Gary Campion / Xand / Gavyn Andrews / Danny Malone / The Gourmet Boys / Martin Murray / Paul Mc Allistar / Tailor Maid / Megane Herrick / Ellise Richards
Thanks to Olly Alexander / Christina Bianco / Girli / Smashby / Brian Falduto / Alice Fearn / Helen Anker / Liam Rudden / Sara Vieira / Jason Cancino / Sean & Chris / Tim Blankenship / MAL Weekend / Kinetic KINK / Phil Bessemer / Chris Martin / Mounterwear / Four Seasons Monaghan / Four Seasons Carlingford / The Rainbow Project / GOH Belfast / The Outing Festival / Lanyon Group / Lidl NI / Out and Active NI / Mr Hulaballoo / Weller Media Agency / Halestorm PR / Chuff Media / Project Publicity / LK Communications and those who submitted content.
Danny Malone Gavyn Andrews
Gary Campion Gourmet Boys
Ellise
Paul McAllistar
Martin Murray
Tailor Maid Colby
Megane Herrick Xand
AN INTRO FROM THE CHIEF
GNI MAG continues to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined, and it’s all thanks to you—our readers, contributors, and supporters. Every story shared, every event celebrated, and every challenge faced together has reinforced just how vital this publication is to our community.
2024 has been a year of triumphs and tribulations. We’ve celebrated love, advocated for rights, and continued to elevate voices that deserve to be heard. Yet, like many of you, I’ve faced my own struggles. Personally, this year has tested me in ways that required more courage and self-reflection than I thought I had. But through it all, I’ve been inspired by the unwavering spirit of this community. Your stories and support have been my beacon, reminding me why GNI Magazine exists — to uplift, connect, empower and to entertain. We pride ourselves in being a lighthearted easy read for ALL to enjoy.
This the 65th issue of GNI Magazine is brimming with vibrant content to inform, entertain, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. At its heart are interviews with inspiring locals and high-profile celebrities, offering insights into their lives, careers, and contributions to our shared culture.
Our columnists continue to offer something for everyone. In food, you’ll find Seven mouthwatering Festive Foodie Stocking Fillers. The fashion section is some eye candy not leaving much to the imagination in Mounderwear. Travel enthusiasts will
appreciate our guide to LGBTQ+-friendly Hamburg, while personal training and wellbeing columns provide practical advice to maintain your mental and physical health during the indulgent festive season. Sports lovers can dive into features celebrating queer athletes making waves locally and internationally.
This issue also shines a spotlight on the recent GNI Awards, a glittering celebration of achievements within the LGBTQ+ community. You can revel in those moments of recognition, while we balance the glamour with some festive features.
Packed with substance and sparkle, this issue is your perfect companion for the holiday season. Enjoy all this and more within the pages.
As we enter this festive season, let’s celebrate our shared achievements and look forward to a brighter, even more inclusive future.
Thank you for being with us in 2024, we now look forward to what 2025 will bring.
Daniel May Editor and Chief GNI Magazine
Today Olly Alexander has shared a second teaser for his forthcoming new album with a visual for title track ‘Polari’ available now on Polydor Records. This bracing, punch in the gut album opener comes alongside another dynamic video from director Colin Solal Cardo (Charli XCX, Robyn).
As Olly explains, “This is track 1 on the album and is intended as a shot of adrenaline and jumpstart the car kind of introduction because I’m about to take you for a ride - it’s also a bit of an audio collage of all the music that follows so I’m very excited to put this out!”
‘Polari’ follows the album launch single ‘Cupid’s Bow’ which was released last month and introduced Olly’s new era as a fully fledged solo artist. Across the new album he explores themes of desire, intimacy, voyeurism and fate all wrapped up in a pounding club soundscape which title track ‘Polari’ has in spades. Polari was crafted alongside writer and producer Danny L Harle and is a pop album for the ages. Olly Alexander’s first album under his own name takes as its primary inspiration the (almost) lost art of Polari. Originating around Europe and the Romani community as early as the 1600s, this coded slang became in effect a secret language for homosexuals and the stigmatized during the twentieth century. It’s a concept Olly first came across when coming out, and resonated more deeply with when playing Richie in ‘It’s A Sin’, where he grappled with questions about identity, selfexpression and community. The kinds of which have always populated British life, and have long been threaded through the history of pop music - you just had to know where to look.
“In the ‘lost gay language’ of Polari, “Polari” means ‘to speak’. I was very inspired by how we communicate with each other and what it means to speak a secret language, something I think we all do in some form or another with the people we’re close to. In our hyper connected world of fractured communication it’s not easy to trust that anything is what it seems, I felt that a song about vernacular should be as wild and unpredictable as the history of Polari itself. I had such a great time making this bijou song with Danny and taking musical inspiration from the past, the present and the distant future. Please enjoy and thank you for listening!”
Olly Alexander
After a decade releasing music as Years & Years, Polari is literally Olly Alexander talking the talk. He bonded with Danny L Harle over a mutual love of 80s club music, that period of uncompromising, avant-garde pop which nonetheless snuck into the mainstream. Polari remained a north star throughout the creative process, a language likewise lacking widespread recognition but still influential in plain sight (see such colloquialisms as “drag”, “naff” and “trade”). The album arrives alongside audiovisual world-building in which Olly is in complete control, from its anarchic Derek Jarmaninspired aesthetic to Olly even writing a short play accompanying its release, full of cowboys, gods, and the occasional music industry exec. And after a long history of secrets and subtext, Polari is ultimately an open and universal pop record about those needs that transcend time, sexuality, and self: what it means to belong, to be loved, and (Polari literally translates as “to talk”) to connect.
The landmark project will hit the road next year across the UK and Europe with the special intimate, Up Close and Polari tour for Spring 2025.
ABOUT OLLY ALEXANDER: Entering a brand new solo era, Olly Alexander’s influence on pop culture shines bright. As Years & Years, Olly scored 2 #1 UK albums, 10 UK Top 40 singles and was awarded the BRIT Billion Award with 6.5 billion streams globally. He was nominated for Leading Actor at the 2022 BAFTA Television Awards for his role in the hit show ‘It’s A Sin’, which brought the fight against HIV/Aids back into public conversation and challenged perceptions of queer life for good. In 2024 Olly fulfilled a childhood fantasy of representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, flying the flag as only he could in the first preview of Polari, ‘Dizzy’. He also returned to the stage this month with a role in the internationally-acclaimed experimental drama ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’, following a rotating cast that includes the likes of Michael Sheen, Minnie Driver and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Having
headlined arenas and festivals worldwidenot to mention collaborating with Elton John, Kylie and Pet Shop Boys - it’s an icon-status that even saw him immortalised at Madame Tussauds London. Polari, the album, is set for release in February 2025.
Christina Bianco is a true multi-talent whose career spans singing, acting, and comedy, captivating audiences worldwide. She first gained international fame through her YouTube performances, where her pitch-perfect impressions of legendary divas like Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion went viral...
Since then, she’s dazzled on stages across the globe, earning acclaim for her vocal versatility and comedic brilliance. Currently starring in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Christina sat down with interviewer Daniel May to discuss her incredible journey, her passion for performing, and what it’s like to bring her boundless energy and talent to such an iconic role.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HAVE A CHAT WITH ME, I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOU FOR YEARS, WENT TO YOUR SHOW IN THE MAC A FEW YEARS BACK WHICH WAS INCREDIBLE AND JUST CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN JOSEPH.
I’m so glad you enjoyed my show at The MAC! I have wonderful memories of my time in Belfast and am looking forward to returning.
AS THE NARRATOR, YOU’RE GUIDING THE AUDIENCE THROUGH JOSEPH’S JOURNEY. HOW DO YOU MAKE THIS ICONIC ROLE YOUR OWN, ESPECIALLY WITH YOUR BACKGROUND IN IMPRESSIONS AND COMEDY?
Well, I grew up listening to the recordings of Laurie Beechman, Linzi Hateley, Kelli Rabke, and Maria Freedman (and bootleg audio of Tina Arena cause I’m a superfan) so stepping into the shoes of the fabulous women who’ve played it before me is definitely daunting! The lovely thing is that they all played and sang the role differently. So although audiences will have their expectations and their favorites, I think they’re used to the cast of each revival bringing individuality and variety. So I’ll be trying my best to honor the existing legacy but also put my own personality into every moment. This particular Palladium production has The Narrator being a bit more mischievous and playful than in previous versions. She also plays other roles! So I’ll be energetically dancing, changing costumes, changing voices, wearing beards and causing general mayhem throughout the show! As for impressions, I can’t make any promises but it’s possible that Edith Piaf will make an appearance in Canaan Days.
THE NARRATOR IS ONSTAGE ALMOST THE ENTIRE SHOW. HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR ENERGY UP AND STAY CONNECTED TO THE
STORY THROUGH EACH PERFORMANCE?
Coffee and prayers! No, no, no, I’m joking... but as I’ve said, in this production, The Narrator is on stage even more than usual. It’s incredibly physical as well as vocally demanding. When I got the role and they told me how active I’d be on stage, I knew I had to prepare. Although I’ve done a lot of high energy tracks before, like in Forbidden Broadway and as Fanny in Funny Girl, my more recent roles have all been more subdued. For example, LV in Little Voice and Glinda in The Wizard Of Oz. LV never left the stage, but barely moved. And Glinda was only in 20 minutes of the show! So to prepare for this tour, I started doing daily workouts and exercises to slowly build my strength and stamina. I also drink a lot of water, take vitamins, get as much sleep as possible and walk up all the escalator steps in the tube stations! Every little bit helps to keep me healthy and strong. Which in turn helps me stay grounded, comfortable and focused. Then it’s easy to stay connected to the story and do my job on stage.
YOUR ROLES OFTEN INCLUDE HUMOR, AND THE NARRATOR HAS PLAYFUL MOMENTS. HOW DO YOU BALANCE THAT HUMOR WITH THE MORE HEARTFELT ASPECTS OF THE STORY?
From the start, our director Laurence Connor and associate director Nikki Woollaston were very clear about the fact that The Narrator’s relationship with the children was the most important thing. Who am I to them and why am I telling this story? Well, in this production, I may be telling the story but the children are making it happen and bringing it to life with me! And kids wear their emotions so openly, without fear or judgement, so we use that as our guide. When something is silly, we really go for it with broad comedy, but when the story turns and becomes more serious, we honor that equally. In fact, because it’s us telling the story and creating this world, the kids and I feel personal guilt for what we’re putting Joseph through! Experiencing the emotions of the story through their eyes makes it all clear and very special for the audience too.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SONG OR MOMENT IN JOSEPH THAT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY PERFORMING EACH NIGHT?
I certainly love belting out songs like Jacob and Sons, and A Pharaoh’s Story. However, my current favorite moment is tap dancing with the brothers during Joseph’s Dreams. Yes - there’s a full on tap number in this production! First of all, I don’t get to tap very often and I love it, so I’m thrilled I get the opportunity. Second, the jazzy style of the ‘dreamer has to go’ part of the song is absolutely my vibe. Pre-show in my dressing room, you’ll likely find me listening to swing and jazz albums. So this quirky little moment in the show hits all the right buttons for me.
YOU’VE PERFORMED ALL OVER THE WORLD. HOW DO AUDIENCES DIFFER IN THEIR REACTIONS TOYOUR PERFORMANCES?
I’ve noticed that American audiences tend to sit back when watching a show and European audiences tend to lean forward. One energy is more ‘come to me and entertain me’ and the other is ‘I’m coming to you, what are you sharing with me?’ One approach isn’t better than the other, but the difference in energy does impact my performances - especially my solo concert work in which the fourth wall is always broken. For audiences that lean back, I have to work a little harder to pull them in and get them to respond, so we can meet in the middle. And with audiences that lean forward, I sometimes have to put up a wall and push them back a bit, because I need time and space to grow in the performance. Regardless, it’s what makes live theatre so fabulous. It’s never the same twice and keeps you on your toes.
YOU’RE A TALENTED ACTRESS AS WELL AS A SINGER. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ACTING ROLE YOU’VE TAKEN ON? AND HOW DID IT STRETCH YOU CREATIVELY?
Thank you so much! I really love what I do and am so grateful to have played many dynamic roles. But my hands down favorite was playing Fanny Brice in Funny Girl in Paris. It was challenging mentally, vocally and physically - so it was also incredibly fulfilling. First of all, it’s the role of a lifetime not just because you get to sing all of those fabulous songs by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, but also because the story is so dynamic.
You start playing Fanny as an awkward teenager and end with her as a grounded mother in her 30’s. I’d had leading roles before but nothing of that scope. I
also sang 95% of the score and only left the stage for quick changes. I even spent the entire interval doing a big wig change! But I also had to somehow make everyone forget about Barbra Streisand. That was the biggest challenge of all- especially as someone known for doing an impression of her! I knew I had to be as different as possible. So I threw myself into studies of the real Fanny Brice, who I knew I already had a lot in common with, and found my own voice in the role.
I won’t bore your readers with details they can google, but this production was just Gaw-geous in every way! We had the most gorgeous creative team led by Stephen Mear, with the most gorgeous cast, in gorgeous Paris, with the most welcoming, enthusiastic and gorgeous audiences ever! Creatively, it was also exciting to be part of the first European production. And I’m also very proud of the fact we used the original script and score, which many people say is problematic, and received nothing but rave reviews. I usually don’t read reviews but these were hard to ignore! I still pinch myself that it all happened. Ok. I’ll stop talking about it now :)
ARE THERE ANY PERFORMERS WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN ENTERTAINMENT AND SHAPED YOUR STYLE?
This is actually a perfect segue because the performers who’ve inspired me are almost exclusively versatile, funny girls! The list includes: Madaline Kahn, Andrea Martin, Tracey Ullman, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli and Bette Midler. I always wanted to have a career on stage like Bernadette, who balanced drama and comedy so well. I loved silly ‘sketch comedy queens’ like Andrea, Tracey and the ‘OG’ Carol, all of whom also sing and are gorgeous dramatic actors. Liza ... what can’t she do? And it’s Liza’s and Bette’s concert specials that I’ve always used as the templates for my own. These women offer it all within one show - singing multiple genres of music, dancing, playing characters, making the audience laugh and crythey give you everything.
I also have to mention the impact Sammy Davis Jr has had on me. He did all of the above (+ played
4 instruments) and also was the first person I ever heard do singing impressions. I love multifaceted performers. Watching them inspired me and helped shape my career.
Bringing this interview full circle, I really hit the jackpot with Joseph, because like the performers listed above, in this show I get to ‘do it all!’ I get to sing a massive score of truly great songs that cover multiple styles, I get to play multiple characters, I get to dance, I get to be silly and sweet, dramatic and comedic - all in one show! With Joseph, all my dreams are really coming true.
INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL MAY
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GNIMAG
The Awards 2024
GNI MAG AWARDS
WHAT A SUCCESS!
On Saturday 23rd November the annual GNI AWARDS
Supported by Danske Bank returned to The Crowne Plaza in what was an amazing night acknowledging many Businesses, Charities and Individuals who work tirelessly to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ people.
In a short 10 a day window over 56,000 votes were received for this year’s finalists, this is testament to the great work they do for LGBTQIA+ people across the province. A huge aim of the night was also raising funds for our Charity partner The Rainbow Project. We donated £10 from each ticket purchased, when added with the money raised from the raffle £6500 was raised. Thanks to all who attended, purchased tickets and especially to the companies/people who donated prizes.
It was amazing to have Danske Bank onboard as our official sponsor and to continue working with our charity partner The Rainbow Project.
Thank you to everyone who played a part, all the finalists, the winners, our sponsors, vendors, those who donated towards the raffle, lighting/sounds, tech, entertainment and hotel staff - the night would not have been possible without each and every one of you.
In the new year we will make a start on the 2025 awards. If you are interested insupporting we would love to hear from you, email daniel@gnimag.com
“ “
Angela Guiney and Kevin Heavern from Danske Bank said:
“What a night! As always the GNI MAG Awards didn’t disappoint, and this year it was with a sense of great pride that we were able to come in as title sponsor and give more meaningful support to the event and all the amazing nominees! It really was a ‘who’s who’ of theLGBTQ+ community across NI. At Danske Bank we strive to ensure all our colleagues feel they can be their authentic selves each and every day, that they are represented and included … and in that we believe we are successful, having picked up a Gold Award as part of Stonewall’s Work Equality Index this year. But it’s not about the awards, it’s about how we support our LGBTQ+ colleagues, customers and communities right across NI. Supporting events like this helps us do that!
A MASSIVE congratulations to all the winners on the night – you were fab and clearly do amazing work to support our community! Keep up the great work and see you all for the awards in 2025!”
“
We are honoured to have been awarded the Supportive Employer Award at this year’s GNI Magazine Awards Ceremony. This recognition reflects our organisation’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We were pleased to join other local businesses and employers in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community at this prestigious event. A fantastic night of entertainment was had by all.
Paula McAlpine, HR Manager
“
The Awards 2024 Proudly
WINNERS
2024 WINNERS
LGBTQIA+ Charity Of The Year - The Rainbow Project
Legal Representation Award - Jude Copeland
Ally Of The Year - Niall Rotherham
Business Contribution - Lyric Theatre
Mental Health & Wellbeing Award - Martin Murray
Reputable Retailer Award - Lidl
Supportive Media Award - Q Radio
Entertainer Of The Year - Conleth Kane
Supportive Employer Award - The Grand Opera House
Inclusive Education Award - Cara Friend
Personal Trainer Of The Year - Jaden Collins
Wedding Venue - Titanic Hotel
Small Business - Fresh Garbage
Drag Artist Of The Year - Pauletta Stelletta
Entertainment Award - Kremlin/Union Street
Specialised Service Award - The Agent NI
People’s Choice Charity - Simon Community
Personal Contribution - Eoin Tennyson
Restaurant Of The Year - 2 Taps
Wedding Supplier Of The Year - Celebrant Michael Conlon
Influential Person - Micky Murray
Unsung Hero Award - El Fegan
TUE 6 - SAT 24 MAY 2025
Photography: Pari Dukovic of the Broadway cast
GNIMAG
The Awards 2024
CRAIC!
“ “
It’s great to be a part of the GNI Awards. Charities are in need of support now more than ever. Being able to engage with so many diverse people and businesses helps us to reach our goals. We need the support of local businesses to keep helping the LGBTQIA+ community across Northern Ireland. There are so many ways to get involved and help.
Thanks to GNI over £6500 was raised which we greatly appreciate, thanks another fabulous night.
