair co-founded Arroya Studio, the parent company of Pines Play.

“We are excited to share our little slice of heaven with gay men around the world.” Fire Island Pines has been a popular destination for gay men since 1952, when it was still illegal for two men to dance together in public. With its lush foliage, white sandy beaches, beautiful modern architecture, and miles of wood plank boardwalks, the island served – and still serves – as a refuge for men to take each other’s hands and explore their natural inclinations. It attracts celebrities from Calvin Klein to Liza Minelli and Andy Cohen.

The Pines Play collection reflects on the laid-back yet stylish vibe of the island paradise. Each piece is designed to capture a different aspect of its essence.

The Meat Rack tank delves into the sexy, naughty history of the Meat Rack, the infamous cruising spot in the Pines. The Shower Tee embodies the freedom for men to show skin and enjoy the liberating atmosphere of the island. The Boys by the Beach design celebrates the carefree, sun-soaked days spent on the shore and the Pines Play Deer hoodie honors the iconic hoofed stags that roam the dunes, a symbol of the island’s natural beauty. The fits of the tees, tanks and hoodies are comfortable and flattering and meant to be adaptable for a casual beach day or a chic night out.

The original designs, created by Pine Play’s in-house graphic artist team, are available as hangable art so that men can bring a piece of the Pines into their homes. They are also featured on glass wear, beach

totes, and other accessories and apparel.

Pines Play even brings the scents of the island to homes with candles containing ferns, florals and woody aquatic fragrances. Sourced from Paris and Lithuania, each candle includes a card from the Major Arcana of the Tarot deck. The combination of the card and candle may suggest how and at what level the archetype of the candle manifests itself into the individual’s life.

For a real statement piece, Pines Play is unveiling its incredible candle incantations. Hand made by a famous Lithuanian silkscreen artist, M. P. Vilutis, the porcelain jars are adorned with a kaleidoscope of magical symbols and marked with a unique authenticity number.

“As interior designers, we take pride in our taste and are excited to extend it to our customers in a humble yet sophisticated way,” says Steve McGee.

“Our collection appeals to those who value unique, high-quality pieces that tell a story”, he continues. “It is for the man who is not afraid to express himself and enjoys being part of a community that celebrates individuality.”

A percentage of the net proceeds from Pines Play is being donated to Fire Island-based 501(c)(3) organizations. Visit PinesPlay.net. Follow on Instagram @ THEpinesplay

Gourmet

TASTES OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

THE SUMMER WEATHER MAY HAVE BEEN A BIT OF A WASHOUT THIS YEAR, BUT IF YOU WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO JET OFF TO SUNNIER CLIMES DURING THE PAST FEW MONTHS, YOU MIGHT LIKE TO REDISCOVER SOME OF THE TASTES YOU ENJOYED ON YOUR TRIP ABROAD BY VISITING THESE TERRIFIC, LOCAL RESTAURANTS SPECIALISING IN MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS. AND FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T MANAGE TO ESCAPE FROM THE GREY SKIES, WHY NOT GIVE THESE EATERIES A GO FOR A SLICE OF CULINARY SUNSHINE.

VILLA OREGANO, BANGOR.

Villa Oregano is a delightful Mediterranean-influenced restaurant on Abbey Street in Bangor. Using fresh local ingredients, chef Hakan has created a menu featuring dishes reminiscent of those we’ve enjoyed on holidays to Spain, Italy, Turkey, or Greece.

The welcome from hostess Renata is warm and friendly, and the restaurant decor is cleverly summery and nostalgic; azure blue walls, festooned with bougainvillea and vines, and a quirky mural of Mediterranean hotspots.

The menu features small plates, tapas, mezes, kebabs, grills, seafoods, pastas, pizzas, and some European dishes with a Mediterranean twist. We decided to order a selection of the lighter dishes to enjoy with a lovely bottle of Sicilian red-a snip at under £20.

