GNI Mag Issue 12

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A

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CREDITS

Shout outs to those brilliant people who made it happen.

Pictured above: A: Tony Webster - Fashion Editor B: Trudy Scrumptious - Kitsch Bitch C: Greg McCaw - Dating D: Gemma Hutton - Her World E: Scott De BuitlĂŠir - Seriously Tho F: Beth Evans - Writer/Sub-Editor G: Jordan & Diona - Comedy H: Lee Austin - Homes/Interiors In house: Publisher: Lamb Promotions Ltd Published: Bi-Monthly Editor: Tony Day Sub Editor / Writer: Beth Evans Sales Director: Fred Scott Fashion: Tony Webster (BigBad Llama) Scene Photography: Paul McMahon, Piaras Smyth, & Tony Webster Sales: Eamann MacManais & Gary Campion & David Newman Additional Writers: Review - Conleth Kane

Get The Look - Lewis Cameron Feature: SJ Wilson Fashion Credits: Models: Ruta Minekyte, Bridie Magee and Amarildo Mendez.

Makeup: Chloe Flemming Stylist: Orla Eastwood Photographer: BIGBAD LLAMMA All clothes available at: www.klothclothing.com Special thanks to: Adam Rickitt, Ian Toner, Queens of Pop, and Glenn Gordon.

Socials: Website: www.gnimag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/gnimag Twitter: @gnimag Instagram: @gnimag Advertising Sales: Eamann MacManais

eamann@lambpromotions.com Gary Campion gary@lambpromotions.com David Newman david@lambpromotions.com Publisher Contact: Lamb Promotions Ltd 145 Holywood Road Belfast, BT4 1PQ Tel: +44 (0) 28 9065 4314 Email: tony@lambpromotions.com Web: www.lambpromotions.com Subscribe to GNI for free: www.gnimag.com

EDITOR

Get over the Post-Pride blues...

Well that’s Dublin and Belfast Pride Festivals over for another year. So it’s back to normality for us all while the committees of both those festvials get to work on planning for next year.

In this issue of GNI we chat to The Queens Of Pop about their recent visit to Belfast, Adam Rickitt talks about the Big Reunion Tour and Ian Toner tells us about his role in Punk Rock in the Lyric Theatre. Tony Webster is back with another amazing fashion spread to give you all inspiration for what’s left of the summer.

We’ve been along to Belfast’s newest club on the Scene so you can have a read about what we thought. This issue welcomes a new columninst for GNI; Blast 106 DJ SJ Wilson gives us a straight guy’s point of view on a gay topic - this time he gives us his thoughts on “gay” marriage.

All the regulars you know and love are back too: Gemma Hutton, Jordan & Diona, Conleth, and of course Kitsch Bitch.

Read on and enjoy.

Tony

GNI - GOSCAR AWARD WINNERS 2013 & 2014

All submissions to GNI are made on the basis of permission to publish the submission in GNI and its licensed editions worldwide. In the case of a picture selection, the editor’s decision ins final. Any material sent is at the owners risk and although every care is taken neither Lamb Promotions or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. We take great care to make sure all elements of GNI are accurate. However we accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes that appear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to following any advice offered in this publication.

Lamb Promotions Ltd 2014

ROUND UP

A look back at the world since our last issue.

BRITISH CONSULATES GREENLIGHT GAY MARRIAGE

MARRIED GAY PRIEST BANNED FROM DIOCESE

PASTOR REINSTATED

On 3rd June, the ‘Consular Marriage and Marriages under Foreign Law Order 2014’ came into force, allowing gay Britons living in 24 foreign countries to get married in British Consulates. Openly gay labour MP and former Foreign Minister, Chris Bryant, said he hoped the move would be “celebrated” in countries such as Russia, where gay people face discrimination and persecution on a daily basis. Same-sex marriages can now take place in the British Consulates of Australia, Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Japan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, and Vietnam.

Jeremy Pember ton, a gay clergyman from Lincoln, married his par tner Laurence Cunnington in April 2014, against the Church of England’s wishes.

Pember ton was subsequently banned from working as a priest in his diocese.

Acting Bishop for Southwell and Nottingham, The Rt Reverend Richard Inwood, commented that “it would not be appropriate conduct for someone in holy orders to enter into a same-sex marriage, given the need for clergy to model the Church’s teaching in their lives. In view of this I have spoken to Jeremy Pember ton and subsequently written to him to tell him his permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham has been revoked.”

In 2007, Revered Frank Schaefer officiated at his gay son’s wedding in Iona, Pennsylvania. The Union Methodist Pastor was first suspended and then defrocked during a church trial last November after he refused to promise that he would not preside over any fur ther gay weddings. In June 2014 Mr Schaefer, who has four children (three of whom are gay) appealed the decision in front of a nine-person panel. The appeal panel found that the original jury had been mistaken in defrocking the Pastor, and ruled that the initial 30-day ban was sufficient punishment. Schaefer told The New York Times, “One day we will celebrate the fact that we have moved beyond this horrible chapter in our church’s life”.

3rd June

22nd June

25th June

FIRST GAY MARRIAGE IN A CONSULATE

‘CAKE WARS’

THE THORPEDO COMES OUT

The first same-sex marriage ever to take place in a Consulate was between Peter Fraser and Gordon Stevenson in the British Consulate in Sydney on 27th June.

Although the Australian government refused to validate the union, the newlyweds, who are dual British-Australian citizens, were delighted to be able to marry 19 years after getting engaged: “We’re delighted we can now marry even if it is not under Australian law. We would like to get recognition for generations to come that we shared our lives together.”

Following the ceremony, Mr Fraser told his new husband, “I have had 19 years of love and suppor t together with you as my par tner – I hope we have many years together with you as my lawfully wedded husband.”

Belfast-based Ashers Bakery could face legal action after refusing to make a cake depicting the Sesame Street characters Bert and Ernie, and including the slogan ‘Support Gay Marriage’. The Bakery’s general manager, Daniel McArthur, said, “The directors and myself looked at it and considered it and thought that this order was at odds with our beliefs. It certainly was at odds with what the Bible teaches, and on the following Monday we rang the customer to let him know that we couldn’t take his order.” Openly gay Alliance Cllr Andrew Muir, who revealed that the cake was intended for an event to mark the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, has backed the decision to take legal action against the bakery, affirming that “businesses should not be able to pick and choose who they serve.”

