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EDITOR Kieran Clarke kieran@lambpromotions.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Tony Day tony@lambpromotions.com DIRECTOR Fred Scott fred@lambpromotions.com FASHION EDITOR Tony Webster PHOTOGRAPHY Tony Webster & Brad McClenaghan BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Daniel May CONTRIBUTORS Evan Arthurs / Jamie Baird / Gareth C. / Fox Fisher / Bliain Fitzpatrick / Jake Graf / Lewis Hancox / Orlaith Hendron / Eamon McAuley / Hayden McGehan / Elaine O’Shea / Trudy Scrumptious / James Rampton / Rebecca Root / Ross Semple / SJ Wilson SPECIAL THANKS TO Union Street Bar / Kremlin / Destination Skin / The Grand Opera House Belfast / La JohnJoseph / Willam / Alan Carr / Jonathan Harvey / Panti Bliss / Hybrid Gym / REAL Belfast
34
GNI MAG is published by: Lamb Promotions Ltd 145 Holywood Road Belfast, BT4 3BE
23
Telephone | 028 90654314 Website | www.gnimag.com
All submissions to GNI are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in GNI and its licensed editions worldwide. In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision is final. Any material sent is at the owner’s risk and although every care is taken neither Lamb Promotions or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of GNI are accurate. However we accept no liabilty for any misprints that ap-
CONTRIBUTORS
pear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to
ROSS SEMPLE
following any advice offered in this publication.
Ross Semple is a
ORLAITH HENDRON
Lamb Promotions Ltd 2015
writer whose talents
Orliath is a feminist
include having three
activist. She is involved
nipples and being able
with the Belfast
to name every Real
Feminist Network
Housewife. He has a
and has volunteered
@gnimag
@
gni@lambpromotions.com @GNImag #TeamGNI /gnimag
regular feature about camp popular culture at Gay with IGLYO: an international NGO for young
Times. You can follow him on Twitter at
people and student activists. She was previously
@rosssemple.
Community Developement Officer for Here NI.
contents
EDITOR’S letter 50 GNI MAG Columnists 52 Top Belfast bars
Style
21 Intro
8 @GNI MAG 10 Preview 13 Tried and Tested 17 Bliaine Fitzpatrick
Features
18 La JohnJoseph 21 First Look 23 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 26 Willam 31 2015 review 34 Alan Carr 38 The Big Debate 40 Jonathan Harvey 44 Panti Bliss
55 Fashion 63 Get The Look 65 Grooming Special
Lifestyle
67 Dating 68 Gay Berlin 70 Fitness 72 Food 75 Interiors 76 On the Scene
The Big Day
79 Dearbhaile and Gabrielle
Outro
85 Health 88 Coming Out 93 My Gay Family 94 What’s On: Dublin 96 What’s On: Belfast 98 Christmas by the numbers
UE S S I T NEX
26
OUT 6 1 UARY
JAN
It’s always strange to think another Christmas is here. If you’re anything like us you’ve been scouring the shops since mid September for that first glint of tinsel (only to discover that after a brief surge in Pumpkin spice, the only thing you will be smelling from now until January is the vague whiff of Brussels sprouts). But being common gay boys, we can’t get enough of this most fab time of year. From frostbitten fingers, to resisting the urge to push people with prams into traffic, even suffering through the 42nd rendition of ‘Fairytale of New York’ you’ve likely heard that day, we love it all. And why wouldn’t we? Christmas is a time to be with family and friends. If you haven’t got either you can come round mine to help me through this mountain of Iceland vol-au-vents and Black Forest Gateaux. This is my first Christmas as editor of GNI MAG. The past six months have been a real game changer for me. I can honestly say I have never done anything more difficult or more rewarding, and I really hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have. If you had have told me a few years ago that someday I’d achieve my dream of running a national magazine I probably would have screamed at you. I would certainly have hurled hot coffee in your face. But I do it from a place of love, so you can’t sue. Of course, no Christmas is complete without a few festive treats. That’s why we’ve treated you to this extra special collector’s edition cover. Isn’t it pretty? I’m also proud to announce our biggest and best celeb line up yet. Alan Carr? Check. Jonathan Harvey? Got him. Panti Bliss? Double check. WILLAM? Shantay, you most definitely stay. We’ve caught up with the most notorious queen in Drag Race herstory to talk her new album, series two of Eastsiders (not to be confused with Eastenders), and why you shouldn’t call her a queen. You have been warned... Until next time, we want to wish all of our beloved readers a happy and peaceful Christmas. Now, more turkey, dear? - Kieran Clarke, GNI MAG Editor
Yardbird 2ND FLOOR 3 HILL ST, BELFAST, BT1 2LA
@ gni mag Leanne Culbert @leanneculbert
Gay people are not asking for special rights. We are not asking to not pay
Michael Grey-Sloan @mgs_eire
GNI MAG @gnimag
sex relationships. He did teach
Jesus said nothing about same
has us gripped. And by gripped we
Micky Murray @Micky_Murray
If you want to govern with religious beliefs, go govern a church. Don’t involve the country.
Jake O’Kane @JakeOKane
LGBT love is the same love as
any other love. For God’s sake –
whatever God you believe in – grow up and move on.
It’s #equalmarriage not gay marriage
tax like churches don’t.
Tonight’s @StephenNolan show In October Northern Ireland had an historic victory when the Stormont Assembly voted in favour of same-sex civil marriage for the first time, only for a DUP veto to stop it from becoming law. To say you guys were pissed is an understatement...
Neil Davis @WeeNeiller
mean gripping the edge of the TV
love, respect etc but don’t tell the
homophobes that, it’ll annoy them.
and heading for the balcony.
Peter C Johnson @epictrader
Shane Sweeny @shanedsweeney
marriage was cringeworthy. Too
Christians do NOT own marriage.
Civil partnerships are not the same. Civil marriage for all.
Patrick Corrigan @PatrickCorrigan
#MarriageEquality – what people
in N.Ireland actually think.
IpsosMORI poll – 68% support, 27% against.
The #NolanLive ‘discussion’ on gay many people here are living a Bibleinspired time warp.
Ciaran Moynagh @CiaranMoy
#NolanLive makes me very sad to live in Northern Ireland. Kate Elliot @Moyiv8
Politcians used to think that women would not not know what to do
Mel Bradley @Meljbradley
@gnimag I’m screaming at the television.
with a vote, an unthinkable attitude. Same applies to gay marriage.
the archive
INSTA LOVE This month’s #InstaLove goes to New York-based actor, model and military man Ryan White. Ryan hasn’t been active on Instagram for all that long, but our ginger pride is positively overflowing. His rugged good looks and penchant for underwear selfies have won him an impressive few thousand followers in no time at all. GNI MAG | 9
Has it really been two years since this Christmas issue? Scary how time flies... In issue 8 we caught up with BBC newsreader Andy West, sat down for a chat with our fave Michelle Visage, and we talked all things art with that talented Dublin duo Adrian and Shane.
Rise of the Tomb Raider November 10 Xbox One Exclusive
Guitar Hero Live October 20 PS4, Xbox One
HALO 5: GUARDIANS October 27 Xbox One Be still our geeky hearts! From Halo 5 to the long awaited Guitar Hero reboot, here are our top 3 games to plug yourself into this Christmas while Nana gently farts in the corner. Sorry Playstation fans (i.e. everyone) Lara Croft’s latest outing in Rise of the Tomb Raider is a timed exclusive for the Xbox One. You won’t be able to get your grubby mitts on it until Christmas 2016 *crying face emoji* GNI MAG | 10
No self-respecting gayer would dream of starting 2016 without the latest calendar from übertwink (and future husband to Dustin Lance-Black) Tom Daley. This time around our fave Olympian lets his stupidly amazing abs do the talking. Best of all, it’s got an extra four months for you to rip out and stick on your bedroom wall to curb that insatiable thirst. Get yours at bit.ly/Tomcalendar2016
NOVEMBER 6 Spectre Bond is back, and this time he is facing his greatest threat yet: a shadowy criminal network known only as Hydra, er, sorry, we mean SPECTRE. Our interest in this is rated somewhere between piqued and positively frothing.
NOVEMBER 12-21 Outburst Northern Ireland’s premiere queer arts festival returns for yet more fun and frivolity. Set over ten days, expect queer cinema, queer drama (of the good kind) and enough great art to keep you in Tweets for years. outburstarts.com GNI MAG | 11
DECEMBER 1 World Aids Day Dust off those red ribbons. Every year the community around the world comes together to raise awareness of rising infection rates and to mourn the friends we have lost along the way. worldaidsday.org
DECEMBER 4 Transparent The Emmywinning series returns to keep the transgender zeitgeist going. We can’t wait to see what certifiable thesp Jeffrey Tambor brings to series 2 of the Amazon exclusive.
DECEMBER 18 Star Wars Cue the John Williams score! You heard us right: Star Wars is back for more interstellar larking about in that galaxy far, far away. Turn to page 23 to see what we are most excited by!
TRADITIONAL SESSIONS TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHTS, PLUS SATURDAY AFTERNOONS LIVE BANDS FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY NIGHTS
BANK STREET . BELFAST IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
TRIED & Tested TECH / Movies / music / stage Master &Dynamic MW60 Wireless Headphones £362.99 Hi-Fi Bluetooth headphones don’t come cheap, and the newest model from Master & Dynamic is no exception. If you haven’t seen them in your nearest Apple Store, the MW60’s are seriously high end and unquestionably luxurious. What makes the MW60 a must have is that it’s two products in one: an unrivaled Bluetooth headphone and a legit hi-fi corded headphone.
Sony Cyber-Shot RX1R II Digital Camera £2034.00 No Christmas is complete without a fancy camera to record those moments of festive wonder (like the look on your face when your aunt gives you Tom Daley’s autobiography for the third time). The RX1R II camera is one of the world’s smallest fullframe cameras and delivers one of the highest picture qualities of any compact cameras ever made. It houses a built-in flash, shoots at 5 fps, and is an easily portable camera for the professional photographer.
Omega Seamaster 300 £2,995.00 This unique Seamaster 300 is the actual model worn by James Bond in Sam Mendes’ hit film SPECTRE. It comes in a robust stainless steel case with a sleek black and grey striped NATO strap. Inside, the watch is powered by the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, a revolutionary movement that is resistant to almost everything.
GNI MAG | 13
They say a man’s home is his castle. If that’s true then his armor has to be his gadgets. No modern man is complete without three essential tools: a high-end camera for the perfect Christmas portraits, a signature watch to complete any outfit, and a pair of wireless headphones to drown out the noise and help you navigate the sturm und drang of city life. In this edition of TNT we present our top three gadgets for Christmas 2015. The Sony Cyber-Shot RX1R II is the most affordable high-end camera on the market, and is as simple to use as any point and shoot. The latest offering from Master & Dynamic offers high-quality wireless sound from a pair of headphones that wouldn’t look out of place in the cockpit of a Spitfire. And what man wouldn’t imagine himself as the next James Bond with his own Omega Seamaster 300?
TRIED AND TESTED | MUSIC
TROYE SIVAN 2015 was Troye Sivan’s year.
his ‘Blue Neighborhood’ series: a
He may have started life as a
trilogy of short films that charted
tween sensation but this gay
the blossoming relationship
20-year-old from Johannesburg
of its two young leads (one
is one of the few YouTubers to
of them played by Troye). In
successfully transition from
part two things took a turn
twinky internet celeb to legit
for the worse and got all dark
musical talent. He has teased
and instragrammy. Part three,
us with his brand of precocious
‘Talk Me Down’, had a darkly
synth-pop since his first single
ambiguous ending.
‘Happy Little Pill’ (from his first studio album TRXYE) came out last summer.
enough. “I think the most important
In September he released his
AG M I N G IST ART 15! OF 20
Naturally we couldn’t get
thing to me at this point in my
new 6 track EP. Wild was so on
career is being able to be honest
point it hurt, narrowly beating
in my songwriting - and these
Years and Year’s Communion
songs are about boys,” Sivan
to the top spot of GNI MAG’s
told The Advocate Magazine in
album of the year. An expertly
September.
produced buffet of oh-so-
“Hopefully these videos will
brooding pop, it was as if Lorde,
be the most viewed thing I’ve
Passion Pit and Olly Alexander
ever done in my life.”
had a musical lovechild and named it Troye Sivan. The first track of the EP, also called ‘Wild’, was the first part of
‘Talk Me Down’ is the first single from his upcoming album, also titled Blue Neighborhood, due out on December 4.
GNI PLAYLIST 2015 DRAKE - HOTLINE BLING | JUSTIN BIEBER - WHAT DO YOU MEAN | THE WEEKND - CAN’T FEEL MY FACE | MACKLEMORE + RYAN LEWIS - DOWNTOWN | MARK RONSON - UPTOWN FUNK | SKILLEX & DIPLO - WHERE ARE U NOW | DEMI LOVATO - COOL FOR THE SUMMER | JESS GLYNNE - HOLD MY HAND | LORDE - ROYALS
JOHN GRANT
| WALK THE MOON - SHUT UP AND DANCE | CARLY REA JEPSEN - I REALLY LIKE YOU | KELLY CLARKSON
If you haven’t heard of him, John Grant is an angry, bearded, 47-year-old, HIV-positive American musician who had
- HEARTBEAT SONG | ELLIE GOULDING - LOVE ME
made his name writing witty electronic pop about his
LIKE YOU DO | HOZIER - TAKE ME TO CHURCH | IGGY
personal drama, drink and drug-fuelled binges, a litany
YEARS | OLLY MURS - WRAPPED UP | ADELE - HELLO
of exes, his HIV diagnosis and homophobia, all in classic
| DISCLOSURE ft. SAM SMITH - OMEN | ADELE HELLO | SAM SMITH - WRITING’S ON THE WALL | ONE
singer-songwriter style. He is also one of the most talented
DIRECTION - PERFECT | ELLIE GOULDING - ON MY
musicians of the last decade.
MIND | CALVIN HARRIS - HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE
For an album about making peace with death and letting
| JESS GLYNE - HOLD MY HAND | KYGO ft. CONRAD
go of life because you’re going to lose everything you love, his new album ‘Grey Tickles, Black Pressure’ is dark, brooding,
SEWELL - FIRESTONE | OMI - CHEERLEADER | JAMES
and probably his most upbeat work to date. It is a sprawling,
BAY - LET IT GO | YEARS & YEARS - SHINE | AVICII WAITING FOR LOVE | NICK JONAS - LEVELS
angry, often hilarious album that solidifies his place as the foremost artist of his generation.
GNI MAG | 14
WORDS BY KIERAN CLARKE
AZELEA ft. CHARLI XCX - FANCY | KING - YEARS &
disastrous relationships. His work is set to two decades of
TRIED AND TESTED | MOVIES
THE DANISH GIRL
CAROL
Tom Hooper brings to the big screen
Based on the 1952 novel ‘The Price of Salt’
the true story of Einar Wegener
by Patricia Highsmith, ‘Carol’ was one of the
premiered at Cannes in May, winning
(Eddie Redmayne). Einar is a
first novels to portray a lesbian romance that
universal praise and the coveted Queer Palm
successful painter who is happily
didn’t end in outright tragedy.
award. The praise is well deserved. The film
married to fellow artist, Gerda (Alicia
Oscar nominee Rooney Mara plays
Carol was the critic’s darling when it
is achingly beautiful, with career-defining
Vikander). When Gerda asks Einar
Therese, a talented artist trapped in an
turns from the two leads. Until now Mara’s
to pose in a pair of stockings for a
unfulfilling relationship. With Christmas
career hasn’t quite had the escape velocity
painting she has been working on,
fast approaching, she takes a job in the toy
needed to break into the mainstream. As the
Einar has a transformative moment.
department of a Manhattan department
uncertain, bookish, and repressed Therese,
He soon becomes one of the first
store. It’s here, during a chance encounter,
she is a revelation and a delight to watch. It is
recorded recipients of gender-
that she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an
an electrifying performance unlike anything
reassignment surgery in the world.
unhappily married New York socialite going
else we have seen this year.
As Einar (and later as the titular
through a messy divorce. Glamorous in
Danish Girl, Lili) Redmayne’s
furs, the older woman captivates Therese. A
performance dazzles. As the finest
difficult and touching relationship begins to
actor of his generation he brings
blossom between the two women.
When all is said and done, Carol might just be our top film of 2015.
Out November 20
as much charm and sincerity to the role as you would expect from
She survived the perils of
a seasoned thesp who is well
the 74th and 75th Hunger
known for demanding physical
Games, but the end is
and psychological transformations
nigh for Katniss Everdeen
(witness his turn as Stephen
(Jennifer Lawrence). Now
Hawking in last year’s The Theory
the games are over, the war
of Everything). The arrival of a
for Panem has begun, and
young suitor named Henrik (Ben
it’s as barmy as we hoped.
Whishaw) makes for an intriguing—
This time around
if unnecessary—love triangle. Like
the Capitol has been
Lili herself, the film is a beauty to
transformed into a gigantic
behold, packed with period-detailing and a thoughtful orchestral score by Alexandre Desplat. It lacks much serious drama, in a post-Caitlyn Jenner world we had high hopes for
death maze designed to put
HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PT 2
that started in Catching
Fire. With three films behind it, Mockingjay Part 2 finally delivers on its long-teased promise of all out war, with a shocking and brutal finale that strains the 12A rating to breaking point.
something with a bit more depth.
Out January 1
an end to the revolution
Out November 19
GNI MAG | 15
TRIED AND TESTED | BOOKS & THEATRE
MICHELLE VISAGE THE DIVA RULES
She gave us a peak back in issue 17, and now The Diva Rules: Ditch the Drama, Find Your Strength, and Sparkle Your Way to the Top is finally out! From advice on living life to the fullest, keeping your shit together, and giving good face, Mama V dishes 22 invaluable lessons in sparkling your way to the top.
MARY POPPINS - BGE THEATRE
THE SNOWMAN - BGE THEATRE
No Christmas is
production is adapted
The Snowman is a
score played live by
complete without a
from the PL Travers
true Christmas classic.
the Irish Philharmonic
refresher course in all
original and the Walt
It’s as traditional as
Orchestra, this family
things Mary Poppins.
Disney film, with a
Brussels sprouts, The
friendly show is packed
So count your lucky
handful of new songs
Queen’s speech, and
with a selection of
stars that Cameron
to compliment old
naff paper crowns. Now
popular Christmas
Mackintosh, one of the
favourites like ‘A
you have the chance
Songs (including
West End’s best-known
Spoonful of Sugar’ and
to start a tradition of
‘Walking in the Air’)
producers, has teamed
‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite.’ Zizi
your own by watching
and is not one to be
up with Downton
Strallen is just Julie
The Snowman live
missed. Suitable even
Abbey writer Julian
Andrews enough to
on screen with your
for young children, this
Fellowes to bring this
be authentic as Mary
little ones. Shay
show is an opportunity
practically perfect
while still making the
Byrne of RTÉ Radio
for the whole family
production to the
role her own. The West
1’s Risin’ Time is the
to share the magic of
stage of the Bord
End staging astounds.
narrator. Accompanied
Christmas.
Gáis Energy Theatre. This all-new stage
by Howard Blake’s
December 3 - January 9
TYLER OAKLEY BINGE
Tyler Oakley is the nicest guy in showbiz bar none, with 8 million followers and hoardes of tween fans at his disposal. Binge is a part autobiography, part scrapbook, part hilarious social commentary about life as a gay man. Tyler bares all (sadly not in *that* way) about his coming out, abusive relationships, and his top twelve Disney princes, and all in his trademark wit and style.
