OCTOBER: ISSUE 004
DIRTY MARTINI LAURA HARDING XTOPHER MIKE DREYDEN
ARI
Levanael FLYING HIGH DEFYING GRAVITY
HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS SOHO PRIDE UK TRANS EVENTS FETISH EVENTS
NEW
FASH SECT ION ION
WORLD FAMOUS WEEKEND LINE-UP
349 KENNINGTON LANE, VAUXHALL, LONDON SE11 5QY 2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
TO FIND OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND, VISIT OUR WEBSITE Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
Editor & Cheif: Wickedangel Assistant Editor: Claire Sales & Marketing: Hollie Leandro-Edwards Travel Editor: John Quinn Rusell-Scot Emery PR: Kris Kelly Design: Leaf Scott Contributors: Barbara Bush Gazza Jason Prince Misty Vine Paul Stag Pippa D Vicky Lee Steve Daragh Cover Photo of Ari taken by Ricardo Lupo Photographers Wickedangel, Leaf Scott, Studio London, Valerie Archeno, Ted D;ottavio, Roxi Delight, Ulf Scherling, William Been, Reinhard Bichler, Fabrice, Tom Bianchi, Vince Carletti, Adam Bouska, Raging Stallion Studios, Ricardo Lupo, Elvis DiFazio, Driian, Marcus Mok, Jessica de Mattos, Tamy Brenton
Publication of the name or photograph of any person or organsiation in articles or advertising in Forbidden Angels Magazine should not be contsrued as an indication of sexual orientation of such person or organisation. All Material in Forbidden Angels Magazine is copyrighted. No part of this publication may reproduced withou prior consent of the publishers in writing.
4 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Music DJ Gazza’s Music Review Laura Harding (Singer) Xtpopher (Singer) Jason Prince Meets: DJ Sam Pitchford
Burlesque 08 10 14 18
Fashion NEW Forbidden Angels Must Haves Fashion potlight on: Retro Fashions
58 60
Mysti Vine interviews Dirty Martini
22
Trans World with Vicky Lee Pippa Davenprt Interviews Vicky Lee & Wife Trans News
Travel
Regular Features
Trans World 34 38
HIV News Artist of the month Carolyn Roper Scene about
48
50 58 74
Paris The Evolution of Vauxhall
52 88
MAIN FEATURE Ari pushing the boundaries of high flying acrobats to a new art form, Wickedangel meets this humble performer to talk about life, love and work.
28
Adult Entertainment & Escorts Twink of the month : Will Jamieson Paul Stag meets Mike Dreyden Hunk of The Month: Billy Escot of the Month: Che
90 92 96 102
Forbidden Angels Magazine
5
A World of Difference Well well well. Who’d have thunk it. I get to come to Hong Kong and visit my family, and also work on the magazine. Now thats what you call experience. Hong Kong has changed a lotsince i was last here, the buildings have got taller, the city more sprawling, and the gay scene has got larger (Including a lesbian only bar in Kowloon now!) Unfortunately we had hoped that we would be able to do some chinese scene pages, but although the scene has grown considerably here, it is still fairly taboo. Every club we visited said we couldnt take photos because there were a lot of men,who still in this day and age, could not afford to be seen to be being gay. It gets worse. I also met some people from Jordan who were on holiday. They told us that the jordanian societties answer to safe sex is to ship HIV+ people off to remote secure towns where they are not allowed to contact their family or friends. Talk about taking governement intervention to the extreme. The up shot is every one uses a condom for safe sex. The down shot is that the basic civil liberties of human choice are taken away from the citizen by the governing powers. Steve Daragh joins the team this month, and in his first article he has researched and explored how London UK’s Vauxhall suburb has emerged to be the leading alternative polysexual club scene to the more famous SoHo and West End nightclubs. Vicky Lee continues to talk about raising awareness of the trans world issues, and jubilantly reports that not all trannies are depressed self torturing depressives, but that there are joyful stories to be embraced, and how a smile can work wonders on any ignoramus. So as i finish work on this October magazine, and take pleasure in writing this letter, i smile, give thanks that life is good and indulgently look forward to my geeks day out at Disneyland Hong Kong tomorrow. Leaf Scott
6 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
37
Its been a bumper year so far for great quality Pop/ NRG and Dance music and as the temperature starts to sizzle so should the dance-floor as some massive and not so massive artists release a host of stunning summer singles.
CHERYL COLE: PROMISE THIS (Polydor) Umm, after some ropey African style chants, the track starts with a fast blippy beepy white R&B style, which sounds a bit cheap. The dance mixes are coming later in the month and I hope they are a lot better than this. The chorus is fairly catchy, but it is not a patch on “Fight For This Love” or “Parachutes”. This will be all over the radio soon, and will be a hit, but Cheryl can deliver better than this. 3/5
TIM BERG: THE LOVE YOU SEEK (Ministry Of Sound) OMG!!! I Love this single and so do the clubs who have put it at #1 in the charts. Totally uplifting club monster with drop outs, catchy girl vocals over a simple but amazingly effective tribal drum beat and massive builds (Aviciis Mixes), and pounding electro sounds in the Bimbo Jones Mixes. Its in time of economic stress that we need the most uplifting music that gives you a bigger buzz than electricity. 5/5 8 Forbidden Angels Magazine
DANIEL FOX: WITH OR WITHOUT YOU (NRG X) You may remember Daniel, as he got to Cheryl’s (rented) house on the X Factor, where he wowed Will Young but not the Tweedy. On this he reprises the song he did so well at Bootcamp, but with a big dance beat. He sings the song with real passion holding back the big operatic voice he used on TV until the very end, and finishing the song with emotion. Also a huge Dub mix and bonus track “Con Te Partio” 3.5 / 5
TAYLOR DAYNE: FACING A MIRACLE She disappeared after the huge success of “Tell It Too My Heart” and “Prove Your Love” back in the late 80’s, and I don’t think this sleeve picture does her any favours, but she’s still got that powerhouse of a voice and on this single recorded for the Gay Games she delivers a VERY powerful performance. Most of the mixes are the US circuit style that they ARE STILL dancing too, bolstered by a great Kinky Roland Mix. 3.5 / 5
RECKLESS: THE END (Poplife) Amazingly catchy pop song that is given a belting Riff and Rays mix for the UK. This is already a huge hit in Greece and you can see why as it fits in with sun sea and ouzo! Lets hope it does the trick in a wet and windy UK. Nice 3.5 / 5 GABRIEL ASH WILDE: SHAME Yes we all know the big Brokeback Mountain themed video that accompanies the Gaz and Rob smash, but this takes the song into the dance arena, and it really works as its not over done or too fast, and some of the mixes keep the lovely acoustic guitar of the original. Its not trying to be anything other than a big gay sing a long and due to that it works. 4/5
HIGH ENERGY ROUND UP
What else is out in the land of cover versions ALMIGHTY GLEE CLUB: Don’t stop Belivin’ (Almighty) The massive hit with sound a like vocals over the Almighty beat. Its OK but a bit late, I am sure this is just a taster for a Glee cover album .3/5 ALMIGHTY GLEE CLUB: Don’t stop Belivin’ (Almighty) I usually love Almighty, but this is shocking. The vocalist sounds like
DAVID CHRISTOPHER: HIGH ON THE CEILING (Energise) A boy born with cheek bones to die for and a beautifully sweet voice has been promoting this single, which he co-wrote for quite while now, but the wait has been worth it with Benny B Nasty, Glamma and Kinky Roland on mix duties (again!) this is a slice of pure clubland and should get any party going. Also in a sweet Twilight mix! 4/5
he wished he was somewhere else, avoid 1/5 GLAMMA : Wonderful Life.(NRG X) Lush wistful haunting vocals over a rock edged track and a big variety of mixes of the Black classic ..Nice 3.5/5 DISCOTRONIX: Shattered Dreams. (G Force/FYLF) Nice package..and that’s just the singer. Good quality HiNRG romp which has a nice video on You Tube.
We Should Be So Lucky KYLIE: APHRODITE LES FOLIES TOUR 2011 If music was a medicine, then everybody should get a prescription to see the amazing Kylie live, free on the National Health! The small but perfectly formed pop princess will be gracing us with another fantastically costumed and choreographed bunch of shows next year, as she delivers her “AphroditeLes Folies Tour” which is selling like hot cakes already, and extra dates are being added as we go to “print”. If you have never been or even don’t think of yourself as a massive Kylie fan (how very dare you!) every Gay on the planet should see her live at least once in a lifetime. Camper than Butlins, with the pizzazz of a Las Vegas show and a huge back catalogue of hits that you can sing and dance along too alongside her new material, this is one artist who knows how to please her audience.
When you think how long she has been a massive star, it is impressive that she is still on top of her game with #1 albums and massive singles. So quickly get out that Credit card and get tickets to one of the best shows on earth. Tickets start from £65 but if you have a spare £250 you can get wet with Kylie in the exclusive “Splash” zone…..which is a standing area (or dancing area) incorporated into the stage area. How can you resist. UK Dates: 22nd & 23rd March 11 Ireland, Dublin - The O2 28th & 29th March 11 Glasgow SECC 1st & 2nd Apr 11 Manchester Evening News Arena 7th & 8th Apr 11 London O2 Arena New date: 11th April 2011 London O2 Arena FOR ALL WORLD DATES PLEASE VISIT WWW.KYLIE.COM
Forbidden Angels Magazine
9
Sam Solace is a LESBIAN and I am a DYKE. 10 Forbidden Angels Magazine
LAURA HARDING
Ready for the Big Time
Y
ou may not know the name - but chances are that you have a record Laura Harding is singing on. After eighteen years of grafting away as a session singer doing backing vocals for a ton of music celebrities, and cover songs for Klone Records and Energise Records, Laura has finally shifted gears, got some original material together, and is doing a double whammy of re-launching herself as not only a solo singer, but as one half of new duo group Legatto alongside best friend David Christopher. The girl means business, and very kindly invited me over to her huge pad in the Barbican area of London for a chat. The day I go to meet Laura, not only does the Circle Line decide to have problems and I realise I may have to walk the two miles from Tower Hill to Barbican, but the heavens decide to pour down. When I finally get to Laura’s looking like a drowned sewer rat, she warmly greets me and places a hot coffee in my hand. Singing in public since the age of ten, Laura attended Canterbury College to study Performing Arts and gained a distinction. Knowing that living in a town in Kent was not going to aid her in a career as a singer, she joined a couple of London based indie rock bands and started on the live circuit there. Whilst out on the club scene she met Scott Houzet of Groovesisters (with whom she has now lived with for many years) and gave her demo to him. “I loved the quality of her voice, but hated the style of music she was doing. We clicked straight away so got her to record a track.” That track was a dance cover of Kate
Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” which managed to get to number two in the European dance charts. On the back of this first success Laura was able to perform at many of the UK’s best Pride events, as well as at key gay venues such as Heaven. This in turn led to her meeting more record producers, most notably Ross Alexander, and a slew of records and UK tours for the Gayfest brand ensued. One of her personal highlights was getting to sing with dance legend Viola Wills on stage at Legends in Brighton. Focussing on the present I ask Laura about the double strike of her solo project and the pop duo track as one half of Legatto. “I’ve got to do an original track called “Sunset People” co written with Mark Scott. It’s a great track.” Then very excitedly she says “and there’s a great remix by NuGen, make sure you mention that - because I love it. I am hoping to do a video to that mix of the song.” I ask if she plans to do more original material and she confirms that she is. “ I have my next new track currently in production, and plans for an album are all in motion now.” Attention then turns to Legatto. “David Christopher and I are great friends, and have worked together loads. To record a duet together seemed a natural progression for us.” On the Energise Record label they have recorded and released (On iTunes) a cover of “Everything Burns”. The video is on Youtube, and seems to be generating a good buzz. “The video was great fun. We were both so high from excitement at doing it. We were in Bromptons Cemetery on a Sunday and it was raining. Danny Finch was directing from inside a car, and had me walking around in
a cocktail dress and bare feet in the rain! Mind you at least I didn’t have to crawl on the ground in the rain like David did (She laughs).” As if that’s not enough, Laura has also recorded a duet with lesbian dance legend Jo Frances called ‘Send Me An Angel “ which will be released at the end of the year “I’m hoping November or December, but it means we get to go on tour together - and do Gran Canaria - which is always fun”. For those who have never met Laura Harding, can I state now - the girl has a deep dirty laugh. Very infectious. Wickedangel had done her photo shoot for this article a week before, and I ask her how she felt about be “Girlied” up? “The Burlesque shoot was amazing. It’s good to wear girly clothes. Wickedangel is always good. I’d love to do some more shoots with him - perhaps something urban next time. It would be good to get him to do a couple of my CD covers.” Does this mean we can see her wearing more girly clothes on her gigs I cheekily ask? “I wear girly clothes on stage anyway!” Something her friends who are sitting behind us find too funny to keep quiet about - they erupt with laughter. “I do wear dresses!” she berates them with a laugh. “Anyway - I’m a dyke. Sam Solace is a lesbian and I am a dyke.” Sam Solace (Interviewed in last months magazine) is, as Laura puts it, “A good friend and a very talented singer who works bloody hard as well.” I’d have thought that living in the place where you always work must be quite draining, but Laura thrives on it. “When I have down time away from singing I go to the gym as that distracts me or I socialise. I have been seen at GAY Late on quite a few ocForbidden Angels Magazine
11
casions, and one of my close friends is Barbara Bush, so I try and catch up with her at one of her Two8six gigs as a DJ every so often. But singing is my thing. I just love to sing.” Surely it must nark the girl, that she lives in a building where there is a recording studio, and that she does so much BV (Backing Vocals) work, often for free? Like a real trooper and some one who loves her craft she replies “No. I just love to sing. Some of the people who come into the recording studio get very nervous as it’s their first time, or because they’ve had bad experiences. If I can help then I do. If they want me to do backing vocals to soothe their nerves - then I will. We’ve all had to start somewhere. Singing is a passion, and it’s great if you can share that passion and connect with some one in that capacity. Why on earth would I resent doing something that I love for free? Getting to work with Scott Houzet on a daily basis and meeting so many talented diverse people is a joy. Hey, I have done every tranny on the scene‘s backing vocals” and she laughs that dirty laugh again… …and that’s the beauty of Laura Harding. She is a genuine spirit who gives unselfishly, and because of it has worked alongside loads of people - from supporting Girls Aloud at Manchester Euro Pride, to gigging with the Cheeky Girls, to doing a charity gig for this writer when he was manager of a bar. The girl loves to sing - and loves to get people to sing. She deserves the world, let’s hope that this little focus on her own career finally pays her the dues that every one in the LGBT music world knows she deserves. Above left: Legatto’s first single. Above right: Back in the day with Jason Prince (L) & Scott Houzet (R) her friend and mentor. Below: Laura in her element performing live.