Ian Thorpe, a five-time Olympic gold medallist, came out as gay in an interview with Sir Michael Parkinson in July.

The champion swimmer admitted that he has been in denial about his sexuality for years because par t of him “didn’t know if Australia wanted its champion to be gay”. In reply to Parkinson’s question, “You’ve always said that you’re not gay. Is all of that true?” Thorpe said, “I’m not straight. And this is only something that very recently - in the past two weeks - I’ve been comfor table telling the closest people around me exactly that.”

During the exlcusive interview, Thorpe also discussed his battle with depression, stating that, “I’m a tremendously successful athlete – I should be having the time of my life and I’m not. So I kept it to myself.”

27th June

7th July

12th July

GAY KISS STEALS THE SHOW

ANTI-GAY MP APPOINTS GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST

UGANDA: ANTI-GAY LAW SCRAPPED

During the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, actor and singer John Barrowman grabbed the nearest guy and planted a big kiss on his lips, for all to see. The kiss was widely heralded as an off-the-cuff snub directed at the 42 par ticipating countries that still criminalise homosexuality in some way. The openly gay ‘Doctor Who’ actor kissed his male “bride” at a mock Gretna Green during the ceremony in Celtic Park in Glasgow. It has since been revealed that the kiss was not a spontaneous political statement, as some people perceived it to be, but that it was written into the script. Nonetheless, the intended message remains the same.

Nicky Morgan became the new Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities in July. The Loughborough MP, who voted against same-sex marriage, has since appointed Luke Tyrl as her special advisor. Tyrl, the former head of Education at Stonewall, who cites same-sex marriage as a major equality issue for LGBT people, was hired to suppor t Morgan in her new role. Many viewed the move as an attempt by Morgan to dismiss claims that her opposition to same-sex marriage made her an inappropriate choice for the role of Equalities Minister. It is understood that Tyrl will work with the minister across both the education and equalities briefs.

The strict anti-gay laws that were passed in Uganda in February of this year have been annulled by the country’s Constitutional Cour t. Although homosexual acts were illegal before the bill came into force, the new law allowed for life imprisonment for “aggravated homosexuality” and prohibited the “promotion of homosexuality”. On 1st August the presiding judge at the Constitutional Cour t ruled that the legislation was ‘null and void’, as there were not enough lawmakers present to legally implement the law. Repor ts have since come through that President Museveni is urging parliamentarians to consider international relations before reintroducing the controversial anti-gay law.

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July

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KITSCH BITCH

Sharp-tongued answers to your problems.

Dear KB, I’ve always been really shy. I’m in my early 30’s now and I’m as shy as I was when I was a kid. I’m worried people think I’m odd and creepy. Is there a cure? How do I build up my confidence?

DJ, Belfast Aaaahh babes don’t worry bout it some people are really into odd and creepy, but they usually end up in a ditch!!! As I always say fake it till you make it!!

Hi Kitsch Bitch.

There’s a guy in work who has been really strange with me ever since he found out that I’m gay. We used to get on really well and now he barely makes eye contact. I can’t work out if he just feels slightly uncomfortable or if there’s something else going on there.

Any ideas?

Stew, Coleraine Hey Stew, maybe he likes you and was just waiting on you confirming you’re gay and now that you have it’s too much pressure for him!

Maybe he loves you Stew!! Kiss him Stew!! KISS HIM!! Oh wait actually he might just be a homophobe!!

Oh wise one, After watching some of the World Cup I’ve decided I want to date and eventually marry a professional footballer (for obvious reasons). Do HABs (Husbands and Boyfriends) exist, and how do I become one?

Ben, Dublin Well Ben no matter if you’re a footballer or his boyfriend, it always comes down to ball play! So practice practice practice! Once he knows you have something in common it’ll be a perfect match!!!

Hi Kitsch Bitch, Does it ever get easier to come out?! I started a new job last week and I’m dreading doing the whole coming out thing all over again!

Abbey, Newry Unfor tunately it doesn’t get easier, but I’d suggest a big reveal like in a shiny suit from a glitter wardrobe and some showgirls!! Then they’ll really get the message!

Hello Kitsch, My boyfriend has recently started getting very vocal while we are being ‘intimate’. It’s starting to really put me off – he rants about really boring, everyday things. The other night he went on and on about redecorating the kitchen… I don’t think I can go on like this.

Anon Oh how ghastly! Sex should be in the kitchen not talking about it!! If he keeps it up just put in your own sexy words!! For example instead of “we need to redo the kitchen!!”

You reply “Let’s do it in the sexy kitchen!”

Hello Kitsch BITCH! I live with my boyfriend and although we have two bathrooms, he insists on using mine to dye his hair, shave, and use the loo. He’s not the cleanest of people and he keeps leaving nasty skid marks on the bowl. I don’t want to embarrass him and I don’t want to start a fight but I WANT MY BATHROOM BACK! Paul, Derry SKID MARKS !?!?!?! IM DONE!!!

ADAM RICKITT Corrie, “that” Breathe Again video and The Big Reunion.

Hello Adam. How are you?

Recovering… it was a messy weekend!

You started your career very early, as a child model.

What do you remember from that chapter of your life?

Just a huge hunger… I had no idea how to get into showbiz so took up the modelling as a way to earn some money.

When I wasn’t strutting around in underwear at shoots I just remember doing everything and anything I could to get me in that firing line.

Most people know you as Nick from Corrie, a character you played on and off for years. Did it feel like you were being reunited with an old friend when you returned to the Street, and what’s it like seeing Nick being played by someone else?

No matter what you do in life, people will never forget that you were on that show, and to be honest I’m fine with it. It was such an amazing experience for me, and opened so many doors so I’ll always be grateful.

They did actually ask me to go back in again, but I couldn’t as I was contracted to another show in NZ, so although it’s a bit

candidates. Is politics still a long-term goal of yours?

It could well be. It’s not that I have dreams of becoming some front bench career politician… it’s just that I know I am lucky. I had a family that loved me and worked bloody hard to bring me up without want, I have a career that challenges me and inspires me, and I have found the love of my life.

I’ve always felt that if fate deals you a good hand, rather than sitting back and gloating, you owe it to pay it forward, and that’s what I’d like to do.

weird seeing someone else playing you, at the same time I wish the guy all the best. I just hope he gets to stop once in a while and remember to enjoy it!