GNI MAG | 16
beautifully haunting
December 14 - 20
COLUMN | BLÍAIN FITZPATRICK
JEREMY CORBYN The media circus never ends! #JezzaforPM IDRIS ELBA ON LUTHER *eggplant emoji* *heart eyes emoji* STAR WARS The expectation! The merch! Solo and Chewie! #fanboys OLD SAINT NICK Who doesn’t love a cash rich daddy you only have to see once a year? CHRISTMAS DINNER The look on your mum’s face when you tell her he isn’t really your housemate...
LOVE HATE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Boots 3 for 2 on Christmas Eve. Sorted! CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PT 2 Not really. We’ve been planning for months. Spreadsheets and everything. You think we’re kidding? SHOPPING (AGAIN) You’ll never encounter more prams parked at the top of escalators than when scouring the shelves for that one thing you forgot about YET MORE SHOPPING Seriously, get out of the way WRAPPING PAPER More like ‘handy weapon’ THE NAUGHTY LIST You’re on it for life now
The Christmas survival guide
Blíain Fitzpatrick It’s already that time of year again, which means it has been a year since I started writing for this fabulous magazine. First of, a huge festive “Thank you!” for your continued support. Christmas is my favourite time of year. The anticipation of that big guy in red squeezing down the chimney can bring some much needed cheer over the festive period. It can also bring up some less positive feelings for some people, so here are my top tips for keeping safe and staying sane this Christmas.
can, however small the gesture, and make things a little easier for someone who really needs it. Sometimes you just have to be selfless and put someone else’s needs above your own.
Fill up your diary
Keeping the heating on is essential, but other ways of staying warm are good too! Whether you are single or happily coupled, there is no better time of year than winter for spooning with your cuddle buddy of choice.
For the lucky ones who have time off at Christmas the temptation to lock the door and watch old movies is strong. But it’s important not to spend too much time alone at Christmas. If you are a social media addict, pictures of happy families and extravagant gifts can make you incredibly jealous. Don’t do it. Get off the phone and make those plans. Enjoy making memories that don’t require a Facebook account.
Get in touch with old friends Now don’t go all Scrooge on me and start reliving the highs and lows of your life accompanied by three ghosts. We know how it is, we’re all busy and wrapped up in our own little lives, but find the time to call to an old friend that you haven’t heard from in a while. Christmas can be a really emotional time for some people, something as simple as a phone call can make all the difference.
Get a Christmas tree! As a little boy I could not wait for the time when I would be old enough to decorate my Christmas tree the way I wanted. As a 20something-year-old man I have yet to take the plunge and buy a tree of my own, and every year I ask myself why doesn’t it feel like Christmas yet? You can’t enjoy all the magic without a ton of tinsel and decorations everywhere.
Give something back Last Christmas I helped a friend serve a threecourse meal to over a hundred homeless people. It was a really fantastic experience. Find a way to give something back this Christmas if you
GNI MAG | 17
Ask for socks Do you ever find yourself in the situation where someone asks you what you want for Christmas and you genuinely have no idea? Take my advice and ask for socks. You’ll thank me later.
Stay toasty
Michael Buble is essential! Buble is Christmas incarnate. There is no better feeling than getting drunk on his sexual tones whilst having a cheeky snog with some doe-eyed stud surrounded by Christmas candles and a veritable garden of aforementioned mistletoe. Remember to keep the music loud enough to wake grandma from her Brussels sprouts induced coma. Speaking off…
Look after the older generation Grannies, granddads, great aunts and uncles, older neighbours, that nice lady you see pottering about her garden… Winter can be a tough time for the elderly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Make a point of calling in to make sure they are warm and well fed, especially if it gets snowy or the pipes burst or something equally horrible happens. And accept their offer of a fruit loaf or biscuits with good grace. It’s probably all they have to offer.
Stay safe! Just remember: everything in moderation, including the urge to click on that little yellow icon we all know and love. If you do hook up over Christmas remember to tell someone where you are going and who you are with, and for goodness sake be safe! Not even your bff wants to spend New Year’s Day in the GUM clinic with you...
INTERVIEW | LA JOHNJOSEPH
W
hen we first meet La JohnJoseph his voice is hushed. It is as if the Berlin-based playwright, librettist, journalist, novelist, and fiercely intelligent literary rebel is on her deathbed and is incapable of raising her voice above the level of a whisper. “I’m feeling a little under the weather,” he murmurs. “A cold, I think.” In our best impression of someone’s mum, we remind her that something is usually going around. He perks up instantly. “That’s what people in the UK always say, isn’t it? They always say there’s something going around. In Germany if you say ‘I have a headache’ or ‘I’m a paranoid schizophrenic,’ the people always say ‘It’s the change in the seasons’.” Two minutes into our chat and we are already a teensy bit in love with the satirical cabaret starlet. (“…cabaret doesn’t seem to require talent per se, or an actual what you might call purpose, or any sort of skills, and since I don’t have any of those sort of things I immediately felt I’d be perfect.”) Variously described as a toxic mix of the empress Agrippina and Hyacinth Bucket, and “the only person in the UK more delusional than Nigel Farage,” La JohnJoseph is a protégé of the legendary Penny Arcade. Her work has taken her around the world. An artist of the highest caliber, his memoir play “Boy in a Dress” was critically acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe and enjoyed a sold-out UK tour. She regularly performs with her “twin brother,” a pop performance persona by the name of Alexander Geist. Last month her debut novel Everything Must Go was nominated (but sadly didn’t win) the Polari book prize. “…which is very exciting,” he tells us all in one breathless whisper. Setting aside poor editing skills on our part, La JohnJoseph identifies as genderfluid, a gender identity that Google reliably tells us is best described as a dynamic mix of male and female. “I have considered myself genderfluid since my early teens,” she explains. We picture her sipping a gin and tonic, or a glass of champagne, while we speak, surrounded by a cloud of cigarette smoke; then again, we are homosexual. “The pronoun that I do like is ‘they’,’ he explains, I” deliberately move between the two, he and she, but I prefer they. Being genderfluid allows for not only a multiplicity of genders, but a multiplicity of identities in general. You can move through personas with that. There’s a plurality built in to “they.” Like most queer artists his work is flavored by gender and sexuality. But unlike most queer artists
his work his also inherently political. La JohnJoseph wears her political sensibilities on her sleeve. “The current political climate in the UK is truly appalling,” she intones. “This government is the spawn of the devil. What we have now is this horrendous right-wing politics which is decimating the most vulnerable people, and putting pure greed at the top of the political agenda. This government is the absolute work of Beelzebub.” With society in tatters, with rumors of a romantic tryst between our Prime Minister and the head of a pig still not quite blown over, when you can’t get a decent soy latte for under £3.50, trust La JohnJoseph to step in to take our once great country in hand. Her political motivations have inspired her latest show: a blisteringly glamorous play entitled “Practically Royalty.” It premiered at the London Wonderground in August to rave reviews. “What I’ve come up with is an intimate but life-changing evening of elegant rhetoric, a really charming, ambient medley of song and spiel, with the occasional dash of hate speech! “I take on the persona of someone who is very proTory, very-privileged, and basically spewing bile about how we can make Britain great again. How we can destroy the welfare system, demolish council estates for more convenient off-street parking, how we need to put a wall between England and Wales to keep out Welsh extremists… Really vulgar stuff that you see people like Katie Hopkins talk about. “The show was born out of political despair. It’s really satirical stuff, but really it’s my way of
La John protesting this government which is destroying the NHS, destroying the BBC, destroying arts funding etc. If you’re an artist, if you’re disabled, if you’re queer, if you’re of colour, you know who not to vote for.”
La JohnJoseph blogs at boyfriendrobotique.blogspot. com Her debut novel is available now at bit.ly/lajohnjoseph
GNI MAG | 18
Christmas Day TELLY
The Sound of Music - ITV Who doesn’t enjoy spending Christmas day with Captain Von Trapp? Not us, that’s for sure. The good news is that ITV are planning their own star-studded performance to be screened live a la those Corrie specials
Dr Who - BBC 1
nJoseph
Spoilers, sweetie! Series regular Alex Kingston’s River Song is back from dead for one last spin in the TARDIS. We’ll also be bidding a fond farewell to the Doctor’s current companion Clara, who may be getting killed off
IMAGES | Bruce Atherton & Janna Chiellino
The Queen’s Speech - Multiple Channels Assuming you haven’t slipped into a turkey and stuffing induced coma by the time it’s on, expect a good poke in the ribs from your nan if you doze off during this festive fan favourite.
GNI MAG | 19
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INTRO | FIRST LOOK
INTRO | MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES
FIRFSIRTST LOOLKOO! K! Have you met Miss Jones? Jessica Jones, we mean. After the ratings
HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES?
smash that was Daredevil, it’s the turn Marvel’s newest and most interesting character to get her own Netflix series. Breaking Bad’s
Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones
Specially commissioned by Channel 4, this striking and original series by local director Ryan Ralph is an honest and insightful look at the male body. The series focuses on six men: a bear, a HIV positive artist, a drag queen, a sportsman, and a
Miketattooist. ColterThe as Luke Cagefocuses final short on the fiancé of GNI MAG’s very own fashion maven Tony Webster (otherwise known as BigBad Llama), who is on hand to photograph and narrate in his distinctive style throughout all six Images: © Marvel/Netflix
shorts. The Male Body Handbook is available now at channel4.com
Krysten Ritter will star as the titular Jones, a retired hero turned 12 massively successful films later and Earth’s mightiest heroes are detective by the events that led her totell hang cape. householdhaunted names. Even your Nan could probably youup theher current line up of the Avengers. These days Marvel’s most exciting work are its Broadchurch star David Tennant plays her nemesis, the Daredevil smaller-scale TV projects. Agents of SHIELD has been a ratings winner baddie known as The Purple Man, who used his powers of persuasion for ABC, ditto Cap’ spinoff Agent Carter. Daredevil was one of Netflix’s to keep Jones as his personal slave for almost a year. biggest ever hits when it launched earlier this year. Now it’s the turn of Expect lesser-known hero Jessicagritty Jones.capesexual realness. Marvel’s Jessica Jones premieres on Netflix November 20. Jones first appeared in the 2001 comic Alias by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. When we first meet her (who will be played by Breaking Bad’s Krysten Ritter) is a detective working on cases tied to the fringes of the New York superhero society. So, who is she? Potential spoilers ahead… Jones was on a family trip with her family when the car they were travelling in collided with an army truck transporting unidentified experimental material. Her family were killed in the collision, while Jessica’s injuries were so severe she was in a coma for months. Those chemicals gave her superhuman powers, including super strength, limited invulnerability, and even flight. (We’d be amazed if they pulled this off on the show.) During her stint as the superhero Jewel that she encountered Zebediah Killgrave, the Daredevil villain better known as The Purple Man (David Tennant). Killgrave used his powers of persuasion to abduct Jones, keeping her as his personal slave and psychologically torturing her for almost a year. When she eventually escapes she swears off superheroics forever.
Jessica Jones will pave the way for Marvels next big team up, the Defenders, featuring Jones’ romantic interest Luke Cage (whose own series is due in 2016), Iron Fist, and the already established Daredevil. Still plenty of time for Marvel to give Squirrel Girl the gritty spin-off she deserves…
David Tennant as The Purple Man
GNI MAG | 21 Jessica Jones premieres on Netflix November 20. Marvel’s
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INTERVIEW | BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT
OF
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"There has been an awakening, have you felt it?" This December Star Wars: The Force Awakens will hit screens around the world. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, this long awaited sequel IS SET TO STAR an all new cast with a few familiar faces back to save the day. With Darth Vadar gone and the Galactic Empire no more, it is up to some old friends to confront the new evil that has risen to take the Empire's place.. Here are the top things can't wait to see in Episode VII.
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS RE LEASE DEC 17
No return to the Star Wars universe would be complete
The old gang are back!
without Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. More than a nostalgic cash-grab designed to sell tickets (we hope) the original trio of Luke, Leia and Han are set to play major roles in The Force Awakens. Joining them in that galaxy far, far away are series regulars Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, and even Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew! (What, no Billy Dee Williams as Lando?!) Joining them are John Boyega as Finn, a rogue stormtrooper, Daisy Ridley as Rey, a scavenger from desert planet Jakku, and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as an X-wing fighter. Filming shut down for two weeks last year while Ford recovered from having part of the Millennium Falcon set fall on him, fuelling speculation that the old smuggler will have a much bigger role to play than we thought. The amount of screen-time the Skywalker twins will get isn’t yet known. Neither have featured in any of the trailers so far, although if the rumours are to be believed Luke may finally have succumbed to the Dark Side of the Force‌
GNIMAG.COM | 21
INTERVIEW | BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT
It is authentically Star Wars In the biggest shake up of Star Wars since the prequels, the role of director has passed from franchise stalwart George Lucas to Star
Trek helmer JJ Abrams. Lucas had no direct input in the making of The Force Awakens (given the much maligned prequels this is probably no bad thing)... Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote The Empire Strikes Back and
Return of the Jedi, is not only co-writer on The Force Awakens, he’s co-writing the first Star Wars Stories movie. Speaking to
Entertainment Weekly, Kasdan said “I thought, ‘Wow, okay, these people have lived - they’re in a different place in their lives, Han and Leia and so on. They’ve lived the same 30 years I have. What would that be like? How would you see things differently’.”
2
Heroes are only as good as their villains. From Captain
Phasma (the chrome stormtrooper glimpsed in the trailer played by Game of Thrones fave Gwendoline Christie), to the mysterious Kylo Ren, The Force Awakens is stuffed
3
The new villains look badass
with as much villainy as the Mos Eisley cantina. (Greedo not included.) With the Death Star out of action the Empire is no more. But wait! A new group dubbed The First Order has risen to take the Empire’s place. Little is known about who or what The First Order are, but chances are it’s nothing good. Early speculation pegged Kylo Ren as a Sith when his tri-bladed lightsaber from the first trailer grabbed headlines. Director Abrams says otherwise. “He works under Supreme Leader Snoke, who is a powerful figure on the Dark Side of the Force,” he told Empire magazine. Snoke is the CG character motion-captured by Andy Serkis. If you think he looks a bit like Darth Vadar the similarities are intentional. Kylo Ren is obsessed with the former Anakin Skywalker…
Earlier this year Disney chief executive Bob Iger revealed that Disney would soon be adding two massive Star Wars expansions to their Florida and California parks. “We knew it needed to be big,” says Iger, “we knew it needed to be great, and we knew it needed to be every bit as thrilling as the films are going to be.” Inhabited by humanoids, aliens and droids, these 14 acre sites will transport guests to a whole new planet not previously seen in the movies, with shops run by various species and everything looking a bit like a cross between Mos Eisley and Naboo. Both parks will feature two key attractions including a ride where guests take control of the Millennium Falcon. No word as yet on when the planned parks will open, but your little Luke’s and Leia’s will love it. We will be first in line for tickets.
We are getting a Star Wars Theme Park!
4
GNIMAG.COM | 22
Lucasfilm and Abrams have been clamoring to reassure fans that
The Force Awakens makes extensive use of real practical effects. “The thing that struck me,” says Abrams, “that wouldn’t get out of my head, is just how real you knew and felt Star Wars was when you first saw A New Hope. You couldn’t deny it. It’s Star Wars. There will be an endless number of effects. We needed a standard. You want it to be legitimate and authentic.” They have been relying heavily on that message ever since. What we do know is that most of the completely CGI shots are in set space, featuring ships like Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters, the Millennium Falcon and
5 may the merch be with you One thing Star Wars is famous for is product tie-ins. From your run of the mill hoodies and t-shirts to functional Millennium Falcon drones, merchandise has come a long way since little plastic figurines. In September the Star Wars YouTube channel livestreamed a product rollout unlike any before. The highlight?
Kylo Ren’s First Order starship. Says 3-PO actor Anthony Daniels, “It became clear early on that with JJ we were getting back to the old-fashioned kind of film-making. We have walls. Actual sets! All right, so you might not have a view out of the window, but you have a window!”
So long CGI…
6
A tiny working version of the movie’s droid BB-8 (pictured right) that can roll, balance, scoot around, and avoid objects. First glimpsed in The Force Awakens trailer, BB-8 just relegated your R2-D2 to the merch scrapheap. When paired with your iPhone or tablet, this diminutive droid will even project recorded videos via an augmented reality app à la “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi!” The £129.99 price is unlikely to prevent it becoming the must-have toy this Christmas. Expect to see grown men beating each other with plastic lightsabers to bag the last one... After The Force Awakens comes the spin-off Star Wars Stories series. Due out in December 2016, the first of these standalone films is Star Wars: Rogue One. Set before the events of A New
Hope, Rogue One is rumored to be a heist movie centered around a band of rebellion fighters who unite to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s planet-destroying battle station. The sequel to The Force Awakens will be released
7
There is more to come!
IMAGES © LUCASFILM LTD/DISNEY
in May 2017. Episode VIII will be written and directed by
Looper director Rian Johnson. The second spin-off is due out in May 2018, this time focusing on a teenage Han Solo. In 2020 fans will be treated to a long gestating Boba Fett movie. Josh Trank was set to direct but has since pulled out. Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy has said, “It’s still one of the stories we absolutely want to tell.”
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is released in the UK on December 17, 2015
INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI
GNI MAG | 26
INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI
WILLAM WORDS | Ross Semple IMAGES | David Phelps It’s difficult to find a
someone then they think you
more successful Ru
walk around to a Rihanna song
Paul’s Drag Race queen
and take money. I kind of think I
than Willam. The first and
do more than that, which is why
only contestant to screw himself out of $100,000 by
I call myself a comedian. I’m a comedian and a clown. I wear as
getting disqualified in Season
much makeup as a clown, and
4, Willam has made a name for
who doesn’t love being under a
himself through bad behaviour and raunchy parody videos.
big top?” Touring has given Willam the
With 80,000,000 YouTube views,
opportunity to go all over the
23 television appearances, a #1
world.
album (Shartistry in Motion) on
“I’ve been to England every
the Billboard comedy chart, and
month this year so it’s kind of
an appearance on the VMAs
like I know the neighborhoods
alongside Miley Cyrus, you can’t
now. One of my best friends,
say Willam hasn’t capitalised on
Jodie Harsh, lives there. I love
his popularity. Still, after all this
Manchester. I love Brighton. I love
success, he’s not keen on being
hanging out with my UK fans and
called an artist...
getting crazy with them. They’re
“That’s taking it far,” he says. “I’m
awesome, especially the Irish
a clown at best. You can’t expect
ones. The Irish and British ones
me to sit here with a straight face
can go in.”
while you call me those things.
On the topic of the show that
I do those things. I wouldn’t call
made him famous, Willam had a
myself any of those things.
lot to say, and not all of it positive.
“I’m not a singer; I’m a
“Okay, I’ll talk about it once, then
comedian who just happens to
I’ll put a dollar in the Ru jar and
use music. I’m not really an actor
then I won’t talk about it again…
anymore. I just say yes when
“Everybody goes on Drag Race
people want me to be in shit.
and a lot of them are characters.
If you’ve got a cheque, I’ve got
They do drag characters. I’ve never
talent. Calling it work is a strong
been a character and I never will
word for what I do.”
be. They try to fit me in their little
Even the term ‘drag queen’
mold, or get me on their YouTube
doesn’t sit right with Willam.
channel, and pay me $50 for it.
