An introduction from our editor...

It’s been a minute, the past few months have been mental. My life continues to be a juggling act between working 2 jobs, performing, life commitments and going through the motions of starting a family which is so daunting and exciting.

With the BIG 40 only 3 months away I’ve been back at the Gym, my PT Jaden has been great at keeping me motivated and the sessions fun, of course I have had a few slip ups though for the most part I’ve been good - I’m looking forward to the next few months.

My Sister Linda and Brother-in-law Andrew welcomed their first baby together into the world. Little Cora arrived last month and she is just perfect. We are all delighted for them, this little one brings the tally of nephews/nieces to 10.

I took a 5 day trip to Portugal which was much needed though not long enough. I caught up with Claire, Daniel, Charlie & Kiera in Northampton whom I haven’t seen since before covid, it was lovely. In September, 6 of us are off to Magaluf for a pre 40 party - it is going to be mess-express , between now and then I have a couple of city breaks planned and my friend’s Caroline & Aarons wedding to keep me amused.

I have to mention Kylie Minogue with Gay anthem and the hit of the summer with Padam Pamdam. I’m living for it, she has just announced a Vegas residency which I’m so tempted to book for journalistic purposes of course lol.

Enough about me, other things that have been going on:

The divides seem to deepen across the world, Kenya and other African countries are trying to outright ban and criminalise everything to do with being or showing support for LGBTQIA+ people, prohibiting Parades, Drag Shows, Rainbow Flags, Colours and Emblems - it is such a sad state of affairs while the U.K government is due to compensate up to 20,000 veterans for behaviors such as Jailing, Dismissal and Outing pre the laws passing in the year 2000, this is great news for the thousands who were persecuted.

Belfast had another successful Pride, with more companies than ever showing either support. And other countries stride ahead, Latvia for example has just sworn in the E.U’s first openly gay President - will there ever be a day that people can believe in what they want?

On to Issue 57 and what’s filled within these pages. I interviewed such an array of talent including Claire Richards, Mae Muller, Ben Cohan, AJ Jenks and Joe McFadden ahead of Richards O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Picture Show coming to the GOH.

We cover so many subjects including Fostering, Body Dysmorphia, Lauren shares her ‘Real Life’ transition story, we have a new PT Ellise on board, in our wedding section we feature 2 recent ‘BIG DAYS’ we have fashion from Aussiebum and Another World and so much more.

In our Try section we have a buckload of recommendations, Gary shares his Hot Hits & Celeb Bits, Marty Kearny is back with a new column called ‘Casting Couch, Danny Malone talks Hair, we learn were The Gourmet Boys have been eating, I stayed at the Maldron Belfast City Centre and dined at Flame - be sure to check out my reviews. Gavyn takes us on a trip to Gran Canaria and we also have features on new books, what to Binge on and a new false tan from Lidl - plenty to keep you all entertained.

Thanks as always to our Columnists who share what’s been going on with them, our advertisers for their continued support and most importantly you, our readers.

Enjoy Reading xx

Daniel May Editor and Director