Keep your eye out for the releases of “Send Me An Angel” and the duet with Jo Frances. “I’m Not Your Love“. Out now on iTunes is “Sunset People” double side with “Fly On The Wings Of Love” - an Energie Records release. www.myspace.com/misslauraharding www.myspace.com/legato By Leaf Scott Retro Photos by Wickedangel other photos from Laura’s personal album
Forbidden Angels Magazine
19
DEATH TO AUTOTUNE! 14 Forbidden Angels Magazine
The Experimental Soul Introducing: XTOPHER
T
he great thing about doing this job is the different types of people you meet within the entertainment industry. The big name interviews can be fun, but more often than not, I tend to find that it’s the talented people who are just starting their careers who are the most interesting. Xtopher is one such talent. With a couple of songs out on iTunes, this twenty six year old soul singer from Croydon is a whiff of fresh air. We meet at a coffee shop in the West End of London, and from the get go, Xtopher disarms you with his wit, openness and apparent complete unawareness of how captivating he is to talk to. He loves music, and is passionate about what you feel is more of a craft to explore than a career choice for him. He knows making music and performing is his long term goal, but hasn’t thought through the “what if’s” of what will happen to him when the big time happens and with a record label now pursuing him for a contract, it looks like that could become a reality sooner than later. Music has always been a part of Xtopher’s life. From the age of eight he started to learn the clarinet and later
played as part of the Croydon School Symphonic Orchestra. Classical music was, and still is a huge influence on Xtopher “Classical music is the fundamentals of all basic music” he unassumingly states. He started singing quite late. At the age of sixteen he joined a gospel choir at his Sixth Form college where he found his niche as a tenor. Going through his teens exploring soul, gospel and jazz vocals, he also allowed himself the brave step of taking lessons in the classical Bel Canto style, which reaffirmed his love of the classical, but gave him a broader palette to draw upon when singing other styles. The practicalities of active music involvement took a back seat for a few years while he attended university, but even then he managed to record acoustic tracks on his computer in the evenings. This was a private time for him to explore what he liked and disliked in music, and to find the niche for his future solo work. He left university and found himself working in banking for six months. This didn’t pan out at all well, as he wasn’t doing what he loved. On leaving the bank, he decided to finally be true to himself and promptly plucked up the courage to sing the jazz version of “O little town of Bethlehem” at his family’s church’s Christmas Carol Service. Xtopher smiles as he reminisces. “It was a personal break through as a solo singer. My sister was in tears and the rest were all moved by my performance. I knew what I had to do.” From that moment he says, “ I knew I wanted to record a song! And I said to myself, why not?” and in 2008 re-
corded a cover of Bill Withers “Lovely Day”. With his newfound confidence came a willingness to confide in his family about his private life. He is aware that some bisexual/gay men, especially black, don’t have the luxury of an accepting family, and when I ask him why this is so, he can’t really comment because he and his friends haven’t been exposed to the brutalities that a lot of young people go through. I then ask him about his faith and its importance to him. He is very succinct, and says “I am happy to follow what I’ve been following all my life. It’s been my religion (Christianity). Whether someone says I should be accepted is their opinion. You have to remember that first and foremost the church has been my life, and for me going to church as regularly as I do allows me to self reflect and gives me peace of mind. I suppose it’s more spiritual than religious” I ask him about how much of his personal experience goes into his music? “What inspires me to write is a cliché, but it’s my own experiences. I don’t feel it’s right to write about other people’s issues when I haven’t experienced them myself. I write about what I have endured, and then try to make that accessible to everyone, so that in some shape or form everyone can relate to some part of the song.” “I am also influenced by quite a large spectrum of soul and jazz singers as well as alternative artists such as Georgia Anne Muldrow who fasci-
Forbidden Angels Magazine
15
nates me. Frank McComb is my biggest inspiration vocally as well as is Stevie Wonder. Others who inspire me are Mariah Carey (strictly her older material), Omar, The Amplifetes and Goldfrapp - I love Goldfrapp!” Xtopher is currently working on his album for release next year, with new single “I’ll be there”, an original funky house club anthem already in the can. I ask him what we can expect to hear from his debut album? “I want to experiment with genres like electronica, house, dub step as well as soul and R&B. I think it would be interesting to fuse different genres together.’’ Is there anyone he would like to work with on this album? “I would absolutely love to work with James Poyser; He has worked with the likes of The Roots, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott. It’s on my wish list!’’ With performances at London’s Jazz Café and Fat Talent Live under his belt as well as his studio work, the inevitable question is which format he 16 Forbidden Angels Magazine
prefers to work in, the live arena or the recording studio? “Oh hands down, live performing! That’s my favourite. When you’re in a studio you can spend ages perfecting a moment. A take on a phrase can take days and sometimes weeks to perfect. I now co-produce when I’m in the studio and I’m fussy. When you sing live however, you are performing to an audience. You can spend each performance exploring fresh ways of delivering a line in a song, creating a new moment for that particular audience.” With the recent “Autotune Scandal” on X Factor - I ask him will he be using, or has he used Autotune? “Never” he bellows and laughs. “Death to Autotune!”. I suggest we use that as the caption on his photo to accompany this piece and he eagerly tells me “Do it!” with a very cheeky grin. An hour’s allotted interview time has stretched into two hours, and very quickly I ask about what Xtopher plans to do for the future. Apart from working on his album, he has a gig lined
up at the end of October (see below for date). He also recently auditioned for Pulse films talent documentary ‘Showbusiness’ where he impressed the judges with his performance and gained the attention of one Bradley from S Club, who now mentors him. The series will be screened on Sky 1 in January 2011 and will hopefully lead to some good projects. And with that it’s time to leave a thoroughly engaging and eloquent man who appears to be on the verge of gaining the big time recognition he deserves. For more information, updates, audio and live video visit www.myspac.com/officialxtopher www.twitter.com/xtophermusic I’ll Be There’ single will be released October 25th via iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores and ‘The Live Session + 1’ EP will be released December 13th ia iTunes, Amazon and other digital stores featuring Xtopher and his band performing live. By Leaf Scott Photography by: Studio London
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
DJ of the mo At this years Bristol Pride there was stand out moment at Flamingos Nightclub, when a DJ in the hard dance room took to the decks, and managed in the space of minutes to create a vibe so exciting, you knew it would be only a short while before the London club’s would catch wind of this talent. Ladies and Gentlemen - we give you Sam Pitchford. So Sam, what’s the secret to rocking the dance floor? There’s not really a secret to rockin the dance floor, you just have to be playing the right music at the right time! people just want
“Energy,energy and then some more energy!”
54 Forbidden Angels Magazine
onth: sam pitchford to hear good tunes, im just lucky the crowd happens to love the tunes I love, so it works out well for everyone! So what’s the Bristol club scene like then? The Bristol clubbing scene is pretty good.. if you know where to look you can pretty much find any sort of clubbing night you might be into... Bristol town centre can get very hectic on a Saturday night! Where can we catch you spinning the decks? Burn at Flamingos is the main party I play at but I also play all over Bristol, I used run my own night called “pitchuresk” which I basically dragged through every dirty back alley club u could think of which in turn got me gigs at other events.. I play at places like Basement 45, Timbuk 2, Motion, Dojo’s and
Prive.
some more energy!
I’ve played in Portsmouth and Bognor Regis for a night called ‘Twisted Mayhem’ which is a hard dance night. Bognor Regis was pretty impressive as I was playing with Kid Kaos. I’ve also played internationally this year after just coming back from a tour around Corfu playing at various clubs and bars.
Who are the DJ’s who inspire you?
I’m hoping to come to London very soon. I haven’t had the chance to play there yet but there’s been talk of it so you may see me there in the near future with a bit of luck. What’s the next goal for you? Any music production? Music production is definitely my next step, I’ve got a few tracks coming through the pipeline so keep your ears peeled people! If you have seen me play then you know what sort of music I’m about!... Energy,energy and then
I’m definitely impressed more by the big room dj’s. Off the top of my head Eddie Halliwell always gives a good night, im pretty much dancing all night when he’s playing and James Zabiela always amazes me with his djing talents, I’m definitely inspired by them both. What dates have you got coming up? The best place to catch me in October is at Flamingos ‘buRn’ night on the 16 th or you can catch me at Canvas Nightclub on the 2nd. If your in Bristol on these date’s and your looking for a good house night then these place’s are worth checking out . By Jason Prince
t r e v d a Forbidden Angels Magazine
55
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
22 Forbidden Angels Magazine
MARTINI DIRTY Being on the Cabaret and Burlesque scene means you get to meet some living legends‌I got to chat with and interview the devastatingly delicious and delightful, Dirty Martini....
