GNI MAG ISSUE 23

GNI mag

THE LOCAL HOMOCULTURAL MAGAZINE Issue 23 September/October 2016 £3.95 / €4.95

Andy West

Life after Big Bro

La voix

DRAG RACE TO AB FAB

B*Witched They’re back!

STUDENTS

olly OUR GUIDES FOR YOU

t he ris e a n d r is e o f

m u r s

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GNI mag EDITOR Kieran Clarke kieran@lambpromotions.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Tony Day tony@lambpromotions.com DIRECTOR Fred Scott fred@lambpromotions.com PHOTOGRAPHY Brad McClenaghan OPERATIONS MANAGER Daniel May daniel@lambpromotions.com EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Christopher Megrath chris@lambpromotions.com SPECIAL THANKS TO Edward Acheson, Jacob Alexander, Luke Antony, Tomo Brejc, Stephan Donnan, Rory Cramsie, Bliaine Fitzpatrick, Daria Gerasimova, Jake Graf, Patrick Hanlon & Russell Alford, La Voix, Lucy Liddell and The MAC, David Lim, Maitiu Ó Maoldúin, Brad McClenaghan, Alexander McLuckie, Fred Mellor, Olly Murs, Peccadillo Pictures, Philip Normal, Luther Redd, Luke Taylor, Charlie Tidmas, Tourist Board of Gran Canaria, Antony Webster-King, Martin JamesKing, Andy West.

GNI MAG is published by: Lamb Promotions Ltd 145 Holywood Road Belfast, BT4 3BE

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Telephone | 028 90654314 Website | 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 appear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to following any advice offered in this publication.

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contents WANNA BE IN MY GANG? Pity those poor souls who don’t have a Harry Potter society at their uni

STYLE

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JACKET OFF Get a slice of Tokyo life with these Japanese-inspired jackets MEET THE ARTIST Ariana Grande LOVES him – we meet designer Philip Normal BACK TO BLACK Keep it cool this Autumn with River Island

LIFESTYLE

INTRO

@GNI MAG TRIED AND TESTED From David Hockney to Alan Carr, we round up the best of the best BLIAINE FITZPATRICK A troubled past and the art of letting go CHARLIE TIDMAS Our newest columnist is out at uni

FEATURES

LAVOIX Britain’s Got Talent? Check. Ru Pauls Drag Race UK? Double check. The Ab Fab Movie? Who else but songstress La Voix OLLY MURS He’s the Essex hotty with a heart of gold: it’s only Olly bleedin’ Murs JACOB ALEXANDER Changing the face of HIV with new app The Positive Project ANDY WEST Former BBC luvvie Andy West talks life in the Big Bruvva house B*WITCHED They’re back and they’re chatting to us KNOW YOUR TRIBE Do you know your bears from your wolves, your otters from your daddies?

Photography graduate Brad McClenaghan explains all

THE STUDENT ISSUE

THE NIGHTLIFE HANDBOOK Your guide to the biggest and best nightlife the UK has to offer UNI ESSENTIALS The top kit to get next term off to a flying start

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FITNESS Because you will die alone without a set of abs, here are our top diet tips for those all-important muscles REAL MAN LGBT activist Stephen Donnan strips off and reveals his deep, abiding love for fried chicken FOOD We go all fancy and upmarket at Michelin-starred OX TRAVEL The Gastrogays have a gay old time in Gran Canaria DATING Your dating problems solved by our resident agony uncle

GNI MAG WEDDINGS

GNI MAG’s resident photographer Antony Webster gets hitched

OUTRO

HEALTH Keeping healthy the sensible way COMING OUT Maitiu shares the perils of growing up gay FAMILY PAGE Neil Dallimore is our #dadgoals

EDITOR’S letter Let’s be honest – this summer was pants, wasn’t it? Okay, you’re right; summer 2016 wasn’t just a little bit pants, it was a massive bit pants. It was a summer in which a play about a grownup Harry Potter made us all nostalgic and then bitterly disappointed when we found out tickets were astronomically expensive. It was a summer in which Britain basked in temperatures so hot they broke records set four billion years ago when the earth was just a ball of molten lava. It was a summer in which an increasingly unhinged Donald Trump continued to scare the living crap out of us. It was a summer of global tragedy, zero Tom Daley-shaped wardrobe malfunctions at Rio 2016, and wasps.

Still, at least we had our telly boxes to console us. I don’t know about you, but if it weren’t for The Great British Bake Off and the collective efforts of an increasingly sexy Paul Hollywood, a Mary Berry who has clearly been at the cooking sherry, and the only occasionally irritating banter of Mel and Sue I would have lost the plot months ago. There’s a reason why Bake Off has become the nation’s TV darling and it probably has something to do with the 14.5m people who tuned in to watch 31-year-old motherof-three Nadiya Hussain win in last year’s emotional finale. (Seriously, YouTube it, you’ll be blubbing in no time). And can anyone blame us for wanting more baking escapism served on a gingham-check tablecloth when it feels like the world is going to hell?

The good news is that your trusty GNI MAG is on hand as ever to banish the gloom. And who better to do that with us than cheeky Essex chappie Olly Murs! He’s got a new record out and it’s ace, and we aren’t just saying that because we got to ask him about stripping off in his new video. (YouTube that too while you’re at it…)

Elsewhere we have an exclusive chat with Big Brother star Andy West, we get an inside look at a new app for men with HIV, and we find out which UK city has the best nightlife.

Now if you’ll excuse me I’m just going to climb back into my panic room. I’ll see you at Christmas.

KIERAN CLARKE GNI MAG EDITOR

@ gni mag IMAGE VIA TWITTER

OWEN JONES @OWENJONES84 Ah, bless you Tom Daley. He went to Olympics as an icon for young people and that’s how he’ll come back

Last month Rio 2016 came to an emotional end for Team GB as a heartbroken Tom Daley crashed out of the diving competition in a shocking semi-final elimination. Tom, who won a bronze medal in the 10m synchronised platform with Dan Goodfellow, suggested he would compete again in Tokyo in 2020. Good luck, Tom! Heartbroken fans took to Twitter to support their favourite Olympian. We’ve rounded up the best of their tweets below.

RUTH MCCARTNEY @RUTHIEMCCARTNEY What a champ. Responding to loss with honesty, grace & planning for what is next. Hats off to you @TomDaley1994

SAMSUNG MOBILE @ SAMSUNGMOBILE No matter the outcome, we know @ TomDaley1994 will keep going. #Diving #DoWhatYouCant MARTIN @MHLONDONE3 According to my drunk mother @ TomDaley1994 works 365 days a week at his diving.

KERI-ANNE PAYNE @KERIANNEPAYNE Sport can be incredibly hard with its Everest highs & lowest of lows! @ TomDaley1994 had a bad today and it’s tough but it happens #Rio2016 JACK LAUGHER @JACKLAUGHER You are a true hero @TomDaley1994

WAYNE DAVID @WAYNEDAVID81 Jeez, Twitter can be brutal. Give Tom Daley a break. He’s at the Olympics.

What are you doing? Ironing your shirt for tonight?

HIRO YOSHIDA @PATINAGGIO #Olympics aren’t just a sport event but chance to show messages to the world.

Huge kudos to #TomDaley for being an ambassador for gay people.

DUSTIN LANCE BLACK @DLANCEBLACK We are all so proud of all you’ve achieved here in #Rio2016 @TomDaley1994. We fight again another day! ONWARD!

ON THE COVER

#godsgifttomankind NYLE DIMARCO IS TOO DAMN GOOD FOR THIS WORLD. AFTER LAUNCHING A SERIES OF FREE AMERICAN SIGN LESSONS ON INSTAGRAM, THE 27-YEAR-OLD AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL WINNER REVEALED HE’LL BE A CELEBRITY GUEST FOR THE LAS VEGAS CHIPPENDALES UNTIL OCTOBER 16.

SWOON! IMAGE VIA TWITTER

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HAMFISTED BUN VENDOR @METALOLLIE Aside from a Bronze medal #TomDaley has given young, gay people a role model, & the inspiration to be themselves. What have the haters done?

ON THE COVER OLLY MURS PHOTOGRAPHED BY TOMO BREJC

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GNI mag TRIED & TESTED FILM / TECH / MUSIC / ART / TV / BOOKS

IMAGE CREDIT Portrait of the artist as a young man: Drawing of David Hockney by Peter Strain

GNIMAG.COM | 11

1 Have a butcher’s at Carr’s latest Under the skin of the Chatty Man comic

It’s fair to say that Alan Carr is a titan of British comedy. Known for his irreverent and eccentric style, his BAFTA-winning show Alan Carr: Chatty Man is now in its 16th series. Since his breakout turn on 2005’s The Friday Night Project, Carr has accumulated a legion of fans, National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and even a British Comedy Award. His stadium tours sell out in hours.

He counts Müllerlicious X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger as a close personal friend. And everyone from your mum to the upper echelons of British comedy loves him.

Now the TV funnyman has turned his attention to writing. ‘Alanatomy: My Autobiography’ is Carr’s second memoir, a follow-up to his now eight-year-old autobiography ‘Look Who It Is’. This time around, Carr has channelled his comedic brilliance into skewering that time-honoured tradition which has made a name for every disgracefully ageing comedian from Ruby Wax to Joan Rivers: getting old.

Says Alan: “For anyone who has taken the time to see my stand-up performances or watched my chat show, ‘Chattyman’, knows that my body has hardly been kind to me – in fact, there’ve been times when we’ve actually stopped talking to each other. Balding, myopic, often flaky with psoriasis, back fat that hangs suspended like a cape, a voice that could strip varnish, an increasingly dodgy hip and even dodgier teeth. Why would you draw attention to it? you must ask.

Couldn’t you just call the book something else? Do you think the Great British Public is ready to pore over your body?”

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The answer, surely, is yes. Having passed the dreaded fortieth milestone in June, it is past time that Alan took stock of his flaws and embraced his trademark specs and, ahem, unconventional style. In this genuinely entertaining book, Carr utilises his self-deprecating style to dissect the joys, traumas, parties and disappointments of his stellar rise to fame. “‘Alanatomy’ is the chance for [readers] to get beneath my skin and see the real me because, and to continue the anatomical theme if I may, this showbiz existence can sometimes feel like an autopsy – picked at, probed and scrutinized with every inch of your body held up for analysis, but unlike an actual autopsy, you are very much alive.

“So I give you ‘Alanatomy: My Autobiography’. I am laying myself out on the slab for your entertainment; naked, stripped bare.

Grab your scalpel, peel back the skin and go deep, have a good old probe around at my life so far. Yes, you are going to find guts, a fair bit of cheek, maybe even a little bit of gristle, but hopefully, you’ll find a whole lot of heart.”

And, presumably, quite a bit of mince.

‘Alanatomy: My Autobiography’ is published October 6 by Penguin Image Credit: Playing Doctor: Alan bares all

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David vs. Goliath David Hockney makes a splash in his first major Irish exhibition

Bigger Splash: David Hockney “A Diver (Paper Pool 17)” 1978. Coloured and pressed paper pulp, 72 x 171” © David Hockney / Tyler Graphics Ltd. Photo Credit: National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

A new exhibition by one of the most influential LGBT artists of the 20th century is on display at Northern Ireland’s leading contemporary art space.

The MAC in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is currently host to an extensive collection of work by David Hockney.

This eagerly anticipated exhibition – titled David Hockney: I draw, I do – represents the first significant presentation of Hockney’s work in Ireland to date, and spans decades of the prolific artist’s most celebrated periods. Beginning with work from 1954, David Hockney: I draw, I do focuses primarily on the artist’s early years, including examples of his iconic ‘Paper Pool’ series exhibited alongside work from the current decade which celebrates the reclusive artist’s interest in utilising modern production methods.

The title of the exhibition stems from an answer Hockney gave during an interview with the designer Paul Smith.

When asked “Do you still draw in the more traditional way, in the way you first did when you left the Royal College?”

Hockney replied, “Yeah, I draw, I do. From the age of 16 to the age of 20, all I did was really draw…”

Hugh Mulholland, senior curator at the MAC, said: “We are delighted to be presenting the first significant exhibition of David Hockney’s work in Ireland to date. The exhibition focuses on Hockney’s formative years at Bradford Regional College of Art in the 1950s and will include rarely seen anatomical and observational drawings, early graphite portraits as well as significant later works which demonstrate Hockney’s continued interest in pushing the boundaries of his practice using new technologies.

“We are very pleased to be able to show a series of his iPad portraits of family and friends as well as some of his well-known works from The Arrival of Spring, 2011, which many visitors may recognise. At the core of all of this work is Hockney’s commitment to the critical importance of the act of drawing and how the early training at art school is drawn on throughout one’s creative life”.

The MAC presents this exhibition in advance of the many celebrations which will happen next year as Hockney

approaches his 80th birthday. David Hockney: I draw, I do coincides with another exhibition titled David Hockney RA: 82 Portraits and 1 Still-life currently on display at The Royal Academy of Arts at London’s Burlington House. Another exhibition, titled simply David Hockney, begins at Tate Britain in February 2017.

David Hockney: I draw, I do runs at the MAC until October 16. For more information visit themaclive.com

“From the age of 16 to the age of 20, all I did was really draw, because I was at the art school in Bradford and in Bradford you could be in the school from nine in the morning to nine at night, because as a full-time student, you could go in the evenings and you’d have a life class then.

So I drew for four years.”

GNIMAG.COM | 13

Gay zombies and a time travelling closet - it’s got to be Boys on Film The latest edition of the worlds most successful short film anthology turns 15

The beginning of a beautiful friendship: Harry Rundle and Nicole Gibson star in Dawn

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A closeted teenager discovers his cupboard is a time machine.

A night in a sauna becomes a fight for survival against zombie hordes. Two strangers in 1962 go to extremes to talk in private.

Julian Clary, Barry Cryer and Nigel Havers cameo in an erotic encounter at a shop for corduroy fetishists. A night of chemsex has devastating consequences in Mitchell Marion’s G O’Clock, while a London-based thriller marks the directorial debut of Sir Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry. What else could it be except the fifteenth entry in Peccadillo Pictures’ Boys on Film series?

Boys on Film 15: Time & Tied features an all-new selection of the best in British short films, showcasing a wealth of emerging UK talent.