Jayne Robinson - The Rainbow Project
I am deeply honored to be named Personal Trainer of the Year by GNI Magazine. This award reflects the passion I have for helping others achieve their goals, and I’m truly grateful for the trust my clients place in me. A heartfelt thank you to GNI Magazine for this recognition and to Daniel May for his unwavering support and encouragement. This motivates me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact every day.
Jaden Collins
““I was delighted to win the mental health and well-being award and even more delighted to see a fellow nominee was an organisation I had founded. It was a fantastic night where I was able to not only celebrate my own work in the community with good friends but the wins of my friends and inspirations like El Fegan and Micky Murray.
Martin Murray
Cara-Friend were delighted to be recognised and awarded the Inclusive Education Award which highlights the incredible impact Cara-Friend has had on the educational environment in Northern Ireland. With over 29,000 pupils and 9,000 school staff receiving training from Cara-Friend we hope that this award signifies the huge effort made by the Education and Training team, but also signifies the desire schools have to be more inclusive and welcoming spaces for all.
Education and Training Manager, Jo McParland
At 2Taps, we’re all about bringing people together with great food, good vibes, and a welcoming, family feel. We were shocked , appreciative and excited to be named Restaurant of the Year , thanks everyone for your support. For us It’s about creating special moments for everyone who walks through our doors. Thank you for letting us share the magic—here’s to making 2025 even better!
2Taps
It was an honour and a privilege to have won “Ally of the Year” and receive such positive recognition from a Service User. It was a fantastic evening full of very inspirational people. We have a moral and ethical obligation to challenge hate and discrimination, promote acceptance and celebrate difference. I am grateful to have a platform to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and other individuals and minority communities within my role as a Senior Social Worker within the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust’s Primary Care MDT service.
Niall Rotherham
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GNIMAG
The Awards 2024 Proudly
CRAIC
“
I am very honoured to receive this Award and am grateful to those who nominated and voted for me. It is a privilege to serve and represent the LGBTQIA+ community and to work towards a more equitable future. My thanks go to GNI MAG and to Danske Bank for making it happen.
Jude Copeland
I was overwhelmed to receive a nomination in the 1st instance, that recognition alone meant a lot, but to take an award home on the night was extra special. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to vote and a special thank you to our instructors and students at Polercise, who over the past 20 years, have helped create the safe, welcoming space we all know and love.
El Fegan
We at Simon Community are incredibly proud to have been awarded the GNI People’s Choice Charity Award 2024. This recognition means so much as it acknowledges our work supporting people experiencing homelessness, including those within the LGBTQ+ community who often face unique challenges, and shines a light on the amazing resilience shown every day by those we help.
Harriett Roberts
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Having lived in London for 21 years now, it’s so heartwarming and uplifting to know that I still have such wonderful support back home in N. Ireland. Being an independent gay artist is rewarding and challenging in many ways - so much work happens behind the scenes to create a body of work and a career, to get recognition for this at an award ceremony like the GNI Mag Awards is an honour. Thank you to everyone that voted. Thank you to GNI for your constant support. Winning this has got me so excited to release new music in 2025.
Conleth
Kane
Q Radio were delighted to be recognised as the Best Supportive Media of the LGBTQIA+ community at the 2024 GNI Mag Awards. This has been an important win for Q Radio as for the first time Q was a Media Partner of the Belfast Pride Festival. From on-air interviews to the party in the square, Q Radio is loud and proud of their continual support to the LGBTQIA+ community. Q Radio
“
girli
GIRLI
RELEASES ‘MATRIARCHY’: QUEEN EDITION’ DELUXE VERSION OF LATEST ALBUM AVAILABLE NOW.
STREAM LATEST SINGLE ‘2 YEAR ITCH’
Alt-pop sensation girli shares a deluxe edition of her 2024 boundary defying album Matriarchy.
Matriarchy: Queen Edition is available now
Cementing herself as one of the most creative, unique, and pioneering forces in current day pop music, girli unleashed ‘2 Year Itch’ last month, which served as the lead single from ‘Queen Edition’. The deluxe version also includes new track ‘Bulldozer’.
Matriarchy: Queen Edition is a bright, evocative, and insightful record that sees the celebrated, multi-faceted artist take the reins with full creative control. From the opening lines of ‘Be With Me’, girli’s commendation to self-love, the tone of every track that follows is masterful. Doused in a distinct electropop sheen that gleams alongside girli’s open and honest lyrics, Matriarchy truly cements her place as a cult figure, ambassador for the LGBTQIA+ community and frontrunner of the next gen of alt-pop music.
Key highlights on the album include ‘Crush Me Up’, a vivid exploration of the intoxicating allure of infatuation. Comparing love to a drug, girli positions herself as the very substance, aspiring to be the epitome of a euphoric high in the same way her love interest is to her. ‘Nothing Hurts Like a Girl’ is a gleaming pop diamond forged out of post-breakup despair which celebrates the intensity of queer female love and desire. The album’s title track and anthem of queer power ‘Matriarchy’ is the shining star, leading the way by showcasing girli’s unfiltered expression of emotion in her own bold, compelling and sexy way.
Further insightful moments come with ‘Overthinking’, a musing on mental health and the anxieties of the modern world, the sweetly melodic ‘Made To Break’
which contrasts its bright sonics with more pensive lyrics, while ‘Poser’ and ‘Her Too’ brim with sharp rhythms and cut-throat lyrics that are poised to become big dancefloor moments. Closing with tender acoustic guitars on ‘Happier Her’, Matriarchy feels complete in its truest sense. It’s what any good album should be; authentic, insightful, emotional, unique.
For girli, it’s the defining moment of what is proving to be a glorious new era. Earlier this year girli also recently launched her unique interactive online experience the girliverse, allowing special insights into the world of Matriarchy and some of girli’s favourite music and cultural references. From a library room containing books that girli is currently reading, to pictures of some of her favourite LGBTQIA+ figures adorning the walls, the girliverse offers a truly unique experience for fans to engage with girli like no other.
girli’s passions have always migrated beyond music and she continues to use her platform to ignite conversations around feminism, sexuality, identity, and mental health, opening topics that most have always shied away from. Representation matters more so now than ever, and girli is ready to rewrite the rules.
Milly Toomey (AKA girli) has been on an explorative journey of self-discovery, only to conclude that she can’t be boxed in. Her power is her vulnerability. Her courage is deep-rooted in years of self-reflection, feeling misshapen and not feeling as though she belongs. The North London native will forever use her platform to forge a new femininity, one that is bold and unrestrained.
The Rainbow Project marked this year’s World AIDS Day with an exhibition at the MAC of a small collection AIDS memorial quilts from Northern Ireland. These are quilts were made by family members, friends and partners to celebrate and remember their loved ones who lost their lives due to AIDS related illnesses.
AIDS memorial quilts, otherwise known as ‘The Names Project’, were initially conceived by American LGBTQIA+ rights activist Cleve Jones. Cleve initially started his activism journey in the 1970s after befriending gay rights pioneer and politician Harvey Milk, eventually becoming his intern before Milk’s assassination in 1978. In 1985, as the AIDS epidemic death toll rose exponentially, Cleve encouraged attendees at the annual candlelight march in remembrance of Milk to write the names of loved ones lost to AIDs related causes on signs. These signs, taped together on the San Francisco Federal Building, looked to Cleve like a patchwork quilt, causing the initial lightbulb moment which led to the AIDS memorial quilts.
Jones had fond early memories of being comforted by being draped in a quilt his great-grandmother had made for him. He later said of the quilts, “[It is] a perfect symbol…a warm comforting, middle-class, middle-American, traditional-family-values symbol to attach to this disease that’s killing homosexuals and maybe, just maybe, we could apply those traditional family values to my family”.
What followed was what is considered to be the world’s largest community folk-art project, with panels being made in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa and beyond. Over fifty thousand panels were created worldwide, with over thirteen thousand originating from the United Kingdom and just twenty from Ireland. Within our collection, displayed this year in recognition of World AIDS Day, we had just fourteen from Northern Ireland. But despite its smaller scale, this exhibit was no less poignant or remarkable.
These quilts were recently re-discovered within a
storeroom of ACET (AIDS Care Education & Training) in the Republic of Ireland, who kindly returned them to their home in Northern Ireland and with The Rainbow Project. Due to one of the quilts not being dedicated to anyone in particular but rather to mark World AIDS Day 1996, we believe that this is likely when they were last exhibited to the public. However, many noted that the last exhibition they’d remembered was in 1991 at the Ulster Hall.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have much information on the individuals to whom the quilts were dedicated to or who made them. Of the fourteen quilts on display, just two had the individual’s full name attached. The stigma towards those who were impacted by HIV & AIDS was so viciously cruel and pervasive that many of those creating a memorial quilt felt unable to attach specific details that would have identified the individual who’d passed away or their remaining loved ones. Often, it was the desire of the deceased’s family or even sometimes the individual’s desire themselves that their HIV status remained unknown. But despite being unable to provide much, if any, detail on the specific quilts within our small collection, we decided that they should be exhibited regardless. We can still remember and celebrate those individuals whose lives lost to AIDS related illnesses, even without knowing their names or much about their lives. We can still come together as a community to remember and recognise the AIDS epidemic and its impact. In the remembering lies healing: healing from the often-unspoken grief, from the fearful panic of the yet unknown scope of the epidemic, from the deep-seated guilt or shame that arose from the homophobic and stigmatizing rhetoric around HIV/AIDS.
We would never have expected that we could reunite someone with a quilt they’d made for a lost loved one. But just days before our exhibition, we received word that we were displaying what was once considered a long-lost quilt created anonymously to remember Ruth Laffin. The quilt, simply dedicated “To Mummy”, was last seen by her eldest daughter when she’d made it and had it exhibited alongside others within ‘The Names Project N.I’ in the Ulster
Hall in 1991. Ruth was just thirty-six years old when she passed away due to AIDS related illnesses.
Michelle Laffin, the oldest of the Ruth’s five children, had taken responsibility for constructing the quilt in memory of her mother. The quilt was made of her mother’s favourite dress, duvet and the children’s duvet. At the time, due to stigma towards individuals and their families affected by HIV/AIDS, they couldn’t write their own names or their mother’s name on the quilt. Instead, Michelle asked her siblings to write their names and messages to their late mother underneath the quilt’s red hearts fashioned from her mother’s dress. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster just before the exhibition, Michelle said “It has brought up an awful lot of emotions…but it does give me a sense of closure, and the fact that I want her name to be known and I’ve got the opportunity to do that now…before we couldn’t do that, we weren’t allowed to tell people.” It’s such an honour and a privilege to have been able to reunite Ruth’s family with the quilt so lovingly made for her – one we sincerely hope we’ll be able to replicate with others if we continue to exhibit these quilts going forward.
You may ask yourself, are these quilts still relevant today? After all, HIV is no longer an inevitable death sentence. If you were diagnosed as living with HIV today, you’d have roughly the same life expectancy as someone who is HIV Negative. HIV today is now a long-term but manageable condition, which shouldn’t stop you from living a healthy and full life. 97% of people living with HIV in Northern Ireland are ‘Undetectable’, meaning that because they’re on effective treatment their HIV has been so suppressed that they’re unable to transmit it onto anyone else by any means. With effective treatment of HIV and the availability of PEP (a medication that, if taken within seventy-two hours of high risk unprotected sex, can dramatically reduce your risk of contracting HIV) and PrEP (a medication that, if taken regularly as directed, can maximize your protection against HIV) it is achievable that we could end new HIV transmissions in Northern Ireland by 2030.
But whilst we live in the golden-era of prevention
and treatment of HIV, we must never forget the lives lost due to inaction on the AIDS epidemic. We must recommit to ensuring that those living with HIV are supported and that the impact of stigma is steadily eliminated. We must take meaningful steps to reduce new HIV transmissions to zero. And we must ensure that the homophobia and transphobia of Governments around the world, demonstrated so clearly through their inaction on the AIDS epidemic, can never be repeated.
The Rainbow Project 23-31 Waring Street Belfast BT1 2DX www.rainbow-project.org
BRIAN FALDUTO a jingle for singles
A Jingle for Singles Spending the Holidays Alone Country music crooner Brian Falduto is bringing a fresh and uplifting perspective to holiday music this season with his first original jingle, “Christmas Solo.”
This playful, country-pop tune shines a spotlight on those who find themselves alone during the holidays, reframing solo time as an opportunity for self-love and celebration. Inspired by his own single years, Falduto wrote “Christmas Solo” as a remedy to the seasonal blues that can come from the societal pressure to be partnered during the holidays.
“I’ve spent many years single, and I’ve often felt out of place during the holiday season,” Falduto explains. “The messaging around Christmas is so focused on being together with loved ones. But for many of us, especially those who are single by choice, it can feel isolating. I wanted to create a song that celebrates the beauty of being ‘self-partnered’ for the holidays and acknowledges that spending Christmas solo can be something joyful.”
In “Christmas Solo,” Falduto invites listeners to view the season through a lens of positivity, whether they’re solo by choice or circumstance. Rather than the typical holiday fare focused on romantic love and longing, Falduto’s song celebrates the freedom that comes with being single. “Why is there no holiday anthem for single people?” he asks. “Valentine’s Day and weddings celebrate love and relationships, but singles deserve an anthem, too. I wanted to give singles a chance to embrace the holiday spirit without feeling like something’s missing.”
Produced by Brett Castro, “Christmas Solo” blends Falduto’s signature country-pop style with a dose of festive cheer. The track’s lively production includes a standout saxophone solo by Nate Hopkins and background vocals by Bronwyn Whittle and Kelsey Martin, giving it a joyous, celebratory vibe reminiscent of holiday pop hits by artists like Mariah Carey and Kelly Clarkson. “It’s catchy and fun, which was the goal,” Falduto says. “I wanted it to have that shiny, holiday feel but without the undertone of sadness or bitterness. This is a song for celebrating your own company.”
Falduto also shares the advantages of a solo Christmas, emphasizing the perks of having a low-key holiday. “You don’t have to dress up, make small talk, cook, or clean up after guests,” he laughs. “Spending Christmas solo gives you a rare chance to truly relax, decompress, and reflect on the season’s true meaning, away from all the holiday hustle and bustle.”
Beyond his music, Falduto connects deeply with the themes in “Christmas Solo” due to his own experiences navigating the holidays as a queer individual. Reflecting on past seasons, he shares that, while he may not have always been physically alone, he often felt emotionally isolated. “The holidays can be a complicated time for the queer community, especially when returning to environments that don’t feel fully supportive. ‘Christmas Solo’ is for everyone who feels out of place this time of year, whether you’re physically alone or just feeling like you don’t belong.”
Brian Falduto first gained fame playing the role of
Fancy Pants in the Jack Black cult classic film School of Rock. In 2023, he released his first country music song, “Same Old Country Love Song.” It was greeted with a flood of positive encouragement and excitement and would become an LGBTQ+ country music anthem. “The success of ‘Same Old Country Love Song’ was extremely validating and encouraging,” he recalls. “It served as a testament to how many people have felt left out by country music and how much a song like this was clearly needed.” Subsequent releases followed including “Hottest Guy Here” and “Big Boys Club, and Brian Falduto’s first full-length album, Gay Country (Deluxe Edition). Holiday music fans will find both cheer and comfort in “Christmas Solo,” especially those who feel left out by traditional Christmas songs. “I love holiday music,” Falduto says. “But so much of it focuses on romantic love or family togetherness. ‘Christmas Solo’ fills a gap for people who don’t fit that mold, who might need a little reminder that it’s okay to celebrate the season alone.”
Falduto’s holiday wish for his fans: “There’s so much going on in the world right now. I hope this song brings a little bit of joy to people. Joy can be a powerful remedy and a form of resistance when things are tough. Let’s use it to lift each other up this season.”
Brian Falduto’s “Christmas Solo” will be available on all streaming platforms on December 2, 2024.
Visit http://BrianFalduto.com. Follow on FB, IG, X and TikTok @BrianFalduto
smashby
Smashby Releases Empowering New Country Pop Single “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)”
Smashby, the bold, adventurous out artist known for his genreblending music and authentic storytelling, is back with his most personal and empowering release to date. His new country pop single, “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You),” brings listeners on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and the ultimate reward: self-love. The inspiration for the song came from Smashby’s very first heartbreak, when old emotions resurfaced for the artist. “It’s been a while since that heartbreak,” Smashby explains, “but seeing him get engaged last year brought everything back up. It made me reflect on how much energy I wasted on him and how, after a few heartbreaks, I realized that energy would have been better spent loving on myself.”
“People come and go in our lives all the time,” Smashby continues. “We have ourselves for as long as we live, so it makes sense to put that much love into ourselves instead of someone who might break your heart.” “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)” conveys a powerful message about self-acceptance, embracing imperfections, and choosing self-love over the need for external validation. Musically, the single is an uplifting country pop anthem, filled with open-road vibes that make Smashby feel as though he’s driving with the top down—even though he admits with a laugh that he can’t drive. The song marks a bold new direction for Smashby, who has long experimented with different genres in his music. “My early releases are a real insight into who I was growing up,” he says. “Whether it’s been dance, hip hop, or pop, I’ve always had a way of making it my own.”
Now, Smashby is confidently stepping into country pop, a genre he says feels is home to him. “I’ve always had a love for country music and felt vocally and lyrically in sync with it,” he says. “I just wasn’t sure if the world wanted country from me until the music started naturally coming out of me. I was nervous, but when I played my manager the demos, she said, ‘Get ready Nashville, Smashby’s coming.’ That gave me the confidence I needed to dive in.”
Throughout his musical journey, Smashby has used his songs as an outlet to explore deeply personal themes, including love, heartbreak, family relationships, and personal insecurities. He admits that sometimes, he forgets people will hear the songs after they’re written. “I write these songs like they’re my personal diary entries,” he says. “Then I get to the studio, and I’m like, ‘Oh…well, here’s how I’m really feeling. Anybody else wanna share?’
But the rawness and honesty are what make the music so good, so I can’t gatekeep them anymore.”
Smashby’s journey of self-love hasn’t been easy. “My whole adolescence was a struggle,” he shares, explaining how growing up queer, the bullying was pretty bad. Kids would tease him for literally anything: his looks, voice, mannerisms, what hair color he was rocking that year. “I think most did it just to go with the crowd because to them I was just the gay kid who wanted to be a star and that wasn’t exactly the coolest thing in the 2000’s/2010’s.” He came out when he was 15 during his last year of high school, when he confided in a couple of close friends and one not so close friend. Next thing he knew, the whole school knew he was gay and he was not ready for it. However, eventually, he embraced his identity and now, he feels comfortable with who he is, regardless of labels. “I’m just me,” he says. “I don’t really care about gender stereotypes. I just want to be a nice person who can hopefully bring some light to people’s day.”
