GNI MAG ISSUE 47

GNIMAG y o u r

l o c a l

h o m o c u l t u r a l

m a g a z i n e

Issue 47 June / July 21 £3.95 / €3.95

Will

Young

With a spanking new album out soon, we caught up with Will to talk music, lockdown and the Pop Idol legacy.

Misgendered Helpful hints and tips on what to do if you’re misgendered at work.

Being Proud Fourteen local Kweens & Kings tell us what Pride means to them.

Meggings

The latest fashion statement for the boys, would you be brave enough?

CELEBS / FASHION / MUSIC / NEWS / REVIEWS / MOVIES / FITNESS / HOME / TRAVEL / REAL LIFE / SPORT

THE EDITOR // OPEN LETTER

Big hello to all our readers, hope everyone is well.

Pride session is upon us, Summer is in full swing, and we are back with another exciting edition for you all to enjoy. From our last issue it has been so exciting and uplifting to see the reopening of hospitality and the return of shoppers, bringing much needed life to our streets and a lifeline to the economy. We are so ready for the full reopening of nightlife, entertainment etc and hopefully things will be lifted as planned in July, fingers crossed!

DANIEL MAY Editor & Operations Director GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications LTD / MAY DAY EVENTS Daniel has over 15 years working in Media and been with GNI MAG since 2015, steering the publication forward and keeping us relevant with our growing market, especially in these challenging times. He is also a host of Belfast 247 Radio Station and covid aside is a keen Thespian who enjoys performing in productions across the province.

At GNI we tend to keep politics at arm’s length, though must acknowledge how Arlene Foster was ousted, Edwin Poots took over though has gone after a mere 3 weeks, now Jeffrey Donaldson is set to lead the DUP and become first minster, we onlook with bated breath to see how things will pan out with the N.I protocol, Stormont and if there will be repercussions that will affect any of us living in Northern Ireland.

In my last letter I shared information about the annual GNI Awards, our date is booked for the Crowne Plaza in November, and all being well we can share more information and open the voting in the coming weeks.

Back to the edition we have upped the pagination to 116 giving us additional space to cover many important topics, such as Blood Donation, Gender Recognition, Work relationship balance and tonnes more. We caught up with the super talented Mr Will Young who is this editions cover star, other interviews include Easy Life, Ben Francis Leftwich, Colin Macleod, Craig Hamilton, and David Hernandez.

As always, our regular columnists share what has been going on with them and we cover reems of topics such as Fashion, Travel, Art, Home, Sport, Real Life, Health, Food, Big Day, and Reviews, plenty to keep you all interested and busy. Happy reading issue 47.

In closing I must thank everyone who makes GNI MAG possible, contributors, advertiser’s, readers, and Comic relief LGBTQ+ COVID Fund.

RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION WWW.CARLISLEHOUSE.ORG

HELPING YOU TO FACE THE CHALLENGE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE Make the first step in changing your life, visit www.carlislehouse.org 2-4 Henry Place, Clifton Street, Belfast, BT15-2BB Tel: 028 9032 8308, Email: carlislehouse@pcibsw.org

CONTENTS //

CREDITS //

WHAT’S INSIDE

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Daniel May [ 9 ]

WILL YOUNG

[ 14 ]

CALLUM SKEFFINGTON

[ 16 ]

EASY LIFE

[ 19 ]

MICKY MURRAY

[ 20 ]

WHAT IS PRIDE?

[ 22 ]

COLIN MACLEOD

[ 24 ]

BLOOD DONATION

[ 26 ]

CRAIG HAMILTON

[ 28 ]

BEN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

[ 31 ]

MISGENDERED

[ 34 ]

CARL CONNIELINGUS

[ 36 ]

DAVID HERNANDEZ

[ 40 ]

POSITIVE LIFE

[ 42 ]

WORK HARD, LOVE HARDER

[ 44 ]

BOYCOT YOUR BED

[ 46 ]

KAPOW MEGGINGS

[ 54 ]

EXALT

[ 56 ]

JUPITER & LO

[ 59 ]

ART

[ 64 ]

HOMES

[ 66 ]

SOCIETEE APPAREL

[ 72 ]

THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT

[ 76 ]

BIG DAY - DARYL & STEPHEN

[ 82 ]

TV BURNOUT

[ 84 ]

REAL LIFE - ROBERT’S STORY

[ 88 ]

ECLECTIC

[ 90 ]

THE GOURMET BOYS

[ 92 ]

MARTIN MURRAY

[ 94 ]

FITNESS - ANTHONY COOLEY

[ 96 ]

MILLARS - FINAGHY’S FINEST

[ 99 ]

SKINNY BAKERY REVIEW

[ 100 ] MARTY RECOMMENDS [ 103 ]

TRAVEL - TOKYO

[ 106 ]

TRAVEL - ARMENIA

[ 110 ]

SLEEPOVER - TEN SQUARE

[ 113 ]

BULLITT - STAYCATION

[ 114 ]

GENDER RECOGNITION

SALES Pauline Fitzpatrick DESIGN Tony Day

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Will Young / Easy Life / Colin Macleod / Craig Hamilton / Ben Francis Leftwich / David Hernandez / Vic Gerami / Callum Skeffington / Micky Murray / Carl Connielingus / Paul McAuley / Gavyn Andrews / The Gourmet Boys / Marty Kearney / Anthony Cooley / Martin Murray / Millars Restaurant / Skinny Bakery / Bullitt Hotel / Ten Square Hotel / Simon Blackmore / The Rainbow Project / Positive Life / Brian Massey / Kapow Meggings / Exalt / Jupiter & Lo / Memento / Societee Apparel / Rabbit Hotel / Black Arts PR / Chuff Media / Mediaworks / Action for Children / LK Communications / Media PR UK / Eclectic / Jeff Dorta / Project Publicity

GNI MAG IS PUBLISHED BY...

Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd 13 Union Street Belfast BT1 2JF www.gnimag.com daniel@gnimag.com All submissions to GNI MAG are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in GNI MAG 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 Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of GNI MAG are accurate. However we accept no liability for any misprints that appear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to following any advice offered in this publication. Any opinions expressed are those of the writers and not those of GNI MAG or Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd. Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd 2021

Fashionable Purveyor of Erotica

B E L FAST

Discover A Luxurious & Enticing Collection Of Premium Sex Toys, Poppers, Pills & Dvd’s.

Let Us Lead You Into Temptation With Gifts, Bondage Toys & More To Explore Your Pleasure.

27 Gresham Street Belfast BT1 1JL 02890 31 41 85

Monday - Saturday 10am - 9pm Sunday - 12noon - 7pm

GO!

Key points: PrEP is highly effective.

There are different ways to take PrEP - taking a pill every day is an option but there are other ways too.

Remember to have a sexual health screen every 3 months Please call or text us if you have any problems Please visit these website for more information on PrEP: www.iwantprepnow.com or www.prepster.info

NHSCT HIV prevention NHSCT HIV prevention Available at your Sexual Health Clinics in:

Available at your Sexual Health Clinics in: COLERAINE MAGHERAFELT BALLYMENA Causeway Hospital Braid Valley Site Mid Ulster Hospital COLERAINE MAGHERAFELT BALLYMENA

4 Newbridge Road Cushendall 59 Hospital Road Causeway Hospital Braid ValleyRoad Site Mid Ulster Hospital BT52 1HSRoad BT43 6HL BT45 5EX 4 Newbridge Cushendall Road 59 Hospital Road Coleraine Ballymena Magherafelt BT52 1HS BT43 6HL BT45 5EX Coleraine Ballymena Magherafelt Tel: 07384 820 826 • E-mail: sexualhealth@northerntrust.hscni.net Tel: 07384 820 826 • E-mail: sexualhealth@northerntrust.hscni.net

INTERVIEW // WILL YOUNG

WILL

NINE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // WILL YOUNG

ACTIVIST, AUTHOR, SINGER, SONGWRITER, RADIO PRESENTER, DJ AND PERFORMER. WILL CHATS TO US ABOUT HIS UPCOMING ALBUM ‘CRYING ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR’ (OUT 6TH AUGUST), AND SERIES OF INTIMATE LIVE SHOWS, COMMENCING ON 1ST SEPTEMBER, WHERE HE WILL BE PERFORMING SEVERAL OF THE NEW TRACKS ALONGSIDE CLASSIC SONGS ACOUSTICALLY, AND CHATTING WITH AUDIENCES ACROSS THE COUNTRY. TEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // WILL YOUNG

I THOUGHT WE COULD PLAY A GAME OF ‘WOULD YOU RATHER’ BEFORE, TO BREAK THE ICE. TV OR CINEMA? Cinema.

CHOCOLATE OR CRISPS? Chocolate .

BOXERS OR BRIEFS? Oh, what is the difference? Briefs.

IT IS JUST OVER TWO YEARS FROM WE LAST CHATTED, AND I REMEMBER THEN YOU WERE SUNNING YOURSELF AT HOME WITH YOUR SAUSAGE DOG. I FEEL WE ARE STUCK IN A TIME WARP, AND I’M IMAGINING YOU ARE DOING THE SAME THIS DAY LOL. Very sadly, no, because my sausage dog got run over and killed about three weeks ago. I know, it is awful. But anyway, life goes on.

SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer.

HANDS OR FEET? Feet.

FOR THE FIRST QUESTION THAT WENT DOWN LIKE A LEAD BALLOON. It’s alright, you weren’t to know.

TRIMMED OR AU NATUREL? Au naturel.

AND LAST QUESTION. SNOG, MARRY, AVOID. LET’S USE THE THREE JUDGES OF POP IDOL. SIMON COWELL, PETE WATERMAN, AND NEIL FOX. WHO IS GETTING THE SNOG, WHO’S MARRYING, AND WHO’S BEING AVOIDED? It’s absolutely impossible. Avoid Simon Cowell. Snog Foxy. Marry Pete Waterman.

WE NEED TO ADDRESS OUR FRIEND COVID. ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK TO NORMAL, WHATEVER ‘NORMAL’ MAY BE? I mean, I sort of feel like I’m back at normality really. I sort of have a problem with the normality thing, but I don’t know why, so I’m just kind of analysing it in myself. This is what I think, everyone can make their own normal, I think that sometimes, one can feel that one should be doing stuff that other people are doing, I think one of the things is, for me, being given permission to not see people, and not feel like I have to be doing things particularly as someone who’s older and single. I think there can be a pressure that can then leak into a sort of shame attack.

For me, this is, ‘Oh, what am I doing in on a Friday night?’ or ‘What am I doing?’

And, actually, it’s fine. Because I’ve been given permission to, let’s face it, stay in on Friday night. So, I’m deliberately keeping that mindset.

Yeah, so my normal is, I just create my normal. So, actually, in answer to your question. No, I don’t want to go back to how it was two years ago.

YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE SINGERS WHO HAS A RECOGNISABLE TONE/ VOICE. DO YOU THINK THAT IS A HELP OR HINDRANCE IN THE INDUSTRY? A massive help. Because it’s nice if people can recognise me. That’s brilliant. Because

then there’s, there’s an identification. I don’t want to be struggling to think, ‘Who’s that singing that?’ You know? So yeah, if you have an identifiable voice, I think it’s one of the big pluses to get on in the industry.

DEFINITELY. IS SINGING AND PERFORMANCE SOMETHING NATURAL FOR YOU, OR DO YOU NEED REHEARSALS, WARM UPS, VOCAL COACHES, ETC.?

No, I’m really lazy. I just get on with it. No, I just get on with it deliberately. I mean, maybe. I do do warm ups. But I think I try and deliberately don’t stress about it, because then stress is the thing that can be the worst thing to your voice. Because your vocal cords tighten, and your shoulders go up. And, I always say when I’m doing teaching is, ‘The more relaxed you can be, the better your singing’s gonna be.’

WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU LEARNED THAT PASS ON TO AN ASPIRING SINGER? It has to be about the enjoyment because if you’re enjoying it, then other people are going to enjoy your performance. If you’re not enjoying it, then it’s difficult to expect others to do that or, it’s a lot harder.

IN 2020, AND 2021, X FACTOR HAS BEEN CANCELLED. AS SOMEONE WHO GOT THEIR BREAK ON A TALENT SHOW, DO YOU THINK SHOWS LIKE THIS ARE BECOMING REDUNDANT, OR SHOULD THEY STILL BE PRODUCED TO OFFER PEOPLE OPPORTUNITIES? Well, there are two different questions.

So, are they becoming redundant? The answer is, I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. Should they still be there to offer people an opportunity? I think anyone, any opportunity, is great for an aspiring band, singer. I think the key thing is to be looked after and have a duty of care. I think that’s been made apparent. Recently, I would imagine that, probably, more stories are going to come out. It’s no bad thing

ELEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // WILL YOUNG

to look back and go, ‘How was I treated then? ‘I mean, I was very lucky, because I really was treated very well on Pop Idol.

DO YOU THINK THEN THE TWO SHOWS, POP IDOL AND X FACTOR, WERE THE SAME? OR WERE YOU JUST LUCKY, BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST? Well, you’ve got to see the difference, haven’t you? There’s one key difference between Pop Idol and X Factor. The key difference being that one was created

by Simon Fuller, and one was created

by Simon Cowell and just look at the way the two men are and draw your own conclusion. It’s kind of obvious.

WHEN WE LAST SPOKE, YOU MENTIONED HOW YOU’D LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH BJORK, ANYONE IN THE CHARTS ATM YOU’D LOVE TO WORK WITH? Yeah, I love Bjork, I actually messaged her the other day. I love Laura Mvula, I’ve always loved her, I just think she’s brilliant.

She’s a real artist and she hasn’t always had the easiest time. And she’s always stuck to who she is, and I really respect that. She doesn’t go chasing hits. And they’re just the type of artists that I like. Whenever she’s putting something out, I always think she’s doing it because she wants to. There are different types of artists. People that chase hits, and that’s fine. But it must be exhausting, and then, there are people like her, who are just so true to themselves, and just put stuff out, and go ‘I hope you like it’.

ON 25TH JUNE YOU’LL BE DOING A YOUTUBE PRIDE EVENT. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT IT? Oh, yeah. I’ve just shot that. I can’t say. I’m not allowed to.

ARE YOU GONNA BE SINGING? ARE YOU HOSTING? CAN YOU SAY ANYTHING? I can’t. I’m not allowed to, contractually, you will have to tune in to see.

WE NEED TO CHAT ABOUT THE NEW

TWELVE // GNIMAG.COM

ALBUM, ‘CRYING ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR,’ WHICH IS OUT 6TH AUGUST. YOU AND RICHARD X WORKING TOGETHER AGAIN. WHAT IS IT ABOUT WORKING WITH RICHARD THAT YOU ENJOY? I just think he’s just got such good taste, and I think that’s a huge part, if not the most important part really, of collaborating with someone. I just think he’s got brilliant taste. I think he’s exquisite in the way that he produces things. He’s very, really

HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN YOU HEARD FIRST SINGLE, ‘DANIEL’ A COVER OF THE BAT FOR LASHES SONG, WAS RECORD OF THE WEEK, AND STRAIGHT ON THE A-LIST AT BBC RADIO 2?

Oh, it’s amazing. It actually is amazing.

I don’t know, actually. I was gonna say, particularly with someone else’s songs, I feel like it’s a lot harder to get to do a cover of someone else’s song. But I suppose you do get that validation. That I wish I didn’t have, perhaps, the part of

focused on the tiniest details. That maybe no one would notice. And I think that, and what I love about that, is that I know that he’s taking the best care with the music.

He wants it to be the best for people to listen to. And I just think that’s brilliant.

Because then I sit there and I’m selling my music. Whatever that means nowadays. I mean, not really selling at all. And I know, I can stand by it and go, ‘Yeah, and this guy’s done it, and he’s bloody brilliant and cares about it as much as I do.’ I don’t know how he does it. I feel like he’s my secret weapon. I feel like I’m so pleased that he hasn’t moved to LA.

me that wanted that, or needed that. But then, on the other hand, it means it shows, ‘Oh good. I’m not going crazy’.

DANIEL, OBVIOUSLY WAS THE FIRST SONG. I THINK IT WAS WITH ME IN MIND. Of course. Absolutely.

I’m glad I stuck to my guns, and said, ‘This should be the first single, there were discussions about what would be the first single. And it’s nice when, as an artist, you say, ‘No, this really should be the first single against maybe things that seem more obvious.

And so, I didn’t feel like, ‘Hahaha, right’.

Well, I did feel a little bit like that, actually.

Sorry, I did. But I also think, ‘Oh good.’

Not just, ‘Hahaha, I’m right.’ But also like, ‘I’m glad I’m not wrong. And mad.’

I THINK IT’S A GREAT SOUND AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO REALLY ENJOY

INTERVIEW // WILL YOUNG

IT WHEN THEY GET TO LISTEN TO IT. IT SOUNDS COMPLETELY YOURS, ALTHOUGH IT’S A COVERS ALBUM. WAS A COVERS ALBUM SOMETHING YOU HAD BEEN PLANNING, OR WAS IT SUGGESTED TO YOU? It wasn’t a suggestion. But, getting Richard to do it was, I think now, the only way I could have done it.

IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THEN, I SUPPOSE, IF YOU HADN’T HAVE. Yeah, I think so. It just wouldn’t have worked. And so, I think if I’d done an album which was me and an orchestra or something, which is absolutely fine, but it wouldn’t have felt right. At this time and it was just a really good marriage. And, to be honest, I was just glad that he was free to do it.

I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE A SNEAKY LISTEN. IT IS GREAT. ATM I’M DRAWN TO ‘MISSING’, AND ‘I FOLLOW RIVERS’. DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL FAVOURITE, OR DOES IT CONSTANTLY CHANGE? I love ‘I Follow Rivers’. It’s so different, I’ve always loved that song. And I just think, ‘It’s genius.’

IT ACTUALLY TOOK ME A MINUTE, WHEN I WAS LISTENING, TO REALISE THAT IT WAS A COVER. Yeah, but that’s what’s so good. That’s what’s so great about doing covers.

Because I sort of want that. I want someone to go, ‘Oh, who is this?’ I think it’s almost more respectful to really try and do your own version of it.

SO, WERE YOU FAMILIAR WITH ALL THE TRACKS, OR WERE THERE SOME RECOMMENDED TO YOU? I wasn’t familiar with the Cam song, Till There’s Nothing Left, she was a little bit slightly outside, she’s probably the most leftfield. Not in terms of left field artists but left field in terms of a link to the other artists, she sits in a different field. And when I heard the song, I just think, it’s such

a brilliant pop song, and I just couldn’t not do it, so, that one came out of the blue, it’s actually one of my favourites. But I don’t know if it was because there was something about it? I think it’s a bloody brilliant pop song.

I READ YOU REACHED OUT TO ALL 10 ARTISTS. HAVE ANY OF THEM WRITTEN BACK COMMENTING ON YOUR TAKE OF THEIR SONG? Yes, I’ve heard back from London Grammar.

I’ve heard back from Natasha Khan and Clare Maguire. We’ve been chatting quite a lot, because she’s got dachshunds, and she’s a lovely person. I mean, they’re all lovely. So, it is nice to hear back. I didn’t expect to, but I did want to be respectful.

I think it’s really important, and I just think it’s good manners and I think it just shows that you care. And I just think it’s good. It’s just a nice little way of saying, ‘I really love your work’ and who doesn’t like hearing that? I don’t need to hear back from the people. But it’s always nice to hear that someone likes your work.

IN SEPTEMBER YOU HAVE AN INTIMATE TOUR PLANNED. SIX DATES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED, AND TICKETS ARE ON SALE. WILL MORE DATES BE ADDED, OR IS THIS IT? WE WONDER IF/WHEN YOU’LL BE BACK TO BELFAST OR DUBLIN? I know, but this isn’t a tour. It’s literally five or six shows. The tour, the big tour’s next year, because that will be the 20th anniversary of Pop Idol. I hope to be back over then.

WHAT ARE THE BOOKS ABOUT? It’s been an idea for a long time. In fact, to be honest the two books have been ideas for ages. So, they haven’t just come out of the blue. And then another idea that’s just starting now. It’s to do with mental health. In fact, a couple of things to do with mental health, that I’ve also wanted to have done for a long time. And I think the stars have just been aligning at the moment, for some reason. Maybe Nelly the dachshund has been rushing around in Heaven going, ‘Right. I’m going to help you with a few things.’

AW, THAT’S SO CUTE TO THINK THAT. WILL LISTEN, IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU’VE GOT LOADS PLANNED AHEAD, YOU’VE GOT ALL THE SUPPORT BEHIND YOU, AND WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU GET UP TO NEXT. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME WITH US. WISHING YOU EVERY SUCCESS WITH THE ALBUM AND GIGS AND ALL YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS. It’s nice to talk to you again. Take care.

CRYING ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR’ IS OUT VIA COOKING VINYL ON 6TH AUGUST AND CAN BE PRE-ORDERED NOW VIA WILL’S WEBSITE WWW. WILLYOUNG.CO.UK INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL MAY.

IT’S GIGS FOR A WEEK, WHAT ARE THE PLANS AFTER THAT? Well, I’ve got to finish the next record. I’m working on that now, I want that to come out next year for the 20th anniversary. So, I’ve been writing that and I’m writing a couple of books. I just sit and smoke at my kitchen table. I’m literally Dot Cotton. It’s awful. In a pinny. And there’s some acting stuff. And then, something I’m working on that I hope is going to happen.

THIRTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

OPINION // CALLUM SKEFFINGTON

CALLUM SKEFFINGTON WHAT IF I WERE STRAIGHT? SOMETIMES I WONDER WHAT MY life would be like if I were straight. Would I be the same person? Well, obviously not! I wouldn’t be attracted to guys for a start.

interests, hobbies, friends, family, upbringing, dislikes, habits, fandoms, jobs, education, experiences, pets. Everything! Who I am attracted to is one minor part of me, but to the world (or at least enough of the people in it) this is the defining factor of my existence. A. Gay. Man.

But maybe I would be settled down right now, with a wife and a mortgage and a kid on the way. I would be working a mundane nine to five job, dreaming of pints at the weekend with my mates and putting up the new Live, Laugh, Love sign for the Mrs. I’d go on holiday once a year, and I’d catch up with my school friends every six months and we’d talk about house prices, and I’d watch football…

...WHICH SEEMS ENTIRELY UNFAIR OF COURSE, BECAUSE OUT OF ALL THE THINGS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL IN MY LIFE, MY SEXUALITY IS NOT ONE OF THEM.