Tell us about that kiss! What was it like to film? Did you expect such a huge media response?

To be honest it was fine… it was the first scene of the day - so bloody early - so we just cracked on with it. You knew straightaway it was different though as mid-way through filming the Producer came down to set to feed in his thoughts.

Honestly, I thought it was all a bit of a storm in a teacup. Yes it was good that in Todd, Corrie finally had a gay character, but I was actually a bit pissed that they then went on to try and make it as controversial as possible. It was front page of the The Sun for God’s sake.

I kind of believe if you make an issue of something… it stays that way, and for me whether someone is straight or gay shouldn’t matter. Sexuality shouldn’t be the definition of someone, who they are as a person should.

In 2006 you made it onto an ‘A-list’ of potential Conservative parliamentary

Do you ever watch your music videos back and cringe a tiny bit? .... ‘I Breathe Again’ Nope… I’m having selective amnesia about them!

“I was actually a bit pissed that they went on to try and make it as controversial as possible.”

What’s it like behind the scenes on The Big Reunion?

Just stupidly good fun. I never had some grand illusion of trying to relaunch a pop career, it’s not who I am or what I want to do…so for me it was a chance to just put to bed some of the demons that arose first time around, and instead enjoy what is at some point every kid’s dream.

Basically you have a gang of grown men and women looking for nothing more than to enjoy

themselves as much as possible, and share that excitement with an audience. The liver takes a bashing but it’s totally wor th it!

What was the hardest thing about returning to music?

There’s been nothing hard about it… that’s the point. It was just a chance to make new friends and basically act like a teenager again.

Saying that I do have to kick the boy’s arses every so often. I’m silly punctual so got appointed band organizer which has been somewhat testing with their apparent inability to read a watch!

Most artists go solo after being part of a group for a long time… You’ve done it the other way around!

That’s the only reason I did the show. If they’d been asking me or the others to take par t as a solo ar tist I would have 100% said no. In fact when they told me about the band I still refused to sign the contract until we met as a band for the first time.

To me this whole thing was about enjoying myself, and I knew I would as a par t of a band, but only if it was real and we all got on. So off we went for a first night out… and I phoned the producer the next day and agreed.

The Big Reunion Tour is coming to Belfast in December.

Have you been to Belfast before? What are you expecting from the gig?

Loads of times! Absolutely love it there! A few years ago I did some work with a producer called Micky Modelle so got to stay for quite a while, and have also been there a few times with theatre and such.

The main thing is that I know

the audience there will be up for it!

You’re certainly no stranger to getting your kit off!

You’ve been completely starkers in more than one magazine over the years.

Have you ever been nervous about getting naked in front of the cameras?

Hand on hear t… every single time I do it! It’s not something I ever par ticularly want to have to do, but when your boss says, “we need you to do this” you do it!

I’m not naïve - I know it helps, so I’ll just have to make sure I’m still rocking the six pack when I’m 80.

How much do you have to work out to maintain that torso?

It’s about 1 and half hours every day. And I mean EVERY DAY! What most people don’t know is that it’s not a choice spurned by vanity but by necessity. Since I was 17 I’ve suffered from a spinal disorder called Ankylosing Spondylitis for which the only cure, at least for me, is diet and exercise.

Without it I would be truly up the creek, so every day I’m there putting in the work and whatever physique it brings about is really just a side effect of having to make the effor t.

Would you like to give a shout-out to your gay fans?

Shout! Wouldn’t be here without you… so thank you!

What are your current and future plans?

Do you know what, it’s a really exciting time right now. I doubt I’ll let anyone down by saying singing probably isn’t going to be

“I’ll just have to make sure I’m rocking the six pack when I’m 80.”

a career move for me! But that’s not to say I won’t be involved in music… I’m actually in talks with some National radio stations at the moment about some DJ work.

Also I’ve got some acting projects brewing away, but for me it’s more about finding gigs that challenge you, so I’m in talks with some TV production companies at the moment about a couple of possible new shows they’re making for me which will see me more as a presenter.

They’re very different to what people might be expecting, but I like that!

Our family has always loved animals.

When I was growing up we always had a dog and other animals about – we still do now – and they’ve always been treated just like one of the family.

At the moment we have an array of animals including: lizards, parrots, rabbits, chickens, pigs, our three Shih-Tzus, a Great Dane and a Leonberger Mountain Dog - so any dog that we mind fits right in and they all have a great time together!

Why did we become Pet Sitters? We became involved in pet-sitting because we needed our dog Harley minded after many disappointing kennel visits.

We thought Home Boarding was such a good idea and we knew it would be good to get involved. We have had a

lots of exercise and is well loved by all the family while they are in our care. So you will have no worries when you have to go away on business, on holiday or if an emergency pops up and you need someone to look after your pet. lot of fun with the dogs that come to stay – and the rest is history almost 8 years later!! It is definitely the only way family pets should be looked after when their owners have to go away for a shor t or long period.

All the dogs are given the home comfor ts that they are used to. You can see this for yourself when you come to visit before the pet-sit begins. We have found that the dog owners keep returning because their pet is so happy and content at home with us.

We make sure that your pet is given

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Ian Toner plays Bennett Francis in the Lyric Theatre production, Punk Rock, which runs from 10th August 6th September 2014.

Hello Ian. How are you?

I’m good thanks. Enjoying Belfast.

How long have you been acting?

I graduated from acting school last year, and made my professional stage debut at the star t of this year in The Gate in Dublin. I did youth theatre growing up and when I went to UCD (University College Dublin) to study English I spent most of my time there hanging out in the Drama Society. But I first acted in a play when I was five. I played a grizzly bear. There’s a picture of it at home. I’m wearing a fake fur coat and I look a bit sad. Perhaps because I wanted a bigger par t. I can’t be sure.

Are you strictly a theatre actor or do you do any other forms of acting?

I’ll very happily do TV, film or theatre, as long as it’s good work. When you’re a young actor star ting out you don’t really have the luxury of choice and have to appreciate that getting any job is a miracle. As long as you can believe in it, that’s the impor tant thing.

Do you have any nifty tricks that help you to learn your lines?

I wish I did. I try to read the script about a hundred times. They tend to sink in.

