Robbie Williams: The Straight Pop Star Who Made Space for Queer Identity
By Chris Azzopardi
Photos: Paramount Pictures
I had already agreed to an interview with Robbie Williams before realizing he wasn’t queer at all. That’s on me. As a teenager who was fond of his anthemic ballad “Angel” and then saw him strip down to his briefs (and much less) in the “Rock DJ” video, I couldn’t help but hope he was.
Our pop idols have limited control over how we perceive them and their sexual identity (just ask Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles and even Taylor Swift), and in my wishful thinking as a gay kid growing up in the 1990s without much representation, I missed the part where Williams sued a British tabloid in 2005 for claiming he had a “secret gay lover” and performed a sex act on a man in a Manchester club bathroom. (The tabloid ultimately apologized and paid “substantial” damages to the pop star.)
Then I lost track of him for a while. Now, he’s the subject of an entire biopic, “Better Man,” where he’s portrayed by a CGI chimpanzee. Though human actors surround him in “The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey’s film, this animal version of Williams serves as a symbol of his complex feelings about fame, as he contemplates how he sees himself in a world that often dictates the roles we’re supposed to play. For a time, Williams became something he wasn’t for me.
Our idols can only control their narrative to a certain extent, and when I finally connected with him during our video call and realized only hours before while researching that he is, in fact, completely straight, I learned that Williams is the kind of guy who, even if he wasn’t the representation I once hoped for as a struggling gay teen, would be proud to have your back. “Look, if I fancied noshing some bloke off by the canal, I’d have noshed some bloke off by the canal,” he tells me, in response to my ask about the lawsuit, which he said he appreciated having the opportunity to respond to. “The visual of that, I am perfectly OK with; it was important for me to be me at the time. Just like it’s important for you to be you in every aspect and to be seen and to be heard.”
“I’m not disrespecting anybody or getting my handbag and going, ‘Heaven forbid that people think of this disgusting thing [about] me,’” he continues. If someone were to create an AI-imagined version of Williams engaged in a same-sex encounter (his exact words: “AI me doing it”), “I’ll watch it myself,” he says.
Williams’ honesty extends into “Better Man,” where we see a version of him that’s raw and vulnerable. It’s a portrayal grounded in his truth, not ours — or mine.
The film delves into the psychological toll of his fame and his constant struggle to escape the shadow of his father, Pete Conway, a beloved entertainer in the U.K. It’s a reminder that, for all his charisma, Williams is still just a man who grew up in a working-class town, trying to navigate a life that skyrocketed him to stardom in 1990 at just 16 years old, as the youngest member of the British boy band that would eventually become known as Take That. The film captures the group’s meteoric rise to fame, particularly within queer spaces. Williams recalls, “For the first 18 months, all we played were gay clubs.”
Williams quickly formed a deep connection with the queer community. When I ask him about his memories of performing at gay clubs while preparing for those scenes in “Better Man,” his laugh prompts me to delve further.
“OK, the laugh’s about this: It’s my first memory of being in a gay club when I’m 16,” he starts, amused by what he’s about to say but also acknowledging uncertainty about telling a story that “may not land.”
“I’m sat in a banquette in this part of the club where a curtain is pulled in front of it and it’s a makeshift dressing room. And I am sat by myself and there’s a man in the corner and he appears to
be masturbating. And I’m like, ‘Oh my god. What?’ And I’m sort of frozen and I’m thinking, ‘But what do I do in this? I’m cool. Just be cool.” And it turns out it was a stripper, and he was blowing his penis up for his performance. He wasn’t masturbating at all. And so that was sort of a memory flashback that I got.”
The film stops short of exploring that memory. Biographical movies, of course, often face limitations in delving into deeply personal stories. Williams offers “many different reasons” for this restraint. “Lots of them being that a lot of people are still alive and will sue me and I can’t prove it in a court of law that it actually happened,” he says.
But Williams’ childhood in Stoke-on-Trent, a city in Staffordshire, England, gets plenty of attention. He tells me it’s “considered the hood in modern parlance or thereabouts,” and recalls that “‘gay’ was a slur and something to be feared and ridiculed.”
Life took a dramatic turn for him at 15, after his audition led him to Take That. Soon thereafter, he found himself being admired by half-naked gay men in clubs, a stark contrast that he vividly described as transformative: “I went from being in a place where I used to wonder which shoes to put on by how much violence was going to be at the place that I was going to — steel toe cap boots if it was going to be really bad — and then, all of a sudden, I was in this place of acceptance and warmth and silliness.”
It’s a place that Williams, who is now 50, is familiar with, and since his teen rise, he has come to understand his place in gay culture even, as he says, “I don’t understand the queer lifestyle, I’m not of it.”
