Nemo’s Big Year
By Chris Azzopardi
Photos: Ella Metler
When Eurovision Song Contest 2024, the high-camp international singing competition, crowned Nemo as its winner earlier this year, it signified more than a musical triumph — it was a groundbreaking moment for representation. Since then, the nonbinary artist, celebrated for their theatrical performances and unapologetic authenticity, has become a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility.
Switzerland’s winning entry, “The Code,” cowritten by Nemo, marked the country’s first victory since «Ne partez pas sans moi» by Celine Dion in 1988. It also made history as the first winning song by a nonbinary artist in the contest’s history. Imagine an opera-rave fusion, as Nemo’s vocals reach beyond the ceiling and tip over into rap. On the chorus, they sing, “I went to hell and back to find myself on track; I broke the code. Like ammonites, I just gave it some time; now I found paradise.” In October, the artist followed up with “Eurostar,” a high-energy club banger.
But Nemo’s impact goes beyond music; they’ve boldly and directly challenged Swiss leadership to recognize a third gender option, advocating for change not just for themselves but for countless others seeking acknowledgment and equality. As we look ahead to 2025, these critical conversations about identity and representation are sure to resonate far beyond Switzerland, sparking dialogue across the globe, including here in the U.S.
On stage and during our video interview, Nemo radiates warmth and a perky spirit — even at 9 a.m., a time they confess is “usually my wake-up time, not my interview time.” From L.A., where they recently attended a dreamy Malibu wedding and were partaking in songwriting sessions, Nemo opened up about what their Eurovision win means — not just for their career, but for so many who find inspiration in their story.
I owe you congratulations, Nemo! How cool is it that you get to represent not just the LGBTQ+ community, but specifically the nonbinary community?
I feel like this is what I really fed off of. During the whole competition, I think my number-one drive was knowing how much visibility matters: getting messages from all over the world — or all over Europe mainly, but also a few from the U.S. — during the process and how it started a conversation in [someone’s] family, or how they finally had the courage to come out or they realized something about themselves during Eurovision. Not just because of me, but because of queer representation this year in general. And it continues to be a huge honor to just get
to be myself in public and know that people are watching, and young people are watching — people that need to have representation to look up to, because when I grew up, I didn’t have any nonbinary people in media or wherever to look up to and feel represented by.
It just is such a wonderful time and a special year, and not just with Eurovision. I feel like there’s all these artists that are openly queer and are making amazing music or amazing art and people really feel that, and I feel like it really matters. So knowing that I can be a little part of that has been one of the biggest honors of my life.
People like David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Mika may not be nonbinary, but obviously they all challenged gender norms in some ways. Were you drawn to artists like them, and who are some of the artists you’re proud to stand alongside now?
For me growing up, it was definitely Mika. I think I felt very at home in his music, but also just in his personality in this world he’s built. I’ve always felt drawn to people like that. Also, Freddie Mercury from Queen. I used to listen to a lot of Queen and I never really knew or understood why, but I think I always felt drawn to these types of personalities in music and art.
You can’t really pin it down, but it makes sense in retrospect. And nowadays, people I really look up to right now... I mean, one of the biggest inspirations for me personally is Chappell Roan. She has such a wonderful universe, but also personality and music; she’s such a great connector in the queer music scene, but also just connecting worlds and opening up the field to so many more people. I think there are always super important people in the course of history, people that can really build bridges in a way. I feel really inspired by her a lot at the moment. You mention both Mika and Chappell Roan creating artistic universes. Take me back to when you were young and musical and doing that for yourself.
I think in a lot of ways I was always drawn to worlds that weren’t the world I was living in. I was always drawn to theater and opera, and I was in youth opera when I was from nine to 13 or so, and we prepared one opera a year. I love to just dive into certain worlds. As a kid, I felt very drawn to that. One of the biggest fascinations was actually “The Magic Flute” by Mozart, and I was obsessed with the “Queen of the Night” [aria].
And now you are the queen of the night. Literally. That’s the coolest part about “The Code” — a part of the “Queen of the Night” made it into “The Code.” And I feel like it’s the realest thing, because I used to annoy everyone around me singing this song the whole day. I can hit the high notes. I never thought about it that way, but I
was always fascinated and drawn into alternate universes. That’s also why I ended up making music, because I think that was when I realized this is the place I can literally create whatever I want to. And I think that’s still what drives me with making music. Nowadays it’s building worlds and building universes.
I love that. I think your victory sends a powerful message, especially considering Switzerland’s rejection of a third gender option. How do you feel your win impacts this perspective on representation in your country?
I think there’s been a few things that have happened. The first thing that happened was it just took this conversation to a much broader level in my country. The story was suddenly so big that people that didn’t want to talk about it couldn’t ignore it anymore. That was certainly something that it did and continues to do now that Eurovision is going to be in Switzerland again. I think when it happens, there’s going to definitely be the question of, so how much has actually changed in this year? How have things progressed? Did they progress at all?