“I hate to sound like Madonna,
You’re insulting. You’re insulting
but that’s kinda reductive. If
to me. We know how much that
you say ‘I’m a drag queen’ to
show makes. Goodbye.
GNI MAG | 27
He insists the issues he has
in the second season of webseries
with the show are separate
EastSiders, available through
from his admiration for its
LogoTV’s website.
host and creator, RuPaul. “I just wish people
“It’s about really hot people and their problems, based in east LA. East
would let go saying ‘You
LA is very much like—you know
can’t say this, you have to
how in London you have the Soho
be politically correct, you
gays, and you have the Shoreditch
can’t tweet that.’ Fuck that.
gays? East LA is like the Shoreditch
I’m gonna say what I want.
gays. I’ve been to England every
I’ve never not said what I
month this year so I kind of know the
wanna say. And I’ve gotten
neighborhoods now. I get lost every
to where I am today saying
time I go to fucking London because
what I wanna say and I’m really happy. I’m happy to be me, and if someone doesn’t like me as me…” She shrugs. “Now we can stop talking about RuPaul.” During his appearance on Drag
I’m cheap so I’m like “Let me just turn my cell data off…’” Despite his success Willam admits that he is not pursuing any acting opportunities at the moment. “I’ve stepped away from acting right now, because a lot of my work is
Race, Willam was read for constantly
considered almost like black-face, like
talking about his roles on high profile
trans-face. Like ‘He can’t play that,
TV shows like Sex and the City and
he’s not a transwoman, he doesn’t
Nip/Tuck. He played a transgender
know.’ It’s called acting for a reason.
woman in the latter series. When we ask what he thinks about
I’m not really known for that, that was a decade ago, but thank you for
the controversy surrounding
Wikipedia-ing that. Now transgender
cisgender men portraying
people actually play the transgender
trans women, he says: “I think the best actor should get the job. For that role
roles on TV instead of me—which is amazing for the community. It’s a fucking kneecap for my career, but it
[on Nip/Tuck], Ryan
allowed me to reinvent myself to do
Murphy told me that
what I love doing now. If one door
they saw ten different
closes, another one opens, and I just
people for that role,
keep banging out new doors so it’s
three of them were trans, and then there was like
cool.” It’s arguably Willam’s music that
seven others, and I was the
has brought her the most fans, with
best one for the job, so I got
tracks like ‘Boy is a Bottom’ and ‘Only
it.”
Anally’ being viewed millions of
Willam is currently starring
time. (“I feel like I won the Internet.
GNI MAG | 28
INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI
I might not have won Drag Race,
always singing. I do it every day.
a whirlwind success for Willam,
but I won the Internet.”)
I had to shut the music off for this
and judging by the amount of
interview. I always have music
projects he has on the go his success
on.
shows no sign of slowing down.
From his parody songs with DWV, to his solo work and more recent collaborations
“I have my book coming next
“I do musical comedy shit
with Courtney Act and Alaska
because I write everything, and
year. It’s called ‘Suck Less: Where
Thunderfuck, it seems like not a
I’m like ‘I’m the only person
There’s a Willam There’s a Way’. It’s
month goes by where we aren’t
who’s gonna perform this as bad
a lifestyle guide. I think everybody
treated to a new Willam track.
as it deserves. I’m the only one
should have a drag queen best
“I’ve always been musical, I
who’s gonna shove an enema
friend and then a little bitch on
guess. I’ve always been in bands.
filled with beer up my ass and
their shoulder to tell them what
I wasn’t really allowed to watch
sing this song how it should be
they should do, what they really
TV growing up, but we always
sung.’”
wanna do, and how to cross
had the radio on and we were
between the two.
The last three years have been
“I say yes to any acting that I’m offered. I’m gonna relaunch my album with some extra songs. I’m collaborating with some people that I want to have fun with, and laugh at. The Beatdown’s coming back. I have some Christmas shows too. Anything you would think a traditional drag show would be is not what my show is...” What is a typical Chrismas like in the Belli household? “They’re always different. When I was growing up my mom threw the Christmas tree in the pool one year.
I FEEL LIKE I WON THE INTERNET. I MIGHT NOT HAVE WON DRAG RACE, BUT I WON THE INTERNET
GNI MAG | 29
I have a very colorful family, and I would have it no other way.”
Christmas Queens, featuring the stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is out now
FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW This year got off
2015:
to a bad start. 2015
JANUARY
wasn’t even a
GNI MAG’s YEAR IN REVIEW
week old when 11 people were brutally murdered when Islamist extremists stormed the Paris headquarters
of satirical magazine
Charlie Hebdo. A series of related attacks in the days that followed left 16 dead. #JesuisCharlie Memes were big this year. 70’s sitcom The Brady Bunch enjoyed a brief revival when Jan’s made-up boyfriend George Glass went viral for some reason. To this day “Sure Jan” remains a crushing put down thanks to that bitch Marcia. Elsewhere, music bloggers collectively shit themselves with glee when eccentric artist Björk released Vulnicura, her ninth studio album and possibly the best breakup album ever—two months early. In February there was one question on
FEBRUARY
everyone’s lips, “Is the dress blue and black, or white and gold?” #Dressgate was the hashtag du jour. It was tweeted over 10 million times in the first week. For the record it was blue and black and anyone who says different can fight us... All eyes were on Hollywood for the Oscars. Accusations of racism and sexism were rife, but that didn’t stop Birdman,
Boyhood and Whiplash from winning every award possible. February saw the end of Cucumber,
Banana and Tofu, Channel 4’s groundbreaking series. We couldn’t get enough of the Russell T. Davies drama. A sequel isn’t likely but that won’t stop us dreaming. March was a month for saying goodbye. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, beloved writer Terry Pratchett passed away, breaking the collective hearts of geeks around the world. Discworld has sadly come to an end but they will live on forever. We also said goodbye to Natalia kills, who committed career suicide on X-Factor New Zealand following a flurry of hate filled (and frankly bizarre) comments aimed at contestant Joe Irvine. Not even changing her name to Teddy Sinclair will help this talentless hack escape her hateful comments. #ByeFelicia Another queen we buried once and for all was Richard III. (See what we did there?). The remains of the last Plantagenet king of England were discovered by complete fluke under a car park in Leicester. Better 529 years late than never, huh?
GNI MAG | 31
MARCH
FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW April belonged to Caitlyn Jenner. Her Vanity Fair cover broke the internet unlike any other story this year. After years of speculation, the former Olympian and Kardashian patriarch announced she was transgender in the most fabulous way possible. Her coming out was headline news for days, leading to her very own show I am Cait on the E! Network. Caitlyn Jenner, we salute you. The fifth series of Game of Thrones wrapped this month too. Like GNI MAG, GoT is proudly made right here in Belfast, and boy are we proud. HODOR!
APRIL MAY The marriage referendum passing in the south was pretty nice but the highlight of May has to be Cheeky Nandos and other topnotch fuckboy banter. Never heard? M8 it’s well simple. It’s like you’re hanging with the lads and you proper fancying a maccies after leg day cos you haven’t been in ages, and it’d be proper good bant. But then your fam be like “nah let’s have a cheeky Nandos” and then you’ll be proper chuffed, the banter train’s going full steam ahead today, so you have your butterfly chicken, 2 sides and it’s fucking top. Surprising masterpiece Mad Max gave the world Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa, sending us to the gates of
JUNE
Valhalla all shiny, feminist, and chrome.
Christmas is a time for meeting up with old friends
In June, Colin Trevorrow’s
and those we’ve forgotten during the year. After
Jurassic World took officially all of the money. It fought off stiff
Pluto got demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006
competition from the likes the
and stopped staying in touch we kind of
Avengers: Age of Ultron and
went our separate ways. But in July
Furious 7 to be 2015’s highest-
Pluto came back with a bang. The
grossing film. The thing about
New Horizons spacecraft completed
Jurassic World was that it
an historic flyby of the dwarf planet,
wasn’t all that good, even with
revealing previously unseen detail in
space hotty Chris Pratt looking
glorious high-definition. Space was big
daddy AF. I mean, sure the
this year... In Kenya - where gay sex is
effects were pretty stunning, but the acting wasn’t really up
punishable by 14 years in prison -
to scratch. It was every bit the
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta
cash grab we promised you it
caused controversy, saying gay rights
wouldn’t be back in issue 17.
JULY
was “a non-issue” for Kenyans.
GNI MAG | 32
FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW This year’s MTV Video Music Awards was all about the dramz,
AUGUST
and a certain Onika Minaj stole the show. To the delight of gays worldwide the ‘Stupid Hoe’ singer called out host Miley Cyrus for dissing her to a reporter. “And now back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press— Miley, what’s good?” thus spawning the biggest and best meme that has been everywhere the past few months. That same month The Fantastic 4 reboot tanked. With a pretty decent cast and a darker, grittier reboot in mind, this could have been the next X-Men. Instead we ended up with a real stinker of a movie that lacked any joy or passion or even made all that much sense. Plagued by endless (not to mention expensive reshoots) basically no one saw it. Even next big thing director Josh Trank disavowed himself from the finished product, with his reputation now in ruins.
Four months ago we’d never heard of him, now you can’t
SEPTEMBER
watch a bit of telly for more than ten minutes without someone mentioning how horrible new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is. The bearded pinko Queen-hating babyeating commie became an honorary friend of Dorothy when he vowed to bring marriage equality to Northern Ireland if Labour win the next general election. You’ve got our vote, Jezza! Elsewhere, the Syrian migrant crisis continued to worsen. The image of a Syrian child washed up on beach in Turkey was a stark reminder of the human cost of war.
It’s been a big year for space. Only last month the biggest science story of 2015 landed with a splash with the announcement that there is liquid water on Mars. Good news for future astronauts, not so good news if your pipes freeze this winter. Small coincidence that Matt Damon’s astronaut-marooned-on-red-planet movie The
Martian - based on the 2011 novel by Andy Weir - was released pretty much the same day. What else director Ridley Scott knows about Mars we want to know....
OCTOBER This month the hearts of millions of teenage girls, gay men and fan-fiction shippers were forever brokem when our beloved One Direction performed their last show before doing a Sam Smith (not literally...) and taking a career break. We bid a
NOVEMBER
fond farewell to Liam, Harry, Louis and Niall. That sound you hear is Zayn Malik dancing on their graves.
GNI MAG | 33
We have no idea what’s going to happen in December but with Christmas right around the corner expect plenty of shopping for presents, plenty of camp carrying on etc etc etc,
INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR
YAPoverlap WORDS | James Rampton
IMAGE | Andy Hollingworth
A
lan Carr is one of Britain’s best
Alan is thrilled to be touring again. “I love
loved comedians. A winner of
live comedy,” he beams. “I adore touring.
tours. I don’t know how Jimmy Carr does
BAFTAs and British Comedy
“I always leave it three years between
It keeps me out of mischief. This is the
it, touring all the time. I’m lucky enough
Awards, he has interviewed anybody
biggest tour I’ve ever done! Sometimes
to have the show to keep me busy. And it
who is anybody. We catch up with our
the politics of doing the chat show and
means if I haven’t been touring for three
favourite camp comic to talk Twitter trolls,
booking guests can be frustrating. And
years, it’s more of an event when I do.”
dealing with stroppy boyfriends, and life
occasionally you’ll have a dud guest with
on tour...
nothing to say.
“They’re always lovely, my fans,” he enthuses. “A lot of them want to mother
“But when it’s just you on stage with
me. I’ve got one of those faces that makes
In the middle of my interview with
a mic in front of lots of people who have
women want to put me on their chest and
Alan Carr a police siren starts wailing in
come specifically to see you, it’s fantastic.
stroke my hair. Blokes do the same – they
the background. Quick as a flash he jokes,
You’re the boss. I get such a buzz on stage.
always want to nestle me on their chests!”
“I’m so in demand, even the police want
It’s a complete adrenalin rush. When you
me.” He adds, laughing, “Or maybe they’ve
dream up new material and think, ‘Great,
glow, but fame, as he reveals, isn’t always
seen my act and want to arrest me!”
I can add that to the set,’ it’s a wonderful
so nice. “Twitter can be a nasty, spiteful
feeling. If it works, a new joke always
place. It makes you think the British
brings a smile to my face. It’s such a thrill.”
public are awful. But Twitter isn’t real. It
My partner doesn’t necessarily like being part of the show, but I said to him, “Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so stop moaning!”
encourages a certain type of person. The
This is typical of the quick-witted humour of one of the finest comics currently at work in this country. Alan is nearing the end of his first major stand-up tour for three years. When ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ comes to an end in late December, it will have taken in an eye-watering 140 shows. In person Alan is just as hilarious as he is on stage. He’s won numerous awards, like the 2013 Bafta for Best Entertainment Performance and the 2013 British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Personality. He can find humour in
The warmth of his fans gives Alan a real
real British public are lovely. People are really warm – they feel they know me, and they’re always bringing me presents! They bring me lots of knickers and ropey drinks for the globe on my chat show.” Such is his rapport with his fans that Alan has deliberately chosen to perform at more intimate venues on the latest tour. “I could have played arenas and done the tour within a month, but in those big
A dazzling live comedian, and host of
places you can’t talk to the audience. If
Independent declared him, “A comedian
hit C4 chat show Alan Carr Chatty Man,
you mention the jumper of someone in
who owns the space he is working in so
Alan boasts a huge nationwide following,
the front row, 11,999 other people say,
much, he could put a flag up.” The Evening
which is mobilised whenever he tours.
‘What’s he on about?’
any situation, and the critics agree. The
Standard called him, “A natural on stage…
“Some venues have sold out within five
“With arena shows, the material doesn’t
a born storyteller, sheer entertainment.”
minutes,” he reveals. “People have been
evolve. You don’t want to take the gamble
Previously responsible for sell-out
sleeping outside to get tickets. Oh please,
of trying out new stuff in front of 12,000
stop it! That’s sweet, but unnecessary.
people. If you lose the room at an arena,
shows ‘Tooth Fairy’ and ‘Spexy Beast,’
GNI MAG | 34
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GNI MAG | 35
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INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR you can’t get it back because it’s so big.
being part of the show, but I said to him,
free he’s received all the way along to his
Putting a show on in a theatre, everyone
‘Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes
family, it seems no one is safe from a quick
feels they have had a unique night that
you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so
jibe or joke. Alan even lets us all into his
won’t happen anywhere else.
stop moaning! The show is about manning
current relationship status and describes
up.”
his boyfriend as ‘liking a dog fight but can
“When you’re on stage, you almost go into a trance. These people have paid good
And what about the title of the show?
appreciate a room spray’.”
money to see you, and you can’t let them
We can’t help but ask. “I called it, ‘Yap,
down. If they’ve had a crap day, they just
Yap, Yap!’ because there’s a lot of waffle out
the lovely thing about him is that despite
want to go out and have a laugh – and it’s
there. With blogs and Twitter, everyone
his very high profile, he remains the same
your responsibility to deliver. You want to
has an opinion nowadays. I can’t believe
really grounded and lovely person that he
perform for them because they’re so lovely.”
I’ll be waffling on stage for two hours – I’m
has always been. “Fame is very nice,” he
adding to it. It’s my own fault!”
tells me. “I’d never take it for granted. You
So what can fans expect from the new show? “This show is very personal. It’s a
“It’s had great feedback so far. I’ve been
I have known Alan for many years, and
get lots of great opportunities. The other
gamble including so much personal stuff,
performing it on and off for the last six
day I was asked to present a Pride of Britain
but it pays dividends.
months and I think, ‘This is actually quite
Award, and that was great.
“The more personal stuff you put in, the more people go ‘Aaah!’ Also, the audience can smell if you start lying in your act.
good’. Now I can’t wait to get out on the road for the real deal.” Alan recorded a live DVD of the show at
“And I also get marvellous presents. So if the fans who are coming to the show could bring me some awful wine to put in my
There is an honesty in this show that
the Hammersmith Apollo in September,
globe on the chat show, that would be very
people will appreciate.
so the good news is that even if you can’t
much appreciated!”
“It’s about co-habiting and how it affects
make it along to a show, you’ll still be
you. I talk about my partner. The show is
able to enjoy the tour from the comfort of
Tickets for Alan Carr’s tour, “Yap, Yap,
about my life, so he has to be in it. I didn’t
your home. GayTimes called it “a show
Yap!” are available from alancarr.net and
want to start lying and saying I still live on
that will leave you struggling for breath as
offthekerb.co.uk. His Chattyman Christmas
my own in Stretford.
you roar with laughter throughout. From
Special and New Year’s Eve Specstacular
his celebrity name dropping to awkward
will air in December.
“My partner doesn’t necessarily like
GNI MAG | 36
TRANS HIGHLIGHTS 2015
naked through a city centre. He covers himself with Polaroid photographs while taking abuse from people in the streets. Award,
Boy Meets Girl is the brainchild of the BBC Writer’s
The surprise reveal that the protagonist is a transgender man set Twitter into meltdown. This was also a year of controversy, with
2015 was the year when Trans issues
room and media education group All
cis actors being cast in a number of high-
became mainstream. From Caitlyn Jenner
About Trans. It made a household name of
profile trans roles, with Eddie Redmayne
and her remarkable coming out in Vanity
actress Rebecca Black. The series charts the
playing the title role in The Danish Girl.
Fair, Channel 4’s ‘Born in the Wrong
developing relationship between 26-year-
So we’ve asked the four biggest names in
Body’ season, and our very own landmark
old Leo (played by Harry Hepple) and 40-
Trans media have to say on the hottest
Transgender Issue, trans-positivity was
year-old Judy (Root). Boy Meets Girl isn’t
issue of the year...
everywhere in 2015.
the first time a trans female actor has been
Amazon’s Transparent - the touching story of a retired professor who starts to
cast in a trans female role, of course, but it was the first British sitcom to do so.
live as a woman - earned critical acclaim,
‘I really believe that [the series] will
a second series, and two Golden Globes. In
demystify my community,’ says Rebecca.
July the E! network gave us I Am Cait, a
‘It will increase the visibility of the trans
documentary following Caitlyn Jenner’s
population. In a way it’s a shame, it’s 2015
transition from former Olympic athlete
for goodness sake, and we’re only having
and Kardashian patriarch to the woman
this conversation now. But better
we know and love today. While on hit
late than never!’. The first series just
Netflix series Orange is the New Black,
launched on DVD, with the second
Laverne Cox made us fall in love with fan-
series (we hope!) due in 2016.
favourite Sophia Bursett all over again. In September, a new era in British
In October Will Young premiered the video for ‘Brave Man,’ the latest
television arrived when the BBC launched
single from his hit album 85%
new sitcom Boy Meets Girl. Created by
Proof. The video shows a vulnerable
Elliott Kerrigan for The Trans Comedy
looking young man walking
GNI MAG | 37
DEBATE | CAN CIS PLAY TRANS?