To start, a juicy, tomatoey Prawn Saganaki sprinkled with feta, and some Crispy Squid, fried in salt & chilli with burnt lemon and aioli, followed by a Greek Meze with Hummus, Tzatziki, Marinated Olives, Halloumi and chargrilled Flatbreads, and a large bowl of Horiatiki-a fresh, zingy Greek Salad.

And if you have room, don’t miss out on the Tiramisu; a creamy, cheesy, chocolatey delight with a good coffee hit and the perfect texture. One of the best we’ve ever tasted, and made in-house using Renata’s own recipe.

IL PIRATA, BALLYHACKAMORE.

Il Pirata on the Upper Newtownards Rd is one of our favourite Ballyhack eateries, renowned for its authentic, rustic, Italian-style dishes, and we recently called in with family to try out the Pasta Night menu.

We always choose a few Cichetti to share; Rosemary & Seasalt Focaccia with Black Olive Tapenade, Truffled Mushroom

Mousse with Pickled Walnuts and Crispbread, Crispy Whitebait with a Spicy Mayo, Melon Carpaccio with Coppa, and a creamy Caprese Burrata with a Marinated Tomato Salad.

Featuring four authentic fresh pasta dishes, the Pasta Night

IL PIRATA

menu is available TuesdayThursday from 5pm, and each plate is a snip at just £12. They were all delicious, but the standout dishes for us were the Seafood Linguine packed with prawns and mussels, and the Gigli Verde-a creamy, vibrant green dish of deliciousness.

There are also some excellent cocktails on the menu, and a great value wine list.

2TAPS, BELFAST.

One of the best city centre spots for al fresco dining has to be 2Taps Wine Bar in

Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. With a selection of delicious Mediterranean inspired tapas dishes, a fabulous heated outdoor terrace and a summery menu, 2Taps is the ideal venue to enjoy a sharing-style meal with friends & family.

The menu features small plates, traditionally Spanish in style with a contemporary twist.

We started with a gorgeous toasted Bakari Bread Board with Balsamic, Olive Oil, Tapenade, Olives, Sun Blushed Tomatoes & Pickled Fennel.

The seafood choices are superb; Prawns Pil Pil with Sourdough, Gin Cured Salmon with fennel, rhubarb, frisée and ginger, and a beautifully rich and tomatoey Cod Veracruz.

There are some great meat-free choices too; Baked Aubergine on a bed of Houmous with wild garlic, sumac, pumpkin seeds and almonds, hazelnutty Truffled Oyster Mushrooms on Brioche, Baby Potatoes with harissa and preserved lemon yogurt-a refreshing alternative to Patatas Bravas, and of course the ubiquitous Padron Peppers without which no self-respecting Tapas menu would be complete.

To finish, 2Taps Dessert and Dessert Cocktail Lists are not to

be missed; the Honey Badger, and Crème Brûlée cocktails are irresistible, and the Rhubarb Meringue Pie is a pretty, summery treat.

And of course we enjoyed a jug of 2 Taps’ infamous Sangria to wash it all down with! Salud!!

AMICI RISTORANTE, PORTSTEWART.

Using only the best local produce, in combination with authentic Italian ingredients and cooking methods, Portstewart’s Amici creates rustic, homely Mediterranean style dishes.

To start, we shared some Antipasti; Bufala Mozzarella Balls with a zingy tomato and balsamic salad, Arancini, Gamberone Pil Pil, & Salt & Chilli Prawns.

We then ordered some of the mains specials from the menu. The pasta dishes are always excellent; creamy Porcini Mushroom Panzerotti, and Fillet Steak in a truffled sauce with Molisana Paccheri. And as seafood fans, we were spoilt for choice, with a delicious Fillet of Cod Special on local Clams & Mussels in a white wine cream sauce, and “Branzino”: fillets of seabass perfectly cooked, with roasted vegetables & a drizzle of lemon oil.

Desserts were also totally tempting -we particularly loved the Peanut Butter and Chocolate Ganache Cheesecake, and the Key Lime Pie. Irresistible!

NOVA, BELFAST.

The aptly named “Nova”, a new eatery

Pressed Potato Terrine in a cheesy Cacio e Pepe Sauce.