It happened a few months before the Eurovision finale, when I was already announced as the artist to go to Eurovision. I was getting ready for an interview and I was in this makeup chair at the television [station], and then suddenly I see the Swiss president, one of the Swiss presidents coming in, and he’s getting ready for his interview, as well, and getting his makeup done. We get our makeup done in very different ways. On me, there’s a little bit of powder.
No nails?
No nails. But we started talking and it was really cute. And then, he left. He asked for a picture and left. That night I was like, oh, wait, maybe I should talk to him about the third gender entry option on Swiss passports and IDs.
And I just sent him an Instagram message like, “Hey, would you want to maybe get some coffee and talk about this?” And then I get an Instagram message back: “The Swiss president doesn’t answer Instagram, but we can certainly make a meeting happen.” It was one of his assistants, but then things got really crazy with Eurovision and fast-forward, I’m at the press conference. They asked me, “What’s the first thing you’re going to do when you get back to Switzerland?” I was like, “Well, I’m probably going to meet the Swiss president for coffee to talk to him about the third gender option on passports.”
And obviously I wasn’t exactly aware of how much impact just that one sentence would have, because I wasn’t aware that this moment had become so huge. But that became a national headline. Actually, I met him a month later with the lovely people of the Transgender Network
Switzerland, and we talked about various options and things, but not just the third gender entry on passports, but also just safety and visibility for nonbinary people in general, trans people in Switzerland, and it was a really good conversation.
And we just actually texted again for an update in the next couple of months because I really want to know what actually has changed. Switzerland is obviously like a slow democratic country in the way that everything is direct. We have direct democracy, so things tend to take time because every decision can be challenged in a way. People can propose their own laws. If you get 100,000 signatures, you can propose a law and then the nation decides if this law is worth putting in place or not, but also you can challenge it. Overall, as I said, how can we increase security and visibility and build bridges? And I think that’s equally as important for nonbinary and trans people in Switzerland. So I’m excited to meet Mr. [Beat] Jans again and talk to him.
You’re touring Europe next year. Can we expect to see you in the U.S.? I would love to. I would love to come to the U.S. I think a good way to start for me in the U.S. would be to do a support tour somewhere with someone. I think that’d be a great way to get to know the country musically and get to know what touring feels like here, but definitely next year I’ll play in the U.S. in some way.
Your shows must just be like an operatic rave. Actually, I think that’s a great image. It’s just me singing “Queen of the Night,” 90 minutes straight.
What’s the timeline for your full debut album? It’s in the works. I booked a lot of studio time in January and February, so that’s when I want to finish the album and round it all off. But at the same time, I don’t want to have the pressure of saying it has to be absolutely done. But then I really want to make something that I’m super happy and excited about. And I think just good music takes time and I’m working on making my album the best thing I can possibly create. And so I want to be very gentle with that part of myself and just make sure I’m really happy with the result before committing to a release schedule. But definitely sometime next year.
I imagine it’s a lot of pressure. The debut is a defining moment. It initially defines your sound and who you are. Definitely. I feel like an album is such a nice way to capture a moment in time of your life and it feels like this very extensive journal entry.
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.
Michael Miguel Is Ready to Go-Go
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Multi-talented artist Michael Miguel is jumping into 2025 with full force: he plays the lead role in Here TV’s series “Go Go,” which aired its second season mid-December, and at the same time, he released his new EP “Gemini Season Part One.” We got a chance to catch up with the actor, singer, dancer, and songwriter to talk about it all.
So you have ended 2024 and started 2025 red hot with a new season of “Go Go” on Here TV and the release of your new EP. How did you get involved in acting and singing?
I started this career professionally before Covid. My first audition for anything was Footloose the Musical, and I ended up getting the lead. After that, I began writing about 30 songs, and I went to Los Angeles, and I got my first song produced. I released it on my own, and that song is called “Boys and Barbies,” and it ended up being in a feature-length film called “Regarding Us,” which premiered last summer. I had a small role in the film as well. Then I got involved with the TV series “Go Go” on the queer network Here TV. My character’s name is Franky; he is a Go-Go Dancer, and his dream is to be a famous singer, but to make ends meet in New York, he ends up dancing. What he doesn’t realize is the rest of the Go-Go dancers are part of a sex-trafficking ring, and he basically gets drugged, framed, and blackmailed into joining this crew of sex workers. I just finished filming the second season. Both seasons are available to stream, and the last episode aired on Friday. Along with that, I just released my EP, “Gemini Season Part One,” which is also featured in season 2 of “Go Go”.