The standout entry is Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Closets in which Waterloo Road’s Tommy Knight stars as Henry, a wide-eyed

teenager struggling with his sexuality in the grim Thatcher era of the late 1980s. Hiding in his wardrobe from a mother who refuses to accept her son his gay, Henry time travels to the present day where he meets Ben, played by Radio 1 DJ Cel Spellman. Unbeknownst to Henry, Ben now occupies his old bedroom, but unlike Henry, Ben is out and proud and has the Tom Daley calendar to prove it.

Closets is a high-concept short that less able hands could have been unnecessarily complex and unwieldy, but Eyre-Morgan treads a fine line between comedy and drama and succeeds at delivering both.

Special mentions go to writer, director and former GNI MAG cover star Jake Graf for his moving and award-winning short Dawn (pictured), and to Brian Fairbairn and Karl Eccleston for their Putting on the Dish, which

offers a tantalising glimpse of the 1960s gay scene in Britain.

What’s remarkable about this short is the almost unintelligible use of polari – a now virtually extinct slang used by gay men to disguise themselves from undercover policemen at a time when homosexual activity was a criminal offence. The title, apparently, translates to applying lube…

Six of the shorts (Closets, Putting on the Dish, Nightstand, Sauna The Dead, G O’CLOCK and Trouser Bar) are touring as part of the POUTfest LGBT Film Tour. For more information visit poutfest.co.uk Boys on Film 15: Time & Tied is available now on Peccadillo player, peccapics.com/ peccadilloplayer

4 Eating nuts and kicking butts Squirrel Girl lays the smackdown on Marvel Universe You won’t see her teaming up with Messrs Downey Jr., Evans, Ruffalo and Hemsworth anytime soon, but Marvel’s most unlikely superhero is about to break free of the Avenger’s shadow in her first graphic novel.

Squirrel Girl – better known as high schooler Doreen Green – started life as a joke, a character so implausible that even her many victories were ridiculous. Over the course of her comic book history, she has beaten up some the Marvel universe’s most fearsome villains including Thanos, Doctor Doom and Galactus to become a household favourite. Now Doreen is about to take on her toughest challenge yet: herself. (Or to be more specific, an evil duplicate created through all manner of mad science.)

From the creative team behind the rather brilliant ‘Unbeatable Squirrel Girl’ series, Ryan North, Erica Henderson and Rico Renzi bring us ‘The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up The Marvel Universe!’ In this somewhat more squirrelcentric spin on the 1995 one-shot ‘Punisher Kills the Marvel Universe’, Doreen stops trains, beats up every costumed mook who gets in the way, and punches a bear right in the face.

The internal angst that has become a hallmark of superhero storytelling couldn’t be further from Squirrel Girl’s joyous and unexpectedly poignant adventures. She is so nice that one of her abilities is getting people to listen to her, and when this approach doesn’t work, commanding a squirrel to shove itself inside some token goon’s mouth. All in a day’s work for The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.

‘The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up The Marvel Universe!’ is available from October

Whatever you do, don’t go separate ways from Luke Anthony The boy from down under is climbing the pop charts

You likely won’t have heard of him, but 25-year-old Sydney-based musician Luke Antony is one of the most impressive talents to emerge from the Australian pop scene in recent times. His new single, titled ‘Separate Ways’, premiered at the 2016 Munich Pride Festival in July.

This single is packed with an electropop sensibility and enough easy hooks to make mistaking Luke as the pop offspring of ‘Writing’s

on the Wall’ hitmaker Sam Smith and Years and Years frontman Olly Alexander all too easy. The music video, which was shot in Sydney, depicts a tumultuous love story between two young women and features Luke as the narrator.

The out singer-songwriter – who grew up in Townsville, Queensland – has been singing since he was a youth. A passionate advocate for the LGBT community, he will also

be donating 50% of the profits of ‘Separate Ways’ to German Pride organisation CSD Muenchen.

‘Separate Ways’ is available now through iTunes

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COLUMN__ BLIAIN FITZPATRICK

SATURDAY NIGHT TELLY

It’s back and it’s beautiful and it’s like this until Christmas STRANGER THINGS

Season one had us crapping our pants. Now we need season two.

MAKE IT SO, NETFLIX. THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF

Why the X Factor runs for half a year and Bake Off doesn’t is a bigger tragedy than that failed soufflé we tried to make happen AUTUMN OUTFITS

Looking cute has never been easier. Mittens are back, people.

M.I.T.T.E.N.S. GETTING YOUR PSL ON

That smell wafting on the breeze, poisoning grannies and small children alike. You guessed it: pumpkin spice. In Starbucks, no one can hear you scream over the sound of light jazz SNAPCHAT FILTERS

CAN. NOT. GET. ENOUGH. OF. THESE! Who doesn’t want to be the best version of themselves?

LOVE HATE THE US ELECTION

Headline from the future: “President Trump visits theme park where dinosaurs are brought back to life using advanced cloning techniques, promptly eaten” AUTUMN

No end in sight for the eternal battle between love handles and chunky knit sweaters CHRISTMAS ADS

“Ittttt’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…”

No, it isn’t! Stop flogging your tat! Although some of those Boots 3 for 2 offers…

The art of letting go...

Blíain Fitzpatrick I AM PROBABLY MORE GUILTY than most when it comes to focusing on the past. I have this annoying tendency of dwelling on events that, for one reason or another, have had a significant impact on my life. You know the sort of thing I mean: first loves, breakups, awkward encounters that are nowhere near as entertaining as First Dates. They come to me like freeze frames. Instagram Stories from a bygone era (or at least 2013).

Recently I’ve been more fixated than usual on my own history. Most people would tell you that being hung up on past stumbles is a perfectly natural reaction to mortifying memories that are, to quote Steps, better best forgotten. The hard part is when you start to let those memories take over. All of this leads me to wonder: is it possible to move forward without leaving the past behind?

Living in a major city can be a thrill, but it’s hardly sustainable in the long term. As with so many things, the only way to find out if it is for you is to try. Really, why settle for less until you try having it all?

Life is there for the taking. Regardless of your circumstances you can have as much or as little of it as you like. So why do so many people struggle to embrace that way of life? I fully believe that positive thoughts attract positive vibes, and a healthy relationship with the past is the closest thing you can get to a guaranteed optimistic outlook for the future.

It really is that simple.

Positive thoughts attract positive vibes.

A healthy relationship with the past is the closest you can get to a happy future.

No matter where you are – Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, the Outer Hebrides – we are all caught in a neverending grudge match of 7am starts, hellish commutes, bills, endless takeaways, that niggling feeling that really you should have been at the gym 20 minutes ago, and bills.

This cycle can become so addictive that breaking away from the daily grind can be almost as painful as the grind itself. The faster the pace, the more we become dependent on it. Imagine even going without your iPhone for a day. Impossible, right?

Only the bravest gays take that conscious decision to break away. Some move to other cities. Others make the understandable decision to depart this post-Brexit, rainy little backwater of a country forever.

Less dramatic breakaways include ending toxic relationships, quitting that shitty 9 to 5, and even coming to the realisation that life is short and being truly happy is really all that matters.

When it comes to whether we can ever be truly happy by keeping the door to the past open, it helps to remember that for many people the past can be a comforting diversion from their present problems.

Even the worst memories can, over time, develop a rosy tint around the edges.

And without the skeletons in our closets the wounds we’ve suffered along the way wouldn’t count for very much anymore. Regardless of who you are or where you’ve come from, what you’ve seen or what’s happened to you, the past should represent a positive stepping-stone to a happier future.

The great thing about history is that it gives us a strong sense of heritage. It honours those many sacrifices we’ve made along the way to get where we are now, and it validates time well spent.

We have one life that seems to get more complicated every day. Ideally, we should learn to be kind to ourselves, and learn to master the art of letting go. So yes, by all means, give a nod to the past every now and then, but remember the past is a different place and you don’t live there anymore. Sometimes it’s necessary to be cruel to be kind, but more often than not being kind to ourselves is more important still.

So can we please stop talking about it now?

GNIMAG.COM | 17

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Inappropriate crush of the month

Charlie versus the world...

DOCTOR STRANGE STILLS VIA DISNEY/MARVEL STUDIOS

Tid

BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH DOCTOR STRANGE JUST BECAUSE HE SOMETIMES LOOK A BIT LIKE AN ALIEN DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN FAULT SHERLOCK STAR BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH FOR HIS ABILITY TO PULL OFF A CLOAK. HERE HE IS PLAYING STEPHEN STRANGE, THE SORCERER SUPREME OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE, IN FORTHCOMING FILM DOCTOR STRANGE. STRANGE IS A BRASH NEUROSURGEON WHO LOSES EVERYTHING WHEN A HORRIFIC CAR CRASH LEAVES HIM UNABLE TO PERFORM SURGERY. IN A DESPERATE BID TO HEAL HIMSELF, HE TRAVELS TO TIBET WHERE HE MEETS A VERY BALD TILDA SWINTON, DISCOVERS A HIDDEN WORLD OF MAGIC AND ALTERNATE DIMENSIONS AND – PRESUMABLY – SAVES THE DAY FROM THE VILLAINOUS (AND WEIRDLY SEXY) MADS MIKKELSEN. HURRAH! DOCTOR STRANGE IS RELEASED OCTOBER 28

AS FAR AS INTRODUCTIONS GO I’m not much of an expert. My name is Charlie now. As of two weeks ago it was Tid. Before then, well, that’s a magical mystery. I am not Northern Irish, nor am I exclusively gay. What I am is a closeted transman, which I suppose qualifies me to write this column. Though on immediate reflection I’m not all that closeted anymore (sorry mum!). Realistically I’ve never been all that closeted. I’ve been living socially as a man for about four years now – just not at home. That will seem completely backwards and bizarre and you’d be right about that.

I guess that’s the best introduction to myself I can offer, ‘backwards and bizarre’.

If you saw me on the street you’d assume that I am twelve.

Fourteen at a push. If you tell me that I look fourteen I will be very flattered. As it is I’ve just completed my degree and I’m waiting to graduate. Even so, I can’t buy a lottery ticket without being ID’d at least twice. The driving license isn’t enough. I need my student ID, my train pass, and my Costa loyalty card. But hey, at least I get called ‘sonny’ before the inevitable embarrassment of the person checking my ID realising that I am Other.

student life.

One particular difficulty with the early stage of my transition that I have had over the past few years is my name. As I’ve mentioned most people know me as Tid. The primitive, single-syllable plosive of a name. It is at least entirely unique. There is only one Tid in this world and it is me. Tid is a gender-neutral little gem of an address. Who needs pronouns when you can be Tid? But Tid is not really a name, never was. It is and always has been a placeholder. For a while I trialled the name Oliver on the down-low. I liked it but it didn’t fit me like a name should.

I can’t actually afford private healthcare. I can’t even afford a KFC box meal.

Ah, student life.

I’m a screenwriter, famed among my colleagues and contemporaries for being categorically incapable of actually getting a film made. It really is a talent. In 2015 I was named as one of the BFI’s 66 best emerging British filmmakers. I’ve worked on an Avengers film, had full access to the behind the scenes of the behind the scenes Harry Potter Studio tour and the active Leavesden studios lot, and I’ve been invited to BAFTA. I have three films in pre-production at the moment – two shorts and a feature. Maybe one day, eventually, they might actually be made. Who knows? In October I am heading off to the Met Film School to take a masters in screenwriting. I’ll be living in London, which is a terrifying thought, isn’t it? I suppose one advantage is the proximity to Gender Identity Clinics, which with some luck I might just be able to see by the time I leave. Could you imagine waiting thirteen months for a consultation for anything else? It’s a scandal. As it happens I can’t actually afford the MA, let alone private healthcare. I can’t even afford a KFC box meal. Ah,

What I suppose is somewhat ironic is the fact that I have always been out and proud at university, but I am not out at home. I ran, on reflection, an hilariously poor campaign to become the LGBT Officer at my university. I lost, but my manifesto was adopted by the guy who beat me. I then spent three years campaigning to establish gender-neutral toilets on campus which was successful in my final week at the university. I will continue to be out at the Met, of course. It is nice to be stealth where I can but I am too early on in the process to be successful with this. With university being what it is being out as transgender is wholly anti-climatic. Freshers week, in particular, is a great – but not essential – time to establish your identity. Being surrounded by predominantly liberal people all desperate to make friends and have a good time creates an air of acceptance. My experience at university relating to my gender was wholly pleasant.

The single person who decided to on meeting me for the first time introduce himself by asking, “So what exactly are you?” was ostracised by my friends. I can’t imagine that I was simply lucky, either. Universities are extremely accepting places, even those with a heaping spoonful of ‘lad culture’. Most now have LGBT societies, officers in their student unions and policies for safeguarding LGBT students. If you are lucky, your university already has gender-neutral toilets. If not there is a growing trend towards introducing them, and a little campaigning is all you need.

GNIMAG.COM | 19

11-29 October 2016

103 Events • 26 Premieres

19 Days • 11 Countries

Image courtesy of Ves Pitts

belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

#BelFest

MEET THE STAR__ LA VOIX

MEET THE STAR DIAMONDS ARE LA VOIX’S BEST FRIEND

WORDS BY CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH She has worked with some of the biggest names in the biz, and there are few vocalists who can switch effortlessly between the likes of Shirley Bassey, Tina Turner and Liza Minnelli. She has captured audiences from London’s Café De Paris to Club Plastic in Milan, and now leading lady La Voix is on a mission: to bring style, glamour and sophistication back to the UK stage.

She sang her way to the semi-final of Britain’s Got Talent after belting out the Frank Sinatra classic New York New York with the London Gay Big Band like it was nobody’s business. She slayed the stage on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and – as if that wasn’t enough – she recently bagged a spot alongside Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders (and every other UK celeb) in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.

La Voix’s sophisticated cabaret is not to be missed…

FOR TOUR DATES VISIT LAVOIXTHESHOW.COM

GNIMAG.COM | 21

ADVERTORIAL__ BIOKINETIC EUROPE

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22 | GNIMAG.COM

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IMAGE: TOMo BREJC

INTERVIEW__ OLLY MURS

24 | GNIMAG.COM

o

INTERVIEW__ OLLY MURS

olly the m arve lo u s mr mu rs

GNIMAG.COM | 25

IMAGE: LUTHER REDD

INTERVIEW__ OLLY MURS

After four numberone singles and three number-one albums, Olly Murs is back.