“Once I came out, a lot of my insecurities started to disappear,” he continues. “I started to unlearn what had been projected onto me by society and finally got to start living within my own boundaries.” Despite these strides, Smashby admits he still has to check in with himself regularly to maintain self-love. One recent realization came when he noticed how much he was spending on cosmetic enhancements. “I was spending way more on it than I was earning,” he says. “I was doing it because it made me feel special and iimportant. I’ve finally calmed down and realized I don’t need to change myself.”
With “Love Myself (How I Used to Love You),” Smashby hopes fans walk away feeling empowered. “I want them to feel a sense of not needing someone else to feel complete,” he says. “Learning to love yourself is the most rewarding kind of relationship you can have.”
Looking ahead, Smashby is excited about the future. He’s currently working on new music with producers like Velvet Code and Emmie Jay. He’s excited for fans to see a little visualizer for the new single and teases that a full music video will come later for a future track. “It’s all exciting,” he says. “I’ve got a really good feeling about everything I’m working on, and I just want to share it with the world.”
“Love Myself (How I Used to Love You)” is out now on all major streaming platforms via So Fierce Music, distributed by The Orchard, a Sony Music company.
smashby
Today is going to be a good day!
“DEAR EVAN HANSEN,” THE TONY, OLIVIER, AND GRAMMY AWARDWINNING MUSICAL, IS SET TO ARRIVE AT BELFAST’S GRAND OPERA HOUSE FROM MARCH 11 TO 15, 2025. THIS DEEPLY MOVING PRODUCTION EXPLORES THEMES OF IDENTITY, CONNECTION, AND THE STRUGGLES OF MODERN ADOLESCENCE THROUGH A HEART-WRENCHING STORY AND AN UNFORGETTABLE SCORE BY BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL, KNOWN FOR LA LA LAND AND THE GREATEST SHOWMAN. SONGS LIKE “WAVING THROUGH A WINDOW” AND “YOU WILL BE FOUND” HAVE BECOME MODERN CLASSICS, RESONATING WITH AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE.
SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF EVAN HANSEN’S ANXIOUS ATTEMPTS TO FIT IN, THE MUSICAL’S LAYERED NARRATIVE UNFOLDS AS A LIE SPIRALS INTO A PROFOUND EXPLORATION OF TRUTH, ACCEPTANCE, AND REDEMPTION. IT’S A STORY THAT INVITES US ALL TO REFLECT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF AUTHENTICITY IN A DIGITALLY CONNECTED YET EMOTIONALLY DISTANT AGE.
When West End star Alice Fearn first heard the haunting score of the smash hit musical Dear Evan Hansen, she was hooked. The actor, best known for landmark roles such as Elphaba in Wicked and Captain Beverley Bass in Come From Away, recalls, “When Dear Evan Hansen started in America, it was one of those productions that released the album before the show had actually opened. That album quickly became a phenomenon over here too, everyone was listening to it.” It was around that time Fearn was first contacted about possibly playing Heidi Hansen, Evan’s mother, the role she currently plays in the UK tour of the production.
Fearn explains, “I actually auditioned for the role when the show was coming to London in 2019. I’d like to think I was far too young at the time as they said, ‘No, no, no…’ to me playing the mum. Although I didn’t get the part then, that was my introduction to Heidi and I did get to grips with the script during that audition process.”
Now 40, Fearn is “dipping her toes” into what she calls the start of her “mother era,” something she is enjoying immensely. “I’m known for singing big massive roles but if someone asked me to go back and do Wicked now I don’t think I would because, at 40, I don’t have the energy I had at 33. It’s not that I don’t want to, I just don’t think the experience would be the same. I base jobs on their enjoyment factor, which includes the people I’m working with. In Dear Evan Hansen everyone is absolutely adorable, the cast are lovely and funny, we all share the same work/fun ethic, there is a great team behind the scenes and a fantastic band, all these things make this a good job.”
Dear Evan Hansen is the story of Evan, an anxious high school kid who wants nothing more than to fit in. When a classmate Connor Murphy, himself struggling with drug
abuse and depression, scrawls his name across the cast on Evan’s broken arm, it is assumed that Connor and Evan must have been close friends when, a short time later Connor takes his own life. It’s a deceit Evan initially goes along with, and as events spiral and the truth comes out, Evan faces a reckoning with himself and everyone around him.
Joining Fearn in the cast, West End and Broadway star Helen Anker plays the bereaved parent, a role she admits is “incredibly emotional’. Anker, who had watched the 2021 movie of the musical before taking on the role of Cynthia, says, “If you enjoyed the film then you’ll find the stage play has so much more impact. When we first had our first read through of the script I realised just what a strong play it is, the dialogue is so meaty and great to perform, and then, of course, with the music on top of that, it’s phenomenal.”
Fearn chips in to agree, “A lot of people say it’s a play with music and I agree with that but it’s like with the film Jaws, you can’t take away that iconic music as the shark attacks - it’s that ‘da da… da da… da da…’ that elevates the action. And that’s what the music does in Dear Evan Hansen, it’s such a powerful score that the story is elevated by that music, whether it’s a rock beat, the strings or an acoustic guitar, they all add to the emotional intention of a moment moulding story and music together perfectly.”
The emotional nature of the piece is not just confined to the stage, for audiences too it is a heartwrenching study on the need to belong. “Audiences have been amazing and every audience is different, that is the joy of theatre,” says Anker, adding, “Without exception, you can tell that they are listening and we are so close to them at points that we can actually see they are crying. The subject matter is close to so many people’s lives, especially if they have, or have had teenagers affected by it. That’s the great thing about parents and children coming to watch the show together, it allows them to open that conversation and if by doing that we help just one person every show, we’ve done our job.”
At its heart, however, Dear Evan Hansen retains an important vein of hope, as Fearn is keen to highlight. “We are not trying to sugar coat life. People go through times where they feel like they don’t have a place in the world and parents do struggle. So, even if you don’t recognise yourself in these characters, chances are you will recognise people you might know because these are real people and real problems all around us in society right now. That’s why, at the end of the piece, the idea of hope is so important; like these characters, while we might be going through the darkest period of our lives, there’s always a way to find a place in the world where we can live for tomorrow.”
While Anker is enjoying the challenges of her role, she confesses she is “loving” the break from not having “the pressure of leading” a production. Having trained at the Royal Ballet School, she also smiles as she reveals, “It’s actually the first musical I’ve ever done where I don’t have to dance. What is lovely is that I get to act and that’s my favourite thing now. When you lead a show, the pressure that puts on you is enormous,
wonderful but enormous. There are times in life when you don’t want to have that anxiety with you every day, when you want to do a show and have a life, and that is what Dear Evan Hansen is for me. I’m loving it.” Fearn too is loving exploring her maternal side, although in her role things are slightly more complicated, she has not one Evan in her life, but two; Ryan Kopel stars in the production, while at matinees, the role is played by Sonny Monaghan. “Ninety per cent of my scenes are with Evan, so I work with the pair of them a lot during the show. Throughout my career, I have worked with a lot of alternates and they will all have a different rhythm.Their interpretation of those very same lines can be absolute polar opposites and we have that with Ryan and Sonny.”
After a moment’s thought she adds, “I haven’t got a different Heidi for each of them, but it is very different when I’m on stage with Ryan to when I’m on stage with Sonny and I love them both. It’s lovely for me to have those different interpretations to interact with, especially as I get both on the same day... I just have to keep up with them.”
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this cultural phenomenon live on stage. Tickets are available now via the Grand Opera House website goh.co.uk
Feature by Liam Rudden
DANNY
I AM ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED TO SHARE THAT I HAVE JUST COMPLETED MY SECOND YEAR PARTICIPATING IN THE PRESTIGIOUS BRITISH HAIRDRESSING AWARDS, AND I AM OVER THE MOON TO ANNOUNCE THAT ONCE AGAIN I HAVE BEEN AWARDED ANOTHER SILVER LADY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR!
This recognition means the
world to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the support I’ve received from my amazing clients and mentors throughout this journey. Each year brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I am so proud to be part of such a vibrant and talented community.
Winning this award is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the passion and dedication I pour into my craft every day.
I am inspired by the creativity and artistry that surrounds me, and I strive to bring that same energy to my work. Here is my collection called “Ethereal Elegance Collection” it embodies the essence of movement, lightness, and beauty. Each hairstyle is crafted to evoke a sense of ethereal grace, with strands that seem to dance on their own accord.
Thank you to everyone who has
believed in me and supported my journey. Here’s to many more years of creativity, inspiration, and beautiful hair!
www.instagram.com/ theunderdogdm
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
TAiLOR
Well here we are Christmas 2024! What a year its been, we’ve been blessed with many amazing moments from Chappel Roan and Sabrina Carpenter to Brat Summer, the tunes have been next level, we’ve had major drama and conspiracies with P Diddy and his baby oil, Trump being shot, Olympic breakdancing and the release of WICKED!! It’s been a crazy year, it’s true, but it’s also been really unsettling. There have been so many scary developments with multiple wars continuing, and people’s basic human rights being under attack. All of which I condone, not just as a drag artist
and performer but as a human.
I just feel that I need to say a little something before continuing, sometimes, with so much going on I feel a bit numb and don’t know what to say, but with a platform I do have a responsibility to say what I feel.
Looking back on this year personally, it has been tough, a few hard lessons and periods of reassessment and reflection and as a result I’ve started doing a bit of work on myself to understand myself more including journalling and holding myself accountable for my thought processes and my actions. I’m not going to lie, it’s hard work looking at yourself through a lens, but it is very necessary to grow as a person.
In saying this, it has not been a bad year, actually quite the opposite, for one, I have had the ability to leave my fulltime job and follow my dreams in being a creative artist, entertainer, host and performer. It took a long time, but I realised what my soul needs to be happy and content and that is being creative. I also recognise that a lot of people don’t get to follow their dreams, so I’m really blessed to have that.
T
alking about blessings, year on year my drag career has been reaching new heights and I’m so grateful. This year I had the honour of hosting not 1 but 2 UK Tours with DFIU Events, 10 cities most of which I visited twice, performing alongside the amazing local talent and 2 drag icons Sasha Colby and Marina Summers. I even got invited into the house of Colby as one of only 2 UK Colby drag daughters. I remember having conversations about where I wanted my drag career to go when I started in 2020 and hosting a touring show was at the very top of the list. I put in the hard work, constantly pushed myself forward and here we are. I’ve done it, now to see what’s next……
2025 has 2 more tours planned for the first half of the year and they are major, and they are not just UK tours, let’s just say that… EEK!
and that is intentional, but that doesn’t mean I’ve gone anywhere or that I’m doing nothing. I have been working away on upskilling myself quietly. I am currently knee deep in sewing lessons and wig making/styling courses, both of which are going very well. I thought to myself when I left my job that I needed to use this time really wisely in order to upskill, so that’s what I’ve been doing, and I can’t wait to show you all of the results. So, STAY TUNED!!!
I just want to take this moment to thank everyone that has supported me and my journey in both life and drag. There’s ups and downs, setbacks and incredible opportunities but it’s all part of life. If anyone out there is feeling low, just remember everything in life is only temporary, learn from the past and try to do better going forward. Also remember Tailor loves you. Say hi if you see me or shoot me a message on Instagram if you want, I’m always up for a natter.
Wishing you all a very safe and bountiful festive period and a very happy new year! I have a feeling 2025 will be one of the very best yet! (even with everything going on)
Keep your eyes peeled on socials for gig announcements, you don’t want to miss what’s coming! www.dfiuevents.com Xoxox Tailor … and James
You can also find Tailor Maid on Instagram @totally.tailor or @just.jamesmua
Bookings on Instagram or via email jamesmcguigan@me.com.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Regarding local drag work and “James work”, I have been booked and busy, hosting brunches, events, private hosting gigs, teaching makeup classes and just generally doing my thing. It’s been great being able to choose what I am doing on my terms, taking my time, it’s very refreshing.
I have been a bit quieter on my social platforms recently
Spend Wisely, Sparkle Brightly: A Guide to Budgeting for Christmas
By Daniel May
Christmas is a season of joy, but it’s also a season of receipts—long ones. If the thought of festive spending leaves you clutching your wallet like Gollum with the One Ring, you’re not alone. For the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland, where navigating family dynamics and societal pressures can already feel like a marathon, the added stress of holiday spending can turn a magical time into a financial nightmare.
But fear not, dear reader! While we all want to give, sparkle, and impress, it is possible to embrace the season without plunging into a snowdrift of debt. Here’s your guide to surviving the season financially and emotionally, with just a pinch of humor to lighten the load.
The Pressure to Splurge
Christmas is a time of excess. From Instagramperfect décor to those ads convincing you that love is only real if it comes in a diamond-shaped box, the holidays can make even the most budget-savvy person feel inadequate.
For many LGBTQIA+ folks, there’s an additional layer of pressure. Perhaps it’s the desire to overcompensate for difficult family relationships or to show up and show out for your chosen family. Or maybe it’s the fear of being judged for “not doing enough.” Let’s be real: it’s hard to resist when everyone around you seems to be living in a Hallmark movie.
But here’s the thing: debt is the Grinch that steals your joy long after the tree comes down. So, let’s rewrite the narrative.
Step 1: Know Your Budget
First things first—let’s talk numbers. Yes, I know math isn’t everyone’s favorite subject (my GCSE results can attest), but budgeting doesn’t have to be painful.
1. Calculate Your Limits
Before you even glance at a gift guide, figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend. Include all expenses: presents, food, travel, and yes, that box of Baileys chocolates you inevitably buy “for guests.”
2. Allocate Funds
Break your budget into categories. For example:
• Gifts: £150
• Food/Drink: £50
• Decorations: £20
• Miscellaneous (aka impulse buys): £30
If the totals are making you sweat, adjust accordingly. It’s better to spend less and stay stressfree than to overspend and start the new year in financial dread.
Step 2: The Art of Saying No
This might sting, but let’s practice together: “No.” You don’t have to say yes to every Secret Santa, gift exchange, or overpriced festive cocktail night. The key is learning to set boundaries. A simple “I’m keeping it low-key this year” can save you from financial overcommitment.
Pro tip: If a friend insists on pricey plans, suggest a budget-friendly alternative. A cozy night watching Love Actually (or complaining about it) can be just as meaningful as dinner at a five-star restaurants
Step 3: Get Creative
Who says gifts need to cost a fortune? If you’ve ever received a homemade card or a jar of someone’s famous chutney, you’ll know that thoughtfulness trumps price every time.
• DIY Gifts
Bake festive treats, knit a scarf, or make a personalized playlist (yes, we’re bringing back playlists—queer culture demands it).
• Sentimental Gestures
Write a heartfelt letter or create a photo album for a friend. It costs little but carries immense value.
• Time Over Things
Plan a day out or a virtual hangout. Sometimes, shared experiences are the best gifts.
Step 4: Shop Smart
If you’re buying gifts, here’s how to do it without breaking the bank:
1. Set a Spending Limit
Agree on a budget with friends or family. A £10 Secret Santa is often more fun and creative than trying to outdo each other.
2. Shop Sales
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-Christmas sales can be a goldmine for bargains. Just make sure you’re buying what you need, not what’s shiny and discounted.
3. Buy Local
Support Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ creators and small businesses. It’s a win-win: unique gifts and community support.
Step 5: Avoid the Comparison Trap
Social media is a highlight reel, not reality. Those influencers posing with their perfect trees and extravagant gifts? They’re probably using filters and credit cards. Comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to feel inadequate—and spend beyond your means. Instead, focus on what makes your Christmas special. Whether it’s a quiet evening with
your partner, a Zoom call with friends, or a solo dance party to Mariah Carey, your holiday doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Step 6: Plan for Next Year
I know, I know—next Christmas feels light-years away. But a little planning now can save a lot of stress later.
• Set Up a Christmas Fund
Start putting aside a small amount each month. By December, you’ll have a stash ready to go.
• Shop Year-Round
Keep an eye out for deals throughout the year. That perfect gift doesn’t have to be bought in a December panic.
The Emotional Side of Spending
Money isn’t just practical—it’s emotional. For LGBTQIA+ folks, Christmas spending can carry deep-seated feelings: the desire to prove our worth, to create joy, or to compensate for past pain.
If you’re feeling pressured, take a step back. Ask yourself: Why am I spending this money? Will it truly bring joy, or am I trying to meet someone else’s expectations?
A Sprinkle of Humor
Of course, we can’t get through this topic without a little laugh. Christmas is full of absurdities: the overpriced crackers, the endless ads convincing us we need a luxury cheese platter, and the relative who always asks, “When are you settling down?” (Cue the internal scream.)
Sometimes, the best way to handle the holiday madness is to laugh at it. Because really, does anyone need a scented candle that smells like “winter frost”?
Final Thoughts
Christmas isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about connection, kindness, and making it through the season with your sanity intact. For the LGBTQIA+ community in Northern Ireland, where support networks are crucial, this means prioritizing people over presents and joy over financial stress.
So this year, let’s swap pressure for perspective, debt for DIY, and stress for a sprinkle of humor. And remember: the best things about Christmas—love, laughter, and that last slice of pavlova—are free.
Happy budgeting, and may your season sparkle without a maxed-out credit card.
christmas budget
A Very Queer Christmas
Christmas is a curious blend of twinkling lights, shopping, copious amounts of alcohol, makeup’s, breakups and that one family member asking, “So, are you chatting to anyone?” for the hundredth time. But for the LGBTQIA+ community, the season offers a chance to embrace joy and community while navigating traditions with a unique, fabulous flair.
If you’re wondering what to do this festive season, fear not! I’ve scoured the Emerald Isle to bring you the best LGBTQIA+-friendly Christmas activities. Whether you’re after dazzling events, cozy retreats, or a little escapism, there’s something for everyone. Let’s make this Christmas as inclusive, warm, and memorable as it should be.
Embrace the Christmas Markets
Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall is a mustvisit for festive cheer. Picture this: you’re wandering among wooden chalets, mulled wine in hand, and eyeing up artisanal crafts that you’ll convince yourself are “practical purchases.” But why stop at browsing? Northern Ireland’s queer community often gathers informally at these markets for a bit of mingling and merriment. Be sure to check local LGBTQIA+ social media groups for pop-up meetups and recommendations.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for LGBTQIA+-owned stalls. Supporting queer makers adds an extra sprinkle of pride to your purchases.
Drag Shows: The Gift That Keeps on Giving Drag and Christmas go together like sequins and glue guns—inevitably fabulous. Many venues across Belfast host holiday-themed drag shows that bring laughter, lip-syncs, and campy renditions of All I Want for Christmas Is You.