How do you have time for it all?
his life without warning or closure. And I just so happened to also be grieving the loss of the love of my life earlier this year. But what I’ve noticed is that I normally don’t allow myself to feel that much pain. But by acting as Franky, I allowed myself to feel the full amount of that pain. And it was so rewarding as I felt a huge dark cloud begin to lift. For that, I’ll always be grateful to this career path, the director, and the crew who made me feel so safe to be that vulnerable.
Turning to your music: you have released music before –when did you get into singing?
Haha, honestly, I have no idea how, but we made it work. It also did not feel forced… it felt organic. I wasn’t planning on making or dropping an EP. Honestly, I was going through grief after losing the love of my life the year prior. I was just in the
I wanted to be a performer since I was probably able to walk or crawl. I was around two years old when my parents realized that I loved to sing, but because I grew up Jehovah’s Witness, I wasn’t really allowed to pursue this as a career; it was frowned upon, and so it was; it’s been a journey. It has been a very big journey because after I got kicked out, I still had that mentality and kind of grooming of thinking that this was not even possible, even after I was no longer tied to the religion and even those family ties, I still felt kind of trapped in that, and it wasn’t until I sang at a piano bar with a friend of mine in front of people that I realized that this is something that I can do and that I will do, and I did, and that was when I decided to audition on my own for Footloose, and the rest is history. I have achieved so much in such a small amount of time, and that doesn’t take away from all the hard work that’s gone into everything. It’s not for the glitz and glamour, but it’s for the others, you know, that little queer kid that feels so isolated, so alone, and thinks that this kind of life, this kind of way of thinking, and being is not possible, it is.
Tell us about the inspiration for “Gemini Season Part One.” I answered this in the last question, haha, but I am happy to have also dived into my own psyche of being a Gemini and compartmentalizing two versions of myself. So, with this first part, I honor my New York and American roots.
studio helping produce another artist named Tayla Rees when I felt inspired to write again and sing once more. And the rest is history, haha.
You seem deeply immersed in your character on “Go Go” – what was your biggest challenge or the hardest scene to shoot this season?
Honestly, my character’s life mirrors a lot of my own life. But the hardest scene to film was also the most therapeutic for me, as it was the scene where Franky was crying in the shower. He himself continues to experience people leaving
When can we expect a part two? Are you working on it already?
Part two will be more about Miguel. The adult, the one who has fully embraced his Colombian and Puerto Rican roots. His Latin roots. He’s also sunnier, more playful, joyous. I’m excited for you guys to hear that. And yes, we have started writing and recording the second part of this project already! I’m very excited.
Tell us where we can find you on social media?
You can find me on Instagram, Twitter(X), Tik Tok, @ akamichaelmiguel
Anything else you would like to add?
I would just like to express my gratitude for this interview and to everyone who’s supported my journey. I’m beyond grateful and proud to be a queer man of color who is lucky to be doing what he loves and hopefully inspiring others to do the same.
Read the full, unabridged interview online at DavidAtlanta.com.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
10 Health Strategies to Kickstart 2025
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
The new year is a fresh opportunity to prioritize your well-being—mind, body, and soul. The LGBTQ+ community’s health extends beyond standard diet and exercise advice. It involves fostering balance, fostering self-care, and addressing specific needs like sexual health and mental well-being. Here are 10 actionable strategies to make 2025 your healthiest year yet.
1. Make Regular Check-Ups a Priority
Your annual health check-ups are non-negotiable. Schedule a visit with your doctor to discuss everything from blood pressure to cholesterol. LGBTQ+-friendly clinics can provide a judgment-free space to discuss your specific health concerns, including hormone therapy, mental health, or preventive care.
2. Stay on Top of Sexual Health
Protecting your sexual health is a must. Get tested for STIs regularly based on your level of sexual activity, and discuss PrEP with your doctor if it’s right for you. Remember, condoms and dental dams are essential tools for protection.
3. Build a Fitness Routine You Love
The gym isn’t for everyone, but moving your body is vital. Whether it’s dancing, hiking, yoga, or a group class, find activities that energize you. Regular exercise boosts your mood, strengthens your body, and supports long-term health.
4. Focus on Mental Health
The start of a new year is a great time to check in with your mental health. Therapy, support groups, or even journaling can help you process emotions and reduce stress. Find LGBTQ+ counselors or groups who understand your unique experiences.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is often overlooked but crucial for overall health. Create a bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to improve focus, mood, and energy levels.
6. Embrace Healthy Eating—Without Guilt
Nutrition doesn’t have to mean deprivation. Start by incorporating more whole foods into your meals, like fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. But also allow room for indulgences—food is meant to be enjoyed!
7. Foster Connection and Community
Loneliness can impact mental and physical health. Make an effort to connect with friends, chosen family, or LGBTQ+ groups. Building strong relationships offers emotional support and a sense of belonging.