The fresh pasta dishes are authentically Italian, and we enjoyed the Pea & Mint Pesto Tagliatelle with Broad Beans & Pangrattato.

Street, offers contemporary Italian-style menus for brunch, lunch and evening meals.

We started with a warm bag of Fera Breads, with Butter & Dipping Oil, a smooth White Bean ‘Hummus’ with Chilli Oil, Confit Tomato & Garlic, Roquito peppers, & Focaccia, and an amazing

From the NOVA Lemon & Ricotta Pancakes with Crispy Kennedy’s Bacon, Maple Syrup and Candied Lemon Zest, to the signature NOVA Baked Eggs in a spicy Tomato Sauce with Salsa Verde, Young Buck & Fera Focaccia, these Brunch dishes were fantastic, and can be ordered up until 3pm.

And for those with a sweet tooth, the Peachy Brioche French Toast with Spiced Caramelised Peaches, Custard, Vanilla Mascarpone, and sprinklings of Homemade Oat Crumble, was a delicious dish.

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Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.

A LUXURY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF BELFAST

Experience an autumn awakening at galgorm collection hotels.

A Autumn Getaway...

s the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp with the promise of autumn, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the season’s splendor. Autumn grants the ideal opportunity for a short getaway to relax and unwind when the kids get back to school and the darker nights draw in.

As summer’s warmth fades, it makes way for autumn’s unique charm and ambiance, solidifying its place as the favorite season for many. With mild temperatures ideal for walking and woodlands showcasing a dazzling display, it is one of the most delightful times to enjoy a staycation.

For some of the best seasonal escapes to unwind and recharge, explore the globally renowned Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of

distinctive hotels, bars, and restaurants. Embrace those magical moments that will make you fall in love with autumn all over again.

GALGORM

136 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena

Just 30 minutes from Belfast, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel, Galgorm, promises the ultimate autumn getaway to embrace the season of transformation and tranquility.

The resort’s breathtaking surroundings, complete with beautiful woodlands and a rolling river, come alive during these months, offering a picturesque setting to take time out from everyday life, nestle down amongst the golden leaves, and relish the crisp, invigorating air of autumn.

Recently named Best UK Spa at the AA Hotel Spa Awards and crowned Best Destination Spa 2024 in the prestigious Conde Nast Johansens Awards, there’s no better place to relax and unwind than amongst Galgorm’s 450 acres of vibrant parklands.

Autumn Awaken

(From £270 for two guests)

Immerse yourself in the rich hues and cosy vibes of the season with a luxurious overnight stay at Galgorm. This autumn package invites you to embrace the crisp air and falling leaves as you relax in the blissful oasis of the Thermal Spa Village. That evening, savor the flavours of the season with a two-course evening meal at your choice of Gillies Grill, Fratelli Ristorante, or Castle Kitchen & Bar. As darkness falls, return to your room and enjoy complimentary treats from your mini bar and before departing, indulge in a full Irish breakfast.

For an elevated experience, book a Deluxe guestroom with a Private Spa Experience from £300 for two guests.

Forest Den 1 Night Dining Escape

(From £380 for two guests)

Choose to go off the beaten track with a stay in Galgorm’s new accommodation offering, the Forest Dens, nestled in the heart of nature. If an evening soak in an outdoor bath, set against autumn’s fiery sunsets, sounds like bliss, then the choice is simple. Each Forest Den comes complete with a bohemian backyard where you’ll find your own private sauna, outdoor shower, and wood-fired bath, offering a treat for the senses and of course guests will also have full access to the award-winning Thermal Spa Village. With options for one bedroom or a suite,

and being dog-friendly, the Forest Den is perfect for those seeking a unique autumn retreat. Savor a three-course evening meal at your choice of Gillies Grill, Fratelli Ristorante, or Castle Kitchen & Bar, then return to your Forest Den to unwind with complimentary treats from your mini bar. Complete your escape with a full Irish breakfast, ensuring a delightful start to your day.