Forbidden Angels Magazine
23
What does burlesque mean to you? Burlesque to me is the ultimate in DIY self expression. Burlesque is glamour, performance art and can be transformative for both the audience and the performer if done correctly. How did you get your burlesque name? My legal name spell checked Martini on spell check so I thought why not? I’ve always wanted to have a different name since I was a child. How did you get started in Burlesque in the US? Have you travelled with it? I came to NY after completing a college degree in Dance performance. I devoted my life to dance at a very young age and when I graduated from college and moved to NY I worked very hard and auditioned for companies such as Mark Morris, Bill T. Jones, Michael Clark etc. etc. I couldn’t make it past the first cut because of the shape of my body. I was at the same time looking for some sort of performance that I could make by myself, because I was working collaboratively in modern dance with a few choreographers and was touring with a multi discipline theatre company. I had to think what my body type was suited for so that my over all look put my dancing into some sort of context. I had seen some old burlesque reels from Something Weird Video and started studying the movement vocabulary. Burlesque was kitschy and glamorous and most importantly could make a very pertinent statement in the modern day about women’s changing sexual identity in our world. I decided that burlesque was the showcase I was looking for. At that time there was no burlesque scene and most people didn’t know what the word meant. I started performing a fan dance that I developed in a show with the touring company I was working with, Pink Inc. I added a classic striptease, a tassel twirling finale, called myself Dirty Martini and that was that, I’ve been a peeler ever since! I’ve been touring in Europe with burlesque since producer Kitty Hart took an interest in the burlesque revival and decided to bring American burlesque to France. A scene sprang up there almost 24 Forbidden Angels Magazine
immediately. It’s been interesting to watch the different countries develop burlesque each scene with it’s own flavour. At what point did you think to yourself ‘I can do that!’? For a long time I thought I had performed in my last show. For years I thought that I would find my voice somewhere while I had some fun performing old time burlesque in New York nightclubs and then at some point it took over my life. Now that there are so many people performing in this genre I’m not as unique as when I first started, but I have a lot of friends all over the world that I have some things in common with. Do you have a ‘day job’? I don’t have a day job currently, but when
I’m not performing in burlesque I’m creating costumes nailing down jobs and chatting with other burlesque performers worldwide. I teach a bit and model a bit and host in nightclubs too. Sometimes I refer to myself as Dirty Martini’s secretary when it’s daylight outside. Are you a stripper, a burlesque performer or an artiste? Yes. Semantics are a bitch. How do you prepare for a performance? I try to warm up if possible or go to the gym at some point during the day so that I can stand on one leg successfully. I like to have a glass of wine while I’m putting on my pasties and costume. If it’s a new number I need lots of quiet time to think it through especially right before I’m on. In your opinion, what would you say epitomizes the traits of a good performer. Name three of your all- time favourites (alive or dead)? Generosity on stage and backstage, enjoying hard work, having a sense of humour about oneself and stillness. Just three people? That’s a tough one. 1950’s trans stripteaser Vicky Lynn, Julie Atlas Muz, Catherine D’Lish and a bonus one - Christoper Walken
Forbidden Angels Magazine
25
Since burlesque has become SO popular, do you have any concerns about your survival on the ‘scene’? Always. I also worry about the survival of the scene. I hope that burlesque can sustain the constant waves of trend. I would like it to continue as a genre from the glamour burlesque to the more experimental.
Do you have any advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career in burlesque? Don’t think of it as a career. Think of burlesque as a wonderful experiment and a unique form of singular expression. Let it transform you and bring you to your calling in life! Miss Dirty Martini “Chairman of the broad” www.missdirtymartini.com www.myspace.com/dirtymartiniburlesqueWelcome
Article By Mysti Vine Photos by (in order of appearance) Valerie Archeno, Ted D’Ottavio, Roxi Delight
“I like it when someone puts their own flavour to it.�
28 Forbidden Angels Magazine
The Amazing Ari “I was born in Sydney Australia, although I don’t live there anymore, but I tend to visit every year in the summer when I can. Home is now in the U.K. I’ve been working in London for four years but home is in the Midlands in a nice quiet village!
I wanted to do. I think their ideas were a lot more conventional than mine though. I was the black sheep in the family, with all the weird hair colours and styles at the time, all the peircings and tattoos as well…. After I left school I fell into performing. I worked for the Sydney Theatre Company so I got to see a lot of amazing theatre and be surrounded by creative people. That really helped me be inspired and be comfortable in my own creativity.
I was always a quiet introverted child, but I guess I always had ideas of performing as a lead singer in a band or being a movie star…. I guess a lot of kids do… but yeah, I didn’t actually think of myself as a performer…. I just fell into the whole thing.” A friend of mine asked me to be in a show she was doing I ask Ari if the people in his and I really felt like I was in my childhood had an influence with element. Strange for someone making his career choice? that is really introverted by nature! So then I was asked to do “No, not at all. Although doing more, then I ended up putting martial arts and gymnastics at my own shows together and a young age and lots of other performing at Dance parties sports encouraged by my par- and special events… doing all ents helped me have a good sorts of weird and wonderful physical awareness. My family things!”. is all pretty normal, although I’m sure in some ways they all How long was it until you startlike being the centre of atten- ed to head into the direction you tion. Whether its from being wanted your career to take? humorous or just plane stupid. My first big show came less I think my parents took a long than six months after training time to come around to my aerials, which at the time wasn’t chosen career. They never re- long at all. But it was a great ally saw it as a “real job” what- experience to be thrown in the ever that means. Im not sure deep end and be performing what constitutes a “real job”, it above a room of thousands of could be anything. I think they people. Scary yet exhilarating! had expectations of me working for a big company as they It took many years of practice knew I had potential to be suc- to get the strength and conficessful in business or whatever dence to work as an aerialist.
There is always levels to things though, I’m constantly striving to take it up a level. Whether its through more daring tricks or better flexibility or longer endurance… its good to keep striving to be better. I started doing a bit of trapeze with a friend of mine, then she started showing me some silk, just the basics and I thought, wow, I fucking love this! I became addicted to it and trained most days to become stronger and more comfortable. I used to film myself constantly to refine my technique and see how I could change and develop things. I made up a lot of moves through trial and error and also watched a lot of other aerial videos and circus work. After a while I was invited to teach at an aerial school in Sydney and that helped me understand aerial disciplines from an inside perspective. It became ingrained in my body after that. I’m sure I have my particular way of performing. I think everyone does. I think style comes down to the type of person you are and the way you do all things in your life. My performance persona is very different from my day to day persona. Even though I have taught my routines and sequences to people for years, I like it when someone puts their own flavour to it. I ask Ari How would he describe the style of his performForbidden Angels Magazine
29
“I love chocolate biscuits and cookies� 30 Forbidden Angels Magazine
ances, and does it depend on the venue? . It does very much depend on the audience. For example you wouldn’t really do the same routine for a corporate dinner as you would a huge circuit party. Also the routine changes according to height specifications and what the theme of an event may be. Sometimes its necessary to tailor a show for a specific audience. I do everything from blindfolded aerial, to aerial strip in a leather costume, to full body suit with all my tattoos covered to nice classical music. Its limitless really. This work of course is very dangerous and takes tremendous concentration and skills. How do you prepare your self for a performance? I stretch a lot backstage and make my mind fairly quiet. Sometimes there is a lot of distraction and noise, and sometimes there are people around club situations in all kinds of headspaces, so its important for me to detach myself from whatever is around me and just focus on the job I need to do. I go over my routine in my head and just breathe. Deep breathing is a good key. I always know what I’m doing under pressure even. Its my neck at the end of the day, so I’m responsible for keeping my head under control. I always like to double check that the rigging is properly connected and done up. There has been times in the past where I haven’t checked and it wasn’t done properly. So now I check
it all the time. I have worked for huge international events with thousands of people and a load of dancers and other performers. Its changes all the time. I’ve worked solo, duo and trio with other aerialists. I’ve worked with singers, dancers and models walking underneath me on a catwalk. I have also done huge Mardi Gras and Pride parties, amazing festivals and all sorts! Too many to mention!
a point for people to approach me on, they get a lot of attention and are a good ice breaker. Often its not the right place or time to go into details with people about what certain tattoos mean or why I got them, but I’m always polite!
I’m totally different from my image… people that know me well, know that of me. I guess people interpret images differIts always been important, al- ently, so for one person I could though now so more than ever. be a certain thing and the same I guess the metabolism slows image for another is completely down a bit and its easy for me different. It comes down to perto put on weight around the sonal opinion. gut! I love chocolate biscuits I’m not exactly sure what imand cookies you see! age of me is out there, as there And the tattoos? You have a is thousands of pictures floatlot, people must comment on ing around the net, but hopefully its one of strength, integthem? rity and humility. I do get people come up to me and say they liked my show or Does Ari have time for a love they think this or that. I wouldn’t life we endeavour to ask? say I get hit on all the time, but yes, it has definitely happened! I’ve been spending a bit of time I’ve met some previous part- lately with a special person in ners through doing my shows. my life. Its developing and I’m I think having all the tattoos is happy with what’s happening. What age did you feel it was important to you, that you had to keep fit with your body?
Forbidden Angels Magazine
31
We get along really well and enjoy similar things in life. So I’m blessed really. He is very beautiful inside and out. A lot of things I cant put into words. In the past it was difficult in a way to maintain a strong relationship as it was long distance, so although for me it was ok, I guess for my partner at the time it wasn’t. I do move around a lot, a bit like a gypsy really…. I like the freedom my job allows me, but at the same time I crave the stability of a secure base. I think now I may have that as well, so it’s a bit like the best of both worlds. By Wickedangel Photgraphy by Elvis DiFazio, Driian, Marcus Mok, Jessica de Mattos
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
“You can die ... ... from exposure” (especially if you are a Tranny up the face of the Eiger for some reality television show). As WayOut has been known to the media for a squillion years as a resource to connect to the transgender world, I have had many television shows contact me looking for trannies for their shows, and I myself have been on many shows to fulfill their requirements. Last month I had an extraordinary number of requests from television companies looking for “interesting” people to get involved in the programs they were working on. These ranged from a new amateur cooks show looking for people from a mix of backgrounds, A brand new reality soap opera based in Buckhurst Hill Essex, A feature film called ‘Weekender’ looking for 100 ravers aged 18-30 including a number of obvious transvestites. These three examples are, what I call good opportunities - as the reason for being in the program is because you are a cook, living in the area, area raver NOT just because you are transvestite or transsexual. We desperately need more positive role models of transgender people in mainstream television. I believe that seeing a gay couple (or a disabled person) with Phil and Kirsty on Location Location does more to show people as people and to 34 Forbidden Angels Magazine
break down prejudices. However I STILL get researchers who contact me with a program format that calls for people in conflict and distress. Last month it was for trans people who have suffered depression. I asked if the program would also be paralleling golfers, politicians, popstars etc that also suffered depression. I asked is the program about transpeople or depression. As is SO often the case the researchers did not know. As always I invited them to The WayOut Club to meet people randomly and to “research”. Researchers are ALLWAYS lovely and it is always great talking to them, but I am always aware that tonight they are talking about me but as soon as I am in the can they have forgotten me and are researching penguins (whatever!!). These researchers shows have a high risk of making us look like the odd ball so here are some thoughts from me to help avoid you looking a Pratt – or worse still making us all look like Pratts. Many of these shows want a before and after transformation. Be warned many trannies who do this appear to be a sad man, lacking confidence who becomes an over confident pastiche of a female. This un-nerves most viewers as they see someone unbalanced and unhappy. Better to only allow a very good
boy still picture to be shown and only present one character to maintain respect. Many researchers will tell you that the show they are working on aims to explain cross-dressing (in a positive light - of course). They will film you for two days and edit the piece to two minutes of sensationalism. A program would need a series to “explain” cross-dressing. Much better to insist that you will help explain a very small part of the big story. OR just go for it and give them a fun OTT bit of sensationalism and show that you do not take yourself two seriously. If the show goes out at night darkly lit and the presenter wears evening wear both the tranny and the partner will look dowdy in daywear. Equally if the show is very daytime - daywear is needed as how many times have you heard the tranny asked by the daytime presenter in a smart suit would you wear ‘that’ to Tesco’s. The worst mistake is for the tranny and partner to have totally opposite images or indeed exactly the same image as both mistakes lead to the viewer drawing the wrong conclusions about unbalanced relationship or cloning. So many trannies and partners have not learnt lesson one before stepping on a television set. You all go out there because you are happy with yourselves so SMILE, and keep on smiling. Meet inter-
viewers and questioners confidently. Your smile will say more about you, than words ever can. Many trannies gain a small amount of confidence and then get all evangelical. Then they want to take their message to the people. In most cases, they are at the confused stage where they have a lot to learn about what is going on inside their heads, as well as about presenting themselves in public, both visually and vocally. There are more and more television programs that are all too ready to pounce on an unsuspecting tranny to put on the screen. So don’t be fooled - Tricia, Jeremy Kyle etc are guaranteed to make you look a Pratt.