Okay so, under no sexuailty related circumstances would I have ever been the type of person who watched, played or enjoyed football. And it’s only because of COVID that I haven’t been outside of Northern Ireland in a while. I don’t have a mortgage right now, and the fact that same sex marriage has been legal for just over a year has had little to do with the fact that I am unmarried and childless. I do actually work a nine to five (thirty) job, but I can’t drink beer because it makes me feel bloated, and I usually do see my friends a lot more often than every six months (again, aside from over this past year).

My point being, the path my life has taken has - and will be - mostly unaffected by my sexuality; besides enjoying drag race and a preference for nights out in gay clubs.

Who I am as a person is defined by a vast array of things:

FOURTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

this will know that ‘coming out’ isn’t just a once in a lifetime experience. It is something you do every time you meet someone new, which can be both nerve wracking and exhausting. Whether it be a mannerism that gives away your sexuality, or explictly stating that you are not heterosexual, the journey is never ending. Thankfully, however, somewhere along the line, you stop caring about how people will react. Not to be cliché, but it does get easier.

It took me a long time to break down the barriers I had built up in my mind, and some days, for whatever reason, those walls still have the potential to hold me back. But I can’t be bothered pretending to be what people want or think I should be; I have worked too hard to embrace myself for who I am to allow others the opportunity to live rent free in my mind.

It is the thing that can immediately determine whether or not a person will associate themselves with me, or if a bakery will bake me a cake, or if a person will believe their rights to be threatened by governments allowing me (some) of those rights too, or if a company will hire me, for the sake of diversity, or for the lack thereof.

Because I am proud of the person that I have become! I take pride in the fact that I have become someone I never imagined I could be; the person that my twelve-year-old self needed to look up to.

It can be a bizarre truth to wrap your head around sometimes; our existence is a protest! Through accepting ourselves, we protest against all things deceptively deemed to be ‘normal.’ It may have taken until my mid-twenties for me to love, understand, and accept myself, which seems way too old when you see teenagers accepting themselves whilst they are still in school, but to those of a generation or two above, I am extremely lucky to have reached this point now.

Which seems entirely unfair of course, because out of all the things I have been able to control in my life, my sexuality is not one of them.

Once upon a time, I believed that being straight was the key to happiness. Now I believe that authenticity is the path to true happiness.

I realised that I was gay at a relatively young age. In my teenage years, I had a lot of insecurities, mostly about where I fit into a society that was telling me that my existence was a sin, something to be ashamed of, something that would ruin my life if I were to express or act upon it. So I did everything possible to be perceived as - and convince myself that I was - normal, i.e. straight.

My sexuality may be only one minor part of who I am as a person, but it is the part that I have worked the hardest to accept, and that is something that needs to be celebrated with pride.

To be honest, it probably didn’t work all that well, and it was definitely a waste of my time and energy.

The transition into being out and proud was by no means a quick process, and anyone reading

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.

Facetherapy NI specializes in Facial Aesthetics including DermalNI Filler treatments, Anti-Wrinkle, Thread Lifts, acetherapy specializes in Facial Aesthetics including Therapies and Skin care treatments. ermalIntravenous Filler treatments, Anti-Wrinkle, Thread Lifts,

travenous Therapies and Skin care treatments.

LISA

Skincare:

Lip fillers

Frown lines

Alumier MD chemical peels

Cheek fillers

Forehead lines

Profhilo

Jaw fillers

Smile lines

Frown lines Bruxism

aw fillers

LOSS

Forehead lines Hyperhidrosis Smile lines

Skincare Therapist

Skinpen (Micro needling)

Skincare:

Anti-wrinkle: Gummy smile

Tear trough filler

Cheek fillersWEIGHT

Clinic Owner - Front of House

ANNA

Anti-wrinkle:

Dermal fillers: Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

ip fillers

GERI

Independent Nurse Prescriber, Advanced Dermal fillers: Aesthetics Nurse, Nurse Teacher

Alumier MD chemical peels Profhilo SKIN CONSULTATION

Skinpen (Micro needling)

New National Medical Weight Non-surgical Rhinoplasty Gummy smile

Free online skin consultations

Tear troughLoss filler

with our amazing skin therapists

programme with ourBruxism nurse

Hyperhidrosis Facetherapy NIanyone proudly offers “High Quality Product competitive prescribers, for who is delivering a full inat depth virtual skin prices” that everyday budgets can afford!

overweight or struggling to lose

analysis, with all products shipped

Find Us weight.

direct to your home.

KATE NIAMH 6 Weavershill Belfast, BT14 8QU cetherapy NISq, proudly offers “HighLAUREN Quality Product at competitive Aesthetics Nurse

Social Media / Front of House

ices” that everyday budgets can afford!

d Us

+44(0) 2890 391726 +44(0) 7706 406592 info@facetherapyni.com Social Media

Skincare Therapist

SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram: @facetherapyni

eavershillFacebook: Sq, Belfast, BT14 8QU www.facebook.com/facetherapyni FOLLOW US

Instagram: @facetherapyni www.facetherapyni.com (0) 2890 Website: 391726 +44(0) 7706 406592 info@facetherapyni.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/facetherapyni Website: www.facetherapyni.com ial Media Opening Times

Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 6pm agram: @facetherapyni

DE I R P Y bsite: www.facetherapyni.com HAP&PThursdayALL AT Tuesday US open till 7:30pm M O PY A ening TimesFR R E TH nday – Friday: 9:30am FACE – 6pm

Saturdays: 10am – 4pm Sundays: Closed

ebook: www.facebook.com/facetherapyni Late Evening bookings

urdays: 10am – 4pm Sundays: Closed

e Evening bookings

OFFER

FOR ALL FIRST TIME CLIENTS AT FACETHERAPYNI -

20% OFF INITIAL TREATMENT

6 W EAVERSHI LL SQ , BELFAST, BT 1 4 8 Q U + 44 ( 0) 2890 391726 + 44 ( 0) 7706 4 0 6 5 9 2

BY QUOTING TATLER (MUST ALSO LIKE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM) I NFO @ FACETHERAPY N I . C O M

OFFER

FOR ALL FIRST TIME CLIENTS

INTERVIEW // EASY LIFE

EASY LIFE

SIXTEEN// GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // EASY LIFE

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING, BUT EASY LIFE’S DEBUT ALBUM IS FINALLY HERE, AND THE TIMING COULDN’T BE MORE PERFECT. THE LEICESTER FIVE PIECE - Murray Matravers, Oliver Cassidy, Sam Hewitt, Lewis Berry and Jordan Birtles - have been one of the most exciting and promising new bands in the UK since they debuted in late 2017, dropping a string of instant classic singles and mixtapes that somehow managed that rare feat in music, with each release being a huge step up from the last.

It’s no surprise then, that Life’s A Beach, their long-awaited first proper long-player, is already a contender for album of the year. Their unique and very English take on R&B and hip-hop is taken to the next level, with a collection of tracks that see the band refining not just their sound, but their whole approach. It’s a joyous, optimistic and very much positive record, but it’s all shot through with frontman Matravers’ signature realism when it comes to the lyrical content.

It’s a record that recognises the negatives of the world and everyday life, but at the same time provides a soundtrack to dealing with them. Standard Easy Life, in other words.

Murray said: “For me, it’s about coming to terms with your flaws and the flaws of the world, then trying to be at ease with those things. I think something that Easy Life tends to do is pose a problem, like asking why the world is so awful at times, then concluding that if you can’t change certain things, do your best to deal with it, but say it with a smile on your face. I want the album to be optimistic, but not necessarily happy, which

SEVENTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // EASY LIFE is something we do quite well, I think. I’ve always been one for trying to grit my teeth and bearing it, just dealing with things without being too dreary. It’s optimism, but not in a fake way. I’m not saying everything’s great, because it’s far from the case, but maybe we should just smile, come to terms with it and perhaps things will get better at least. If they don’t though, let’s try and have a good time, anyway. That’s how Easy Life formed in the first place, we were just trying to make the best of our lives at a time when we were pretty much going nowhere.

That’s what we’ve always been about from the get-go.”

Murray’s lyrics have always been as brutally honest as they have been observant, but while they are always coming from a deeply personal place, he knows that what he’s talking about are universal experiences, so knows that they are relatable to the youth that are listening to them.

He said: “I’ve always written from personal experience, whether it’s things I’ve done, felt or just observed, but it’s always things that I’m sure everyone else of my generation and those previously have experienced themselves too. No idea is unique and I’m certainly not unique in that my lifestyle is very similar to all my friends. We’re all in the same place and our experience growing up in Middle England isn’t any different from anyone else in any other city in the UK or outside of it. Young people no matter where they are feel unrepresented, they feel trapped and confused about what to do with their time. We all have the huge face of the internet staring over them, pressuring them to feel and act in a certain way. I’m just talking about how that makes me feel, but I know that everybody must feel the same way, as it’s a natural human reaction to the world as it is. I’ve always genuinely written music for myself as I need to talk to myself about these problems, but hopefully people can listen to me having these private conversations and feel that they aren’t alone with these feelings.

Music can really bring people together in ways that other art forms don’t. It’s a very powerful tool for bringing people together and I like to think that Easy Life does that too.”

Life’s A Beach has got ‘Summer album’ written all over it, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect for its release, especially this Summer when people will hopefully be able to finally get together and enjoy life again.

It wasn’t planned that way, but for Murray, he’s hoping for the best.

EIGHTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

He said: “I feel quite lucky in that respect, as it was finished in December of last year and this was the quickest we could get it out, but I’m not blind to the fact that this feels like the perfect time to release an album that sounds like it does. Hopefully the country will finally open up here, but only when it’s safe to do so. This last year, we seem to have been constantly saying things were okay and opening up more, then going straight back into lockdowns again. So hopefully they don’t keep making the same mistakes on repeat. I’m optimistic though, as I think we’ve almost cracked it. That’s probably a stupid thing to say considering everything that’s happened in the last 15 months, but perhaps good things are just around the corner. That’s what the album is saying anyway, so hopefully it all comes to fruition.”

Normally Easy Life would have been on the road promoting their new record right now, but with current restrictions plans have had to be improvised. After announcing the album in a hot-air balloon over their hometown of Leicester, the lads are planning on a tour of England’s record stores, where they will play intimate gigs and get as up close and personal as is safe for them to do so.

Murray said: “It’s something we really enjoy doing normally, anyway. Obviously, they’re much smaller than regular shows, so they attract the cream of the crop of audiences, as in the hardcore Easy Life fans who won’t ever miss anything. So it’s nice to connect with them, to be able to say hello and thank them for all their support.

The gigs are always great too and from a selfish point of view, we need to remember how to gig and how to tour, so it’s nice we can do that in front of 100 people instead of 1000. We’re really excited about the prospect, as it’s been a while.

I’m sure it’ll come back to us though. It seems mad even talking about it, as it’s been an impossibility for so long, but hopefully it all goes ahead. I think it’ll be really important for everyone there, for us to play a guy again and for the fans to be part of one. What it symbolised is that we’re all in a room and listening to music together again, after all we’ve been through. We’ve done it. This could be the start of the end. If it happens there’ll be a really positive vibe in the room, and I think we all

need that more than ever. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Naturally their first priority is people’s lives and health, but Easy Life are understandably champing at the bit to get back out on tour properly, which all things going well, they’ll be doing in November. Not only that, but they’ll be playing their biggest tour yet, with some venues included in the itinerary that they still can’t quite believe they will be headlining.

Murray said: “We are so excited to properly get back out there. I cannot wait to get to play those venues in particular too. We’re playing the Barrowland in Glasgow and the Academy in Brixton, for example. Two of the best and most iconic venues in the world. The fact that we’ve got to this point is mad, it feels like we’ve completed it.

We talk about it in the band all the time.

All we want to do is play live gigs, it’s all we’ve ever wanted to do. We’re so lucky, we really are. To get back out there and to be going into a tour on that level is mind-blowing, it really is. Plus, we have a new album that we’ve never played almost any of the songs from live before, which is a really exciting, if weird feeling.

Normally we’d have road-tested them all and seen the reaction, which you can’t help but be influenced by, as some things work and some don’t. This time though, it’s going to be songs that are purely coming from us.

I just want to keep writing music and putting it out there. After everything that’s happened, I think the best thing is to just keep walking around with your eyes closed and see where you end up, so I’m going to do just that and hopefully it all works out. “

OPINION // MICKY MURRAY

MICKY MURRAY A NEW FIRST MINISTER. AS I’M WRITING THIS ARLENE Foster is ending her final week as First Minister of Northern Ireland, with her final engagement a British - Irish Council summit in Fermanagh, the very place where she began her political career.

to LGBTQ people, he’s the MLA who withdrew the Liofa funding, an Irish language scheme for students, which arguably led to the collapse of the devolved institutions in January 2017, and his most recent fight against progressive legislation is his Private Members Bill, the Severe Fetal Impairment Abortion (Amendment) Bill, which is seeking to restrict access to abortion.

It’s no secret that Arlene has been no friend to the LGBTQ+ community, although I’m sure she would disagree, she’s towed the party line just as every DUP leader before her. She has continually stood in the way of progress, overseeing the collapse of the NI Assembly in 2017, and was at the helm during the three years of parties talking and not talking. The only serious attempt at bringing back the devolved Assembly a bid to prevent Westminster legislation which saw the implementation of marriage equality and access to abortion services.

It shows just how much disrespect the DUP have for the LGBTQ+ community when they put forward someone with Paul Givan’s track record for the top job in the Stormont Executive.

While Arlene didn’t treat the community as poorly as her predecessors, which is an extremely low bar, her replacement has a history of not just opposing progress, but actively taking steps to roll back equality.

Paul Givan may be the youngest person due to fill the post of First Minister, but this in no way indicates that he’s going to be more progressive or forward thinking than previous First Ministers, in fact he was the architect behind the Conscience Clause, which was designed to legislate for discrimination by allowing businesses to refuse goods and/or services

It seems that every time we take steps forward we end up getting pushed three steps back, it took the collapse of the Assembly to get rights we’d been fighting for for over a decade, but only only one year for an MLA to bring forward a Bill to restrict those rights again. We finally got Conversion Therapy to the top of the political agenda, a motion which Arlene Foster abstained on, and now we have potential political instability which could halt our attempts to get the practice banned.

Recent polling by LucidTalk showed voter intensions, with the DUP down from 28.1% in the previous Assembly election to 16%, 9% behind Sinn Fein and tied with Alliance who polled 9.1% in 2017.

Unlike others I’m not as convinced that the DUP are fearing an early election, the TUV, who are polling at 11% are unlikely to make any gains, meaning that the bulk of their vote will return to the DUP anyway.

with Tory Ministers running local services.

There’s no doubt that polls are looking favourably on LGBTQ+ affirming parties, which bodes well for legislative changes in the future, but polls are just polls, if we lived in a world where election outcomes were influenced by twitter then Naomi Long would be First Minister, Labour would win a landslide majority, and Brexit would never have happened, but unfortunately, in my opinion, none of those things have happened yet.

If the DUP are in any way serious about opposing discrimination then they’re new leadership team, which include their most “socially liberal” MLA in their Deputy Leader, then they cannot continue to make attempts to drag us back into the past and roll back the rights that we’ve fought long and hard for.

Ban Conversion Therapy Update Members of our coalition met with the Communities Minister and Departmental officials recently to discuss the need to move forward with plans to implement a ban, the meeting was fairly positive and there’s a real interest in moving this forward, but it’s looking unlikely that legislation will be ready to be brought forward in this Assembly mandate, which is due to end in May 2022.

I’m such a nerd for polling data and election results.

While political instability and the absence of the Assembly led to key pieces of equality legislation, I’m not sure sure that the institutions would survive another collapse and prolonged absence, which in my opinion would be dire for the the people of Northern Ireland/the North.

The current waiting list for trans/non-binary people to get their FIRST appointment at the gender identify clinic is over four years, not for surgery, not for a referral for surgery, not to get prescribed medication to help them transition, their first appointment, and while health is a devolved issue, having it driven by Westminster will see waiting list being overseen by a Tory Minister, and I think there are very few people here who would be comfortable

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.

NINETEEN // GNIMAG.COM

PRIDE // WHAT IT MEANS TO ME

WHAT IS PRIDE? For many it is how they feel inside and for others it is getting the opportunity to celebrate with their peers and family on a specific day unfortunately 2021 is looking a lot like last year. Newry Pride is not going ahead, Dublin and Derry Pride, taking a digital approach and plans for Belfast are yet to be announced.

WHICKED WHITE

THE ONLY SASSY

Pride to me, means standing tall. Standing hand and hand with are LGBTQI+ siblings and supporting one another.

Pride is a place where difference is no longer simply tolerated, but celebrated.

Pride gives me a feeling of belonging and being accepted for who I am, a sense of family. We all deserve love and acceptance. Happy Pride you beautiful creatures.

Pride is belonging. Pride is home!

ELECTRA LACNT

KANDY CAROUSEL

A pathway to freedom and belonging, but also a reminder of where we came from, and what we still have to fight for. Pride is and always will be a protest, and we all need to unite as a community.

Pride means having a place in what seems to be a messed up world. Pride is about having the confidence and the charisma to show everyone who you truly are! Pride is standing up for what you believe in and not letting anyone get you down for being the true you!

Let your true colours show this pride month

TWENTY // GNIMAG.COM

CARLA QUEEN

TITTI

What pride means to me is that we can come together and be our fabulous selfs but inspiring those that feel they have no one or nowhere to go, we as a community hold that “beacon of hope” we also remind the younger generation of all the hardships we have gone through and that pride originally started as a riot \ protest so that we can have the rights we have today.

Gay rights are human rights so keep fighting to be seen, heard and listened too as an equal and nothing less.

Thank you.

PRIDE // WHAT IT MEANS TO ME

ONYA BECKS

SAPPHIRE SPARKS

Pride for me is embracing everyone for who they are, a time for the community to come together and show we are United in the fight for equality. We deserve to be celebrated and accepted as humans. To quote My personal icon “Kylie Minogue” love is love, it never ends! Prides also an excuse (not that you need one) to play loads of Kylie and Madonna!

Pride to me is a way for us in the LGBTQ+ community to truly express ourselves, celebrating love and equality.

Me as a gay man and drag queen being able to be myself and express my fabulous alter ego Sapphire Sparks. Flying our flags with pride.

DICK VON DYKE

TRUDY SCRUMPTIOUS

Pride for me is a platform to highlight the work we still have to do to call ourselves equal.

We must get rid of the gender, racial and sexual hierarchy in our community. All of us or none of us. I’m proud of how far we have come already!

Uppa Queers. X

I’ve been celebrating pride for over 22 years and watching the crowds grow consistently, it has been magical ! Each year more and more people, young to old, from straight to gay not just standing watching but cheering and supporting the diversity and pride in our community ! Happy pride everyone !

Thanks for all the work you do!

OH’NEILLY CUMMINS

CARL CONNIELINGUS

Be fierce be you and love yourself.

Spread love and joy.

Live life for you and no one else .

Be proud of who you are.

When I think about Pride I think about self-affirmation and being true to yourself.

Being your authentic selfpromotes love, dignity, equality and visibility for all!!

Live and Love with PRIDE

That’s what pride means to me.

CELTIC TIGRESS

BECCA BOOTS

Pride gives me the chance to grow; to be educated by people that I once, due to internalised homophobia and lack of sense of community, would have looked down upon unfortunately. It provides a sense of belonging.

Pride is the feeling of being free. Its the feeling of being unapologetic & the feeling of gratitude for those who fought for what we have today. Pride is a rebellion, a celebration and a reminder of how far we’ve come and for those we still need to fight for.

TWENTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // COLIN MACLEOD

COLIN MACLEOD INTERVIEW BY JULES BOYLE

TWENTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // COLIN MACLEOD

THEY SAY YOU CAN’T GO HOME AGAIN, BUT IN A WAY, COLIN MACLEOD NEVER REALLY LEFT. THE SINGER/SONGWRITER FROM THE ISLE OF LEWIS FIRST MADE A NAME FOR HIMSELF BACK IN 2010 WHEN HE SIGNED FOR UNIVERSAL RECORDS WHILE WORKING UNDER THE ALIAS THE BOY WHO TRAPPED THE SUN, BUT LIFE IN LONDON WASN’T FOR HIM AND EVENTUALLY HE FOUND HIMSELF BACK ON THE ISLAND. Now he lives a remarkable double life, splitting his time between running a croft with his father and being a musician who tours and collaborates with artists such as Robert Plant, Roger Waters and Sheryl Crow.

It’s that latter star who is guesting on his new album, the wonderful Hold Fast. Mixing folk, Americana, country and more, it’s a record that tells a captivating story, one that could only have come from a man who knows who he is and where he belongs.

Colin said: “Musically I wanted it to be a reflection of my influences when I was younger playing in the pubs every Saturday night, all that classic rock and country stuff.

I don’t think I appreciated the gigs in the pubs as much as I should have at the time, as I had aspirations to be elsewhere, to go on tour and play music all over the place, but looking back on it now, I was always collecting stories, even back then. You would watch what happened on a Saturday night, with all these dramas unfolding, be it romances, arguments or whatever, all while being like an invisible person playing guitar and observing. Lyrically, it follows a similar theme from my last album Bloodlines, with stories about the island, but it has more of a central figure this time, a guy who leaves the island to pursue his dreams, but comes home with his tail between his legs, only to find salvation in his hometown. It’s a little bit of a concept album I suppose, without trying too hard to make a concept album.

It’s definitely in that tradition of storytelling, the oral tradition where things get rolled down the years and everybody puts their own slant on them. That’s what I aspire to, to carry on that tradition in my own way. It’s not particularly autobiographical I’d say, but it’s certainly close to my heart. It’s not a million miles away, put it that way.”

Colin moved to London after signing his deal with Universal, but unlike most artists chasing the big dream, he knew all along that it would only be a temporary situation, no matter what happened.

He said: “I’d always planned to live here.

Even when I moved to London to do music, I always had one foot at home, as I knew it

was an interim thing. Back then though, I never really thought I could be a musician and be in the islands, as it’s only in the last few years that it has become something that is actually viable, between being able to do so much online and adapting to the way music has gone in general. City life wasn’t for me, though. I came to the realisation that I was okay sacrificing a little bit if it meant I could be at home. Maybe it’s stopped me from having a few opportunities, but at the end of the day, my true aspiration was always just to make music and it’s worked out alright for me. I’ve known that I belong here since I was about five years old. It’s nice now as I have a lovely balance, where I get to go away and do all these amazing things, but knowing at the end of it all I’ll be back home taking people fishing or tending to my croft.”

That life as crofter is every bit as important to Colin as his life as a musician, to the extent that he knows he wouldn’t be able to make the music he makes without it.