Olly Murs is struggling with the painful

I think it’s nice to show fans a different side to my

parted ways from property manager Francesca

same feel of a track that people can still dance to. I

split from his former girlfriend; the X-Factor alum

Thomas last September after dating for three years.

He has written songs about their break-up for his

forthcoming album – songs his ex might find difficult to listen to.

on from that relationship. I think everyone can relate

to that. I’m moving on, I feel great about it, and that’s what the new song is for me.

“When it comes to doing a fifth album you need

to freshen things up. You have to do some things

to think about them and care about them. It’s like

track. Obviously, it’s also important to talk about

you’ve lost someone, it’s like you’re grieving, because

they were there all of the time and then they’re not…

“But it was nice to be able to come back with

something fresh and something new. I think my new

record is a different song for me to release because no one’s really heard me do anything like this before, it

differently, and that’s what I wanted to do with this something on an album and I’ve never really had

the chance to do that before. It’s been hard to write albums where nothing really major like heartbreak

has happened, but now that I’ve gone through that it felt good to get it off my chest.”

Fearing that his new record might be an Adele-

comes from such an emotional place.”

style breakup album begins to make us panic. Is the

Know Love’, is the first we’ve heard of the 32-year-

and angst?

Olly’s new track, suitably titled ‘You Don’t

old Essex hotty since ‘Kiss Me’ was released last

26 | GNIMAG.COM

think that’s a big positive. It’s like, I’m finally moving

“I’m not over it,” he tells us flatly. “I don’t think

anyone is ever over a break-up. You’re always going

Words by Kieran Clarke Images by Luther Redd and Tomo Brejc

personality but still keep that same energy and that

cheeky Olly we know and love going all heartache “No, not at all!” he tells us. “For me, the new

Christmas. When we tentatively ask if the new single

album is a journey from heartbreak. It’s about

us.

album will think when they hear it. It’s about moving

might be a departure too far, Olly is quick to reassure “I didn’t want to alienate [fans who liked] ‘Kiss

Me,’ which was such a big record for me last year.

moving on, which is what anyone listening to the

on with your life and meeting new people. It touches on a lot of different areas but it’s the best album I’ve

INTERVIEW__ OLLY MURS

In the year since ‘Kiss Me’ was released the

charts have changed beyond recognition. These

days download is king, and how often a record gets played on the radio is more important than ever.

Unsurprisingly, Olly has topped them all. In the first month of the single’s release, or so he tells us, “It’s done everything I wanted it to.”

“It’s my most popular track on Spotify to date,”

he happily informs us, sounding every bit as chuffed as he should. With the Olly Army now numbering

in the millions, success is hardly surprising. “It’s got

to the number one airplay record, which is the most played record in the country at the minute, so it’s in a really fantastic place. That shows me that the fans are loving it.

“The comments online have all been ‘Oh my god,

it’s so nice to hear a different side to you!’ At the end of the day, the songs I’ve done in the past are always going to be there. But trust me, the album has got plenty of old school Olly on there.”

While Olly stays tight-lipped about the name and

even the release date for the forthcoming album, it’s bound to be hit no matter what, especially from his gay, pop-loving fanbase who count Olly as certified

pinup (if we do say so ourselves). And can you blame us when thirty seconds into the new video he has his kit off?

“I’ve got to keep my fans happy,” he laughs. “I’ve

got to keep my gay fans happy, too! To be honest, I

didn’t really want to take my top off in that video. The whole idea was about waking up in the morning, and the director asked me, ‘Do you wear a vest to bed or

nothing?’ I don’t wake up in the morning with a vest

“I love that the guys and the girls love me and support my work. It doesn’t really matter what your sexuality is – music is music and it speaks to everyone.” on so… I’m really happy with the result, the result from the fans has been phenomenal.”

Olly is, of course, no stranger to receiving

plenty of attention, especially from his gay fans,

and especially following the ‘Heart Skips A Beat’

hitmaker’s admission that he considers himself “20%” gay.

Maths has never been our strong point, but we

think we know exactly which fifth of the former Rear of the Year we’d choose. With that in mind, don’t

we – the gay fans – get even a teensy little bit of extra appreciation?

“I love all my fans equally! They’re all lovely and

amazing in their own way. It’s great that I’ve got such a great gay following. I love that the guys and the

girls love me and support my work. It doesn’t really matter what your sexuality is – music is music and it speaks to everyone. What’s great about having a

gay following is that people can listen to it no matter what they are. I’m really proud of that.”

Now that Olly is back on the market we find

ourselves suddenly worried that he is taking a break

from dating altogether. He is quick to set our minds at ease.

“I don’t like being single,” he admits. “I prefer

being in a relationship, so hopefully, it won’t be for too long. I haven’t been on a date in ages, though.

“I’ve got a lot of gay friends I get on with really

well. I get on with everyone. Everyone’s got a bit of campness about them.”

Gentlemen, form an orderly queue…

Of course, no interview with the marvellous Mr

IMAGE: LUTHER REDD

done so far; I’m really excited about it.”

GNIMAG.COM | 27

IMAGE: LUTHER REDD

INTERVIEW__ OLLY MURS

Murs would be complete without touching on his all

too brief time on the X Factor. Olly famously stepped down from the ITV megahit alongside co-presenter Caroline Flack and judge Nick Grimshaw in 2015.

After a string of embarrassing gaffes, Olly found

himself under attack during the live segment of the show that made him famous, having taken over the hosting duties from Dermot O’Leary.

Olly explains his departure less to do with that

and more to do with focusing his music career, and reveals he won’t miss being part of the X Factor family after all.

“I don’t think I’ll miss it if I’m being honest with

you, but I definitely look forward to watching it. I’ll

28 | GNIMAG.COM

“I don’t like being single,” he admits.

“I prefer being in a relationship, so hopefully, it won’t be for too long. I haven’t been on a date in ages, though.

always show my support for the show. Just on the

basis of doing my singing and presenting at the same time was such a hard thing to do. I’m really pleased I’m back doing music and focusing on that. I wish

that team the best of luck though and I’m sure it’ll go well.

“I’ll be enjoying sitting at home watching!”

‘You Don’t Know Love’ is available now via iTunes. His fifth studio album will follow in November.

Don’t miss Olly when his concert hits Dublin and Belafst in April 2017.

11th 15th october 2016 for more information & Tickets visit www.goh.co.uk

THE MUSICAL THE MUSICAL

Book & Lyrics by bruce joel rubin music & lyrics by dave stewart & glen ballard “Unchained melody” by hy zaret and alex north courtesy of unchained melody publishing llc

INTERVIEW__ JACOB ALEXANDER

THE POSITIVE PROJECT WORDS | KIERAN CLARKE

London fashion graduate Jacob Alexander found out he was HIV+ on the morning of his 22nd birthday. With his new app – The Positive Project – Jacob is challenging the stigma surrounding HIV and sexual health. We catch up with him to chat coming out, online trolls and dealing HIV phobia.

30 | GNIMAG.COM

IMAGES | daniel ellyot

While the outlook for those living with HIV is better than ever, the sad fact is that stigma and prejudice towards those with the virus remain painfully common. Thirty years after the infamous ‘Tombstone’ ad brought HIV/AIDs to public awareness, people like Jacob still face HIV phobic abuse. With HIV infection rates on the rise, education is more important than ever.

After struggling to come up with a concept for his final year London College of Fashion, designer Jacob decided to tackle this problem with an app designed to educate and inform people about the reality of HIV life. The result is The Positive Project.

The app also features a selfie map that allows users to post pictures of themselves promoting the project. The ultimate goal, or so Jacob tells us, is to have images shared from around the world. Users can also buy merchandise designed by Alexander, with the proceeds going towards HIV research.

We sat down for a chat with the man behind the project to find out more

So what is The Positive Project and how did it come about?

I was diagnosed with HIV on my birthday last year. In the summer of my second year at university I had to propose an idea for my main project. I study Creative Direction for Fashion at the London College of Fashion; it’s an all-encompassing course that covers things like social media, design, PR, web design etc. I couldn’t really decide what to do [as my final project] which was to identify a social cause and decide how you were going to tackle it. So I thought I’d do something to help the London gay community and the gay community in general.

So that summer, three months before I was diagnosed, I came up with the idea of doing a conceptual menswear collection based around the theme of blood, with a portion of the proceeds going towards an HIV charity. This was all approved in August, and then in September I was diagnosed. So I thought, “Okay, I need to do something more now!”

I didn’t know what I could do, but I

INTERVIEW__ JACOB ALEXANDER

“Before I contracted HIV I was completely clueless. That’s why I wrote all 7,000 words of the app myself, I didn’t want it to read like medical jargon. I wanted people who use it to be able to understand the infection and what it means.”

knew I wanted to do something to benefit people with HIV. Then one I day I was walking through Camden and I saw a copy of The Sisterhood of Travelling Pants on DVD, and this crazy idea popped into my head. I thought, “I’ll buy a denim jacket and pass it around the world, and everyone can sew a badge on it.”

The next day I was like, “I will never get that fucking jacket back!” [Laughs] I don’t know where it came from but the idea of an app suddenly hit me.

How did you go about making the app a reality?

I contacted loads of app companies; one even quoted me £48,000. I finally came across Six Ticks and they ended up bringing my idea to life. We went to Google to create the selfie map. I did all the design myself. We released the app in May and we’ve had a really successful few weeks.

What’s the response been like so far?

It’s been incredible! I’ve had people coming up to me in the streets and recognising me from my TED talk. I get people coming up to me and asking me for selfies. It’s been insane.

Now that you mention it, how did your TED talk come out?

Before I’d even started on the app one of my teachers suggested I apply to do a TED talk.

Out of hundreds of applications I was the only person to represent my university, so that was really cool. From September to December of that year I was so seriously ill with HIV that I missed most of my first term at university. I’m still finishing my degree now! Around February of this year I started my degree again, then a few weeks later and after an interview with the TED people, I had the place. So the pressure was on to make the app!

You’ve mentioned the great feedback you’ve been having.

What have the negative reactions been like?

I’ve had plenty of hate on social media since I came out as HIV, and since the app has come out too. It doesn’t bother me. I’m used to it. At the time I came out I was living in London with some people. One of the guys was a bit funny, he would only say the right things when he had to. I had introduced him to some friends of mine who I met before my diagnosis who are also HIV and he had a real attitude towards them. Then when I was diagnosed he started acting quite cold to me. And then one night he randomly told my two best friends from home that I was HIV. To this day he still tries to insist he didn’t out me.

Do you think your former housemate’s attitude towards people with HIV is typical of the attitude of most of the British public?

I definitely do. There isn’t enough education surrounding HIV, not at all. Before I contracted HIV I was completely clueless. That’s why I wrote all 7,000 words of the app myself, I didn’t want it to read like medical jargon. I wanted people who use it to be able to understand the infection and what it means.

In high school, I think I had maybe one lesson about HIV. I don’t blame the school for it, but there really isn’t enough HIV awareness out there at the moment. People are still getting shamed for being conscious of their sexual health, which is ridiculous. If you take care of yourself it’s nothing to be ashamed off.

What do you think can be done to change things?

The general public just isn’t educated enough.

HIV needs to make the headlines again and not just the UK. People need to be better educated about issues relating to HIV, especially straight people since HIV affects them too.

People need to be more open about conversations around STIs. Either you take medication for something or you don’t have to and it goes away by itself, so what’s the difference if it’s in your nose or your bum or in your blood.

Being diagnosed as HIV positive is a very educational experience. The world is changing so quickly. I’m really excited to see what the world will be like when our generation is in their 40’s and 50’s and to see the reactions people will have towards issues like HIV. My dad works for the NHS, and part of his job is figuring out how to save the NHS money each year, so I know the cost of providing PrEP to everyone who wants it could send the UK back into recession. Then again, as you know, the cost of treating an HIV person for life is far, far more expensive than providing PrEP. My next goal is to have The Positive Project registered as a charity so that I can donate my profits to [HIV charities] St Stephen’s Centre and 56 Dean Street. It’s important that any money I raise is put into education and teaching rather than necessarily going into medication.

The Positive Project App – developed by Six Ticks (sixticks.com) is available to download for Apple and Android phones For more information visit jacobalxndr.com

GNIMAG.COM | 31

’S D N A L IRE EST BIGG NA SAU

INTERVIEW__ ANDY WEST

THE AMAZING

MR WEST WORDS | CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH

GNIMAG.COM | 33

INTERVIEW__ ANDY WEST

Andy West’s Big Brother experience was far from smooth sailing. In week one he was branded by his housemates as a manipulator and a snake, leading to him being slated as enemy number one in the Borehamwood bungalow. Seven weeks later, thanks to vocal support from the British public, the former BBC journalist came fourth in a live final watched by more than 1.8 million people. A few days after the dust had settled we caught up with Andy to find out how much of a struggle the Big Brother experience really was.

O

ne of the trickiest things about coming out of the house is trying to explain how intense it was,” Andy explains. He sounds lively, enthusiastic, which is

surprisingly giving the gruelling few weeks he has had at the hands of Big Brother.

Is it as hard as it looks?

“I’m still trying to put it into words,” the 34-year-old gay journalist tells us. “I guess I expected it to feel claustrophobic at times, and to have fantastic times. I think what did come as a surprise was the mental and emotional stress and pressure you feel when you’re in that environment. It was tough.

It was probably the most challenging thing I’ve had to do. So while it was exciting and an extraordinary adventure it really was difficult.”

Andy gave us some memorable moments, including plenty of side eye aimed at the attention-seeking shenanigans of his fellow housemates. Conversations, however, were not as thrilling. Andy was often victimised for being outspoken. His fellow housemate Lateysha Grace even called him ‘the biggest patroniser [she had] ever met,’ a theme that ran through this series.

34 | GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW__ ANDY WEST

So, was he or wasn’t he?

“Sometimes people who are struggling in conversation can feel patronised, that doesn’t mean the person is patronising them. That was

shoulder to cry on. Their selflessness was a stark contrast to other contestants who were quick to divide into their various factions.