Not to get too pretentious about it but the hard par t about acting isn’t remembering what your character is supposed to say, it’s figuring out why they’re saying it.

IAN TONER Talks about playing the school bully.

What’s the best thing about your life?

Doing your hobby for a living is a pretty incredible privilege. They tell you in drama school that playing is central to acting, and creativity in general. Just play, be a big kid. That’s what I do for a job. That’s amazing.

Tell us about Punk Rock…

Punk Rock takes place in the Upper Sixth Form Library of a fee-paying grammar school in Stockpor t, near Manchester. It follows seven 17 year olds as they prepare for their mock A-level exams. The exam pressure, parental pressure, societal pressure combined with sexual tension and bullying create this atmosphere

like a melting pot, where everything that’s bubbling under the surface eventually erupts. It is an exciting, energetic, visceral piece of theatre. Simon Stephens is one of the best and most impor tant writers in Britain today. It’s the kind of theatre I’d love to see more of in Ireland, and it’s incredibly exciting that the Lyric are staging the Irish premiere.

What issues does the play aim to address?

It’s an exploration of contemporary adolescence and all the stress, violence, sexuality, awkwardness and embarrassment that goes with it. It looks at where that all comes from and where it all goes, how different people cope with it.

Relevant to anyone who ever was, or is currently, a teenager.

Do you think pre-exam stress is something that most teenagers feel, and is there enough being done to address and/or assuage the pressure felt by young students?

Being a teenager is almost unbearably difficult. I think dealing with periods of intense stress requires, amongst other things, a very strong sense of self. For most teenagers that sense of identity is not yet fully formed. So to have all that going on while being told that if you fail so and so exam it will have repercussions for the rest of your life- I’m surprised by how together the vast majority of teenagers are and that more of them don’t end up lashing out. I think it’s impor tant to remind young people that there’s more to a person than their academic ability. There are lots of ways to be intelligent.

You play Bennett, the school bully.

Tell us a bit about him…

Bennett is this very dark and complex character. He’s not the clichéd school bully. I think that’s one of the things that makes Simon Stephens such a good writer- he writes characters that are immediately identifiable but still have the capacity to surprise. Bennett is incredibly ar ticulate and sharp witted, and highly intelligent in spite of the fact that he’s failing academically. He goes on these fantastically well realised foul mouthed tirades. Nobody around him is able to spar with him verbally. Contrary to the image he projects, I think there is a great deal of pain in Bennett. There is an awful lot happening under the surface. Because of that contradiction he

is an absolute joy of a character to play.

Is it challenging to play such an aggressive and troubled character?

It’s pretty exhausting. It’s strange to do and say these horrible things to your cast-mates then go for a coffee with them at lunchtime. You have to go to some pretty dark places inside yourself to dredge all of that up and you’re trying to feel some pretty extreme emotions. It’s very draining, emotionally and physically. But there is also a lovely (and very dangerous) playfulness to Bennett that makes him a lot of fun to por tray.

He’s the kind of character I love seeing on stage.

Can you identify with your character on some level?

Yes, absolutely. You have to. We’ve all got that bit of darkness in us. We just all handle it very differently. You have to understand where a character is coming from in order to play them. I can’t say I like him much though.

Bennett has issues of his own, which is why he picks on others. Antibullying helplines and campaigns are already widely in place for people on the receiving end of bullying, but as well as focusing solely on the victims of bullying, do you think more needs to be done to reach out to bullies themselves?

Yeah, it’s interesting that when I was researching for this role, I came across a lot of literature on the psychological effects of bullying on its victims but not much on the reasons why bullies do what they do. It seems people aren’t really interested in understanding bullies.

Perhaps that’s because of the old clichés that dismiss them as cowards and so on.

It’s impor tant to remember that bullies probably suffer from the same insecurities and difficulties as their victims, but deal with them in a very negative way. I don’t think they are necessarily bad kids, just kids making some bad decisions.

Bennett lashes out at his peers because he is battling with coming to terms with his sexuality. In your opinion, how can we make it less terrifying for young people to come out, and when do you think we can expect to live in a society that doesn’t place so much importance on an individual’s sexuality?

Such a difficult question. Unfor tunately

for Bennett, he will never be able to accept his sexuality, something that is so absolutely central to who he is.

He battles very desperately against it, probably because he thinks he should be something else, and that results in a lot of self-hatred and ugliness. I think for a young person to come out and face possibly being ostracised is a staggeringly brave thing to do. I hope looking around at people of my generation and what’s happening in Ireland at the minute that we are moving in the right direction now.

What can be done to overcome the stigma of mental illness? Why do you think it is still a ‘taboo’?

Because we don’t talk about it. Young men especially. I know growing up a lot of my friends, probably myself included, would rather die than talk to anyone about how they were feeling. The image of the ‘strong silent man’ is very damaging. We need to move past that.

What advice would you give to someone who might be worried about his or her mental health?

Talk to someone. It’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason.

What advice would you give to someone who might be worried about the mental health of a friend or family member?

Never underestimate the impor tance of listening to someone. Sometimes it’s the best thing you can do, sometimes it’s the only thing you can do, but it’s always helpful.

Has starring in Punk Rock changed any aspects of your life?

I’m 25, so it’s been a while since I was in school. Doing this show has meant going back and looking in detail at that period- I actually don’t think I had given it much thought for a few years. It’s funny revisiting it from a more grown-up perspective. I think you become a bit more forgiving of yourself and all the things you may think you did wrong. It’s a turbulent few years; I wouldn’t want to do it again.

What’s next for you?

I’m filming a mini-series for TG4 straight after Punk Rock, and then…we’ll see.

The uncer tainty is par t of the fun.

Thank you so much for talking to us!

FASHION Summer Styling.

‘August is a big month for fashion, a time to experiment with A/W trends without leaving our beloved summer looks behind. As we move towards A/W we see a progression of the boho, gypsy and grunge trends that dominated the street style this summer.’Orla Eastwood

FASHION CREDITS: Models: Ruta Minekyte, Bridie Magee and Amarildo Mendez.

Makeup: Chloe Flemming Stylist: Orla Eastwood Photographer: BIGBAD LLAMA All clothes available at: www.klothclothing.com

G.T.L.

Get The Look.