He said: “I live in a croft and we have sheep, which takes care of itself after a fashion. Me and my Dad have the crofts together and we’ve been doing it so long we’ve kind of just made it work. We’re really busy in the Spring with lambing, then in the Summer the sheep go out to pasture, we sell the lambs in October, put the ram in and it all starts again. That;s the basic year at the croft, plus I’m a ghillie too, so in the Summer I take people fly-fishing for salmon. When I find a spare minute I make an album and go on tour!

I’ve definitely had to stand my ground with it a little bit though, as there’s a common idea in music that you need to get a record deal, sell lots of albums and have a certain kind of dream life, but I’ve always had my dream life. Fame and success has never been a measure for me or something that I’ve been striving for, so that made it easier for me to make the choices I’ve made. I wouldn’t be able to write the songs and make the music I make if I wasn’t living this life, as it’s all informed by it. I’ve always just followed my nose with these things. I did try and see if I could write a big pop song once and it

was awful, easily the worst thing I’ve ever written. I like writing whatever pops in my head and just going with it. It’s served me well so far, so there’s no point changing now.

I did a land diary for Landward recently too, which was pretty interesting. I’ve never done anything like that before, so I filmed myself doing the lambing and I’ve never looked so rough in all my life. The very opposite of rock n’roll, covered in blood and guts at 4am, living the life of a crofter musician.”

Blood and guts aside, that life still allows Colin to travel, play to people all over the world and work with some of the biggest names in music though. It’s a perfect combination that works for him and that’s all he needs.

He said: “I remember when I played with Robert Plant at the O2 and I was getting my guitars ready when he came over and just started chatting to me about soundchecks and other things. You feel like you are one of the gang, but inside you’re thinking ‘how can I be one of the gang with the guy from Led Zeppelin?’. It was me and my pal who drums with me and we used to play together when we were younger. We would be 16 years old in his barn, trying to learn Zeppelin songs and there we were with the guy who sung them. It was a real full circle moment, but very, very surreal.

Sheryl Crow is the nicest person you’ll ever meet too. She’s so down to earth and super-accommodating. We’d got on really well when I toured with her in 2018, so when I asked her to sing on a couple of songs on the album, she just agreed right away, which blew me away. She couldn’t have been more supportive. We did over Skype when I was on the croft and she did it in one take. She asked if I wanted to change anything and I genuinely couldn’t imagine how it could have been any better.

It’s really nice to be able to have things like that in your life, while still doing exactly what keeps you content. As long as I wake up every day and I’m looking forward to it, I’m happy.”

NEW ALBUM ‘HOLD FAST’ OUT NOW

TWENTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // THE RAINBOW PROJECT

CHANGE TO BLOOD DONATION IS COMING.

CHANGES TO ALLOW GAY AND BI MEN TO DONATE BLOOD IS COMING IN NORTHERN IRELAND

BY THE RAINBOW PROJECT THE NORTHERN IRELAND BLOOD Transfusion Service (NIBTS) in September 2021, will start to assess donor eligibility on a person-by-person basis for declared lifestyle choices; instead of applying acrossthe-board restrictions which have previously excluded potential donors specifically restricting the donation from Gay/BI or MSM. They will now be using a donor’s individual experiences to determine whether that person is eligible to donate will make the process fairer for all donors and means more people will be able to give blood than ever before. This means all donors will be asked the same questions – regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

These changes to the way UK blood services assess the risk of transfusion transmitted infections incorporate the key recommendations of the 2020 FAIR (For the Assessment of ndividualised Risk) Report.

These recommendations were designed by epidemiology, sexual health and infectious disease experts to make sure that the blood supply is kept safe while making blood donation fairer and more accessible to all. The new FAIR risk assessment will be implemented in England, Scotland and Wales will come into effect on 14th June 2021, while in Northern Ireland the change won’t come into effect until September 2021.

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) are working in collaboration with The Rainbow Project to ensure all those eligible to donate blood can do so safely and that all NIBTS staff have the support and training to engage with the LGBTQ+ community

TWENTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

Speaking about the change, Director of The Rainbow Project John O’Doherty said: “We welcome the implementation of the Fair Report and the new rules surrounding blood donations. These changes mean a large number of people who have never been able to donate blood will be eligible to do so. We would like to thank the Health Minister, Robin Swann, for ensuring that decisions related to blood donations are based wholly on the best available medical evidence and that policies are implemented on a UK wide basis.

“This is an issue we have been campaigning on for over 10 years and for the implementation of an individualised risk assessment. During that time, we have been clear that donating blood is not a right, but a civic responsibility on all of us who are eligible to do so. The focus of The Rainbow Project will now turn to encouraging all those people who are now eligible to register as blood donors. Security and sustainability in our blood supply is a continued pressure across our health service – and while vocal and visible support for the NHS during the pandemic is to be welcomed – one of the most effective ways we can support our NHS is through donating blood.

“While we are disappointed that Northern Ireland will not be implementing the new assessment at the same time as the rest of the UK, we understand the reasons behind this and welcome the ongoing communication from the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service and their commitment to ensuring staff are trained on the use of the new assessment process.

The COVID 19 pandemic has had a huge impact on all aspects of our health service.

We will be spending the next 3 months be directing our resources towards supporting the implementation of the new system and encouraging all those who are eligible to donate blood”.

Why should people donate blood?

It’s really simple, blood saves lives.

Your decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its individual components – such as red cells, platelets and plasma. All of which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions such as cancer, liver disease etc.

Most of us will know someone who has benefited from donated blood through emergency surgery, for routine operations, in the treatment of cancer, or childbirth.

What will these new process or questions be?

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) realise that being asked about specific sexual practices is something you may not be used to or find embarrassing. However, NIBTS and the Rainbow Project will be working to make you aware of the need for these questions and we ask that you answer them completely honestly, as this is very important in maintaining the safety of the blood supply.

Each person will have to complete a donation Health Check and will be asked a series of questions which cover a threemonth period. These questions include; questions around sexual activity over the

FEATURE // THE RAINBOW PROJECT

last 3 months, including if you have had sex with anyone who has had syphilis, hepatitis or anyone who is HIV positive. Did you engage with any drug use in the last three months or have had sex with someone who has injected drugs? Have you taken PrEP or been prescribed PEP? If you answered yes to some of those questions, then you would be unable to give blood at that time.

You can find out more, including information about your rights, on the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service website - https://nibts.hscni.net/.

would like to discuss some sexual health issues that you may have. The Rainbow Project provides free, confidential & nonjudgemental support.

When and how can I register to donate?

NIBTS are hoping this service will be up and running by September 2021. So, keep

The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partners healthy.

The Rainbow Project provide rapid HIV & syphilis testing at our Belfast and Foyle centres Monday to Thursday 10AM5PM by appointment. During the thirty to forty-minute consultation with a trained member of staff from The Rainbow Project where you will take a finger prick blood test which checks for the antibodies of HIV and traces of the Syphilis bacteria. You receive your results there and then. Also, we can provide you information to accessing PrEP, GUM Clinics and give you access to safer sex packs.

If you answered no, you will be asked some additional questions to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.

These are based around questions around new sexual partners within the last three months., if you haven’t had any new partners and are perhaps in a longer relationship, you will be able to donate (this is subject to you meeting other criteria.)

What will happen with the information given during donation?

The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS) are required to keep a record of all donors, donations and test results. The information you give is not linked to any other NHS or clinical records. All Blood Donation staff are trained in confidentiality, and personal information is kept secure and only shared with other organisations if needed to deliver our service.

your eyes out for upcoming information on how and where to donate!

Want to know more information or find out about your status?

Should you require a test please contact Leo Lardie by phone (028 90 319 030), text (079 04 864 861) or e-mail (leo@rainbow-project. org) for more details or to book Or Alternatively you can book your appointment online by visiting - https:// www.rainbow-project.org/book-a-rapidtest/

If you would like some more information or

TWENTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // CRAIG HAMILTON

CRAIG HAMILTON BLEND, BUT DON’T BLEND IN

“Beauty is about style. It knows no gender,” proclaims the first line of make-up for men by fashion powerhouse Chanel. Said style can be seen everywhere these days with YouTuber gurus Patrick Starr or Manny MUA giving the latest bunch of handpicked Victoria Secret models a run for their money.

TWENTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // CRAIG HAMILTON ...However, the word ‘make-up’ carries feminine undertones and for decades the industry has been dominated by products targeted solely to the female population.

But now, finally, genderless beauty is on the rise and rightfully so. After what seemed like forever, the beauty industry opened its black smoky eyes and realised the exclusion of men is unjust.

Many have wondered what was the driving force behind the shift in discourse. Was it high profile influencers like Jeffree Star?

The first male face of Covergirl, James Charles? The global rise of K-pop known for its pretty boys glammed in full faces?

Or is it linked to the broader shakeup of the gender binary?

“It wasn’t until I moved to London when I felt that I could walk up the street and not be judged for wearing a tinted moisturiser and a little bronzer. London is one of the most accepting cities I have ever been to, from living here I have realised there is no limit to what I can wear. Everyone is so expressive and I love that about it” “Of course, growing up in Northern Ireland, it was not common for guys to wear make-up and really, I didn’t see many men work in it either. There was no one to relate to or resemble. I didn’t think I could achieve this as a career. A few people thought it was mad at first, ‘Craig, a makeup artist, he can’t do that!’ but I knew I had to prove them wrong.”

way into the competition,” he added.

Whilst making a name for himself on television is an unforgettable time in his life, Craig fondly remembered his career highlight so far.

“During my time at London collage of fashion, I alongside one other student was given the opportunity to travel to Taiwan and Hong Kong to teach the students at the Hungkuang University. This was one of the most magical experiences in my makeup career and I’ll never forget it.

Craig shared his top three make-up secrets with us: 1.

Regardless, change has happened and still is happening. But what about those males who winged their eyeliner without the endorsement of Morphe? We spoke to BBC’s Glow Up finalist Craig Hamilton, a make-up artist who has been powdering his face before it became trendy to do so.

“Make-up can be a journey to a lot of things, my personal experience was very freeing. Make-up sparked a light in me, I only wanted to succeed within this industry and I definitely have a true passion for it. I can boost anyone’s confidence with a stroke of a brush and for me, that is so rewarding,” the runner up explained.

Craig’s interest began in his third year whilst studying Art and Design at Southern Regional College (SRC) in Newry. After dabbling with special effects make-up, he realised his love lies with beauty and artistry. It was this love that inspired him to make the move from the small town of Craigavon to the busy city of London to study make-up, hair and prosthetics at London’s College of Fashion.

Despite being in his fifth year of living in London, the 24-year-old remains grateful for his homeland and its differences from the metropolitan city.

“I absolutely love where I’m from, growing up I was very lucky to be surrounded by people who had a similar mentality to life as I did, very much what you see is what you get type of people. My family always lifted me up and supported me throughout everything, I’m very lucky to be able to say that I have such a supportive and accepting family.”

I think it’s fair to say, Craig has done exactly that. His talent, creativity and determination paid off and landed him a spot on Glow Up as Northern Ireland’s first-ever contestant. The BBC’s latest series is hosted by Maya Jama and sees 10 aspiring artists live, work, and compete against one another for the chance to win a much sought-after contract to work with some of the world’s biggest names in the industry.

2.

“I’ve always been a fan of the show and I actually applied for season 2 but was unsuccessful, so when I had the chance to apply again for season 3, I gave it another shot. The pandemic had just hit, so work was slow and I was off, so getting cast was such a blessing and really what I needed.

Each week contestants create thrilling campaigns, under the peeled eyes of veterans Val Garland and Dominic Skinner.

Val has over 25 years worth of experience under her belt and now acts as the global make-up director for L’Oréal Paris.

Whereas Dominic Skinner is the global senior artist for the long-established make-up brand MAC. Recalling the cherished experience, Craig said: “Week one was challenging for me, as you could tell and I found myself in the face-off chair which is not ideal. I was shaking, but I knew I was not going to give up. I knew I had to bring it the following week, which lead me to win the challenge the following week.

3.

It has to start with the skin!

Skincare preparation is very essential to everyone, having to correct products for your skin type will ensure a flawless base, giving the skin the most beautiful finish.

This also helps keep longevity with make-up throughout the day.

Next would be picking and applying products, again make sure you have products that are going to work with you and not against you. For example, I have super dry and dehydrated skin, so I avoid anything that’s mattifying or designed for oily skin as this wouldn’t work on my skin type.

Instead, I go for a hydrating, glow base product and apply it with my hands to get the most naturally fresh perfected skin.

Finally, layering. So many people think adding more and more full coverage products will give you a flawless finish but this could potentially crack and make the make-up look heavy, caky or muddy. Instead, I tend to layer lightweight or medium coverage products onto one another, this will still give the desired coverage and look flawless in real life or on camera.

If you are like me and want to gawk in amazement at Craig’s creations one more time, you can do so on BBC iPlayer.

INTERVIEW BY: PAUL MCAULEY

The prize was, the look I designed, would appear in POSE season three. It felt so good to win something after telling myself to push through. This was unreal and mind-blowing and from then, I eased my

TWENTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // BEN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

TWENTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // BEN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

BEN

FRANCIS LEFTWICH He’s never shied away from baring his soul, but Benjamin Francis Leftwich’s new album is his most honest and deeply personal record yet.

HE’S

FROM

you are carrying that thing which is really

180,000 worldwide, but the whole process

BARING HIS SOUL, BUT BENJAMIN

NEVER

SHIED

AWAY

heavy, while being something to take care

of writing and recording this one was a

FRANCIS LEFTWICH’S NEW ALBUM

of. We got rid of a lot of songs from the

different experience for him. He’s rightly

IS HIS MOST HONEST AND DEEPLY

album, which were big songs, but just not

proud of what he has released before, but

PERSONAL RECORD YET.

thematically correct.

for the first time, he’s been able to give

It’s really an album about post-surrender,

every part of himself to making the very

The 31 year-old singer songwriter has just

living awake and the things that accompany

best record he can possibly do.

released To Carry A Whale, an astonishing

that, such as being able to look back with

10-track collection that comes after a

honesty, like on Sydney 2013, which is as

He said: “The biggest difference for me

period of huge change and development

specific as you’ll get. Being able to do that

this time around is I have that extra 10%

in his life following a stint in rehab back

isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely necessary for

of almost scientific focus in the writing

in 2018. Completely sober ever since,

my survival. For the first time in my life I’m

process, all those things I let slide

Benjamin has discovered a new love for

being accountable and responsible for

because I couldn’t be arsed or didn’t care

both music and life itself and the album,

my part in things. I drop a lot of names in

as much as I should. At that time, If I was

produced by Sam Duckworth (Get Cape,

those songs, which I cleared with everyone

in a conversation, all I wanted was for it to

Wear Cape, Fly) and Eg White (Adele,

who is mentioned obviously. It’s just what

end so I could go drink or use by myself,

Sam Smith) is the result. It’s an undoubted

I have to do, so it’s not a pity party. I’m

so that extra 10%, 20% or even 50% focus,

career highlight and sees the Yorkshireman

really pleased to be where I’m at and my

all those twists and turns in the lyrics and

at the very peak of his creative powers.

way is not the only way, but it’s the right

not letting anything get across the line if it

thing to do for me personally. It can be

wasn’t honest in terms of feel or content I

He said: “When I first met Sam Duckworth,

heavy sometimes, but being able to look

might have let slide previously just didn’t

we became friends that day and were

back like that and make those phone calls

happen.

discussing how I wanted to make a really

where I can tell people that things have

concise 10-track album, which would also

changed, take ownership for my part in

I’m aware that many of my most popular

be the first album I’ve ever made without

things, apologise and ask for forgiveness

songs and many of the songs I love by

drugs in my system. The title comes

to move on is really important to do.”

other people have been written not in that

directly from that, as it’s what it’s like to

way, but for me, I think I’m a better singer

live as a clean and sober alcoholic, which

To Kill A Whale is Benjamin’s fourth album

and a better writer when I don’t have stuff

is a beautiful thing to be in that space, but

to date, with the previous three selling over

in my throat and body.

TWENTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // BEN FRANCIS LEFTWICH

I have the ability to go in hard on it now,

possible.

too. This is important, as I want to say things

think some of the new songs will work really well live and some won’t, but it’ll be a really

accurately and I’m awake enough to accept

He said: “It’s been a really difficult time for

intense setlist, with some of the deepest

that just because I have a song in the bag

billions of people around the world. I’m

cuts from the old albums, while dropping

that’s poppy and a good radio song, it

very aware that I’m luckier than most and

in new ones like Cherry In Tacoma, Tired In

doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t fit the

haven’t felt the nip as much, but emotionally

Niagara and Full Full Colour. I think putting

theme of To Carry A Whale.”

THE TITLE COMES DIRECTLY FROM THAT, AS IT’S WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE AS A CLEAN AND SOBER ALCOHOLIC, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO BE IN THAT SPACE, BUT YOU ARE CARRYING THAT THING WHICH IS REALLY HEAVY, WHILE BEING SOMETHING TO TAKE CARE OF.

them in the set at the right moment will be

Benjamin would be out on the road touring

it’s been weird not being on tour and not

RELEASED VIA DIRTY HIT ON JUNE 18

it, but like every other artist in the world,

getting out for the album. I’m looking at

HE

he’s had to approach this one somewhat

the positive side though, as it’s giving me

FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2022

differently. He has a tour booked, but it’s

an extra eight months to remember how to

not until next year, but he’s counting the

play these songs!

The subject of his own addiction isn’t an easy one for Benjamin to confront, but it’s not stopped him from doing just that, both on the album and in his actual life leading up to it. It’s been a hard road, but he’s all the better for it.

Benjamin said: “There are millions of people in the world who can drink, use or whatever and it works for them, as not everyone becomes addicted. That stuff was my solution, but the problem is I’m allergic to it. I got really lucky when I was 21 and put out an album that loads of people fell in love with. It took me around the world and gave me a life, a house and all this beautiful stuff, but I also lost my love for music at that time. I was sat in a nice, comfy flat by myself and I was just f***ing sad. That’s the truth.

There’s no arrogance or self-pity there, it’s just how it was. When I was in treatment I was really worried if I could ever write songs sober, but I feel more in love with it, more awake to it and more hungry for it than ever before. Maybe I’m getting addicted to songwriting, but it’s much better than what I was addicted to.”

With a new album in the offing, normally

days until he can play all these new songs that he is so proud of (as well as the ones

I’m really, really excited to get back out

fans know and love) to as many people as

there for the tour in February, though. I

THIRTY // GNIMAG.COM

beautiful. My music is very people-based, emotion -based and romance-based, so I can’t imagine there are many people who haven’t had major emotional or romantic curveballs during lockdown, so I feel bad coming in and adding to that!

The main thing is I want everyone who goes to shows, not just mine, to be safe, to know that we are getting the right guidance and be willing to change our plans at the last minute if it’s the right thing to do. I always get nervous before I go on stage and have to listen to really intense classical music in the dressing room, but I need to do that to actually be able to sing the songs. I’m more nervous now though for my fellow human beings to be safe and ride back into normality in a calm way. When we finally all get together though, that’s going to be something really, really special. I honestly can’t wait.”

For

tickets

and

more

information:

benjaminfrancisleftwich.com

Interview by Jules Boyle NEW ALBUM ‘TO CARRY A WHALE’ WILL

PERFORM

26

DATES

IN

FEATURE // MISGENDERED

THAT’S NOT MY NAME. WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISGENDER A CO-WORKER IT’S LIKELY THAT EVERYONE will accidentally misgender someone at some point. While few do so with the intent to cause any offence, it’s important to know what to do in response. Great societal movements such as the LGBTQ+ community have become an integral part of all our lives, and they help to promote acceptance and diversity in the workplace. This is essential to creating a friendly and comfortable environment for everyone.

So, what should you do if you accidentally misgender someone at work?

Here, we discuss the importance of using the correct pronouns when talking to co-workers and what to do if you accidentally misgender someone.

Prioritise their feelings, not your own Although making the mistake of misgendering someone can make you feel embarrassed and guilty, it’s important not to let your feelings take priority over theirs. In the moment, you might be quick to try and defend your actions and explain how you have good intentions, and you didn’t intend to cause any offence.

While this reassurance might make you feel better, it ignores the other person’s feelings.

So, rather than trying to defend your own ego by thinking “How can I make myself look like I’m not a bad person?”, think “How can I make sure this person is okay?” and centralise their feelings over your own.

Don’t turn the mistake into an even bigger one When you accidentally make the mistake of misgendering someone, sudden feelings of panic and embarrassment might make you want to react in a dramatic and over-the-top type way that draws an unwanted amount of attention to your mistake. This could make the person feel their gender has been centralised in the conversation and make them feel uncomfortable.

If you’re uneducated on the correct use of pronouns, then this might be why you keep unintentionally making the mistake of misgendering your co-workers. If so, then it’s important you take the time to research into this to help promote an accepting and respectful work environment.

The term ‘think before you speak’ could not be more relevant in this case. When in a conversation with a member of the LGBTQ+ community and you have made the misgendering mistake before, slow your speech and think what pronoun is the correct one to use before the words form into a sentence.

How employers can show their support Now that we’ve discussed what to do if you make the mistake of misgendering a co-worker, it is also important that employers show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and embed this as part of their core values. Here, we discuss a few ways that employers can do this.

The use of badges Other than being used to help everyone learn each other’s names, pronoun badges can be a great way to help support gender identity and gender diversity in the workplace.

As demonstrated by the British telecommunication company O2 during Pride History Month, the business now allows its employees to express their gender identity on their badges. O2’s LGBTQ+ network, Proud@ O2, uses badges as a way to help promote equality and acceptance of people that identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming in the workplace. The scheme also aims to normalise the use of different pronouns, such as they/them, for both its customers and its staff.

Instead, acknowledge you made a mistake and quickly correct the pronouns you used, rather than panicking in the moment and derailing into a conversation that focuses on their gender.

Although pin badges seem just a small addition to employees’ everyday work outfits, the cause that they support and stand for speaks volumes when it comes to helping promote diversity and acceptance. If you find yourself misgendering someone at work, it may be beneficial for you to suggest pronoun badges be implemented to help.

What to do if you repeat the mistake If you make the mistake twice of misgendering someone, defending your actions with sentiments such as “I’m sorry, I’m working on it” or “It won’t happen again” isn’t helpful. It is best not to state these things but rather work on them in your own time.

International Pronouns Day Taking place on the third Wednesday of every October, International Pronouns Day is dedicated to making the use of the correct personal pronouns commonplace. Not only does the day aim to help educate people on the correct pronouns, but it also highlights why

it is important to use them correctly.

Misgendering someone can have a damaging impact on transgender and gendernonconforming people, so it is vital that employers use this day to help raise awareness of this and help make using the correct pronouns the norm in the workplace and greater society.