THE DEBATE: CAN CIS ACTORS PLAY TRANS ROLES? Jake Graf is the writer and lead of award winning short films XWHY (2012) and Brace (2014), and the writer and director of award winning short Chance (2015). Upcoming projects include a lead role in new webseries Spectrum East (2016). His next short film, Dawn (2016), is now in post production When Dallas Buyer’s Club was released last year, it wasn’t the Oscar buzz or the promise of Matthew McConaughey’s
there are no trans actors, and indeed few
a real respect for the craft. These roles will
cis actors, who have that financial pull.
keep on coming up, but, as with any parts,
Some argue that trans actors must then
success rates are low. There will always
performance that made me rush to see it.
at least get priority when casting for trans
be more losers than winners, but at least
What gripped me was the furore at the
roles, which I would tend to agree with,
getting real experience, be that class based,
casting of Jared Leto in the role of Rayon,
but as the recent Eastenders casting saw
or simply enrolling in the local Drama
a trans woman who forged an unlikely
most of trans England show up for the role,
society, shows some kind of dedication.
alliance with McConaughey’s lead.
when does that become a token attempt
Another option is to write the roles that
to cast to type? Many who attended were
we dream of playing, as I did with Brace,
being purely fictional, a narrative device
not actors, and had no acting experience.
and continue to do. I am currently writing
to show the evolution of McConaughey’s
And as a trans friend of mine pointed out
web series Spectrum East, where we have
character, but more striking was the
(somewhat bitterly) she had been studying
specifically cast trans actors in trans roles,
backlash from the trans community for yet
acting and drama for nearly a decade, and
and which launches in February. My
another a cisgender male being cast in the
now that the trans roles were suddenly
latest short, Dawn, stars Nicole Gibson,
role of a trans person.
there she was auditioning alongside
rising star of Channel 4’s Catastrophe, in
Much was made of Rayon’s character
people who had never studied the craft
a role no cis actor could ever have played
Buyer’s Club is Focus Features, the same
but who felt somehow entitled to the role
with the depth, understanding and
studio who recently got The Danish Girl
simply because they were trans.
experience that Nicole brought to the part.
The worldwide distributor of Dallas
on its feet, and they have received much
I know that the option to cast trans is
Would I cast a cis actor in a trans role
of the same criticism for casting Eddie
not always there. Three years ago, when
again? If I felt that I were unable to find
Redmayne in the title role as Lili Elbe.
I was casting my second short film, I was
a trans actor who fit the bill then yes, I
I was lucky enough to play a small part
desperate to cast trans actors in both leads.
would. Luckily, I know enough incredible
in that film, and after being treated to
We searched high and low for trans actors
actors, many of whom are trans, that that
a private screening in September I can
that fit the bill, but were unable to find
would hopefully never be the case. Would
honestly say that the casting was spot on.
anyone, let alone anyone as good as Harry
I feel that I had failed to be authentic if I
The performance is sensitively portrayed,
Rundle, who eventually got the part.
had to cast cis? No, for that authenticity, as
We need more trans folk to train as
with all roles, is brought by the actor, trans,
beautifully acted, and thoroughly
actors, to attend drama school, and to
cis or otherwise. For me, the real dream
suggest that a trans actor could not have
ready themselves for those roles as and
would be a world, somewhere along the
played the role as well as Eddie, but not
when they come up. I was lucky enough
line, where actors were just playing the
many actors, trans or otherwise, could
to attend the first ‘Trans Acting’ course at
roles that they were best for, be that cis as
command budgets of £40 million, and
Central School of Speech and Drama over
gay, gay as trans, or trans as cis. I hope that
sadly, therein lies the rub.
the summer, and what I saw was people
that reality isn’t too far off.
Big films need big names to justify the millions spent in budgets, and currently
eager to learn, to pour their time and enthusiasm into becoming real actors with
GNI MAG | 38
Spectrum East launches in February
IMAGE BY PAUL GRACE
researched by Redmayne. I would never
DEBATE | CAN CIS PLAY TRANS?
Rebecca Root is an actor, a voice and speech THERAPIST, and star of BBC 2’s Boy Meets Girl. She is a Trans awareness campaigner and occasional stand-up comedian There was a story I read recently about a Scottish cis female actor who was cast
experience. So imagine the
Any actor knows they
outreach that that will have. Eddie Redmayne is a
trans.” But she had no reas0n
won’t always have a
to apologise. It takes a lot
shared experience with
for a cis person to take on a
in a short film where she
very good actor, he does his
the characters they play.
trans role, and that particular
would be playing someone
homework like every good
However, it is important to
part was integral to the
who was transitioning, or a
actor should. You can’t hope
bring authenticity to any
normalisation of trans issues.
post-transitonal trans woman.
to portray something of the
role, so if a cis person is being
And I thought, ‘Oh, enough
experience of another person
cast in a trans role I would
to help more trans people
already.’
without gaining some sort of
hope they are considered the
get into the media, be it
insight into that person’s life.
best person for the role.
as writers or filmmakers.
I think that Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Lili REBECCA ROOT IMAGE BY KENDALL MESSICK, FOX FISHER IMAGE BY SHARON KILGANNON, LEWIS HANCOX IMAGE BY FOX FISHER
Fox Fisher is co-creator of My Genderation, an ongoing documentary series celebrating gender variance. He works closely with All About Trans and is a proud patron for LGBT Switchboard
For playing Stephen
This year, to even up
We need to find ways
Because we haven’t reached
Elbe in The Danish Girl will
Hawking in The Theory of
feeling unprepared for
full awareness of trans
be one of the last big trans role
Everything, Eddie met with
auditions, I helped to set up
issues it’s critical to have a
played by a cis actor. I think
Professor Hawking and
Trans Acting in collaboration
multitude of representation
it’s becoming increasingly
the doctors who deal with
with Gendered Intelligence
to make trans voices
difficult to justify using cis
those sorts of disabilities. He
and the Royal Central
heard. Too often members
actors in those roles.
would be a very poor actor
School of Speech and Drama.
of our community are
if he didn’t do that. And he
We were visited Eddie
misrepresented; we are
wouldn’t be winning the
Redmayne who discussed
sensationalised and reduced
prizes and awards that he has
his lead in The Danish Girl,
to our surgeries.
won if he hadn’t done that.
and what research he did on
I thought, ‘Give somebody else a break,’ you know? We’ve had Riley Carter Millington start in Eastenders. He’s a young man in his early
We desperately need a
trans issues. At the launch
voice to show people that
20’s, in his first major acting
reach out to the community
for C4’s Cucumber I met
there are trans people in all
role, and he’s a trans guy.
he is representing, he’s been
Julie Hesmondhalgh who
walks of life. The future is
It’s great that Eastenders is
very sincere in his desire to
played Hayley Cropper in
trans people playing the roles
using a trans man because
portray Lili Elbe with the
Coronation Street. The first
we best suited for regardless
until now the focus has been
upmost authenticity as his
thing she said to me was
of their trans status. We have
largely on the trans female
experiences would allow.
“Sorry for not actually being
a lot of work left to do.
Eddie is the sort of person to
Lewis Hancox is a comedy writer, actor, filmmaker, transgender advocate and YouTuber (MrLewzer). He was recently voted in The Guardian’s Top 30 Young People in Digital Media I think that cisgender actors
I would love to play non-trans
I don’t personally think that
should be cast in trans roles if
roles. I would never want to be
casting cis actors in trans roles is
they are the best person for the
limited to trans only roles as first
harmful per say, as the important
job. I do think there should be
and foremost I am a guy! I hope it
factor is that transition stories are
more of an effort to search for
will get to the point where there
being told and therefore raising
trans actors, but mostly to give
are enough trans actors in the
awareness. It is just as important
them an opportunity rather than
media that we don’t have to be
to have trans people working
for authenticity. For instance,
fighting for more representation.
behind the scenes too.
GNI MAG | 39
INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY
He is one of Britain’s best loved playwrights. He wrote Gimme, Gimme, Gimme because Kathy Burke asked him to write it. He’s responsible for Coronation Street’s first openly gay storyline, and his Pet Shop Boys musical Closer To Heaven has just had another sell out run. Jonathan Harvey spills the tea on his new book, growing up gay in Liverpool, and a little play called Beautiful Thing… WORDS | Evan Andrews
“I didn’t always want to be a writer,” Jonathan Harvey tells us over coffee. We’ve caught him mid prep for a script
before it all comes well. In true gay style,
great. The only negative would be that
it’s all set to the music of Mama Cass.
they made home such a safe place that
Harvey describes Beautiful Thing
I couldn’t understand why the rest of
roundtable meeting for Coronation Street.
as “a bit of a fairytale,” not just for the
society wasn’t quite so accommodating of
He has been writing for the show since
two young leads, but also for the writer
a little camp boy skipping down the street.
2004, and was instrumental crafting the
himself. It won him armfuls of awards,
As much as my childhood was fine, it
first gay storyline, character, and kiss in
including the Evening Standard’s Most
wasn’t such fun at school, or in the outside
Corrie’s 55 year history.
Promising Playwright award, an Olivier
world, but I was lucky to have a roof over
Award nomination, and cultural and
my head and parents who accepted me.
actor. I was in the local youth theatre, but
critical acclaim. It sold out its five-week
But I don’t patronise the working class. I
then I got really bad acne when I was
run at the Bush Theatre in 1993, before
have a laugh about it all, but never from
about 13 or 14. After that the last thing I
transferring to the Donmar Warehouse,
an angle of taking the piss.”
wanted was for people to look at me!
and eventually to the Duke of York’s
“When I was a kid I wanted to be an
“When I was 17 my local theatre did a
Beautiful Thing was groundbreaking in its presentation of gay characters. It
Theatre. “You do wonder,” he laughs, “what
rejected the usual narrative of addiction,
saw every play that season. I had my first
you’re doing wrong when The Sun gives
disease, death and tragedy so common to
play on when I was 18. Perhaps I liked the
you a good review about two 16-year-old
stories like this one. In short, it is opposite
sound of my own voice too much?”
boys getting it together.”
of what The Daily Mail would have you
season of original plays by local writers. I
After that he went on to study
Beautiful Thing was Harvey’s seventh
believe gay life is like. “I wrote Beautiful Thing in 1992, so aside
psychology and education before
play but it was the one that changed
becoming a special needs teacher. It was
everything. It became a cult hit when it
from the age of consent which was being
during his six week summer holiday
was made into a film by Channel 4 films
debated in the House of Lords, there were
in 1992 that he wrote Beautiful Thing.
in 1996. His screenplay solidified his
a lot of dramas about AIDs and HIV, and
“Previously I’d written a few plays which
unique voice, which you could describe as
rightly so, because in a way that pandemic
had been put on, and just before the start
working-class camp.
was still just starting. So it was quite usual
of the break my agency got rid of me
These days his home away from home
to go to the theatre or read something with
because they said that I wasn’t taking my
is Pimlico, central London, where he
a gay character where either they died, or
writing seriously.”
lives with his long-term partner, but this
if you were working class in Liverpool and
Liverpool native has an accent that’s
you came out, invariably you’d end up at
a heartwarming play about two young
solidly Scouser. His vocal range is a good
Lime Street station selling your arse.
lads, Jamie and Ste, growing up in a dodgy
octave deeper than should be possible.
For the uninitiated, Beautiful Thing is
estate in southeast London. Jamie and Ste struggle with their mutual attraction
“Growing up in Liverpool, I had a really nice childhood. My parent’s were
GNI MAG | 40
“My experience of being gay wasn’t like that. I think that’s why Beautiful Thing did so well when it came out. It was a little
INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY
GNI MAG | 41
INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY breath of fresh air. I suppose that’s why
inspiration strikes! Each writing job is
and the various denizens of their Kentish
critics at the time said it was just a little too
different. If I’m writing one of my novels
Town flat (‘69 Paradise Passage’, naturally.)
good to be true, a bit too rose tinted. But
there might be some reading involved, an
that was the difference I wanted there to
area I need to do some research on. But
she saw Beautiful Thing,” Jonathan recalls.
be: a positive, happy ending.”
when you’re writing a script each journey
“After that we often saw each other at
“I was introduced to Kathy Burke when
is different. On Coronation Street you’re a
the same parties. We’ve been friends ever
ask if he feels pigeonholed as a gay writer.
part of a big machine, so by the time you
since. When I met producer Sue Vertue,
“It doesn’t bother me at all when people
Positive endings aside, we can’t help but
sit down to write your episode you have
who had the idea of doing a sitcom about
call me a “gay playwright” or “Jonathan
had several meetings about what the
a straight woman and a gay man sharing a
‘Beautiful Thing’ Harvey.” It’s what I am.
content is going to be. Everything is signed
flat, I was really interested. Kathy’s career
I’d rather be called that than something
off before you put pen to paper.”
was going brilliantly and it just happened
embarrassing. I think “Jonathan ‘Beautiful
Harvey’s latest endeavor – the Pet Shop
that we wanted to work together at the
Thing’ Harvey” sounds quite nice. It is
Boys musical Closer to Heaven – has just
same time…” It was nominated for a
slightly misleading, but I’ve always been
had a sellout revival at London’s Union
BAFTA in 2002 but lost out to The Office.
comfortable with being called a gay writer.
Theatre. Originally meant for television,
“I had a meeting with the BBC about
I could be called something worse, like a
Closer to Heaven featured an all new
four years ago. I’d just written a new
dreadful writer!
score by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.
sitcom. It was quite rude and they kept
“The majority of my plays are about gay issues, so if anyone has pigeonholed themselves it’s me.” Other plays have since followed, including Boom Bang-a-Bang, originally directed by Kathy Burke, Hillsborough drama Guiding Star, and Hushabye
Mountain, which deals with a world that has learned to live with HIV. Jonathan is also a writer of novels, including All She
Wants, The Confusion of Karen Carpenter, and The Girl Who Just Appeared. His latest book, The Secrets We Keep is out now in paperback.
about four years ago I wrOtE a new sitcom. It was quite rude and the bbc kept going on about how rude it was. And I said, ‘It’s no more rude than Gimme Gimme Gimme!’ At that point in time the head of comedy at the BBC said to me, ‘Yeah, but we wouldn’t make gimme gimme gimme now.”
“It’s about a family whose father has
going on about how rude it was. And I said, ‘It’s no more rude than Gimme
Gimme Gimme!’ At that point in time the head of comedy at the BBC turned to me and said, ‘Yeah, but we wouldn’t make that now. We need to be more cautious’.” “This was around the time when the credit crunch crunched, so I can understand why they wanted to be cautious. But I was surprised because I like writing rude stuff, so it was a bit of a kick in the teeth. I’m not sure whether that theory holds water anymore though, because otherwise we’d only be getting really boring comedies, and I don’t think
gone missing five years before the book
Set against the backdrop of seedy Soho
that’s the case. It’s certainly not the case on
starts. It’s about his wife, his son, and his
nightlife, it tells the story of Dave. Like
the BBC. It’s probably a bit unfair of me to
daughter, and each chapter is told from
many gays before him Dave is just off
be repeating that story, but sod it.
their different points of view. It’s about
the boat from Ireland and determined
what they’re up to at this point in time, the
to make something of himself. He is
would be now! They might both be dead!
time after he disappeared. It’s about how
offered a job at a glitzy London nightclub
Or drowned. Drowned in a pool of their
you get on with the rest of your life when
where he quickly becomes part of an
own bile. Any sitcom worth its salt is
you don’t know if someone is going to
unconventional family. The original
about people trapped together, whether
come back.
starred Frances Barber as the ageing, drug-
that’s trapped in a crap job, or trapped in
addled compere Billie Trix.
a flat in Kentish Town. I couldn’t really
“The family is sort of imploding on the back of living in that hinterland of having
These days Jonathan is best known for
“I have no idea where Tom and Linda
imagine them surviving in a situation
no idea where their father is. The son is
his drama work, but originally he made
where they weren’t together. Tom and
gay, and he embarks on an affair with
his name as a comedy writer. His most
Linda hated each other, so the idea that
one of his mum’s friends. The daughter is
successful (not to mention outrageous)
fifteen years later they would still be
out of control. They’ve just moved house,
creation is still funny 15 years after it
sharing that flat is really hard for me to
and that leaves them riddled with worry
last aired. Gimme Gimme Gimme ran for
imagine. And Linda must be about 80 by
because if their dad ever came back would
three seasons on the BBC from 1999-2001.
now! Maybe they’re in a camp old people’s
he be able to find them? It’s about the
It charted the lives of Kathy Burke as
home causing mayhem.”
journey they are all on.
demented and delusional Janet Street-
“My writing process is bit boring, really. I just sit at my computer and hope that
Porter lookalike, Linda, James Dreyfus’
The Secrets We Keep is available now,
Tom, a theatrically camp out of work actor,
published by Pan Macmillan.
GNI MAG | 42
Ireland’s First Lady
“
WORDS | Kieran Clarke
Northern Ireland is now in this weird position where it’s the only part of these islands that doesn’t have gay marriage. Over time it’s going to be inevitable, because Northern Irish couples can pop over to Scotland or pop down to Drogheda to get married, and that’s a position that’s going to be more and more difficult to maintain. If I was a gay in Northern Ireland I would approach a marriage referendum with real trepidation. GNI MAG | 44
IMAGES | Conor Horgan / Ronan Healy / Niall Sweeney
INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR
GNIMAG.COM | 37
INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS
Pandora Panti Bliss is the undoubted Dame of Irish drag. A household name, a reluctant revolutionary, and a self-styled “gender discombobulist.” In 2014 her Noble Call was described as “the most eloquent Irish speech” in 200 years. An impassioned defence of her comments which sparked a controversy that became known as Pantigate, it became a viral sensation overnight. It was broadcast around the world, it was debated in the Oireachtas, and even received a remix from The Pet Shop Boys. The drag persona of County Mayo man Rory O’Neill, Panti was the face of this year’s marriage referendum campaign. Even in the face of vile accusations from the “No” campaign, Panti was hailed for her eloquence throughout. When the referendum passed with a resounding win, Panti was there to lead the celebrations at Dublin Castle. GNI MAG catches up with Ireland’s foremost drag queen mid-tour on her latest show ‘High Heels in Low Places’. A riotous stand-up about life after Pantigate, the show has already played to rave reviews around the world. GNI MAG | 46
INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS
I
n true Julie Andrews style, let’s start at the very beginning. Who is Panti, and where did she come from? Panti originated in Tokyo. I had been doing drag before I went to Tokyo in my late teens. When I went to Tokyo I took the opportunity to do a different character from what I’d been doing before, which was this very arty, very art-school drag stuff. I did a double act called Candy-Panti with an American queen for five years, that’s where I started doing what we now think of as Panti.
You must have known you were gay from a young age? I guess I realised I was gay when I was in college. I knew a little bit before that, but I wouldn’t have been able to name it when I was that age. There was no internet. There was no Graham Norton, George Michael. None of that. So coming to the full realisation that you’re a big old gay was a longer, more difficult process then, I think. So I didn’t start telling people until I was absolutely sure, when I was about eighteen.
If I was growing up now I would have been surer earlier, but you’re in a culture now where everyone is watching Graham Norton with their granny on a Friday night. And where within two clicks you can be a thirteen-year-old boy in Ballinrobe watching Brazilian boys fucking each other, you know? It’s just a whole other world. Young people are so much more aware these days. For me it was definitely more of a struggle to find out these things. For a long time I wasn’t even sure that gays were real. I thought they might be made up for a schoolyard joke. Nowadays, the whole world is there in front of you on your computer screen.
Did coming out as gay prepare you in any way for coming out as HIV? It helped a little. They’re very similar, in different ways. You’re having to reveal this very personal thing to people. In the same way that there’s some sort of shaming of gay people, there’s this shaming of HIV positive people. But in some ways I found it much harder. One reason I think
GNI MAG | 47
is that when I was telling people I was gay, especially if it was going to cause that person some upset, like my parents for instance, in some ways I felt absolved from that responsibility because being gay had nothing to do with me. I was gay but I I didn’t ask to be gay, so I had no guilt about it. There’s no culpability around being gay. Whereas with HIV there’s this level of shaming, this idea that it’s all your fault, which made it harder. Even today, it’s 2015 and living with HIV shouldn’t be a really big deal. But what is still a big deal, and that’s very disappointing especially when we see it in the gay community, is other people’s attitudes towards it, especially that shaming element of things. In 1995, when I was diagnosed, HIV was a death sentence. There are a lot of HIV infections now because young people feel invincible. They always have. Young people never think that HIV might affect them. But actually, my feeling is that people don’t see HIV as a chronic but manageable condition. They still view it as this huge big deal.
INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS
People are so terrified of HIV, and terrified of you if you are HIV. I can’t count the number of people I’ve started to date in some way, and then as soon as you tell them that’s it. That’s the end of it. They’re still terrified, but they don’t understand how it’s all changed. There is stuff around it, like PrEP, and there’s an awful lot of gays who are very judgmental in shaming of that.
Why do you think that is? I see posts on Facebook all the time with these judgmental gays talking about PrEP. A lot of them are like, “Oh, we can’t be giving everybody PrEP just to let them run around acting like whores, they should be taking personal responsibility.” There is all of this shaming, and judging, around PrEP. We could get rid of all of that, and get rid of that fear of HIV, by explaining to people how hard it is to live with HIV now. Taking all those antiretrovirals is a pain in the ass, and you don’t want to do it, but the fear of HIV is what prevents people from looking after their health properly. It prevents people from going and getting tested because they’re terrified of the outcome. So they bury their heads in the sand. If people really understood where we are now with HIV treatment they would be less afraid of it, and they would be more willing to go get tested. And people that do get tested are the safest people to have sex with whether they are HIV positive or not. At least they know what their status is. The problem is people who do not know what their status is, and then behave as if they’re negative when they don’t really know… If you are the kind of person who is high risk the responsible thing to be doing
is be on PrEP. My experience is that people that have been informed about the reality of HIV treatment these days are not running around acting slutty. But the ones who don’t know about it then start behaving irresponsibly because they don’t want to think about it because they’re young or because they think HIV is an old guy’s disease that they don’t need to worry about. I think honest, full information is the best policy. And of course, as someone who has to live with the stigma of HIV, I just wish people would catch up with where we are because you still run into that stigma and prejudice. Young people make mistakes. They do stupid things. Sex is an incredibly powerful biological drive. People make stupid choices because they’re madly in love, or because they’re drunk, but they make mistakes. To shame them for the rest of their lives because they made a mistake once is just so stupid.
Let’s talk about your new documentary, The Queen of Ireland. It hits cinemas on October 21 and will be on RTE in the Spring. It has been in the works for a while. What can you tell us about it? They’ve been making it for five years, but when they started making it was quite a small thing. I’ve known the director for a long time and we’ve worked together for many years, so when he asked me about doing a documentary I was reluctant. I’ve said no to lots of people who have suggested the idea over the years, but because I’ve known him, I trust him, and I owe him a lot of favors! So I said okay. But I thought I was agreeing to a small, little documentary. So for the first
two and a half years he scrapped together a little money and would turn up with his camera crew. It was a slow process. I don’t know if he knew then what his project would be. But then when Pantigate happened he was thrilled. It’s what every director wants. That obviously changed the focus of things in many ways. I haven’t seen the finished product yet. I saw a rough cut quite late in the editing process. They wanted to show me incase there was something I was absolutely appalled about. There wasn’t. But it was impossible for me to know if it was good or not because I’m too close to the subject matter. When you’re in practically every frame, and your mother’s in it, you can’t tell if it’s any good. But they’re all convinced it’s very good, and all the other people who have seen it are excited about it. So I’ll trust them that it’s good! There’s a lot of great and funny stuff that didn’t make the cut, but that’s the way documentaries are. Hopefully they’ll make it into the DVD extras.
drag amplifies my voice. Drag queens get more attention than a guy standing there in a shirt.
GNI MAG | 48
We can’t wait to see your exploits. Do you think drag queens have a duty to be transgressive and break the usual drag mold in the way you have? It’s a very individual thing to be a performer. I don’t know if drag acts have a duty to be transgressive. The wider community has a very limited view of drag. They think all drag queens are like that one they saw in Lanzarote once. Whereas we know that drag can come in many varied forms. You can’t compare someone like David Hoyle to me, or to Trudy Scrumptious… Drag is so broad. What I was always attracted to about drag—and it’s why I was interested in it in the first place—was its trangressive nature. Drag goes against the mainstream. It plays with ideas of gender. That’s the unifying factor of drag; it’s playing with gender, or exploring the boundaries of gender. It is inherently discombobulating. That’s why I was drawn to it, that underground, discombobulating, transgressive nature. That’s the fun of drag. That’s also the power of it. My drag favorites were the ones who explored that part of drag, and I love all drag—good, bad, or indifferent—I’ve never seen a drag show I didn’t enjoy.
INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS
Could you have become an accidental activist as Rory instead of Panti? God no, absolutely not. I never set out to be an activist per se. My motivation has always been quite selfish. I just want to live my own life freely as I chose to, and occasionally I run up against these barriers that stop me doing that, so I’m forced to become some sort of activist to… activate on my own behalf. Other gays just get caught in the cross-fire! I’m not good at meetings, and the kind of hard work that activism often requires. But I have other talents that I have used to be an activist, and all of them came from being a performer. There have been times when people have dismissed me as “a bloke in a dress” or as “just some drag queen.” There have been times when activists have been uncomfortable with me because they worry about what people will think about a man in a dress. “How can you make a serious point when you’re dressed as a clown?” Obviously you’ve very successfully turned that to your advantage. I have. I’ve also learned over the years that drag amplifies my voice. Drag queens get more attention than a guy standing there in a shirt. There is absolutely no way my Noble Call speech would have had such an impact if I had been dressed in a shirt and a pair of jeans. It simply wouldn’t. Not as many people would want to click on a video of a bloke just standing there. The visuals are very important. I’m aware that people who aren’t very familiar with drag queens can take time to adjust to the idea. In that speech I took a couple of minutes at the beginning, just speaking but not really saying anything, and that’s because I was aware that the audience in the auditorium that night weren’t going to be a bunch of gays. I knew that a lot of them would not be used to seeing a drag queen to give them a minute or two to sit there and ask their internal questions about my wig, and my boobs and whatever. Once I knew they had gotten over it and I wasn’t coming out to do a Dolly Parton number, then I told them what I really wanted to say. So my experience is: give people a moment to get past the drag aspect, and then once they are, drag in a sense amplifies what you have to say. I’ve gotten into trouble for various speeches I’ve given over the years, and it’s always because more
attention was given to what I had to say because I was in drag.
Which is obviously why being such a recognisable face of the Yes campaign really paid off. What tactics do you think same-sex marriage advocates here in the north could borrow to make marriage equality a reality here in the North? I’m not from Northern Ireland, but I don’t think we tactics we used for the marriage referendum here would work in Northern Ireland. We didn’t chose to have a referendum, and we wouldn’t have done it by referendum had we had the choice. But our government went with its legal advice, which due to the vagaries of our constitution meant we would have to have a referendum. Not every legal eagle agreed with that opinion, some felt we could have done it without a referendum, but the general legal consensus was that we needed to change our constitution because it was implicit in our constitution that marriage was between a man and a woman even if it’s not explicitly stated.
My advice is: No, don’t do it, because it’s a risky way of doing things unless you’re very sure of the outcome. It’s a big risk to take. If we had not won the referendum it would have been another generation before we had another shot at it, because you can’t go back to people straight away and ask them the same question. That’s why so many organisations including GNI MAG, Amnesty International, and the Rainbow Project don’t support a referendum. We want change to be legislated for, not to have our rights put in the hands of a group of politicians who have historically voted against equality legislation. The advantage is winning a vote by
GNI MAG | 49
referendum is that it makes the result much more powerful. People can’t say afterwards “Oh, this was pushed through by politicans, people don’t really want it.” Well, no, we had a discussion and people voted on it and people overwhelmingly voted for it. So it’s very powerful, and it’s had a very powerful effect on the gay community here. Now you see gay couples holding hands now in Dublin in a way you never did before. The gay community feel much more confident in themselves. They feel much more accepted and sure that they’re accepted. The referendum transformed so many things in a really beautiful and brilliant way. But it was horribly risky. And unfortunately, I think if you had a referendum in Northern Ireland there is a very good chance you’d lose it. And then you’d be really pushed back. And I also agree that the rights of minorities shouldn’t be put in the hands of the majority. That’s not the way it should be. If you can do it legislatively like they’ve done it everywhere else in the world where they have gay marriage, do it. It’s a safer option, and in some ways it’s a better option. Having a yes vote is powerful and uplifting, but it’s risky. Northern Ireland is now in this weird position where it’s the only part of these island that doesn’t have gay marriage. Over time it’s going to be inevitable, because Northern Irish couples can pop over to Scotland or pop down to Drogheda to get married, and that’s a position that’s going to be more and more difficult to maintain. If I was a gay in Northern Ireland I would approach a marriage referendum with real trepidation.
Finally, since this is our Christmas issue, what does Christmas look like in the O’Neill household? I normally go home to my hometown in County Mayo for Christmas. My parents are still there and so are four of my six brothers and sisters. We have a big traditional family Christmas, either in my parent’s house or one of my sister’s houses. What am I looking forward to most for 2016? Hmm, let me think… Marriage equality in Northern Ireland! Yay!
The Queen of Ireland is in cinemas now
FEATURE | GNI MAG COLUMNISTS
all i want for christmas is...
HAYDEN McGEHAN What up!? My name is
ELAINE O’SHEA
I’ve got a thirst for adventure,
Another year is drawing to
Madonna, front and centre, for
been for the LGBT community.
shows. So I really hope I don’t
Hayden, and headed into 2016
a hunger for creativity, and a
a close. What a year 2015 has
transdude here at GNI MAG.
waves in the trans community
Across the world we’ve made
I am gonna be the resident
2015 has been too legit! I
finally came out to my family
and friends and thankfully have all of them fighting my corner.
I spent eight months living and working in the UK, travelled to
hope that I’ll be able to make
and beyond. I draw a little in my spare time and recently whipped up few t-shirt designs as my
first shot fired in the war against gender roles. Check them out at
lads.storenvy.com and come say
huge progress with equal rights,
hope the new year brings some
Christmas dinner: Don’t! If
stuck in the dark ages. I can only much needed change.
I will be looking forward
to the usual Christmas at
and I’m now in the process
the ride with GNI MAG and
involves early morning present
transdude gang based online.
Keating likes to say, life is a
of growing LADS, a small
Transvisibility is important.
At LADS we give trans
and non-binary kids a place to have their voices heard,
promote positivity, encourage self-awareness and love, and
celebrate the things that make
the journey of life all that it is.
its readers. As our friend Ronan rollercoaster… just gotta ride it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
Let’s roll with the punches
and inspire hope, change, and
good vibes in 2016 together, eh? Much love, Hayden
For those younger lesbians
who may be planning on
hey at lllads.tumblr.com.
I’m hyped to be along for
make the naughty list this year.
while Northern Ireland remains
Canada, started testosterone, set a ballpark date for top surgery,
at least ten of her world tour
home in Dublin. This normally opening, pretending to forget
about the local Church service, leaving the turkey on too long, uncorking a bottle of wine at
coming out of the closet during you come out at least a month
before the big day you avoid the risk of grandma choking on the Christmas ham. Best of all, if
you do it in advance you will get
presents you can actually use. So long four inch party heels, hello leather converse!
And finally, thank you all for
9am, drunken relatives, falling
sticking with me this year. I look
and the annual family argument.
more Sapphic tails of Christmas
asleep to old movies on the telly, (Hopefully there won’t be any
extra surprises this year.) What I want most of all is tickets for
GNI MAG | 50
forward to delighting you with charades in 2016. Until then, have a fabulous party season. Elaine x
FEATURE | GNI MAG COLUMNISTS 2015 has been a busy year for Team GNI. We’ve interviewed some serious talent, had a
complete redesign, and also said goodbye to a few familiar faces. Some of our columnists have moved on to pastures new and we wish them all the best of luck. In this issue we thought we would give our existing writers the chance to tell us all about their year and what they are looking forward to most. We also welcome our newest face to the team: say hello to Kiwi lad Hayden McGehan. We will leave the introductions to him.
SJ WILSON 2015 and still no hover
GARETH C.
What do I hope for 2016?
2015 has been quite the
boards? Great Scott! Michael
Well for a start I would like to
year. I took my seriously lazy
Another Christmas approaches
husband in one piece. I hope
(with copious amounts of sweat,
J Fox has a lot to answer for! (I only know this because
get through my first year as a
the Deadpool movie is a success.
Clinton Cards have had their
And I hope to see Northern
September). I am not a big
in Euro 2016.
cards on display since early
Christmas person. I think Sandy
Ireland get some kind of success I hope there will be some
Klaws brought me coal when
progress towards full equal
sure the meteorologists will
Northern Ireland regardless of
I was a kid or something. I am give us our annual dose of snow predictions. At least five media
outlets will claim we are going to have a white Christmas.
Just as 2015 got truly
underway, the dream of marriage equality became a reality. Other notable events were—let’s be
honest—Peter Robinson packing it in and Northern Ireland
qualifying for France 2016.
liberties for everyone in
their gender or sexual preference. Do you want to save someone’s life by donating blood? Great,
but what does your sex life have to do with it? Do you want to
offer up your home and love to a
ass to the gym and managed
My friends are still the
Physique program.
I learned that I’m capable of
I scraped together the
willpower to finish a home study
creatures they’ve always been. things I didn’t think possible. There are lots of things I
Anatomy course I’d hidden in a
still don’t understand, lots of
out of my family home. And I
more than a few things I have
drawer for a year. I finally moved finally took the first step towards my dream of running a massage and holistic therapy studio by
starting a night course in Body Massage at Belfast Met.
I also took a massive leap of
for years but you are not allowed
down stigma and promote some
Lets change that in 2016.
and achieve them.
uniquely weird and special
a majorly intensive 12-Week
faith and went a bit more public
to marry?
I need to, that I can set goals
tears and whining) to complete
child that has neither? Have you and your partner been together
I could be self-disciplined when
with my status to (I hope) break positive education about HIV
I learned a lot in 2015. I learned
GNI MAG | 51
unfulfilled good intentions, and tried but failed at, but it’s okay! Not everything in my life is
sorted. Some of it may never be sorted, and that’s okay too.
I’m looking forward to a lot
more okay in 2016! Gareth
TOP FIVE PITSTOPS
1.
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY THIS CHRISTMAS (1) BERT’S JAZZ BAR
fairy lights, open fires and water
16 Skipper Street, Belfast
features, to the cosier confines of Filthy
Complete the magic of Christmas and
McNastys, the mismatched furniture
transport yourself back to the Art Deco
and quirky décor make The Filthy
glamour of 1930’s New York in Belfast’s
Quarter a modern Belfast institution.
only dedicated jazz bar. Housed in
Food is served in the form of an Italian
the luxurious surroundings of the
Pizza, just the ticket for replenishing
5* Merchant Hotel, the interiors and
those shopped-out spirits.
atmosphere of Berts Bar are pure luxury.
2.
So sit back, soak up the sophisticated
(4) ROBINSON & CLEAVER
vibes, and let the music wash over
1-3 Donegal Square North, Belfast
you while you sup from a handpicked
Boasting an outdoor heated terrace that
list of 5* cocktails. A French bistro
has the perfect vantage point for the
style menu of mouth-watering dishes
festive City Hall, Robinson & Cleaver
created by Head Chef Michael Weber
is a superlative city center eatery.
(from Chateau Briand to Moule Frites)
Whether you are grabbing a coffee with
is complemented by an extensive wine
friends, warming up after a busy day’s
list and, of course, exemplary service.
shopping with a lunch of pan seared local cod, or tucking into a dinner of
3.
(2) BOOTLEGGERS
slow roasted Irish sirloin, there are few
46 Church Lane, Belfast
establishments more smart or more
Bang centre in the middle of the city
central than Robinson & Cleaver. Their
(and officially the coolest new kid
restaurant is fully licensed, with an
on the block) Bootleggers is the new
extensive wine and cocktail list to add
home of casual eating. This comfy and
that little extra fizz to a weekend of
original bar serves up original cocktails
Christmas shopping.
and great grub seven days a week, from
4.
5.
lunch all the way to dinner. Service
(5) BAR WITH NO NAME
is first come first served, so get there
44 Dublin Road, Belfast
early to make the most of their proper
There is no mistaking The Bar With No
burgers, tacos, and soon-to-be-famous
Name. With its gaudy yellow exterior,
jerk chicken. From daisy duke cocktails,
this quirky new bar dominates its
to chilli dogs so hot they have been
surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere
known to reduce grown men to tears,
is warm, dark and friendly, with a
Bootleggers is one not to be missed.
casual and friendly air that will make a welcome change from the bustle
(3) FILTHY QUARTER
of streets crowded with Christmas
45 Dublin Rd, Belfast
shoppers. The helpful and friendly bar
Spread across four venues the Filthy
staff are on hand for recommendations
Quarter serves up a wealth of local
if you can’t chose between their wide
tipples, local talent, and local charm.
range of beers, ciders, spirits and
From the Secret Garden and Roof
cocktails. With a great selection of
Terrace that transport punters to a
choices and even greater banter, pizza is
charming outdoor area replete with
provided by the nearby Opera pizzeria.
GNI MAG | 52
BELFAST’S TOP 5 RESTAURANTS AS RATED BY USERS OF TRIP ADVISOR
(1) KURRITO
vegetarian platters, to old favorites like
26 Botanic Ave, Belfast
masala, and daily recommendations
Forget the dull sandwich bar, a fresh
like traditional lamb biryani from
new burrito sensation has hit Belfast.
head chef Sanj, the food is delivered to
If you’ve heard the rumors about how
perfection. Undoubtedly one of Belfast’s
good Kurrito is, let us be the first to tell
most cosmopolitan restaurants, and
how really good it is. Run by Simina
coupled with a prime location and
and her team, the staff at Kurrito are
cuisine never before seen in Belfast, Nu
passionate about fresh healthy cuisine.
Delhi Lounge is perfect for everything
From their ample menu you can choose
from business lunches to a relaxed
lunchtime treats from burritos to tacos
evening with friends and family.
and fajitas. Plus there’s a great range of vegan, vegetarian, meat and gluten-
(4) INDIA GATE
free options too, including traditional
73 Great Victoria Street, Belfast
daal and butternut squash in coconut,
A stone’s throw from the Europa Hotel
paneer and peas. Their delicious,
and Grand Opera House, India Gate
wholesome and tasty food is not to be
is ideal for pre-theatre dinner. The
missed.
staff at India Gate pride themselves
1.
2.
on providing a memorable evening (2) HOLOHAN’S AT THE BARGE
and mouth watering food for their
1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast
guests, offering, dare we say it, some of
If there is better spot to sit and enjoy
the finest Indian this city has to offer.
dinner than on a barge moored on
Their chefs have designed a menu that
the banks of the River Lagan, we
bridges the old India and the new,
haven’t found it. At Holohan’s at the
traditional tastes with a modern twist,
Barge there is a real focus on locally
so indulge in their sumptuous selection
sourced craft beer, ales and ciders, and a
of starters, mains and deserts.