GO DOC YOURSELF Punks, urbanites, goths, trendsetters and street style inspired fashion bloggers alike wept a collective footwear pained cry of despair a few months back when the infamous ‘Doc Shop’ closed its doors for the final time. Thankfully, the arrival of the OFFICIAL Dr. Martens Belfast store swiftly followed! Opening its bootilicious (yes I said it) packed doors on June 18th in a brand new high-street hotspot suitably positioned in the very heart of Cornmarket, welcoming a new and exciting collection to boot.

Pun intended. I promise I’ll stop now.

Featuring shoes of all shapes and sizes, sandals, boots, bags, accessories and a full mainline collection bursting with statement inspired shir ts, bomber jackets, jumpers, sweaters and trademark DM motif Tees. All suitably grunge inspired, packed with a rock and roll edge and a hint of trend savvy festival finesse.

The latest designs from the Doc Shop are therefore most definitely a welcome addition to Belfast’s ever-growing and ever-evolving menswear scene, providing a refreshing take on punk anarchist originality for the modern, style conscious guy. Bold greyscale floral t-shir ts, bone ribcage printed shir ts, dip-dyed woollen jumpers, oversized bomber jackets and statement tees are a few of DM’s on trend highlights I can recite off the top of my head. But of course the variety in relation to all-things boot-wor thy and beyond at Belfast’s new and exciting DM store is naturally incredible.

Patented designs can be seen across both floors from the instant one enters. A wave of vibrant and bold colours in an array of neons and metallics can be spotted immediately, alongside the more traditional and historical laidback styles showcasing the classic and original DM boot to the reinvented, the rugged, the refined and the casual. Basically every form of shoe/ boot/sandal/brogue you could ever want/need/ love/adore in your entire life, all under one roof.

So, what are you waiting for…get Doc-ked.

That definitely sounded better in my head.

Words & Styling: Lewis Cameron Photography: Simon Crawford Model: Scott Wilson Clothing: Bomber Jacket, Bone Ribcage Shir t, & patented sandals by Dr Mar tens (all available at the Belfast store now) Trousers are the stylist’s own.

Pizza print socks by Topman.

aQUAFORCE GETTING THE BUILDERS IN? Joinery . Plumbing . Roofing Decorating . Heating Extensions . Renovations Bathrooms . Lofts 028 9084 2202 . www.aquaforce.org.uk . brian@aquaforce.org.uk

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GNI Gay friendly businesses

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Niall Friel consultant Hlcc

PARTNERS

Graham and Warren tell us their story.

Graham Newton from Ballymena and Warren O’Connor from Hammersmith in London have been together for the last two months. The pair met two years ago in the land of love – the Internet. After chatting to each other on Facebook and MSN (back in the day), they grew close and now they spend most of their time together. Although they don’t live in the same house, they “might as well”, because they’re always either in Graham’s place in North Belfast, or Warren’s in the West of the city.

So far they have no plans to get hitched as it’s early days, but “who knows what the future holds”. Both self-confessed geeks, Graham and Warren try to have a special date night once a week, but it usually ends up with them curling up on the sofa to watch a naff film or playing a few games on the

Xbox… which, they admit, isn’t spectacularly romantic, but neither of them are complaining.

Having said that, they do enjoy cooking meals together and going for walks… Graham was shocked to learn that Warren had never been up Cavehill, so he promptly righted that wrong, and up the mountain they went.

Both Graham’s and Warren’s families are fully suppor tive of their relationship, and things are going really well. Graham was the first boyfriend Warren ever introduced to his mum, and Graham and Parco (Warren’s pooch) get on fantastically well too. Graham’s mum used the word “keeper” to describe Warren, and Graham’s niece and sister absolutely adore him.

Smiles all round!

Initially, it was Warren’s punky style and attitude that got Graham’s attention, and latterly it was his “sweet nature and wicked sense of humour”, while Warren first noticed Graham’s

“Both selfconfessed geeks, Graham and Warren try to have a special date night once a week”

quirkiness, and “the fact that he’s ginger”. The guys love just hanging out together because they can make each other laugh for hours on end. Graham says, “Warren is always making me laugh a lot – always pulling faces and putting on silly voices… and he’s so easy to catch off guard with my camera! I have a whole album of photos of him pulling shocked faces!” Warren describes Graham as “weird and random… but in a good way!

He makes up the weirdest jokes and he always makes me laugh.

He’s a proper paparazzo with Snapchat… he’s even caught me singing in the bath! He does weird little dances when he thinks I’m not watching… he’s just adorable.” Looks like a good match to us!

CIVIL PARTNERSHIP The GNI guide to civil partnership suppliers.

Here at GNI mag we have personally chatted to each of the wedding professionals on the following pages. There’s a shor t editorial piece on each of them so you have an idea of how they can help you when planning your big day.

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

EMBER JEWELLERY Located in the centre of Belfast, Ember Jewellery is coveted for its superb craftsmanship and outstanding designs which are created using traditional techniques. At Ember’s own Wedding Ring Studio, couples are given the oppor tunity to create custom-made weddings rings, under exper t supervision. Before coming into the studio, each couple attends a design consultation, during which their ideas and preferences are discussed.

Following this, a studio day is booked and couples will enjoy hands on involvement, shaping and soldering their weddings bands. Each couple is guaranteed the best guidance and will leave with beautifully crafted rings.

Cyril at Ember has over 20 years’ experience designing and making unique jewellery. Wedding rings are symbolic of love and commitment and Cyril believes they should be unique and personal to each individual couple.

You will be pleasantly surprised at how competitive Ember’s prices are, and with free delivery on all items and a ring sizer posted to your door if required, you can’t go wrong!

You are more than welcome to call in to the workshop to see how Ember’s handmade jewellery is carefully crafted.

A full list of the Wedding Ring Studio Terms and Conditions can be found on the website.

WEDDING DJ NORTHERN IRELAND

DJ Mark Brown has over 15 years’ experience in the enter tainment industry and knows how to please a crowd at any level or event, from pubs and clubs to weddings and par ties.

Mark will play a wide range of uplifting music to suit all age groups and can cater for any genre or style. His own style and technique enables him to incorporate numerous genres into his set, which appeal to the crowd and provide a noticeable edge to the night’s enter tainment. Mark began his DJ career in the early 90’s and he is still extremely fond of the music from this era. He can happily include some ‘Old Skool’ tracks in his DJ sets, upon request, which can contribute to truly making your night one to remember!