Celebrity influencers who have used their platform During last year’s iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball event, Shawn Mendes accidentally made the mistake of misgendering English singer songwriter Sam Smith. After Mendes apologised to Smith on his Instagram story, Smith responded: “We’re all learning together.

Happy holidays, all my love xx”.

Celebrities using their platform to help highlight the importance of using the correct pronouns and the correct way to respond if you do accidentally misgender someone is something we can all learn from. Not only is social media an effective way to spread this message, but it also makes it easily accessible for people to read and learn from.

As we continue to drive many social movements that work towards creating a more accepting and diverse world, part of this is to understand the importance of using the correct pronouns and apologising if misgendering someone does occur. When you’re at work especially, it’s vital that both employers and employees work together to create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

Sources https://www.lifeworkspsychotherapy.com/ react-accidentally-misgendering-someone/ https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/o2employees-can-now-add-their-pronouns-totheir-work-name-badges/ https://pronounsday.org/ https://www.nme.com/news/music/sam-smithresponds-to-shawn-mendes-misgenderingthem-2837385

THIRTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // SCOTT MCGLYNN

THIRTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // SCOTT MCGLYNN

THIRTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

OPINION // CARL CONNIELILNGUS

TRASH HITS & BITS WITH CARL CONNIELINGUS HEY BEAUTS, YOUR FAVOURITE GENDERPHUCKER HERE AND IT’S THE START OF PRIDE SEASON..WOOHOO. IN THIS EDITION I WILL DELVE INTO WHAT PRIDE MEANS TO ME AND MY JOURNEY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, THE CONTINUATION OF “A QUEER LOVE STORY” AND FILLING YOU IN ON SOME UPCOMING GIGS & EVENTS. HANG ONTO YOUR HATS PEOPLE

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER GUYS, I have finally finished one of the most stressful educational journeys in my life LOL and all because I just happened to be studying when the Pandemic hit!! I finally got there and all being well I will have passed. A trainee Barber in the making with my English and Maths updated since I done my GGCSE’s like 23 years ago..fcuk I’m getting old hahahahaha.. and providing I pass; I will be back in September for Level 3 and ICT. Wish me luck!!

PS IT’S MY BIRTHDAY MONTH – 17TH JUNE.

MY PRIDE JOURNEY PRIDE is an organisation formed in Los Angeles, California in 1966 by Steve Ginsburg and is an acronym for - Personal Rights in Defence and Education. Pride parades and marches are outdoor events celebrating LGBTQIA+ selfself-acceptance, achievements, legal rights and pride - happening every year throughout the Summer all over the world and following on from the events at the Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969. The parades seek to create Community and Honour in the history of the movement.

And believe it or not, a lot of this is new to me too because I was so uneducated in Queer History that I needed to educate myself and be around people who could help educate me. Queer History is so powerful but when I first started going to Pride events this was not the main reason for going. My main reason for going was to explore and have one of the best parties of the year lol that’s just how it was back then because we were just happy to be out and having fun that we never always thought about the actual history behind Pride, even though we should have. Northern Ireland was so backwards that we didn’t have our first Pride until 1991 but even having a gay bar here was so exciting.

At that time, I just thought I was Bisexual because I fancied “men” and “women” and I didn’t even know you could love anyone you wanted and that they could love you back, that was totally foreign to me lol . . The first Pride I ever attended was in 1999 as a spectator and it lasted about 20 minutes, but it was the most fun & campest thing I had ever seen here, and I needed to know more. So, after years of going to Belfast Pride and having those amazing experiences I decided it was time to branch out and got to attend Gran Canaria Pride on multiple occasions and Benidorm Pride as well. Nothing like a pride event in the sunshine when you know Northern Irish weather is so unpredictable haha Now I’ve been pretty much every year since then – first as a young queer spectator, then as a confused married woman with my ex-husband, to well versed lesbian/queerling and now as the GenderQueer Being you all know as Carl ConnieLingus, and I couldn’t be prouder of my journey.

Pride has meant everything to me over the years but the people and the memories are always the best part

THIRTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

OPINION // CARL CONNIELINGUS

A QUEER LOVE STORY CHAPER IV WELL, WHAT A YEAR THIS HAS BEEN GUYS!! This year has just flown in already and with that has been so much to deal with. Both Hayley and I had college deadlines recently and to be honest it was a very stressful situation to be in lol why is it when you’re stressed out you take it out on the ones you love?? Haha . . In saying that, both of us met our deadlines, got over ourselves and now we’re best buddies again lol but what a learning experience for a couple to have because between studying and trying to make yourself and your home happy, things can get out of hand very easily.

Luckily, we both know when to nurture each other when it is necessary as both of us would discover recently since we have both had to attend hospital separately for cysts in different parts of our bodies. Now if that does not bond a couple then I do not know what will haha . . We are both doing ok and plodding along now but yea the things that are sent to test a couple is wild (laughing faces).

Since then, Hayley and her band Paper Tigers just done their first Livestream gig back after a year and what an unreal

show it was, but the main part for me was seeing my missus up there giving it stacks and being the Rockstar that she is..and also reminding me of one of the main reasons I fell in love with her in the first place. Her talent, courage and spirit inspire me every day.

FUN FACT ABOUT ME

OUTRO

So, I recently joined a gymnastics club as an adult because it was always my favourite sport and hobby as a kid. And while I’ve delved in and out as an adult over the years this time feels different because I feel so focused, and I wish I had have had that when I was younger. Since I was a British Champion when I was 13 & 14, I thought why nat?? LOL . . So, wish this 38-year-old gymnast the best of luck, for I’m gonna need it hahaha

MUSIC & MOVIES I’ve been so busy recently that I haven’t got to watch a lot, but we did finish Keeping up with the Kardashians and I’m so sad because it’s an end of an era lol we still have the 2-part Reunion to look forward to, but I think we’ll watch the whole 20 Seasons again when that’s done because I’m just not ready to let go haha KUWTK FOREVA!!

I did win a CD copy of Wayne’s World from a TikTok Creator called @ifitsontv and we’ll be watching that tonight, so thank you Charlie.

As for music I’m stuck on one song right now. Jon Secada – Just another day..you’re welcome lol

UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROJECTS

Carl is starting to get busy with enquiries and gigs now but most recently I have accepted the role of the Mad Hatter for Tipsy Tea Parties in The River Rooms Belfast (5 Donegall Quay BT1 3EA – 02890 231 777) and it’s just gonna be, well MAD haha . . To find out more information contact the number above.

A cheeky little Guest spot at Cabargay in Union Street on June 27th, so make sure to book your table in advance guys – 02890 316 060 And then the big one. Electric Love Belfast – 2022 and guys the lineup for this event is unreal!! I’m lucky to be performing not once but twice at this event. Once with my good friend Trisha McCluney and her Perfect Illusion Lady Gaga Tribute as a backing dancer with Hayley and then as Carl. I am beyond excited for this!!

Get your tickets now at ElectricLoveBelfast.com or FB.com/ElectricLoveFestivalBelfast

And guys that’s it from me for another quarter lol thank you for reading and taking this wee column/writing journey with me. I really enjoy sharing my life and relationship with you all and getting to briefly tell you all about my pride journey recently is inspiring. I genuinely hope you all have the best pride season but remember Beauts, be proud all year round. You deserve it.

Feel free to throw me an email at carlconnielingus@gmail.com Find me on Facebook – www.facebook. com/carlconnielingus.com And Insta - @carlconnie-lingus Love you all to the moon and back, Carl ConnieLingus

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/ contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.

THIRTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

PHOTO CREDIT: Bobby Quillard

INTERVIEW // DAVID HERNANDEZ

THIRTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // DAVID HERNANDEZ

AN ALL INCLUSIVE LOVE SONG DAVID HERNANDEZ DROPS THE MIC AND THE PRONOUNS IN ILY.

BY WILLIAM COOKE

DAVID HERNANDEZ MADE SURE his new song, “ILY.” (an abbreviation for I Love You) was not pronoun specific. The initial pre-chorus was written as I wouldn’t be the man I am if it weren’t for you.

David changed the line to I wouldn’t be who I am, if it weren’t for you. “I want everyone to be able to identify with the song’s message,” he explains. “We are lacking inclusion in music and it needs to be recognized because inclusion inspires understanding and humanizes our experiences.”

The song’s music video pairs the American Idol with another gay heartthrob, Benji Schwimmer from So You Think You Can Dance, who plays David’s embattled love interest. Trans actress Alexa Abraxas also appears, playing a therapist who is helping the couple work through their relationship issues and back to the ILY. We spoke with David Hernandez from his home in Los Angeles.

ILY. IS A BEAUTIFUL SONG! WHAT SPARKED THE IDEA? I was inspired from a song by Lewis Capaldi. His songs are just so melodic

and his voice is raspy and powerful. I wanted to capture something similar like that for ILY., but in my own way and style.

I’ve always been a fan of belty chorus where it feels like I’m at the top of my range. Almost like if the song was sung by itself without any background vocals, it would be enough.

IT HAS A GREAT MESSAGE. I agree. To be honest, I don’t feel like I say “I love you” enough to the people in my life that I truly mean the most. The day often gets away from us and then the weeks and then the months and the years... People come and go and then you’re left with regret for not telling them how you feel in the moment. That’s the place that the song really came from.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE LYRIC? The first line: “I’m crazy, I change my mind, I go back-and-forth up-and-down all the time”, because, quite literally, that is me. Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m a Gemini and that I have a few different sides to me. I think it takes a really special person to be my partner.

I also tour a lot and I’m hardly ever home so having trust and confidence is

definitely a must if you want to be with me.

WHAT INSPIRED THE MUSIC VIDEO? I sat down with my best friend James for lunch. We had a couple of Aperol spritzers and started throwing ideas around about dancing. I’m not a dancer but I’ve always been fascinated by contemporary work. I wanted to figure out a way to incorporate some of that in the video. Initially, I considered hiring two dancers to tell the story for me but I decided that I wanted to give dancing a try. I’ve learned that stepping out of my comfort zone yields great rewards.

SO, YOU CALLED UP BENJI FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? I mentioned the concept to my good friend, Brady Kerr, and he suggested Benji. They’ve known one another since they were kids. Ironically, I was on the “Ballroom with a Twist” tour where I actually performed alongside Benji’s sister, Lacey. I didn’t know that one day I would eventually end up working with her brother!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE?

THIRTY FORTY SEVEN FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

INTERVIEW // DAVID HERNANDEZ

Benji is the most incredible dancer and a very patient teacher. When I discussed the idea with him, he got it right away but then made it better, mapping out the exact movements. I think conceptually, he really brought the song to life. On set he was super professional and guided me through the movements I was having difficulty with. Ultimately, he told me that his job was to make me look good and I think he did just that. Obviously, he’s a professional dancer but he choreographed the movements in such a way that really highlighted my strengths.

HOW DID YOU GET ALEXA ON BOARD? Benji and I discussed who we thought our therapist should be. I wanted to highlight a trans actress because I think

it’s important to normalize trans people in a professional working environment.

Alexa happened to be a good friend of the videographer, Arno Diem. Arno put me in touch with Alexa. She’s one of my closest friends now. Super sweet!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY SO FAR? Well, I’m not typically a huge fan of the industry, but I will say that music has connected me to a lot of incredible people through my life and has opened up my heart. Music is a universal language. I think it’s stunning the way that it impacts people’s minds, influences their choices and changes their hearts for the better.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE COMING UP FOR YOU NEXT? I’m finishing up my next single and I have a few shows that are lined up. I’m excited to get back to touring! I’d love to create another visual for the upcoming single, but, “ILY.” Is so important to me that I’m gonna give it some time to catch some more fire and hit the mainstream.

DAVID HERNANDEZ’S “ILY.” IS AVAILABLE NOW ON APPLE MUSIC, SPOTIFY, AND ALL OTHER MAJOR E-MUSIC RETAILERS. VISIT OFFICIALDAVIDHERNANDEZ.COM C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

PHOTO CREDIT: Bobby Quillard

K

THIRTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

a

Christmas Carol

I II IV

V

I X I IV X

XI I IX I

I

NEWS // POSITIVE LIFE

NEW LORD MAYOR OF BELFAST BACKS POSITIVE LIFE AS CHARITY OF THE YEAR LORD MAYOR OF BELFAST KATE NICHOLL RECENTLY WELCOMED POSITIVE LIFE CHIEF EXECUTIVE JACQUIE RICHARDSON TO BELFAST CITY HALL IN ONE OF HER FIRST ENGAGEMENTS SINCE TAKING OFFICE. A long-standing supporter of the Belfastbased HIV charity, Councillor Nicholl was instrumental in the lighting of Belfast City Hall red to mark World AIDS Day for the first time in history last December.

“There is still so much work to do in addressing stigma around HIV. I am looking forward to working with Positive Life and their service users throughout my time in office and I hope to demonstrate to people living across our city affected by HIV that they have the Lord Mayor of Belfast supporting them”, says Lord Mayor Nicholl.

number of new HIV diagnoses in Northern Ireland has declined to 52 new cases, down from 80 in 2018.

“It has been a difficult year for people impacted by HIV who have seen access to services severely restricted through lockdowns and felt a continuing sense of vulnerability.”

“Having Kate as Lord Mayor re-invigorates efforts to fight the stigma associated with HIV. We have seen some very encouraging numbers in relation to the decrease of new diagnoses which is something we hope to see continue with such a strong supporter of our services now in office”, says Positive Life Chief Executive, Jacquie Richardson.

According to the latest figures from 2019, the

Positive Life is the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated to supporting people living with or affected by HIV. Positive Life exists to promote a positive future for people living with or affected

by HIV. We work to remove stigma by raising awareness of the impact of HIV. We work to educate and challenge the myths that surround HIV. We engage with service users to ensure they have a voice in the policy arena.

We respond to people’s support needs in a way that creates independEmail: ence info@positivelifeni.com Telephone: 028 9024 9268

Call in: 20 Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast BT9 6FN

“Even before the Covid pandemic, many Positive Life service users felt rejected from society due to their status. As a mayoral charity we will do all we can to use this opportunity to raise awareness and campaign”, Richardson concluded.

From its headquarters in south Belfast, Positive Life provides a range of services to anyone affected by HIV including rapid testing, counselling, and complementary therapies.

Positive Life services include: • • • •

Rapid HIV Testing Drop-in Service Counselling Complementary Therapies • Information Sessions • Social Events • Family Support

YOU!

FASHION, BEAUTY, HEALTH & WELLBEING, TAKING TIME FOR YOU!

FEATURE // WORK/LOVE

WORK HARD, LOVE HARDER. REBALANCING YOUR WORK-RELATIONSHIP BALANCE.

IF THERE’S ANYTHING BEING a responsible adult has taught us, it’s the importance of balance. Time management is a skill we learn to develop as we grow older, and it doesn’t just apply to our working lives.

After all, along with a demanding career, we also have to juggle our social lives, get enough sleep, cook, maintain relationships, and have quality alone time.

Are crazy hours affecting your relationship? It’s not uncommon to feel the pressure of our work and love lives clashing. On one hand, we may have a tough boss to impress or a looming promotion, and then on the other, our relationship may be suffering and intimacy dwindling like a weak flame.

Blurring the lines between work and leisure While most of us might have temporarily swapped our suits for leisurewear while we work from home, we’re certainly not lounging about. In fact, Goldman Sachs came under fire in March with junior bankers reporting working over 18-hour shifts for low pay over lockdown, which was causing burnout.

According to the Guardian, employees who are working from home over the pandemic are working an additional two hours a day or more due to heavier workloads. The research reported that

FORTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

workers are also having shorter lunch breaks, are expected to work through sickness, and are constantly signed into work communication, exacerbating an “always-on” culture. This is not only an issue on a personal level but also on a relationship level – who doesn’t get irritated when their partner seems to be constantly on their phone, even if it’s answering out-of-office emails?

Of course, everyone has responsibilities at work, so keeping an eye on your schedule and judging when you will be at your busiest will keep your partner in the loop of when you expect you can see them and when you can’t.

While some couples have struggled through lockdown from spending too much time together, others simply don’t have enough time to see each other.

You should prioritise what you want to do when you are together. Try not to waste quality time by sitting watching television or lying in bed all day – unless if that is exactly how you bond. If you find that you’re not making the most when you’re able to see each other, stop and think about what is most important. Do you really need to attend every single client dinner? Do you really need to bake for every bake sale? Does the house need cleaning at that exact moment? Do you really need to go and visit distant relatives? Do what makes you both happy – a lot of couples don’t communicate things like this to each other, so it is crucial to understand what feels like quality time. Put your phone down and keep off social media and work emails to stay in the present moment and converse with your partner. Sitting scrolling aimlessly through your feed or acting like you’re on call to your work when with your partner can make them feel unwanted. Set boundaries between yourself and work – for example, if you’re going to a romantic dinner, those emails can wait until the morning.

How to rebalance your work-love life Follow these tips to help you rebalance your career and relationship.

Planning ahead While spontaneity can be the secret to an exciting and happy relationship, if your work life is wreaking havoc on your leisure time, it is a good idea to plan ahead. Make romantic plans or schedule quality time together on certain days and stick to it. Although obviously sometimes you might be hit with a deadline or unforeseen circumstances that desperately needs your attention, make it up to your partner by seeing them on an alternate day rather than letting work totally consume your time. This way, your partner knows that they’re important to you.

Prioritise what is most important to you both

FEATURE // WORK/LOVE

Learn to apologise and forgive Not every plan you make is going to go ahead. But it’s important not to punish each other for this and instead, give support and communicate. If you’re feeling frustrated or disappointed, that is valid, but holding grudges and staying angry will only strain the relationship more. Try to be as understanding, patient, apologetic, and forgiving as you can.

Creating a positive environment between you both will nurture a positive relationship. If you find that you are struggling with your workload or are perhaps feeling stressed with work, it might be time to reach out to your boss for guidance or even consider visiting your GP.

Sources https://www.theguardian.com/ business/2021/mar/24/goldmansachs-junior-bankers-rebel-over-18hour-shifts-and-low-pay https://www.theguardian.com/ business/2021/feb/04/home-workersputting-in-more-hours-since-covidresearch

FORTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // ACTION FOR CHILDREN

BOYCOT YOUR BED FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN. ACTION FOR CHILDREN IS asking families, friends, and colleagues in Northern Ireland to ‘Boycott your Bed’ on Friday 9 July 2021 along with others up and down the country, to raise money for some of the most vulnerable children in Northern Ireland. With the country coming out of the restrictions, the charity is holding their virtual event to help families and children who are suffering the most after the pandemic.

Spend the night in the most unusual place you can think of while enjoying a starstudded evening of virtual entertainment.

Join Jessica Hynes (Paddington & Shaun of the Dead), Laura Hamilton (A Place in the Sun), Nadia Sawalha (Loose Women), Gio and Luba (Strictly Come Dancing), and activities with Horrible Histories, Hungry

FORTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

Caterpillar, trivia games and a DJ set - plus more to be announced.

Wherever you sleep, the money you raise can help make dreams of a safe and happy childhood come true.

hardship – like falling behind on bills or borrowing to pay for basics – because of coronavirus. Poverty has a devastating impact on children – its effects can last a lifetime. But together we can change things.

Action for Children’s Fundraising Manager, Cheryl Brown said: “Every person who boycotts their bed this summer will be helping us reach children and families in desperate need and worried about their future. And who don't know when they'll feel safe and happy again.

“In the last year, our Coronavirus Emergency Fund has provided essentials, like food and warm clothes, to around 20,000 children and young people. Our frontline key workers have kept 99% of services open. So please ditch your duvet, banish your blanket and have some fun raising money so that Action for Children can help these families in need.”

“The pandemic has pushed many more children and families deeper into crisis. The number of families relying on Universal Credit has doubled. Households with children are twice as likely to have suffered financial

Sign up for free to the Boycott your Bed challenge this summer and you’ll be part of a national movement to help vulnerable children and families. Visit boycottyourbed.co.uk/ regional for more information.

Every family’s different But the one thing they should have in common is love.

Start your fostering journey today: 028 9046 0500 fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering @AFCNIFostercare Registered charity nos. 1097940/SC038092. Company no. 4764232. © Action for Children 2021.1655.

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

MEG

ISPEEDLINE PERFORMANCE MEN’S LEGGINGS KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FORTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

GGINGS FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

KAPOW MEGGINGS ARE DESIGNED TO SUPERCHARGE YOUR GYM, FASHION AND FESTIVAL STYLE. ENGINEERED WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE FABRIC AND 4-WAY STRETCH, THESE BAD BOYS ARE FAMOUS FOR THEIR WILD COLOURS AND INCREDIBLE COMFORT. BE BRAVE. BE UNBORING. kapowmeggings.co.uk

FORTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

ACID JAZZ MEN’S LEGGINGS £44.99 KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FORTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

CONQUEST PERFORMANCE PRO MEN’S LEGGINGS £74.99 KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FORTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

ACID JAZZ MEN’S LEGGINGS £44.99 KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FIFTY // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

FIFTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS VELVET ELVIS MEN’S LEGGINGS £54.99 KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FIFTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // KAPOW MEGGINGS

METALLIC MEN’S LEGGING RANGE £49.99 TO £54.99 KAPOWMEGGINGS.CO.UK

FIFTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

ADVERTORIAL // EXALT

EXALT CHARLIE & DAN WE’RE CHARLIE & DAN - THE FOUNDERS OF EXALT. Like most people we know, our lives are pretty full-on. We’d love to say it was all eat / sleep / insta / rave* / repeat in our house, but in all honesty it was actually more like eat / work / workout / pass out.

Eating healthily takes a fair bit of time, effort and money. Sure, you can try and plan your meals ahead of time, but there are always times where you are caught short with an unexpected meeting or by waking up too late for breakfast.

During these times we found that goodquality, on-the-go options for healthy food are pretty limited. Trust us, if you can think of one we probably tried it.

WE FELT THERE REALLY WAS NOTHING ON THE MARKET THAT TICKED ALL OF THE BOXES OF TASTE, CONVENIENCE AND NOURISHMENT. To sum it up, we felt like we were fighting a constant battle - endlessly trying and failing to strike the right balance between work, working out and healthy eating.

So we started to think about an

FIFTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

alternative way to fuel the body that is both convenient and delicious. And (to give you the short version), after consulting with nutritionists and taste experts, EXALT was born in the winter of 2019. A tasty, nutrient-packed meal supplement & cold press juice that works for any number of lifestyles and health and fitness goals, and tastes great too.

Real, good food, bottled.

Since you have read this far already, we’d like to be honest and say that while we started a nutrition brand, we still believe in balance. We are fans of the 80/20 rule - 80% healthy, 20% dirty. For us, balance

ADVERTORIAL // EXALT

is crucial to a healthy lifestyle otherwise it just gets a little dull. I’m sure we won’t be the first people to admit to eating Nutella straight out the jar.