3.
selection of homegrown Irish whiskey. While the atmosphere is charmingly
(5) SLUM’S KITCHEN
relaxed, the staff are as professional
25 Bruce Street, Belfast
as they are knowledgeable of their
The rise of street food has revolutionised
fantastic range of food and drinks. Their
the way we think about good,
food is all ethically sourced, so you can
affordable food. Slum’s Kitchen is the
be sure of the provenance of your pan-
newest kid on the block, and with its
fried seabream or your Cherry Valley
shanty town-style interior, offers a tried
duck breast whilst enjoying one of the
and tested formula that really delivers
most charming views in Belfast.
on price and taste. There is a multitude
4.
of choices, usually served with one of (3) NU DELHI LOUNGE
three types of rice and served in a whole
25 Bruce Street, Belfast
meal roti wrap. Or you can take it away
Nu Delhi Lounge is a Northern Ireland
in a plastic bowl for a handy lunch.
culinary and cultural institution, with
The flavors are warm and reassuring,
enough variety to tickle the fussiest
the textures are soft and varied, and the
of taste buds. From their signature
prices are spot on.
Ratings/Order correct at time of print.
GNI MAG | 53
5.
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pout BEAUTY,
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we would love to see you at our special christmas show!
The Christmas shows start on the 17th-24th December and run at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm subject to availability. We also have a 6:30 show on the 20th December. Price £10.00 per person, this includes an hour long show, free sweets, a quiz, prizes, full candy making show, and everyone will get a present from Santa. Plus meet Willy Wonka’s cousin!
This is a magical show from start to finish as we track Santa’s journey from Lapland to Belfast, then disaster strikes as Santa’s sat nav breaks down and he is left circling City Hall! Can he make it? Can Rudolph guide him with the children’s help? All will be revealed on the day!
There is no minimum number of people (from 1 to 40) and everyone is welcome! The show is pitched towards 3 years old and right up to the older generations. When booking one to three people please pay in full by card, three plus people £30.00 deposit or pay in full.
To check dates, times or to book telephone 028 9073 2868
REAL FASHION Styling and photography by Tony Webster / BigBad Llama Models: Laura Firby, Piaras Smyth, Rachel Donnelly Make up: Rebecca Bryson Hair: Catherine Allen Special thanks to Maverick Bar All looks available from REAL, Lisburn Road, Belfast
GNI MAG | 55
RACHEL WEARS: Passotti Double Umbrella £173 Jane Carr Luxe Truffle Scarf £276 T-ba Mao Shirt £81 T-ba Tasmanian Jacket £370 T-ba Feather Brooch £48 Meli Melo Thela Taupe Handbag £546 PIARAS WEARS: N.Peal Carnaby ½ Zip Sweater £299 Jane Carr Double Scarf Eggshell £229 London Undercover City Gent Umbrella £99 LAURA WEARS: T-ba Mariane Silk Velvet Coat £535 Mucho Gusto Tropez Nappa Scarf £270 Felisi Tan Bag £572
LAURA WEARS: T-ba Mariane Silk Velvet Coat £535 T-ba Riana Shirt £119 Mucho Gusto Scarf Tropez Nappa Scarf £270
GNI MAG | 58
PIARAS WEARS: N.Peal Burlington V Neck Cashmere Sweater £219 Diamond Scarf Blue/Orange £75
LAURA WEARS: Eskandar White Slim Shirt With Collar £232 Eskandar Cashmere A-Line Sleeveless Deep V-Neck Long Tunic £890 T-ba Borsalino Trimming Hat £371
GNI MAG | 59
RACHEL WEARS: Ebony Tippet Scarf £32 Other items models own
RACHEL WEARS: Warm &Co Curved Hem Tunic £224 Exquiste Hand Painted Scarf £88 PIARAS WEARS: Montreux Cable Cashmere Sweater £312 Crieff Cashmere Scarf £182 LAURA WEARS: Mucho Gusto Scarf £235 Warm &Co Cashmere Oversize Tee £206 Warm &Co Cashmere Tunic Dress £195
ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM REAL, LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST www.shop-real.com LAURA WEARS: XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX
LAURA WEARS: T-ba Borsalino Trimming Hat £371 Eskandar Slim Shirt With Collar £232 Eskandar Cashmere A-Line Sleeveless Deep V-Neck Tunic £890 Meli Melo Fleming Black Handbag £455 ALL ITEMS IN THIS SHOOT AVAILABLE FROM REAL, LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST, www.shop-real.com GNI MAG | 62
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or flannel should cover the hair. The lit candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and extinguished in some water. The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements down the neck.
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The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.
How are the candles used?
The patient should lie in a comfortable position on his/her side with the head supported on a pillow. A small cotton towel or flannel should cover the hair. The lit candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and extinguished in some water. The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements down the neck.
Telephone 07955 408 202 Rejuvalase Beauty & Laser Clinic, 448 Newtownards Road, Belfas Tel: 028 9046 9447 or 084 3886 9497 Email: rejuvalase@ What are Hopi Candles?
Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs. When lit, the candle acts like a is repeated with the other The procedure and then the patient lies on his/her back chimney, causing the warm airear, inside it to for gentle drainage massage on the face. rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom. It is then important for the patient to have This vacuum gently stimulatesa drink theofear, water and lie still for about 15 before he/she stands up. facilitating removal of excess minutes wax and What are the benefits? impurities. Hopi candles can be used for many conditions including deafness caused by excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, tinnitus, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu,
children. REFLEXOLOGY Whatwhere arethethe effects? Reflexology is a treatment therapist works on “reflex points” on your In most cases feet, hands, and head (especially ears). the treatment is ex The theory behind reflexology is that these soothing and relaxing, leaving th reflex points relate to specific organs and glands in the body, and stimulating thoseof well-being and re with a sense points with finger pressure promotes health pressure the ears or head. A li in those organs and glands via thein body’s energetic pathways. is felt, and hissing and crackling When done by a skilled practitioner, like heard, with a little popping. Most those in out salon, reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatmentthat with benefits can be pleasant experien it is that a very
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felt throughout the body.
The initial effect can be an impro in hearing or freer nasal breathin The patient should lie in a comfortable an improved sense of smell. How position on his/her side with the head improvements can continue occu supported on a pillow. A small cotton towel day orBT4 two. Rejuvalase Beauty & Laser Clinic, 448 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Antrim, 1HJ or flannel should cover the hair. The litTel: 028 9046 9447 or 084 3886 9497 Email: rejuvalase@outlook.com candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and Reflexology is a treatment where extinguished in some water. The practitioner therapist works on “reflex points” then massages gently around the ear, using feet, hands, and head (especially draining movements down the neck. The theory behind reflexology is Personal & Relationship Therapist reflex points relate to specific org Personal & Relationship Therapist The procedure is repeated with the other glands in the body, and stimulatin British Association of Counselling and ear, and then the patient lies on his/her back points with finger pressure promo British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited and for gentle drainage massage on the face. in those organs and glands via th Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited Advanced Pink Therapy Accredited energetic pathways. Advanced Pink Therapy Accredited It is then important for the patient to have Martin Rolston is a qualified & experienced therapist for clients across the rainbow spectrum, Martin is a qualified experienced therapist clients the rainbow spectrum, based Rolston in Belfast and Dublin & and can provide therapyfor via Skypeacross anywhere in the world. a drink of water and lie still for about 15 When done by a skilled practition based in Belfast and Dublin and can provide therapy via Skype anywhere in the world. minutes before he/she stands up. those in out salon, reflexology is relaxing treatment with benefits t Martin What are the benefits? felt throughout the body. Martin 07734914778 mrcounselling@outlook.com RolstonHopi candles can be used for many 07734914778 mrcounselling@outlook.com Rolston The therapist will use various tec conditions including deafness caused by that include holds, finger pressur excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation kneading, rotation and rubbing a in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, should feel an effect through the tinnitus, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu,
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GNI MAG | 65
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DATING | EAMON McAULEY / KITSCH BITCH
Kitsch Bitch
Happy Christmas KB! What are your plans for Christmas day? Well I do love a good stuffing and I love seeing Santa empty his sack even though he’s a fictional character like Jesus. But I’d also like to wish everyone on Grindr a happy Christmas cuz I’m sure that’s better than hey or hi! Is wearing tinsel like a feather boa ever a good look? I say if you’re going to go for the look fully commit with bauble earrings, fairy light hat and a spritz of Fabreeze festive cinnamon stick! Hi KB. Just wondering how many Brussels sprouts you can fit in your mouth at one time? Ask your da!! I have a red leather jacket that I adore... festive or freaky? In some cases it’s a welcome distraction from the face. #sorryboutit
Dating expert Eamon is here to help.
Eamon McAuley Hello Eamon. I’ve always loved Christmas but since my mother passed away in June nothing feels the same. I am close to all of my family and they will be spending Christmas here with me, but is it okay to celebrate Christmas without her? I feel so guilty for having a good time without her. Brendan, County Kildare Hi Brendan. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. It is never easy to lose a parent, and the first holiday without them is always going to be the most difficult. My personal advice is that it’s better to celebrate a life than to mourn one. This Christmas you and your family should remember the good times you had with your mother and fill the house with laughter and remember the good times you had. No parent would want their child not to move on with their life. So you have nothing to feel guilty about. Enjoy the festive season the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Good luck.
Hi. I’m gay and I’ve just started a new job. My problem is that my boss is very interested in me. I’ve told him I’m not interested but he’s very persistent. I don’t want to make a complaint and have to miss the office Christmas party to avoid him or even risk losing my job. What should I do? Kyle, Belfast Hi Kyle. This is a problem that arises time and time again. Without meaning to sound like too much of a cliché: no means no. Have another chat with your boss again, but this time be direct at expressing how uncomfortable you find this situation. If you don’t feel comfortable being alone with your boss then tell a sympathetic coworker about your concerns and what you plan to do. Make it clear that if things carry you will make a formal complaint. No one has the right to make you uncomfortable in your workplace. You shouldn’t have to live with the fear of losing your job or the fear of harassment from a superior. It daunting to have to be tactical, but be brave and take a firm stand. For more information contact Workplace Relations.
Can you give me some advice? I’m recently single. I live alone and I don’t want to spend Christmas by myself. I don’t have much of a family. There is a guy I have been seeing for a
GNI MAG | 67
few weeks. We get on well but I don’t want to scare him off by asking him to spend Christmas with me. Any advice? Alex, Dublin As we get closer to this time of year this is a problem that a lot of people begin to face. Unfortunately there is no ideal answer to this, and this is because when it comes to relationships everyone is different. And how quickly a person begins to feel comfortable with someone else isn’t easy to predict. My advice would be to test the water and perhaps ask this guy what his plans are for this Christmas. You may find he already has plans to celebrate Christmas with his family. On the other hand he may not be into Christmas at all. Don’t forget that many people see it as just another day. Be honest and direct with this guy about your feelings, but be mindful not to sound like you are trying to make him feel sorry for you. If you really like this guy take the time to get to know him.
Hi Eamon. I’ve been single since the summer. Getting dumped knocked by confidence but I think I’m ready to start dating again. What is the easiest way to meet a nice woman? Eimar, Newry Hi Eimar. Having your confidence knocked after a breakup is only natural, but I’m delighted to hear that you’re ready to start dating. This is where the fun starts! The easiest way to find a nice woman is to let it happen naturally without trying to force it. Don’t put pressure on yourself to suddenly find someone straight away. It can take time. Clubs and bars aren’t the best places to meet people, so keeping an eye out in places like the gym or when you are out shopping or friends of friends can always help. When you meet someone you like, do your best to look confident and be direct and ask them out. You may be surprised at the outcome.
If you need advice on a family, dating or relationship problem, email Eamon on dating@lambpromotions.com Uniquedatingagency.com
TRAVEL | BERLIN
BERLIN WORDS | ORLAITH HENDRON
GNI MAG | 68
TRAVEL | BERLIN I first visited Berlin in 2010 when I came
walking east. The variety of art on display
and traditional treats. Expect luxury and
here on a holiday to check out the club
is incredible. Most of the galleries are
then some.
scene. I fell in love with the city and
free, and you might be lucky enough to
vowed then to move here some day.
stumble on a gallery opening night where
Flea Market. This takes place during the
there is always free wine and snacks. If
last week of Advent inside the cathedral-
you’ll likely experience anywhere in
you’re interested in taking a tour, consider
like former electrical substation in
the world. The Berlin music scene is
avoiding the usual city tour buses and opt
Kreuzberg. Here you can find handmade
probably best known for techno and
for an alternative tour instead.
items and antiques that make for the ideal
The music scene here is the best
electronic sensibilities, so if you’re into
Don’t worry that things might start
The second is the Nowkoellen Christmas
perfect Christmas present. The indoor
that then Berlin is the place to be. Clubs
to wind down in the winter. Berlin in
location is perfect for those snowy winter
like Berghain, Golden Gate and Tresor are
the summer is madness but there is no
nights, where live music will definitely
worth checking out.
Autumn lull in the run up to winter.
have you in the Christmas spirit.
It’s worth noting that things start late in Berlin. Going out at 2am is respectable enough not to be too early. Unlike
Berliners don’t do Halloween like we do, but Christmas is pure magic. For two weeks in October the Berlin
If I can give one word of advice, come to Berlin and see what you can find. Don’t worry about getting lost, or not being able
most European cities the local transport
Festival of Lights transforms the city’s best-
to find anything, the transport here is
runs smoothly 24/7 at the weekends,
known landmarks like the Brandenburg
second to none.
so transport needn’t be an issue. It’s not
Gate and Berlin Cathedral with the most
uncommon to go for brunch at a café on a
amazing light shows you could imagine.
There is an excellent service called White Rabbit (whiterabbit.tips) run by two
When it comes to Christmas there
local guys. For the price of a text message
a spot of afternoon raving (if that’s what
is no better way to pass the time than
you can ask them anything and they will
you’re into).
in one of the city’s many markets.
answer so long as it’s legal. Normally
Throughout the year the marketplaces
you’ll get an answer within minutes
here are consistently fantastic – with
along with a few recommendations
Sunday morning and then onto a club for
If it is Drum and Base you’re after you can find it at Rosi’s or Gretchen. For punk
and directions. “I’m at Henrich Heine
music check out SO36. Queer clubs? No problem. From pop to techno and rock, Schwuz on Rollbergstraße has the most to offer. It’s also open, friendly, and is one of the few fully wheelchair accessible clubs in Berlin. On the way home why not find a nice spot along the canal where the series of wooden cabins that make up the Club der Visionaere plays host. Minimalist techno is as relaxing as it sounds after a night or
Berlin really is all the hype says it is. You can walk down the same street ten times and see something different each time AND Each quarter is completely different from the last
don’t just mean the club scene. The city is
the huge indoor flea market that is
chock full of museums, exhibitions and
Hallentrödelmarkt Treptow being a
workshops; it sounds cliché, but Berlin
personal favourite – but at Christmas
really does have something to suit all
tourists and locals alike are treated to the
tastes. In my first few weeks I attended a
best markets Europe has to offer.
Café culture in Berlin is unbeatable.
27. This market takes place in an area
Kreuzberg. The East Side Gallery is a must
of Charlottenburg known for theatres,
for any tourist; this kilometre-long walk of
museums and fine dining.
If art is your thing then head to
a good fry?” “Who are these guys in this statue?” Berlin really is all the hype says it is. You can walk down the same street ten times and see something different each
amazing as you’ve heard. Just be careful you don’t end up falling in love the way I did.
the Charlottenburg Palace Market, which runs from November 24 to December
Auguststraße in Berlin-Mitte and start
somewhere?” (There is!) “Where can I find
markets you should not miss. The first is
many little coffee shops in Neukolln and
reminder of Germany’s recent history.
park?” “Is there a feminist bike workshop
If you are pressed for time there are two
Try spending some time sampling the
what’s left of the Berlin wall is a poignant
find a sex party?” “Where’s the local skate
from the last, and the beer is just as
You can have it all in Berlin and I
vegan friendly alcohol-free cafés.
have friends visiting and they want to
time. Each quarter is completely different
weekend of Berlin-style clubbing.
few queer zine workshops, some hosted in
Strasse, where’s the nearest gay bar?” “I
Every year it hosts more than 250 vendors who set up in the beautiful Palace courtyard, where you can find exquisite handmade decorations, artisanal foods,
GNI MAG | 69
Orlaith is Hendron is an LGBTQ and feminist activist. She is involved with the Belfast
Feminist Network and has volunteered with IGLYO: an international NGO for young
people and student activists. She was previously
Community Development Officer with Here NI, and a lobbyist with the Women’s Resource and Development Agency.
FITNESS | BODY TRANSFORMATION
FITNESS Before starting at Hybrid Fitness Stephen Clarke weighed 19 stone
Getting off the sofa was the hardest part. At my heaviest I weighed around 19 stone and with a new-born son on the way, I decided that enough was enough. I’d had my fill of crappy food. I’d had my fill of going episode after episode of whatever series I was binging on instead of doing something about my size. Although I had known the guys at Hybrid Fitness for years, I’d never set foot in a gym
before. I knew that by joining their gym I’d be avoiding many of the traps and pitfalls that you find in the fitness industry. And I knew I would be taught how to work effectively to get the results I wanted. Because I was a gym newbie, and being the size I was, I was afraid of feeling intimidated and being made to feel that I didn’t belong. But not once did I feel that way. The people who train at Hybrid Fitness are
there to better themselves, not to take the piss. They are always encouraging each other to do great things. It’s this feeling of community that has kept me training with them ever since I started in February 2014. Before I started, climbing stairs without breaking a sweat was pretty much impossible. Now I do three flights while holding a 28kg kettlebell in each hand for the fun of it! Lenny and PJ have helped me turn my
GNI MAG | 70
life around. Their knowledge on training and nutrition has helped me continue to make better decisions for my health, helped me to become stronger, and helped me to shape my physique in the way I want. Believe me when I say there is no quick fix to achieving your goals. Ultimately you are the one who has to put the work in. You are the one who has to sweat. You are the one who has to have the drive to achieve
FITNESS | BODY TRANSFORMATION The ultimate goal is building muscle mass, but you won’t get far without first strengthening the connective tissue like tendons and ligaments that keep the muscles working. For instance, Stephen’s best lift is his squat, so we kept the reps high with medium to heavy weight. In addition to packing on size on the legs, the squat also helps develop the upper body. With the deadlift we kept the reps low and heavy. Because of his size Stephen struggled at
Lenny - training
first with the pull-ups, but he worked at it consistently. As soon as Stephen reached the point where he was able to perform one pull up it was plain sailing ahead. Turning your
At Hybrid we stick to the basics, and strength
weaknesses into strengths is what makes people
training is our expertise. If you are trying
better athletes.
to build muscle without first building your
For variety we threw in dips, pistol squats,
strength you’ll only get so far. That’s why we
dumbbell rows and powers cleans. For cardio
had Stephen focus on first mastering a variety of
we used farmers walks, kettlebell swings and
specialised techniques.
running. To recover we used Turkish get ups,
If you are going to the gym is to pack on
which is a very simple movement designed
muscle then squats, the bench, the deadlift,
to make all the muscles of the body work in
the military press, and pull-ups should be your
tandem to achieve the same goal. Add in plenty
main focus. Add some swings and farmer’s walks
of water, sleep, good nutrition, dedication and
for cardio and you have the ideal work out.
the results speak for themselves.
When Stephen came to Hybrid Fitness it was
Y
BRID GY M
H
clear he had issues with his nutrition that needed to be addressed. We spoke about how we would set about changing his eating habits. He came to a gym with a friend and they both decided to join a weight loss group. The problem is that no one nutritional approach will get anyone to his or her desired end destination. At certain points everyone needs to re-evaluate what they know and adjust Lyndon Court, Belfast BT1 6EF
your goals because no one is going to force you. This is the only way to do it, and I can’t tell you the feeling you get when you hit your goals. I hope I can inspire others to work hard to get what they want. I still have a long way to go to reach my finish line, but I know that whatever comes my way I’m surrounded by likeminded people.
before continuing on. Most of Stephen’s pre-structured eating
PJ - NUTRITION
plan was instinctual. Meals weren’t restricted in terms of portion size, proteins, fats or carbs.