“But,” he goes on, “I understand that I am accepted there and I’m loved and I’m wanted and I am needed. And from that moment on I know what my response to and of it is, which is gratitude.”
From an early age, Williams says he latched onto the queer community’s sense of playfulness and lightheartedness. “I have been mainly inspired by Black culture and gay culture,” he says. “And they are two things that I am incredibly grateful for to this day.
“As British people, we’re camp. We put on dresses. We go to these theater shows where women play guys and guys play women. And the people that are on the TV as you’re growing up are camp and are warm and silly. I’ll go back to that word ‘silly’ that means so much to me: I take silly very seriously,” he says.
He speaks highly of the “warmth of people” like Larry Grayson, a popular British comedian and TV presenter who was rumored to be gay, but only hinted at it toward the end of his life. “No one had a clue that he was gay, but it’s just so obvious now,” Williams says.
“And Freddie Mercury, who is an angel, and every time I see him represented on screen and in documentaries I just am gobsmacked of his very presence and his very being,” he adds. “And then, of course, you’ve got Elton. Boy George changed the world with one appearance on ‘Top of the Pops,’ which is our TV show. So you are surrounded and also influenced and informed — well, I was anyway, of how to act, how behave, and how to be gentle and warm and arch.”
During our interview, it became clear that Williams holds a deep respect for the LGBTQ+ community, offering insights that go beyond surface-level understanding. His connection to the queer community extends beyond performing at gay clubs; he actively seeks to understand the people who’ve been following him for decades.
“I suppose that there is a certain set of self-examination that has to be done because it’s forced upon you, that people in the
straight community aren’t forced to do,” he says. “So I’m sure that that self-examination elevates you to a place that people wouldn’t normally have to have had done because you are forced to. There’s an elevation in thought because of the process that you’ve had to go through.”
He likens his journey of being understood by the public to mine, as a gay man, and says that the rumors surrounding him stem from his desire for his true self to be represented accurately and authentically. “I am bothered about being authentic, and so are you. You are bothered about being authentically you in a world that has told you you can’t be you. The world was telling me I couldn’t be me. And it was really important for me to say, ‘No, I’m going to be me and I’m going to be me 100%.’”
In 2013, the rumors he debunked were met with a quote from Williams, as expressed to The Daily Star, that acknowledged that he was “49 percent homosexual,” a remark that led The Guardian to criticize his reliance on stereotypes.
“I love musical theater and a lot of the other things that are often associated with gays. I am 49 percent homosexual and sometimes as far as 50 percent. However, that would imply that I enjoy having a particular sort of fun, which I don’t,” he said at the time.
And recently, while speaking to journalist Michael Cragg at The Guardian, Williams explained his reasoning for challenging the gay rumors made by a British tabloid via a lawsuit: “I was more sad. Not about gay accusations because look, I’ve done everything but suck a cock. Honestly, you’ve never met somebody that wants to be gay as much as me.”
“I was maligned, belittled, disrespected, hated, followed, harangued, phone-tapped,” he shares with me about his experiences with the British tabloids. “People on the payroll being told to give rumors about me, tell them where I was, people who were in the credit card companies. And my only way of representing myself at the time was to do a book, and the book would say everything about who I was. So I released this book as a way of going, ‘If you hate me, at least hate me for the right reasons.’”
“The same week that comes out,” he continues, “there’s a story in a newspaper about how I sucked some bloke’s dick by a canal. And now the only thing about that was I’d gone to great pains to tell everybody who I was, and here was this story saying I’m actually not telling people who I am and what I was. And that, not the fact that I’m by a canal on my knees, noshing off some bloke, I’m not bothered; the thing that pained me was, yet again, I’m telling my truth and I’m exposing myself so much, but there’s this thing representing me that isn’t true.”
However Williams chooses to identify, it’s clear he might not have been the man I thought he was when I was a teenager desperate for queer representation, but he is, at least, the first to admit that the truth, messy and imperfect as it may be, is the only thing that matters. And in a world that often demands we fit into predefined boxes, his journey is a reminder that we’re all just trying to be seen for who we truly are — no matter who that is.
Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.
Cheers to Plant MediCine
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Soberish, located in Atlanta’s Kirkwood neighborhood, is redefining the way we think about happy hour. As a premier non-alcoholic bottle shop and cannabis boutique, Soberish offers a selection of non-alcoholic spirits, wines, aperitifs, and premium cannabis products—many from women-owned brands. In this Q&A, we sit down with the founder and owner, Mehrnush Saadat, to explore the inspiration behind Soberish, the benefits of their product selection, and how they’re creating a space that caters to every taste and preference.
Mehrnush, please explain to us the concept of the newly opened Soberish in Kirkwood.