--A WEE BIT ABOUT CHARLIE AND DAN...

Charlie and Dan Wilson-Vaughan, business and life partners, started protein smoothie & cold-pressed juice business, EXALT, during the pandemic.

Born out of a desire to aid individuals constantly on the go, from busy mums, to overworked millennials, to athletes, these smoothies boast premium ingredients, with a truly high protein level.

“We’d always stop off at services on the way to grab something to eat. Aside from your KFC or McDonald’s, there isn’t a huge choice of nutritious food – unless you want a makeshift chicken salad from M&S! We started thinking about creating

a product that would be perfect for people who wanted to get something healthy on the go.”

EXALT’s juices are all pressurised to naturally extend the shelf life to at least two weeks – an industry first making them stand out from competitors.

Charlie adds: “No-one else has managed to make a fresh ready-to-drink protein smoothie with an extended shelf-life. Our range has twice the protein vs other fresh “protein” drinks.”

With a clear mission and a strong focus on sustainability from the outset, EXALT say “All brands need to be accountable for what they do. We work with a leading sustainability consultancy to make sure that everything we do is mindful of the environment and communities in which we operate.”

hasn’t all been smooth sailing: “We’ve been constantly having to adapt to the environment to see what works for the current market.”

Charlie expresses his gratitude for husband, Dan, revealing: “I would have thrown the towel in months ago if we didn’t have each other. We’ve been living in each other’s pockets, but it’s made us stronger than ever.”

The future of EXALT is an extremely bright one.

We hope you enjoy our products and would love to hear your feedback, the good the bad and the ugly. Don’t be shy. https://www.exalt.co.uk/

After two rounds of private investment, a lockdown-founded business, as expected,

FIFTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

SHOPPING // JUPITER & LO

JUPITER & LO UNEXPECTED DELIGHT THIS IS BELFAST´S MOST glamorous, fashionable purveyor of designer sex toys, lingerie and other clothing, erotic books and gifts. Jupiter & Lo – the name inspired by the Italian High Renaissance artist Antonio da Correggio´s painting of the god, Jupiter, changing form to seduce his lovers.

package has come from or what it contains.

Already the sex toy shop is so popular that many celebrities, some who are filming in

Jupiter & Lo is definitely NOT your typical sex toy store, this Victorian-themed boutique is well worth a visit if only because it looks so amazing. There’s also some fabulous toys on sale, and some very exclusive fetish wear, as well as lingerie, books, and soft furnishings.

Jupiter & Lo is an intimate place to shop, alone, with your partner or well-chosen friends. The plans are to become a Belfast institution when it comes to sex toys, vibrators, luxury lingerie and bondage items. The store offers top quality products, a pleasant place to shop, and most of all information and encouragement to people who want to explore their sexuality.

“Driven by our passion for high quality and luxurious sex toys, we built and cultivated a passionate and creative team of like-minded individuals with unparalleled knowledge and experience” Our aim is to change the aspirations of this industry and its consumers, to spark an erotic renaissance; a re-birth from which the market might finally realise its potential.

Ireland, have been caught browsing in Jupiter & Lo for their kinky adult products…of course we are always hoping that other famous sex toy buyers such as Lady Gaga or Beyoncé chose to pop in sometime soon.

FIFTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

And that’s pretty much the vibe that has now been established in this little erotic emporia recently opened in Belfast city centre. While the typical purveyor of sex paraphernalia tends to employ garish lighting, bad heavy metal soundtracks and sales associates who just love the vibrator that comes with a carburetor and a kickstand, Jupiter & Lo cultivates a warmer, less intimidating approach for a more discerning clientele. This is the place to express “sexuality with class, intelligence, humor, irreverence and depth.”

To those ends, the shop is stocked with pleasure designer brands with artisanal products manufactured in small batches, and, wherever possible using ethical and ecoconscious methods.

Mixed in with Bijoux Indiscrets (100% vegan), Cheeky Mare, Rouge, Taschen Books, Satisfyer, Doxy, are one-of-a-kind vintage and antique erotica.

When we take such care with choosing a lover, why do we not extend this care to the choice of sex toy? It may not be flesh and blood but rest assured a vibrator is still a lover; for this reason we implore you to choose with as much care as you would a living, breathing lover.

Committed to offering our customers sex toys, which mirror the delights of lovemaking; grace and elegance are of utmost importance. All the sex toys, erotic gifts and games we offer have been selected for their quality and their function.

At Jupiter & Lo we also understand that your privacy should never be compromised, and so all our deliveries are packaged in the most discreet manner with no details of where the

out the life like dolls (male, female and transgender) or unique retro inspired apparel from the famous Brutus Gold (The Love Train) Smithfield has been the centre of specialised shops in Belfast for decades; remembered by generations for its markets, pet stores, and antique shops. Now home to sex paraphernalia, housed in a gorgeous old building featuring the combined talents of local designers and creatives, all pulled together for an afternoon of pleasurable shopping.

And in 2021, the Gresham Street store is set to open 7 days per week; late night is every night, with on street free parking in the evening.

Our Belfast team invites you to check out the new store today!

Jupiter & Lo 27 Gresham Street Belfast BT1 1JL Focus is on high end luxury products, so yes the price tags are quite high but the more you pay, the sexier you will feel right? Check

SHOPPING // JUPITOR & LO

FORTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

MAKING WAVES AT CURRAN GATE MAKING WAVES AT CURRAN GATE PORTRUSH MAKING WAVES AT CURRAN GATE SURF - SEA PORTRUSH - SAND - SAFE - SECURE - SNUG

PORTRUSH

SURF - SEA - SAND - SAFE - SECURE - SNUG Welcome to Curran Gate, luxury 5 star accommodation at the heart of the Causeway Coast.

A fabulous place to stay with family or friends in

a cosy, safe and secure setting.

SURF - SEA - SAND - SAFE - SECURE - SNUG Welcome to Curran Gate, luxury 5 star accommodation at the heart of

t h eL oCcaaut se ed wcal yo sCeo a s t s. o m A ef aobf u tl h oe u sb e p sl at c sec e to ad m ii lnyc lour d fi rni ge nt dh se i n to n esrtya yi n wIi rt ehl af n e asye, t C t ianr gr i. c k - A - R e d e , T h e w o r l d h e r i t a g e s i t ae co of s Ty h, es aGf iea na tnsd Csaeucsuer w

- STAYCATION -

Dark Hedges and Old Bushmills Distillery.

Located close to some of the best scenery in Ireland including the r l ds ehc eurri et apgaer ks ii nt e y r, C a rn rci icekr g- e A t e - aRme daet , hTahned Wwi ot h g o a fn dT hae dGe ida inc tast eCda u2 s4e w h oa u co

as n l ad p s B l lreeo rayd W e l c o m e tf oor aCl lu yroruar ni n dDGiavari ktd ueHa,el d lngu ylOl 5 amhremniatl lscs c m ee esxdu ,rda at ru ts hDaoivsm et i b t. ha ttai koi nng a v i te wts h e h e a r t o f ocean and Royal Portrush Golf Club which is located t h e C a u s e w oa f y t hCe oA at lsa tn t. i c A fabulous place to stay with family or friends in W i jt uh s ts enceuxr te dpoaor rk. i n A g l sa on dj uas td e co a tr te dd r2i 4v eh o a dsi h f ruor mc oCnucr irearng eG at teea m ara etth ha end

s akyls , nces doa rr stt sm et ec ut asrr e e btCrtaeisan grt.oackki .n g v i e w s f o r a l l y foaunr t ia nsad aP p t ii cvci o ldi u n oeuadr fss ,e e sa la ol fn e nw th aa vs ned ttl he

115 CAUSEWAY STREET, PORTRUSH, BT56 8RZ of the Atlantic ocean and Royal Portrush Golf Club which is located j uasnt t innegx tt od oi n o rd .u l A hu o sr te dC rhi ev fe i fsr oa m e o ak r ey ot uh ea W g les?o Oj u rs ti na hs o v aC i lua rbr laen t G o a ct o

L o c a t e d dc el loi csi oe uf sat no s o m e o f t h e br e sP fto rytsos uct reewonawe r yn adir n I r e l ac n d including the rnt a p a se tnl te. r o O btaans qt iuce tl i innk st hceo uc rosme fs o o tf o tC m rk ,. f o r t h e

028 7772 5466

e eek e s r si ,t o d af our sae fw u la l y bo y , am t i n -g R e d e , T h e w o r l d h e rz ei tn as g eu ro mf a sTshe ues eGi is aonn thsa nC , dC r ur si ccl ek m-e l A W a n t i n gm ta os si angdeu ltgoe s ? oO r ei na w ha oy u syeo u C rh es ft ri es s a va l an bd l es t tr oa i cnos o. k y o u a ou th se s ia

D a r k H e d g e s a n d O l d B u s h m i l l s D i s t i l Ol re, rf y . or

delicious banquet in the comfort of your own apartment.

the

zen seekers, our masseuse is on hand for a full body, muscle melting

CURRANGATE.COM | 02877725466

e away your stresses and strains.

W i t h s e c u r e p a r kmians sga g ae nt od s oa o tdh e dicated 24 hour concierge team at hand

for all your individual needs, all apartments have breath taking views CURRANGATE.COM | 02877725466

of the Atlantic ocean and Royal Portrush Golf Club which is located just next door.

Also just a short drive from Curran Gate are the

fantastic links courses of Portstewart and Castlerock.

ART // MIGRATING ART COMPANY

ART I’m Brian a UK based Artist with a huge passion for Wildlife!

Africa ignites my two biggest passions in life, photography and Wildlife. The incredible imagery that I have been so blessed to capture was the basis of my very first designs and continues to be the main focus in my artwork. I would like to think my art brings awareness to some of the worlds most magnificent creatures and their natural habitats.

I have been extremely lucky over the last 14 years managing to travel to over 112 countries. I always knew I wanted to do something with my art but was never sure which path I would settle on.

As all too often life got in the way and I didn’t sketch for 17 years. I was also too structured and a total perfectionist and this frustrated me. I was then inspired by a film I watched and began trying new freer styles and within a month my artwork was selling across the world.

I was lucky enough to be featured on Channel 4 TV recently for a daytime show because of the charity donations I give through the sales of my art. Currently my artwork donates to Terrence Higgins Trust, Scope, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Rob Burrow MND fund and Beardies in Need. While on the show I did a surprise commission piece for Oti Mabusi and since then have been very busy completing pet portraits in my personal and eye catching style.

I currently have a small merchandise range featuring certain pieces and will be looking at adding to this collection over the coming months.

I am currently working on a new collection called “Iconimals” with the first piece “Amy Rhinehouse” having just been released, this collection will feature music icons and my favourite animals fused together to treat something funky, fresh and as always full of colour.

For anyone wanting to keep up with donations these are available on the pinned post on my Facebook Page Migrating Art Company.

You can also find me on Insta and Twitter too @migratingartco To view my full range of current pieces, prints or to book a custom pet portrait you can visit my website www.migratingartco.co.uk

FIFTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

ART // MIGRATING ART COMPANY

SIXTY // GNIMAG.COM

ART // MIGRATING ART COMPANY

PROUD TO BEE

This is a piece I created symbolising my home city of Manchester, the Bee is very symbolic to Manchester and being proud to be from this City I wanted to create a piece that really said proud so opted for the Pride flag, Manchester Pride being such a huge event for me. This piece is named Proud to Bee as also wanted people thinking what they were proud to be

PINK RABBIT

This piece is a fun take of one of children’s favourite animals, perfect for brightening up a Childs room. As with all my pieces they are completely hand drawn, nothing digital about my work however often mistaken, I use a selection of professional marker pens from start to finish and compliment with silver dotting.

THINK SPHYNX

This piece is one of many Sphynx Cat pieces that I have created, something about this breed just really captivates me, their eyes hold so much personality and they have a very ancient Egyptian feel about them.

SIXTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

ART // MIGRATING ART COMPANY

AMY RHINEHOUSE

This piece is the first of a brand-new collection entitled Iconimals, Amy was such a legend for both her music and her fashion and could think of no one better to start this range off with.

REFLECTIVE CHIMP

This piece was actually created in lockdown and I wanted to explore the frustration animals in captivity feel at a time when the world was feeling the same firsthand. The style of the Chimp is completely different to my usual style, I was feeling quite frustrated that day being in the house so much and wanted to let my frustrations out on the paper.

This is currently the only limited edition piece, just 38 prints were released to signify my age at the time of creation.

PUFFIN

The Puffins piece was created after a visit to the Farne Islands in Northumberland a beautiful haven for sealife and Birds.

They are such funny little creatures that I wanted to make them as crazy as possible with the colourings to match their “out of the box” personality.

SIXTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

ART // MIGRATING ART COMPANY

SIXTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

HOME // TERRARIUM

HOME // TERRARIUM IF YOU WANT TO GREEN UP YOUR GAFF, CREATING A TERRARIUM IS THE PERFECT ACCESSORY FOR ANY BUDDING PLANT ADDICT! THESE FUN MINIATURE GARDENS ARE AN EASY WAY TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME. CREATED WITHIN A GLASS CONTAINER, YOUR TERRARIUM ACTS LIKE A MICRO-CLIMATE WITH DECORATIVE PLANTS ROOTED INSIDE. WITHIN THE TERRARIUM TEMPERATURES CAN RISE 3 – 5 TIMES HOTTER THAT WHAT WE FEEL, MAKING IT THE PERFECT WAY TO HELP RECREATE THEIR NATURAL LIVING CONDITIONS. USE CODE GNIMEM10 TO GET 10% OFF YOURS AT MEMENTOFLORALDESIGN.COM AND INSTORE CHECK OUT THEIR INSTA AND FACEBOOK @MEMENTOBELFAST

SIXTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

HOME // TERRARIUM

Within your terrarium kit you’ll find the following: • Glass Vessel - to create your miniature garden in • Alpine Grit - The small stones act as water drainage for the plants’ roots to ensure that excess water doesn’t sit in the soil and cause rot.

• Decorative stones - to brighten and jazz up your terrarium • Soil - for your plants to root in • Plants – A selection of tropical plants

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

Open your bag of Alpine Grit and gently empty into the base of your terrarium. This layer will act as drainage for your terrarium.

Open your bag of Fresh Soil and add to the top of your base layer of drainage stones. Gently even out your layer of soil, and compact it with slight pressure with the back of your hand. By compacting your layer of soil, you are creating a firm and supportive base for rooting your miniature plants.

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

STEP 5:

Now it’s time to add your plants.

• Start by planting your largest plant first. Remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots and break away any excess soil as you would when repotting any plant.

• Make a hole in the soil large enough to fit the plants roots.

• Next, nestle the plant into the soil.

Once all of your plants are arranged and planted in your glass vessel, complete your terrarium by adding a layer of decorative stones to the top of the soil.

Water in your plants using a mister or spray guy, a small amount around the base is just fine (5/6 sprays) also spray around the inside of your glass and use some kitchen paper to gently wipe away any dirt. and enjoy your terrarium! When looking after your terrarium, sunlight and water are very important for your plants to survive. Lightly water your plants regularly, never allow the soil to dry out. You’ll be able to see how dry the soil is by looking at through your glass vessel.

Top Tip: Use gloves if handling any prickly plants.

You can also add some personality to your terrarium with miniature decorations, driftwood or trinkets that you have at home!

SIXTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

SIXTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

PONY BOY -TEE £23.65 WWW.THE SOCIETEE APPAREL.COM INSTAGRAM @THE_SOCIETEE_APPAREL

SIXTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

THE PLASTICS -CROP TEE £23.65 THESOCIETEEAPPAREL.COM INSTAGRAM @THE_SOCIETEE_APPAREL

SIXTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

F*CKER -TEE £23.65 THESOCIETEEAPPAREL.COM INSTAGRAM @THE_SOCIETEE_APPAREL

SIXTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

COCO N4 -TEE £23.65 WWW.THESOCIETEEAPPAREL.COM INSTAGRAM @THE_SOCIETEE_APPAREL

SEVENTY // GNIMAG.COM

FASHION // THE SOCIETEE APPAREL

GOD IS A WOMAN - SWEATER £42 WWW.THESOCIETEEAPPAREL.COM INSTAGRAM @THE_SOCIETEE_APPAREL

SEVENTY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT

SEVENTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT

THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LOFT – NI’S NEWEST AND QUIRKIEST WEDDING VENUE Make your special day one to remember at The Loft, a brand new, quirky wedding venue at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, burrowed in the heart of Templepatrick and located only 20 minutes from Belfast and 10 minutes from Belfast International Airport.

The stylish little sister to the established Galgorm, the venue is Northern Ireland’s newest wedding destination that offers an alternative and magical setting for your wedding day.

On arrival, ascend an elegant staircase under a statement chandelier where you will be wowed by the breath-taking interior of The Loft, with high vaulted ceilings decorated with twinkling feature chandeliers that are entwined with celebratory planting.

Operating a one wedding a day policy, up to 140 of your nearest and dearest can dine around the large statement marble dining tables decorated with greenery, candles and candelabras that truly sets the scene for your special day.

The Loft’s feature fireplace takes centre stage, located behind the top table and featuring a mirrored backdrop and hanging foliage with drooping lighting for a warm glow behind the happy couple.

Tucked behind the grand fireplace you’ll find a spacious outdoor terrace that overlooks a charming lake. Under planted pergola and festoon lighting is a comfy lounge area equipped with cosy outdoor fireplace where you will find a pictureperfect staircase down to the lakeside garden for a romantic moonlit walk.

The 33-bedroom boutique hotel and spa will open its doors Summer 2021, offering guests stylish accommodation, a luxury outdoor spa and lakeside walk, an onsite bar and restaurant and an exclusive-use of the venue for your big day.

2022 weddings are now available from £10,000 based on 100 guests.

For more information, visit www.rabbithotel.com or contact Wedding and Events Manager, Abby Dunlop on 028 94 432984 or wed@rabbithotel.com

SEVENTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

LIFE!

FITNESS, LOCAL, REVIEWS, LIFE IS REAL!

LOVE // DARYL & STEPHEN

THE BIG DAY // DARYL & STEPHEN

SEVENTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

LOVE // DARYL & STEPHEN

SO TELL US HOW YOU MET, WERE YOU SINGLE FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE YOU STARTED DATING ?

We have known each other for over 30 years having first met while working for Next although we were in different stores. Over the years it’s been like the movie sliding doors, we would be in the same places but with different sets of friends, noticed each other from afar but always thought “he wouldn’t be interested in me” (like we all do) - little did we know lol.

We both found ourselves single and a few years ago we reconnected through social media and got chatting, met for a coffee – and as they say, the rest is history.

HOW LONG AFTER YOU STARTED DATING DID IT TAKE TO POP THE QUESTION, WAS IT AN IMMEDIATE YES? It wasn’t long after we connected that we realised this was much more than a casual relationship – our bond grew deeper with each date and we both knew, as clichéd as it sounds, that we had found our soul mates in each other.

Daryl: “I think for the first time ever I had found true love (yes it really does exist)”. As well as soul mates and boyfriends, we were lucky to find that we were also best friends, and knew very soon into our relationship we wanted to spend our lives together – there was no big

revelation and getting onto one knee. The question of marriage was the natural evolution in demonstrating our love and commitment to one another through a celebration to share with our families and friends (all of whom have all been utterly supportive, encouraging and happy for us both).

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY, LOCATION, AMOUNT OF GUESTS ETC. WAS IT PLANNED PRE COVID, HAD YOU TO ALTER MANY THINGS? We decided on, and in fact arranged our marriage long before Covid hit. From the start we had the same idea of wanting the city as our backdrop – we loved the idea of street settings for our photos, swapping the conventional parkland photos usually reserved for weddings, with the urbanity of tall buildings, the graffiti and rawness that gives Belfast its vitality. We originally planned for the City Hall as a venue and wanted to use the short walk from it to the Europa Hotel (no hotel says Belfast like the Europa!) to capture our guests, all to be in black and/or white attire (black-tie and Tux/Cocktail dress combo) in the city setting – but then, as our plans for the reception and evening party grew, so did our guest list. We had to abandon the City Hall on numbers, opting for the Grand Central Hotel instead as a wedding venue. The stage was set for the party of all parties and then Covid hit.

After almost 16 months of planning we had to significantly pare back on our expectations.

We initially had planned for 80 guests that moved up to 120 for the reception and probably the same number on top of that for the evening party – faced at one stage with having a celebrant and witnesses only; and later to 25 guests and no reception and then to the number of guests being determined by the size/capacity of the venue (still no indoor reception!), we had to take the decision to cancel the Europa or the whole wedding. We decided to work within the Covid restrictions that allowed for outdoor dining of “bubbles” of up to 6 people (from no more than two households) and go ahead with our chosen date which without realising it when booking, was the 21st day of the 21st week of the 21st year of 21st century!. The hard part was to follow – finding a venue in Belfast we could book, as well as accommodate as many as possible of our planned guests, all within the guidelines. We found the perfect venue that took us one level beyond our planned urban backdrop, that allowed us uninterrupted views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Harland and Wolff cranes – Cargo by We are Vertigo!

Our wedding service went ahead as planned with reduced numbers in the Grand Central Hotel – the staff there and in the Europa have been amazing in their help and patience

SEVENTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

Weddings A T B E L F A S T L O UG HS HO RE HO T EL

BO O K YO U R W EDDING CONSULTATION BE F ORE 30T H S EP T EMBER AND R E C E IVE A COMPLIME NTARY S P A RK LI NG W I NE TOAST ON YOUR SPE CIAL DAY.

YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER BEGINS HERE Belfast Loughshore Hotel, 75 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8PH | 02893358812 | www.loughshorehotel.com | events@loughshorehotel.com

LOVE // DARYL & STEPHEN

through all of the changes we were forced to make. Between a number of cars and the use of Allen’s Tours 1966 Red Routemaster London bus that took us on a short tour around the city, we were able to have 49 people join us in the VIP area of Cargo in socially distanced bubbles. While not our initial choice of venue, the atmosphere was buzzing and the staff made everyone feel welcome safe and most of all went out of their way to help people keep warm being an unseasonably cold and wet day for outdoor dining!

YOU ARE ONE OF THE FIRST SAME SEX COUPLES IN N.I TO TIE THE KNOT, WAS THIS PLANNED OR DID IT HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT? This happened completely by accident – however we are so proud of the fact we were able to get married at home rather than having to travel elsewhere

WHAT ABOUT THE FOOD AND DRINK? While not conventional wedding food, Cargo offered a three course meal of chicken or flat bread starters; a great selection of pizzas; and a long list of fabulous deserts – oh and Prosecco on tap lol .