07921 103 725 www.weddingdjnorthernireland.co.uk

With Wedding DJ Nor thern Ireland you can choose a package tailored to suit you, your guests, and your wedding budget.

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

FRIGHT NIGHT AT THE JUNGLE NI Fright Night is an immersive, spine-tingling Halloween adventure not for the faint-hear ted!

A Hellish Hayride will transpor t you to The Jungle’s cursed forest and the star t of your Trail of Terror. You must summon your courage to delve into the other world, where good has been long defeated and evil reigns. Guided only by lanterns, along ominous forest paths, your courage will be tested to its limits.

A range of spectacular special effects, sounds and lighting assist to set the scene. You will meet a number of devilish creatures from a bygone era, some of whom will relay their twisted tales others may simply moan, groan or howl with horror. For an additional fee, you will have the oppor tunity to explore TWO NEW SCARE ZONES, including the Murderous Maze and The Cellar.

Fright Night is available from 7pm on the following dates: 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 30, 31 October, and, 1 November 2014.

From £17 per person (Duration: Approximately 1 hour) Advance booking is essential.

To book, or for more information: W: thejungleni.com E: bookings@thejungleni.com T. 028 8674 8881

CHARITY ZOMBIE RUN AT THE JUNGLE NI The Jungle has teamed up with the Nor thern Ireland Hospice to provide their electrifying Charity Zombie Run on Sunday 12th October!

The Charity Zombie Run is a 5K obstacle adventure run with an exciting Halloween twist. Each runner star ts with 3 lives (represented by flags worn about the waist) and, in pursuit of the finish line, they must take on natural and man-made obstacles, in addition to ZOMBIES who will try to steal ONE of their THREE lives!

The runner’s objective is to make it through the, obstacle packed, devilish 5k route and over the finish line with as many lives as possible intact. The Zombies however, are a fiendish bunch and will use all their deadly powers to steal whatever lives they can.

Advance booking is essential. Cost: £30 per person The Jungle is an outdoor adventure centre For more information of its offerings, visit: thejungleni.com Email: bookings@thejungleni.com Tel. 028 8674 8881

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

BEFORE

AFTER

look your best, feel your best...

Unit 9 Springtown Industrial Estate 18 Ballinska Road, BT48 0LY T: 0771 233 2154 / 0771 233 2158 E: eliteaestheticclinic@hotmail.co.uk W: www.eliteaestheticreatmentclinic.co.uk

ELITE AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

Elite Aesthetic Clinic has yet another exciting, innovative beauty product on offer… and yet again, it really works.

Skincerity or ‘Botox in a Bottle’ is a new, ultra-thin nighttime mask. It works by sealing in natural moisture, creating a breathable layer that locks in antioxidants, keeping them in constant contact with the skin and maximizing hydration, giving you a brighter, healthier complexion. Skincerity is not absorbed into the skin like many other creams and foams on the market, making it a super safe option. It can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone – many users repor t dramatic positive results within days! With continued use, you should star t to see improvements in tone, texture, dryness, age spots, and in the appearance of pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles. On top of all of this, Skincerity has been known to vastly improve a variety of skin complaints including psoriasis, stretch marks, rashes, war ts, scars, bir thmarks and rosacea, to name just a few! Skincerity is not just for the face; it can be applied

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to the hands, feet, chest, and neck – anywhere that requires a bit of TLC. Simply apply Skincerity to chosen areas every night before bedtime. The product acts as a second, protective layer of skin, keeping external irritants out while you sleep. As the skin hydrates itself, the product will star t to lift up, so in the morning, all you have to do is peel off the masque and feel great!

Skincerity has been dermatologically tested and approved, and clinically tested on real patients with positive, proven results. It protects, cleans, exfoliates, moisturizes and rejuvenates… all at the same time!

Skincerity: it’s not called ‘Botox in a Bottle’ for nothing!

Call into Elite Aesthetic Clinic to try this amazing product for yourself.

luxury is now affordable

Quality, Service, and Trust

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

Murray & Co

Murray & Co. supply only the finest of jewellery. We are committed to offering the best quality, value and service. With a staff of highly trained and experienced individuals you can be assured that all our products meet the highest of standards. Murray & Co. has an experienced team of jewellers who also have the skill to make anything you require.

Situated in the hear t of Belfast’s Cathedral Quar ter we are a young company with a clear vision: we are focused on providing our customers with the best products at the lowest prices. Our jewellery is elegant and contemporary in its essence and we realise the impor tance of passing cherished pieces from one generation to the next. This is why all of our jewellery is made with the highest quality materials, in timeless styles, and with durability in mind.

We use the highest quality gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and diamonds to create our fantastic range of earrings, pendants, Celtic rings, eternity rings, and

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engagement and wedding rings. We have an extensive range of diamonds mounted and in loose form and we try to encourage our customers to have an input in the creation of their perfect symbol of love.

Our in-house workshop is committed to providing a low cost repair service with the highest standards. Silver, gold, platinum jewellery, and diamond rings are repaired or altered by our experienced jeweller in our on-site workshop.

If you do not find something in our extensive collection please get in touch and we can offer a personal service tailored to your needs. Email info@murray-co. com or call 028 9024 2144 Fur ther information on carat, clarity, colour, cut and cer tification can be found on our website: murray-co.com

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

Lighthouse Cards

LIGHTHOUSE CARDS Lighthouse Cards are different; each one is carefully hand drawn, hand painted, and personalised to perfectly suit the recipient. Lighthouse do all their printing in house, which makes them very flexible and allows their clients to choose any font, colour, wording, and design they like – no matter how absurd!

Each Lighthouse creation is finished off using special 3D paint.

Their wedding invitations have a professional homemade look to them and are often framed by couples and their guests.

If you want your wedding stationery to have a special personal touch, then get in touch with Katie at Lighthouse Cards to arrange an informal stationery consultation – this can be done face-to-face, over the phone, or via email… it’s entirely up to you! Katie works to your schedule, and is keen to make the process as fun and trouble-free as possible. To keep costs down, Katie charges per item instead of per pack, and the final cost price includes all printing, painting, inser ts and envelopes.

Price lists are available on request.

Lighthouse Cards love bringing your unique ideas to life!