Soberish is a non-alcoholic bottle shop and cannabis boutique that is “Redefining Happy Hour” and emerging as a cornerstone for the growing ‘sober curious’ and alternative wellness movement. Founded in August, Soberish was inspired by my personal journey using holistic wellness products, herbal remedies, adaptogens, nootropics, CBD and THC, to manage her health issues. With Soberish, I sought to create an educational space aimed at supporting healthier lifestyles, destigmatizing cannabis use as it relates to wellness and promoting an understanding of adaptogens that help support the body’s stress responses. Soberish is all about offering alternatives to alcohol that don’t sacrifice flavor or the social experience. We’ve created a space where people can enjoy mocktails, THC, or CBD-infused beverages, and a wide assortment of gummies, tinctures, and other products that can provide relaxation or social enjoyment. It’s a welcoming environment for those who are looking to reduce or eliminate alcohol from their lives but still want to partake in social occasions, unwind with something refreshing, or find ways to better support their already stressful lives.
This may be a silly question, but how is this legal in Georgia?
It’s not a silly question at all and we get asked this question every day! The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp (hemp still comes from the cannabis plant) federally, allowing its cultivation, sale, and consumption across the U.S. In Georgia, hempderived CBD and THC products are legal as long as they comply with state regulations and federal guidelines. Our products are carefully sourced from the best makers around the country and formulated to ensure they meet these legal standards, so customers can feel confident when shopping with us that the products are safe, well tested, and consistent.
What are the benefits of choosing THC and CBDinfused non-alcoholic products from Soberish over conventional alcoholic beverages?
The first benefit is that you get the relaxing, moodlifting effects of THC or the calming properties of CBD without the hangover and negative effects of alcohol. Choosing THC and CBD-infused non-alcoholic products from Soberish over traditional alcoholic beverages comes with several advantages. Recent advisories from the U.S. Surgeon General have shed light on the fact that alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing various cancers, such as liver, breast, and throat cancers. By opting for non-alcoholic alternatives, you can significantly reduce these risks. Additionally, CBD is known for its potential
health benefits, including reducing anxiety, promoting relaxation, and offering antiinflammatory properties.
Incorporating CBDinfused drinks into your lifestyle can contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing. Moreover, steering clear of alcohol helps you avoid the numerous health issues associated with its consumption, like liver disease, cognitive decline and generalized anxiety. By choosing functional and adaptogen rich products, you’re not just making a healthier choice— you’re also exploring the potential benefits of these compounds in a responsible and enjoyable way.
So, if I’m doing dry January, is this a good option for me?
Absolutely! Soberish is a perfect option for anyone doing dry January, damp January or simply looking to moderate their alcohol consumption. Our products provide a flavorful, enjoyable alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages, and you can still feel the relaxation and joy of socializing without any of the downsides of alcohol.
Soberish has so much more than non-alcoholic beverages – what else do you carry in the store? We carry a variety of wellness-focused products, from Rose LA CBD gummies, Apothekary wellness tinctures to CBD skin care and even beautiful glassware and barware. Our goal is to offer a holistic but complete boutique shopping experience designed to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being. We’re always looking for ways to expand our selection with the best from around the world and support our customers’ wellness journey.
If someone is unfamiliar with THC-infused products, what would your advice to them be?
Start slow and be mindful of how your body reacts. THC affects everyone differently, so it’s important to try small amounts, especially if it’s your first time. We always recommend reading product labels and our team is happy to guide you through your options to ensure you’re choosing something that fits your needs. Patience is key and remember that the experience can be very different from alcohol, so
give yourself time to adjust and start small! The most common mistake we hear is “I didn’t feel anything so I took another one...” We all know how that goes!
Anything else you would like to add? I’d just like to say that Soberish is here to provide choices in a safe, and welcoming space for those looking to explore non-alcoholic, adaptogen, or THC/CBD-infused options. Whether you’re sober-
curious, looking to cut back on alcohol, or just seeking something new to try, we’re here to help you find what works best for you. Thank you for supporting us, and we look forward to seeing you at Soberish soon! For more information and to keep up with all things Soberish, visit besoberish.com and follow along on Instagram.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Set Your Winter Mood
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
As winter settles in, it’s easy to feel like hibernation mode is the only option. Short days, chilly weather, and a desire to stay cozy indoors can leave even the most active among us feeling sluggish. But winter doesn’t have to mean shutting down your energy or joy! For the LGBTQ+ community, winter is the perfect time to embrace togetherness, creativity, and self-care to thrive in the colder months. Here’s how to set your winter mood and make the most of the season.