Stephen had the help and guidance he needed
When Stephen decided he wanted to take his
at Hyrbid Fitness to help him back on track.
transformation to the next level we needed
There is no such thing as a perfect diet. We all
to re-evaluate his approach to nutrition. We
fall sometimes. A good eating plan will ideally
calculated his calories and macronutrient
be one that you can follow and one that is
requirements and gave him targets to hit.
tailored to you.
Foods were generally weighed and measured.
If you are looking to embark on a weight loss
Most people view this as an extreme tactic
journey then construct an intelligent approach
but every great body is built on routine and
to nutrition based on you. An experienced coach
consistency.
can help you with this. When your progress
There were a few sticking points along the
inevitably stalls readjust and move forward.
way, which there always are. Weight loss
Don’t give up. And be realistic - if you haven’t
is never linear, and it’s normal to have the
been looking after your body for years you won’t
occasional lapse on any plan. Fortunately
see the results you want to see overnight
GNI MAG | 71
FOOD & DRINK Festive Mince pies - The GastroGays Patrick Hanlon and Russell James Alford are the couple behind Gastrogays – a food and travel blog born of the streets of Dublin and grown in London. Their blog straddles both sides of the Irish Sea, documenting their recipes, restaurant reviews and travel guides, whilst also offering an honest, behind-thescenes look into the blogging world. Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as @Gastrogays and gastrogays.com
A mince pie is the iconic Christmas treat. However, you will always meet one person who complains that when they bite into one all they get is a mouth full of dry, cold pastry and a measly dollop of boozesoaked fruit; we agree, there’s nothing more disappointing. This particular recipe is inspired by none other than Fanny Craddock, who made one giant mince pie, however her’s had a lid, to be cut into slices. Our version goes one step further and is the perfect ratio of fruit to pastry. We’re also compelled to write a recipe that has the word ‘mince’ in it. You’ll need: 410g jar of good quality mincemeat 2 tbsp cornflour 150g butter 400g flour 1 large, free-range egg You have two decisions before you start this recipe. If you have homemade mincemeat go on ahead and use it, but a shop-bought jar is perfectly fine (we like Waitrose and M&S). Secondly, if you’re averse to making your own pastry, get an all-butter shortcrust pastry 1. Begin by making your pastry: blitz the flour and butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the egg and a little cold water until it all comes together into a ball. Gently roll the pastry into a disc and place into the fridge for 30 minutes. 2. Pre-heat the oven to 180C and grease a loose-bottomed 22cm tart tin.
GNI MAG | 72
3. Remove the mincemeat from a jar, pop into a bowl and stir in the cornflour. This helps to keep the mincemeat from crumbling as you cut later. 4. Remove the pastry from the fridge and roll out between two sheets of parchment paper and carefully place into the tin, on the base and fully up the sides. 5. Trim off any excess around the outside by rolling a rolling pin over the top of the tin. 6. Prick the base well with a fork to avoid the pastry puffing up. Now chill the pastry in the tin for 20 minutes. Gather the pastry remains, re-roll and cut out shapes, or a lattice if you like, to adorn the top of the tart, and chill this as well. 7. Remove from the fridge and cover the pastry in the tin with parchment paper, fill generously with baking beans or dried rice to weigh down and blind bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove from oven, ditch the beans and fill with the mincemeat and cornflour mixture. 8. Adorn with your extra pastry shapes, brushing the top of these with beaten egg yolk, then cook in the oven for a further 20 minutes. 9. Do not attempt to eat this while it’s warm, as the molten mincemeat will burn your mouth. Allow to cool almost completely and serve, topped with a snowy sprinkling of brandy butter or whipped cream.
LIFESTYLE | FOOD AND DRINK
RESTAURANT REVIEW
COCO
Although Coco has been situated in Linenhall Street in Belfast’s
which was delicious. The prawns were soft, fresh, and cooked to
City Centre for around seven years, this was the first time this
perfection. The rice was moist with the taste of the chorizo piercing
writer had been. Set in a row of beautiful Victorian buildings, in a
through. Each mouthful was a pleasure.
former life Coco’s building was an old linen drying room, so this restaurant just oozes character.
The turnaround between courses was just right, allowing time for our starters to settle, but not so long that we felt as if we were
Once inside, the smells of fresh gourmet food being prepared
having to wait for the main to arrive. I had asked for my lamb to
were palpable. The place was buzzing with the mixed crowd of
be served well done, and that is how it was served, perfectly sliced
city folk in for apost-work pick me ups, couples seated for romantic
and presented in a cassoulet reduction. As well done as it was,
meals, and small groups out celebrating. The interior is larger than
the meat was tender and succulent. The flavours of the cassoulet
the exterior would have you believe, with a contemporary and
and merguez sausage nicely complimented the lamb. Once again,
urban feel, with the walls adorned with the works of various local
the portion size was more than filling without running the risk of
artists. Although it’s obvious that you are dining in a restaurant
leaving no room room for dessert.
with style and panache, the decor is far from overwhelming.
The dessert menu would put any other restaurant in Belfast
The menu is well apportioned, with a variety of starters ranging
to shame, with a multitude of treats to chose from a vanilla
in price from £4.50 - £7.95, and mains ranging in price from £15.00 -
cheesecake and berry compote, to an apple and blackberry
£22.95. This writer opted for a Risotto with chorizo, prawn, saffron,
crumble served with crème anglaise. This reviewer settled on an
lemon and parsley to start. This was followed a well-seasoned
oozy chocolate fondant served with a sharp orange ice cream and
Dexter beef burger, with chedder cheese, coleslaw and a side of
chocolate sauce. My guest opted for the buttermilk pannacotta, a
fries. My guest opted for a starter of roasted Tamarind chicken,
creamy confection accompanied by plums stewed in mulled wine
with chilli, scallions, fresh mango and sesame dressing. This was
and a brandy snap tuille that would make Mary Berry proud.
followed by roast Mourne Lamb with a white bean red pepper cassoulet and merguez sausage). This was complimented by a
We left Coco feeling entirely satisfied. The ambience is second to none, while the selection food and drink is top notch.
taster portion of seared scallops on a bed of braised pork belly, broccoli, pickled cauliflower and cauliflower puree. The wine list
Words by Tony Day
was well stocked for even the most discerning gourmand. Portion sizes were more than ample, with a fair-sized portion of risotto being served as a starter. That is to say nothing of its flavour,
7 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA (028 90 311 150) Meal for two, including drinks and service: £60
GNI MAG | 73
Purveyors of Irish cuisine, fine wines and craft ales
TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS Follow us on Facebook @HolohansPantry for updates on our new menus and opening hours
www.holohanspantry.co.uk 43 UNIVERSITY ROAD, BELFAST, BT7 1ND
N O W O N T N E V E N AUTUM rest Free * 2 0 M o n t h s In t e 0 % D e p o s it 1 h it w E C N A IN F
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“Our Civil Partnership at the Belfast Barge & Holohan’s restaurant was absolutely surreal from start to finish and exceeded any hopes or expectations we might have had. Right from our first meeting with Calvin we were captivated by the surroundings, atmosphere and quirkiness of the venue. It was the perfect spot for us to make this big commitment to eachother. Calvin, his mum and the whole team at Holohan’s went above and beyond to make sure they made our day perfect, from the exquisite food to the outstanding service, we could not have imagined anything more perfect. Our guests complimented that it was the nicest food they’ve ever tasted and best menu they’ve ever seen at a wedding. For us both we were blown away by the attention to detail but most importantly how personal the whole day felt. I have never experienced a more efficient, professional and friendly service and our deepest thanks for a day we will always remember!”
Contact our dedicated wedding specialist and plan your dream wedding on a boat! www.holohansatthebarge.co.uk
Furniture, Sofas, Giftware New cafe open in Boucher Crescent Belfast City Centre 17-21 Bruce Street, Belfast, BT2 7JD (028) 9032 3197
TORE Boucher Crescent NEW S45-56 Boucher Crescent, Belfast, BT12 6HU Tel: (028) 9521 5899
Ballymena 33-35 Mill Street, Ballymena, BT43 5AA (028) 2564 9787 Newtownabbey Unit 5b, Longwood Road Retail Park Longwood Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 9UQ Tel: 02890 862223 * Terms and Conditions apply
Small chandelier £629
Miranda Weathered 6-8 ext diner £499
HOME To celebrate the launch of Creations’ newest store on Belfast’s Boucher Crescent, here’s the hottest look for fitting out your dining room in 2016.
Large Mantle clock £269 Miranda Weathered Display Cabinet £689
Miranda Weathered Miranda Weathered
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£79
GNI MAG | 75
SCENE OUT | HOLOHANS
GNI MAG
were at the launch of new
restaurant Holohans Pantry. Located at 43 University Street, Belfast, Holohans are purveyors of Irish cuisine, fine wines & craft ales. Follow them on Facebook @HolohansPantry for updates on their new menus, opening hours, and Christmas bookings.
holohanspantry.co.uk
GNI MAG | 76
SCENE OUT | KREMLIN
No weekend is complete without a trip to Northern Ireland’s biggest and best gay venue. So that’s exactly what we did.
GNI MAG | 77
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FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE
The Big Day
GNIMAG.COM | 79
In this edition of ‘The Big Day’ GNI MAG catches up with Dearbhaile and Gabrielle. Like so many before them, these two lovely ladies met by chance in the Kremlin. Six years later and they’re still inseperable.
job. Because I was a Kremlin regular I noticed a job vacancy ad behind the bar and asked for an application. After about a year of working together I realised I was crazy about her.
Dearbhaile We met while we were both working in the Kremlin. Gabrielle was one of the managers there while I was a member of bar staff. I had been in and out of relationships before I met Gabrielle. I was in uni at the time and working in the Kremlin, so I was just having fun. Gabrielle and I didn’t really get on when we first met, but after chatting to her one night I realised she was actually dead on. After some terrible flirting on Gabrielle’s part we got together on a staff night out and here we are!
Dearbhaile We didn’t rush into things. We were together for six years before we got engaged. We had just bought our apartment and we knew that the next step was to get married. We had spoken about it lots and we knew that it was something we both wanted. We got engaged on Christmas Eve 2012. We had our rings under the Christmas tree for about a month. When Christmas Eve arrived we promised each other that we would be together forever. It was all very sweet. My main stumble was finding the perfect wedding dress. I found the dress of my dreams while on holiday in NYC a few months before the wedding, but they didn’t have it in my size, so I had to head back to Belfast without it. Little did I know that they wouldn’t
Gabrielle I had been single for four years and, believe it or not, had never been interested in women before. At the time I was training to be a hairdresser and needed a part-time
ship the dress to the UK because it was a Vera Wang, so I faced the predicament of flying back to NYC to pick it up or do without. Luckily a friend of mine was heading to New York on holiday so she was able to pick it up for me. We still joke that the dress had its own seat. Gabrielle I had a few struggles in the first few months we were together because I was trying to come to terms with being in a same-sex relationship. I never considered myself gay before I met Dearbhaile or had any feelings for women. It was a difficult adjustment because I’d grown up dreaming about my Prince Charming. Who knew that a girl was to be my soul mate? When I realised the important part wasn’t about gender or being gay, it was about finding my soul mate and being happy. I knew I would be with her forever. We discussed our future from early on, moving in together after a year of dating. We knew we would get married; it was a question of, not
GNI MAG | 81
if, but when. We shopped for our engagement rings together, bought them, and kept them under the Christmas tree. It was an amazing day. I’ll never forget it. Dearbhaile My wedding day was the best day of my life. I know everyone says that, but it was just perfection. We had our ceremony on the Roof Garden of The Merchant Hotel. We were the first couple to ever have a ceremony up there so that was really special too. Gabrielle and I both stayed in the hotel the night before (in separate rooms, of course) each with our bridal party. We all had breakfast together on the morning of the wedding alongside our wedding party, and then we went our separate ways until the ceremony. The ceremony was pretty small. We had about sixty guests there. We each wrote our own vows because we wanted it to be personal to us. From the music, to the readings, to the seating arrangements, every part of the
FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE
ceremony meant something personal to us. After the ceremony we had afternoon tea and drinks. We hired a Routemaster Bus to take the party from The Merchant to Harlem Café for the meal and evening reception. Harlem is a fantastic venue. We loved how chic it felt, and how perfectly it fitted with our theme. We chose not to have a top table, instead just having small tables of five to six people. Gabrielle and I had a table to ourselves. We named each table with quotes from different books, songs and movies, all of them about love. After dinner we danced the night away with family and friends. So off came the shoes and on went the Converse. Gabrielle I would love to take credit for how our wedding day turned out but it was all Derv. She styled the whole day and organised everyone. We discussed what we wanted at length
(I helped with multiple choices when she couldn’t decide), but she executed it all! We decided to go for a small wedding because we liked the intimacy of enjoying it with our close friends and family. I don’t like the summer and she hates the winter so we felt that September was that perfect medium. And it was. There was rain the night before and morning of our big day but it was completely dry for the rest of it, which we were so thankful for because our photos were meant to be taken on the roof of the Merchant! Everything went so smoothly, which wasn’t surprising as Dearbhaile (who we fondly nicknamed Monica after Monica from friends) and our events manager Rachel had everything planned to perfection. I literally just had to show up. The most important thing for us on the day was the music. We put our hearts and souls into
getting it right. There could be no compromise. We handpicked every song that was played in the background, the music that played during the ceremony, and the music that was played throughout the reception and evening party. It was a beautiful mix of modern acoustic songs as well as songs from our life that we’ve always loved and have special significance for us. The music really made the day; even now it is the one thing (apart from maybe the food) that we still talk about more than two years later. Dearbhaile The reception was a great chance to relax and talk to old friends that we hadn’t seen in a while. With Harlem being such an intimate venue in comparison it meant we got to close to our friends and family. The atmosphere was brilliant, especially when the guests started to arrive for the evening do.
We had a sparkling reception on arrival for our guests. Then we had speeches, none too embarrassing thankfully, there were some tears, and then it was onto the food. We opted not to go with a traditional wedding meal, instead giving our guests the choice of what they wanted to eat. For starters there was a choice of ribs, salad or soup. The main was fish and chips, steak burger and chips, or a traditional chicken dinner. I have such a sweet tooth so we had a trio of deserts so we wouldn’t have to pick just one! As the night drew to a close we headed back to the Merchant for our one night’s stay. As we ordered drinks in the residents’ bar there were three other guys sitting there who asked us about our dresses. They thought it was a double wedding! We explained that we were just married so the lovely guy at the bar offered to buy us a drink to celebrate. It turned out to be the actor Dominic Cooper who was in Belfast filming at the time. It was a really lovely and surprising end to the day. The next morning we woke up to beautiful personalised breakfast menus. We had a private dining room for our family and friends. The Merchant team did an incredible, beautiful job for us. We loved every second. Dearbhaile We went on honeymoon three days after the wedding. We flew into Barcelona for a night and then headed away on a weeklong cruise around the Mediterranean. It was heavenly. You don’t realise how tiring it is planning a wedding until it happens to you. We planned ours in just less than six months so being able to get away and spend time alone together was fantastic. After our cruise we headed to Sitges for two nights. This was where Gabrielle and I had our first holiday way back when we first started going out in 2006, so it holds a special place in our heart.
FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE
Dearbhaile I love married life. People say that it’s not different but it is. You have made a commitment to someone to be there through the good times and bad. Just knowing you have one person in your life who will be by your side forever is an amazing feeling. Gabrielle and I are also wedding photographers, so every time we do a wedding I give her this little look and it reminds me how lucky we are and how much I love being with this girl!
Gabrielle Before we were married it I was told by so many people that nothing changes, that everything is exactly the same as it was before, but I have to disagree. I know it sounds crazy, but my favorite part of the whole experience was the morning after the wedding. I was in the suite getting dressed. Dearbhaile was still asleep, and I was thinking about the night before and wondering if things did feel different now that we were married. Then a lovely feeling
washed over me and I have never felt so safe and secure in my life. I knew we would be together forever and I would never have to be alone. Marriage isn’t just a piece of paper, for me it means security. I know that may sound strange but knowing that I had a person who loved me more than anything, enough to make this commitment to me, was heaven. Married life is fun. We can be rude, cheeky, thoughtless and crazy, but it doesn’t matter because we take care of each other.
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Dearbhaile Gabrielle is a girly girl. She is very into her make up and dressing up and getting her hair done. I just throw something on and I’m out the door. I would be more into sports and music. I love going to the gym and DJ’ing. We do important things together but also have our me time. I am the planner. I plan and organise everything whereas Gabrielle is happy just to wing it. Luckily this works well for us. We know that in the eyes of the law our
FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE
marriage is only a civil partnership. We need to continue to fight for equality to make gay marriage legal in Northern Ireland. Gabrielle We are polar opposites in so many ways. Dearbhaile is so organised, I’m a hot mess. She loves cleaning, I leave things for her to clean. I’m mad about musicals, whereas she is more reserved. She has adapted to my tastes over the years. Even though we are different in so many ways we managed to make it work. I am a photographer by trade (#PopPhotography!) and I work long hours at weddings or on shoots, which means I’m away quite a lot, so it was natural for Derv to want to learn how to take pictures too so that we could work together. We also love to spend time apart on our “pamper days”. Sometimes it’s visiting family, or going out for drinks with friends, or even just sitting at home to chill! We are happiest when we are together.
Contact Dearbhaile and Gabrielle at popphotographyni.com
GNI MAG | 84
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LGBT FAMILIES
When I was growing up, everywhere you looked there were mums and dads with two kids and a dog. My family were “pretend”
Liz’s story I’m never sure what people expect me to say
traditional moral values are being taught that
smaller affair, but they were surrounded by those
a family with two mums.
She later introduced Section 28, which banned
Civil Partners there was a great “Whoop!” in the
when they ask me what it was like growing up in I was born in Birmingham in the mid 1980s.
My parents divorced when I was two because my mum came out as gay. She bought a house at the opposite end of our street so my brother and I
moved house on a weekly basis for the majority of our childhood.
Some people may think this was hard for
us, and sometimes it was a pain to have to pack up your things when all you wanted to do was
test out the new Mario game for my Gameboy, but through a kids eyes all you saw was two
bedrooms, two Christmas stockings! You also got loving parents in abundance.
Looking back, it was exceptionally brave of
my mother to come out when she did, and for
they have an inalienable right to be gay.”
local government bodies from promoting or publishing material that “promoted homosexuality.” This included schools
“promoting the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”
This meant that my teachers were cautious
“issues” with my family. And some friends were not allowed to come over to my house to play,
although my parents always protected me from this kind of attitude as a child.
It meant that no books in the school library
Looking back now, I can’t understand why we
offer same-sex couples the same legal status as still face here in Northern Ireland today.
Luckily my mums live in England, so last
Christmas, after over 20 years together, they
quietly slipped off to the registry office (again),
handed in their Civil Partnership certificate, and left with a marriage certificate.