When we bring up the team dynamic of

a subtle idea I was trying to explain to them

this year’s hugely successful Channel 5 show,

and, in itself, that conversation came across as

Andy’s voice takes on a steely edge.

patronising. So what do you do then? Do you

“There was a group of people in the house

not engage in conversation? Do you not say

who held the social power. They were the

what you think?”

influential group,” he states, before adding, “or

Andy is keen to emphasise that he never

at least thought they were. They thought they

set out to be patronising, and nor would he

were the popular kids in the house and could

intentionally patronise someone. “It doesn’t

get away with whatever they wanted.”

make me feel good when someone says, you’re patronising me,” he says.

Andy won’t name names, but keen-eyed viewers will remember his dustups with

I often found myself tuning in to watch

Welsh reality show star Lateysha Grace, the

the latest goings-on in the Big Brother house

23-year-old model and celebrity stylist Sam

and – as I’m sure any right minded person

Giffen, X Factor reject Ryan Ruckledge, and

does when watching from the comfort of their

Andy’s fellow Irishman Hughie Maughan.

own sofa – thinking ‘I wouldn’t let this get to

This group were quick to find fault in Andy’s

me,’ but being in Andy’s position warrants

behaviour, and quicker still to comment on

a different viewpoint. The pressure to take

him being a ‘gossip’ and ‘snake’. And Andy, as

everything personally, or so he explains, was

we saw, was not about letting those insults go

sometimes just too much.

unchallenged.

“You can’t help but take some things

“It did strike me as hypocritical when [that

personally,” he says. “Anyone [in the house]

group] got angry at [others for forming cliques]

who says they don’t take things personally

when what they said was perfectly accurate.

is fibbing. The thing about Big Brother is that

When I confronted Sam and [Lateysha] I was

there are certain phrases that come up time

then called a hypocrite.”

and time again, and one of them is ‘It’s only

Dealing with this negativity on a daily

a game.’ Well, it’s not only a game; it’s an

basis clearly took its toll, with Andy admitting

experience. It doesn’t feel like a game, and it

that his time in the house made him feel

didn’t feel like one to me.”

“unhappy”. Nevertheless, his support with the

about what people thought of me.” Even now,

For arguments sake, it would be easy to say

British public was huge, perhaps bolstered by

with the series behind him and a brighter

‘Well, yes, it literally is a game show’, however,

the obvious and unfair tactics of Andy’s fellow

future ahead, Andy is still overwhelmed with

Big Brother is not exactly Wheel of Fortune.

housemates. Having been crowned fourth in

support from fans, with daily declarations of

Throughout his 50 days under Big Brother’s

the live final, Andy left the Big Brother house

love and one fan going as far as saying that his

watchful eye, Andy was continuously charged

to cheers and an adoring crowd. His worst fear,

bravery in Big Brother house inspired them to

by his fellow housemates as being a ‘game

he admits, was an angry crowd.

come out.

player’, something which left him isolated from the main groups.

“It felt like an exercise in survival and endurance,” he says, “to be called ‘sly,’ ‘manipulative’ and ‘a game player’. It’s quite

“When I walked in,” he tells us, “I got a great response. But when I walked down the stairs

The future, Andy admits, is looking rosy.

“I think overall the message I’m getting is

into the house I thought ‘You’ll walk into

congratulations,” he smiles. “Well done, you

cheers but you’ll walk out to boos…’”

made me laugh! It’s nice to think people saw

Andy knows now that his fears were

so much of me and ended up liking me. To me,

an aggressive and confrontational situation

unfounded. Far from the public reproach he

to leave in the final and to get what felt like a

we’re all put in and not a natural one. After a

feared during evictions, the public voted Andy

winner’s reception was the most thrilling and

while, you have to accept after times you’re

safe from eviction on more than one occasion,

wonderful experience.”

going to feel insulted. An hour later you won’t

while the Twitter-verse exploded with support

care anymore.”

that he wouldn’t read about until weeks later.

Thankfully Andy had plenty of support

“I didn’t think people on the outside world

in the house from hunky body double Jason

would like me as much as they did,” Andy

Burrill to private investigator Jayne Connery,

explains, ever the optimist. “It still makes me

both of whom were ready to offer Andy a

quite emotional. I worried for eight weeks

GNIMAG.COM | 35

INTERVIEW__ B*WITCHED

C’EST LA VIE

B*WITCHED ARE BACK

36 | GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW__ B*WITCHED

Some of us were teenagers, some of us were kids and even some of you reading this wouldn’t have been born yet. But back in a time of white jeans, rave “dummies” and Naf Naf jackets four young ladies came along, stole our hearts and had us jigging along to classics like Rollercoaster and C’Est La Vie. After a few years this Dublin quartet seemed to disappear into the wilderness along with so many other 90’s pop sensations. Thankfully tho, there’s been a B*Witched resurrection – and we’re loving every minute of it. We caught up with the girls ahead of their performance at this year’s The Outing Lisdoonvarna...

Well ladies, so so good to see you back on the stages across Ireland and the UK. Who was the driving force in wanting to get back out there again, and once the idea was pitched were you all as keen?

EDELE: Hey, it’s good to be back. ITV approached us regarding the Big Reunion, that’s how this all started.

I wasn’t up for it initially, but after many months of the option coming up it seemed right in the end.

SINEAD: ITV approached us... I was totally up for it as I always felt that we would get back. We had been approached by a promoter before ITV but what was appealing with ITV was we assumed no risk. It worked out so well. The best part is that we are back touring.

KEAVY: ITV2 were behind us getting back together.

They were putting together a show called The Big Reunion and approached us to be part of it. I have to say I wasn’t keen to begin with because I have another career now in Counselling (was doing my degree at the time they approached us) and I was worried they wouldn’t go together well. So it did take me 8 months to say yes!

I said my Counselling studies we’re important to me at that time and if they could work around it I was in. And lucky they did because getting to do both is a dream.

LYNDSAY: Hello!! It’s always great to perform in Ireland - where the journey of B*Witched started!

We were approached by ITV in the UK about doing a documentary called The Big Reunion about four years ago now and after a bit of to-ing and fro-ing we decided to do it! The show went on to be a huge success and went on tour twice later that year and we’ve just continued gigging since! We’ve also been back in the studio and released an EP of new songs called Champagne or Guinness.

There’ve been other 90’s bands who’ve made a re-appearance who haven’t been so well received. Were you worried about the reception you might get?

EDELE: It didn’t cross my mind to be worried about the public perception of us being back, it was a personal journey for me.

SINEAD: No I wasn’t worried at all. I didn’t really think about it. To be honest the fact that the line up on the Big Reunion was so good.

KEAVY: I don’t think I even stopped to think about what others would think, I just did it because it felt right.

LYNDSAY: I had no expectations really, it was one step at a time. The documentary was the first step and when that was a huge hit and the tours were announced and sold out I realised the enormity of it. It was quite surreal and I feel very fortunate that we have had the opportunity to do this again after so many years.

Obviously the public still love you, both those who were there the first time and the newer generation. What’s it been like hearing your songs sung at karaoke over the years, and have you ever dipped your hats and partook in some pub karaoke incognito?

EDELE: Hahaha never quite karaoke but I did get up at someone’s wedding and sang with the DJ. I happened to be in the same hotel and the bride was a big B*witched fan. It still amazes me to this day the reaction Cest la vie causes in a dance floor.

SINEAD: It’s amazing still hearing people sing the words to our songs. It probably was the most overwhelming feeling when we started back gigging.

KEAVY: Haha I get soooooo embarrassed when one of our songs comes on when I’m out. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved but at those moments I never

know what to do with myself. And I can confirm I have NEVER sang a B*Witched song at karaoke!!

LYNDSAY: Haha! Noooo!! I’ve only ever done karaoke once and that was when I was in drama college. An no I didn’t sing a B*witched song, i sang Britney’s version of ‘I love rock and roll’ !! But I do love that our songs still get played now whether it’s karaoke or on the radio. I was at a New Years eve party once in a club and C’est la vie’ came on and the dance floor went crazy. They were honestly having such a great time! Maybe it was the alcohol haha! But it was a very proud moment. Nobody recognised me either which was even more amusing.

So, you were in Union Street at Belfast Pride this year, you’re in Manchester at the Eagle performing soon, and then at The Outing (www. theouting.lgbt) in October, why do you think you’ve such a big gay following?

EDELE: I’d like someone to tell me the answer to this question, I don’t know, but I do know, that the audiences are always incredible at LGBT gigs, I love doing them.

Everyone is always so free and open.

SINEAD: We have such a great GAY following. I think our music is just feel good music, and light hearted....

Maybe it was our Style ha ha double denim KEAVY: I’m not sure why actually, maybe it’s our carefree fun attitude with music and performance!

LYNDSAY: I think it’s our music. It’s fun, it’s carefree, it makes you feel good. Who doesn’t want that?

Your songs embrace the fun and campness of life, would you have a message to a young LGBT person struggling with who they are?

EDELE: I can only ever say to anyone who is struggling with who they are, don’t concern yourself with what others think of you, just be true to you. It’s not an easy task but it is the only task.

SINEAD: There is always a process to struggles in life... I would say just to be gentle and kind to yourself. Confide in someone close and embrace it.

KEAVY: We are all unique and in that uniqueness there’s beauty. Be the best version of the only person you can be, YOU! Wonderful unique you!!

LYNDSAY: I would say embrace who you are and be proud to be you. Everyone is unique and we should be celebrating that not feeling ashamed or ‘wrong’ in what we think or feel or who we are. Life is short. Be you! Be free. Be happy. We actually owe it to ourselves and we have a responsibility to honour who we really are in this life, otherwise what sort of way are we paving for future generations.

We hear Sinead went to dance college with Eddie McGuinness organiser and person behind The OutinG. what was he like back then? plus you all know each other from Digges Lane in Dublin any fun stories about Eddie there?

EDELE: Eddie is a blast, you can always expect a crazy outfit.....

SINEAD: I spent two years in college with Eddie, he had loads of great stories, energetic, passion for life. Great fun to be around . Very proud he has achieved so much.

Best of luck with everything in the future KEAVY: I couldn’t possibly give Way his naughty secrets haha! Eddie was always so energetic and has wonderful energy about him!

Thanks so much for chatting to us, sure the craic’s been ninety!

GNIMAG.COM | 37

FEATURE__ TRIBES

Twink

KNOW YOUR TRIBE

an attractive young gay man, usually in their early twenties, generally hairless and skinny

Words by Kieran Clarke

Leather

Otter

Bear

A guy who is into leather or fetish gear, in this case, pup-

A younger (or younger-looking) version of a bear but typically skinnier

A hairy man, either heavy-set or muscular, who projects an image

play

38 | GNIMAG.COM

of masculinity

FEATURE__ TRIBES Belfast-based photographer Brad McClenaghan is an artist on a mission. Through his new series ‘Tribes,’ he aims to use his work to challenge social stigma, draw attention to the way the world – and sometimes the community itself – pigeonholes the LGBT community, and reappropriate those categories in a positive light.

“

We caught up with Brad at the launch of his new series to talk all things tribes.

“I created ‘Tribes’ to try and breakdown some of the stereotypes that are placed on the LGBT Community,” Brad explains. “Focusing mainly on gay men, I wanted to use those stereotypes (known in this series as Tribes) to highlight how we describe our personal identities and sexual preferences in different ways, and how we use these in a positive light and not in a negative light the way the word ‘gay’ is sometimes used.

“

“I picked eleven different tribes, choosing the most common ones to display, for example, bears, twinks, otters, jocks, daddies etc. I asked various members of the Belfast LGBT community if they felt like they fitted a particular tribe and if they did would they be happy to represent that tribe in this series.

“I decided to add my own portrait to the series to get opinions on where people thought I would fit on that spectrum, and as a way of finding my own identity in the gay community.”

For more of the series visit michaelbrad.com or michaelbradphoto on Instagram

BRAD Local artist Brad McClenaghan added himself to the series

Images by Brad McClenaghan

Jock

Wolf

Alternagay

A muscular and athletic guy, usually hairless

A guy who is muscular, lean

Someone who doesn’t identify with any tribe

and hairy

GNIMAG.COM | 39

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GNI mag STUDENT ISSUE YOUR UNI ADVENTURE STARTS HERE

GNI MAG | 35

GNIMAG.COM | 41

THE PARTY STARTS HERE

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ NIGHT LIFE

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THE STUDENT ISSUE__ NIGHT LIFE

Gone are the days when the first steps to university meant the beginning of adult life.

This once rarefied gateway to the world of adulthood has been replaced with a plane ticket to Ibiza, financial disasters, and replacing your boring family with the clique you call the squad. Is it a lifestyle that puts happiness and youth before real worries, or do millennials simply need to get their shit together? >>> GNIMAG.COM | 43

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ NIGHT LIFE Sure, it’s easy to stroll down the high street and pass judgement on twenty-somethings for drinking more than is medically advisable, but the argument stands: why shouldn’t students be allowed to drink themselves blind drunk and get up to no good? As a millennial who is fond of a vodka or two, it can sometimes be difficult even for me to see the line that shouldn’t be crossed. Yes, every student has been hounded from the age of 13 with the perils of alcohol, but the sad truth is that most young people would rather snort with laughter and continue to chug back their Jägerbombs than ignore that sickly feeling telling them to stop.

and thousands are rushed to hospital with suspected alcohol poisoning. As obviously dangerous as this, all too often stories of hospitalisation tend to be accompanied by liberal use of the words “lad,” “banter” and “complete ledge.”

For many students, university life is often seen far more as a ticket to unlimited alcoholic fulfilment than a route to lofty careers in the city. By the time Freshers Week rolls around priorities which just a few months ago were revision and A-Levels switch to days of partying, pulling strangers and unprotected sex.

Why start your uni life trying to push your body to its limits just to impress your new peers? One sobering reason not to is that 1,825 students die every year from alcohol-related problems, while more than 25% of those who report drink excessively on a regular basis fail to pass their courses. We’re not saying be a prude but we are saying maybe getting Deirdre Barlow’ed on your first night in halls isn’t such a good idea after all. And whatever you do, don’t go for that eighth round of Jägerbombs.

This September students the length and breadth of the UK will be pushing themselves to the brink of alcohol poisoning, contracting STI’s, making a royal tit of themselves, and vomiting on a war memorial at least once, and all in the name of a good time. Sadly, it doesn’t always end with alcohol, with almost 40% of students reporting having used cocaine during their time at university, while a third of those experienced complications (including hospitalisation).