Autumn Day Spa Packages

(From £95 per person)

The busy autumn season can leave you feeling worn out, making downtime, either on your own or with friends or family, essential for getting back on track. And what better way to alleviate stress than to spend a day at Galgorm’s globally award-winning spa?

Escape the hustle and bustle with Galgorm’s Wellness Mix day spa package starting from £125pp. Enjoy leisurely access to the Thermal Spa Village, where you can unwind in serene pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Pamper yourself with your choice of two 30-minute treatments, such as a tension-relieving back massage or a revitalizing taster facial before indulging in a onecourse lunch served in Elements Café.

For a group experience (minimum of three guests), gather your closest friends for a Cosy Catch Up, from £105pp. Explore the Thermal Spa Village at your leisure before retreating to your Walled Garden tub, nestled amongst the autumnal olive trees and apple orchards. Enjoy your private jacuzzi hot tub and infrared heated beds within your secluded wooden cabin. Indulge in a self-application ELEMIS facial and complete the experience with a bottle of bubbly and sweet treats to share.

Fully Recharge & Discover this autumn with Galgorm’s monthly Day Spa Experience. In harmony with the full moon, start your evening with a two-course dinner in Gillies Grill at 5pm, followed by relaxation in the Thermal Spa Village as the sun sets. Cleanse your mind, body, and spirit with a Celtic Sauna Infusion and treat your skin to an ELEMIS Discovery Session. Available 18th and 19th September, from £95 per person.

For more information or to book, please visit: https:// www.galgorm.com/autumn.html

THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT

882 Antrim Road, Templepatrick

Venture deeper into the heart of County Antrim and discover The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, just a short 10-minute drive from Belfast International Airport.

Since opening in 2021, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat has made quite a name for itself, earning recognition in The Times and Sunday Times as ‘2024 Northern Ireland Hotel of the Year’ in its prestigious roundup of ‘Best Places to Stay’.

Nestled in the charming village of Templepatrick and overlooking a picturesque lake, this sanctuary offers the perfect vantage point to admire the vibrant hues of autumn. As the leaves turn to shades of gold and amber, guests can revel in the ambiance of the season. Whether staying overnight or visiting for a day of relaxation, indulge in the essence of the new season at The Spa, lounging by the outdoor Roman bath, adorned with a captivating overhanging disco ball, and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere that envelops The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

Hop to it this autumn

(From £190 per room)

What are you waiting for? Hop To It this autumn and discover the seasonal delights of an overnight stay at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. Relax and unwind in the serene spa, where you can immerse yourself in the outdoor facilities and luxuriate in the Roman bath amidst the changing colors of fall. Treat yourself to a Duo Clay Ritual to cleanse both body and mind or upgrade to the brand-new private Botanical bathing experience for an extra touch of indulgence.

After a day of pampering, retreat to your snug and cosy guestroom for a restful night’s sleep. With access to The Spa from midday on your day of check-in until you check out, continue your relaxation into day two — but don’t forget to enjoy a hearty breakfast!

Autumn Getaway

(From £285 per room)

Experience the magic of autumn at The Rabbit Hotel, where cosy luxury meets breathtaking natural beauty in the heart of Templepatrick. Nestled by the lake, the property offers the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate. Enjoy an overnight retreat in one of The Rabbit’s charming guestrooms, granting access to the serene spa facilities for ultimate relaxation. Take in the captivating surroundings as you switch off with a 60-minute private lakeside botanical bathing experience. That evening, delight your taste buds with a sumptuous three-course meal at The Rabbit Restaurant, renowned for its AA rosette status and seasonal dishes. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a delicious breakfast before saying farewell.

Autumn Day Spa at The Rabbit

(From £79 per person)

Treat yourself to an autumn escape with enticing day spa packages at The Rabbit. Experience the Midweek Autumn Revival from £115 per person, perfect for those seeking midweek relaxation. Unwind in the hot outdoor spa facilities amongst the crisp autumn air, before selecting two 30-minute treatments designed to rejuvenate your spirit. Once you have worked up an appetite, indulge in a one-course spa lunch.