So if YOU want to see the opportunities that I receive join my Facebook Group ‘The WayOut Club London’ where I pass on these offers. Vicky Lee at WayOut Publishing Co Ltd vicky@wayout-publishing. com For TG related Books & Magazines PLUS free news, advice, and FREE UK ‘Tranny Guide’ www.wayout-publishing.com
Forbidden Angels Magazine
35
T Girlz Just Wanna Have Fun Aberdeen, The Granite City & Europe’s Oil capital was once again on Saturday the 4th of September, the place to be if you live in Scotland as the streets managed to experience first hand, some of Scotland’s trendiest transgender club goers. The night out this time was held at Aberdeen’s oldest and best known Gay Bar and club, “Cheerz”, where “DJ Steve Motion” played the best clubbing music on the scene, keeping everyone up on the dance floor to hits from Lady Gaga, The Saturday, Black Eye Peas and many more.. Planning started almost immediately after the last night out back in June and the girls attending were not going to be let down. The dress code was simple, “Keep the skirts short & the heels high”. The order of the night was even simpler, “Have a good time” which everyone did. From its early beginnings back in March, the Aberdeen nights out, an idea of Nicola James who leads local support group “NEST” (North East Scotland Trans Support); the aim was simple: Provide a safe and relaxed atmosphere for not only the Aberdeen Trans Community, but anyone who wanted to be part of the fun. With full support from Grampian Police Diversity Liaison Officers, everyone’s safety was guaranteed, not that it was needed. Attracting this time some twenty five transgender girls from as far apart as the Shetland Islands, Edinburgh and Glasgow, numbers increased in true LGBT fashion with many non transgender people coming along to join in as well. That in its self pushed those out clubbing that night to an, amazing sixty people! Not bad going for a city where until nine months ago, the idea of transgender girls walking through the city centre, mixing with hundreds of other club goers had been unthinkable.
professional pole dancers, even with high heels on! Everyone in the club from all sexualities hit it off almost instantaneously, proving once again how hospitable the Scots folks can be. New friendships emerged, compliments on how the girls looked were flowing and the bar was making a great deal of business as everyone got into the swing of things. Amanda’s new found and best friend of the night was the dance floor while T-Girl stalwart Miranda attracted the younger Cheerz regulars with their awe on how even the more “Senior” members of the community can still rave it up with the younger ones. Special novelty prizes for the night went to Michelle who sported a very sexy 13” long tartan mini skirt. We’re sure it was actually a wide belt, but top marks for being daring and the same to Toni, who braved a sexy pair of 5 1/2” leopard look stiletto’s to match the dress she wore. Cheerz Bar resident photographers Aidan Jones and Matt Craig were kept on their toes all night both inside the club and out where club goers took a few minutes out in the cool night air. Visiting Aberdeen from Crosslynx, as part of their Trans Awareness Campaign, was the lovely Allana Strain accompanied by 2004 Miss TV Scotland Winner, Alex Young. Both girls were having a fabulous night out before an early start the next day, as guests on Nicola’s SHMU Community Radio Show on 99.8 FM and On-Line. A clear head was a must to avoid any bloopers live on air! Everyone danced & enjoyed themselves well into the small hours of Sunday morning before a short taxi ride back to their homes and hotel for a few hours well deserved sleep.
Pre night out makeovers for those girls who wanted to treat themselves were provided by professional beauty consultant Michelle in the city centre Premier Inn Hotel, the preferred hotel, who support the nights out just brilliantly. Taxi’s all arranged for the “Out of towners” and it was off to Cheerz Bar for a nice early start at 8pm and to meet up with all the local girls.
For some the homeward journey would be dull and uneventful compared to the day and night before, but everyone was safe in the knowledge it wouldn’t be too long before Aberdeen would once again be the centre of Scotland for Trans nights out at the next Aberdeen T Girls Night Out on Saturday the 11th of December.
An instant hit with everyone was the Cheerz Bar Dance Pole. Yes, T-girls can use the apparatus just as well as the
Article and photo by Caz Scott
36 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
Vicky Lee on family This month’s interview is with the one and only Vicky Lee from ‘The WayOut Club’ and columnist for forbidden angels magazine. we asked her about life outside WayOut. Vicky what did you do before Vicky came in to your life? I have always been transgendered but I had no words for it until I was about thirteen, when I read the word ‘transvestite’ in a soft porn mag’ at a barbers. I always hid what was going on inside my head and the secret dressing sessions, using what ever I could find in the bathroom clothes basket. From teens to late thirties I buried the feelings by always having a project on the go and working hard in my job. I was a manufacturing engineer and project manager. In the evening I was a DJ playing for pubs, corporate events and weddings, wakes and bar mitzvahs. My holidays were spent in Cornwall around the surf beaches. Do you have a partner? Yes I have a female partner Lelly. She has always known about my inner thoughts and now she helps me run The WayOut Club where you can meet her on the door or down at the bar. How did you meet? We were seventeen. We were at a Scout Hut party and the electricity was running out - I was asked to make a whip round. My first words to her were “can I have a shilling for the meter”. We have been together for the roller coaster ride forever since that night. This picture Vicky. Right hand side Lelly 38 Forbidden Angels Magazine
When did you decide to live as
e y, love and marriage. Vicky? When I was in my late thities it was evident that I was suffering from bad depression and I was very overweight. Lelly encouraged me to lose weight and knowing my tranny feelings which I had always shared with her she encouraged me to visit a dressing service and spend a weekend “dressed”. I stayed that weekend at The Philbeach Hotel (a gay hotel, sadly no longer running). It was, as I signed in to the hotel, that the name Vicky Lee was born and Vicky has been a major part of my life ever since. So do you live full time as Vicky? I have from time to time lived full time as Vicky. There was a period of about five years that I travelled from gig to gig in full makeup and casual girly clothes with various shows, Dragmania, Les Showgirls, The Vampettes and finally Vicky Lee & Company. There was a period of about two years after I had laser hair removal when I lived ‘female’ full time in North London. More recently I live in the country and I have a fairly androgynous style. I live now in a smaller community where many people know that I am different. Some know that I run the club. I have gone out of my way in this community to explore my love of live music as this has helped (I feel) to explain my “difference” in terms that my new community has a better understanding of. There are many more musicians and artists evident here in the rural villages. I fit in well with these creative pirates and nare-dowells who see through the artifice of gender to the person within. We all hate labels but I have to ask how would you describe your self? I describe myself as an “inbetweenie” not male or female, not gay not straight, not a rock chick or a disco bunny. I sit on the fence and the view is superb. From up here I see everything with extra clarity. I also champion the
term “transgendered” which I say is an umbrella term for all that have the inclination to cross dress and or have alternative thoughts about gender. So this covers occasional cross dressers through drag queens, cross-dressers, lady boys, pre and post op transsexuals. I say that we are all transgendered and that T-Girls, Tannies, Trans women, are all acceptable terms as an “abbreviation” of transgendered. How has living as Vicky changed your life? Completely. The depressions I had, have gone. My weight still fluctuates but it is the Vicky part of me that has more resolve to control it. Life’s opportunities that being Vicky has offered me, I believe, have been much better than otherwise. However people that know me well would say that I haven’t changed and that I am always the same person but I have gradually released and embraced the female creativity, energy, and way of doing things, that has always been inside me. How do you see the public’s attitude has changed over the years to trans people? I think over the last twenty years there has been a growing acceptance. But the public (even the gay public) understanding of trans is still in the embryonic stage. We have a long way to go and most importantly we need more role models that are acceptable to the public (and ourselves) before public attitude can REALLY change. Do you ever think England will become as accepting as other country’s to trans gender issues? I think that England is in advance of many countries. I think many other countries are fundamentally macho, patriarchic and bound by trans/ homophobic religion. In so many cultures their first thought would be “why would a man denigrate himself to be accepted as a woman”. The USA swings wildly from left to right as you
travel from state to state and family to family. In some catholic based cultures it is more acceptable to be trans than gay therefore in these places there are disproportionately more trans people – but acceptance is still a relative term. Only in some of the Asian cultures do I see acceptance of trans people in advance of England Being in the public eye how do your family feel about Vicky? I introduced Vicky Lee to my family when I was proud of what I was doing in Dragmania and I was having a level of success. Within a short period of time my mother and sister disowned me and soon after my father died. Although I have been shown the love and loyalty of most of my extended family I have requested that they support my mother and sister rather than me. I now have a good relationship with my mother by letter. I have three nieces and nephews that I have not seen for about seventeen years one of them will soon be twenty one. On the other hand my partner Lelly’s family have always loved and supported me and in return I have been able to be very close and supportive of them. Lelly’s parents live with one sister and her two sisters have between them five children and I have been very much part of all of their lives. The first born, also very soon to be twenty one, and a regular visitor to the club, has quadriplegic cerebral palsy (he is 110% in his brain and communication). We also have a younger child with an undiagnosed disability. In our family none of us are “normal” and we constantly celebrate that fact. We have had to be very supportive of each other and in the last five years I have designed and built a house next to Lelly’s family so we now all three generations live together in what is basically a large rural ranch where we grow our own veg’ and are surrounded with dogs, cats, horses, and chickens. It is amazing what you can Forbidden Angels Magazine
39
This page:Vicky & Lelly. Opposite page: Vicky & Lelly with their T-Girls
40 Forbidden Angels Magazine
do when you have love and you all pull together. So you started The WayOut club in 1994 how much has it changed? The girls (and the guys) have become more confident at a much younger age. I put this down to the internet. By the time someone comes to the club they have SO much information at their fingertips it not the gigantic step that it once was. I find it harder to find people to join us on stage in comparison to the early days but I put that down to Simon Cowell and the expectations that people have about performing (and being judged) these days. Those that I do find however are much more polished and talented. The guys that go to trans clubs can be a bit full on Do you think they should be more like gentlemen to the girl’s? The guys who come to WayOut in the early days tended to be older, less attractive and didn’t take their
raincoats off. Now guys tend to be more informed. They may have been to places like Thailand and are more assured about what they like and what they want. However some still lack the social graces and still have trouble with social intercourse. Most would say they are straight and frankly most have straight manners.
stink I ask them to leave. Like wise I know many of our regulars do escorting but on Saturdays I expect them to network but not to go round bluntly harassing the guys for drinks, money. WayOut is a place for the girls to be together and to exercise their brains as well as their booty.
On the gay scene the first thing that amazed me is how easy it was to talk to everyone. Gay guys and girls can move through a crowd like a knife through butter – straight people bludgeon their way. They are often space invaders with no thought for anyone but themselves. In terms of “pulling” they think they know what is on offer and what they want and at the last moment they make their clumsy move. That’s if they haven’t been annoyingly pestering you all night long like a small boy playing knock down ginger. My rule at WayOut is that if a guy (or a girl or t-girl) has the social graces of Wayne Rooney that you come and tell me. After a word in their ear if I think their social skills
What would you like the people who go to The WayOut Club to take away from the club? I would like people to feel as euphoric as I feel. Every week the level of diversity astounds me and to see everyone excited by this, dancing together, talking together, amazed by each other, is the secret of WayOut that I hope people take with them to use in their life or at least come back soon to experience again, within our haven, where gender, sexuality and love has no boundaries. By Pippa Davenport Photos by Wickedangel
Forbidden Angels Magazine
41
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
Waking up with... ...Rose Garden
44 4 Forbidden Angels Magazine
I was due at Miss Garden’s home in West London at 11 am but arrived an hour early. On the buzz of the door bell the maid showed me into a beautiful lounge with plush sofas and lovely floral arrangements - all roses of course! I was offered refreshments, and given a magazine to read. The maid informed me that she had to go to the shops for food and run some errands - however, Rose had been informed that I was here. I waited for about 2 hours and then when she did not appear, I decided to take the bull by the horns and to knock on Miss Garden’s bedroom door. There was no answer. I tried again and there was still no response. By this time I was becoming quite concerned, so I opened her bedroom door and was shocked by what I saw lying on the bed. It was Miss Garden, but not as we know her. She was a complete mess. I mean, a trifle dishevelled. I was rather disconcerted, and ran down stairs to get her a strong coffee. After several mugs of black coffee and half a dozen slaps around the face she came to. OMG! ‘My public must never see me like this!’ she wails. ‘Of course not,’ I said reassuringly , but the photograph I had taken of her was just too good too to keep to myself! Tee hee! Wick-
ed I know, but as you can see, Rose Garden first thing in the morning is not a pretty sight... I had to wait another 3 hours for her to get ready as she told me she absolutely HAD to take one of her famous beauty baths. Her bathroom contained every conceivable beauty product. Creams and potions, make up, body scrubs, you name it, it was there. ‘To look as beautiful as I do takes time and money, dahling....’ Rose drawls languidly. I gasped as permission was given to see Rose in her bath of goat’s milk and honey. The bathroom was heavenly - beautifully white-tiled and with a gorgeous Jacuzzi bath in the corner. Which the little minx then turned on ‘to show me how the bubbles worked.’After taking about 50 pics, I was asked to leave while she rose from the perfumed water. A little later she appeared in a beautiful, clinging green evening dress,’ My everyday look when I’m at home, sugar. My maid cooks and cleans for me, so all I have to do is look pretty all day and sign autographs.’ In the lounge she showed me her
full length mirror. ‘I love this mirror,’ she says , when I look in it, it’s like a beautiful picture looking back at me...’ Just don’t look in it first thing in the morning I thought... ‘Fresh roses all around the house are an absolute MUST,’ she says. ‘My garden is full of roses..’ I was curious that while we had been conversing, I had noticed lots of young ladies taking gentlemen up to the upstairs rooms. Taking a deep breath, I asked her if she was running a knocking shop. The response was one of icy outrage...’How dare you! This is a respectable B&B and they are friends of my young ladies. I apologize humbly and ask Rose about her day. ‘I do spend a great deal of time on my bed,’ she purrs. ‘My bedroom is so me, all virgin white and dainty pink bedding..’ She then takes me by the hand and shows me her vast collection of shoes and her walk- in wardrobes bursting with gorgeous designer dresses. ‘With all the fan mail I have to answer, the lap top is a godsend,’ she says wearily, ‘I spend such a lot of time on my bed answering mail.’ As well as being hot property performing leading roles on the stage, she is in great demand in her modeling career. ‘I can’t keep up with invitations
Forbidden Angels Magazine
45
to events and openings,’ she sighs, and when I enquire what latest events required her unique brand of glamour and style, she tells me she’s due to open the latest state-of-the-art dog grooming parlour. ‘Honey, they want me so bad, they’ve offered me a lifetime’s free beauty treatments... (For you, or the dog? I thought but didn’t say...) Instead I play it safe and ask Rose if there’s a Mr. Garden. ‘Combining stardom with being a full time housewife is really not my thing at the moment. It’s certainly true that I constantly have men begging to marry me. But how would they be able to stop themselves from flying into jealous rages when other men pay me attention? It’s all so very difficult...’ Of course, if Mr. Right did come along, Rose will do a full bank reference check before anyone gets her up the aisle. She’d need to see that the will is all in order as well. I ask her about her feelings about prenuptial agreements, and her answer to that was yes, of course, she would have sex before marriage. On that note I felt it was time to leave. Rose told me she was due to attend a dinner and dance that evening at the local café. I took my final opportunity to grab a photo of her as she made her grand entrance. I suddenly feel exhausted. Being in the presence of legendary diva greatness is SO draining..