WITH RESTRICTIONS WILL YOU GET A HONEYMOON OR ARE YOU PLANNING ONE FOR NEXT YEAR? We had booked a 5 star honeymoon in Santorini and Mykonos over a year ago which was cancelled by the tour operators – we rebooked the same package independently, hoping that by the time it came around, restrictions on international travel would have eased. After the wedding, while international travel was possible, Greece was on the Amber list of countries. As we both had our double

vaccinations, we took the gamble that it would not turn to a Red list country and travelled as planned (only with the added cost of 4 PCR tests and having to self-isolate on return). As it turned out, we got to spend 10 glorious days on the two islands which were pretty much devoid of tourists allowing us to explore and see them in their truest beauty – the social distancing measure in place were much more rigorous that those we have locally, so we were made to feel safe as well as welcome during every part of our stay.

We will hopefully have a further honeymoon later this year and again into 2022 as restrictions continue to ease lol.

IN YOUR DAY TO DAY LIVES ARE YOU INTO THE SAME THINGS? WHAT INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE THAT ARE DIFFERENT ?

SEVENTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

LOVE // DARYL & STEPHEN

We have come through the Covid restrictions and lockdowns being constantly in one another’s company – we are proud to say that we haven’t argued even once and have actually loved the opportunity lockdown has given us to cement the bonds of our relationship . We have so many similarities in our interests that we always finding something to talk about, plan for or do – we have spent the past year totally remodelling our home and now that there is an end in sight to the Covid restrictions we have started planning on travelling which is a passion for us both.

DO YOU DO EVERYTHING TOGETHER OR DO YOU LIKE TO KEEP INDEPENDENT? A bit of both – Covid has obviously changed the normal run of things and we love being together and sharing our passion of food, travel, exercise, theatre, the arts…. At the same time, our jobs are vastly different from each other’s and that helps give us that healthy distance from doing everything together.

HAVE YOU A FAMILY, IS THIS SOMETHING ON THE PLAN FOR YOU? We both love children and would love to be parents and are actively looking at options open to us.

TELL US WHO MADE YOUR DAY POSSIBLE IN TERMS OF RINGS, FLOWERS, PHOTOGRAPHER ETC...

Given the lockdown and local merchants not being open, we designed and ordered bespoke rings from a jeweller in London - after a major breakdown in communications and a meltdown (literally…. the initial rings were totally wrong and had to be remade), we got exactly what we wanted in the end but way too close to our big day for comfort. They are gorgeous, but word to the wise: where you can, buy local!

Re our flowers, Vicki at Norah Mitchell Flowers on the Hollywood Road pulled out all of the stops for us – she gave us her expert and very practical advice on our choices and accommodated delivery to multiple addresses without any hiccups! – Very competitively priced also and would highly recommend.

Best recommendation we can make is Laura Parkinson Photography – as well as being a very talented artist, Laura is the nicest person you could meet.

Between lockdowns last year, Laura did a full getting-to-know-you shoot for us as part of the wedding package and her vigour and enthusiasm is totally contagious. For the wedding she was unobtrusive, taking an amazing array of portraits of us and our guests and mingled across the day, capturing the most beautiful, relaxed and candid shots of everyone at the wedding.

Finally we would like to say a word about our Registrar Eilis from Belfast City Council, who officiated over the wedding service. She was professional, relaxed and spoke to our guests as though they were her close friends – she really made the entire service feel unique and a celebration of our love.

EIGHTY // GNIMAG.COM

LOVE // DARYL & STEPHEN

EIGHTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // TV BURNOUT

TV BURNOUT REVIVE THE NIGHT TIME TO REFRESH AND MODERNISE GAMING NIGHTS. NETFLIX HAS BEEN ONE CONSTANT BINGE FOR NEARLY A YEAR, TV ISN’T AS EXCITING AS IT WAS AND EVEN FOR SPORTS FANS, THE CONSTANT FOOTBALL COVERAGE IS EASY TO SWITCH OFF. THERE ARE NO NEW HOLLYWOOD RELEASES TO LOOK FORWARD TO OR EXCITE. IT SEEMS WE HAVE TV BURNOUT, FROM WHAT WAS EASY A YEAR AGO TO GET A BREAK FROM OUR HECTIC LIVES AND KICK BACK, RELAX AND WATCH TV, NOW IT SEEMS ALL TOO FAMILIAR AND BORING. BOARD GAMES ARE DURING A REVIVAL, IN JUST THE FIRST WEEK OF LOCKDOWN IN 2020 SALES INCREASE BY 240% AND HAVE CONTINUED EVER SINCE. RELAXING AT HOME WAS FUN FOR A WHILE BUT ULTIMATELY OUR BRAINS NEED STIMULATION AND TV JUST DOESN’T CUT IT. GINGER FOX ARE MASTERS IN CREATING COMPELLING GAMES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY AT HOME. THEIR GAMES ARE POPULAR AND GUARANTEED TO MAKE EVENINGS FUN ALL GAMES CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON, ENJOY CHANGING UP YOUR EVENING.

Ultimate Arrogance £14.99 Put your tokens where your mouth is in this easy-to-learn, high-stakes game of bluffing and deception. For each turn, there is a new topic, and you need to be the most arrogant person in the room to name your list and win the tokens. But be careful! If your opponents think it’s just your ego talking, they can ring the bell of arrogance and force you to play. So will you risk it all or play it safe? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/ B08CB68H58

Popmaster Card Game £7.99 Inspired by the game played live on Ken Bruce’s popular BBC Radio 2 show, this fun card game puts players’ musical knowledge to the test with a series of popthemed trivia questions. Are you up for the challenge or will you be ‘one year out’? https://www. amazon.co.uk/dp/B07XFQJXKC

EIGHTY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

FEATURE // TV BURNOUT

Know Nine £12.50 Get ready for the fast-paced lateral thinking game that will make your palms sweat, your brain buzz, and your mouth ramble. Link all the words on the grid, but be quick, you’ve only got a minute. Only unique answers count and you’ll need to use your powers of persuasion to score. Your competitors decide if your answers are allowed, so you need to be convincing when you argue your case. https:// www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08CB6KDHG

Don’t Be A Dik Dik £9.95 There are lots of naughty names in nature, and we’ve brought them to you in this hilarious card game. Titter at the TUFTED TITMOUSE, chuckle at the LARGE COCKCHAFER, giggle at the STICKY WILLY, but whatever you do, don’t get left holding the DIK DIK. The player who ends the game with the DIK DIK in their hand loses. It’s as simple as that! https://www. amazon.co.uk/dp/B0847S7QNW

Corks £14.99 A fast and furious card game of elimination, speed, thought, co-ordination, stealth, and dastardly cunning. the need to grab a cork comes before everything else - don’t be the last to lunge or you will lose! Are your reactions - and your fingers - fast enough to win you a place in the final challenge for the golden cork? https://www.amazon.co.uk/ dp/B074TH3915

EIGHTY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

REAL LIFE // ROBERT’S STORY

REAL LIFE // MY BRAIN TUMOUR ROBERT’S STORY

EIGHTY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

REAL LIFE // ROBERT’S STORY

MY NAME IS ROBERT. I am an artist and last year I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and had an urgent awake craniotomy surgery that risked me losing my ability to paint, or of course much worse.

I have had an awesome recovery to which I am in part gracious to the Kremlin and the community for their support. I hope to show my gratitude by having an exhibition of my work selling my work with 100% of all proceeds going to The Brain Tumour Charity, a charity specifically for supporting those suffering with brain tumours and helping their family.

Words cannot fully express how humbled and appreciative I am to all of the people who are giving their time, energy and even financial support in assisting me and my aspirations to this cause.

In my paintings I delve into my love of nature, animals, and especially water and the sea. I grew up around horses and was fascinated by their strength and elegance. This harmony was also clear in my observation of the ocean waves. My work is often vibrant and colourful informed by my veneration of life and natures beauty.

I am fascinated by the theme of water horses and have since found it littered across culture and tales.

Growing Up I grew up in the farms of Lecale somewhere between the rural market town of Downpatrick and the picturesque town of Strangford, surrounded by animals including many thoroughbred horses, and the beauty of the natural world. Strangford Lough is where I feel most at home. I was a very happy and lucky child as I enjoyed many wonderful adventures running in the fields, swimming in the water, and laughing as much as I could.

In many ways as an adult, I still try to do as much running and laughing and get in the water as much as I can find time to.

Sometimes this comes more easily than other times. I have had my struggles I have been let down by people I love. And I have in turn let down people I love. But I do not want to be a Debby downer.

Anyone who knows me knows I am able to talk a lot. I like to think, and I find that when I am talking, I am able to think more fluidly. The company of good people and good friendship fuels my spirit and helps me express my best self.

Working I have worked since I was 13, and my parents first charged me rent when I was 16. This taught me that you had to work for the things you valued.

I worked in my family business, hospitality, and building. Needless to say, these lines of work allowed me to learn many swear words but importantly how to tolerate difficulty.

I have worked and lived and called home many places, some in

America, and France, alongside the ones in Northern Ireland. These experiences help me develop a fierce independence and self-reliance.

Although living and working abroad also helped me understand how much I value community.

Family My immediate family is very tight-knit. My family know all my dark secrets and love me for all my brighter light. For this I am very grateful.

Life pre diagnosis Before my diagnosis, I don’t think my priorities were what they should be. I let love slip through my fingers for foolish ambition. I ran tirelessly on the spot thinking that being busy was more important than the value of what I created. I was however very friendly! At the time of my diagnosis, I was helping to renovate a house I was managing and working full-time at Kremlin nightclub there I enjoyed being the joyful bouncing bartender, trying to make friends with every single person in the club. I enjoyed every single shift, and you can ask my colleagues quite often I would be singing during closing. To most people I looked happy, but I am not entirely sure I was. I didn’t believe my life was important.

How has life changed?

When I received my diagnosis on February 10, 2020, in the form of five doctors coming into my hospital bed and informing me that I had a brain tumour, a form of brain cancer that was operational although unusual in people my age. This meant that I would be on an urgent list to have surgery. I think they expected me to ask for some time to want some space, but they did not know me. I had the talented doctors in front of me, so I wanted them to make decisions and start helping things to happen. We managed to arrange to have the surgery at the end of the next month as long as there were no unexpected complications my doctor expected a good surgery. I have lived and loved in my life, but when I was told the news of having a tumour and its potential implications to my movement, speech, and life itself, all that I wished was that I had painted more.

The surgery was arranged for the end of March.

This was before Covid 19 was a household phrase. After taking it easy and resting up before my surgery due at the end of that month. I was called a day before my surgery and told that Covid 19 had caused the hospital to cancel my surgery. This was a massive blow. This period of uncertainty was one of the hardest parts of my experience. With my family’s support, I focused on eating well and working out every day going on a 5K run every other day. I put on 7kg of healthy mass in less than two months. I was one of the incredibly fortunate, to have my surgery rescheduled for June 10, 2020. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am that my surgery was rearranged so quickly!

Brain surgery is no laughing matter, but I prefer to tell you a version that is more light-hearted.

EIGHTY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

REAL LIFE // ROBERT’S STORY

The surgery team let you pick your own music, so while I was having a tumour cut out of my brain in an awake craniotomy, I was listening to the Beatles, but also to the slurping noises of the machinery working, it sounds like a McDonald’s Mcflurry being finished.

During surgery I was asked to do tasks to ensure that it was tumour being cut out and not my own brain. Like simple motor functions or reading the colour of a font and not the word that was spelled, it is like a brain game. Remember this whole time there was the immortal sound of the Beatles playing. I was given a very powerful cocktail by the anaesthetist that made the experience wonderfully colourful, which I am sure is the same headspace many of the Beatle’s songs were written in, definitely No.9.

The surgery was however tiring and required me to draw on much of my strength. I remember being told that the surgery normally takes 3 to 4 Hours. I was in for 5 ½ hours.

This might not seem like that long to people that enjoy Netflix,

or rewatch the Lord of the Rings trilogy often but I was absolutely shattered at the end of my surgery.

My incredible surgeon told me he managed to cut all the tumour away. The surgery had gone very well, although warned me that I may experience some issues with my left-hand side and speech.

This was a risk we were aware of beforehand, and something that truly terrified me because I love drawing and as I am left-handed, I was terrified I would lose that ability to express myself.

Although my surgery had gone very well, I did experience issues with my left-hand side. I could not sign my signature, I had lost the ability to write, I was favouring my right-hand side in a way I had never done before and if I did not concentrate, I would limp. As someone who has enjoyed snowboarding, surfing, skating around and being very fit and healthy I was determined to do all the work necessary to regain full use of my left-hand side. This required daily physiotherapy and action.

I pushed myself to sketch every day and practice my writing, and slowly my ability returned. I had to redevelop my neural pathways; the doctor told me.

I feel I need to make a huge thank you to the doctors and medical professionals that helped me so much. I will not forget them.

My recovery has been remarkable.

I feel blessed, luck does not quite seem to be a strong enough word.

I have now faced the concern of being told I had a form of brain cancer, the fear of losing one of my most cherished skills, my art and

EIGHTY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

REAL LIFE // ROBERT’S STORY

painting, also the minor risk of losing my life. So, I have seemingly come out the other side in good health looking as healthy, honestly possibly healthier than I did before.

This sparked a need in me to do something to earn the good fortune and blessing I felt had been bestowed upon me. This is what made me choose to do the Charity Art exhibition.

The future holds Art As I said at the start of this article, I will be doing a charity art exhibition of my paintings, most of them painted since my brain surgery. 100% of the money raised from selling my work will go to The Brain Tumour Charity.

My paintings for this exhibition explore the melody in forces of nature, informed by my personal experience of powerful horses and the wild waves of the ocean. I hope that they capture people, the way these concepts entangle me sometimes. My hope is that the exhibition is a success, that people are receptive and touched by my artwork, and choose to purchase my art and help support of The Brain Tumour Charity.

I will now endeavour to do a charity exhibition every year of my life and paint every day of my life. It is a funny thing facing your own mortality, but I am so grateful for it. I appreciate life, I do not take it for granted, and I want to do something with my life. I have been told I’m quite good at painting, and I hope that I can use something I am good at to help others.

I find myself incredibly grateful to the many people who have helped me take my first steps to achieving this charity exhibition particular thanks must now go to GNI and Daniel and the Kremlin nightclub for their care and support. My colleagues in the Kremlin were a tremendous support to me. My manager Katie made sure I had the support I needed, my friends and colleagues and patrons helped me more than they may know. Details of my charity exhibition will be on my Instagram, @RobertArtStudio. I am currently putting together a website.

This community is a wonderful thing when kind and generous and open and helping those in need.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me.

EIGHTY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

REVIEW // ECLECTIC

REVIEW // ECLECTIC QUITE SOME TIME AGO we were kindly invited for a treatment in Eclectic though with the ever-changing restrictions, businesses opening/closing it was last week when I got in for my treatment, I love a pamper day typically I would get treatments, massages etc a few times a year, though not being possible with covid I was particularly ready for some TLC. I purposely did not google Eclectic as I wanted to go in with an open mind and no preconceptions, after a nice drive I arrived in Bangor and as first impressions go, I was blown away, not having prior knowledge of the place I was taken aback by the extensive facilities, Nicola proudly gave me a tour, admittedly I assumed what was to the rear of the reception was the extent of the premises so I was super surprised to discover the business was spread over 3 levels, multiple treatment

EIGHTY EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

rooms designed with specific treatments in mind, a studio available for private hire and what I can only describe as a state of the art Pilates room kitted out with professional beds and so much more,

to some places in a similar capacity and on occasion have felt out of place or as if I wasn’t good enough if you know what I mean, well this feeling was completely the opposite, really inviting and relaxed.

I booked to have the Aromatherapy Associates Back Massage prior to arrival, once the tour was complete Nicola left me in the capable hands of the front of house, regrettably I never caught their name though they were lovely, we chatted a little while I completed a medical questionnaire and they brought me a miniature chilled bottle of Evian water, it was so cute.

words simply won’t do the place justice.

Before I jump too far ahead, I must add that on arrival I was made feel so welcome, everyone was lovely, I’ve been

I was introduced to Stephanie who was going to be doing my treatment, we chatted a little in the treatment room, I explained how I love and really needed a deep tissue massage.

REVIEW // ECLECTIC Once the door closed and the Zen music played while lying on the bed I was transported from Bangor to the Bahamas, over approx. the next hour I had the most amazing massage, just the right amount of pressure and as requested Stephanie really went for it on my back, sometimes people are afraid to go to hard though this was just what the Doctor ordered, I imagine Stephanie had sore hands and elbows after getting all the knots and tension out of my back. She did spend sometime on my feet, arms head, neck and chest though which I wasn’t expecting, another wee bonus, though being a back massage this was obviously the main focus I was so relaxed while getting the treatment at times slipping in and out of sleep, had I of been an on looker I could probably say allot more though in the moment I zoned out and it was great.

My Skin was left so smooth, 4 days on it still feels like a baby’s bottom.

I Found this short blurb on their website

Check out their website eclecticlifestyle.com and you can see a full list of what they offer everything from waxing to massages to pedicures, spray tans and reformer Pilates. A full range of Epionce skin treatments including facials and peels are also available and consultations can be booked to determine the right treatment for your skin type.

Thanks for the invite I had a wonderful time the only negative thing was having to go back to work after lol, readers get yourselves to Eclectic you will not be disappointed and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been before.

and I think it sums up what clients can expect.

A bespoke state-of-the-art Studio designed to offer a unique five-star approach to wellbeing with equal emphasis on Pilates, beauty and wellbeing.

Review By Daniel May

Eclectic 131-133 Main Street, Bangor info@eclecticlifestyle.com 02891 311 916

EIGHTY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

FOOD// THE GOURMET BOYS

DINING OUT AGAIN: OUR FANTASY MENU. THE GOURMET BOYS

AS THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY HAS AT LAST RE-OPENED WE DECIDED THAT IN THIS ISSUE WE WOULD RELAUNCH OUR FANTASY MENU CELEBRATING OUR FAVOURITE STARTER, MAIN COURSE AND DESSERT WHICH WE HAVE MOST ENJOYED IN RESTAURANTS OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS.

STARTER: UNION STREET BAR AND RESTAURANT

Desserts. We decided to avail of the “Three Small Plates for £16” offer. This is outstandingly good value, as not only is the food delicious, but Union Street’s interpretation of the word “small” is perhaps rather loose!

Literally a stone’s throw from GNI HQ, Union Street has been a popular venue for affordable drink, tasty pub grub, and great music and entertainment for nearly twenty years, and since reopening last month with a brand new menu and chef, we just had to try it out.

The staff, who are always up for a bit of craic, were attentive and helpful, explaining how the new menu and ordering system works, and ensuring a safe, socially-distanced environment.

Now to the menu. The food is divided into a number of sections; Brunch, Small Plates, Large Plates, Burgers, Sides and

The Halloumi Fries with Sweet Chilli, Sour Cream and Coriander were ‘squeaky cheese’ heaven.

The Panko Coated Squid Rings were tender and not in the least bit chewy, accompanied by a fresh Asian Slaw. But our favourite dish, and this is the reason why Union Street is our Fantasy Menu Starter choice, was the Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with creamy aioli and a fiendishly hot dipping sauce. Moreish finger food of the highest quality!

MAIN: PRAWNAGRAPHIC A brand new venture by the team behind ‘Made In Belfast’ is always worth checking out, and so we took the ‘oppor-tuna-ty’ to visit Prawnagraphic on Hill Street during its opening week.

I FRIES

HALLOUM

The menu has a ‘sofish-ticated’ street-food feel, and we fell ‘hook, line and sinker’ for everything we tried.

ATED PANKO CO

The mains of Cauliflower “Scampi” and

BUFFA

LO CA ULIFLO WER W

INGS

NINETY // GNIMAG.COM

GS

SQUID RIN

The starters of Spicy Tuna Tartare and Salmon Ceviche with Wasabi Snow were deliciously fresh-just perfect for a summer lunchtime snack.

FOOD // THE GOURMET BOYS

LOBSTER R

OLL

SIETTE

CHEF’S AS Coronation Crab Burger were absolutely ‘fintastic’ but our Fantasy Menu Main Course this month had to be the Lobster Roll: sweet, perfectly poached lobster topped with sauerkraut, sour cream and chives, and garlic butter, accompanied by crispy skin-on fries.

The generous portion sizes ensured we were ‘stuffed to the gills’ (although we were ‘reeled in’ by a very tempting chocolate tart, just to finish things off!)

Prawnagraphic?

By cod, we’re hooked!

DESSERT: ALEXANDER’S & CO HOLYWOOD We were so excited to hear that chef Gemma Austin had taken over as director and Executive Chef at Alexander’s and Co, and couldn’t wait to try the new menu.

The restaurant has been given a fresh,

contemporary make-over, and the quirky branding and stylish menu were just up our street.

All the food was amazing, from the Hispi Cabbage starter, bursting with Asian spices to the Stuffed Lemon Sole main course topped with the most incredible little anchovy fritters.

But our Fantasy Dessert this month has to be the eye-poppingly inventive Chef’s Assiette. The menu stated that this was “made to surprise”, and we certainly weren’t disappointed! Was it a dessert, or an Ulster Fry? Cinnamon Churros or sausages? Nut Brittle or baked beans? Shortbread Fingers, or chunky chips? Meringue Nest with Lemon Curd or a fried egg?? Have a look at the picture and you decide! All we’re going to tell you is that it was a terrific end to an exceptional evening of wonderful food and great company.

__________

Follow @thegourmetboys on Facebook and Instagram, Facebook and Twitter Email - thegourmetboys@gmail.com If you have any requests for restaurant recommendations send us a message and we’ll get right back to you

NINETY ONE // GNIMAG.COM

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY Thirty, Flirty and Thriving.

EACH DECADE BRINGS SOMETHING new to your life. In your childhood, you are learning your values and ways of interacting with the world. Your teens are spent experimenting. In my teenage years, I had spent most of my time performing for audiences in Northern Ireland, experimented with both guys and girls, tried a 100 jobs, experimented with different religions and art movements. I visited several countries and continents to explore new cultures. I wanted to take a much as I could in and this really made an impact on the values I had built as a child.

My twenties where spent looking at my motivations. I got involved in health and fitness. I took up several sports, I started writing more, and I directed a few productions looking at different historical cultures. I got involved in a few political parties; I spoke at Stormont about LGBTQ Education reform and marched in Pride Parades across Europe. I really tried to centre in on who I was and as my 20s came to an end I wanted to shake things up a little more and that is what lead me to exploring sexercise.