Let the Light In
Natural light is a powerful mood booster, but with shorter days, it can be harder to come by. Make a habit of spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or grabbing your morning coffee to-go. If that’s not an option, consider investing in a light therapy lamp, which can mimic sunlight and help fight seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Pro Tip: Arrange your workspace near a window or open your blinds fully during the day to invite as much sunlight in as possible.
Dress for the Season—Fabulously
One of the joys of winter is the chance to layer up in bold, cozy, and stylish outfits. Think big scarves, chic boots, and fabulous coats that make stepping out a pleasure. Layers aren’t just practical—they’re an opportunity to express your personality while staying warm.
Don’t forget to accessorize! Adding a pop of color or some glittery flair to your winter look can lift your spirits, even on the greyest days.
Stay Active, Stay Warm
Exercise is a natural energy booster, but cold weather can make it tough to stick to your routine. Switch things up with activities that embrace the season, like ice skating, winter hikes, or even yoga by the fire. If you prefer staying indoors, online workout classes can keep you moving without stepping out into the cold.
Pro Tip: Invite a friend or partner to join you. Staying active with a buddy makes it more fun and adds accountability.
Create a Cozy Haven
Transform your home into a sanctuary that feels warm, inviting, and uniquely you. Invest in soft throws, ambient lighting, and candles in scents like cinnamon or pine. Dedicate a space for relaxation—whether it’s a reading nook or a spot to binge your favorite shows.
This is also a great time to indulge in some creative DIY projects. Decorate your space for the holidays, make your own scented candles, or try your hand at baking. Channeling your energy into creativity can be both productive and joyful.
Feed Your Body and Soul
Cold weather calls for comforting, hearty meals, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice nutrition. Focus on recipes that are both nourishing and satisfying, like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. Spice things up with bold flavors to awaken your taste buds. And don’t forget your favorite winter beverages! Non-alcoholic mulled wine, spiked hot cocoa, or a festive mocktail can keep you warm while creating that cozy, celebratory vibe.
Build Community and Connection
Winter can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Make plans to connect with friends, chosen family, or your LGBTQ+ community. Host a game night, potluck, or even a virtual gathering if the weather keeps you apart. Take advantage of local events, from drag brunches to winter markets, to get out and about. Shared experiences not only keep the blues away but also create memories that will warm your heart long after the season ends.
Celebrate Yourself
Winter is a great time to reflect on what makes you shine. Set aside time for self-care, whether it’s a spa night at home, journaling, or starting a new creative project. Above all, embrace the season for what it is: a time to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the magic of the moment. By finding joy in the small things—like a cup of tea, a snowy walk, or a heartfelt conversation—you’ll discover that winter can be just as energizing and lifeaffirming as any other time of year.
NEW ONLINE CALENDAR
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
MY SISTER’S ROOM mysistersroom.com 66 12th St NE
X MIDTOWN xmidtown.com 990 Piedmont Ave NE
THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
HERETIC hereticatlanta.com 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road
BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
MARQUETTE 868 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
840ATL 840 Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW
ANSLEY
A
ATLANTA EAGLE 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
MIXX mixxatlanta.com 1492 Piedmont Ave NE
OSCAR’S oscarsatlanta.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
WOOFS woofsatlanta.com 494 Plasters Ave NE
TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
EAST ATLANTA, GRANT PARK & EDGEWOOD
MARY’S marysatlanta.com 1287 Glenwood Ave SE
SISTER LOUISA’S CHURCH sisterlouisaschurch. com 466 Edgewood Ave SE
DINING MIDTOWN
CASA ALMENARA 991 Piedmont Ave NE casa-almenara.com
OLIVE BISTRO olivebistro.com 1050 Juniper St NE #4
LA HACIENDA lahaciendamidtown. com 900 Monroe Dr NE
TUK TUK THAI FOOD LOFT TUKTUKATL.COM 1745 Peachtree Rd NW
DEKALB
LIPS ATLANTA atldragshow.com 3011 Buford Hwy NE
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com
1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS
MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS
urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com 2201 Faulkner Rd NE
RETAIL
MIDTOWN
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
SPAS/BATHS ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page. Want to join in on the b*tch session? Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.
A crush is just lack of the right information.
I’m gonna work on being less condescending (condescending means to talk down to people).
I want to cancel my subscription to 2025. I’ve done the 7-day free trial, and I’m definitely not interested.
Iʼm not about to be in anyoneʼs business. My own business is already too much for me.
Life has never given me lemons. It has given me anger issues, anxiety, and a serious dislike for stupid people.
When I donate my body to science, they’ll be like wow, I do not want this.
Do you ever hear someone breathe and think shut the f*ck up?!
I know my passport is just si ing in my drawer confused asf. Soon li le one, soon!