Rose can be seen all over the UK, but if you want to see her here, she will be appearing at Sordid Sundays at the Stag in Victoria, London every Sunday from the end of October.
Article and photos by Wickedangel
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
Transworld Highlights
Miss TV Scotland
Lick It Good!
The Miss T.V. Scotland Weekend is one of the very best events on the Tranny calendar, now in it’s 12th successful year it is also the only major event held in Scotland. Hosted by Loraine and Louise, who are thrilled that each year we have lots of new faces and many regular guests who return again and again. We’ll have cabaret, competitions, wonderful food and our fabulous DJ,Gladys Alcock to keep us dancing ‘til the wee small hours. The Scots are renowned for their warm welcome and if you’re coming on your own, possibly to your first event, we guarantee you’ll meet some lovely girls and have a fantastic time. We also encourage wives and girlfriends to come to the weekend to join in the fun and support their guys. The highlight of the weekend are our two competitions Miss TV Scotland for girls under 50 yrs and Ms Hide and Sleek for those glamorous ladies over 50. Miss TV Scotland weekend 22nd - 24th October. If you would like to find out more about the past and future events, and the fun to be had, feel free to visit our website on www.misstvscotland.co.uk by Barbara Bush
Lick
It
DebbsEssex@Lick is a great monthly club night in Walthamstow East London. For Tv’s,Ts’s and their admirers. On the 4th Friday of every month, the club opens its doors for Tgirls . With pole dancing and play rooms where you can have some fun, there are also changing facilities at the club and a shower. If you are driving you can park in one of the side roads just off, of the main road. The club entrance is small so you need to look out for it or you may drive past. But there is no mistaking the big red lips over the silver doors. To the entrance. Debbs Essex is a great hostess and DJ. She is really friendly and makes everybody feel welcome at the club, with her lovely long blond hair and great smile you warm to her straight away. It’s a great club to go to if its your first time dressing or as an admirer. People sit around drinking and chatting at one end of the club, while at the other end people dance on the dance floor. The main room is divided in to two parts a sit down area, with large leather sofa and a dance bar area. with dance floor and bar It has a great atmosphere where ever you are in the club and people are not afraid to talk to each other. The club has a party atmosphere down stairs and a cruise area on the upper floors. So there is no doubt about it, a visit to this club will cater for all taste. We stayed until the end. Would we go back? Absolutely! by Barbara Bush
HIV awareness HIV is still here, and so are Mild May In the 1980s and 1990s, the AIDS epidemic received huge amounts of attention internationally. Shocking public information campaigns were launched in many countries, zeros were seemingly being added almost overnight to the numbers living with the disease around the world, the issue was debated endlessly in the media. HIV was sensationally cast as the great ‘three-letter plague’ sent to wipe out half of the planet’s population. But as understanding of HIV grew and the macabre aura around it gradually dissipated, the attention of the world and its media found new causes celebres – global warming, the war on terror, and most recently the international financial crisis. HIV has drifted down the public agenda – millions in countries like our own believing it has simply gone away, it is no longer a problem worth talking about, or even that a cure has been found. But some bare and startling facts remain:
resource-limited settings. Originally founded in 1866 to tackle the cholera epidemic in London’s East End, Mildmay has been providing care for people living with HIV for more than 20 years. In 1988, we responded quickly to the escalating HIV and AIDS crisis, opening Europe’s first dedicated AIDS hospice in London, where Princess Diana famously shook hands with a patient at the height of the frenzy of fear around the illness. Diana’s visit to ‘the Mildmay’ is widely regarded as a defining moment in seeking to break down the stigma around AIDS in Britain. Mildmay International was soon called to extend its expertise to areas
·For every two people that begin antiretroviral therapy, there are five new infections ·More and more people are living with HIV and in need of vital life-preserving drugs, care, and a glimmer of hope ·For millions of people, all these things are in pitifully short supply Mildmay International and HIV Mildmay International is a British charity specialising in HIV and AIDS care, training and service development in the UK, sub-Saharan Africa and other 50 Forbidden Angels Magazine
We are also well aware that the world cannot treat its way out of this epidemic – for every two people that begin antiretroviral therapy, there are five new infections. That’s why Mildmay is determined to continue to use its clinical expertise to engage in effective biomedical ways to prevent the spread of HIV, particularly from mothers to their babies. With a reputation forged over 20 years as a pioneer in the field, we are also well-placed to influence the healthcare policies of governments, advocate for change and improvement in HIV treatment and care, and speak out for the rights of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. We believe people with HIV should be able to live life to their full potential. HIV in the UK Although the majority of those living with HIV are in other parts of the world, there is still a genuine problem right here in the UK.
·HIV continues to kill around 4,000 people every single day ·Every fifteen seconds another child becomes infected with HIV
research, analysis and evaluation of our work, Mildmay will be able to preempt changes in the HIV landscape of tomorrow.
of the world worst affected by HIV and AIDS. We now have programmes in countries across sub-Saharan Africa and also work in Eastern Europe. What we do today As our understanding of HIV has evolved, and as medication and survival rates have improved, Mildmay’s focus has adapted and responded to meet new needs. Here in the UK, as more and more people with HIV began to live longer, Mildmay quickly changed its focus from end of life care to specialised rehabilitation. Across its programmes, Mildmay is committed to staying one step ahead of the disease. Through an investment of resources and energy today into
There are an estimated 83,000 people living with HIV in this country, with more than 7,000 new diagnoses each year. A quarter of all those infected by HIV in the UK are unaware of their status. Every 70 minutes someone in the UK is newly infected with HIV. HIV is very much still here, and so are we. If you would like more information about Mildmay or if you would like to support us with a regular donation, a one off gift, as a volunteer or in any other way contact us on 0207 6136311, email helen.read@mildmay. org or visit our website www.mildmay.org Article and photo supllied by Mildmay
Paris hold the key to your heart
Paris is still seen as arguably the European destination of travel, and it’s easy to see why. From it’s classic rococo style buildings, to the Eiffel Tower to it’s art galleries, Paris is a cliché, but Paris has it all with style and panache. For the LGBT community socialising bars and clubs are in abundnance “ Two bars to recommend searching out are Le Palmier in Republique and Banana. Le Palmier is nice and great place to hang out with friends. Banana on the other hand is kind of crappy but good fun. As you would expect there are some amazing restaurants L’avenue - Avenue Montainge, Le Cafe De l’homme - Palais De Chaillot, L’entrecote - 17eme, Ozu - Cineaqua - not gy restaurants but deservedly worthy to be written about if fine dining is your thing. Club wise there is Obviously Queen which is gay, and Black Calvados, VIP Rooms, Rex although not gay, are definitely places to go for the decent music to dance to. The Eiffel Tower is most tourists first point of call. Built in 1889 as the entrance to the World Trade Fair, it was for many years the tallest building in 52 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Paris. Split into three sections, each tier has a grace and a wonder of it’s own, providing some of the best panoramic views of Paris. A word of warning for those with a slight fear of heights though, the elevator that takes you from tier two to three is small, and wobbly and has glass all the way around, making this particular tourist very nauseous, although the view from the top made up for it. Much has been made of the Louvre, Paris’s largest gallery. Aside from taking in the Mona Lisa (Small, and sumptuousness for the different techniques used for both the fore ground and the back ground.), if you are stuck for time and want to see something memorable, can I recommend the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman, and Napoleons’ living quarters. Two other Galleries are definitely worth mentioning. The Musée d’Orsay, and the Espace Dalí. The Musée d’Orsay is house in what used to be the Gare d’Orsay, and for me is one of the art galleries that simply should be on every tourists agenda. Home to many of the great Impressionsits work including, Renoir, Monet, Manet, rubens, Van-Goch, and with an audience access policy that guides and educates
without patronising the viewer, this is one of those galleries that literally takes your breath away with every corner you turn Espace Dalí up behind Mont Matre is worth a visit for those who are hard core Salvadore Dali fans. Housing some of his most famous works, and a lot of his later experimentation, it is entertaining and an eye opener into how the mind of a genius became trapped by his own success, struggling to come up with new original ideas and plagiarising himself for commerce in the later end of his life.
Notre Dame de Paris is perhaps one of the most famous catherdrals out side of Vatican City. Catholic Situated in the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, it’s gothic flying buutresses easily show how it has managed to inspire artists and authors alike. Building on it started in 1163 and was finally complete in 1345. Although the outside of the building is ornate and full of gothic gargoyles and christian saints and angels, the inside is incredibly simple, and a lot of people come away disappointed. However, I found this to be it’s redeeming feature, and only lends its elf to showing of the famous
round stained glass “Rose Window” . When I first visited Paris some 12 years ago I managed to visit when a public orchestral remembrance service to the late President Mitterrand was happening. If you manage to be in in Paris when a concert is on - can I heartily recommend you go for the experience, as the accoustics and ambience lends itself to an almost transidental experience. On the other side of town lies the The Sacré-Cœur Basilica of Montmartre.Built in the 1800’s it’s many design elements of the basilica symbolise nationalist themes: the portico, with its three arches, is adorned by two equestrian statues of French national saints Joan of Arc (1927) and King Saint Louis IX, both executed in bronze by Hippolyte Lefebvre; and the nineteen-ton Savoyarde bell (one of the world’s heaviest), cast in 1895 in Annecy, alludes to the annexation of Savoy in 1860. Just behind the Basilica lies the artists quarters famous for people having their portraits done. Word of advice here. Walk around and don’t commit to having your portrait done until you
fic circulating the island it’s on), you are struck by how wide and grand the road is. It manages to make London’s Oxford Street look like a small suburban high street.
find an artist’s style you like, and negotiate the price up front. Like most capital cities, shopping always centres high on the agend. I know it sounds a cliché, but the Champs Elysee is definitely the place tohead to. Managing to provide everything from designer label fashion and sports car shops to the commercial standardised shops you see on most European high streets. Bookended at one end by the Arc de Triumph (which feels like a death trap trying to get across to with it’s seven lanes of traf-
When it comes to finance, Paris is not the as expensive as you may think. Comparison wise it’s pretty much the same as visiting any capital city. Sure there are expensive places (Some café’s you can fork out the equivalent of six pounds sterling for a coffee and a cake), but a bit of exploration off the main roads and economical café’s and shopping can be found. Paris has an exceptional Metro service on the underground, but I have found that using that hides you from finding hidden gems. The whole tourist are actually covers quite a small area, and I have found it’s much more fun to set yourself a rule of not using public transport and walk. Believe me - it’s worth it. By Russell-Scott Emery and Johnny Sparkle. Forbidden Angels Magazine
53
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
C
arolyn Roper has become one of the worlds leading body paint artists. We caught up with her in her very busy schedule to find out why she is so passionate about this art form, and how she got started. How did you get into body painting? I took an HND in Specialist Hair and Make-up at West Thames College and one of the modules was body painting. I had always wanted to try it, and found I was actually quite good at it. I also visited the World Body Painting Festival in Austria and came back completely hooked. Once I graduated I set up my own freelance make-up and body art business and started building up my client base. At what point did you realise it could be pushed into art and not for fun?