It is sometimes too easy to ditch a paper due hours later when a bottle of Absolut will suffice, but why can putting the bottle back down sometimes seem so difficult? 60% of students binge drink weekly,

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism found that 20% of students meet the criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), while an estimated 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. Is this a generation that doesn’t know when the party stops?

WORDS BY CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH

TOP UNI NIGHTS OUT Nights out are the undisputed highlight of the uni social calendar. If you haven’t yet decided where to go next September, or if you fancy sampling the best in student nightlife the UK has to offer, Which?

University has done the hard work for you. Which? polled more than 11,000 undergrads to see where to find the best parties. We’ve picked out the highlights for you below. And while GNI MAG doesn’t condone basing the rest of your life around clubbing (obvs!), clearly you shouldn’t neglect the social side of university life. So throw on an outfit, glitter your face and show those freshers who’s boss.

MANCHESTER

University of Manchester Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester has one of the liveliest social scenes of any UK city. It offers a huge variety of clubs like G-A-Y Manchester, AXM Club and Mancunian favourite CRUZ 101. The city’s eccentric character is reflected in its heavily themed clubs like Cirque, Sakura and – Manchester’s biggest club – Suede.

LIVERPOOL

University of Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University Look no further than Liverpool for varied nightlife from like likes of GBar, Superstar Boudoir and Heaven.

Student haunts like Alma de Cuba and The Smugglers Cove cater to an eclectic crowd, while those looking something closer to home will know that Liverpool John Moores has a pub opposite the library.

SUSSEX

University of Sussex Situated in sunny Brighton, students at the University of Sussex are practically guaranteed to have one of the gayest nights out it is humanly possible to have. The Seven Stars on Ship Street is the oldest pub in Brighton, but if it is nightclubs you’re after for you can’t do much better than The Basement, Revenge and Envy.

NEWCASTLE

Newcastle University Consistently ranked as one of the best universities with the best nightlife, Newcastle boasts clubs liked Digital, World Headquarters and Powerhouse. Head to the Pink Triangle to find the city’s top gay attractions, pet.

NORTHUMBRIA

Northumbria University Newcastle is the undisputed king of student cities.

Northumbria’s own university boasts a three-floor student union that can cater for up to 3,000 people.

And when it comes to hitting the books, the good news is that Times Higher Education’s survey ranks Northumbria as one of the top 20 universities for overall student experience.

For more details visit university.which.co.uk

44 | GNIMAG.COM

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ UNI ESSENTIALS

UNI ESSENTIALS Whether you are an excitable fresher or a disenfranchised third year, packing for university means a lot more than just remembering your toothbrush.

Make next term a breeze with these 16 must haves.

Retro Sound

Apple A Day

Bin the CD collection; vinyl is sexier than ever with the Crosley Cruiser turntable crosleyradio.com From £99.00

The iPad Air 2: like taking notes but on steroids Apple.com/uk From £349.00

Oh, the humanity!

Playing footsy

Win friends and horrify people with Cards Against Humanity amazon.co.uk From £20.00

Communal showers make the Mos Eisley cantina look practically hygienic amazon.co.uk Prices vary

Cuppa T?

Binge Watch

Gotta Catch’em All

Strangers using your mug is justifiable grounds for attack (not really) gingerfox.co.uk £8.00

Find yourself a boy/girlfriend and steal their password for unlimited entertainment netflix.com/gb Subscriptions from £7.49

To quote Tim Westwood: wrap it up before you slap it up Available widely Prices vary

The X-Factor The latest update to Microsoft’s gaming console is a very pretty indeed xbox.com/en-gb £349.99

46 | GNIMAG.COM

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ UNI ESSENTIALS

Extra Juice Zolt is a portable charger that charges laptops, phones and tablets gozolt.com £70.00

Mighty Mouse

Never lose that 3am essay again by backing up your work amazon.co.uk Prices vary

Red Rum Recyclable, reusable, perfect for beer pong – solo red cups are a campus staple amazon.co.uk £5.00 for 50

MUST HAVE

Can’t Cook, Won’t Cook Learn to cook something other than spag bol with Nosh For Students amazon.co.uk £6.29

Cross the Streams Stream from apps direct to your telly with the Amazon Fire Stick amazon.co.uk £34.95

Mobile Music

Jack’s Raging Hangover

Mood Lighting

Beoplay H5 earphones use Bluetooth for fuss (and cable) free listening beoplay.com £169.99

Making friends is easy with Jack Daniel’s Honey and Whiskey amazon.co.uk £25.00 for 70cl

Make your room a little cosier – and unseasonably festive – with your very own fairy lights. amazon.co.uk Prices vary

GNIMAG.COM | 47

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Queen’s Café Bar

Queens Arcade Belfast BT15FF

Meal Deal for 2 Food Served

BRADBURY 46 Bradbury Place Tel: 028 90222444

Porterhouse Steaks 22Porterhouse Steaks with sides with sauce sauce and and sides Includes a bottle Includes a bottle of of red or white red or white £29.95 for 2 £29.95 for 2 Thurs - Sat from Thurs– Sat from 5.00pm 5.00pm

CASTLEREAGH STREET 94 Castlereagh Street Tel: 028 90451989 DUNDONALD 1003 Upper N/ards Road Tel: 028 90483240 LISBURN 46 Longstone Street Tel: 028 92634444 DONAGHADEE 55-57 High Street Tel: 028 91882572 NORTHCOTT 106 Ballyclare Road, G/gormley Tel: 028 90838899 BALLYMENA 38 Broughshane Street Tel: 028 25652144

Secure a sparkling smile

Food Served Food Served

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Mon-Wed 12-7.00pm Thursday 12 - 9.00pm Thurs-Sat Fri - Sat 1212-9.00pm - 8.00pm Sun 1-5.00pm Sunday 1 - 5.00pm T: 90 249105 E: queenscafebar@hotmail.co.uk W: queenscafebar.co.uk

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THE STUDENT ISSUE__ SOCIETIES

Do you wanna be in my gang?

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a university in possession of new students must be in want of clubs and societies to keep them entertained. Joining a society is a fantastic way to make you feel as if you have finally arrived, says GNI MAG editor Kieran Clarke

Clubs and societies are a tried and tested method for meeting new people who want to meet new people. Studies have shown that students who actively take part in extracurricular activities are less likely to drop out, they tend to rate their university experiences more highly, and have better prospects of landing their dream job at the end.

While signing up to every society you can find during Freshers’ week is probably a bad (and more

importantly expensive) idea, it pays to shop around for the right club or society for you. You will be spoiled for organisations to choose from so do chose wisely; in other words, don’t immediately sign up at the first booth you come across.

Don’t be disappointed if the one group you’ve always wanted to join isn’t offered at your new uni.

Student unions are always open to ideas for new societies. If you can prove there is enough interest

you might even make your stitch and bitch circle happen.

It goes without saying that joining the local LGBT society is a must. Never again will it be so easy to meet new, interesting, and most importantly attractive people again. If you are nervous about taking the first step, find the nearest lesbian and be her best friend for the next three years. You will have a wild time. >>>

GNIMAG.COM | 49

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ SOCIETIES

SPORTS When it comes to traditional societies sporty types are never overlooked.

The average Fresher’s Fair will have everything from trampolining to tiddlywinks, and everything in between.

Their stalls are usually the easiest to find, and for some reason are either manned by Neanderthals or by polowearing extended members of the Royal Family. Rah! Mario Kart Essex Students are clearly passionate about the iconic Nintendo series. Not content to stop at mere gameplay, the Mario Kart society also hosts plenty of social events including Mario versus Luigi theme nights where the dress code is strictly flamboyant Italian plumber.

Ultimate Frisbee Leeds, Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent students are partial to a bit of this fastpaced team game of ninja-like throwing skills and immense agility. (Douchey Snapbacks are not required uniform.)

Roller derby Head to Cambridge and a host of others for this full-contact sport played on roller skates. The game consists of players skating around an elliptical track in a series of twominute countdown “jams”. Kneepads at the ready, ladies.

Extreme ironing Most of us avoid ironing at the best of times, but students at Nottingham take it to a whole other level. All you need is an ironing board, a couple of wrinkled shirts, a dangerous situation involving either fire and/or a large wild animal and you are ready to get ironing.

UNUSUAL CLUBS For every football and lacrosse team there are at least two more societies dedicated entirely to unusual pastimes. Custard wrestling, anyone?

The Dad’s Army society? Somehow, somewhere, they probably exist. And you should definitely be friends with these people.

50 | GNIMAG.COM

Beekeeping For students at the University of East Anglia with an interest in keeping honeybees, the time is now. This enterprising society is described as an “opportunity to share knowledge and experiences for everyone’s benefit, but especially the bees.”

Zombie Apocalypse This society was created to protect students at the University of Manchester from the imminent undead apocalypse. While we aren’t entirely sure how this society let their hair down, we hope it doesn’t involve actual cannibalism. (Universities tend to frown on that.)

Vikings The Vikings of Plymouth University aim to educate people interested in the genteel pursuits of sacking villages and making off with the womenfolk. When not pillaging, this society hosts a range of activities including traditional Viking games, brewing mead, and oldfashioned Viking-style kneesups.

Gin Appreciation The good folks at Durham are mad for a drop of mother’s ruin (ask your mam). But you can forget getting sloshed down the local boozer; this society is all about the tasting and not about the wasting… or something. Make up your own puns.

TV AND FILM If your idea of a good time is painting little figurines or boring your boyfriend with inane chatter about Pokemon Go, a geeky society is probably the way for you. So don your robes, roll the dice and

for goodness sake have a shower before the weekly meet up. Altogether now: Nerrrrrrrddddddsssss.

Quidditch and Harry Potter Don’t get excited just yet, the geeks at Nottingham’s Quidditch and Harry Potter society don’t actually fly, although they really do play Quidditch. Imagine a cross between rugby and dodgeball played with a broomstick between your legs and you are halfway there. Just don’t mention He Who Shall Not Be Named.

Disney society Both Exeter and Manchester offer quizzes, pub-crawls, film marathons and trips all based around the House of Mouse. So whether your favourite villain is Cruella De Vil or Ursula, show your love for all things Disney and reminisce about childhood memories.

Ice and Fire Offered at the University of York, this society claims to appreciate all things Game of Thrones, from socials to screenings and discussions about George RR Martin’s bestselling series.

No word as yet on whether or not arguments are solved via trial by combat but we are hoping for a yes.

Gentlemanly Pursuits The good chaps at Keele clearly enjoy the finer things in life. I think we can all appreciate their interest in “partaking of fine liquors and music of good quality alongside educated discussion.” We are waxing our moustaches as we speak…

RuPaul At Keele, not only can you hang out with those dandy gentlemen and their gentlemanly pursuits, you can also show your love for Mama Ru. The RuPaul society at Keele gather to watch episodes and have even enjoyed trips to Drag Idol UK and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in London!

The MAC Belfast, 13 - 22 Sept Book at www.themaclive.com or 028 9023 5053 Theatres Across NI & ROI, 23 Sept - 8 Oct See www.bruisertheatrecompany.com for more details

THE STUDENT ISSUE__ GEAR

Danish company Bang & Olufsen have been at the cutting edge of consumer electronics since 1925...

Their first headphone, the U70, was introduced in 1978, meaning four decades of innovation and design have gone into their second-gen Beoplay H6 headphones.

Designed by Danish engineer Jakob Wagner, the Beoplay H6 is dressed in this season’s colour – Champagne Grey. With anodised aluminium arms and ear-cups, the colour palette takes inspiration from recent fashion trends, complementing the natural materials found in the headband (cowhide leather) and earpad coverings (lamb hide).

What makes the H6s special is their sound. The cord has an inline remote and microphone, allowing you to control music and take calls. Bang & Olufsen has noticeably upped the bass response from the first generation H6 while retaining impeccably clear and prominent highs.

Besides performance, the H6s are also high on practicality. The design is elegant in a way that similarly priced headphones can’t match – and with prior models designed by Snapchat kingpin DJ Khaled, Bang & Olufsen’s latest offering is right on the money for style conscious twenty-somethings.

Amazon Fire HDX 8.9

Beoplay H6 headphones are available from beoplay.com priced £239

Whether you are reading a course online or recording a seminar, there isn’t much this tablet won’t do.

While it may be virtually identical to its predecessor – the same 8.9-inch screen size, the same 13.2-ounce weight – the new Amazon Fire HDX 8.9 is the one comprehensive iPad alternative on the market. Whether you are reading a course online or recording a seminar, there isn’t much this tablet won’t do.

At 339 pixels per inch the pixel density of the LCD display still trumps the most advanced display

Apple has to offer (with the iPad Mini 3’s Retina display clocking in at 324ppi). Battery life and power management are excellent, meaning forgetting a charge is no longer such a pain. There is even a Smart Suspend feature that toggles Wi-Fi on and off based on your predicted usage, connecting periodically throughout the day to fetch email and other updates.

One downside is the limited potential of the Amazon’s App-

store. While you can still access the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Facebook and Twitter, Google services are non-existent, so no Gmail, Google Maps, Chrome or YouTube. The good news is that the HDX’s built-in browser, maps, and email client all work fine.

Amazon Fire HDX 8.9 is available from amazon.co.uk priced from £329.99

GNIMAG.COM | 53

GNI mag LIFESTYLE FASHION / GROOMING / FOOD / TRAVEL

Camo Blazer: £110 Camo Trousers: £40 Available at River Island

GNI MAG | 35

GNIMAG.COM | 55

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58 | GNIMAG.COM

FASHION__

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GNIMAG.COM | 59

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60 | GNIMAG.COM

FASHION__

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GNIMAG.COM | 61

CREDITS: ALL LOOKS AVAILABLE AT TOPMAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING: Topman MODEL: Charles Docherty at AMCK Models

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62 | GNIMAG.COM

GNI mag THE AWARDS T W E N T Y THE LOCAL POLITICAN OF THE YEAR

sponsored by

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S I X T E E N The lgbt ally of the year award

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Sunday Bingo Show - Union Street

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“Petition of Concern” coverage (Nolan)

Ciaran Moynagh

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I’m trans, can I join Orange Order (BBC)

Natalie Corbett

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The award for best local drag act

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The GNI MAG AWARDS take place on 27th October, visit gnimag.com for ticket information.