Email katie@lighthousecards.co.uk or phone/text 07919 178671 Facebook: The Lighthouse Drawing Rooms

E: katie@lighthousecards.co.uk P: 07919 178671 FB: The Lighthouse Drawing Rooms

GRAYS CAKES Grays Cakes Belfast is a home-based family run business specialising in exquisite handmade bespoke cakes. With his outstanding craftsmanship our cake ar tist Graham brings out your personality with beautiful & imaginative cakes. Your style may be classic, vintage or outrageously original; whatever your inspiration you can be sure your cake will be unique to you and crafted from the very finest ingredients with the very greatest of care.

Phone: 07840 669 345 Cakes for the Larne and Belfast area Email: Graham@GraysCakes.co.uk www.GraysCakes.co.uk Call or email us, and find us on Facebook

www.GraysCakes.co.uk 07840 669 345 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

PAUL SMYTH Lighthouse PHOTOGRAPHY

Cards

Paul from Paul Smyth Photography is a professional photographer based in Coleraine. He is committed to providing a young and fresh approach to photography and is willing to travel throughout Ireland and the U.K. to capture your special memories.

Paul began his long career filming documentaries, feature films and television adver tisements, whilst working alongside some of the film industry’s leading cinematographers. He won the award for the Young Cinematic Filmmaker of the Year in 2000, and in 2003 he decided to take up photography full time.

Since then he has enjoyed building up a wide range of experience in many aspects of photography including news, P.R., weddings and por traiture.

Paul’s friendly and non-obtrusive approach has seen him acquire a diverse and loyal clientele. If you would like your special day photographed by a careful and competent professional, contact Paul on 07737183729 or info@paulsmyth-photography. co.uk

07737183729 info@paulsmyth-photography.co.uk http://www.paulsmyth-photography.co.uk

DB MUSIC

DB MUSIC

Music for your civil ceremony

Darren Baird is a classically trained and highly qualified pianist with over 20 years of experience, and he is available for your wedding or civil par tnership.

As one of Nor thern Ireland’s most versatile musicians, Darren can play all kinds of traditional and contemporary music - including hymns and pop songs - to suit your event. Darren is also an experienced and accomplised organist, singer and music advisor.

Contact DB Music to discuss what you want and using his extensive list of contacts in the music industry, Darren will organise the perfect sountrack to your day. Whether you want piano music, a string quar tet, singers, or all of those combined, Darren will help you book the best in the business (completey stress free)!

Hire Darren to guarantee the perfect music plays at your wedding ceremony, special occasion or corporate event.

Pianist & Vocals 07712 209 163 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

VINTAGE FLORAL Vintage Floral creates beautiful unique paper, foam, silk and brooch wedding bouquets. These handcrafted flowers are unperishable and make wonderful souvenirs that you can treasure for a lifetime. All bouquets are handmade and can therefore be specially and thoughtfully tailored to suit you and your par tner’s tastes. Vintage Floral can also decorate your wedding venue with stunning chair covers and table arrangements, and provide bespoke wedding favours to say thank you to your guests – one less thing for you to think about!

Vintage Floral are more than happy to source or craft special extras, like hand dried floral confetti, wishing wells, and unique place cards. Vintage Floral will take care of all those beautiful finishing touches that will make your wedding day even more memorable.

Each client that chooses Vintage Floral receives a special in depth consultation during which they are free to give as much or as little input as they wish.

Vintage Floral

Vintage Floral: creating memories that last a lifetime.

Quote GNI for 10% discount!

07842 887 143

VintageFloralBouquets@yahoo.co.uk WWW.VintageFloralBouquets@wix.com/VintageFloral

THE HOOTENANNYS

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You know it’s a greatwedding when you’re tearing up the dance floor with all your best moves. Whether you like to groove, jive, rock or even twerk – The Hootenannys have seen it all and we’ll make planning every detail simple and enjoyable.

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Finding a great band that will turn up on time, look smar t and play the tunes that are going to get everyone dancing is easier than you might imagine. The Hootenannys are a live 3 or 4 piece band and we can bring our DJ along too. We choose to talk to couples directly rather than use an agent so that you’ll get great personal service and we will always be at the end of the phone if you need help and advice on how things will go on the night.

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DATING

Greg asks why can’t dating be like it is in the movies?

Life just can’t be like the movies…

After every single failed date we say…’why can’t life be more like the movies.’ Think about romantic movie gestures, how you would actually feel if a date star ted removing their clothes and said ‘Draw me like of your French girls’ or will you ever have the dance reper toire of Patrick Swayze in order to serenade your date and get intimate in a dance studio, it’s safe to say it’s a categorical no, so whilst in the movie world rejection is replaced with hot sex and a brand new love interest, real life is you shovelling another a tub of ice cream in your mouth and crying about your pathetic love life.

We all think it would be our happily ever after to have a movie gesture man in our lives but the likely hood is that if it actually happened you’d probably be referring to the be-

haviour as abnormal or slightly frightening. Do you actually want someone to run alongside a moving train smacking every window aggressively after one date? (that’s how they do it in the movies) or would you want someone to star t chucking stones at your window at 3 am declaring their undying love by date number three, is that a ‘no’ I hear?...well that’s how they do it in the movies.

I reluctantly decided to do a second date at a guy’s house recently and not because I wouldn’t normally do that, he just seemed overly keen and I contemplated the risk I might end up being drugged and taken through a wedding drive-thru in Las Vegas. I arrived at his house and thought damn this guy’s got style; I star ted internally singing the closing line of Fresh Price of Bel-Air. I walked in and seen this lady who’s apron strings had disappeared into her back fat, I thought this must be his version

“We all think it would be our happy ever after to have a movie gesture man in our llives.”

of ‘Geoffrey’ but it turned out he was living as more of a Fresh Prince and this chunky lady was his Mum as was the house.

It star ted to get uncomfor table when she actually joined us for dinner and it transpired that it wasn’t just my date that was keen, his mother was keen to take me through the family vetting process. As I star ted to bite into a pretty ok feast she star ted to ask if I was as keen as her son to have kids at some point and as she asked that question he squeezed my hand and smiled. Eeek! The thing is guys what goes down in your favourite Rom Com in 90 minutes takes slightly longer in real life; months, maybe even years, so before you try to re-create the movies or star t to wishfully think, I’d seriously suggest you evaluate whether your wishful thinking will give you an enchanted love story or whether your once upon a time ends up being a non-molestation order.