I started getting work whilst I was still in college, so I’ve always worked at it, and never actually painted as a hobby. How much of what you do is commercial, and how much becomes a piece of art? The promotional work is always very commercial, but I’m lucky to have worked on some beautiful CD covers and fine art prints with Storm Thorgerson the creator of the Pink Floyd album covers. Who are your influences? I get a lot of my influences from the fantasy art world, I particularly love the work of Brian Froud. I also find the Art Deco and Art Nouveau era’s very beautiful and inspiring. You also paint on canvas - how does that differ from your body paint work? Painting on canvas is very different from painting on a body. With a canvas you can leave it for days and keeping coming back to it. Body art can take several hours but has to be
finished reasonably quickly. But, I get frustrated with canvas as I want to finish it as quickly as a body paint. Which do you prefer? Each type of work has it’s own qualities. Body art changes every time the model moves or the lighting or background changes. Canvas is a more permanent form of art, and obviously doesn’t need a model and photographer, so can be more spontaneous. Whats the most bizare piece you have done? One of the most bizarre pieces that I’ve done was at a lecture given by Storm Thorgerson. I had to paint a collection of eyes on a model’s back, live, whilst Storm gave his talk. I’ve also had to paint Pink Floyd images on coloured suits, which were then flown to the US and actually worn and photographed for a book cover. The body painting sketch on the Michael Ball show with Colin and Justin was also quite bizarre! When doing a male body paint, have any of the men ever got excited (If you catch my drift!) sorry crass question - but did make me giggle! Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
No male models have ever got excited whilst being painted. I think they are too self conscious, cold and damp! Who would you most like to paint, and how would you do them and why? I would love to paint Kylie as she is my idol and has the perfect body for painting. She also looks as if she would be a lot of fun. Whatever design I chose for her would have to have a lot of glitter! You were one of the exhibitors and South East London’s Unknown, and Indulgence exhibitons? What was that like taking on a themed project alongside other artists? It was good fun and interesting but I just concentrated on my own work. What’s in store for you next - you seem to be very busy? I’ve got lots of promotional work lined up along with some charity events. I’m also busy teaching, and looking forward to a return trip to the Face and Body Art Convention in Las Vegas in February 2011. For more on Carolyn’s work , please visit her web site www.getmadeup.com/ By Leaf Scott Photography by Ulf Scherling, William Beem, Reinhard Bichler, Bill Prentice, Storm Studios 4 Forbidden Angels Magazine
ART PREVIEW
W
hen you first meet Peter Jones, or his alter ego Rita Says, you realize that he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the avant-garde and that his work embraces the language of Dada and Arte Povera in equal measures. His Art and music performances have raised his profile over recent years, but he has now decided to return to A&D Gallery with a very short exhibition of sculpture, and one Gallery window performance. The sculptures are a progression from works shown in Jones’ previous exhibition at the gallery. Constructed from saw blades and knives, they add intimidation and danger to a purity of line. The cross-reference between the metallic edge and the organic shapes they create enhance the conflict that is inherent in the artist’s vision.
For Jones the work is a response to perceived alienation and gender & trans gender politics, For the viewer, the tension and fragile boundaries created by the sculpture convey a universal emotion that transcends any original motivation. When Jones had his first exhibition at A&D, the gallery staff were concerned that the concepts represented would be elitist and off putting to those not immersed in contemporary art. The opposite was true when the gallery drew visitors from all walks of life, each with their unique appreciation of the work on display. Far from undermining the gallery’s ethos of accessibility, the exhibition confirmed that the public is more than capable of using its own judgement. Rita Says; SEPARATE SPACE at the A&D Gallery, 51 Chiltern Street,London W1U 6LY from the 12TH-19TH October 2010 Entry Free
Forbidden Angels Magazine
5
FORBIDDEN MUST HAVES
cufflinks
As any discerning gay man, or well groomed dyke will tell you, a decent shirt should always have cuffs for cufflinks. Then they will complain that they can never find a cufflink that suits their personality. Well look no more. Connie Emery in Hong Kong sources reputable manufacturers with in the Asia Pacific Rim, to make unique bespoke designs in either bulk quantities for boutiques and online shops, or individual one of designs. She will be launching her web site shop soon, and we will keep you posted. In the mean time, if you need some cufflinks, contact her via email. www.conniecemery@gmail.com
58 Forbidden Angels Magazine
FORBIDDEN MUST HAVES
Forbidden Angels Magazine
59
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
Here it is then, Forbidden Angels first ever fashion shoot. With our tongue firmly in our cheek, and with party season literally around the corner now, we decided to trall through Brick Lane in East London, and see what fantastic retro looks we could find that ooze class, and still have that timeless classic look. It is with great pleaseure that we introduce the womens clothing of This Shop Rocks, and the mens clothing of Vintage Basement. Both shops can cater for all budgets, so even if you are counting the pennies and want to treat yourself to a classic vinatge look, with the very helpful staff - you can walk away with a complete look for not a big dent in your salary. Over the next few pages we show off both budget and designer vintage clothes starting with clothes from as little as ÂŁ8.00 to as much as ÂŁ200. 62 Forbidden Angels Magazine
This Shop Rocks 131 Brick Lane London E1 6SE +44 (0)20 7739 7667 thisshoprocks@hotmail.co.uk Vintage Basement 7 Cheshire Street London E2 6ED +44 (0) 20 7729 2908 vintagebasement@hotmail.co.uk
Lydia wears 1950’s Black Evening Satin and Tule dress £200. Pearls £10.00 Earings £5.00 Bracelett £5.00 Gold Handbag £15.00 Forbidden Angels Magazine
63
Pippa wears a pink 1930’s evening dress £200.00 Pink 1930’s evening jacket with fur trim £95.00 Pink feather Christian Dior Original Hat 1940 £400 64 Forbidden Angels Magazine
John (Middle left) wears Leather Jacket £40.00 Cotton White Shirt £10.00 Mens trousers £14.00 Cravat £8.00 Cap £14.00 Dean (Bottom right) wears White Polo Shirt £10.00 Trousers £15.00 Hat £12.00 Braces £10.00 Shoes £28.00 Forbidden Angels Magazine
65
Lydia wears A red 1940’s dress £200.00 Black Gathered Bag £20.00 Fur Stole £60.00 1940’s original hat £90.00 66 Forbidden Angels Magazine
John wears Tweed Jacket £20.00 Waistcoat £22.00 Shirt £10.00 Trousers £14.00 Cravat £8.00 Forbidden Angels Magazine
67
Pippa wears Floral 50’s Day Dress £165.00 1950’s Cream Fur Stole £70.00 White Evening Gloves £25.00 Floral Hat £45.00 Pearl Drop earings £110.00 68 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Lydia wears Pink Lace 1950’s Prom dress £145.00 Pink Evening Gloves £35.00 Floral Hat £120.00
David wears Waistcoat £10.00 Long sleeved white shirt £10.00 Trousers £15.00 Leather Tie £10.00 Cap £12.00 Mens range of boots £35.00 Forbidden Angels Magazine
69
Dean wears Tweed JacketIcelandic Cardigan £27.00 Double Breasted cardigan £24.00 Shirt £10.00 Trousers £15.00 Cravat £8.00 Hat £10.00 70 Forbidden Angels Magazine
David wears Mens trousers £15.00 Khaki Shirt £10.00 Braces £10.00 Leather Tie £10.00 Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
Christine wears A 1950’s Beaver Lamb coat £60.00 Purple Floral Hat - £80.00 1950’s black handbag £35.00 Photography by Wickedangel Make-up by Matthew Francis Hair by Mark Clare 72 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
74
N O D R HA
Photography by WICKEDANGEL
75
76
R E T OS
BO
Photography by WICKEDANGEL
77
76
N R E V A T L L A H X U A V L A Y RO
Photography by WICKEDANGEL
77
80
X I S O8
TW
Photography by WICKEDANGEL, TAMMY BRENTON, AND TWO8SIX CUSTOMERS
81
82
A O B K R N O I F P AISER RE
R T D N N E U C F Y RO T T I E R M CHA THE
ll as fu ght w , and i n e h ss. T a lush arene tin, Vanill g donatw a and Mar bein oney nd Chris rabs om. Adam m g r e o s a i f c o up 0 for rding enty. t to ra even Laura Ha where als icoatsapl d ÂŁ325.0 V I H t e t s s s w.pe prize was a inger ht rai night on. Plus s A host of k boa.ww k. The nig g n i ER. open co.u mies er pin . The nd Will Ja m BOOST ful design deve121. d e w aman eauti ly cro re fro Che a friend orn stars erno Fido nated a b t. www.ad a d o shoo and F sic an top p nty d at mu lebrities, ain Lopez ats-a-ple and photo e r g With scene ce Js Rom s. Pettico ke over a D e y of ga Also star business nated a m ndon. . d o L y n d h o e Juic people a Photography by WCKEDANGEL ervic wich Sout s g e n i ed b e Dress een r G n i v and E tro centre e M the
83
the WHITE SWAN
84
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
WAY OUT CLUB
86
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
THE
EVOLUTI OF I
n his first article for Forbidden Angels Magazine, Steve Daragh researched the history and deveoplment of the Vauxhall gay scene. Vauxhall sat across the Thames from the heart of the British establishment in Westminster is home to the throbbing heart of London’s latest gay village and polysexual clubbing hub. Whilst Soho has been cleaned up and represents the glitzy commercial side of London nightlife and with Earl’s Court a faded shadow of its former glory the last decade has seen Vauxhall go from strength to strength. This however is only the latest chapter in a story of debauchery and pleasure seeking that spans 350 years begin-
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
ning with the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens. First mentioned in Samuel Pepys diary in 1662 the Pleasure Gardens drew thousands of people of all classes from across London. They came to enjoy walks in the landscaped gardens, feasting, fireworks shows, music, dancing and “romantic” liaisons. One of the garden walks known as the Dark walk was a shaded overgrown area at the side of the gardens were sexual encounters frequently took place. These encounters were not always mutually sought as reported in the London Chronicle in 1759 when a ‘set of wild ruffians’ separated a woman from her daughters and treated them with the ‘greatest indecency.’ There are no records of it being used for gay encounters but as any gay man will tell you where there are bushes there will be gay men.