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MEET THE ARTIST__ PHILIP NORMAL

MEET THE ARTIST Images by Alexander McLuckie At first glance, his store reveals an Aladdin’s cave of pop culture treasures. The

Spice Girls as mermaids, Beyoncé dressed as

80’s icon She-Ra, a trippy t-shirt featuring what looks like Pat Butcher on acid, Jessica Fletcher iPhone cases, and a sweatshirt that says ‘I’m just taking things one dick at a time.’

Pugs abound in glorious and adorable

profusion. Another gem reads ‘I thought Ariana Grande was a font.’

Dramatic and theatrical designs are practically

synonymous with cutting edge designer, creator

and entrepreneur Philip Normal. Philip is not only a designer and owner of his own label, this

multitalented Westminster University graduate

also happens to be the LGBT Officer for the Vauxhall Labour Party. (Whatever you do, don’t get him started on UKIP or the Tories.)

Philip’s designs incorporate a swathe of geeky

references melded to oversized garments. He

counts everyone from Ariana Grand to Stephen from Gogglebox among his fans. In his own

words, “I enjoy making t-shirts that reference pop culture and make people smile.

“T-Shirts and sweatshirts have to be my

favourite blank canvas,” says Philip. “They are

like blank pages to me. They’re a really fun way to express yourself and they are even more fun

to design and make. When I adopted Noah the [French bulldog], I felt I needed to put him on a t-shirt. It was a hit, and after it was on Gogglebox people went crazy for it.”

For more info on Philip, visit his website at philipnormal.co.uk or follow him on Instagram at philipnormal

64 | GNIMAG.COM

PHILIP NORMAL “When I adopted Noah the [French bulldog], I felt I needed to put him on a t-shirt.

It was a hit.”

MEET NORMAL MEETTHE THEARTIST__ ARTIST__PHILIP TONY WEBSTER

GNIMAG.COM | 71 GNIMAG.COM | 65

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PIPS Charity delivers Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support Services, Counselling and Therapies across Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.

The organisation began, and very much remains, a community led organisation with a strong grass roots led ethos to suicide prevention and selfharm. PIPS provide support to individuals who are considering, or who have at some point considered, ending their own lives. The charity supports families (either at home or at the premises on the Antrim Road in Belfast) who have lost someone to suicide. PIPS have a small dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers supporting those in need operating a ‘no appointment’ service.

The Charity provides immediate support without delay whilst providing a gateway and referral mechanism to a range of other specialist services in addition to facilitating family peer support groups.

PIPS offer a range of high quality services which include: • Counselling & Alternative Therapies • Crisis Support • Befriending • OCN Accredited Training • Outreach counselling for over 65’s • Family support group

IF YOU WOULD LIKE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR SERVICE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT: PIPS Charity, 281 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 2HE Tel: 02890805850 | Freephone: 0800 088 6042 www.pipscharity.com | Email: info@pipscharity.com

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LIFESTYLE__ GROOMING

Once you’ve got your barnet looking thicker, these products from the Mr. haircare style range will leave your hair looking lovely....

What to do when you notice your hair thinning?

MR. STYLE GELL LONG LASTING FLEXIBLE HOLD FOR STYLE THAT MAINTAINS MEMORY AND IS HUMIDITY RESITANT FOR 48 HOURS. £10

The team at Jamie Stevens sent us some products from their MR. haircare range to try out.

As people age hair begins to thin an inescapable fact - which is the result of the active growth cycle slowing down so lost hairs are not replaced as quickly. However, this common complaint is still a largely taboo subject despite the fact that 56% of young men (aged 18-24) and 33% of all men have concerns and anxieties over it and, until now, there has been very little on the market to actively and effectivly target this problem.

Three years in development by a highly skilled team of scientests and award-winning hairdresser, Jamie Stevens, MR. draws on the most advanced science and industry innovations, to deliver targetted solutions to a number of issues.

Divided into three categories, Disguise, Thicken and Style, the line-up is a clearly defined range of 12 products, all containing a unique active complex designed specifically for this collection - System- PPX - proven to help promote thicker, hydrated and stronger hair.

Disguise contains two headline products, the MR. Hair Fibres and MR. Disguise Spray, both of which are designed to subtly, but effectively mask areas of hair loss. The spray adds colour to the scalp, to disguise thinning and receding areas and the Hair Fibres attach to existing hair,

to make it look fuller and thicker. The Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment within the Thicken category all create a healthy strong, thick hair.

All of this stylishly packaged in sleek minimal black bottles with bold messaging.

We sent Tony home from the office to try out the MR. Hair Fibres on his thinning head of hair.

The statically-charged fibres with added keratin bond and attach to individual hairs, making each strand look and feel thicker. It’s available in three different shades, the fibres build density and instanly deliver natural-looking results. So after washing and drying his hair Tony opened the Hair Fibres bottle and took to sprinkling the powder onto his head. Application was very easy, literally as easy as powdering your head. The thing is that the result is immediate - literally as soon as you apply the Fibres, you see the hair thicker and the scalp less obvious.

MR. Jamie Stevens Hair Fibres are avalable to buy at selected boots stores or online at www. mrjamiestevens.com

MR. STYLE SALT SPRAY THE SALT ADDS BODY TO THE HAIR & THE SOFTENING PEA PEPTIDE ADDS VOLUME WHILE PREVENTING STIFFNESS. £10

MR. STYLE WAX CONTAINING BEESWAX AND REJUVENATING AMINO ACIDS, THE WAX PROMOTES THICKER, FULLER LOOKING HAIR. £10

THE MR. HAIRCARE SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE IN SELECTED BOOTS STORES AND AT WWW.MRJAMIESTEVENS.COM

GNIMAG.COM | 67

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LIFESTYLE__ FASHION

FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK

Grey Bleached shirt: £32 Black suit jacket: £65 Marble Scarf: £15 Black suit trousers: £35 Black Brogues: £55 Available at River Island

RIVER ISLAND HAS PRODUCED A CONTRASTING COLLECTION FOR AW ’16, MIXING SHARP SILHOUETTES WITH QUALITY FABRICS, TECHNICAL DESIGN FEATURES AND UNCOMPLICATED LINES. GNIMAG.COM | 69

LIFESTYLE__ FASHION Grey Cap: Beige Bomber: Beige Zip up Hoodie: Beige Trousers: White Trainers:

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LIFESTYLE__ FASHION

SHADES OF PLUM, BURNT ORANGE AND DEEP RUSSET DEFINE AND CONTRAST THE EARTHY TONES OF STONE, OLIVE AND SAGE IN THESE PREMIUM CASUAL PIECES.

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Available at River Island

GNIMAG.COM | 71

LIFESTYLE__ FASHION Green Hoodie: £22 Fur Parka Jacket: £150 Spotted Blue jeans: £40 Brown Boots: £60 Available at River Island

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LIFESTYLE__ FASHION

THE SHARP CUTS AND IMPECCABLE DESIGN OF RIVER ISLAND’S PREMIUM TAILORING ARE OFFSET BY A LACONIC ROCK AND ROLL APPROACH TO LAYERED OUTERWEAR.

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GNIMAG.COM | 73

LIFESTYLE__ FITNESS

Mo’ muscles, Mo’ problems Don’t abandon your beach-ready body just yet. These seven super foods will keep you in shape this autumn.

Dietary protein – is there anything it can’t do? If you are planning on becoming the next Henry Cavil, Chris Pratt or Dwayne Johnson, protein is the only way to do it. Now that protein is considered the quintessential dietary factor in getting hench as hell, the next step is deciding what to eat. Tubs of whey powder, half a cow, your own bodyweight in boiled chicken? Whatever you choose, remember that without proper nutrition those gains can easily be cancelled out. Preventing your muscles from breaking down is as important as building them, so if you want to get bigger you might have to change what you are putting in.

No workout is complete without post-gym carbs to replenish those depleted energy stores.

Pineapple is an ideal food for this. Not only does pineapple help reduce inflammation and soreness, it helps digest the protein you have been eating too. Pineapple is rich in an enzyme called bromelain, an enzyme that actively increases your body’s ability to absorb protein.

Whatever way you look at it, water is a crucial component to any diet. Studies have shown that the building blocks of muscle production are much more effective in cells that are well hydrated. Essentially, dehydrated bodies generate muscle growth much more slowly, so keep that water bottle topped up. Worst of all, if you allow yourself to become dehydrated your body has burn energy in the form of muscle to maintain the energy levels it needs.

Quinoa is the perfect post-workout food. Packed with protein and fiber, quinoa is also packed with

magnesium and iron to make building muscle mass easier. It also contains all nine of the amino acids essential for building muscle. Because quinao is a carb-dense food, be sure to only eat it post-workout to aid your recovery.

Oysters are a great way to boost protein consumption without boosting fat consumption too (provided you can stomach eating something that looks and tastes like snot). A mere six ounces of oysters can contain as much as 16 grams of protein versus a mere four grams of fat. Oysters also come packed with zinc, an essential mineral for protein synthesis.

Some studies have demonstrated that drinking coffee one-hour before a workout can increase your body’s endurance, particularly with anaerobic exercises like weightlifting. Researchers believe that the caffeine in coffee stimulates muscles, helping improve the overall quality of your workout. The caveat? Take it black and without sugar.

While dairy products tend to be a big no-no for most fitness experts, one recent study has suggested that chocolate milk may well be the holy grail of post-workout nutrition. The reason?

Chocolate milk contains the perfect balance of carbs and protein, meaning that a generous glug of chocolate milk will fully maximise your body’s rate of glycogen re-synthesis (essentially: the rate at which your energy stores are replenished).

So instead of reaching for a sugary sports drink post-gym try chocolate milk instead, and give yourself a better shot at maintaining those hardwon gains.

With autumn fast approaching being kind to your skin is more important than ever. Let Kiehl’s moisturising serum do the hard work while you don this season’s latest trends.

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Huel (14 meals) Vanilla Meal Replacement 1 Packet - £26.00

Huel is the brainchild of renowned nutrition expert James Collier. This nutritionally complete powdered food contains all the proteins, carbs and fats you need plus 100% of the European Union’s “Daily Recommended Amounts” of all 26 essential vitamins and minerals.

Huel – which is created from a combination of the words Human and Fuel – is 100% vegan, super convenient, high in protein (148g per 2000 calories) and fiber (35g), contains just 4.6 grams of sugar per 2000 calories, requires minimal packaging and has a shelf life of 12 months.

AVAILABLE FROM HUEL.COM AND SELECTED RETAILERS

74 | GNIMAG.COM

LIFESTYLE__ REAL MAN

TRIMMED OR NATURAL? Natural. I’m not a particularly hairy guy so I don’t have much need to trim. After a few weeks of not shaving I start to look like a hobo so I do have to keep that in check.

BOXERS/BRIEFS? Boxers. The pair I wore on the day of the shoot were a Christmas present. They are by far my favourite pair. I love my Star Wars pants. I have a bunch of Jack Wills boxers at home too that are super comfy.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE GROOMING PRODUCT? Without a doubt, it’s got to be Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Hairspray. Panti Bliss uses it so it’s good enough for me!

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? I have a real soft spot for pretzels. They are super bad for you but are addictive as Hell. I also drink too much instant coffee. I don’t have much time for Starbucks. #Blessed #YouCantEven (We can even. – Ed) WHAT ONE PRODUCT COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? Neutrogena hand cream. I’m a bit OCD when it comes to keeping my hands clean. I wash them a lot which means they tend to dry out quite quickly. That hand cream is a lifesaver.

&

NAME: STEPHEN DONNAN AGE: 27 OCCUPATION: FINANCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR

HEIGHT: 5’ 7” WEIGHT: 13st

“I’m not a fitness fanatic. I do try my best to keep myself healthy but my relationship with fried chicken is deep and real. I like cycling and swimming but with working full-time and my writing and activism I don’t have as much time for exercise as I’d like. I like guys that have a bit of meat on them, I’m a total bear chaser, but if I fall for a guy looks come behind a good heart… and a big wallet.”

GNIMAG.COM | 75

GNI mag THE AWARDS T W E N T Y

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LIFESTYLE__ HOMES

You’ve got the super cool TV, we had a look at what other gadgets are availble for your viewing pleasure...

Television talk show!

4K UHD So we’ve had HD, smart TV, curved, analogue, digital, and now we take a look at 4K UHD.

Google chromecast media streaming www.google.com/chromecast

Logitech Harmony Touch Universal Remote Control www.currys.co.uk

So apparently the future of TVs is here, all in the form of the latest 4K UHD (that’s Ultra High Def for those that don’t know) televisions.

Basically 4K describes the resolution of your TV, which is the amount of pixels used to make up the image. You’ll begin to notice tho that the term 4K will be used more and more often to describe all the collective features that make up these TVs, kind of like what the term “smart TV’ done a few years ago.

This new generation of Television sets will deliver four times as much detail as current 1080p Full HD TV sets, that’s eight million pixels compared to two million – impressive eh?

This means that images clarity will be excellent with greater texture, fine details and an almost photo-like smoothness.

When it comes to splashing the cash, buying a UHD TV was initially expensive, but like all technology the price is coming down, like the one in the picture below which comes in at under five hundred quid. Another thing to note is; when these TV’s were first launched they were only really available in massive sized screens, this is slowly changing and smaller screens are now

available, but these will probably stop at around 40 inches (still a big one).

Things to look out for when buying your new 4K UHD TV, to try to future proof a bit are: HEVC decoder for 4K streaming of Netflix, processing engine to upscale regular movies and TV shows, HDMI 2.0 ports for plugging in a Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and web-connected smart TV capabilities for catch-up TV and streaming apps.

If you’re wondering if there is actually any 4K content to watch right now you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Netflix House of Cards for example is available, BT Sport Ultra HD is there for those into their footie, and Amazon stream certain content 4K ready too. On top of this, current regular TV shows will look sharper.

Should you wait a while or buy a 4K UHT TV now? The choice is yours, you need to decide whether you want the best TV you can get right now, if the answer is yes, then yes get one. If the answer is no, then hold onto your pennies, inevitably the price will come down soon like all technology.