For an evening of indulgence, opt for the Sunset Spa starting from £79 per person. Begin with a delightful seasonal dinner accompanied by a glass of bubbles at The Rabbit Restaurant. Transition to The Spa and immerse yourself in the showstopping facilities while the chilled party playlist sets the tone as you watch the burnt orange sun set over the Templepatrick countryside.

For more information or to book, please visit: https:// www.rabbithotel.com/autumn.html

THE OLD INN

15-25 Main Street, Crawfordsburn

Discover the timeless charm of autumn at The Old Inn, nestled in the picturesque village of Crawfordsburn, Co Down. Dating back to 1614, this historic hotel offers a serene escape with scenic views of the vibrant countryside and coastline, which come alive with seasonal splendor.

Renowned for its exceptional dining at the AA Rosette Old Inn Restaurant and the tranquil Treetop Spa, The Old Inn invites you to unwind in its haven of relaxation. Enjoy panoramic forest views and indulge in top-notch spa facilities that enhance your fall retreat. Immerse yourself in the tranquility and warmth of The Old Inn, where every moment is infused with character and natural beauty, creating unforgettable memories this autumn.

Autumn Escape

(From £275 per room)

Celebrate the changing season with an Autumn Escape at The Old Inn. Revered for its outstanding dining experience, the restaurant has an AA rosette for culinary excellence. The Old Inn invites guests to indulge in a delightful three-course evening meal featuring seasonal delicacies. Whether you prefer to relax in the tranquil Treetop Spa, nestled within Crawfordsburn Country Park or take a leisurely stroll through the nearby forest and Helen’s Bay, enjoying the crisp air and vibrant foliage, there’s no better place to retreat from everyday life this autumn. After a restful night’s sleep, awaken to a hearty full Irish

Autumn Bed & Breakfast with Afternoon Tea

(From £225 per room)

Discover a charming autumn escape at The Old Inn with the Bed & Breakfast package, featuring a traditional afternoon tea and full access to the Treetop Spa. Immerse yourself in a cosy overnight stay in this rural retreat, complete with a traditional afternoon tea offering delightful treats and sweets handcrafted by The Old Inn chefs. Afterward, unwind in the Treetop Spa taking in the captivating forest views. This package promises a memorable retreat, blending relaxation, culinary delights, and rustic charm.

For more information or to book, please visit: https:// theoldinn.com/autumn-breaks.html

- All offers are subject to availability.

For more information or to book Galgorm, The Rabit Hotel & Retreat or The Old Inn this autumn, please visit:

Galgorm: www.galgorm.com

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat: www.rabbithotel.com

The Old Inn: www.theoldinn.com

Breakfast before departing from this serene seasonal escape.

theoneilove.ie

Lorren: (+353) 0863307410

Ballinlough Village, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, F45HP08

Gay City Break... destination: lisbon, Portugal

Firstly I must point out that I have been to Portugal a few times now over the years mainly the resorts down in the Southern Algarve and to be frank even maybe brutal I was never really a huge fan. Now I can’t be specific as to why all of my previous trips to Portugal where well not memorable for the right reasons but my older and well maybe wiser Lesbian sister and of course her gorgeous Fiancé travel to Portugal annually and to be more specific Lisbon and so after a very recent sister brother catch up visit in Leeds and a good holiday de-brief (Yes thats a thing in my Family ) I felt compelled to give it a go.

City breaks to me usually mean rushing around, cramming as much as you can in , often dirty streets, hot and expensive concrete jungles which id rather avoid especially if I am trying to look at the break from a relaxing couples holiday point of view and so I have to admit when I thought of a city break destination suitable for myself and my other half which would include good LGBTQ nightlife Lisbon was not even slightly on my radar of potential options, but sometimes a surprise is well worth taking.