8. Quit Unhealthy Habits
If you’ve been meaning to quit smoking, excessive drinking, or other habits that don’t serve you, now is the time. Seek support groups or resources specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ individuals to help you succeed.
9. Stay Educated About Sexual and Gender-Specific Health Needs
Our community often faces unique health disparities, from increased risks of certain cancers to barriers accessing care. Advocate for yourself by learning about screenings and services relevant to your identity, such as prostate exams, breast cancer screenings, or hormone therapy updates.
10. Practice Radical Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Make time for what makes you feel good, whether it’s taking a bubble bath, exploring creative outlets, or binge-watching your favorite LGBTQ+ series. Celebrate the small wins, and remember to love yourself fiercely.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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
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THE T modeltatlanta.com 465 Boulevard SE
CHESHIRE
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BJ ROOSTERS bjroosters.com 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road NE
WESTSIDE
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FELIX’S 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
THE HIDEAWAY 1544 Piedmont Ave NE
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TRIPPS fb: tripps-bar 1931 Piedmont Cir NE
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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
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1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS
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BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
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Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
By Mikkel Hyldebrandt
An Evening of High Stakes and Elegance
On January 25, AID Atlanta invites you to enjoy a night of fundraising in the spirit of Monte Carlo meets Moulin Rouge. The Casino de Monte Carlo party will not only be a significant fundraising event for AID Atlanta, but it will give guests an experience of oldschool glamour, gambling, and entertainment like none other. We spoke to Jon Santos, Director of Development at AID Atlanta, about what to expect at the Casino de Monte Carlo.
AID Atlanta has always been great at creating and hosting fundraising events – but this one is different! Can you tell us a little bit about the background for the Casino de Monte Carlo event?
This dressy, sultry, and sophisticated cocktail party will feature exciting casino gaming experiences with professional operators running tables for craps, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines. Guests will use casino chips, which can be traded for raffle entries to win incredible prizes, including trips, Blue Ridge Cabin Stays, and an Atlanta Staycation. Guests will enjoy signature cocktails crafted by Tito’s Vodka and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Affairs to Remember. Cabaret-style performances will entertain
throughout the evening, featuring singers, dancers, and magicians.
How did you come up with the idea for the swanky casino and nightclub theme?
We looked around the community to see what might be fun that isn’t currently happening. Casinos, gambling is fun. I see a mixture of the opening sequence of Sister Act, Casino Royale, 50 Shades of Grey, and Shirley Bassey’s Cover of “Get The Party Started” as part of our inspiration.
What can people expect at this event? Will there be gambling?
As you know, gambling with real money is
illegal in Georgia, and while we will have professional gaming operators, craps, roulette, blackjack and slot machines with real ‘play,’ we will use funny money. At the end of the event, money can be turned into raffle prize entries.
Events like this raise necessary and vital funds for your programs. Can you elaborate a little bit on how the money raised will be spent?
Special fundraising events tend to be the most visible in our development program, and at AID Atlanta, our special fundraising events exist to help fund our prevention and care programs and services like our Free HIV and STI Testing and Treatment Program, Men Engagement Network (MEN), Sisters With A Voice (SWAV), and Emergency Assistance fund that helps those in the most dire need.
What if you can’t make it to the event? How can we support AID Atlanta otherwise?
Visiting www.aidatlanta.org/donatenow/ is the easiest way to give. Our friends may include the program or service they wish to support by leaving information in the ‘comments’ box. Supporting our life-saving work is instrumental to our continued efforts. With HIV Testing costing $25, and STI Testing running around $70, those programs are in constant need of funding.
Let’s return to the event – how do you get to attend? And will there be a dress code?
The link to purchase tickets online is www.
aidatlanta.org/casino/. Pit Boss Host Admissions are $175 per person, and Player General Admission is $100 per guest. Captaining a table is absolutely welcome and encouraged.
Guests will enjoy signature cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres by Affairs to Remember. Cabaret-style performances will entertain throughout the evening, featuring singers, dancers, and magicians.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We invite you to please join us. The evening will be fun; we will raise funds to help fund our agency. Thank you for your years of generous support – AID Atlanta is by and of our community.
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.
If you think money doesn’t bring or buy happiness, please just transfer it to my account.
Nowadays, I get all my exercise from pushing my luck, jumping to conclusions, and running my mouth.
“The older you get, the more conservative you get” –yeah, if youʼre a little b*tch!
One thing about 3pm: she is the end of the day.
I guess he’s cute and easygoing but in a really intense and stressful kinda way.
Since some of you are confused: Lose – you lost something. Loose –your coochie.
After 30, you can’t eat Taco Bell and have sex in the same day.
Animals are so crazy. How is your mom just one year older than you?