When it comes to sex, I am no prude. I have explored fetishes and kinks like many others but when it comes to the act of sex I must confess that my experiences are usually under the influence of alcohol. Therefore, I wanted to look at other things I could do to make sex both safer and exciting while also spicing up my workout routine which was becoming a little too conservative.

I started by trying out polercise. My first attempts where one to one sessions with ‘Spreadie Mercury.’ We discussed some of his favourite moves such as ‘eagles’ and ‘spatchcocks’ to guarantee cheers from an audience and how he loves anything with a straddle as his name implies.

I also asked him about the fitness benefits of polercise, which is the main reason I was eager to get involved. Spreadie, whose real name is Steven, informed me “Pole is a full body workout, like swimming and it’s basically a mixture of low intensity cardio

NINETY TWO // GNIMAG.COM

and bodyweight strength training. Many people think you need tonnes of upper body strength to start pole but that is far from true.

Beginner pole focuses a lot on groundwork and spins with courses structured in such a way that you build strength quickly and safely. I was a slim guy when I started pole and have definitely seen more definition and muscle growth as I’ve gotten more advanced over the years but in truth I’m not really one for trying to sculpt my body. I love a drink and I love snacking.”

Like most of us, Steven confesses that he is not a lover of traditional exercise but enjoys the creativity you can explore via pole. “Most of the fitness aspect tends to be automatic and you don’t notice how hard your body is working at times because you’re focussed on the routine you’re doing or the new move you are trying to get. Without a doubt pole will improve all aspects of your physical health, you will get stronger than you could imagine, you are endurance and stamina will improve and so will your flexibility. All of the instructors at Polercise teach to a really high standard to ensure a really well balanced workout.”

We also talked about the mental health benefits. As soon as you enter the room, you first notice the full-length mirrors and you spend quite a lot of time watching your body move in the mirror. It truly allows you to watch the improvements in your technique and give you a sense of accomplishment building confidence and a healthy sense of wellbeing. After my first class, I convinced a few friends to join a beginner’s class taught

by Cailin. Immediately my friends fell in love with the class and everyone was supportive

as we met the other students. This has become a weekly staple in our schedules.

I spoke to a few people in my life about going to pole to which they responded, “isn’t that for women?” Steven mentioned how it is still traditionally a female practice.

“When I first started, I was the only guy at my home studio for years but I would definitely say as time has gone by more and more guys have started to enter the space. At the end of the day pole is for everyone regardless of gender, age, background or body type and everyone starts for different reasons.”

Steven has worked with everyone from body builders and rock climbers to Trans and nonbinary folk who love having a safe space to explore their self-expression.

Interest in pole has continued to grow in a world that is ever more diverse. One of the reasons behind this may be exposure. You think of pop cultural moments from movies like ‘Coyote Ugly’ and ‘Hustlers’ to music Videos like ‘Montero’ and many of the music videos from Beyonce, Pussy Cat Dolls and Britney Spears. Steven mentioned a spike in interest following Shea Coulees performance in Drag Race. It is interesting how quickly pole can penetrate the mainstream in a TikTok generation.

A debate in the Pole dancing world currently based around the desexualisation of Pole exists, as it has become a recognised sport.

Steven has spoken about how it should be open to everyone who has different reasons for taking it up. He started in a studio in Liverpool working alongside and learning from professional strippers and club dancers.

It is understandable that pole dancing in a professional sports context must be measured on athleticism rather than on a sexualised level but it would be wrong to remove the sexual context of professional working pole dancers, and there is a history to the sport that should be recognised, celebrated and commemorated.

As for advice Steven would give to anyone considering Pole, he says, “Do it! You won’t regret it.” That perfectly sums up the experience of my friends and I at Polercise NI.

HEALTH AND FITNESS // MARTIN MURRAY Now that I have some pole experience, I wanted take a trip further down the rabbit hole and explore some sexercise techniques so I called up a few of my more experimental friends and we began chatting and researching to identify some of the best sex positions to burn calories, improve flexibility and strength. These moves also increase trust and intimacy with your partner and can be adapted into a simple couple’s workout as seen portrayed in the images Rebel Star Photography captured of my models Conor and Jason.

Beta Squats down to Alphas groin. Alpha slowly thrusts up using their core, being careful not to pull their back. As Alpha raises, Beta also rises up and then both go down again together. Repeat 10 times and then change positions. Again three rounds in each position rotating should be great for you both to improve stamina, core strength and work out the legs.

The following five where selected as they burn the most calories and were personal favourites of my research partners.

The first move is the Pacific Rim. You can adapt this as you please but and switch with your partner in intervals. Let us call our Participants Alpha and Beta.

Alpha can be either on a chair or on the floor and do 10 V Crunches by bracing their core and raising both their legs and arms up to make a V shape. Meanwhile Beta is going moving between upward and downward facing dog. You can do this in sync to support building flexibility and core strength. My advice would be to change positions and repeat and for three rounds in each position.

If you prefer the sexual movement of the Pacific Rim, well I think that is quite explanatory with Alpha holding the V Crunch while Beta… well you get the drift.

Move Number 2 is the bouncing bridge. For this one, the sexual movements are the same for the couple’s workout and the sexual act. Alpha lays down with Beta standing over them.

Move number 3 is a personal favourite called the superman. As a difficulty level, this would be the, for lack of a better term, hardest. Alpha begins in a squat. Beta reverses over Alpha and they interlock their arms as seen here.

Beta wraps their legs round Alpha and Alpha raises up from the squat slowing lowering Beta to a Superman position as seen here. Both Alpha and Beta are using core, arms, legs and chest. This is a full body workout. As a sexual act, I recommend a strong Alpha but both require a good fitness level. Not for beginners. As a workout, Alpha can increase difficulty by performing squats while holding Beta in position.

in gay male relationships due to the dynamics but it is extremely useful. As a sexual act, this can lead to a deeper penetration. As a work out Alpha Stands up and Beta hops up and wraps their legs around Alpha so that they are face to face. Beta holds on to Alphas shoulders to position himself while Alpha supports betas back. Alpha squats and repeats 10 times for three sets. Beta can also lean back as Alpha Squats but work on their own core while Alpha works on legs, core and balance. A 30-minute session of any of these moves can burn up to 200 calories.

As we enter Pride Season and exit the world of Covid Lockdowns, I think it is important that we continue to have an open dialogue on sexual health and positive sexual expression as it can help improve both your physical health and more importantly your mental health especially in a society where we have to reintroduce our self to socialising.

So be prepared, be safe but also there is nothing wrong with adding a little excitement to your workout. It was the sex workers and sexually liberated who fought for our rights and who brought queer culture into the mainstream so let us celebrate them and ourselves with healthy dialogue and practices.

Move number four is a standard sex on the beach move. Alpha and Beta lay on their sides Beta lifts their leg up with the support of Alpha 10 times and repeats for three sets on each leg. Then switch Alpha and Beta. As a Sexual act Alpha lifts Betas Leg and well wham, bam, thank you ma’am.

We end with number 5 Ascent to Desire, perhaps the most intimate of the moves and one probably rarely used

NINETY THREE // GNIMAG.COM

ANTHONY COOLEY // FITNESS

NEW BEGINNINGS // ANTHONY COOLEY PERSONAL TRAINER AT DEDICATED FITNESS BELFAST

NINETY FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

ANTHONY COOLEY // FITNESS

TAKING THAT FIRST STEP BACK TO REALITY. So, how is everyone holding up?

Its been a long year thus far, but thankfully things are now returning to some sort of normal with the gradual reopening of many sectors across the nation and about time too! If you haven’t lost your mind already then give yourself a pat on the back, it hasn’t been easy! Now that gyms and leisure centres are finally open once more *hurrah!*, we can all breathe a collective a sigh of relief. Over the past month and a half it has been amazing to see how many of you have returned in your droves, ready to kick start those fitness routines again. I have been chatting to many of you also since then and it is amazing to hear all the things you missed most about the gym. Hows that equipment you acquired at the start of the year holding up?

Is it a very expensive clothes rack yet? (Hehe) I for one found myself exclaiming, “ Hallelujah! ” when I could finally use something other than a few ropey dumbbells I had laying around the house, and I will most certainly be glad to see the back of resistance bands for a while after one too many accidents! The physical scars may have faded but I promise you the emotional ones still remain.

Since returning to the gym and chatting to clients, the number one thing you all seem to have missed the most is the social element that being in a gym environment brings.

I have to say for me also this was most definitely the case!

You see, many newcomers have a perception that the gym is a place where you dive in, get your workout done and get out as quickly as possible without making eye contact with anyone. But there really is a lot more going on in the gym space than you might first realise.

You would be amazed to see the positive impact that being a part of the gym community brings. The same applies to any sporting activity that brings groups of people together who are all working towards similar goals! Immersing yourself in the social aspects of the gym will most likely increase your chances of achieving your goals, and I think right now we could all do with being a bit more social again am I right?

So if you haven’t yet taken that first step I strongly recommend making it a consideration now that you have the option of setting foot inside gyms once again! And if it is your first time, yes it can be daunting, but like most new things after those first few sessions you will relax into the routine. Most trainers will empathise with this as will existing members of the gym since we have all been through this experience. Heck, I didn’t dare step into the weights section of the gym for about three years when I first started as everyone in there looked like they would eat me for breakfast!

You would be surprised at how most will make room for newbies and even offer some helpful tips and advice along the way. So if you are nervous, do it at first just for the social elements and hey if you throw a few dumbbells around whilst in there then thats a bonus.

I promise you, it will work

wonders for your head!

have a gym or fitness club in close proximity but it shouldn’t be an excuse to not get some exercise done each day. Get outside and go a brisk walk for 20-30 mins, it costs nothing and you will feel much better after doing it as the brain will release all those lovely feel good endorphins afterwards.

“ But what if i’m not ready to go back just yet? ” This is something I hear a lot, especially with new clients and its a perfectly understandable concern if its all new to you.

Ask yourself, what’s holding you back? Below are some of the most frequent reasons that come up when I first get chatting to prospective clients.

“I don’t have the time.” This is the one I probably hear the most. If you find you sit most evenings and can binge on 4-5 episodes of your favourite box set then maybe cut that back to 2-3 episodes and give yourself an hour of the day to get a quick workout in! Find a way to work it into your day and if you can’t then you need to relook at that daily routine. Make the time if you are serious about living a healthier and fuller life! Simples!

“But gyms are scary!” So the thought of entering the gym fills you with dread? Again, I get that, it’s like anything you do for the first time. Remember your first few driving lessons? You eventually found a way to get past that initial fear and with the gym you will too. People in gyms are generally quite upbeat and friendly and will help ease those fears once you get chatting a little bit. A good trainer can always put you at ease also once they show you the ropes!

“Sure gyms are too expensive!” is another one I hear often.

Many gyms now offer multiple membership options when it comes to joining and very competitive with pricing. For the cost of one less takeaway a week theres your gym membership covered right away.

Think about how much money you may blow on a night out each week and have nothing to show for it the next morning except a stinking hangover and regret. Well yeah, theres your gym membership with personal training on top!

So what have you got to lose?

Except a few lbs of course and stress!

Go on and take that first step and get back on that wagon, your body and mind will thank you down the line. Carpe Diem and all that! And as always if you need a helping hand with anything fitness related I am always happy to chat! I am on instagram under the name “tony_cools” or you can always find me on facebook or email me at anthony_cooley@icloud. com Lets kickstart those fitness routines and I hope to see many of you in the gyms over the coming months!

Coach Anthony.

“There are no gyms close to me!” Yes some of you may not

NINETY FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

FOOD// MILLARS

FINAGHY’S FINEST // LIKE THE REST OF humanity I have been itching to get out to Wine & Dine, restrictions simply went on too long though I know they were needed, as soon as easing was announced and hospitality was given the go ahead to welcome back customers I made it my mission to get a table booked in Millar’s Restaurant, I must admit I had been eagerly watching their Facebook from they opened and the food looked divine that I simply had to try it for myself.

NINETY SIX // GNIMAG.COM

So where is Millar’s you ask?

It is in Finaghy, a short 10-minute train trip from the City Centre which is super ideal if you do not want the expense of Taxi’s and you plan to have a beverage or 2 and that is exactly what we done. After a minor delay we hoped a train from Great Victoria to Finaghy, strolled around to Millar’s which was easy to find and with Belly’s rumbling we were ready to Dine.

First impressions, the place was so fresh,

clean, and tidy, somewhat minimalistic, tastefully decorated with pieces of art on the walls which patrons were able to purchase and staff that greeted us on arrival were so welcoming and polite. Unsurprisingly the place was bustling with diners, couples, and families alike, it was so lovely to see and feel that sense of normality. We were shown to our table, had a chat with Matthew who gave us time with Menu’s and swiftly presented us with a bottle of wine to get the tastebuds flowing.

FOOD // MILLARS To Start the menu has 7 tempting options, the majority appealing to me, after hemming and hawing I decided to order the Wild Mushroom Risotto, Risotto is one of those dishes I always think about though don’t usually order though fancying something different I went for it and I was not disappointed, it was served with Blue Cheese, Parmesan Crisp and Chive Oil, it was so moreish though with a main on the agenda I had to stop myself, I could have devoured the lot and I must say the portion was more like a main than a starter.

My guest ordered the Smoked duck breast, bitter orange relish, brioche croutons, pickled carrot and she assured me it was lovely.

Other starter options include Red Mullet, Smoked Salmon, Wood Pigeon Salad and Crispy Buttermilk Chicken so definitely something to please all palates.

While waiting on our main we enjoyed and took in the atmosphere, used the facilities, and unapologetically polished off our bottle of vino Matthew being super attentive arranged for a 2nd bottle which in hindsight was maybe not needed though while in Rome lol Julie, my guest being super predictive order the Fillet Steak, It was cooked to perfection, I pinched a bite and it was so tasty, it was served with roasted portobello mushroom, vine tomatoes & choice of side & sauce.

For me again I decided to go for something slightly out of my norm by ordering the Lamb and I am super glad I did, although semi full from the Risotto I practically cleaned the plate, I cannot fault the cooking, I’m not one

for pink lamb as chef’s like it to be served and as requested they cooked it a tad longer to please me, and that they did! The Lamb came with clonakilty black pudding croquettes, goats cheese, black garlic, rosemary jus, when I return I shall definitely be ordering again it honestly was so good.

The menu is what I could call tradition with a

twist, things that people will be familiar with though incorporating that extra something out of the box that make the dishes harmonise.

Other options include Chicken, Breast, Pork Belly, Duck and some fish options such as Monk Fish, Grilled Haddock, all with suitable accompaniments and sides.

Now well into the 2nd bottle of wine, with slightly blurred vision and the top button of

my jeans undone I hold my hand up in defeat, no room for desert though thankfully with Julie on hand I twisted her arm into ordering a sweet purely for the benefit of this review of course lol.

Deserts included a Pear and Apple Frangipane, Coconut Panna Cotta, Dark Chocolate Pot or there was an Irish Cheese Selection though Julie opted for the Orange Crème Brulee, it was so good just as you would expect in a fine dining establishment with a perfectly crisp top ready for cracking, it was served with almond shortbread and Chantilly Cream.

Oh, I must also add while in my head that they had a dedicated Vegan and Vegetarian Menu with multiple starter and main choices, I had a nosy and given only this menu I would have been completely happy and eager to try the Salted & Chilli Tofu with Asian Slaw and to follow definitely the Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Parisienne potatoes, yum!

In closing we had a wonderful evening, I must thank the owner and staff for a flawless service and food to match, they went over and above to ensure we were looked after, I cannot wait to return and cannot recommend enough, thank you so much.

Review by Daniel May Average 2 course meal comes it at around £27.50 and worth every penny in my opinion.

Millar’s Restaurant is situated at 135 Upper Lisburn RoadYou can find them on Facebook and online or simply call 02896 001545.

NINETY SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

Shop of unexpected things - signage, vintage, furniture, art, eclectic antiques, film props. Based in the fabulous old linen mill: Portview Trade Centre (East Belfast)

www.dandylionshop.co.uk / dandylionshop / dandy_lion_shop

REVIEW // SKINNY BAKERY

Photography © Elise Humphrey, 2021

REVIEW // SKINNY BAKERY AVID READERS WILL KNOW I love my sweet treats though its very seldom you get something that is equally as healthy as tasty, step in Skinny Bakery.

I cannot recall if I first seen them on Instagram or Facebook either way as someone who tries to look after physique, they immediately caught my attention and I had to try them. (I say that in the loosest terms, not a day passes that I don’t have something sweet lol sshhh) So before we delve into review who are Skinny Bakery and what are they all about?

Skinny Bakery is a London based food company which all started when founder Mariella Heyn began baking from her mother’s kitchen in 2012, pursuing an idea to create delicious cakes that can be eaten everyday whilst still fitting into your jeans. Mariella experimented endlessly to discover delicious baked recipes which contain a fraction of the calories and carved out a clear place for Skinny Bakery in the healthy snack market.

The bakery offers classic flavours with a twist to provide an indulgent taste but as a lighter and healthier version, made possible by using fresh fruits and veggies and quirky ingredient substitutions.

Developing doughnuts, vegan bakes, made without gluten and made without dairy ranges our core menu has expanded to 20 signature products with exciting Limited Edition varieties ranging from S’mores to Pink Champagne as there are always new flavours to explore.

Typically containing only 30-40 calories per Pearl and portioned into our proudly eco-friendly PLA packs, Skinny Bakery cakes make the perfect snacks for every indulgence.

Review time...

Short back story first, I don’t get to spend as much time as I’d like with my nieces with work and living a distance away, so this review was the perfect excuse for a catchup that I knew they’d apricate. I arranged to have a wee tea party with them and planned to try all the delicious cakes.

Skinny Bakery provided 8 different varieties of their cakes, 6 regular offerings, available all the time and 2 Limited edition treats, I was expecting a few samples though not 8 boxes, good thing I had my nieces on hand, even with my sweet tooth there was no way id of been able to make a dent on them, though between the 4 of us and my mum pinching 2 pearls not a single one was left.

Our box included Red Velvet, Victoria, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate, Vanilla, Cherry Bakewell, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Orange, though if these don’t appeal to you there are 17 options online at present.

We all sat around the table literally with 40 mini cakes in front of us, it was so much fun and great to try all the varieties, we all had our favourites, for me it was the Carrot Cake followed closely by the Choc Orange.

In honesty there is nothing negative I can say, they were all really tasty, very moist which was surprising, healthy which is the main draw for me, cost effective and they keep well for a couple of days, what more can you ask for!

Thanks, Emily, for arranging the review.

To order pop over to skinnybakery.co.uk ’

NINETY NINE // GNIMAG.COM

RECOMMENDED // MARTY KEARNEY

RECOMMENDED // MARTY KEARNEY WHAT TO WATCH...

LOVE, VICTOR // Love, Victor is a spin of series from the movie Love, Simon which was the first ever Hollywood studio film to feature a gay protagonist. Set in the same word and though the concept of the series is very much a coming out story it can spend more time exploring the gorgeous unique story of coming out than a movie wouldn’t allow for and with a series the secondary characters can shine. Look out for Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty’s Sister) as Victor’s Mom. Usually, I hate teen shows with bad writing even more than bad acting. I’m looking at you CW but this show every character is likeable, funny and they look like teenagers not thirty somethings pretending to be in high school. We all have a coming out story and what I like about this show is that its normal, its relatable its family friendly ana all the messages is its ok to be gay.

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. REVELATION // I’m am one of the biggest He Man fans ever in fact I’m a super fan I even have the tattoos to prove it, so when I heard there was going to be new series, I was a bit yea yea that’s great, but I really want a movie, well that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen any time soon, so I’ll give what I’m given. Of course masters of the universe has been rebooted before in the early 00s and Netflix rebooted She Ra (still on the fence about that one) but this new series is direct sequel from the 80s mega hit and it helms from super geek Kevin Smith not to mention boasts an all star cast voicing these iconic characters is Mark Hamill as Skelator , Lena Headey as Evil Lynn , Chris Wood as He man, 90s icon Alicia Silverstone voices Queen Marlena Prince Adam’s mother and even Buffy herself Sarah Michelle Gellar eeeeekkkkk excited much lends her vocal talents to playing Teela. I’ve read online that this series will be more mature and with a cast like that and with Kevin Smith attached I think He-man fans are in for a treat this summer.

ONE HUNDRED // GNIMAG.COM

RECOMMENDED // MARTIN KEARNEY

BLACK WIDOW // Alas cinemas are back open and just in time for the first movie in phase four of the marvel cinematic universe. So far, we have had 3 shows on Disney+ WandaVision which was amazing, The Falcon and Winter Soldier that was like watching paint dry and Loki which is too soon to tell. Delayed so many times due to the pandemic Scarlett Johansson is finally getting the solo black widow movie she deserves and spoiler alert we all know Natasha Romanoff meets her end in Avengers Endgame so you may be thinking this prequel will be a bittersweet experience, but something tells me with different timelines and multiverses being introduced into the marvel world that we haven’t seen the last of this Red headed Avenger. The trailer looks amazing with plenty of female empowerment and girl power action as Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz co-star and after the disappointing wonder woman sequel I’m hoping Black Widow will put female superheroes to the front and centre where they belong.

ESCAPE ROOM 2 // It’s just a coincidence but this horror franchise has cast two television actress I like in their movies, in the first Escape Room Deborah Ann Wholl (Jessica from True Blood) played a supporting but great role and in this sequel TVS Pose India More seems to be featured heavily in the trailer and for that reason I am recommending this flick. The first one wasn’t bad it had some nail-biting scenes this Escape Room sees the survivors Ben (Logan Miller , Love Simon) and Zoey (Taylor Russell, Lost in Space) of the first film trapped again but this time with other survivors who team up together to bring down the creators of these death traps. Much like the Final Destination films, Escape Rooms is a franchise that is best enjoyed at the cinema with a crowd of mates and a big bucket of popcorn. Isn’t great that we can do that again.

ONE HUNDRED AND ONE // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // TOKYO

TOKYO // JAPAN WORDS: GAVYN ANDREWS

ONE HUNDRED AND THREE // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // TOKYO

PRETTY MUCH IN 2020 we were all very limited to where we could travel to due to Covid-19 border restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic. The global hospitality and tourism industry thought with the amazing success of the UKs vaccine rollout that 2021 travel season would be very different but so far and we are now in June of this year travel has only opened up to a very limited amount of destinations on what the UK government have called the traffic light system of Green, Amber and Red countries. Sadly it is only the green list of countries which you can really travel too on a leisure holiday too without the need to quarantine on return to the UK currently and to be frank there is not really any countries on it that holiday makers would really want to fly off to for a summer holiday. I do however want to tell you to forget about all of this and think about where you could go to and why I feel you should be thinking about Japan and more specifically Tokyo. Yes that’s right you read correctly I said JAPAN.