On this occasion there wasn’t a big party; it
was just the two of them. And after years seeing
kids and a dog. My family were “pretend.”
had the piece of paper to prove it. I can’t describe
In 1996, my mums had a Commitment
Ceremony. All their friends and family were
In 1987, the year my mum came out, the
with confetti, cake, dancing and a whole lot
said, “Children who need to be taught to respect
Or did they?
television!) represented my family. Everywhere
Ireland and Scotland was a new thing. There
Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
relationship recognised by law.
heterosexual couples. This is a position that we
kids, rather than the kids themselves who had
you looked there were mums and dads with two
was growing hysteria around the AIDS crisis.
many years together, my mums finally had their
Unsurprisingly, it was the parents of some of the
out as gay quite often lost custody of their kids of gay sex for men aged over 21 in Northern
totally overwhelmed with emotion. After so
settled for Civil Partnerships when they fail to
encountered at school because of our parents.
or programmes on children’s television (or any
purely because they were gay. Decriminalisation
room and we all cheered. I remember feeling
of addressing any problems my brother or I
my father to support her as much as he did. This was the eighties. Back then, mothers who came
they loved, and as the registrar pronounced them
invited to celebrate and we had a brilliant day of love. But the ceremony gave my mums no legal status or protection, and in the eyes of
the law they were
not recognised as a
couple. This meant
that if anything were to happen to my
mum, my other mum had no legal rights over my brother
each other as fully wedded partners, they finally to you what it is like to see your parent’s brand
new marriage certificate for the first time when you are 30 years old.
If there was anything detrimental in my
childhood it was the anti-gay laws and attitudes that failed to see or accept that gay families like mine existed, not the families themselves, and
definitely not being raised by two mums. These
laws have taken the UK and Ireland decades to
overcome, but now – thankfully – we have legal protection for our LGBT communities and
their families as well as equal civil marriage in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
My brother is straight and can marry his
and I.
girlfriend, but I can’t marry mine. So come on
years to the day of
I’ve got a woman I love and I want to wed!
In 2006, ten
their Commitment Ceremony, my
mums had a Civil
Partnership. It was a
GNI MAG | 86
Northern Ireland, get a move on and catch up -
If you would like to have your family story
featured on this page email your story to kieran@lambpromotions.com
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Professor Tara Moore Ulster University
GERRY’S STORY Gerry Walls, aka Tina Leggs Tantrum, is looking bronzed and
but his mum’s experience has made him more determined to
relaxed after enjoying a week at Benidorm’s Gay Pride. It
keep healthy. “I used to weigh twenty stone and smoked forty
couldn’t be more different from last year’s holiday when he
cigarettes a day, but I was fed up being chubby. I changed my
only had one thing on his mind – his beloved mum Terry, who
life around when I was 40. I had just lost my dad who had
was in hospital following open heart surgery.
passed away only a year after his retirement and I knew
Gerry explains, “About two years ago, my mum started to experience heart palpitations and she developed a shake in her
that I wanted a long, healthy retirement. “So I changed my life. I gave up smoking. I rarely have
hand. Mummy never smoked or drank. There was no family
a drink now. I run in the mornings, I go to a circuit class
history of heart disease, but she did have diabetes. She went to
and have a PT session four times a week. I am healthier
her GP, and to this day I believe she owes her life to him. He
and fitter. I have done all this for myself, to make
immediately sent her to the Royal Victoria Hospital for tests.
myself happy. But I also know, looking at my family
“I went with her for the results. I don’t know why, but I just
history, I need to look after my heart too. So often in
had this funny feeling that something was the matter. We
the LGBT community, the health issues we focus on
are very close, and I was right – the news wasn’t good. The
are sexual health and mental health, and we forget
consultant told her that her arteries were almost totally blocked
about the health issues that affect you regardless
and she would have to undergo surgery as soon as possible.
of your sexuality. Twice as many LBGT people
“Mummy is like me – she likes to sprinkle comedy on
smoke compared to the overall population of
everything. After the consultant gave her the diagnosis he
Northern Ireland, which increases your risk of
asked her if she had any questions. ‘Yes’ says Mummy, ‘only one
heart attack and stroke, as well as respiratory
– will I have to give up my part-time job as a lap dancer?’ I love
illnesses and cancer. I know I can’t make
my Mum – she makes me laugh so much.
anyone else change their lives, that the
“The day she went in for her operation was heartbreaking. I
effort to change has to come from within.
am one of six kids and we lost our Daddy in 2007. I knew that
But I want to make sure people know the
Mummy was about to undergo major surgery and that I could
facts and figures so they can make their
maybe lose her. When I saw her after the operation, I took her
own decisions about their health.”
hand and told her ‘I know you can hear me. I’ve told God I am not letting him take you. You’re staying here with us.’” At this point Gerry pauses and says that is the first time he had ever been able to say those words aloud without crying. Within hours, Gerry’s mum was able to open her eyes. Within three days she was moved from to a high dependency ward. “I had a holiday booked but I had no intention of leaving Mummy,” Gerry continued. “When she asked me when my holiday was, I told her I wasn’t going. ‘If you don’t go, I’ll fall out with you’ she told me. So off I went. I felt awful. I tried to enjoy myself but couldn’t. I am so thankful God decided not to take her and to let us have our Mummy for longer.” Gerry’s mum gradually improved. Eventually she was able to look after herself fully again. The consultant was so impressed by her progress that he decided to discharge her completely. Gerry speaks to her every day. “You only get one mother. So I want to look after mine like she looked after me. She is doing really well now. She’s like a new pin.” Gerry started to look after his own health a few years ago,
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FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story
James knew he was gay since he was small. He’s had the usual ups and downs, but this Belfast lad is about to achieve his lifelong dream of jetting off with British Airways...
When did you first realise you were gay? I always knew I was gay. Ever since I was very young I knew I was a little bit different. I didn’t play with Action Men, but my mum was a childminder so I would play with the dolls of any of the little girls she minded. I grew up surrounded by a lot of girls and women, but my best friend who lived next door was a boy. Tell me about your coming out experience? I came out to my close friend Stephanie when I was 17. I was on my lunch break with her in school. It felt like I had reached the stage where I needed to tell someone, and I trusted her with my life. It took me a very long time to say “I’m gay,” whenever I talked about it to people I always said “I liked boys,” I never said “I’m gay.” How did they react when you told them? I came out to my close friend first of all. I guess she already knew. I came out to the rest of my friends a month later, then my mum about a half a year later. It was the biggest weight of my chest. I was so relieved. I was really emotional, but I wasn’t as emotional as I thought I would be because I guessed she already knew. I was so much happier after coming out. I was like a totally different person. Coming out made me the person I am now. It took a while but I am so much more confident. I’m really glad I did it. Was coming out a big deal for you or did it feel natural? It was definitely a big deal. I had a girlfriend when I was very, very young. We kissed, and I did fancy her, but it never felt right. There was a boy in my year who I really fancied when I came out; he was gorgeous, really tall, and really nice arms. He was so sexy, and he had the best smile. That summer we flirted with each other non stop, but it was just banter. Did you find it difficult to accept you were gay? Yeah, I did. I felt like it was so different to what I knew. No one else was gay but me and I was scared of their reaction. I knew my friends would be supportive, but I found it really hard to
0808 808 8000
tell my best friend Stephen because we were so close, even though he is straight. Coming out to him was the biggest relief of all. He knew as well so he acted as normal. His family became my second family after that. How did your family react when they learned you were gay? I thought my mum would have been fine, and she was, but I knew it would be harder with my dad because we were so close. I love him, and we do get on, and he is really comfortable being around gay people, but I didn’t feel like I could tell him. It’s so much different when it’s personal for you. Mum said she knew I was gay, but she didn’t want to show it. But for dad it was a real shock. It was a really tough couple of months, especially since mum felt stuck in the middle between me and Dad. I didn’t stay in my house a lot, I stayed with my fiends, and I didn’t really socialise with my immediate family during that time. But I was about to start a new job after leaving school and I wanted to be me. Has anyone’s opinion of you changed since you came out? No, I honestly feel like my family and friends love me more for being who I truly am than for living in secret. They wouldn’t have wanted me to be in the closet, and I was so miserable right up until I came out. Did you ever feel the need to seek professional help? I didn’t feel like I had very much gay support, but since coming out I’ve made so many gay friends that have helped me in so many ways. Where do you live? How accepting are people there of LGBT people? I live in North Belfast. I have never once encounteered homophobia in the streets. I’m always really affectionate when I’m on a date. I don’t mind holding hands and kissing in public, and no one has ever said anything to me. But you have to be sensible about these things. I feel comfortable enough being gay in Belfast because
Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000
www.lifelinehelpline.info
FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story
COMING OUT
JAMES tells his story. 0808 808 8000
Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000
www.lifelinehelpline.info
FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story
it’s my home town. I know it’s not perfect but nowhere really is. It could be a lot worse. I don’t actually know anyone that’s been gaybashed. I’m about to move to London to work as cabin crew for British Airways. I’m not worried about being openly gay in public in London. What are the most important things in your life? Having positive and loving people in your life is the most important thing to me. Genuine, generous, loving people, lots of family and friends are the best. Being productive keeps you stable. It’s really important to have good and achievable life goals, but your goals have to be realistic. There’s no point wanting a ten bed house in New York City. British Airways is a great stepping stone for me.
What are your plans for the future? My plan is to stay with British Airways for the next few years. I’d like to see how far it can take me. Then I really want to pursue my career in London. I’d love to settle down in New York some day, or Los Angeles. I really like the idea of putting down roots in other cities even though I really love Belfast. There just aren’t enough opportunities here. I am single at the moment, and looking for love. I’ll be looking for that certain someone when I move to London. I can see myself with my own family in the next few years. I would love to have my own kids, but I think adoption is a really good idea too. Right now I’ll settle for a puppy and a kitten and a rabbit all at the same time so they can be best friends like the ones of the YouTube videos.
0808 808 8000
Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000
www.lifelinehelpline.info
you’reinindistress distressor or despair, oryou you distress ordespair, despair,or IfIfyou’re someonewho whois, is,call callLifeline Lifeline24/7 24/7 know 24/7 knowsomeone someone on0808 0808808 8088000 8000. on 8000. 0808 808 You’ll immediatehelp help over the phone. appropriatewe’ll we’llgive give You’llget getimmediate helpover overthe thephone. phone.IfIfIfappropriate You’ll youan an appointment for face to face counselling ininyour your local anappointment appointmentfor forface-to-face face-to-face counsellingin yourlocal localarea you counselling areawithin within days. within 5 - 10 area 7 7days.
Calls to Lifeline are answered CallstotoLifeline Lifelineare areanswered answered Calls by qualified counsellors who byqualified qualifiedcounsellors counsellorswho who by can providehelp help and support canprovide provide help and support can and support con fidence.Calls Callsare are free from inconfidence. confidence. arefree freefrom from inin all landlines and mobiles. alllandlines landlinesand andmost most mobiles. all most mobiles. (Textphone:18001 18001 0808808 808 8000) 180010808 0808 8088000) 8000) (Textphone:
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | BELFAST
Monday
Maverick – Contdown with Contessa Von
Sunday
Boombox – Now You’re Talkin’! Weekly pop
Union Street – The Sunday Bingo Show
Kremlin – Closed
Tramp. Free entry
Kremlin – Industry 10pm, Admission free
Trudy Scrumptious
party with DJ Ricky C. All drinks £2
8.30pm
Union Street – Monday night show with Shoe Factory - Flux with DJ Ryan Morgan
Maverick – Motor Mouth Mondays, Comedy Night with Gemma Hutton. Free entry
Sunflower – Manouche Gypsy Swing 5.30pm, Sunflower Folk Club 8pm
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex
Sunflower – Open Mic Nights, 7pm, Free
– Now open until 4am
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex
Friday
– KJB Massage 2pm – 5pm
Kremlin – Weekly Themed Nights with DJ
Tuesday
Union Street – The Friday Set Acoustic
bottle of beer for every performer
Kremlin – Klub 180, All drinks £1.80 all night, 10pm – 2.30am
Union Street – Grannie’s Fun Factory 9pm, All drinks from £2
Maverick – Lipsync for your Drink, with Rusty Hinges and Roxy Tumbledryer
Sunflower – The Dandy Horses Unplugged, 7.30pm
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – Now open until 4am Wednesday
Gareth Woods. Open until 3am
Bubu @ The Shoe Factory - First Friday of
Boombox – Downtown with DJ Jordan,
HOtel MOtel last Friday every month. All drinks £2.50
Sunflower – Boxing Hare Wood Fired Pizza Traditional Session 8pm
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – KJB Massage 2pm – 5pm
Grannie’s Time Tunnel 9pm – Late
by Trudy Scrumptious and Robert Brown
concessions & under 26 years old
month
Union Street – Tina’s T’Okie 5pm – 8pm,
Union Street – Okie Dokie Karaoke hosted
Complex – Hard Up Sundays, free buffet &
Hawkes from 9pm
Cherrie On Top. Free entry
Kremlin – Deuce, £2 entry, £2 drinks
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure
Maverick – VAGABOND with DJ Marion
Maverick – Open Mic Wednesdays with
Thursday
Gramophone Club from 8pm
Rewind @ Kremlin – First Friday of every
Kremlin – Revolution, 9pm – 3am
– Now open until 4am
Sunflower – Traditional Session 7pm, Sunday
Regular Nights
Saturday
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex
with Gemma Hutton & DJ Lady Luck
Friday from 9pm
Union Street – Tina’s Stop the Clock
Roxy Tumbledryer, & DJ Kenny. 10pm – 3am
Boombox – Sunday Service, drag spectacular
Sessions with Ash Smith 5pm – 7pm. TGI
Kremlin – Closed
Boombox – Bitch Please! with Rusty Hinges,
Maverick – R&R with Rusty and Roxy 5pm
Maverick – HIJINKS with Lady Portia Di’Monte from 6pm
Boombox – BOOMBOX Saturdays DJ
Ciaran Boylan, Sassie Longshaft and Paulette Stiletta 10pm – 3am
Sunflower – Boxing Hare Wood Fired Pizza 5pm – 11pm in the Sunflower Garden, Appalachian Session 8pm
every month (men only)
MOTN @ Queens Cafe Bar – Last Friday of every month (men only)
The White Mansions @ The Sunflower First Friday of every month
Pub Quiz @ The Sunflower – First Tuesday of every month
Duke Special’s Gramophone Club @
Sunflower – Last Friday of every month
Hotel Motel Residency @ Boombox – Last Friday of every month
Room Service @ Boombox – Bi-monthly
The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – First Friday of every month – Bubu Afterparty
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | BELFAST
Belfast
1 - Union Street/Shoe Factory
6 - Queens Cafe Bar
A - Grand Opera House
E - Ulster Hall
3 - Maverick
8 - Boombox
C - City Hall
G - Albert Clock
2 - Kremlin
4 - Sunflower Bar 5 - Kelly’s Cellars
7 - El Divino
9 - The Pipeworks
10 - Whites Tavern
B - The MAC D - The Fish
F - The Waterfront
© Jamie Baird 2015
out in...
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | DUBLIN
Monday
Pantibar – Joystick, DJ Dr Beat plays quality
Copper Alley – Mother, the home of synth
The George – Win, Lose or Drag with Phil T.
80s music
pop and electro
Gorgeous and Bunny from 8.30pm.
Break for the Border – Meat Street with
Admission free all night with drinks!
Friday
international guest hosts, DJs and live acts,
Pantibar – Pints and chats
The George – Glitterbomb with DJs Ger
from 11pm
and Mo, hosted by David D-Pole and his Tuesday
Glitterati Dancers, Drinks promos, Free
Sunday
The George – The Dolly Grip Experience
shots, Admission free before 10pm, €5 from
The George – Bingo with Shirley Templebar,
The Front Lounge – Davina Devine’s
10 til midnight, €8 after
from 9.30pm. Admission free before 10pm,
Casting Couch, Karaoke from 10pm
The Front Lounge – DJ Conor Behan
€5 entry after
Pantibar – Pints and chats
playing dance floor fillers from 10pm
The Front Lounge – The big Gay Brunch
Pantibar – DJ Steobar and Our Perfectly
Club from 12pm
Wednesday
Preposterous Drinks Specials
Pantibar – Panti’s Tea Dance
The George – Space N Veda with Veda
The Hub – SweatBox, Classic House Regular Nights
Beaux. Cabaret, Drag and Live Music Pantibar – Pints and chats
Saturday
Pop Rox Indie Night @ The Dive Bar (Turk’s
The George – SaturGays with DJ Sean John,
Head) – Fortnightly Saturdays, €5
Thursday
Davina, Veda & guests with Beauty Spot
Crush Girlclub @ Lafayette Club – Check
The George – Davina Devine hosts Thursty
Karaoke from 10pm. €10 after 11pm
listings for events
Thursdays until 2.30am
The Front Lounge – Brunch with DJ Terry
The Front Lounge – 2 for 1 cocktails
from 10pm Pantibar – The Panti Show from 10pm. Cruisin’, Music, Dancin’, Chattin’
Map Key 1 - Panti Bar
7 - The Hub
A - Parliament Square
E - Gaiety Theatre
3 - The Front Lounge
9 - The Dive Bar (Turk’s Head)
C - Dublin Castle
G - Olympia Theatre
2 - Nealons
4 - Copper Alley 5 - The George
6 - Lafayette Club
8 - The Boilerhouse
10 - Break for the Border 11 - 4 Dame Lane
B - Temple Bar
D - The Needle
F - Grafton Street
THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | DUBLIN
Dublin
© Jamie Baird 2015
what’s on in...
CHRISTMAS
IN NUMBER
S
60 1/6 521 50 364 1870
A whopping 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.
Those are our chances of a white Christmas in Ireland this year. (Or 1/10 if you’re in England. Sorrynotsorry.)
The first UK Christmas was celebrated in AD 521 in York!
‘White Christmas’ is the most popular Christmas song ever, with more than 50 million copies sold since 1934.
If you totted up all the gifts in ’The 12 Days of Christmas’ you’d end up with quite a few extra to regift next year...
The year Christmas was declared an official holiday in the USA.
15 7 822 50% 1 25% 4 25
The amout of years a Christmas tree needs to mature before it’s sold (only to dry out in 10 minutes...)
The UK has only had seven white Christmasses in the last 100 years!
That’s how many houses Santa Claus has to visit every second on Christmas Eve to reach every house on the planet.
Half of UK households tuck into a Christmas pudding on the big day.
One movie regularly tops polls for the greatest Christmas movie of all time: the classic It’s A Wonderful Life
On average, a quarter of your time shopping for Christmas presents will be spent in the queue. Argh!!
4 BILLION Brussels Sprouts are sold in the week before Christmas around the world. That equals a hell of a lot of farts.
There is no mention of December 25th in the bible. Most historians actually think Jesus was born in the spring.
Sources larkstatistics.co.uk, mirror.co.uk. britishturkey.co.uk
GNI mag
PUTTING THE ‘T’ IN LGBT & PROUDLY MADE IN BELFAST
THE SPORTS ISSUE Issue 18 | September/October 2015 | £3.95 / €4.95
THE SPORT ISSUE
NEXT ISSUE - WE GET DOWN AND DIRTY WITH IRELAND’S NEWEST INCLUSIVE RUGBY TEAM, THE BELFAST AZLANS - EXCLUSIVE 2016 PREVIEW - AND INTRODUCING... THE GNI MAG AWARDS!
CELEBS / FASHION / MUSIC / NEWS / REVIEWS / MOVIES / FITNESS / HOME / FOOD & DRINK
GNI MAG | 98
OUT JANUARY 16
GNI mag THE AWARDS T W E N T Y
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C O M I N G S O O N
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