Once you have a look at the flight options from both Belfast & Dublin you will soon realise that the city is pretty well served by low cost airlines and even package holiday operators. You may decide to well do it yourself or as they call it in travel Dynamic packages using Online Travel Agents OTA’s etc. You can pick up return flights from as low as £50.00 by booking ahead which is cheap when you compare to other cities like Barcelona, Madrid and even Athens.

Hotel wise you have lots of options but I either like uber Luxury or something which is in or very close to the Gay scene and so I have selected two different properties which cater to those needs ok ok my needs. If you like some pure luxury in your life then it has to be the ultra gorgeous Corinthia Hotel Lisbon which is worth every penny simply due to its standards, services and rooms and well the location aint hold bad either.

If you prefer to be in the Gay scene itself then I think the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade could be just the right spot for you. This hotel is still 5 star and boosts a fabulous roof top bar as well as overlooking the Avenida Liberdade itself.

Of course the city has many options like all other cities from hostels to Gay B&B even Gay Homestays or you can even join some sites like Grinder and Scruff were you can connect with local Gay Ambassadors who rent out spare rooms in the city areas. Bonus of doing this especially if single is that you could have your very own Gay local travel rep to show you the sights and best nightly scene entertainment options.

Lisbon is after all the Capital City of Portugal so you would expect it to have a rich mix of old and new just like most large European Capital cities and I’m glad to say that even though Portugal has struggled over the years financially compared to its neighbouring countries its has turned a corner now and its ray of light is beaming for the right reasons.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and it has some truly fabulous historical sites and buildings some of which are globally renowned due to the Unesco world heritage program. So if you have some time I recommend doing as much as you can and trying out the sights and sounds as much as you can to make the most out of your short break.

When I travel I always like to do a little research on the destinations LGBTQ rights and the local scene and find out what is hot and whats not so to speak. Portugal welcomes the Gays with open arms and you will find plenty of Gay only venues but I would say all venues could be seen as minimum gay friendly.

Due to Lisbon’s location I think you get the best of both worlds because you get a modern 24 hour city buzz and first class facilities alongside a wonderful welcoming diverse nightlife with the beach only a few minutes away too. Overall the

city is lucky to have a mediterranean like climate which for Northern Irish travellers is like well a Sun Bed on tap.

The cities historic Bairro Alto quarter hosts many late-night shops, restaurants, and gay-friendly bars, including Portugal’s renowned Trombeta Bath, (Its already a winner when I seen this in my eyes ) the country’s most popular gay sauna.

In the Principe Real area, alongside Bairro Alto, further numerous gay-friendly establishments and gay cruise clubs contribute to the vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere. The bustling Rua da Atalaia, connecting the two districts, becomes a lively hub where crowds gather until late and you will definitely never feel like you will be on your own or have nothing to do in this city. My feeling was that the scene vibe is very relaxed where you can eat drink, be social into the later hours before moving onto dance the night away in the various clubs and disco venues across the two areas.

For enthusiasts of gay-friendly beaches, the extensive and popular Costa da Caparica, is only about 15-minute drive from the city centre. Here you can discover the allure of the gay beach area known as Beach 19 or Praia de Bela Vista, where a selection of gay-popular venues and opportunities for cruising in the dunes. Its not Gran Canaria with its famous Maspalomas sand dunes but its good.

Lets get down to the wonderful options when it comes to bars and clubs. First up I think any trip to Lisbon needs to have a trip to Shelter Bar this is a Fun, Fabulous Gay bar aimed mainly at the BEARS so yes you guessed it now is the time to get your GROWL on. Next up is Construction Club/Bar this has to be hands down a venue which offers all the groups in the community something from Tech Dance blasting out from the DJs booths to Leather and Go-Go boys your sure to dance the night away in a safe colourful venue.

As with all my suggestions its alway worth your

while going online checking reviews and social media sites to check out what’s on and well if whats hot to me might be or might not be your idea of a great spot.