LG 49UH620V Smart 4k Ultra HD HDR 49” LED TV available at www.currys.co.uk

TVplayer app for on the go tv www.tvplayer.com

Dali kubik one all in one sound system www.dali-speakers.com

GNIMAG.COM | 77

LIFESTYLE__ FOOD & DRINK

French Fancy Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford test the Michelin-starred delights of Belfast’s own OX

Where Belfast meets Brittany, you’ll find OX. Located waterside on Oxford Street, this casual fine dining restaurant has been delighting Belfast palates since 2013, and was deservedly Michelin-starred last year.

Having met in Paris, manager Alain Kerloc’h and chef Stephen Toman have worked in some of the best restaurants in France and Ireland.

The modern French-style menu is filled with local ingredients and the kitchen abides by the ethos of using imagination and creativity to bring fresh ingredients to life on the plate.

“Too long have vegetables played the part of a mere garnish,” say the pair. “OX’s menus feature top quality meat and sustainably sourced fish while also giving careful attention to seasonal vegetables and fruit.”

There’s scarcely a better venue in Belfast for an elegant mid-week lunch than OX. Offering impressive value for money and the perfect opportunity to dine on a Michelin-starred menu, two courses come in at just £20 any day of the week. Expect dishes of silky, rich, seasonal soup; salads featuring lovingly foraged leaves, edible flowers and local dairy produce; and mains that (while humble in the menu description) deliver impeccable flavour and imaginative combinations to make your tastebuds erupt.

Gin is big business at OX, with a menu entirely dedicated to the tipple, as is wine; you will find OX Cave next door, a Parisian bodega in Belfast with a roster of little-known bottles from artisan vineyards across the globe, with cured meat and cheeses to snack on. oxbelfast.com 1 Oxford St, Belfast Two-course (£20/€23) or three-course (£25/€29) lunch menu available daily between midday and 2.30pm (Saturday 1 – 2.30pm)

78 | GNIMAG.COM

LIFESTYLE__ FOOD & DRINK

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Starters of butternut squash soup and pan-seared scallops, caramelised apple treats featuring edible flowers, and OX’S striking pared-back interior

GNIMAG.COM | 79

Travel__ GRAN CANARIA

Y Viva España Patrick Hanlon & Russell Alford pack their buckets and spades for sunny Gran Canaria

WORDS | GASTROGAYS IMAGES

|

Images by Gastrogays and Tourist Board of Gran Canaria (grancanaria.com)

80 | GNIMAG.COM

Travel__ Gran Canaria Gran Canaria may have a reputation for package holidays and old school drag, but there is much more to discover than late night bars and clothing optional beaches in this much-loved port of call. Whether you base yourself in the cosmopolitan capital of Las Palmas, sun-soaked Maspalomas or pretty Puerto Rico, there is plenty to do in gay Gran Canaria.

GOLDEN SANDS For something really special, board a private yacht to the beach. Located in a secluded inlet on the western side of the island and only reachable by sea, Güigüi is Gran Canaria’s most beautiful beach. Canarias Gay, a gay-owned private charter company, sets sail with groups of eight or less on daily excursions manned by their wonderfully friendly crew. Departing in the morning from the port at Mogán, a beautiful little fishing town near Puerto Rico, you’ll enjoy tapas and welcome drinks as you set sail in the Atlantic, hugging the Gran Canarian coast and spotting whales, dolphins and more.

Landing at Güigüi around midday, you can soak up the sun, swim, snorkel and relax before enjoying a traditional paella cooked right on the beach. Sail leisurely back to port in the late afternoon with a drink in hand, great music and breathtaking views for a truly unforgettable experience. Bookable for entire groups, but also welcoming individuals, the yacht experience is a great opportunity to meet fellow travellers, and is incredible value at €95pp.

MASPALOMAS BY NIGHT You can’t mention Maspalomas without mentioning Yumbo Centrum, a legendary pillar of the LGBT community. This hub of restaurants, boutiques, bars and nightclubs is an essential stop-off and boasts independent charm by the bucketload. While it may look a little dated and touristy, you’ll have no difficulty sniffing out the good stuff. A rule of thumb: avoid anywhere coaxing you in with menus and drinks promotions. The businesses who aren’t flogging their wares outside are the busiest simply by being the best.

Yumbo Centrum is spread across four levels and the general flow ascends as the night rolls on. The ground floor is busiest in the evening, and then as the night wears on the upper floors become hot spots for after-hours fun. This plethora of clubs and bars cater to all tastes (in both music and men) but special mentions go to Wünderbar for its Eurovision nights, and Sparkles Showbar for their legendary nightly variety shows.

Gay Paso Chico – a small, independent gay complex with self-contained bungalows – is the perfect place to stay and explore Maspalomas; it also happens to be right across from Yumbo Centrum and a tenminute walk to Playa del Inglés beach.

second-highest peak on Gran Canaria after the nearby Pico de las Nieves which stands at an impressive 1,949m. Both locations offer spectacular 360-degree views across the island and far out to sea.

GO TO THE BEACH Gran Canaria boasts over 60km of golden sandy stretches, with the most famous being Las Canteras which runs along the western bank of Las Palmas.

The further south you descend, the higher the temperature soars and Playa del Inglés has a great gay beach located around Hut/Kiosk 7 on the main stretch. Just look for the rainbow flag. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent for €2.50 per bed or umbrella.

On the extreme southern tip of the island, you’ll find miles of rolling, golden-hued humps at the iconic and protected natural area of the Dunes of Maspalomas.

WATER SPORTS From sailing to surfing, jet skiing to deep sea diving, the Canary Islands’ waters and waves are globally celebrated. Sea conditions around Gran Canaria are ideal for sailing whilst there are ample diving opportunities with over 20 schools dotted around the island. For surf and bodyboard lovers, the north has endless reefs to catch killer waves.

Gran Canaria is also one of the premier windsurfing destinations in the world, and with three locations along the southeastern coast – Pozo Izquierdo, Playa del Inglés and Playa de Vargas – there are enough spots to perfect your technique to rival Hawaii.

GastroGays (gastrogays.com) travelled as guests of the Gran Canaria Tourist Board (grancanaria.com) and stayed at Gay Paso Chico (paso-chico.com). Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2, Thomson and Thomas Cook operate daily services between Belfast/Dublin airports and Gran Canaria

CLIMB CLOUD ROCK Reaching the rocky heart at the centre of the island, Roque Nublo is no mean feat but the reward is more than worth it. After a two-hour bus journey which winds upwards through the central mountainous region of Gran Canaria, it’s a further 45 minutes on foot from the base stop to reach one of the most beautiful vantage points you could imagine.

At 1,813m above sea level, Roque Nublo is the

GNIMAG.COM | 81

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LIFESTYLE | DATING

Ask Eamon!

Our resident dating expert Eamon McAuley is ready to solve your shameful dating mishaps

Hello, I’m not sure how to introduce myself here, but I’m a 23-year-old guy, a little introverted but not extremely so. Around two months ago I met this guy online, I won’t say where. He lives in London; I go to uni in Scotland. We clicked right away.

Long story short, massive emails turned into six-hour instant messenger conversations.

Alarm bells started ringing pretty early. For example, he only had one profile picture but anytime I suggested we FaceTime or Skype he would suddenly have to run. I suggested we meet up when I’m in London and he was all for it, but now he has stopped answering me entirely and deleted his profile on the dating site. I know I’ve been catfished but it makes me so angry that I can’t get any answers or closure.

It makes no sense. What should I do?

Angus, 23, Stirling Hi Angus, Thanks for your question. As you have already discovered, dating sites (be they gay, straight or both) are fertile ground for scammers and catfishers. You aren’t the first person to be conned online, and you won’t be the last either.

Catfishing is a fairly new phenomenon but few studies have offered some clues into the minds of the catfisher. They are likely to be compulsive liars.

Usually, they are addicted to living in a fantasy world.

They may have a history of abuse. Most report feeling unloved or unaccepted. Many have low self-esteem, and some even enjoy hurting others. One shocking study revealed that one in every ten dating profiles is a potential fake.

Many dating sites treat the issue of personal security almost as an afterthought, leaving users open to being humiliated the way you have been. In this instance, it does indeed sound like you have been dealing with a fake profile. Unfortunately, you may never get the answers you desire. The healthy thing to do is to put it down to a lesson learned. You’ve had

your fingers burned, now move on and try to be more careful.

My advice is to research online dating sites before joining them and go with someone reputable. Look for someone who meets their clients and offers more of a personalised service, they do exist. I happen to run one exactly like that. You can find more details in the sidebar.

Here are a few tips to help you avoid potential catfishers. If they seem too good to be true they probably are. Check their Facebook account – do they have suspiciously few friends? Is it difficult to get pictures out of them? You’ve got yourself a catfish.

Next time trust those red flags and you won’t be so quick to fall for a scammer.

Hi Eamon, I am probably much older than your typical reader but I really like your advice. I am getting back into dating at the age of 55 and I really don’t know what I am doing. I was “married” for 15 years and with him for eight years before that so I haven’t really dated more than two decades.

Since then it feels like everything has changed dramatically. Am I a massive prude while everyone is out having threesomes and

Dating when you are in your 50’s is a totally different experience to dating at any other time of life. As we get older, people find their priorities shift and the kinds of lifestyles they want to live are generally different to those of younger generations.

This affects all kinds of things, particularly the sorts of things they are looking for, which is probably why you are feeling like you stick out like a sore thumb. The good news is you don’t have to feel this way. Not everyone is looking for threesomes with casual partners, in fact not everyone wants casual sex to begin with. The majority of people view companionship as the most important aspect of any relationship, and I have a feeling you might be one of them. You might be surprised to know that the over 50’s are the fastest growing dating market compared to any other age group, so you certainly shouldn’t be struggling for potential partners.

Is it daunting to start looking? Absolutely, especially if have been in long-term relationships for most of your adult life. The best thing to do is bite the bullet and jump in head first. If you do it safely and take your time you may be surprised what you can find out there. Best of luck.

anal sex? Don’t get me wrong, I understand the basics of human interaction, I’m not looking to find a soulmate or husband, I just thought it would be nice to meet somebody. But I do feel like an alien from another planet. Everything is so casual these days and I struggle with the ambiguity of it all. How do I adjust to the new world of dating and actually enjoy it when hooking up/casual sex is not my thing?

Julian, 55, Bristol Hi Julian, Thanks for your question, and thank you for reading!

I’m glad you enjoy my advice. Hopefully I can help you too.

IF YOU WANT EAMON TO ANSWER YOUR DATING PROBLEMS EMAIL GNI@LAMBPROMOTIONS.COM

GNI MAG HAS THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH SUBMITTED MATERIAL IN WHOLE OR IN PART FOR A DATING AGENCY WITH A TWIST VISIT UNIQUEDATINGAGENCY.COM

GNIMAG.COM | 83

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GNI MAG Weddings

Tony & Martin travelled the US for their oncein-a-lifetime honeymoon. We catch up with them to hear their Big Day Story.

So tell us how you met. Were you single

How long after you started dating did

for a long time before you started

it take to pop the question? Was it an

dating?

immediate yes?

Tony:

Tony:

I had been actively dating when I met Martin. A few years

We had been dating for a year when I decided to propose.

was living in the states at the time and after a few years at

I knew at that stage that a proposal would let me know if

previously I had gotten out of a really bad relationship. I

home and getting back to myself I felt like I was ready for

something a little more serious. When I met Martin I was aware that he wasn’t looking for the same things as me, so I didn’t really think it would go anywhere. Now I can’t get rid of him!

Martin: We met while I was at work and Tony was on a date with

someone else. I was chatting him up on Grindr that night!

It was our first anniversary and we were in New York City.

Martin saw us going the same direction – and I figured

I’d be better doing it in New York than randomly after a

certain period of time in a less awesome place than NYC.

We had just spent the day doing typical tourist things and we were at the top of the Empire State building when

I proposed – it wasn’t an immediate yes because Martin

was so shocked he didn’t really know what to say. After a gobsmacked minute he said, “Yes!”

GNIMAG.COM | 87

GNI MAG WEDDINGS__ BETH & MORENA

“When I met Martin I didn’t think it would go anywhere.

Now I can’t get rid of him!”

88 | GNIMAG.COM

GNI MAG WEDDINGS__ Martin: Tony asked me to marry him exactly a year after we

started going out. I thought he was joking at first, but of course I said, “Yes.”

Tell us about your wedding day.

Tony:

TONY & MARTIN

quite rustic with a lot of our own personal touches too. Confetti and table liners made from books,

handmade bouquets and buttonholes, sunflowers

everywhere, a big floral arch with fairy lights and

foliage. The musicians were our friends too so they

played exactly what we wanted. Our first dance was a

song was an acoustic version of a track by Disclosure.

We got married at Sloans in Glasgow, the oldest bar

What about the food and drink?

Rachael officiated the ceremony for us, so it was very

Tony:

decorated the entire place themselves. When I was

decided against a sit-down dinner because we aren’t

in the city with a big ballroom upstairs. Our friend personal. We had 100 guests and Martin’s family

The food and drink were provided by the venue. We

walking down the aisle and saw it I was completely

really that formal and it significantly cut the cost –

amazed by how beautiful it looked. I was actually

shocked they had done it themselves. We had friends and family from Ireland, Scotland, Holland, America and Spain come for it, so it was a really special and beautiful day. Martin forgetting his paper with his

vows and running back down the aisle to get them was a comedy highlight!

and knowing our friends it would all be about the

booze anyway. We gave every guest a little token for a free drink and, of course, there was prosecco for

everyone too. Our buffet-style canapés were gone in two minutes so our good friend Mags had to go to

Tesco to get Martin and me something to eat during the speeches.

Martin:

Martin:

Our wedding day was a day celebrating with all of

I’ve yet to meet someone who actually ate anything

our friends. It was really special as it was probably

the only time we’ll ever have our widespread group

of friends in one place. It was a huge party. Everyone had a great time. The feel of the wedding was

from the buffer, it was inhaled!

Did you have a honeymoon? .>>>>

GNIMAG.COM | 89

GNI MAG WEDDINGS__ TONY & MARTIN

Tony: We had an amazing honeymoon that was months

How are you enjoying married life?

Do you do everything together or do you like to keep independent?

in the planning. We decided on the states because I

Tony:

be great for Martin to meet them. We started in New

does. I can’t really put my finger on it but it’s brilliant.