Magistrates soon put an end to the Dark Walk by demanding that it was lit at all times; something that today’s frequenters of open spaces for sex will be all to familiar with. The gardens closed in 1859 and all that remains today is the grassy knoll and park of Spring Gardens sat behind the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The Tavern was a Victorian Music Hall that during and after the war attracted servicemen and local gays with its female impersonator shows. The Tavern today is still home to drag shows as well as alternative club and artistic nights. Overt sexuality returned to Vauxhall with the Market Tavern situated next to the New Covent Garden Market. Its leather-clad clones oozing testosterone and pumping dance floor created a dark and cruisy atmosphere. There was even something for the ladies with an SM fetish night for wom-
ION FA SCENE en. The nineties dawned and the gay scene embraced all things house music; the out of hour’s license held by the Tavern thanks to its position next to the Covent Garden Market, made it a key part of the scene. The Vauxhall we know and love (and some hate) began to take shape in the mid-nineties with the launch of The Hoist. Situated in a railway arch under Vauxhall Station patrons were free to indulge there sexual preferences as long as they adhered to the dress code of rubber, leather, uniform. It is still going strong today attracting a slightly older crowd. The new millennium saw the Queen of the London fetish scene Suzie Krueger start her infamous night Hard-On at Crash which sits in the shadows of the behemoth that is the MI6 headquarters. Now based at Hidden nightclub on Tinworth Street the strict dress code, no holds barred
sexual philosophy and hardcore stage shows mean it is still going strong into the new decade. One common theme in Vauxhall sex based clubs is the strict requirement when it comes to what you wear and that the age range tends to be towards the older end of the spectrum. One club revolutionised this state of affairs in 2006 when Fitladz launched at Crash now Union. Aimed at ‘ladz that like ladz’ it was based on the prevailing street fashion of sports wear and scally lads. It aimed itself at the younger guys who might be scared of the heavy nature of the scene or not turned on by the fetishes. By providing a dance floor with separate dark rooms and private areas it is an unintimidating introduction to the sex scene but just as sexually charged as any other.
The scene continues to grow with the newly launched SizeQueen every Thursday at Union for ‘ladz with big cocks, ladz who like big cocks and everything in-between.’ Human beings have always been driven by sex and just as we are driven by sex so has Vauxhall’s growth been driven on the desire for sex. As the area continues it process of gentrification with not only the presence of the secret service but the soon to built American Embassy will Vauxhall’s future growth stem from the Establishment and will they make comfortable bedfellows with underground sex scene. Time will tell but for now the crowds will still flock to Vauxhall for debauchery and pleasure seeking. By Steve Daragh
Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
Twink of the month Will is hot property in the porn industry at the moment. He started when he was eighteen for Eurocreme, but has recently gone freelance and has appeared in over 100 films all over the world. He also proves that you can be intelligent and bucks the trend for using his noggin by acting, fashion modelling and stage management. Will is single lives in north London. To be in with a chance you will need a good personality and have to be fit. Will goes to the gym four to five times a week and his hobbies are boxing, football and jet skiing. which all help keep this him fit. Wei asked him where he see himself in the next five years, to which he replied “Some kind of business in the porn industry but I don’t know what yet.�
Angels Magazine 90 Forbidden Forbidden Angels Magazine
Will Jamieson
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71
I’m busiest when I’m travelling 92 Forbidden Angels Magazine
paul stagg meets
F
mike dreyden
rom real estate agent selling and renting property all over Brooklyn, Chelsea and the West Village New York, to gogo boy, from model to porn performer and adult industry entrepreneur, Mike Dreyden has become a star in a very short space of time. He has performed all over the globe including the infamous New York Black Party and the London Hustlaball.
and Michael Brandon (all of You’ve worked a lot recently whom have completed horny with Michael Lucas who is gointerviews for FA magazine !) ing through a very hot streak. What’s the hottest scene you How did you get into the adult have been involved with for Lucas Entertainment? industry? I got my start back in 2007 when the CEO of Knightstick Films asked me to be in their first production, All Out ASSault. I’d been thinking about getting into porn and this opportunity seemed to come at the right time. You are relatively new to the porn industry but have achieved so much in such a short time. Which studio would you most like to work for?
My scene with Wilfried Knight in Return to Fire Island is incredible, but my new project in front of the camera for Lucas Entertainment is a three-way piss scene with Alession Romero and Antonio Biaggi which will really make your white stuff hit the screen for sure. You’re also a hugely successful gay nightlife promoter, which night are you most proud of and what/where would be your dream club event?
Since starting out in 2007, I’ve In addition Mike has now add- worked with just about every Thanks. I was the host and ed porn director and producer major studio in the States and promoter of WOOF! at View Bar for almost a year. I was to his resume and we are sure continue to do so. also involved with a short-lived this is is only the beginning! You can see Mike in porn films You are based in New York. party called TIGHT. But my hotproduced by studios on both What is your favorite gay/ test night was “Mike Dreyden’s Booty Call”... a live sex show/ sides of the Atlantic most re- transgender club or bar? performance. Right now I’m focently becoming the cover There isn’t really a “trans” bar cused on my career in gay adult model for ‘Out With The Porn Stars’ for the European Studio in New York, or at least I don’t entertainment with projects in know of any but my favorite bar, front of and behind the camAlpha-male Media. hands down, is The Eagle. era. Mike is a very sexy, hairy Jewish guy with a great trick ass who lives in New York. Our porn editor Paul Stag recently caught up with him there to put your seedy and sleaziest porn questions to him whilst he was planning his next big circuit party event New York’s Hustlaball. Mike will be starring alongside Junior Stellano, Chi Chi Larue
What’s the one must-do when visiting New York?
You’re heavily involved with the HustlaBall circuit parties - who’s the best performer I tell everyone to visit the Stat- you’ve seen on stage? What ue of Liberty. It’s a MUST, es- would be your dream stage pecially if you’ve never been show? to the States or New York. It’s absolutely moving in a way you My work with Rentboy and their won’t expect. HustlaBall event is multi-faceted. I have performed, co-proForbidden Angels Magazine
93
duced and promoted the events in New York and London and I am the official red carpet host along with the legendary Robin Byrd. I’ve been asked again to co-produce as well as cast and emcee this year’s HBNY along with hosting the red carpet. It’s a huge undertaking for me and I am honored they wanted me to do it.
London and being interviewed about all the excitement and sex going on, not only on stage but behind the scenes. We then find Spanish Hunk Aitor Crash which turns into a hot fuck scene right in the middle of the interview. It’s my first time working with the gang at Alphamale and director Simon Booth. Which film or scene are you most proud of?
Tell us about your recent scene in Alphamale’s Out with the Pornstars? I’m very proud of all of my scenes. Each project has given Well, the story is about my first me the opportunity to showtime appearing at HustlaBall case my talents and work with
“we all deserve equal rights and protections under the law.”
the best in the industry. I last saw you on stage presenting at the GRABBY’s which is such a big night in the porn calendar. What was the highlight of your evening? The highlight for me at this year’s Grabby Awards was accepting awards on behalf of friends who couldn’t be there and more importantly, introducing the video clip Men of Israel for Lucas Entertainment which won several awards. Being Jewish it meant a lot to me to represent the project and my Israeli brothers who could not be there. Getting nominated is a great acknowledgment of one’s work. Winning an award of course is a great honour. I just want to continue to make great features that my fans enjoy and want more of. Should I get a nomination or win an award that would be the icing on the cake. Do you perform sex shows on stage and escort? As I mentioned, I was doing a live show here in New York, but that ended at the beginning of the spring. I do escort work. I’m busiest when I’m travelling outside New York. You can find me on Rentboy.com and while I’m in Berlin for HustlaBall. Do you get recognized in the street? All the time. Especially here in New York. In the beginning it was because of my go-go dancing around town and at events. But now it’s my work in porn and it happens a lot outside New York too. When I was
94 Forbidden Angels Magazine
in London, I got noticed on the street when I went sightseeing by myself... a bunch of fans from Berlin and London stopped me, asked for autographs and photos. It caused quite a scene. There were tourists starting to snap my photo and asking “Who is that”? It was hilarious! Would you like to comment on the current state of the porn industry, film budgets, model, wages, piracy etc? This is a volatile question Paul! WOW! Piracy is horrible! All of us in the industry work our asses off in front of and behind the camera. Our work is to be not only enjoyed by the fans but respected as well. Budgets are what they are. The entire planet is suffering through a tough economic climate. I’m sure once things start turning around, budgets and wages will increase. Do you have a partner? What does he/she think of your career? I’m single now, but I was in a relationship for a long while. He was my biggest fan, supporter, cheer leader and manager. He helped keep me in check, feet on the ground and always made sure I had everything I needed emotionally. Ironically enough, he’s actually now in the industry. I’d always thought he’d do his first film with me, but he’s making a name for himself on his own and I’m so proud of him. Maybe we’ll work together on screen sometime soon.
zy, but when I’m in the gym, I feel centred and able to reconnect with my inner self and body, especially with nude yoga and tai chi. I also enjoy art galleries, reading sci-fi, writing and maybe catching a play or two. You have starred in some very hot movies, what can we look forward to next? I have a few new movies coming out, the next one is In The Basement by Dragon Media... How did you get involved with the “No H8” campaign? the reason i got involved with the campaign is because i believe in their mission to help raise funds for the people fighting for our equal rights here in the US. for me its not so much as a religious issue but a legal one. lets say i was traveling and ended up in a terrible accident and the only person who could make decisions for me is my partner and he couldn’t or is not allowed to help save my life or even see me... why not have a legal right protecting us both? there’s a lot more to this issue for many of us. but, we all deserve equal rights and protections under the law. this is in part what our country was founded on as per our declaration of independence and our constitution.
What do you do to relax?
Where can fans see more of you or get hold of you?
I like to work out... sounds cra-
Right now my fans can find me
on Facebook... the main page and my fan page. They can also find me via my blog. My website will go live by the holidays, if not by the first of the new year...
By Paul Stag. Photos by, Vince Carletti, Adam Bouska and Raging Stallion Studios Forbidden Angels Magazine
95
If you want to treat your self to a special make over. He is your man. Taking on bespoke makeup design work he can create that non- typical look of what people imaging a make up to be. He first got hooked on tattoos when he was working a a dancer in Ibiza. He got drunk one night and went to a tattoo studio. Once there, he decided to have a daisy chain put on his arm. The tattoo artist told him to go home and come back the next day , when he was sober. He did and the next day he was back in the studio, where it just so happened that Kate Moss was also there with Meg Mathews, The girls decided the Matt should have a star done, which he did. The girls followed suit and they all got stars , and then they all went out and parted that night . Matt’s tattoos have all been done by different artist. He says he has no favourite artist. I ask if he has a favourite tat’ , to which he replies “It’s always the next one!” With most of his right side now covered. Matt is now planning on getting tattoos down the left side of his body next.
bit like plastic surgery.” I ask him how much he thinks he has spent for his tattoo art. “A lot” he says; “It runs in to thousands of pounds. But then if I bought a painting from a good artist it would cost a lot of money.” “I am like a walking work of art.” Is there any meaning to the work? “Yes the right arm is just pretty and pleasing on the eye, and the left arm is my thoughts and meanings. The emblem on my back has meaning as a part of my life.” Do guys get disappointed when you tell them what job you do as people do have pre conceptions about what tattooed men should be like? i venture to ask. “I do not want to be placed in a pigeon hole. I take people at face value and expect the same.” So what does the rest of 2010 hold for Matthew? “More tattoos, and some very exciting make-up projects are being lined up. - Check out my web site www.matthewfrancis.info if you’re interested in seeing some of my work.”