- Boombox Belfast is a hub for queer nightlife, and their holiday drag performances are legendary. Expect over-the-top costumes, biting humor, and a crowd that feels like family.
- Union Street Bar is another gem, often hosting drag bingo nights. Picture shouting “Full House!” while clutching a Baileys—it’s a vibe.
Festive Film Nights
Not every Christmas activity needs glitter and noise. Sometimes, the perfect evening involves a cozy blanket, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and a festive film with LGBTQIA+ representation.
- Check out The Strand Arts Centre, a historic cinema in East Belfast, for holiday screenings. Many local LGBTQIA+ groups organize private screenings of queer-friendly classics like Happiest Season.
- Or check out my recommendations. I have put together a list of 9 festive movies for you to watch. Go to page INSERT PAGE NUMBER
Join an LGBTQIA+ Festive Meetup
BY DANIEL MAY
Christmas can be lonely, especially for those estranged from family. Thankfully, Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ organizations have your back with welcoming meetups.
- The Rainbow Project hosts a range of festive gatherings, from coffee mornings to holiday dinners. These events are a safe space to connect with others in the community and find a bit of holiday magic.
- Cara-Friend often organizes events specifically for LGBTQIA+ youth, ensuring that everyone has a place to celebrate.
Bonus: Many meetups are free or donation-based, making them a budget-friendly way to socialize.
Experience the Outdoors
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Northern Ireland’s winter landscapes offer breathtaking beauty. And yes, you can make it queer—why not?
- Cave Hill Country Park: Gather some friends, pack a thermos of mulled cider, and take a brisk hike. The panoramic views of Belfast are worth the effort, even if you’re slightly hungover from the night before.
- The Gobbins Cliff Path: For something more adventurous, this dramatic coastal walk is open yearround and feels like stepping into a winter postcard.
Pro Tip: Wrap up warmly and bring a rainbow scarf—visibility is important in all senses!
Volunteer Your Time
Christmas is a time for giving, and volunteering is a fulfilling way to make a difference while connecting with others.
- Positive Life NI, Northern Ireland’s only HIV-specific charity, often seeks volunteers for their holiday initiatives.
- Food banks: Many LGBTQIA+ folks face financial hardship, so supporting food banks is a way to uplift the community.
Not only does volunteering warm your heart (and possibly your karma), but it’s also a chance to meet like-minded individuals and forge connections.
Queer Christmas Cabarets
Cabaret performances are the perfect blend of theatrical flair and holiday spirit. Keep an eye on venues like The MAC Belfast & Cabaret Supper Club which frequently hosts queer-inclusive performances
during December.
From burlesque to comedy and live music, these events are a celebration of creativity and queerness wrapped in a glittery bow.
Reflect and Recharge
The holiday season can be overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating family tensions or personal challenges. Taking time for yourself is essential.
- Mindfulness practices: Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided meditations specifically designed for the holiday season.
- Therapy: Many LGBTQIA+ support groups, like those at The Rainbow Project, offer counseling services if the season feels particularly heavy.
Remember, self-care is radical, especially in a world that often demands too much.
Humor Amid the Hustle
Of course, no Christmas feature is complete without acknowledging the quirks of the season.
From the relentless loop of Last Christmas in every shop to the questionable wisdom of tinsel as a decorative choice (why does it end up everywhere?), Christmas is as funny as it is stressful.
And let’s not forget the classic queer survival tactic: laughing through it all. Whether it’s rolling your eyes at straight couples under the mistletoe or giggling over your dog’s horrified expression in their Christmas jumper, humor is a gift that keeps on giving.
Christmas is a tapestry of traditions, old and new. It’s about finding joy in connection, whether through drag shows, shared meals, or a quiet moment watching the snow fall.
This year, let’s celebrate the diversity of our chosen families, the resilience of our community, and the simple pleasures that make the season bright. Because no matter how you choose to spend Christmas, you deserve to do it with pride, love, and maybe just a little glitter.
Happy holidays, and may your season be as queer and fabulous as you are
That’s What Christmas Means to Me
Crackers and Turkey and gifts round the tree. Great Aunt Julie getting a bit too merry and Granda falling asleep almost immediately after sitting down. Carolling and mulled wine and ‘Santa won’t come if you’re bad’. We know Christmas when we see it, and it is coming into view at an alarming speed. Hallmark movies, Christmas songs and the all to famous, pull-at-your-heartstrings Christmas ads show us over and over what Christmas is all about, with resounding messages of love, family and generous giving. They show a big family sitting round a big table with a big turkey, everyone’s laughing and hugging and soaking up the joy. But what if that’s not what Christmas looks like for you? It can feel daunting and disappointing when you know you won’t be spending your Christmas day the way you are ‘supposed’ to, the way the adverts and the movies show.
For many people, the holidays can be more of a reminder of what they don’t have than what they do, and unfortunately, even though it is 2024, we still have people that aren’t so accepting. Many people that have come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community won’t be sitting round a table with their extended, or even immediate family. Or they will, but it won’t be all smiles and is feeling quite intimidating right now. However, Christmas doesn’t have to look like what is on TV to be merry and bright.
We will start off with what Christmas can look like if nobody in your immediate family is on-board with who you are. Firstly, whatever way this makes you feel is okay. Some people may not care, they may think they are better off without people who don’t love them for who they are – and more power to them. On the other hand, for some people this will hurt, and hurt a lot. It will probably hurt even more at this time of year because they are seeing happy little nuclear families all around and even though their mum may not accept them, they miss her and all they want for Christmas is her love and support. Hold space for that if you need to, have a cry, mope for a bit, and then remember that you are amazing just the way you are and that she is not the be-all-and-end-all. There are lots of ways to spend Christmas that will put a smile on your face, and hopefully make you forget for a while. Friends Christmas is a great way to get you laughing and smiling round the dinner table and soaking up all the love. We know Christmas comes with a price, so don’t leave it all to the host – do a potluck and each make a dish or split the shopping. Do a secret Santa so everyone has a present to unwrap and bring a bottle of wine for the host, they are the ones that have to clean it all up on Boxing Day. If nobody fancies hosting – go out! There are plenty of restaurants that will serve you up a Christmas dinner with no cooking or cleaning required, plus you get to dress up fancy to go so it’s a win-win. If you are worried that all of your friends are already busy and even friends Christmas isn’t an option, you can still get into the giving and joyfulness of Christmas by signing up for a local volunteering shift at a community kitchen.
Another win-win as you get to not be alone on Christmas, you get to help those less fortunate, and you get to leave with a warm feeling in your chest knowing that you helped make someone’s Christmas a little bit better – and they in turn, maybe helped make yours a bit better too.
Not everyone has to spend Christmas away from their family because of who they are, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t issues. What if mum does accept you, loves you for exactly who you are and just wants to see you happy, but Dad disagrees. It can cause tensions not only with you being uncomfortable, but your mum may be feeling upset at your dad, and your dad at your mum and the whole family is feeling the tension and it’s all just a bit awkward. It is not on you. Don’t feel bad or blame yourself for causing tension within the family or making your mum stressed or your dad disappointed, you didn’t choose this – you are who you are and a bigot’s opinion doesn’t mean that you are the problem or have anything to feel bad about. What is more important is that you feel safe and okay within
yourself. If you feel like going will be upsetting, infuriating or it’s filling you with dread, you can not go. Your emotions and/or emotional distress is not worth a bit of dry turkey and some flat prosecco. I know you may feel bad missing it because it may upset the accepting family members, but it is okay to be selfish sometimes – plus, you can use all of the options shown above. If you do want to go, but you also want to just have a nice Christmas you can lay down some boundaries such as no talking about love lives and no snide comments, or you can limit the day. You don’t have to stay overnight and wait for ‘Santa’ in the morning, you don’t have to stay and watch the King’s speech after dinner – you can limit yourself to coming over 10 minutes before dinner and leaving shortly after, keeping the accepting ones happy and your mental wellbeing intact.
Christmas is a time where lots of families join up, you may be used to having grannies and grandas and aunts and uncles and cousins and everyone else over for dinner and drinks and terrible games that were found in stockings. This can throw a whole other spanner in the works. For some, the parents and siblings are very accepting – didn’t even bat an eye when you came out because ‘we knew for years, we were just waiting for you to figure it out’. But did Great Granny Leslie know? Does she know now? It’s a bit of a controversial conversation, but mum may politely suggest not to tell her, she will die soon anyway, and she doesn’t want you to be on the receiving end of her religious rant and disapproving glares. Mum may have the right intentions here, and you might even agree with her that it’s more trouble than it’s worth and you don’t care much about her opinion anyway. It can still sting that you are being asked to hide part of yourself, or even if you came up with it yourself it can still be irksome that you even feel the need to hide who you are. You can decide that you don’t want to hide, attend anyway, deal with the rant and try to change opinions, or you can decide that skipping the bit when they come over is the lesser of two evils. Whatever decision you are happy and comfortable with is the right one. In these situations, in all of these choices if you decide to go knowing that it might not look picture perfect, go in with your armour on – not meaning go into battle and have a fist fight, but more metaphorically, protect your own mental wellbeing. Make sure you are armed with boundaries you are sticking to such as ‘I will leave if Granda tells me I am going to hell’ (you aren’t), or even simpler ones – we don’t talk politics at the dinner table, so we aren’t talking about love lives either. Additionally, make sure that you have an ally there – whether that is someone to fight for you, to stand up for you or even just to have a secret code with if it is getting too much. Somebody that knows to redirect the conversation, to take you to another room or give you a big hug and some reassurance if it all starts getting a bit overwhelming.
To the allies – be an ally. Don’t just sit there and allow it. Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQIA+ community yourself, you can empathise with how it feels to be in the hot seat, to feel a bit awkward in a social situation, to not be accepted.
So, hold some space for that, if your cousin is being bombarded with questions on who they are dating, or what gender they are now – redirect the conversation, educate the elders, stick up for them so they don’t feel so alone – whatever the vibe is in your family. Make sure they know that if it is too much you are happy to take a moment for a ciggie break with them even though you don’t smoke, that you have arms ready for a cuddle and ears ready for a rant. Let them know that they are wanted and loved and welcome this Christmas.
Whatever your situation, whatever your vibe – stay safe, protect your own mental wellbeing and whatever you get up to it will be the most wonderful time of the year.
By Megane Herrick
Alone Together... lonliness at christmas
By: Daniel May
Christmas, the season of twinkling lights, festive tunes, and far too many mince pies, often comes with the expectation of togetherness. But for many in Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community, this time of year can amplify feelings of loneliness. It’s a harsh truth wrapped in tinsel—a reminder that while the world celebrates connection, some are left navigating a season of disconnection.
But fear not, dear reader. This feature isn’t here to sink you into despair but to reflect, explore, and yes, even bring a wry smile to your face. Because let’s be honest: nothing says survival like a well-timed chuckle over the absurdities of festive life.
A Rainbow in a Grey Sky
Loneliness doesn’t discriminate, but for LGBTQIA+ individuals, it often comes wrapped in unique circumstances. Northern Ireland, with its conservative roots and evolving (yet still challenging) societal attitudes, can sometimes make queer folks feel like they’re on the fringes. Family rejection, strained relationships, or simply not fitting into heteronormative holiday expectations can turn the “most wonderful time of the year” into a stark reminder of isolation.
Studies consistently highlight the disproportionate rates of loneliness and mental health struggles among LGBTQIA+ individuals. Add the pressure of a “perfect Christmas,” and the weight can feel crushing. But here’s the thing: perfection is a myth (and a boring one at that). If your Christmas involves a tin of Quality Street and a marathon of Drag Race, you’re doing just fine.
What Loneliness Feels Like
Let’s talk turkey—or tofu, if that’s your vibe. Loneliness isn’t just being alone; it’s the gnawing sense of disconnection. It’s scrolling through Instagram, seeing your excolleague’s dog in a Santa hat, and wondering why everyone else seems to have it together. Spoiler alert: they don’t.
Half of those smiles hide the same uncertainties we all share. For many queer folks, Christmas highlights spaces where we don’t belong. The traditional family dinner can become a minefield of awkward questions or outright hostility, especially for those whose identities are misunderstood or rejected. That’s why chosen families—those wonderful, diverse, messy collections of friends who truly get you—can be lifesaving.
Surviving the Season: Practical Tips with a Dash of Sass
1. Create Your Own Traditions
Who says Christmas has to involve relatives, awkward small talk, and another pair of socks you didn’t want? Redefine it. Host a glitter-soaked dinner party with friends, have a pyjama day, or throw a “bad Christmas movie” marathon. Spoiler: The Princess Switch 3 is delightfully awful.
2. Volunteer
Nothing combats loneliness like helping others. Northern Ireland is home to fantastic organisations like the Rainbow Project or HIV charity Positive Life, both of which often welcome extra hands during the holidays. Connecting with others while doing good? That’s a win-win.
3. Stay Connected
Can’t be with your chosen family? Bring them to you via video call. Sure, it’s not the same, but a glass of wine and a virtual quiz can make you forget you’re not in the
same room. Bonus points for the most outrageous Christmas jumper.
4. Self-Care is Key
If the thought of socialising feels too much, don’t force it. Take a bath, watch your favourite show, or dive into a new book. Treat yourself like the absolute treasure you are.
5. Reach Out for Support
If loneliness becomes overwhelming, know that help is available. Services like LGBT Switchboard and Lifeline are there to listen without judgment. Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s strength wrapped in bravery.
Finding the Funny in Festive Misery
Now, let’s inject a bit of humor into this rather serious topic, because laughter really is the best medicine (except, you know, actual medicine). We’ve all had that Christmas: the one where the turkey was still frozen, the relatives argued over politics, and you accidentally drank too much and cried over the John Lewis advert. Or perhaps you were forced to endure a Christmas cracker joke so bad it could have been banned by the Geneva Convention. (“What do you call a reindeer with bad manners? Rude-olph.” You’re welcome.) Humor is survival. Whether it’s turning off Love Actually because it’s offensively straight or giggling at your pet’s horrified reaction to their festive costume, find moments to laugh. And if you can’t, turn to queer icons like Bianca Del Rio or the Absolutely Fabulous reruns—they’ve never failed us.
Hope in Community
Here’s the heart of it: you’re not alone. Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ community is vibrant and resilient, brimming with support networks, events, and people who understand. From Belfast’s queer-friendly bars to support groups that welcome with open arms, there are spaces where you’ll be celebrated, not just tolerated. And let’s not forget the power of online communities. Social media has its pitfalls, sure, but it also connects us in ways unimaginable just a decade ago. Whether it’s swapping memes with strangers or joining an LGBTQIA+ holiday support group, there’s comfort in collectiveexperience.
Looking Ahead
As the New Year approaches, remember that loneliness isn’t a permanent state; it’s a season like any other, and seasons change. Reach out, take small steps, and be kind to yourself. And if Christmas isn’t your thing, who cares? Make your own rules. Celebrate in March if you want. Call it “Christmarch.” No one’s stopping you. This Christmas, let’s honour the strength it takes to keep going. Let’s toast to resilience, authenticity, and the joy of being unapologetically yourself. And let’s remember: while loneliness may knock at the door, it doesn’t have to stay for dinner.
Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community in Northern Ireland
Rainbow Project: Offers counseling, social groups, and events to connect with others.
Cara-Friend: Provides support for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. Lifeline: A 24/7 crisis helpline offering immediate support at 0808 808 8000.
So, this Christmas, whether you’re surrounded by friends, alone with Netflix, or somewhere in between, know this: your story matters, your presence is enough, and your community is here for you. That’s the real magic of the season.
PAUL
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
THE FESTIVE SEASON CAN BE A TIME OF JOY, CONNECTION, AND CELEBRATION.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
For many, Christmas conjures images of cozy family gatherings, laughter around the dinner table, and exchanging thoughtful gifts under the twinkling lights of a tree. But for queer individuals, the holidays can often bring a bittersweet mix of emotions, ranging from longing and isolation to deep gratitude for chosen family and community.
While mainstream media romanticizes the idea of a “perfect Christmas,” the reality for many LGBTQIA+ people is far more complex. Family gatherings that should feel warm and inclusive can instead be fraught with tension or even outright rejection. For some, returning home means facing relatives who dismiss or invalidate their identity. Others may find themselves entirely cut off from their biological families due to coming out or deciding it’s safer to stay silent.
For many queer people, Christmas can highlight a painful sense of not belonging. While the rest of the world seems to celebrate unity and togetherness, these feelings can be especially acute for those estranged from their families. Even for those who maintain ties with their families, the holidays may involve uncomfortable compromises. From avoiding discussions about partners to enduring misgendering or homophobic remarks, queer individuals often find themselves navigating these moments with a mix of resilience and exhaustion. The pressure to conform to traditional family expectations can feel isolating, amplifying feelings of loneliness during what’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.”
For those without family support, the holidays can become a stark reminder of loss and disconnection. Statistics reveal that LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are significantly more likely to experience loneliness, depression, and anxiety during the festive period. The season’s emphasis on family can leave queer individuals feeling like outsiders, as though they don’t fit into the cultural narrative of Christmas.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this isolation doesn’t mean queer people are without community. One of the most profound aspects of queer culture is the concept of chosen family. These are the people who love, celebrate, and support you unconditionally; the ones who see you for who you truly are. While chosen families are not exclusive to queer individuals, they often hold particular significance in LGBTQIA+ communities, where biological family ties may be strained or nonexistent.
Queer people are masters of reinvention, and the holidays offer an opportunity to craft celebrations that feel authentic and empowering. Whether it’s a cozy movie marathon with a
partner, or a night of dancing to Mariah Carey with your queer family, these moments remind us that love and connection don’t have to look a certain way.
If you’re navigating the holidays as a queer individual, consider these ideas to make the season feel more joyful and less isolating:
1. Host a Chosen Family Gathering
For many queer people, Christmas can highlight a painful sense of not belonging.
While the rest of the world seems to celebrate unity and togetherness, these feelings can be especially acute for those estranged from their families.
Bring together your closest friends or community members for a holiday celebration. Whether it’s an elaborate dinner or a casual get-together, the focus should be on creating a space where everyone feels seen and loved.
2. Set Boundaries with Biological Family
If you’re spending time with relatives, it’s okay to set clear boundaries. Protect your emotional well-being by avoiding topics or situations that feel harmful. Remember, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for being yourself.
3. Volunteer or Give Back
Sometimes, helping others can be a source of healing. Consider volunteering at a local charity. It’s a powerful way to connect with the community and make a difference.
4. Practice Self-Care
The holidays can be overwhelming, so prioritise activities that nurture your mind and body. Whether it’s a long walk, journaling, or treating yourself to something special, make time for what brings you peace.