You might be surprised to know that Japan actually has a very vibrant LGBTQ+ scene especially in the countries larger cities with Tokyo being the largest community. The scene in Tokyo itself is based in an area well known locally as Shinjuku District. If you are an avid fan and enjoy Celebrating Gay Prides or love to take in global gay pride events then Tokyo has its very own Tokyo Rainbow Pride Event which is held in late April or early May each year. A tourist has so many fresh and new exciting experiences to have in Japan it could be quite overwhelming so my advice is research exactly what you want to see and do and then make a plan based around your own specific holiday goals. Asia is an amazing pat of the world to experience and Japans winning combinations of new cuisine to try alongside a safe and friendly environment for the LGBTQ+ market may surprise you in more ways that you could imagine.

transport hub of Japan. On one hand it’s a very modern city, with neon-lit skyscrapers, but on the other, it’s very traditional with historic temples and palaces, like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace something which I love experiencing when traveling in Asia from Thailand to Laos its very personal and unique experience visiting these historic temples and palaces. Tokyo is also a foodie’s paradise, with many small izakayas (small gastro pubs) and the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji. Shinjuku Ni-Chõme is where the city’s gay nightlife is yes that means bars and clubs. It is famous for having the world’s highest concentration, with over 300 tiny gay bars crammed together in unassuming, unremarkable blocks. Some of the most famous include Arty Farty, Annex, FTM Bois Bar, and Campy! Aiiro, Dragon Men and Leo Lounge. I can already hear you lot shouting at me lol Get us booked NOW.

Japans Capital is TOKYO; it is also the main

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, and

Firstly I think it is important to highlight that Japan is a truly enchanting holiday destination to think about, with fantastic traditions, world class cuisine, and unique cultural experiences and spectacular exotic beaches/ resorts. The Japanese are hugely welcoming and eager for each tourist’s arrival to be special and memorable.

Japan is not often thought about for LGBTQ+ holidays as it is generally a conservative country where sexuality is not publicly displayed by opposite or same sex couples and currently there is no same sex marriage law in place. I think this should not put you off because compared by Asian standards Japan is one of the top progressive global countries in regards to LGBTQ+ Laws.

You will be happy to know that sex between same sexes has been legal in Japan since 1880 which when you compare to ourselves here in the UK & Ireland shows that Japan is 100% moving in the right direction in some areas far faster than we can say to many things here at home in Northern Ireland.

ONE HUNDRED AND FOUR // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // TOKYO

centre free of charge or take a cool swim in the outdoor pool at a fee. The hotel also features a karaoke room, convenience store and business centre. A free shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort is provided. (I know Disney Japanese style I am not sure how I feel about this) I guess the main advice I can give you for Japan is go with an open mind after all you are the tourist and pretty much everything will be very new to you. Normally we would have lots daily flight options to Japan from the UK & Irelands main international airports and I am sure these routes and services will re-open again very soon. You will find Japan is not as expensive as many would think especially when you compare it to many other Asian countries and the quality of goods and services cannot be faulted compared to some of its less developed neighbours.

was the former capital city until 1869 when it was moved to Tokyo. It has retained its regal charm, with beautiful temples and intricate gardens. The most famous are the Golden Temple, Kinkaku-Ji, and the Silver Temple, Ginkaku-Ji. Other highlights in Kyoto include the Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Forest and the Fushimuri Inari Shrine. Kyoto’s Gion district is where the geisha female entertainers can be found, famously immortalized by the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. They are elusive and hard to pick out, which is what makes geisha spotting a fun activity in Kyoto.

2021 will see Japan finally hosting the Olympic Games which have been delayed from 2020 due to the global pandemic Covid-19.

Currently the games are still planned to go ahead and start in July 2021 with many countries around the world already having sent teams to get them used to the country and its amenities. Sadly at this time international spectators will not be allowed but this may change in time. Hosting an Olympic Games usually would attract huge number of tourists

from around the world and give the hosting country the opportunity to showcase the very best it has to offer. I am sure many of you like me will be glued to the media coverage of the Olympics for certain sports and will see some of the fantastic destinations and venues which will I know will only want to make you book a holiday to Japan even more.

Tokyo city has some world class international hotels but my choice is the Keio Plaza Hotel a property that is highly commended for its welcome of the LGBTQ+ markets. Situated in the Gay Shinjuku’s Skyscraper District just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Train Station, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo offers sweeping views of Shinjuku, free Wi-Fi and 21 dining options.

The comfortable rooms at Tokyo Hotel Keio Plaza offer panoramic views of the Shinjuku skyline. There are a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and electric kettle. An en suite bathroom comes with a bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. Japanese-style yukata robes and slippers are provided for all guests.

Guests can work up a sweat in the fitness

If you like your gay nightlife with a brand you know then a fresh new international gay bar called Eagle Tokyo has landed into the city.

If you are like me and love the Eagle name and what it stands for then you will be glad you found this new gem on the Tokyo gay nightlife scene. Tokyo’s new international gay bar, located in Shinjuku Ni-chome gay district. EAGLE Tokyo welcomes everyone to enjoy drinks made by handsome bearish staff. The bar offers a relaxed ‘Brooklyn style’ atmosphere for listening to chill-out music and conversing with the locals and other international friends. EAGLE is just a 3-minute walk away from its other gay bar Leo Lounge.

The area has over 300 unique gay bar options so you can’t say you had no choice.

So that was just a quick snap shot of somewhere fresh and new for a holiday that you may not have thought about before.

Travel is about the good and bad experiences and often the bad can actually turn a trip into something pretty special. Always travel with open minded and stay safe and happy. Japan has many LGBTQ+ tourism suppliers and also bodies which look out for our community’s interests when you are overseas.

ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // ARMENIA

15 INCREDIBLE PLACES TO VISIT IN ARMENIA // STAY, EAT, PLAY ARMENIA IS ONE OF the fascinating places in the world, with rich millennias-old history, ancient monuments, majestic countryside, the lush highlands, and much more. I just came back from Armenia.

It was my third time there and the most memorable.

LGBTQ+ from being an integral part of the nation, especially in its capital of Yerevan. There are queer people everywhere. Though, they may not wear rainbow clothing all the time, one can’t miss their presence in every aspect of Armenian life.

Though it may be a conservative nation still grappling to come out from the shadows of the Soviet Union, it doesn’t stop the

One of the oldest nations in the world, Armenia is a destination for all kinds of travelers. The small country in the farthest part of eastern

ONE HUNDRED AND SIX // GNIMAG.COM

Europe has incredible natural beauty, cultural wealth, and artistic tradition.

Armenia is host to the oldest churches, cathedrals, and monasteries in the world.

Most are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mount Ararat and Ararat Valley, where Noah’s Arc landed.

Pagan Temples such as Garni, 1st century, Worlds oldest winery 6,100 years old, Yerevan: 2,802 years

old, capital of Armenia, vibrant & full of life. Jermuk: World-renowned natural hot springs, Music: Armenia has a rich music tradition, from symphonies to opera, jazz, to hip hop. Tavush: World’s longest zipline, 2,680 meters, World-class casinos, and ski resorts, Wine & Cognac: Armenia is known for its wine & cognac on the world stage, Ancient Astronomical Sites, Petroglyphs, Hiking, Caving, Paragliding, Rock

TRAVEL // ARMENIA Climbing, Hot Air Ballooning, Canyoning, Rafting, Lake Sevan: High altitude lake and a resort town with beautiful monasteries & nightlife, Annual Festivals, Museums, galleries, and of course incredible food for foodies with discriminating taste.

Best News? Armenia is very inexpensive for North American and European travelers. Armenians are very friendly, hospitable, and love visitors.

Most people in Armenia speak English to various degrees, so language is not an issue. There are several prominent LGBTQ+ organizations, the two largest being Pink and Right Side NGO. Pink serves the greater LGBTQ+ community while Right side NGO is mostly a trans organization.

Are you wondering about Grindr and Scruff? Well, wonder no more. If you dare to turn on those apps, you might be inundated with messages within minutes.

Armenians love visitors and it’s no different on dating apps.

Below are my 10 favorite

places to visit in Armenia and hotel recommendation, restaurants, and nightlife.

YEREVAN By far the largest city in Armenia, it is home to the grand Republic Square while climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must. Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past.

The vernissage flea market is worth visiting too – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also highly recommended.

Much of what Armenia offers can be explored during day trips from Yerevan, known as the City of Cafes. Yerevan is also home to Levon’s Amazing Underground World, one of Europe’s most unusual attractions.

LAKE SEVAN Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit during a break in the country.

The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of

them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery – providing a glorious scenic backdrop to a relaxing trip.

Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a wide choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore. Lake Sevan has several famous beaches. As the country has no coastline, this is the best place in Armenia to sunbathe, with Sevan Bay and its surrounding mountains providing spectacular scenery.

KARAHUNJ OBSERVATORY Often referred to internationally as Armenia’s version of Britain’s Stonehenge, Karahunj is one of the most fascinating places to visit during a break in Armenia. Located close to the city of Sisian in the Syunik province, Karahunj is made up of well over 200 massive stone tombs. At the same time, the main area sees 40 stones standing in a circular formation, supposedly built in honor of the Armenian main God, Ari, named after the Sun. A small museum in Sisian is dedicated to findings that have been made at Karahunj, which is claimed to be the oldest observatory of its kind

in the world.

ARENI WINE COUNTRY As grapes and vineyards have been cultivated here for over 6,000 years, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Areni Wine Country boasts some of the nation’s most delicious wines. Set among some stunning mountainous scenery, the vineyards blanket entire mountainsides and valley slopes, with charming little farmhouses and wineries punctuating the countryside.

While its fantastic local produce is what most people come for, the region also has some fascinating sights for you to enjoy, such as the ancient church of S Astvatsatsin and the Areni-1 Caves, which are home to a fascinating archaeological site.

GARNI Located just a short distance away from Yerevan at the foot of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Garni is an enjoyable place to spend some time.

Most people visit primarily to see its magnificent first century AD pagan temple and delightful monastery.

Perched atop a cliff edge overlooking breathtaking hills

ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN // GNIMAG.COM

TRAVEL // ARMENIA

and mountains, the Temple of Garni displays some beautiful Hellenic architecture.

GEGHARD MONASTERY Lying on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Garni, Geghard Monastery is a very popular day-trip destination from the capital, built in the 4th century. It is certainly worth visiting if you have the chance. Carved out of the mountainside, with majestic peaks overlooking it, the famous monastery has a beautiful church for you to wander around.

TATEV MONASTERY Yet another one of Armenian monasteries with a spectacular location in Southern Armenia, the fortified Tatev Monastery, was built in the early 9th

century at the edge of the deep gorge in the southern part of the country. It always played an essential role in the spiritual, cultural, and educational life of the country.

WINGS OF TATEV The world’s longest nonstop reversible cable car soars through spectacular scenery to the medieval Tatev Monastery. Wings of Tatev stretches over 3.5 miles between the Armenian village of Halidzor and the famous Tatev Monastery, a center of education and religion in the Middle Ages. The aerial tram holds the Guinness title as the longest nonstop double-track cable car in the world.

ECHMIZDZIN CATHEDRAL Echmiadzin is the equivalent

ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT // GNIMAG.COM

of the Vatican for the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Armenia is very proud to be the first nation to adopt Christianity as the state religion. Today, over 90% of the residents are of the Christian faith. Echmiadzin, also called Vagharshapat, is the center of the religion. The priests come to study here.

It’s also a UNESCO site.

The main church contains the Treasury, which holds the most valuable relics owned by the Armenian church.

Amongst the items on display is the ‘Holy Lance,’ the spear that pierced Jesus’ side, a bit of Noah’s Ark, illuminated bibles, and two wall hangings that had small bits of the cross.

JERMUK

A spa town and home of a mineral water factory, Jermuk has plenty of posh hotels and wellness centers. It’s the site of the largest waterfall in Armenia, known as the Mermaids Hair Waterfall.

A windy road reaches it into the river valley, followed by a short walk along the riverside.

The waterfall runs down into the river, and you can climb several meters up the side of it.

Stay…

GRAND HOTEL YEREVAN I would typically give you a few options for hotels, but it would do you a disservice. I’ve been to Armenia before and stayed at fine establishments, but nothing can compare to the

TRAVEL // ARMENIA

Grand Hotel Yerevan. It is an elegant and modern hotel for travelers, sightseers, and those who are ready for an unforgettable experience.

The charm of the 1928 neoclassical building that houses the hotel is timeless.

The luxury hotel is located in the center of Yerevan.

Due to its prime location, Grand Hotel represents the embodiment of modern and ancient Armenian history and culture. Despite being an exceptional hotel and ideally located in the heart of town, their rates are very reasonable.

Fly… I had flown to Armenia and other Transatlantic destinations many times through different routes and airlines. But my most recent flight experience stands out as the best overall. I flew Air France business class, and it made all the difference.

The route, through Paris, was short and effortless. The plane was brand new and state-of-the-art. The service was impeccable and the food delicious.

Armenia’s beautiful fourseasons make it a place to visit year-round. Whether you are a history buff, antique enthusiast, skier, wine & cognac connoisseur, outdoorsy, foody, or want to see one of the most magical places on earth, Armenia has it covered.

By Vic Gerami

ONE HUNDRED AND NINE // GNIMAG.COM

SLEEPOVER // TEN SQUARE

SLEEPOVER // TEN SQUARE OMFG BORED OFF MY hole wouldn’t come into it. I needed a night out and I needed it quickly. The last time I had a night on the town was during our festive break in lockdown - so I was literally chompiing at the bit to be in town with my fellow gays!

I’d my night all planned. I was going to go for dinner first with a friend and then head to a few bars and hopefully end at Union Street like I used to do when we were allowed out. Problem was, I’d heard getting a taxi was a pure nightmare! Now I only live in East Belfast which is literally a 5 or ten minute taxi drive, but I didn’t want to risk having to walk home in a drunken stupor in what could have been one of our glorious Belfast nights of pishing rain. The decision was made that I was going to take away the risk of a good night out being ruined at the end, and book into a hotel.

I wanted something city centre so it was handy for getting ready for heading out, but also dead handy for when it was time for bed. After looking about a bit it was

Ten Square that caught my eye. It is literally just behind the City Hall so it’s smack bang central for everything in town.

another mega TV. Then off this room was a stunning shower room (room for more than one in the shower - just saying).

I arrived for check-in at about 3.30 (which was half an hour early), luckily for me my room was ready. The staff on reception were really friendly and helpful and obviously adhering to all current covid restrictions, they checked me in and gave me my room key. My room was on the 6th floor, and when I say room I’m really playing it down - I got a suite, and it was GORGEOUS!

I got ready and went for a quick drink in The Loft Bar on the 7th floor before heading out to meet my friend.

The room really well planned and laid out, a dressing area on the left when entering, then on into the lounge area with beautiful leather button-back chesterfield sofa and armchair and the first of two massive flatscreen TVs. This area also had a run of units with a fridge - perfect for preparing the predrinks! There was an opening at either side of the TV wall that lead into the bedroom area, through here a massive comfy bed greeted me. This part of the suite also had a stunning free-standing bath underneath

I’d booked in for breakfast at 10.45am and I just about made it, and I’m glad I dragged myself out of bed. It was just what I needed. The breakfast menu was simple, but everything you could want. I went for the traditional full fry. It was freshly prepared and delicious.

ONE HUNDRED AND TEN // GNIMAG.COM

When I returned in the wee small hours the doorman was delightful and graciously pointed me in the right direction for the lifts (TBH I’m surprised I could walk given the amount of drink I’d consumed). I made it to my room and had the best sleep ever.

I’d have no problem recommending Ten Square Hotel to all of you. Great service, beautiful rooms, super comfortable beds, and tasty food - all in the City Centre.

CE K AI G ND CE L SU D E S P A C KP A G NE C LI U

Sparkling Drinks Reception Sparkling WineWine Drinks Reception 4-Course 4-Course Wedding Banquet Wedding Banquet Hire of Suite Flax Suite RoomRoom Hire of Flax Master of Ceremonies Master of Ceremonies WhiteWhite LinenLinen and Knife Cake Cake StandStand and Knife

Dressing RoomRoom Dressing Includes Light Backdrop Curtain, 30 Chair Includes Light Backdrop Curtain, 30 Chair Covers, 30 Sashes, Table Centres and Overlay Covers, 30 Sashes, 3 Table3 Centres and Overlay

30 Chocolate favours 30 Chocolate HeartHeart favours or Table Crystals Scattered Rose Rose PetalsPetals or Table Crystals Scattered for Guest Tables for Guest Tables Preferential Bedroom for Guests Preferential Bedroom RatesRates for Guests

10 Donegall Square Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1| 028 5JD 9024 | 028 1001 9024 |1001 | weddings@tensquare.co.uk 10 Donegall Square South,South, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT1 5JD weddings@tensquare.co.uk

10% Discount this summer: enter PRIDE2021 on checkout

CITYBREAK // BULLITT

BULLITT // CITYBREAK

AFTER THE EXTENSIVE LONG periods of closures, restrictions, and lockdowns, it is so great to see the return of hospitality.

With foreign travel frowned upon Staycations are in high demand, this review brings us to the trendy no-nonsense Bullitt Hotel, with 74 rooms their philosophy is simple, having ditched the over-the-top extras they are able to deliver a quality service with no hidden costs, smack bang in the middle of Belfast City Centre.

-Offering 3 choices of rooms Dinky, Comfy, Roomy The Dinky room is small but perfectly formed with everything you need for a comfy hotel stay without any of the nonsense. No swan towels or trouser presses – just outrageously comfortable king size beds, refreshing rain showers, super-fast Wi-Fi and seriously-smart TVs. In their Comfy room, cosy up on your king-size bed and watch YouTube videos with your free Wi-Fi, you’ll be snug as a technologically advanced bug!

Our comfy rooms range in size from 15sqm to 20sqm. We also have comfy twins for those who like to share but don’t want to snuggle!

Or if you want to treat yourself

to some extra leg room –The Roomy option is the one for you boasting 35m squared to be precise. Perfect for storing sizeable suitcases and having impromptu dance-offs. A Roomy comes with all the usual Bullitt perks.

-We arrived around 2.30pm and enjoyed a drink in the lobby while the finishing touches were done to our room, the sun was splitting the trees, so we decided to chill in the Courtyard and get a few rays, I think we waited around 30 minutes before being invited to the check in desk. Staff were so helpful and informative, giving us info about breakfast and checkout and even manged to get us a table booked for Babel Rooftop Bar with no prior notice.

When arranging our Stay with Ciara we made no specific room requests so were surprised to discover that room 221 was in fact one of their Roomy suites, so spacious, tastefully decorated with amazing panoramic views, we were on the corner and overlooked Anne Street. Seeing the bustling street below with shoppers had us momentarily transported to a world away from Covid, it was great.

In the room there was a

welcome drink waiting for us, complimentary cans of Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger flavoured Gin which were displayed in cute mugs with the message “A Cheeky wee Gin” I thought this was a lovely added touch, and in honesty they did not last long lol.

After unpacking we freshened up and headed to the rooftop, we were so lucky as not only did we not request prior to arrival it was also Father’s Day, so the place was particularly busy, we enjoyed a cocktail and was kindly given a tour of the private area, the inside bar and their super cool living wall which is used for all herbs etc used in the drinks.

After spending time exploring the city and probably consuming to much vino we returned to the hotel, I’ll hazard a guess and say it was around 1am, a nightcap is probably the last thing we needed though being more than attentive the night staff arranged this for us.

Our King-size bed was so comfy we passed out waking with just enough time for a quick wash before breakfast, my stomach wasn’t really in a good place so I played it safe and ordered eggs on toast, it was lovely, eggs were soft served on a lovely

sourdough toast my guest Emma ordered the Full Bullitt with a side of spicy beans, it had all the usual candidates, Sausage, smoked bacon, black and white pudding, mushrooms, eggs and sourdough toast, she was well pleased, I even pinched a spoonful of the spicy beans, they were so good, once we finished up it was time to grab our bags and checkout.

Our stay was short though we cannot fault a thing, from front of house, waiting staff/servers, the cleaners, everyone we had dealings with was genuinely helpful and pleasant, thank you for being so accommodating.

Bullitt hotel offers so much more than just a bed for the night!

With an award-winning restaurant, laid back lobby, rooftop garden and even a secret cocktail lounge…Bullitt really is the perfect place to STAY, PLAY and WORK. Review by Daniel May Bullitt Hotel 40a Church Lane, Belfast 028 9590 0600 info@bullitthotel.com Also check them out on social media

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

NEWS // GENDER RECOGNITION CERTIFICATE

GENDER RECOGNITION

CERTIFICATE FEE REDUCED

C

M

Y

LAST MONTH THE

In response to the consultation on the

yet tentative estimates suggest there are

UK GOVERNMENT

Gender Recognition Act, Minister for Women

an estimated 2-500,000 transgender people

DELIVERED ON ITS

and Equalities, Liz Truss, committed to

living in the UK. The Government hopes that

PLEDGE TO REDUCE THE

modernising the process of applying for a

modernising the process of applying will

FEE OF APPLYING FOR A

GRC, reducing the £140 fee and moving the

allow more transgender people to legally

GENDER RECOGNITION

process online, making it fairer and simpler.

change their sex with a GRC should they wish

CERTIFICATE (GRC).

to do so.

Applicants will be only required to pay £5, ensuring the process is more affordable and

The fee reduction is announced today as

remedying one of the key issues that was

secondary legislation, laid by the Ministry of

identified by transgender people in the GRA

Justice in April, comes into immediate effect.

consultation and the National LGBT Survey.

The Government’s Equality Hub are currently working at speed to move the application

Minister for Women and Equalities, Liz Truss,

process online, with more details to be set

said:

out in due course.

“As we build back better, we want transgender people to be free to live and to prosper in modern Britain.

“In the National LGBT Survey, 34% of transgender people told us that the cost of applying for a certificate was holding them back from doing so.

“Today we have removed that barrier, and I am proud that we have made the process of getting a certificate fairer, simpler and much more affordable.”

As of December 2020, there have now been a total of 5,871 full GRCs granted since 2005,

ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN // GNIMAG.COM

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

26th JULY - 1st AUGUST

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA 9 - 11pm

THE THEBIG BIGGIRL GIRLAND ANDSPECIAL SPECIALGUESTS GUESTS

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

9 - 11pm

PRE PRIDE PARTY WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

SATURDAY

3 - 11pm

SUNDAY BARBARA BRYCELAND PRIDE BRUNCH 55 -- 8pm 8pm

LIVE LIVE MUSIC MUSIC && DJs DJs 8pm 8pm -- 1am 1am

9-11pm 9-11pm