“It does become an obsession. A
Matthew poses with Kate Moss (Main Picture). On the razz with Kate and Meg Mathews(Above) Matthew (Left) 88 Forbidden Angels Magazine
By Wickedangel
Billy
Wicked Angels Calendar Models are fast becoming a great point of interest, in the magazine. With a list of very hot men on his books, Wicked Angel is set to please most peoples taste in men through the year. With super hot sexy hunks for the readers to drool and fantasize over. Our man for Mr. October, is Billy, a charming thirty eight year old man from northern France, who would look great on anyone’s arm. He is a single guy, and at the moment is out having fun. As far as dating Billy is open to offers , but he is also enjoying his freedom and is happy to see who comes along and quite happy not rush in to a relationship. The type of men Billy is attracted to are older muscle bears in their mid to late 40s. He is versatile and a great kisser, “That is very important. I’m most happy around older guys.” As you can see from the photographs he is a fit guy and is at the gym four to five days a week. He has a few hot tattoos on his body but has no feather plans for anymore. He lived in Paris before moving to London and has lived in the capital for eighteen years, but has no plans to return to his home land at the present time. He does make it back to France regularly to visit his family who he is very close to. with a large selection of friends. He says that family and friends are the most important thing in his life. This young man is certainly never lonely. He enjoys clubbing and can be seen out most weekends at places like Megawoof and Hardon to name but a few. Despite never having done any porn he has been approached before by film companies with offers. Billy is always busy with work and has two major projects in hand at the moment. One is a new clothing brand of Tee Shirts which we will be featuring in next mouths magazine, and the other is a new club event TTD. We
HUNK of the MONTH asked Billy to talk about TTD in his own words, and this is what he said. “T.T.D. LONDON sees the return of sophisticated and sexy clubbing, which the London Gay Scene has been starved of in recent years. Since the demise of the original “Tea Dance” concept, which was pioneered in the early years by DTPM and The Limelight, Sundays have experienced a void that has unsatisfyingly been left empty for far too long... T.T.D. is a not a new concept, it is a concept that has been forgotten. Gay men are smart, sophisticated and love to party, and drinking champagne and cocktails in luxurious surroundings is part of our psyche. Now is the time to bring back some of this unadulterated class and fun to the London gay clubbing scene. We have spent a great deal of time trying to find the right venue for T.T.D; one which offers a cutting edge clubbing space, top quality facilities, fair priced drinks and friendly professional staff. “Sound London” is one of the newest, most prestigious and exciting nightclubs in the UK. Set over three levels it is the epitome of cutting edge with the technology, furniture and a creative use of space you will not find anywhere in London. Clubbers are enthralled by panoramic views of Leicester Square, the West End and beyond, which are all reached by the new large passenger lifts or stairs. We will showcase the most talented internationally renowned DJs, while also giving new up and coming talent a platform to show what they can offer. The music will be programmed to specifically progress through the night, whilst being fresh and new, taking our customers on a true musical journey of discovery.” Sunday 3rd October 2010 4:00pm til Late @ Sound London, 1 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA £10 LIMITED Early Bird Tickets £12 Advance Q-Jump Tickets Photo and article by Wickedangel Forbidden Angels Magazine
89
cHE International Professional Model Performer and natasha storme
Mature T-girl in London Docklands E14 area im passive only withheld numbers /text messages will be ignored ring 0755-1616-026
HARRISON
+44 (0)7539 938 837. 22 Year Old Essex Boy Living in Zone 1 Central London UK
Porn Star, also Champion Competitive Body Builder ,let me fulfil your fantasy’s, available for Muscle Worship,Role Play and more , will be performing at the Berlin Hustler Berlin for the third year ,22nd October www.hustlerball.de/ . for bookings call +44 7760228018 or e-mail che1london@yahoo.co.uk Out Calls only
fit Mick.
Based in Ashton Under Lyne. I`m passive only. Telephone :07533872038. ÂŁ55 for half hour, or ÂŁ100 for an unrushed hour. SAFE only. I work out of an apartment with secure, discrete parking.
terry
Young escort wanting some real men. Sick of little boys and wants to give some guys a good load of cum Telephone: 07530 409 460 live in Tamworth, but can travel
GREG mitchell
Brit hung masculine lad and porn star. Telephone: 07808 226 702 www.gregmitchel.co.uk
Jack x
EDINBURGH ESCORT Hi! I’m a 22-year old, cheeky, intelligent and friendly escort.
Sexual massage, Including cock massage: £50/hour Full escort service (active): £120/hour
Duo service also available.
paul stag
Text me and I’ll call you back as soon as I can
‘On Duty - International Porn Star Ex-Military - Active - 6’1” - 46c x 32w, 10” x 7”, In/out/hotels - 24/7 - Paul 07957 420037
07985 980 732
nico james Young Hung Escort and Porn Star 07510 402 908. Email nicojamesx@live.co.uk www.escortnico.com
Al
LEATHER TOP TOUGH MUSCLED MASCULINE HUNG WELL EQUPIED SEX ROOM WITH SLING 07528 434 627
alekssandra 0771 998 7166 ‘Oalekssandra_it@yahoo.it http://www.alekssandra.com Beautiful Brazilian transexual pre-op in Central London for in calls and out calls... 24/7.. anytime
Debbie 07774 078 081 Debbi classy sexy convincing TS Escort and Mistress available to entertain in the comfort of my own private discreet North Manchester domain, i regularly visit London and can see dicerning gentlemen there also. I can be your TS Escort, or your Dominant TS Mistress. I am very experienced
CINDY TV ESCORT TV SOUTH LONDON Longer sessions negotiable.
07979 757 453
Normally Available in London SE4 Brockley/New Cross, two stops from London Bridge BR. Incalls Only - Safety first. And you Save yourself a Return Cab fair - you can just Hop on a Train. Business hours are between 12am - late. Mondays, Tuesdays and most Wednestdays till 6pm only. how to pay:www.tvcindyescort.co.uk
If you want to treat your self to a special make over. He is your man. Taking on bespoke makeup design work he can create that non- typical look of what people imaging a make up to be. He first got hooked on tattoos when he was working a a dancer in Ibiza. He got drunk one night and went to a tattoo studio. Once there, he decided to have a daisy chain put on his arm. The tattoo artist told him to go home and come back the next day , when he was sober. He did and the next day he was back in the studio, where it just so happened that Kate Moss was also there with Meg Mathews, The girls decided the Matt should have a star done, which he did. The girls followed suit and they all got stars , and then they all went out and parted that night . Matt’s tattoos have all been done by different artist. He says he has no favourite artist. I ask if he has a favourite tat’ , to which he replies “It’s always the next one!” With most of his right side now covered. Matt is now planning on getting tattoos down the left side of his body next.
bit like plastic surgery.” I ask him how much he thinks he has spent for his tattoo art. “A lot” he says; “It runs in to thousands of pounds. But then if I bought a painting from a good artist it would cost a lot of money.” “I am like a walking work of art.” Is there any meaning to the work? “Yes the right arm is just pretty and pleasing on the eye, and the left arm is my thoughts and meanings. The emblem on my back has meaning as a part of my life.” Do guys get disappointed when you tell them what job you do as people do have pre conceptions about what tattooed men should be like? i venture to ask. “I do not want to be placed in a pigeon hole. I take people at face value and expect the same.” So what does the rest of 2010 hold for Matthew? “More tattoos, and some very exciting make-up projects are being lined up. - Check out my web site www.matthewfrancis.info if you’re interested in seeing some of my work.”
“It does become an obsession. A
Matthew poses with Kate Moss (Main Picture). On the razz with Kate and Meg Mathews(Above) Matthew (Left) 102 Forbidden Angels Magazine
By Wickedangel
ESCORT of the MONTH
Che C
he caught our eye a while back, and graciously granted us an audience. On first meeting him he appears very unassuming and quite quiet, but once we started probing him with questions he soon opened up to reveal a fascinating life as both a professional bodybuilder, a bisexual escort and a single parent. How long have you been working as an escort? I’ve been working as an Escort for five years now , but been working in the business for far longer, as a professional model, working in fine art and Homo Erotica, and as a male stripper for women. Its seemed to be a progression. Looking hot is one of the criteria of course, but there is much more needed, such as the ability to be able to converse with who ever you are with. I don’t like the label client, as it seems to sound impersonal, as i have respect for every one who books me, male or female. To me every one who books me is special .
but started competing again about five years ago and came back with a vengeance. I represented my country in the European , World and Universe body Building Championships , In Athens and Southern Italy , and again this year won my British qualifiers. I think I’ve got enough trophy’s and medals to sink a ship!
When I first started competing back in the nineties, but found I was so over run with other work that I could not give 100%dedecation needed. Since I been single I’ve made time. Funny, where there a will, there’s away! For me the proudest moment was in Athens competing in the World Championships as for the fist time in my life i had became an international athlete. Walking on stage at the Peace and Friendship stadium was such a buzz.. I then went on to do the European and Universe Championships same year. Do you have a partner if so how long? I’m Single and have been for the last six years, as I’ve been married and have children. I never felt the need to jump into another relationship. I’m
Do you work certain hours, if so what would your day consist of? I like to take my booking’s in advance if possible. My day consists of waking up and preparing myself for my training get to the gym for my CV (Cardio Vascular), then breakfast and back for my weights. I always sort out my diary in advance, to make way for photo shoots, bookings and other important meeting on my agenda, then back to the gym later for more CV . As a Champion Competitive Body Builder, of course my training is important but I wouldn’t say it rules my life! It’s more like an important part of my life! I’ve been training for many years. My first competition was back in 1992. Then there was a short gap,
s u r e when the right person comes along, I might change my mind! Do you specialise in anything? Of course with my Body Building qualifications under my belt, I get ask to do a lot of muscle worship, as well as performing my routine. Talking about my experiences as a Forbidden Angels Magazine
103
If you want to treat your self to a special make over. He is your man. Taking on bespoke makeup design work he can create that non- typical look of what people imaging a make up to be. He first got hooked on tattoos when he was working a a dancer in Ibiza. He got drunk one night and went to a tattoo studio. Once there, he decided to have a daisy chain put on his arm. The tattoo artist told him to go home and come back the next day , when he was sober. He did and the next day he was back in the studio, where it just so happened that Kate Moss was also there with Meg Mathews, The girls decided the Matt should have a star done, which he did. The girls followed suit and they all got stars , and then they all went out and parted that night . Matt’s tattoos have all been done by different artist. He says he has no favourite artist. I ask if he has a favourite tat’ , to which he replies “It’s always the next one!” With most of his right side now covered. Matt is now planning on getting tattoos down the left side of his body next.
bit like plastic surgery.” I ask him how much he thinks he has spent for his tattoo art. “A lot” he says; “It runs in to thousands of pounds. But then if I bought a painting from a good artist it would cost a lot of money.” “I am like a walking work of art.” Is there any meaning to the work? “Yes the right arm is just pretty and pleasing on the eye, and the left arm is my thoughts and meanings. The emblem on my back has meaning as a part of my life.” Do guys get disappointed when you tell them what job you do as people do have pre conceptions about what tattooed men should be like? i venture to ask. “I do not want to be placed in a pigeon hole. I take people at face value and expect the same.” So what does the rest of 2010 hold for Matthew? “More tattoos, and some very exciting make-up projects are being lined up. - Check out my web site www.matthewfrancis.info if you’re interested in seeing some of my work.”
“It does become an obsession. A
Matthew poses with Kate Moss (Main Picture). On the razz with Kate and Meg Mathews(Above) Matthew (Left) 104 Forbidden Angels Magazine
By Wickedangel
ESCORT of the MONTH
Che
Champion Body Builder comes up a lot as most guys never get the chance to get up close and personal with someone of my size and calliper. Of course I do more than just that. I also specialise in role play and can adapt to any fantasy that I’m asked. Do you only work in the UK or do you go around the world? Of course I get the chance to travel the world! In fact where ever my booking takes me, Europe and the USA are always popular destinations for me. I class myself a total professional within my work, what ever it is, as a phonographic model performer, or in my film work. As well as porn, I’ve made several film documentaries. My last one was a lead up to one of my Body Building Competitions. My first film was when I was a teenager.
I count my blessing, as I had the opportunity to travel the world, go to the most beautiful places, and meet the most interesting people. From Monaco to Palm Springs, I’ve been there, but I’ve still kept my feet on the ground. I think being a single father taught me this! I respect any one from what ever back ground. To me my aim is to make who ever books me feel special . What type of things do you like to do when you are alone and able to be the real you? Well, the thing I like most of all, is spending time in art gallery’s. There’s so much pleasure and peace there. As a teenager I would hang with my friends from art collage where I did a bit of fashion design myself. This is where my love of art design and architecture started. I’ve also worked as a studio assistant which gave me the chance to travel the world setting up exhibitions. Of course I have other interest’s, but this for me has the chill factor. I still have a lot of friends who are artist. You have Modelled for Tom Bianchi and other famous photographers‘.
When you see you’re self in photographs taken by people like Tom. Do you feel special or that you are very fortunate too have such wonderful photographs taken. Ive worked with some of the most talented Photographer’s around , of course I feel flattered , but it has to work both ways, I know when I walk into a studio that there has to be some conection ,and understanding on the out come of the shoot ! I think im happiest in front of a camera , being a Champion Competitive body builder has given me the advantage of the fact, when youve been standing in your line up on stage, youve got to know your body and the best way to project it to the camera, I dont have to be directed, as it comes natural to me. “Hey guys im no Diva”, as my feet are firmly on the ground. I’m the
Guy next door and give respect . Working with Tom was a dream come true for me as, I had been an admirer of his work for many years. We worked hard, but there were rewards. I was taken to the best partys and met some great people including Michael Childer, at his exhibition. My work with Tom has lead to other work in the USA, and we will be working together again soon, we have remained good friends.
Article by wickedangel. Photos by Wickedangel, Fabrice, Tom Bianchi
2 Forbidden Angels Magazine
Forbidden Angels Magazine
3
Forbidden Angels Magazine
71