5. Connect Online
If you’re physically isolated, virtual spaces can offer comfort and camaraderie. Join LGBTQIA+ forums, attend online holiday events, or simply reach out to friends via video call.
Christmas is a time of light in the darkness, and for queer individuals, it can also be a season of profound resilience. While the holidays may highlight the complexities of family and belonging, they also serve as a reminder of the strength found in community and the beauty of chosen family. No matter your circumstances, know that you’re not alone.
So, this Christmas, whether you’re
sipping mulled wine with your queer kin or finding joy in quiet moments of self-care, let it be a time to honour yourself and the incredible journey you’re on.
After all, love is what the season is truly about.
Paul McAllister- Soul Script
IG: soulscript.pm
Facebook: soulscript.pm
Email: soulscript.pm@gmail.com
Gourmet
SEVEN FESTIVE FOODIE STOCKING FILLERS
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE LOCALLY PRODUCED GIFT IDEAS FOR FOODIES, WHICH WOULD MAKE PERFECT STOCKING FILLERS, XMAS HAMPERS, OR SIMPLY SPOILING YOURSELF WITH A LITTLE YULETIDE LUXURY!
BRACKFIELD 29.
Brackfield 29, a fantastic range of quality artisan condiments produced by Peter Galbraith in East Belfast, is available in many local shops & delis.
Over the Christmas holidays we always have a few of the chutneys & relishes in our store cupboard and we love the deliciously different flavours such as blood orange & chilli. But our favourite is the zingy lime & sweet pepper chilli jam, perfect with a creamy Pie D’Angloys.
Olivia Burns has created the ultimate range of home fragrance inspired by her own scent memories, and she has made an impression on some of the largest media outlets, including Forbes, Stylist, Good Housekeeping, & The Irish Times.
The condiments are all gluten free, suitable for vegetarians & are ideal with meat and cheese, as a marinade, dip, or dressing, and are an essential pantry staple.
LONG MEADOW CIDER.
For many years, the orchard in The Long Meadow near Portadown was known locally for the quality of its Bramley apples and is part of the farm owned by the McKeever family for three generations.
The delicious cider is pressed, fermented and produced naturally at Long Meadow Farm. The big sellers are the Medium, Blossom Burst, Rhubarb & Honey and Berry Blast, but we absolutely adore the small batch Oak Aged Cider which has been traditionally crafted in Irish oak barrels for maturity. Celebrate the Magic of the Season with award-winning Long Meadow products.
OLIVIA’S HAVEN.
Olivia’s Haven is a new premium home fragrance shop on the Belmont Rd in East Belfast, and in Coleraine. Founder
Olivia’s Haven products include room sprays, reed diffusers, wax melts, & hand-poured candles, which are vegan, cruelty-free and made using 100% soy wax, stylishly presented in reusable white glass vessels. Our festive favourites are “Christmas at the Old Rectory”, with its warming, spicy notes, and “Dr Marshall’s Christmas Tree” with the fresh aromas of pine and eucalyptus.
BLACK ARCH GIN.
This amazing small batch gin, is distilled by hand on the Antrim Coast.
Utilising the wild yet bountiful landscape around the Black Arch, the gin includes local hand-picked botanicals, blackberries, nettles and a subtle hint of seaweed, creating a distinctive flavour profile perfectly reflecting the local land and sea.
As the legend on the stunning monochromatic gift box states, it’s enough to make you sit back and consider, ‘Where would you get it?’ Black Arch Gin is the perfect present for the discerning gin lover.
NEARY NÓGS CHOCOLATE. Situated between the stunning Mourne Mountains
LONG MEADOW CIDER
OLIVIA’S HAVEN
BLACK ARCH GIN
and the shimmering sea, Neary Nógs is Ireland’s first bean to bar artisan chocolate making studio. What began as a fundraiser to help the Neary family through personal challenges evolved into a passion that led to the establishment of the business in 2011. Integrity, sustainability, & ethically sourced cacao beans from small farms in Central America, South America and the Caribbean islands are key to fostering close partnerships, prioritising direct trade practices, and supporting the rainforest alliance.
Tours are available, where you can see how the beans are hand sorted, gently roasted, stone ground, aged and then tempered into delicious chocolate bars which are an absolute feast for the senses and would make great gifts for chocoholics!
THE GUILLEMOT DELI.
The Guillemot in Ballyhackamore and Bangor describes itself as “a hub of deliciousness”, and this Aladdin’s cave of foodie goodies stocks a wide range of speciality groceries, local & continental cheeses, freshly baked scones & pastries, breads and sandwiches, house salsas, scrumptious salads, and great coffee.
We love The Guillemot’s house Pesto, Salsa Rossa, and our favourite nutty, spicy Salsa Macha, which we have with everything from cheese & pasta, to eggs & roasted veggies: it’s such an incredibly versatile ingredient. The Guillemot is passionate about quality produce, and advocates artisan makers, both local & worldwide, and is the perfect one-shop stop for a foodie Christmas Hamper.
based on locally sourced herbs, botanicals and honey would make a wonderfully warming Winter Toddy.
With hints of Irish gorse, meadow sweet, and lemon verbena, the rum features honey from the Mournes, & County Antrim blackberries. Paula also has a delicious LimitedEdition Magic Star Apple & Elderflower Gin Liqueur. Made with pressed Magic Star apples and hand-picked elderflower it’s a seasonal delight.
If you have any requests for restaurant recommendations send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
PAULA MCINTYRE RUM.
We’re big fans of Celebrity chef Paula McIntyre’s delicious gin, developed with Giant’s Basalt Rock distillery in Bushmills, and at Christmas, her rum
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
THE GUILLEMOT DELI
PAULA MCINTYRE RUM
TWIXMAS THE DODGY WEEK IN THE MIDDLE
Twixmas – a word you may or not be familiar with. It is a blending of two words, ‘betwixt’, an old timey word meaning ‘between’ and ‘Christmas’. More casually known as ‘The Christmas lull’ or, as we are calling it, that dodgy week in the middle.
You know Christmas, and you know New Year, but the 27th-30th of December is always a bit strange. Families have come from far and wide, some even hopping on planes , trains and boats just to be there, to be together. Now the festivities are over, and the New Year hasn’t started, this little nugget of time in
between is a time to simply spend with loved ones, to eat far too much junk food and to relax. While relaxation is important, you don’t want to waste your time off and slip into a 4 day long lazy day – so what do you do in the middle?
Twixmas doesn’t officially start until the 27th, but we can’t just pretend Boxing Day doesn’t exist. Perhaps it is not part of Twixmas as most people already have plans and traditions that are longstanding and that they look forward to every year. A massive favourite plan across our little island is sports –
whether that be rugby, Football or our famous Belfast Giants, everybody loves a Boxing Day match. Now, for some it may be the only match they attend all year, but it is worth it. The vibe is high, the energy is electric, and it doesn’t necessarily matter who wins and who loses because nothing is counted in the leagues – which is definitely for the best as most of the players are too stuffed with turkey, mulled wine and paracetamol (because of the mulled wine) to be on their A game. Following the games, you leave and head straight for the camaraderie at the pub (if you weren’t watching it there already)
where you sit, have too many bevvies and discuss the presents that Santa brought the day before, and the drama that Uncle Earl brought too! For others, Boxing Day is just Christmas Day part 2. Lots of families do Christmas day with one set of in-laws, and Boxing Day with the other set. This may be a whole other sit-down Christmas dinner, or it may be picky bits, prawn rings and turkey sandwiches. Lots of the same chatter, lots of the same games, lots more love and hugs and really just an extra Christmas day. Some people’s tradition is to just relax after the chaos of the run up to and the day of Christmas with a lazy day in their matching pyjamas that they haven’t gotten out of and don’t intend to. Forget a shower, forget sorting out the house and kick up your feet. Grab some of the abundance of chocolates, crisps and leftovers and watch every single Christmas special going – we’re talking Gavin & Stacey, Strictly, Call the Midwife, Corrie – the list goes on and on. It’s a big catch up and wind down day.
Twixmas – it’s the 27th and it has officially started. Now what?
Well for those that do second Christmas or attend the Boxing Day matches, it is now their turn to nurse a hangover, pig-out on the junk in the house and catch-up on the Christmas specials. For others? It’s go time. The shops are back open and everything is on sale – the January sales don’t start in January you know! Spending days traipsing around Castle Court and Victoria Square and the big Primark, fighting over the last item in your size and finishing it all off with a bite to eat and a cocktail, before running to catch the last bus because that cocktail turned into more than one.
Now we have gone over the obvious, we get into the really tricky bit – what on earth do you do from now until New years eve? Everyone’s home, everyone’s here and your brain is a question mark – is it Tuesday or Wednesday? When do the bins go out? What time is it; you haven’t looked at a clock since you were rudely awoken on Christmas morning – time moves differently this week. So, what do you do?
Firstly – a good old fashion cleaning and clear out day. If you are having people over for New Years Eve, get the Christmas tree down, it will take a fair bashing on the night if you don’t. Clear out the
cupboard, clear out the toys, clear out the wardrobes – you have to make space for all the new stuff that Santa and the sales brought after all.
Have a games day – Santa has definitely brought some so make a day out of it! Get some picky bits and leftovers out on a big tray and line up several games to play – invite over the friends and their kids that have nothing to do as well – and because you have just cleaned everything in your clear out day, your friends will be very impressed your house doesn’t look like a bomb has just hit it.
Head out for the day – go and play minigolf or bowling. Wrap up warm and climb whatever hill or mountain is closest to you or head to an ice-rink, attempt to stay upright and work off some of that chocolate, get the family away from the screen and go out for some good old fashioned bonding.
Get stuck into a really good book. You know that one you have been meaning to read but never really had the time, or the one you read half of on holiday in July and never actually got around to finishing it? There is nothing like curling up under a blanket, in front of the fire when its all chilly outside, grabbing an extra-large mug of hot chocolate and diving into a page-turning-read. You have the time now, enjoy it.
Have a pamper day. Girls and guys alike – who doesn’t love a good relaxing pamper? Odds are you have received several bodywash sets, Epsom salts, bath bombs – a lot of great smelling goo basically. Now is a perfect time to use it because the kids (if you have them) will be busy with their new toys and gadgets so you will have the peace and quiet, and most importantly, the time to spend relaxing and unwinding after the chaos of the last few days and come out of it feeling refreshed and ready to take on the new year.
Speaking of taking on the new year – before we do, take some time to reflect on this year. What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Maybe here we take a leaf from Thanksgiving – grab the nearest and dearest that have come for the celebrations, grab a bottle of wine someone got gifted and go round in a circle and discuss the highs and lows of the last year – see how far you have come. Then think about what is next.
After thinking about what is next, put it into action
and plan ahead for your New Years resolution. Why don’t you make sticking to your resolution just that little bit easier by planning ahead and getting ready for it? If your goal is to lose weight or get in shape try googling gyms in your area, get a day pass at a few of the potentials and go in when it is quiet. You can figure out which one gels with you the best, and where everything is so when you go on the 1st of January (or the 2nd lets be honest) you don’t look like a deer in headlights, and you are just that little bit more confident to get going. If you are looking to quit smoking, research the best methods, nicotine pouches and patches, gum substitutions and any other way you think might help.
Figure out what you think will work best for you and buy whatever necessary so when you wake up, instead of grabbing a cigarette first thing, you already have what you need to stop. If your resolution is to take more pictures, get out and get a camera in the sales, or sign up to a photo printing subscription so you remember to take them. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail – so use the extra time to set yourself up for success.
Now we have reached New Years, and we have relaxed, partied, ate too much and drank too much and soaked up all of the merry vibes and love – we are ready to take 2025 on with clean houses, strong resolutions and lots of great memories.
By Megane Herrick
FESTIVE PRIDE
9 LGBTQIA+ MOVIES TO LIGHT UP YOUR CHRISTMAS
Celebrate the holiday season with a dose of festive cheer and representation! This year, we’re spotlighting nine incredible films featuring LGBTQIA+ themes, characters, and stories that bring love, laughter, and a touch of magic to your Christmas watchlist. From heartwarming rom-coms to touching dramas and quirky comedies, these movies showcase the joy of connection, family, and being true to yourself. Whether you’re after feel-good vibes, a sprinkle of romance, or something offbeat, there’s something for everyone. Grab a hot drink, cozy up, and let these films fill your holiday season with festive pride and heartfelt storytelling.
Happiest Season (2020)
A heartwarming rom-com that redefines holiday traditions, Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart) as she plans to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), during Christmas at Harper’s family home. But Harper hasn’t come out yet, leading to comedic chaos and touching revelations. With a stellar cast and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, this film is a joyful exploration of love, family, and being true to
Single All the Way (2021)
This Netflix favorite centers on Peter (Michael Urie), who brings his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) home for Christmas to dodge his family’s constant questions about his love life. When a matchmaking scheme emerges, sparks fly, leading to a feel-good story of love and selfdiscovery. Full of festive charm, delightful humor, and a heartwarming cast, this movie celebrates the magic of chosen family and the season’s romance.
Tangerine (2015)
Set on Christmas Eve, Tangerine tells the raw yet humorous story of two transgender sex workers, Sin-Dee and Alexandra, navigating the streets of Los Angeles after one discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity. Shot entirely on an iPhone, this indie gem is groundbreaking for its representation of trans women of color and its bold storytelling. While unconventional, it offers a poignant message about friendship and resilience during the holidays.
Make the Yuletide Gay (2009)
In this charming indie comedy, Olaf “Gunn” Gunnunderson goes home for the holidays, leaving his boyfriend, Nathan, behind. Hilarity ensues when Nathan unexpectedly arrives, forcing Gunn to navigate his closeted family while trying to celebrate Christmas with his true love. With plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments, this film is a delightful mix of festive cheer and a touching coming-out narrative.
The Family Stone (2005)
This classic ensemble dramedy features a family navigating holiday tensions and love. Thad Stone, the gay, deaf son of the family, and his husband provide heartfelt representation in a story of acceptance and family dynamics. With a star-studded cast including Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker, The Family Stone is both heartwarming and deeply emotional, making it a memorable addition to any festive watchlist.
The Christmas Setup (2020)
The Lifetime Channel’s first LGBTQIA+ Christmas movie, The Christmas Setup follows Hugo (Ben Lewis), who reconnects with his high school crush Patrick (Blake Lee) when his matchmaking mom gets involved. Set against a backdrop of twinkling lights and snow-filled streets, this film combines a cozy holiday vibe with a tender, romantic love story that will warm your heart.
Carol (2015)
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, Carol is a stunningly crafted romantic drama set during the 1950s holiday season. It follows Therese (Rooney Mara), a young aspiring photographer, and Carol (Cate Blanchett), an elegant woman navigating a difficult divorce, as they fall in love. With breathtaking cinematography and a tender narrative, this film is a masterpiece of longing and love, perfect for the holidays.
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
For something completely different, this genredefying musical blends a zombie apocalypse with Christmas cheer. Amid the chaos, Anna (Ella Hunt) and her friends battle for survival, with standout LGBTQIA+ representation in Steph (Sarah Swire), a queer character whose story is treated with care. This British cult classic delivers catchy tunes, dark humor, and heartwarming friendships—perfect for fans of quirky holiday films.
Lez Bomb (2018)
In this Thanksgiving-to-Christmas dramedy, Lauren (Jenna Laurenzo) attempts to come out to her family during the holidays, but her plans are hilariously derailed. With a mix of laugh-outloud moments and touching family dynamics, Lez Bomb is a relatable and heartfelt story about love, identity, and the unpredictability of holiday gatherings.
XAND
SANTA ONLY CUMS ONCE A YEAR?
It’s funny and somewhat ironic that I used to joke about the fact that Santa only came once every twelve months because now at the age of almost 50, I find myself getting the horn and wanting to jump aboard the masturbation station less and less to the point where I almost have to schedule in a wank about two weeks in advance. For example, yesterday I received a brand new bottle of my new favourite poppers Jungle Juice Gold Label Triple Distilled which I love as they last for
about three months - I know right? Three months god dammit! Plus they don’t give me a raging headache like most poppers do these days. Ok so usually the postman comes… or rather pushes his package into my box - my letterbox.. you dirty bastard.. pay attention. I normally jump into action, tear open the cardboard faster than you can say Treasure Island Media, and have my cock in my Fleshlight, sniffing away, and trying my best not to shoot my load in five seconds flat! I normally last about 2 minutes on the first wank. I find it’s best to get it out of the way so I can enjoy a longer, slower session later that day, and sometimes even a third if I’m lucky. Several (hundred) years ago I’m sure I could have made it into The Guinness Book of Wank Records as my personal best (with the help of Tina Turner - if you know you know) was ten! Ten orgasms in one day! I know, right? Go me! I’m a very organised wanker. I mean I once bought a Universal Fleshlight Launch which is now broken sadly.
Suffice it to say I’ve invested a lot of money in my penis. I take this shit seriously! I download or
screen shoot the videos that turn me on - usually anything with bareback, deep throat, handjobs, watersports, creampies, cum flying everywhere from giant Hollywood cocks, that sort of thing or German dudes with beards and tattoos fucking the life out of each other - the more manly the better really, and I love straight porn. I do. I just love it. I’ve been a vagatarian for a brief spell so I get turned on by men and women and everyone in between (I’m trysexual and an equal opportunities fucker) but mostly I just love big slippery cocks. I’ve gone off on a bit of a horny tangent here.. remind me what I was saying again? Sommat about a postman? Oh yes!
So, you get the picture. I’m very into masturbation! But yesterday when I received my poppers.. guess what happened? I couldn’t be arsed to wank! Nada. Nothing. Zip. I still haven’t. I mean I could I suppose but the horn just ain’t there! You know what I mean right? You know the difference between the times when your cock is just rock fuckin’ hard and you can’t think about anything else - those times when you could fuck a bottom in half!
And then there are the times when you want to wank but you can’t really get into anything and your dick looks like one of those dogs with too much skin or an inconvenienced hairless cat. And you just know that when you do cum it will be like when a Firework doesn’t quite light properly. Yeah. A damp squib moment. Your jizz just sort of resembles a melting ice cream on a hot day rather than Old Faithful in Yellowstone blowing high and wide and spraying you and the cats.
And this has been happening to me on a more and more regular basis. On top of that, I haven’t had sex in fuckin’ ages. I mean we’re talking years now folks and the thought of actually putting me dinkle in some dude’s love tunnel.. it would be nice.. but what would also be nice and a lot less fuckin’ hassle would be watching Series Three of Benidorm and eating that pizza that’s in the second drawer of the freezer. Ohh. I think there may be some chips in there too. And perhaps I didn’t eat all the Mars bars last night? Jesus. What’s happening to me? I used to be The Sperminator and now I’m turning into Roseanne Conner. If you’re younger than I am, google it.