Now Bath houses/Gay Sauna can always make or break a day or night out and the city has well more than a few to choose from but the most famous of them all is Trombetha which has lots of different areas to both relax in and cruise or enjoy all things that make a sauna a sauna. One thing I really did like was the option to have Massage which doesn’t always be part of a Gay Sauna experience. My experience was that it seemed to be always busy and with a very diverse mix of nationalities and types and the online reviews seemed to highlight that anyday is busy so well be prepared for it to be busy busy even not on a weekend.

Besides everything that is Gay what can you do on a short visit to Lisbon? Honestly you could easily spend a week or two in Lisbon visiting the numerous attractions, lookout points, historic plazas, museums, beaches and parks especially if your a keen photographer like myself.

I would probably spend at least 3 days minimum and maybe a long weekend like Friday-Monday. Summer months are obviously the most popular but for me it can be too hot and too busy and therefore I would suggest maybe October through to March as the weather can still be warm and beautiful up to 21 degrees.

Hopefully I have put Lisbon into your thoughts for when your thinking about your next trip but for me I am heading to the Madness that is Manchester and then off to Asia again later on in the year where I hope to shine some light on some lesser known Gay Spots which you could explore.

Enjoy Summer until next time.

Gavyn Andrews

DANNY

BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS FINALIST FOR NORTHERN IRELAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian

As I sit down to reflect on this incredible journey, my heart is overflowing with gratitude and excitement. I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I have made it to the finals of the British Hairdressing Awards for the second consecutive year, competing for the title of Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year. Winning this prestigious award last year was a dream come true, and to be back in the finals again feels nothing short of surreal.

When I first embarked on my career in hairdressing, I never imagined that I would find myself in this position. The journey has been filled with countless hours of hard work, creativity, and passion. Each snip of the scissors, every brushstroke of colour, and every moment spent with my clients has shaped me into the stylist I am today. It’s a labor of love that I pour my heart and soul into, and to be recognized on such a grand stage is an honour beyond words.

This year, I have poured my creativity into a collection that I am incredibly proud of. It reflects not only my personal growth as a stylist but also the inspiration I draw from the vibrant community around me. Each look in my collection tells a story, capturing the essence of individuality and the beauty that lies in diversity. I can’t wait to showcase it and share the passion that fuelled its creation. The anticipation of presenting my work to the esteemed judges and fellow finalists fills me with a sense of joy and purpose.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the other talented finalists who have also made it to this stage. Your dedication and artistry inspire me, and I am honoured to be in your company. Each of us has a unique story to tell, and I believe that our collective passion for hairdressing elevates the industry as a whole. Good luck to each and every one of you.

As I prepare for the finals, I am reminded of the support I have received from my family, friends, and clients and other hairstylists icons in the game .Your encouragement has been my anchor, and I am forever grateful for the belief you have in me. You have cheered me on through every challenge and celebrated every success, and I carry your love and support with me as I step onto that stage once again.

This journey has taught me that success is not just about winning awards. It’s about the connections we make and the lives we touch along the way. Each client who sits in my chair becomes a part of my story, and I am honoured to be a part of theirs. The trust they place in me to enhance their beauty is a privilege I do not take lightly. It is this connection that fuels my passion and drives me to continually push the

boundaries of my creativity.

As I look ahead to the finals, I am filled with a sense of hope and excitement. Regardless of the outcome, I know that this experience will be a stepping stone in my journey. It is a celebration of our craft, a testament to the hard work we all put in, and a reminder of the beauty that exists in our industry. I am eager to embrace every moment, to learn from my fellow finalists, and to soak in the energy of this incredible event.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Thank you to Mark Leeson and Richard Darby for pushing me in the right direction. Your support means the world to me, and I am excited to share this experience with you. Here’s to creativity, passion, and the love of hairdressing! Let’s celebrate the artistry that unites us all and look forward to a future filled with inspiration and growth.

I want to give a special shout out to Jayne Lewis-orr, hairdressing journal and Schwarzkopf professional for running the amazing show.

I can’t wait to show off my collection and to see what the future holds for all of us in this beautiful industry.

o u r W e

Multi award winning venue. Embrace yourself in the stunning heritage village of Leighlinbridge, a hidden gem in the South East.