We keep certain things together and other things we

we travelled upstate to see my family. We spent time

interesting and we are planning lots of things to do

so sometimes it’s hard for me to remember now we

have friends and family all over and thought it would

York City where we got engaged and after a few days, on the lake drinking lots of beer, it was really relaxing.

After New York, it was Los Angeles, Disneyland,

I didn’t think married life would feel different, but it

Tony:

I’ve been reading a lot about keeping the relationship

keep apart – I have always been quite independent

together – so far so good!

Universal Studios and the beach! We then spent five

Are you into the same things? What

from anything. We had a private beach and spent

different?

sunburned.

Tony:

encountering some hotel drama and finally getting

of others. We have different tastes in music (until

days in Hawaii on a secluded part of the island miles most of our time drinking Pina Coladas and getting

interests do you have that are

Our last leg of the trip was Vegas. After

We are similar in some ways and different in a lot

our room we spent all of our time drinking and

Martin has a drink and then the crap stuff I like is

walking around, gambling a little bit here and there.

Martin: Our honeymoon was a couple of weeks later,

okay!). We both love films and cinema. We collect Blu-Rays and watch a lot of Netflix. We also have two dogs so they keep us busy on our off days.

travelling to NYC then upstate to the ranch where

Martin:

Hawaii then finally Las Vegas. It was a lot to fit

have different tastes when it comes to movies, music

Tony’s family lives, then to LA for a week and

We’re not really into the exact same things at all. We

in but we had an amazing adventure at Universal

and food etc. I play PlayStation a bit but Tony prefers

Studios and Tony’s first trip to Disneyland.

90 | GNIMAG.COM

to watch. I want us to start doing more classes and activities together, like cocktail or cooking classes.

are married we should merge most of the things that

we do. We have the same group of friends but within that group, we spend time apart doing different things.

Martin is quite creative also but I learned quickly

to keep him out of most of my work because I always worry more about him having a good time and not

being bored! Martin keeps me out of his work stuff because zzzZZZZZZZ. I go back and forward to

see my family in Ireland, and I work away a good bit so we have enough time apart that when we can be together we want to be.

Martin: We do a lot together, sometimes too much! But we

do stuff apart too, but because we both work a lot we try and spend what time we can together, even if it’s just watching films with a cup of tea.

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HEALTH__

SUGAR

SUGAR SWEET Go to work; go the gym; go out with friends. Our lifestyles are full of opportunities for us to unwittingly consume hidden sugars thus risking our waistlines and our health.

Hide and seek, where is the sugar in your diet?

We eat shop bought sandwiches or salads for

this. Free sugars are any sugars added to food or drinks, or found naturally in honey, syrups and unsweetened fruit juices.

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey

lunch. We get home after the gym and heat

shows that 27% of our daily sugar intake comes

bought sauce as it is getting late and we are

is from non-alcoholic drinks and 20% is from

up a ready meal or make dinner with a shop hungry. We go out at the weekend, trying to look our best, and fill ourselves full of more sugar, hidden in the drinks we buy.

Recently the government has announced

from confectionary, jams and table sugar. 25% biscuits, cakes and buns. More surprisingly is that alcoholic drinks account for 11%, dairy products 6% and savoury food 5%.

It comes as no surprise that chocolate,

plans to introduce a ‘sugar tax’ on fizzy drinks.

fizzy drinks, cakes, buns and other sweet treats

one product group that is high in sugar and

surprising culprits that we might not think of

Critics have said that this tax focuses on only does not tackle the issue of hidden sugars

across the range of food we eat. Supporters say it is a step in the right direction and is part of the education process, i.e. making the public

are full of sugar. However, there are other

as being “sugary”, mainly because they don’t taste that sweet.

So where are these hidden sugars? Here are

aware that the foods and drinks they consume

some of the worst offenders:

that are harming their health.

Salad Dressing

30g of free sugars a day, which is roughly seven

for diet and nutrition, and that salads are a very

on a day to day basis contain levels of sugars Adults are advised not to eat more than

sugar cubes. Children should have less than

We all know that fruit and veg are essential

good way of getting our five a day. However,

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HEALTH__

SUGAR

we need to be wary of the salad dressings that

the nature of the sugars and reduces the

flavoured yoghurts add lots of sugar to enhance

to home prepared salads or dressings on shop

Breakfast Bars and Yoghurts

bars can also be very deceptive and despite

we are using, either the dressings that we add

bought pre-prepared salads. Check how much sugar are in French dressings, vinaigrettes and low fat oil-based dressings. They can

have added sugar to compensate and enhance the flavour. Look out for ingredients such as

dextrose, honey, glucose and maltose which are essentially variations on sugar. For a lower-

sugar option opt for a light homemade vinegar and olive oil dressing.

Soups and Sauces Although they taste savoury not sweet,

watch out for soups and cooking sauces. Many pasta sauces have between 6 and 12 grams of

sugar per serving – the same amount as a slice of cake! Sweet and sour sauces can contain a whopping 20g of sugar per 100g.

Other table sauces that you might add to

a meal, such as tomato ketchup, brown sauce

and BBQ sauce are chock full of sugar – up to

27g per 100g. Of course, you are unlikely to eat 100g of them, but one of the problems with

hidden sugars is that it is very difficult to keep

tabs on how they are adding up throughout the day. Try adding flavour to your food with herbs and spices and leave the sauce bottles in your cupboard.

Breakfast smoothies Smoothies are delicious. That’s a fact. But if you think getting your five-a-day from them is a

good idea, you’d be wrong. Only the first 150ml (less than the average container they are sold

beneficial properties of the fibre. Sorry!

Although they might make for a quick

Other table sauces that you might add to a meal, such as tomato ketchup, brown sauce and BBQ sauce are chock full of sugar – up to 27g per 100g.

Of course, you are unlikely to eat 100g of them, but one of the problems with hidden sugars is that it is very difficult to keep tabs on how they are adding up throughout the day.

in) counts as fruit and veg. After that it counts

breakfast option in the morning, many

your five-a-day through eating “un-smoothied”

of sugar. Plain yoghurt contains naturally

as a high sugar food. It is much better to get

fruit and veg as the blending process changes

www.nichs.org.uk

and sweeten the flavour. Energy and granola

branding stating how ‘healthy’ they are, experts have warned that these bars often contain as

much sugar as a chocolate bar. Sometimes they have only slightly less sugar than the well-

known cereal advertised by a tiger, and we all know that’s not a health food!

Bread Bread is not one of the biggest culprits when you look at it per 100g. However, when you

are piling your plate up with toast, it is worth remembering that each slice contains around half a teaspoon of sugar.

Alcohol The excessive amount of sugar that is present

in alcoholic drinks is often overlooked, but not

only is this damaging our liver, it is detrimental to our waistlines. In just one pint of cider there can be up to 20g of sugar and in rich spirits

such as sherry there can be up to 20 grams in a double measure. Wine and beer have less

sugar, but it is worth remembering that these

are “empty calories”. They have no nutritional

value at all and also decrease the body’s ability to burn fat. It’s one of life’s cruel ironies that we want to look good when we go out on a

Saturday night, but what we drink when we

are out makes it more difficult to stay looking good!

breakfast bars and yoghurts contain a lot

occurring sugars but often the fruity, highly

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COMNIG OUT__

MATTHEW

COMING OUT Maitiu tells his story...

“Coming out was definitely a big deal, especially when it came to telling my parents.

Looking back now, though, I see it didn’t really need to be as big a deal as it was.”

My name is Matthew. I’m 24 years old and I’m 6’6”.

I’m a bit of a SyFy geek. Anything related to Star trek or Star wars and I’m there. I work in mental health services within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. I also used to do a lot of work in the community too, which was brilliant. In September I’ll be going back to university to do my Masters in Applied Psychology, which is both scary and amazing at the same time. I like to think of myself as a pretty outgoing, confident person… with a mean honesty streak and the resting bitch face to go with it.

I realised I was gay around the age of 13. I remember falling in with a group of people and a couple of the guys in that group were gay, and that was definitely when it started to hit home.

Before that, all I had to go on was feeling different from the other boys at my school.

When I was 14 I came out to most of my friends. If I’m being honest it wasn’t too big of a surprise to any of them. A few people even told me they respected me for being honest about the whole thing. I always felt I could be myself around my friends so not too much changed really. A few people even asked for my advice about coming out.

Coming out to my family was a little different. For a long time my parents tried brushing it under the carpet, ignoring it or trying to control my social life. I even remember my brother finding some stuff I’d searched for online about being gay. I don’t know why he did it but he went straight to my parents. They continued to ignore the situation, but they did act more strictly after that.

After that incident, even finding information to try and understand what was going on was hard. Then one night I wrote a letter to try and work out what I was going to tell them. When I came home from school the next day the letter was gone, as well as all of the Attitude magazines I had bought. Dad had burned them, which was a little unsettling.

After reading the letter they told me how they loved me no matter what, but it has taken a long time for me to be completely open and honest about my sexuality. That’s the

hardest part, I think, the working out who you are bit and trying to be confident with that. I don’t blame my parents for their reaction; they are very old school Catholics who had never really encountered anything like this before.

My sister was the most supportive person throughout the whole process; I don’t know what I would have done without her help. To this day she always knows just the right thing to say.

She always encouraged me to be myself and to put the reactions of my parents and siblings into perspective.

When I told my brothers I was gay their reactions were mixed. My oldest brother didn’t like it, while my younger brother (who had always looked out for me) didn’t care all that much. Reactions from those outside my immediate family ranged from uncaring to curious. If anyone reacted badly to the news I either didn’t notice or was never told.

I definitely don’t remember any shocked faces, but I do remember thinking there would be guys at school or at my youth club who I would get a negative reaction from, but when it came to it they were all very supportive. One guy even told me I’d changed his opinions on gay people because he thought we were camp all the time!

Coming out was definitely a big deal, especially when it came to telling my parents. Looking back now, though, I see it didn’t really need to be as big a deal as it was. Part of me felt like it was a natural thing to do because I knew I couldn’t change it. I think I worried more about people’s perceptions to the news than to worrying about the whole gay part itself.

If anyone’s opinions of me have changed since I came out they haven’t had the balls to say anything, at least not to my face anyway.

The most important things in my life are my friends, who are all really important to me. You learn to keep your good friends around you while others come and go. My work is important to me too. I think it’s important to do something that impacts others positively, that’s why I love psychology. I’d love to move away some day, maybe to America. I don’t have any plans set in stone, not yet anyway.

If you’re in distress or despair call Lifeline 0808 808 8000

GNIMAG.COM | 97

LGBT FAMILIES Neil Dallimore is going the extra mile for his 11-year-old son.

I’ve had comments about his age because at age 11 he might not know who he is yet. That, however, is sort of the point. If my son or any of his siblings told us they liked the opposite sex it isn’t our job to tell them to hang on or say “Maybe you’re not straight.” As parents, it’s our job to say, “Whatever you are it’s natural and we love you.”

My wife and I moved our sons from their

that and found that two wonderful guys called

or even outright homophobia in the media, on

because of bullying. Some of that bullying was the

just that with their amazing Time For Inclusive

fortunate; for his siblings, parents and grandparents

schools when they were in Primaries 5 and 6

general kind most kids experience, some of it was homophobic.

Their mother and I would hear every name they

were called whenever they were upset. When kids

called them names we told them to say, “I don’t take that as an insult.” I don’t know how often they used it, but it was about instilling in them – along with

everything else we could tell them about the LGBT community – that there was no shame in their sexuality.

Something clearly stuck, at least in terms of how

they felt about us as parents. One night my son told me, “Dad, you know I am gay.” I told him I thought he might be and told him what a comfort it was

Jordan Daly and Liam Stevenson were already doing Education Campaign (TIE).

I started a JustGiving campaign to raise money

for TIE to thank Jordan and Liam for being there

for LGBT kids in Scotland, and for the pioneering

work they have been doing. I say this because some people assumed (wrongly) that my son told me he was gay on Monday and then by Tuesday I had

started my campaign to walk The West Highland

apparently was treated badly because of it.

Having gotten a leaflet about “God’s Loving

Plan” from my son’s school it came as no surprise

everything. He even almost joined me in doing the walk, before deciding he’d rather not bother.

The reason why I’m explaining this is because I

build up to it. Like so many others, he dreaded the day he would have to come out.

My son is a great kid. He’s hilarious. He’s

he spent 95% of his money on everyone else. Then on TV and overhear mum or dad or whoever else

make a homophobic comment. Whether that child is gay, straight, trans or anything in between those words are horribly toxic.

That’s why we love Jordan and Liam for

campaigning against that. They are paving the way

That, however, is sort of the point. If my son or any

feel natural about who they are. My kids have a long

of his siblings told us they liked the opposite sex it isn’t our job to tell them to hang on or say “Maybe you’re not straight.” As parents, it’s our job to say, “Whatever you are it’s natural and we love you.”

If my son and his siblings decide they are

something else they know they can tell us but for

LGBT education in Scottish schools. I Googled

is not easy, especially for those who witness casual

98 | GNIMAG.COM

say something for a while but needed the time to

against his wishes. I’ve had comments about his age

that he would be worried and that angered me. My first thoughts were to petition to have some sort of

sweet voice when he did tell us that he’d wanted to

you think about kids like him who see two men kiss

throughout that time my son has been part of

because at age 11 he might not know who he is yet.

my son, another boy had come out in the past and

that this is still a bit of a rarity. You could tell by his

that all of this all happened over a year ago, and

alerting them to my son’s sexuality. The truth is

Immediately following that came a plea that teachers graduated from – not find out because according to

the heartfelt messages left on the fundraising page

incredibly generous; at a recent trip to Disneyland,

have been accused of parading details of my son’s life

at his school – a Catholic school he has since

his coming out was a non-issue. I know from all of

Way, and all the while contacting the media and

that he felt able to tell us. As parent’s we’d done

our job right, our boy knew he was safe and loved.

the street, in schools or even at home. My son was

many kids the reality is that the coming process

for kids like my son to be able to go to school and

road ahead, I hope they are going to be okay. Thanks to the efforts of LGBT heroes past and present that hope is bright.

For more information about TIE and to donate to

Neil’s campaign, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ Walking-The-Way-for-TIE

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