I wonder what is in store for my poor penis in 2025? Will
my ejaculations diminish even further? Should I just stop shaving my balls and turn into Jungle Jim? Am I all porned out? I can’t have watched everything? Can I? I mean I did start watching porn when your dad was in school! Think about that. I found out that I’m a Great Mother Fucking Uncle now to some kid who I’ll never meet as my cunty homophobic brother no longer talks to me. It’s not that that side of the family are homophobic - Oh God noperish the very thought (he says rolling his eyes and thinking to meself that Denial ain’t just a river in fuckin’ Egypt) - I’m just the wrong kind of faggot apparently. If I was better dressed, and less sweary, and didn’t mention bum sex I’d be acceptable. But that’s another shitty Christmas story for another fuckin’ time! So my darlings, all that remains is for me to wish you a very Merry Fuckin’ Christmas and remember Jesus had twelve fuck buddies.. eh I mean disciples… so don’t be making those resolutions to be less of a Grindr whore.. you just keep on sucking those closeted married dicks into the New Year and enjoy yourself flower. x
Ps. Can I just add that I’m so proud of myself because in last year’s Christmas article, I believe I used the word cunt at least 27 times and this year I haven’t used it once! Oh fuck, shit, arse, cunt and bugger!
Oh well, I’ll try again next year. Sorry, Jesus!
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Mr Hullabaloo
Mr Hullabaloo and Jingles will be appearing live on stage this Christmas alongside a fabulously talented cast for our annual Mr Hullabaloo family pantomime spectacular Cinderella at the McNeill Theatre in Larne.
Tickets on sale now from the following link https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/mrhullabaloo
For past 15 consecutive years, the Mr Hullabaloo crew (Ian and Noleen) have written, directed, produced and appeared in our annual pantomimes performing for schools, families, organisations and groups.
This Christmas you shall go to the ball in our brand new dazzling spectacular- Mr Hullabaloo’s Cinderella featuring the timeless beloved story and classic characters you all love.
You are all invited to join us for our most magical pantomime adventure yet! Featuring spectacular sets, puppetry and dazzling costumes, we can’t wait to have you all join us! With all the hallmark quality you have come to expect from a Mr Hullabaloo production this Christmas we invite you to believe in magic because a little bit of kindness really can go a long way!
Mr Hullabaloo said “We are so excited to welcome you to our spectacular show this year! Every member of the cast is just wonderful, this show is full of heart, humour and lots of family fun which can be enjoyed by everyone whether you are aged 3 or 103!”
Come join the magic of Mr Hullabaloo’s Cinderella this year in the McNeill theatre Larne and experience the family friendliest panto in tow
Keep up to date with all of our shows via the website, we already have our 2025 Panto on sale. www. mrhullabaloo.com
TASTE TEST
Lidl’s Henry Dubois Brute Champagne
Lidl’s Champagne and Rosé Make a ‘Sparkling’ Impression, Beating Market Leaders in Taste Test in the Dark Taste tests in the dark reveal Northern Irish consumers prefer Lidl’s Henry Dubois Brut Champagne over Moët, while its £5 Rosé outshines celebrity favourite Whispering Angel.
Northern Irish consumers prefer Lidl’s £21.99 bottle of Henry Dubois Brut champagne to the market leading luxury label Moët, which retails for around £44*. Proving that high quality, affordable bubbles can trump the high-end heavyweights, Lidl
Northern Ireland went head-to-head with the globally renowned champagne house in a taste test held in complete darkness, which revealed that 63% of Northern Ireland taste testers preferred Lidl’s own brand fizz to Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut.
Tasters also selected Lidl’s £5.39 own-brand Pinot Grigio Blush Rosé as their top choice in the rosé tasting category. It outperformed the popular Whispering Angel, which is more than twice the price*. Over half of consumers (54%) preferred Lidl’s rosé, citing its superior taste.
The taste tests were carried out at Lidl Northern Ireland’s recent Vino Sensoria event, a unique, immersive wine tasting experience, where guests were plunged into darkness to put their taste buds to the ultimate test.
More than 400 consumers attended Vino Sensoria, which took place at Belfast Exposed, in the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter. The event was hosted by Lidl’s Master of Wine Richard Bampfield, who took guests on a tasting journey, inviting them to sip their way through a range of Lidl’s best red, white, rosé and sparkling wines.
October -
aimed to challenge common wine myths and demonstrate that quality wine isn’t defined by its label or price tag. Highlighting that the most expensive product on the shelf is not always the superior choice,
Richard Bampfield said:
“What Vino Sensoria has revealed is that the majority (63%) of Northern Ireland consumers actually prefer the taste of Lidl’s own brand Henry Dubois champagne to Moët, finding it well balanced, more flavoursome and of excellent quality. “It was interesting to see how surprised people were when they learned that they were unable to tell the difference between the more expensive champagne and rosé from Lidl’s own brand. “What was even more surprising was the revelation that Lidl’s preferred own-brand champagne costs considerably less than Moët’s price, retailing at just £21.99 – a much more affordable option, especially during the Christmas season.”
“By tasting in total darkness with no distractions, tasters at Vino Sensoria were able to concentrate fully on the wine in the glass and reach a better understanding of their own tastes and palate. Our guests in Belfast left the tasting room feeling inspired, challenged and their taste buds reawakened. Hopefully it has inspired them to branch out and try some new wines at more affordable prices this Christmas with Lidl Northern Ireland.”
• Other wines tested with the consumer panel included Lidl’s Pinot Gris £7.19, Gris Pays Doc Rosé £5.89 and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC £5.29. We have an extensive selection available including
• Henry Dubois Champagne, £21.99
• Pinot Grigio Blush, £5.39
• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC, £5.29
• Premium Pinot Gris Gisborne, £7.19
• Gris Pays Doc Rosé, £5.89
Vino Sensoria - which sold out shortly after tickets were released in
Jason Cancino...
I am 31 years old and I work as a full time chef in Belfast. I am a person that has a learning disability. I find it hard to understand and spell certain words. I went to a special school and college here in Belfast.
I’m from the Philippines, I first arrived in Northern Ireland when I was about 8 years old. I am a gay man who is a local artist in Northern Ireland.
I recently won my first ever Pageant and the title Mr Shining Light 2024 back in April, where it took place in Londonderry/Derry. I was fundraising for Mental Health and raising awareness for mental health. Sadly back in August Shining Light Pageant ended. I was hoping to do the Internationals in 2026 but that wasn’t to be, I’m forever grateful for the amazing opportunities that I had. If you would still like to hear about my Pageant journey please visit GNI Magazine Pride issue 62 for more.
Outside of pageantry I’m also a model and have been doing modelling for 4 years now. My journey started in 2020, where I have worked with some of the most amazing photographers within Northern Ireland during covid time when restrictions were lifted and it was safe to go out and meet others. My style of modelling has changed throughout the years starting from being a fashion model in 2020 to being a versatile model discovering new things and challenging myself in the modelling industry and being creative in my own unique way.
Being a versatile model really helped me to gain more confidence and showing everyone what it takes to be a versatile model within Northern Ireland and not afraid to take the risk. I’ve always loved a good challenge. It makes me feel good about myself and it feels like I have accomplished something and would do it all over again. It didn’t matter what it was or if I had makeup on my face as long as I got to do what I love and made it worthwhile.
I really think this is what makes me different from others, I just go out there and do my own thing, not caring what others have to say. At the end of the day it’s only you who can put yourself out there. I thought that fashion was the only thing that I really loved but there was so much more you can be and so much more you can discover in creatively in the modelling industry than just fashion which really opened my eyes and I wanted to be the person that breaks boundaries to show that it’s ok to be different and work on different genres.
At first I was so scared to try new things because I wasn’t sure how the industry would take it or if they
would judge me as it’s very risky and people may not like my way of directions with work.
Every year I would do a different style of modelling, I would observe everyone’s reaction on how they would react. The only thing I was judged on was that my work was too gay but I didn’t let that affect me because I have inspired and made a difference in people’s lives and I will always show dedication towards the people that support me in my journey.
Being a gay man in the modelling industry, I believe people should be more open to working with more queer people. It should open more career opportunities for them to achieve their goals and aspirations being on a runway as you don’t see much queer people and also having more casting jobs.
Doing these type of modelling cosplay, fashion, wearing women’s clothes and fine art really opened so many opportunities where I got to do a lot of workshops and even work with more people in the industry and where I traveled down south for my first ever runway walk wearing a unique design by two designers Rose Cloak and Emily Dawson.
During my time as a model I also took part in Stripped Bare, it took place in Derry/Londonderry. As the name suggests you have to be naked in front of the camera. This was liberating and made me feel vulnerable, displaying my body while sharing my personal mental health issues. Stripped Bare also held an exhibition in GuildHall for the public to see the images.
To this day I’m still being called one of the most talented male models in Ireland and having so much experience already I’m just so grateful for all the opportunities that came my way and that is something I will always take with me.
Being on social media helps me promote my modelling platform, gaining more followers and also helps me get more jobs. It can be toxic sometimes when you get unfollowed or someone leaves unwanted comments which brings your mood down and it’s unhealthy for your mental health.That’s why it’s important to take some time out but for me that means people start to notice me and why would it bother me when my focus is to inspire new and old generations.
What’s exciting about modelling is that you never
know who you’ll work with next and what creative ideas they have in mind for you, which is exciting and to look forward to. My inspiration as a model is Raphael Say, I feel like he breaks so many boundaries and his content is out of this world. I just love what he puts out there and how creative he can be. I see myself just like him because we almost do similar stuff. My biggest achievements are, being nominated for GNI Award in 2023, travelling all around Ireland, working with some of the most talented people within the industry, being called a top model and inspiring many generations.
One thing I can take away from my modelling is that I was always motivated and the genres were always different every time I was shooting. Which brings out the best of me. My friends and family has been so supportive in my journey in my modelling career they have said as long you love what you do then go for it and live your dream
For people interested in modelling I’d say do your research and explore the different types, it is a vast and varied industry that can bring opportunities, however it doesn’t come easy especially in Northern Ireland.
There is too much negativity in the world, if you are passionate, driven and happy in your own creative way then the world is your oyster.
My plans for the future is to be able to travel the world and work with famous designers andcreators and show the world what it takes to be a unique model that breaks boundaries acrossthe globe.
My final words just do the things what’s right for you as it will pay off in the end.
You can follow on contact me via instagram www.instagram.com/j.cancinomodeling
Hot Hits & Celeb Bits
Gary Campion
Getting stuck in... Here bees me.
WTF!! How is it the Christmas issue already?? What even is Christmas?? I have obviously lost track of time looking forward to the release of Wicked, performing Wicked (in the privacy of my apartment) and reading / watching everything Wicked-related. To say I was excited about this release would be an understatement, at this point I must have seen the theatre musical at least 10 times.
In other news Daniel has asked me to guest edit the first issue of the year again, he has either lost his mind or I did a good job last time I’ll let you decide. Expect a loaded issue of celebrity interviews, fashion, local features and everything hot for Spring 2025!
On this Christmas front from my home to yours I wish you all a fun festive season whether that be with your actual family, your friends, your people or just you solo, take time to take stock of everything you have achieved in 2024 and be kind to yourself and others.
G x
Top 5 NEW Chrimbo Releases:
KELLY CLARKSON - YOU FOR CHRISTMAS
Our Kelly is no stranger to festive releases, this being 2024’s release. Think oldschool Motown vibes with Kelly’s massive vocals.
CHARLIE PUTHDECEMBER 25TH
I’ve said it before and I will say it until the cows come home, Charlie Puth is one of the most underrated music stars of our generation.
KESHA - HOLIDAY ROAD
Releasing as an independent artist without her usual use of digitaliser this is a bit of a different style for Kesha.
MICHAEL BUBLE FT
CARLEY PIERCE - MAYBE
THIS CHRISTMAS
Like Mariah Mr Buble defrosts just in time to release an album for all the mums out there, bringing American singer-songwriter Carly Pearce with him this year.
PERRIE - CHRISTMAS MAGIC
This has serious Mariah vibes from this little mixer, wouldn’t it be great if it has the same longevity as “All I Want for Christmas!”
Kisses
Book of the Moment
I’m all over it...
Cher: The Memoir Part One - 19th November 2024 Cher has finally released the first part of her life story in this riveting two-part memoir. After over seventy years of living life on her terms, she invites readers to experience her journey like never before.
Cher, the only woman to top the Billboard charts for seven straight decades, boasts a legendary career filled with accolades, including an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Cannes Film Festival Award. She’s also a proud inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been celebrated by the Kennedy Center for her contributions to the arts.
Beyond her music, Cher is a passionate activist and philanthropist dedicated to making a meaningful impact. Her early years were marked by challenges, growing up dyslexic and amidst chaos, which fueled her determination to achieve stardom.
In Part One, Cher shares her rise to fame alongside Sonny Bono, detailing their complex relationship that propelled them into the spotlight, while also hinting at the struggles that emerged. This memoir portrays Cher not just as a superstar but also as a daughter, sister, and mother, offering a vibrant tapestry of her life.
With honesty and humour, she reflects on her adventures, relentless drive, and the pressures of fame, revealing how she shaped her identity as CHER. The eagerly awaited Part Two is set to release in spring 2025. Having read Part 1 I can honestly say
Vinyl of the Moment
The only way icons should be played!
Mariah Carey - I want for Christmas is you - 6th December 2025
Celebrate the holiday season like never before with the dazzling 12-inch vinyl edition of ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You,’ honouring Mariah Carey’s beloved classic on its 30th anniversary.
On Side A, enjoy the original version of the iconic song along with the exciting ‘Oh Santa!’ featuring Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson, the soulful ‘The Star’, and ‘Christmas Wrapping (Live from Madison Square Garden)’ with Mariah’s daughter, Roe. Flip to Side B for ‘Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)’, the heartfelt ‘Fall in Love at Christmas’ featuring Khalid and Kirk Franklin, and the upbeat ‘Joy to the World’ (Celebration Mix) for your holiday parties.
With brand-new cover art, this limited edition vinyl is a must-have for collectors and fans. Embrace the magic of the season with Mariah’s iconic music!
David Gray - Dear Life - 17th January 2025
I just snagged tickets to see David Gray at the Custom House Square festival next year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
His new album, “Dear Life,” is making waves, and from what I’ve heard, attending this live show promises to be an unforgettable experience. Gray is back in the spotlight, delivering a stunning collection of songs that showcases his incredible complexity and lyrical prowess. This album is being hailed as one of his most profound and beautifully strange creations yet, diving deep into years of artistic growth and emotional exploration.
While it resonates with deep feelings of yearning and hope, there’s an undercurrent of complexity that highlights the struggle between contrasting forces. Fans are in for an emotional rollercoaster, with nuances that will stay with you long after the last note fades away. I can’t wait to immerse myself in David Gray’s rich emotional landscape next year!
TOP five LATEST RELEASES ON REPEAT
If you think you are going to escape The Wicked movie soundtrack here you are so so wrong:
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana GrandeDefying Gravity
My neighbours probably think I’m getting beat up every time this one is playing with all my whaling along!
Cynthia Erivo, Michelle YeohThe Wizard and I
The 3rd track to the soundtrack and a perfect introduction to Cynthias’ phenomenal vocals for those not already familiar with her vocal prowess.
Ariana Grande - Popular Kristin Chenoweth approved, the first Ariana solo piece within the movie a perfect tribute to Kristin while maintaining authenticity.
Jonathan Bailey - Dancing Through Life
Does anyone actually listen to the vocals of this song while watching Jonathan dancing around in breeches being well Jonathan… .#MrBridgerton
Cynthia Erivo - I’m not that Girl
The raw vulnerability that Cynthia brings to this is world-class, the song Ariana says she wishes she got to sing.
MARTIN M
A NOVEMBER TO REMEMBER
NOVEMBER WAS AN EXTREMELY BUSY MONTH FOR THE COMMUNITY. THE PROMOS FOR BELFAST 2024 FILM PROJECT THE HEARTH CAME OUT FEATURING A RANGE OF LGBTQ PERSONALITIES INCLUDING MYSELF AND QUIRE BELFAST. THE HEARTH IS A SELFPORTRAIT OF BELFAST ON FILM FEATURING EVERY AGE, CREED, RACE, CLASS, SEXUALITY, NEURODIVERSITY AND PHYSICAL ABILITY.
I was then delighted to take part in The Belfast Christmas Parade again through the city with Event Heroes spreading Christmas cheer throughout the community with songs and dancing and some good Belfast Banter. Quire then had their annual Quiz fundraiser bringing in over £1,000 to go towards their 20th Anniversary Concert in June. The concert will celebrate how far our community has come over the last 20 years featuring many of Belfast LGBTQ+ Icons from over the years that have participate in Quire Belfast.
Here NI, Northern Ireland’s leading organization advocating for LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people, marked its 20th anniversary with a special celebration and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Belfast. The event, attended by community members, founders, and supporters, was graced by the presence of the Lord Mayor of Belfast and my favourite Belfast legend, Councillor Micky Murray, who praised the organization for its two decades of ground-breaking work.
The founders of Here NI, reflecting on the organization’s journey, shared stories of its inception in 2004, when resources for LGBTQ+ women were scarce. Over the years, Here NI has evolved into a cornerstone of community support, providing safe spaces, advocacy, and essential services to promote equality and inclusion.
During the AGM, attendees celebrated achievements while also discussing the challenges ahead in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Northern Ireland. The Lord Mayor’s attendance underscored the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community. The evening united generations of activists and allies. It was a powerful reminder of the progress made and a call to action to continue fighting for a society where everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, is valued and supported. Here NI’s 20-year milestone is a testament to resilience and community spirit. One of the attendees who I attended alongside was Ulster’s newest LGBTQ+ community group Out & Active NI.
through fun and accessible activities, the initiative has already created a vibrant sense of community. Throughout the launch month, members participated in a diverse range of activities. The group kicked off with a bowling event that combined friendly competition and connection. Sea swimming proved to be a hit, as participants braved the chilly waters for an exhilarating experience that emphasized camaraderie and adventure.
A scavenger hunt through Belfast brought members together in a lively exploration of the city. Teams worked collaboratively to uncover clues and discover hidden gems, making the event both exciting and inclusive. The month wrapped up with a quiz night at the Show Some Love event, where members tested their knowledge in a spirited and welcoming environment.
Out & Active NI’s successful launch demonstrates the community’s enthusiasm for social, physical, and interactive events. With a growing membership and a diverse calendar of activities, the group is set to become a cornerstone for connection and fun in Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. It’s not just about staying active—it’s about staying connected and I am excited to watch it develop.
The prestigious GNI Awards recently brought together Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community to celebrate outstanding achievements, including contribution to Business, mental health, well-being, and to the arts. It was a night to remember as individuals and groups were honoured for their dedication and impact. One of the evening’s highlights was receiving the award for Mental Health and Well-being and a nomination of personal contributions to the community. This award underscores the importance of supporting mental health and creating spaces for connection, understanding, and resilience within the LGBTQ+ community which I am honoured to be Ulster’s lead having creating more community groups for the LGBTQ+ than anyone in Irelands history and I am just getting started.
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Out & Active NI has made a remarkable debut, welcoming over 100 members during its launch month. Designed to bring LGBTQ+ people and allies together
The celebration didn’t stop there. Quire, Belfast’s LGBTQ+ choir, was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, highlighting their role in bringing joy and visibility through music. Additionally, Quire member Noel
Bradley Johnson received a nomination for Entertainer of the Year for his outstanding work with Q Radio and hosting events across the city, demonstrating the power of storytelling and representation in media. The GNI Awards served as a powerful reminder of the talent and dedication within Northern Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community. The recognition not only celebrates individual and collective achievements but also inspires continued advocacy, creativity, and community spirit. It was an unforgettable night, honouring those who work tirelessly to uplift and unite the LGBTQ+ community and I am continuously proud to be a member of the GNI family.
I just want to wish all the readers happy holidays and a fantastic new year. In 2025 lets continue to focus on developing community and out own mental health and wellbeing. Some of my goals are to relaunch Ulster LGBTQ+ Sports day, start training in the gym again and continue my cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Out and Active NI...
The days have been getting darker and the winter woollies have been hoked out from attics and eaves around the country. It’s the time of year when a warm fire, a spooning partner, or – as in my house – a baked camembert, beckons us to stay inside and settle in for winter hibernation. It’s all too tempting as the temperatures plummet to lock ourselves away and hide the key, returning in the spring like a defrosted Mariah Carey.
This season can be difficult for everyone, and
the cold weather isn’t the only thing that calls us to withdraw; we’re all too aware that grief and loneliness are just as likely to be found around the Christmas tree as festive cheer. For our LGBTQ+ communities in NI, where reports of loneliness and mental ill-health are already disproportionately high, and the idea of home as a space of sanctuary is often unrealistic, winter can feel particularly dark.
Against the pull of the duvet, therefore, we’re inviting you instead to get out and active – to come together to strengthen community, stay fit, and have plenty of laughs along away.
Out and Active NI was formed for these reasons precisely. Struck by the isolation that many in our community face and a relative lack of socialising opportunities outside of bars and nightclubs, Bangor-man Ryan started the initiative with an Instagram page and an idea to bring people together and make new friends. Soon joined by Alexis, Conor and myself, and with the recent addition of Dean and Rob to the committee, the group sometimes feels like it is growing by the minute. At the latest count, we have 175 members and nearly 800 followers – all in the space of just a few months.
And what a few months it has been!
The boys kicked off Out and Active with our signature sea dip in October, braving the cold at Ballygally Beach and warming up in the sauna after. They had such a good time that this has now become a staple event, with two more dips since and another in the diary for New Year’s Day. As a non-swimmer, I’ve yet to take this plunge but I’ve promised I’ll put on my big-girl spandex and be at the next!
From the waves to the alley, our second event was a Sunday-morning session at Hollywood Bowl in the SSE Arena and we were truly bowled over by how quickly the group had grown from
one event to the next. There were 24 bowlers of varying degrees of competitiveness, split into three teams for a couple of hours of celebratory strikes, sour splits and glorious gutter-balls! When the games were finished, everyone was still on such a buzz that we spilled into Zizzi for our first new-family dinner, and we knew we had created a little bit of magic.
The word was clearly beginning to spread and at our much-anticipated Belfast Hunt, we had over 50 beautiful shining scavengers running about the city, solving riddles and completing challenges in the race for first prize. Ryan’s crafty clues and decoys proved too sophisticated for one team (we’ll name no names), who didn’t realise they had to open the envelopes with the clues in them and instead enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the city and a stop at Caffe Nero! When they eventually found their way back to the other groups, there was plenty of slegging and some homemade traybakes to console them on their loss. N’awww!
I was most excited to take the lead in organising our first social night the following week, Ciara’s Packed Lunch Quiz. Another sold-out event for us, with 50 of you joining us to put your general knowledge to the test, as well as your memory, your acting skills, and your phone-a-friend’s unreliability! A little bit of healthy competition never hurt anybody, and our smug winners were singing from the rooftops by the night’s end.
We were so grateful to all the businesses who donated to our fundraising raffle too – The Maverick Belfast, Paperxclips, Conor Ross Photography, The Lifeboat Press, First Avenue Coffee Company, HQ Fit, Yellow Dog Grooming, and Eithne McGuigan Art – and are thankful to everyone who bought tickets to help us cover the costs of setting up this group.
We’ll be ice-skating on Friday 6th December for our final event of the year and then taking a well-needed Christmas break before a jampacked January.
It’s been a whirlwind few months for us as we’ve welcomed so many new faces, tried new things, and stumbled upon something truly special. People have come from near and far, going to great efforts to be a part of this new community and play their part in building something that feels instantly important. I can personally attest to how warm, friendly and inclusive this group continues to be and the genuine love and care that can be found among what were very recently strangers. The support and enthusiasm we have been met with so far has inspired us to dream bigger and reach further, and we want you to be a part of it.
So how does it work?
At the minute, we organise three events a month: two of these are active events, and one is more social in nature. We have an Instagram account (@outandactiveni) and an ever-expanding Whatsapp group where you can stay up to date with our busy schedule. All of our events are bookable via the MeetUp app (where we are also listed as Out & Active NI), and you can opt to receive updates from us there.
The key purpose of the group is to combat loneliness and facilitate new friendships. This means that we actively encourage you to come along if you don’t know anyone, and you should expect to be placed into teams or mingle with people you’ve never met before. They won’t be strangers for long! Of course, we’d love you to spread the word and bring friends/family/ partners along with you, but bear in mind that for many of our activities you may be split up from them. It’s all part of the fun!
Who is it for?
The group is LGBTQ+ run and focused, and we welcome allies to join us. Our only stipulations for joining one of our events is that you are over 18 and a good egg.
How much does it cost?
There’s no membership fees and no commitment required – simply book the events you want to attend, you’re free to come and go as you please. What we’ve found so far, however, is that if you come to one, you’ll want to come to them all!
The price of events will vary, we anticipate that some will be free or the cost of a cup of coffee, while others will require higher fees to pay for the venue, facilities, instructors, etc. We are a Community Interest Company so we’re not trying to make a profit but may also need to include fees from time to time to cover administration costs.
When can I come?
You can catch us for our first event of 2025 at our New Years sea dip on 1 January, 10am, Brompton Beach.
By Ciara McAllister
Shake off those cobwebs and meet us there!
ELLISE
LOOKING AFTER YOUR HEALTH, FITNESS, AND MENTAL WELLBEING DURING CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR
THE GNI AWARDS WERE A GORGEOUS CELEBRATION OF TALENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND JOY WITHIN THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY, AND I WAS DEEPLY HONORED TO BE NOMINATED THIS YEAR. IT WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE TO BE RECOGNIZED AMONG SUCH INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER AND BRIGHTER EVERY DAY. I’M FILLED WITH GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE ALONGSIDE SO MANY INCREDIBLE PEOPLE.
Now, as all has settled, we find ourselves knee-deep in the festive season. It’s a time of indulgence, celebration, and connection—but it can also bring challenges for our physical and mental health. Here’s how to navigate this busy time while prioritizing your health, fitness and mental wellbeing.
Staying Active in the Winter Months
The holiday season often comes with packed schedules, chilly weather, and endless temptations to stay curled up under a blanket. We’ve all been there.
However, maintaining movement and exercise during this time isn’t just about managing physical fitness—it’s also vital for your mental health. Exercise can reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost those feel-good endorphins, which are often needed when the days are shorter and darker.
Creative Ways to Keep Moving
1. Indoor Workouts:
If it’s too cold to venture outside, bring your workout indoors. There are countless free workout routines online, ranging from yoga to strength training to dance-based fitness. Find a space at home, and make it a part of your routine.
2. Hit the Gym or Pool:
Gyms and swimming pools can provide a warm, welcoming environment for staying active. Group training is also a great way to socialize while working up a sweat.
3. Brisk Walks with a Festive Twist:
Wrap up warm and take a walk around to admire the Christmas lights. It’s an enjoyable way to get your steps in while soaking up the festive cheer.
4. Winter Sports:
If you’re lucky enough to live near a ski slope or ice rink, embrace the season with activities like ice skating or snowboarding. These are not only fun but also great for cardio and balance.
Fitting in Steps During the Festive Chaos
Please note, this column is the opinion of the columinst and not that of GNI or Romeo & Julian Publiccations Ltd.
Christmas Shopping on Foot:
Park further away from the shops or walk between stores when possible. Online is great but it’s nice to be able to be present. Honestly it’s so easy to rack the steps up walking
around Belfast city centre if there’s something particular you want to buy someone.
Christmas Markets
Visiting a market? Walk through all the stalls before you stop for a look and mulled wine.
It’s Christmas party season:
Dance floor’s your best friend —it’s a workout disguised as fun. It’s okay to stick music on and get the steps in dancing at home too.
Stair Steps at Home:
If you’re spending the day indoors, maybe working from home, make a point of taking regular breaks to walk up and down the stairs.
Mindful Eating and Enjoying Treats
The holidays are synonymous with delicious food and drinks. While indulging is part of the joy, overdoing it can leave you feeling sluggish and out of sorts and in an absolute panic come January.
Tips for Balancing Festive treats
Bank Calories Wisely:
If you know you’ll indulge in a big meal or treats later, plan lighter meals earlier in the day. However, avoid skipping meals entirely to prevent overeating.
Be Mindful About Alcohol intake:
Alcohol can add empty calories quickly, so alternate with water or opt for lower-calorie options like spirits with diet mixers. Set a limit before events to stay in control and avoid the dreaded next-day hangover.
Prioritize Protein:
Include protein in every meal to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Think turkey, lean meats, eggs, or plant-based options like tofu or lentils. Protein snacks (like Greek yogurt or protein bars) are a great way to stay satisfied during busy festive days.
Volume Eating for Satisfaction:
Focus on high-volume, low-calorie foods like salads, vegetables, and soups to fill your plate without overloading on calories.
Add flavor with spices, herbs, or low-calorie dressings to keep meals exciting. Remember that one indulgent meal won’t derail your goals.
Protecting Your Mental Health
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Christmas can be a challenging time. Family dynamics, social pressures, or memories of past holidays may stir up emotions. While the season is about connection, it’s crucial to prioritize your mental health.
Setting Boundaries
• If certain gatherings feel draining, it’s okay to say no. Protect your energy and focus on spending time with people who uplift you.
• Create a balance between socializing and downtime. Taking time to recharge is essential.
Self-Care During the Holidays
• Meditation or Mindfulness: Even just five minutes a day can help you center yourself amidst the chaos.
• Journaling: Reflecting on what you’re grateful for or setting intentions for the new year can help shift your mindset.
• Unplug: Limit time on social media if you find it overwhelming or triggering.
Support Networks
For some, chosen family within the LGBTQ+ community is a cornerstone of holiday joy. Lean into these relationships and make time for those who truly understand and accept you. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support or to LGBTQ+ organizations offering helplines and resources.
Bringing Joy into Your Fitness Routine
If exercise feels like a chore, inject some festive fun into it:
• Try a holiday-themed workout playlist to keep you motivated. (Or something completely different. Do what works for you!)
• Organize a winter charity run or walk with friends.
• Join us at EFR coaching for shared support and community, while working on your health, fitness and wellness.
Looking Ahead to the New Year
The New Year often brings a rush of resolutions, but it’s important to approach these with kindness toward yourself. Rather than overloading yourself with too many unsustainable goals or striving for perfection that nobody has, consider achievable goals like:
• Moving regularly in a way that brings you joy.
• Prioritizing mental wellbeing through therapy, mindfulness, or creative hobbies.
• Building routines that nourish your body and mind.
Here’s to a healthy, happy holiday season from us all at EFR Coaching
You can follow and get in touch with me via my insta www.instagram.com/efr_coaching/
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A Hamburg City break christmas makes it ultra magical
s we move into winter 2024/25 and thoughts turn to Christmas holidays I thought this would be a perfect time to highlight the wonders of the beautiful German port city of Hamburg. A city with a fantastic maritime history and also home to some stunning traditional Christmas markets to explore. Of course Germany has always been famous for its traditional Christmas markets for many years alongside Austria but I was very surprised when I visited Hamburg a few years ago.
Hamburg is the 2nd largest city in Germany after Berlin (who knew, I didn’t) . The city also runs alongside the river Elbe and is the country’s largest port. Hamburg’s gay scene is divided into two main areas: around St Georg, with the Lange Reihe shopping street linking most of the gay bars and gay cafés; and St Pauli, close to Reeperbahn Station. Reeperbahn is the city’s nightlife centre and ‘red light’ district where many nightclubs (straight and gay) are located, which to me means well you can experience the very best of both worlds.
You will also gladly notice the city has a few gay saunas and gay cruise clubs near the city’s Hauptbahnhof. Hamburg gay scene cannot be compared to its big brother Berlin as it is no match in scale but when compared to little Belfast then it is massive, it is very active and attracts guys from throughout Europe and beyond year round.
The city is not short either on offering annual LGBT community events or festivals to enjoy and is well known for its summer Leather Party, the city also hosts Hamburg gay Pride and a gay film festival every year.
For something different you might want to try a Christmas markets Cruise with the likes of Iglu Cruise line or Fred Olsen. Of
course, like me you can just book cheap options and book low-cost flights with the likes of Easyjet, Eurowings or splash out on business class fares via Lufthansa or BA really it’s up to yourself.
Hamburg has long been famous for its food markets - the fish markets have been exported around the world - but the secondlargest city in Germany also does a mean Christmas Markets season. Hamburg’s main Weihnachtsmarkt is held in front of the Town Hall with a large Christmas tree highlighting the location. But there are a variety of other ‘styles’ of market dotted around the city, with for example the ‘Santa Pauli’ festival on the Reeperbahn offering the mind-blowing concept of the world’s first erotic Christmas market. Yes, EROTIC is as interesting as it suggests I promise.
Now I know not everyone loves Christmas markets but I promise you Hamburg is way more than just a city which celebrates the Big Red and White bearded man they call Santa, the city has some of the very best Gastro bars I have ever experienced and the shopping is also top notch. In typical German fashion sausage is a firm favourite (no Pun intended well maybe) and well I’m not going to complain about that but being a port Fish is also fresh and delicious not to mention in abundance too.
So what does this epic city offer the LGBTQ traveler? Well quite a lot in fact much more than even I expected when I first completed research about potential city friendly options in Europe outside of the usual gay Mecca cities of Barcelona, Amsterdam or even Berlin.
When it comes to hotels or other types of accommodation I have to strongly recommend the German brand Motel One for both Comfort and Value and well its a 5- min walk from all that is
Gay about Hamburgs nightlife and the local subway is just opposite the hotels welcoming doors.
If you’re the type of traveler who likes style and comfort then the 4star George Hotel Hamburg is the property for you with stunning views across the river, well appointed rooms and one of the best Italian styled restaurants on site, what’s not to love. You are still only 1015 mins walk from the gay bars and clubs and the subway again is close by. Hamburg really offers you that European style night out from late food to cocktails, music bars and late night clubs and one of the most famous and highly recommended venues is Toms Saloon named after Tom of Finland, an ex client and now famous gay style icon. Daniels Company bar is also highly rated and recommend or try Piccadilly Bar which is one of the original gay venues in the city with a famous smoking bar.
You will notice many of the bars can be small and dark or unassuming from the outside but when you get inside they come alive just like WunderBar and Belleni cocktail bar full of colour, character and atmosphere which at the end of the day is definitely what you want from a holiday. Pink Inc is the city’s largest Queer venue so if you like dance music and a place which caters for large numbers this is the spot for you. With regular theme nights and famous DJs , drag and dance performers it’s a spot offering something for everyone.
Now you all know when I visit any city which is highly welcoming to the LGBTQ community I always have to check out if they offer any kind of gay sauna or male only saunas and well Hamburg surprised me with the amount offered from modern large venues to smaller more intimate ones with genuine interest from staff to tourists . Dragon Sauna has to be the largest and most visited with
an excellent wellness service and onsite restaurant.
Men’s Heaven is another sauna which would be worth a visit due to its weekly events like Foam parties and even Hair Bear Sundays. Like I always say you get out what you put in when travelling so research the city and see if its for you because Hamburg really does have something for everyone and I like the fact it has some real depth to its community and that its not just all in your face ultra modern plastic barbie pink blinding you street after street.
Personally I think choosing to go to Hamburg in the winter is a fabulous decision because it’s so beautiful in the typical German style of Christmas but the backdrop of the city against the stunning river and historical port and buildings really do make it a magical time to visit.
Thank you all for what has been interesting 2024 for many reasons and I hope to continue my travel writing into 2025 as long as you will have me.
Happy Christmas and New Year to you all. Gavyn Andrews
mounderwear
New Year, New You
By Phillip Bessemer
Mounderwear, the innovative athletic wear brand, is kicking off 2025 with a bold new men’s underwear collection crafted by the gay reality TV star and pop sensation On Mekahel. Known for his trendsetting style and empowering messages, Mekahel’s creations combine fashion, comfort, and functionality, offering men a fresh way to start the year with confidence.
This vibrant line showcases sleek designs, breathable fabrics, and body-positive cuts, catering to men of all shapes and sizes. The pieces feature moisture-wicking materials ideal for workouts, lounging, or everyday wear, seamlessly blending performance and style. The gear’s striking logo band and the collection’s matching socks remind wearers to celebrate their unique journey every day.
For Mekahel, the new year’s offerings are deeply personal. “I want every man to feel their best—inside and out,” he shares. “This collection isn’t just about underwear; it’s about building confidence and owning your power as you step into 2025.”
The gear arrives just in time to support New Year’s resolutions, offering the perfect foundation for men looking to elevate their wardrobes and their mindsets. The line is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a call to action for self-care and self-love.
It’s time to redefine what it means to feel good from the inside out—one pair at a time.
End 2024 / Start 2025 with a Bang in the USA!
What better way to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new than by immersing yourself in two festivals designed to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and togetherness? Whether you prefer soaking up the sun and sounds in Miami or reveling in the bold, electrifying atmosphere of D.C., Dreamland and MAL Weekend provide the perfect opportunity to ring in the new year with joy, culture, and community in two of America’s most dynamic cities.
From December 27 through January 1, Dreamland transforms Miami into a paradise of music, art, and celebration. Often referred to as the “Queer Coachella,” this annual New Year’s music festival is the largest LGBTQ+ celebration of its kind in North America. Featuring six spectacular parties over five days, Dreamland offers an electrifying lineup of worldrenowned artists, including Purple Disco Machine, Dombresky, and Coco & Breezy, who will keep the beats pumping across disco, house, and electronic genres. Set against Miami’s breathtaking coastal views, Dreamland’s events will unfold in iconic venues like M2 and Kygo’s Palm Tree Club, offering the ultimate blend of tropical luxury and festival energy. One of this year’s highlights is the introduction of Teleport City, a 5-D multi-sensory experience that invites attendees
to step into a dreamlike reality, creating unforgettable memories to carry into 2025.
As fireworks light up the Miami skies, festival-goers will celebrate with thousands of like-minded individuals, united in love, inclusion, and resilience. Jake Resnicow, the festival’s producer, emphasizes the significance of creating safe and empowering spaces for the queer community to thrive amidst external challenges. Dreamland is more than a festival; it’s a sanctuary where LGBTQ+ individuals can express themselves freely and celebrate their collective strength.
After dancing into 2025 at Dreamland, the celebration continues just days later in Washington, D.C., with the Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend from January 9 through January 12. Known as one of the world’s premier leather and fetish festivals, MAL offers a dynamic mix of community, artistry, and boundary-pushing parties. Partnering with KINETIC Presents, this year’s event will deliver the largest MAL experience to date, featuring four incredible parties designed to captivate attendees.
The festivities kick off with BOOTCAMP, the official opening party on Thursday, featuring DJs Onyx, Alex Lo, and Dan Slater in an electric atmosphere
with immersive play zones. On Friday, UNCUT XL takes over the renovated Republiq venue with circuit and tech house beats from renowned DJs and performances by adult entertainers. Saturday’s main event, PERVERT, promises to be the weekend’s centerpiece with its warehouse setting, tribal and deep house sounds, and breathtaking stage production. The weekend culminates on Sunday with LUST, a sultry closing event featuring Grammy-nominated DJ Abel and Sam Blacky, offering dark beats and sensual energy in one of D.C.’s hottest venues.
MAL Weekend is more than a party; it’s a celebration of the leather and fetish communities’ culture and artistry, as well as a philanthropic force, having raised over $150,000 for LGBTQIA+ nonprofits last year. Like Dreamland, it serves as a safe and welcoming space for attendees to explore, connect, and embrace being gay in the USA!
For more information on both festivals, visit DreamlandNYE.com and KineticPresents.com
By Tim Blankenship
W Love and celebration...
eddings at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan
Nestled in the heart of Co. Monaghan, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan offers a haven for love in all its forms. As a venue that embraces diversity and inclusivity, the hotel has become a cherished destination for LGBTQ+ couples celebrating their love stories through unforgettable weddings.
A Venue That Welcomes All
The magic of the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan lies not only in its stunning setting but also in its ethos of inclusivity. Every
couple is treated with the utmost respect and care, ensuring their unique vision for their special day comes to life. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, the hotel’s team is dedicated to creating experiences that reflect each couple’s individuality, making it the perfect stage for same-sex couples to declare their love.
Tailored to Your Love Story
Every wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan is as unique as the couple at its centre. The hotel offers customisable wedding packages that cater to a variety of tastes. LGBTQ+ couples often remark on the team’s attention to detail and how they ensure that traditional elements are tailored to reflect modern love stories—whether it’s walking down the aisle together or crafting a personalised ceremony that feels true to you.
Picture-Perfect Backdrops
The hotel’s aesthetics make it a natural choice for weddings. Picture exchanging vows amongst the hotel’s contemporary interiors, adding a sophisticated charm. The dedicated wedding suites are designed to adapt seamlessly to your style, whether you’re opting for timeless elegance, bold creativity, or something entirely unique. Your wedding photos are guaranteed to be as radiant as your love. A Menu to Celebrate With
Food is love, and at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, every bite reflects that. The catering team excels at crafting menus that suit a wide range of preferences and dietary needs. Couples can collaborate with chefs to create a feast that reflects their journey—be it a fusion of flavours from different cultures or simply a spread of your favourite dishes. Toasting with a custom cocktail or bubbly champagne is the perfect way to celebrate this new chapter.
Why LGBTQ+ Couples Love It
One of the most meaningful aspects of weddings at the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan is the warmth and inclusivity of the staff. The team is enthusiastic about making every couple feel celebrated and supported, ensuring an environment where love takes centre stage.
For those planning a same-sex wedding, the venue offers the added assurance of understanding and respect. From navigating traditions to crafting new ones, the team is there every step of the way.
Your Love Story Awaits
At the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, every wedding is a celebration of love, equality, and joy. It’s more than just a venue—it’s a space where you can unapologetically celebrate your love, surrounded by the people who matter most. If you’re envisioning a wedding that reflects your true selves, the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan is ready to make it happen. After all, your love story deserves nothing less than perfection.
Plan your dream wedding today and let the Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club, Monaghan, bring your love story to life.
Contact a member of the wedding team today on weddings@4seasonshotel.ie or +353 (0)47 81 888 to arrange your private or virtual viewing. Visit the website today
Love in Every Season...
Elegant Civil Ceremonies | Private Pre-Reception Suite
Opulent Draped Banqueting Suite | Luxurious Honeymoon Suite 4am Complimentary Bar Extension | Stunning Picture Opportunities
Award-Winning Wedding Coordinator | Award-Winning Hotel Wedding Venue
Contact a member of our dedicated wedding team to arrange your viewing:
Photo Credit: Thomas Whyte Media
BIG DAY >>>
So tell us how you met, were you single for a long time before you started dating?
Chris - I went for a drink after work on the final of Trudy’s Drag Race, 2019. A pretty, tall, tan fella was doing the spotlight and kept staring. I thought, what is his problem? Turns out he was checking me out. We met a few times that week and by the Sunday I told him I was taking him out for dinner & margaritas - now we’re married.
How long after you started dating did it take to pop the question, was it an immediate yes ? And who asked who?
We spent a lot of time together over lockdown, we bought our first house in 2021 and renovated it. We love music and the gameshow “The Hit List.” Appearing on a gameshow was on Sean’s bucket list so we applied for laugh. We won 7k!
When we were leaving the studio I looked at Sean and I got a feeling of “I’m gonna marry this man.” We organised a viewing party for our friends & family. Sean had no idea it was actually an engagement party. Sean said yes, cried and then we drank Prosecco. Lots of Prosecco.
Tell us about your BIG DAY , location, amount of guests etc.
We’re both Belfast born & bred and love our City. Before planning our main theme was “A big gay Belfast Wedding”. We visited all the wedding fairs and quickly realised we could go down the venue hire route, and put our own stamp on the wedding.
We got ready in our house and got a black taxi to City Hall. We met 20 of our immediate family and said I do in City Hall. It was beautiful and how much more Belfast can you get!
Afterward sit was a short walk to Cafe Parisien for lunch and cocktails. Service was excellent, they made us feel so special
After some photos around the City, we headed to our party at 6pm in the Ulster Museum. All Chris wanted was a light up dance floor and a disco Ball. Sean organised the rest.
As a special surprise for our 150 guests at the evening party, we had a videographer (Instagram: @emmaheatherfilms) with us from City Hall to follow us and create a recap video of the ceremony. She had a 4 hour turnaround (and thought it was an insane idea!) to have it ready and in sync to Madonna’s ‘Cherish’, but she did an incredible job and everyone was in tears, and was such a great way to kick off the night!
Your Wedding, Your Way
Multi award winning venue. Embrace yourself in the stunning heritage village of Leighlinbridge, a hidden gem in the Ancient East.
We included some of the usual parts of a wedding, like cake cutting, speeches, and a first dance (we bonded over our love of the Sister Act movies, so our song choice was ‘I Will Follow Him’). Our main aim was to go for a big party in the museum. We had banging tunes from the amazing DJ Glenn, and had entertainment from ABBA &Cher tributes, all thanks to @musicon_ entertainment who were so lovely and really helped us personalise their surprise arrivals and set lists! The guests were blown away and danced from the first song right through the night.
What about the food and drink?
In Parisien with our family, we had a signature “Frenchy martini” on arrival, with a 3 course meal for everyone. That night as it was a relaxed party vibe, we went for a bbq style buffet, with burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken and salads, which went down a treat in between all the dancing.
Were there any hiccups or did all go to plan? Chris left his jacket in the dry cleaners and realised he forgot to collect it the night beforewhoops.
Have you been on or are you going on honeymoon?
We’re lucky enough to have 3 honeymoons planned…….we have a shared loved of travel and can’t think of a better way to start our marriage adventure together.
Two days after our wedding we rented a pink camper van called Ken. We love Ireland and have been working our way around all 32 Counties on the island. We decided to finish it and travelling from the North to Mizen Head, co Cork we took in 15 counties in ten days.
BUT our van broke down 20km away from county 32! We have a lifetime to visit the last one.
We’re also doing a trip to New York in January 2025n to watch Sunset Boulevard, Drag the Musical & Cabaret.
For our 1 year anniversary we’re travelling around Japan. It’s our bucket list destination, and we’re enjoying the planning for this already (thank god for air miles!)
In your daily lives what do you do for work?
Chris works in the NHS and Sean is a Social Media strategy analyst and consultant.
Interests we share include reminiscing about 90/00’s pop, classic movies, drag race, brunch, theatre, and long walks that usually involve our new dog Stan. Sean loves football and Eastenders which Chris has no time for, while Chris spends his alone time watching make up videos on YouTube and trash TV.
Do you do everything together in terms of socialising, travel?
We love spending time together and are sure to check in on each other, we make sure we have at least one ‘date night’ a month, and are always planning holidays. However, we both value the importance of having our own time apart with our own family/friends, and time to ourselves, something which was new for us in a relationship, and one of the reasons knew we were with for each other. Honest boundaries are healthy!
Have you a family, is this something on the plan for you?
We do not plan on having children. We love being Uncles and feel like we do a pretty good job but we’re happy with how our family is currently. We recently rescued Stan, a 14month NewfoundLand/ Labrador dog who has been a great addition to our family, and no doubt more
pooches will join us in the future.
Tell us who made your day possible in terms of rings, flowers, photographer, cars etc
Where possible we tried to use gay owned businesses. We highly recommend all the other vendors we used. They made our special day perfect!
Has anything changed since you said “I Do”? Tbh not much has changed. Getting married was the best day of our lives and are so happy to be
continuing our love story as married men
Anything else we may have missed that you may want to add/mention ???
Some tips - we had a 1 hour weekly meeting in a coffee shop. This kept us organised and meant we weren’t talking about it at home all the time, and had tasks to complete and tick off the next week!
Ask yourself why is it necessary for certain “wedding things”? It’s a gay wedding, you can make it as beautiful/unique/camp day you want, our guests did not miss the long ceremony, the throwing of the bouquet and all that jazz!
We were strict with our playlist. We created a playlist that we play in our room getting ready. If no one else danced, at least Sean and I would. We didn’t take for granted the fact we can actually get married. Our wedding was a thank you to all the brave people who fought for us to have this right.
We always get asked “who’s taking who’s name” For us, we felt like changing our names didn’t feel right. I’m Chris French, he’s Sean McKee - we’re still married and us
M ake your day
S TARL I N G
ENT E R T A I N M E N T S
At Starling Entertainments we very much appreciate the time and organisation required by the couple, so it is our pleasure to eliminate some of that pressure and provide you with a professional, fully bespoke entertainment package from start to finish.
Our aim is to lighten the weight of responsibility that falls on your shoulders by supplying the highest quality acts and much more to meet your individual requirements. All of the acts that are accessible to you, have been personally vetted by us before their details are made available through Starling Entertainments. We guarantee that you will get only the best quality entertainment for your very special day.
Its your day so have it your way!
L Carlingford Weddings...
ove Knows No Bounds at Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford: The Perfect Venue for Weddings.
Love is a universal language, and at Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we celebrate it in all its beautiful forms. Nestled amidst the enchanting backdrop of Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Mountains, and the Slieve Foy Mountains, our hotel offers an idyllic setting for weddings that blend romance, elegance, and breathtaking scenery. With a commitment to inclusivity and excellence, we are proud to be a venue where every couple can make their dreams come true.
A Venue Worthy of Your Love Story
Winner of the coveted RSVP Wedding Award for Best All-in-One Venue, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is a testament to love’s infinite possibilities. Whether you’re envisioning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, our hotel is equipped to meet your every need.
Licensed for civil ceremonies, we offer flexibility and convenience for couples looking to host their entire day in one seamless location. Imagine exchanging your vows in our Summer Suite, a versatile space that can be transformed from a charming ceremony room into an elegant dining area. From your first step down the aisle to the last dance of the evening, every moment is designed to reflect your unique love story.
Open Days to Inspire Your Big Day
Planning your wedding should be as special and stressfree as the day itself. That’s why we are thrilled to invite couples to our 2025 Wedding Open Days on Sunday, 19th January, and Sunday, 16th February, from 11am to 5pm. These open days are by appointment only, ensuring that every couple receives personalised attention from our experienced wedding team.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to tour our stunning facilities, discuss your vision with our dedicated wedding coordinators, and explore how we can bring your dream day to life. To book your appointment, call us at +353 (0)42 938 3530, email us at events@fshc.ie, or visit our website at www. fourseasonshotelcarlingford.ie.
Unparalleled Scenery for Unforgettable Memories
Every wedding deserves a setting as extraordinary as the love it celebrates. At Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, our scenic location provides a pictureperfect backdrop for your special day. Imagine posing for photographs with the serene Carlingford Lough shimmering behind you, the majestic Cooley Mountains framing your shots, and our beautifully landscaped gardens adding a touch of natural elegance.
These views are not just for the camera—they create a magical atmosphere that your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you say “I do” indoors in the Summer Suite or outdoors surrounded by nature, the beauty of our surroundings ensures a celebration steeped in romance and charm.
Designed for Your Unique Celebration
No two couples are alike, and your wedding should reflect your individual personalities and style. Our team of expert coordinators takes pride in crafting bespoke experiences tailored to your vision. From décor that matches your theme to a carefully curated menu that delights every palate, we handle the details so you can focus on celebrating your love.
We understand the importance of creating a space where every couple feels welcomed and valued. We’re here to make your planning process enjoyable, exciting, and deeply personal.
All-in-One Convenience, Exceptional Service
At Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we know that your wedding is more than just a day—it’s a journey of love and commitment. That’s why we offer an allin-one experience that simplifies your planning while delivering exceptional quality. Our services include:
• On-site accommodation for you and your guests, ensuring comfort and convenience.
• A talented culinary team dedicated to crafting a wedding menu that will delight your guests.
• Flexible spaces like the Summer Suite, which transitions effortlessly from ceremony to reception.
This comprehensive approach has made us a favourite for couples near and far, and our award-winning reputation speaks to our dedication to excellence.
Why Choose Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford? Your wedding day is one of the most important moments of your life, and choosing the right venue is crucial to making it unforgettable. At Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, you’ll find:
• Unrivalled views: The natural beauty of Carlingford Lough and the surrounding mountains provides a romantic and serene setting.
• Flexibility: From civil ceremonies to lavish receptions, our spaces can be tailored to suit your needs.
• Award-winning service: Our recognition as Best All-in-One Venue by RSVP Weddings reflects our commitment to quality and care.
• A welcoming atmosphere: Love is love, and we are proud to host weddings that celebrate all couples, regardless of gender or orientation.
Your Journey Begins Here
If you’ve always dreamed of a wedding that combines stunning scenery, impeccable service, and a personalizsed touch, Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford is the venue for you. Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through every step of the planning process, ensuring that your big day is everything you’ve ever imagined—and more.
Don’t miss your chance to experience our exceptional venue firsthand. Book your appointment for our 2025 Wedding Open Days on Sunday, 19th January, or Sunday, 16th February, from 11am to 5pm. Contact us at +353 (0)42 938 3530, email events@fshc.ie, or visit www.fourseasonshotelcarlingford.ie to start planning the wedding of your dreams.
At Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford, we believe in love without limits. Let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
CELTIC CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT FOR ST VINCENT DE PAUL
St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast, is the venue for a special event in aid of this year’s St Vincent de Paul Annual Appeal.
Celebrating 180 years in Ireland, the Society is experiencing an increase in calls for help every day due to the crippling increased costs associated with day to day living and, although it can be the most wonderful time of the year, for some families at this time of year they wonder whether they will have Christmas at all.
Local Belfast man Patrick Davey of Davey Music is a respected performer, teacher and composer of traditional Irish music, and he will be hosting Celtic Carols by Candlelight in St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast, on Sunday 22 December at 5.00pm. There will be music and readings for the season from the Celtic nations and proceeds from the event will be donated to this year’s SVP Annual Appeal.
SVP Regional President for the Northern Region, Mary Waide, said that events like this are so important for celebrating the festive season while ensuring that much needed donations are made to help families in our local community needing support. Mary said: “We are very grateful that St Vincent de Paul will benefit from Celtic
by Candlelight and I would like to thank Davey Music on behalf of SVP for arranging such a beautiful event to celebrate the season while supporting our Annual Appeal.
“Requests for help from families faced with impossible choices across the Region sadly continue to increase. We are recording on average 200 calls per day to our Regional Office in Belfast and we have helplines operating throughout the Region where direct calls to our members can rise to anything between 500 and 1,000 a week in winter. The situation is bleak and people are desperate. They are wondering how they will provide for their loved ones this Christmas and the most popular of the requests we receive are for help with food and energy. That’s before they decorate a tree or place a gift underneath it.
“Our theme, ‘The Wonder of Christmas’, reflects the questions our volunteers face most regularly in the run up to Christmas; I wonder will I have enough to buy food for the Christmas dinner? I wonder if I will be able to keep the house warm? I wonder if I will be able to afford to buy a toy from the Santa list? I wonder do the kids know we are struggling? I wonder if SVP can help?”
Mary added: “SVP members visit homes all year round where people are continually trying to meet basic family expenses every day but affording these expenses typically seems to cause more worry at special occasions such as Christmas. Those hardest hit include a range of households with varying circumstances including those dependent on benefits; one parent-families; low-income workers; low-income households in rural areas; people with disabilities and their carers. All donations received to our Annual Appeal give people the gift of choice and help families pay for food, heat their homes and ensure their children wake up to a magical Christmas.”
To request help from SVP or to make a donation, please visit www.svp.ie.