QUEENS OF POP The YouTube sensation chat to us here at GNI.

Brothers Ged (left) and Jim (right) are the Queens of Pop. You’re brothers who perform together and spend a lot of time together. Do you not do each other’s heads in?

No we love each other, we’ve been very close since we were little – we both have the same interests, but our temperaments are opposite. I’m very calm most of the time, and reflective- whereas Jim can be quite hotheaded, but when he’s on he’s on, so we complement each other’s personalities perfectly… thank god! The whole time we’ve been doing Queens of Pop - for the last 2 years – there’s only been 1 arugment, at the star t. If it ever gets to that point, we have a key word so that we know when to back down!

Are you close in age?

Yes, there’s only 3 years between us. Jim is 3 years oder than me.

Queens of Pop was formed ‘by accident’. How? I was in a group with a girl in Manchester and we were doing pop perfomarnce ar t. I’d been writing music for about 3 or 4 years, and she was doing musical theatre. My brother star ted doing drag in the classical sense… with big eyeborws and high heels and all that. The girl I was performing with got pregnant and had a baby and my brother and I thought let’s do something together. I’d written a song and he came round and it just worked – in just 3 months it was full steam ahead!

You were in Belfast recently performing in Maverick. How did you find it?

We’ve been to Belfast twice now, both times were really good. This time, for some reason, there were a lot more people that knew who we were and were excited to see us, which is always nice. When we go to Ireland the drag queens are always so different. We’ve only ever seen drag queens rehearse in Ireland! It’s like a real ar tform, and it’s taken very very seriously. They’re very good as well. We’ve

never acutally seen much of Belfast – it’s always get to the hotel, have a nap, do the gig and go straight home again.

You’ve said it’s really hard work dressing up as women. How come?

When I did that first video that was the first time I’d ever dressed up. We don’t spend all our money on drag, we don’t buy big shoes or anything. We wear black from head to toe for one of the shows. Because we make videos, all we really do is change the wigs from song to song. We’re not trying to get people to think we’re women or laugh at us becuase we dress up as women. It’s all just a par t of transferring the parody gig to the stage. Every week the drag element is getting less and less… our heels are getting smaller and smaller! For some of our shows we wear black trainers. We like to blur the lines a bit. Most of our videos are based on women, so it is predominantly drag, but we’ve also done videos in which we are dressed up as men.

What’s it like being a YouTube sensation? Do you find you get recognised on the street?

At first we didn’t. Because we work most weekends we haven’t been going out on very many nights out – the only times we really go out is to do gigs. A couple of weeks ago I went out in Manchester and it was strange about seven people came over to us. We’re not in this to be famous. I was really surprised because I’m dressed up in the videos… how do people recognise me?! People come up to you and most of the time they’ll say really nice things, but there are some that dissect every single thing, try give you advice, or tell you why your last video was awful.

Some of your songs and videos have sparked controversy and debates… the Will.I.Am parody in particular.

Do you think some reactions have been a bit extreme, and would you say that some people are too easily offended?

I always say being offended is an emotion, just like laughter is an emotion, and happiness is an emotion. What makes one person laugh is different to what makes another person laugh. We’re not racist, we’re not sexist, we’re not transphobic. I’ll tell you if I’m racist, sexist or transphobic… but you can’t tell me what I am. The world is a strange

place at the moment in terms of political correctness. The word ‘tranny’ is now deemed offensive, but the majority of transsexual people don’t get offended by that word. It’s an entirely different group of people who are making those rules for society. In my opinion there’s definitely nothing wrong with offending someone. We never set out to offend anybody. We write something and if it makes us laugh it goes in, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t… it really is as simple as that.

If someone finds it offensive there’s nothing we can do about it. I laugh at our videos because they’re funny. I see other videos and to me they’re just not funny.

I would never sacrifice the comedy to make someone else happy because then there’s no point in doing it.

What do you have to say to people who are offended by your songs?

You ain’t seen nothing yet! We’re just getting star ted. These people always seem to come back for more. People never complain about bad comedians because nobody cares. If you’re talking about us then we must be doing something right!

Have any celebrities been personally offended by your parodies, and aired it with you on social media?

Yes. Clare from Steps… people keep sending her the video on Twitter, and H from Steps tweeted one of our other videos. Since then Clare has tweeted it 4 or 5 times, so she’s not happy with us. Kerry Katona’s fiance George has tweeted about our rude disrespectful acts and says we should be ashamed of ourselves. Kylie Minogue tweeted us as well – we did a Kylie voiceover video and it got taken down pretty quickly. Kylie tweeted us saying sorry I didn’t see it, but I’ve watched your other videos and I love them. Liz McClarnon isn’t too keen on us.. she blocked us on twitter and gets really upset as well. She needs to realise that we’re not an Atomic Kitten tribute act… and we’re more famous than she is now so she needs to chill out.

Do you think celebrities should expect to be made fun of… they’re famous, they’re in the public eye…

It depends really. We don’t just make fun out of anyone for the sake of it.

Cer tain celebrities have MTV following them around and sell their pictures to magazines. We don’t prey on people’s misfor tune. We wouldn’t do parodies of

people unless they’ve sold their stories and made money from them themselves.

If someone’s got their story out there and everyone can see it, fair enough. I get abuse online every single day but I don’t care because I’ve put myself on the internet. We know where to draw the line, it all depends on the situation.

Did you celebrate gay pride this year?

We celebrate gay pride every day.

What’s your favourite song to perform?

Cheryl and Nadine. To us that’s the funniest one. The Atomic Kitten one is like a gift because it made everybody know who we are. Every time it star ts it’s like a gift to us so I’ll never get sick of it.

Who’s your favourite diva?

We both like Madonna; we both grew up listening to her. Maybe that’s why we’re not a bit afraid to say what we want. I like Mariah Carey’s craziness; I love watching her, she keeps me happy with her glittery dreses and fake boobs.

What’s your best comeback?

“What you shoutin’ for? Are you annoyed at me?” The best thing to do is switch it down. That’s not too sassy though, that’s very calm. I’ve read ‘The Secret’ a few times.

What’s next for the Queens of Pop? Any collaborations on the cards?

No, no collaborations. We have fired our management, and we don’t work with any more booking agencies. We’ve booked our first ticketed solo full length show. It’s going to be in Manchester on 24th August – on the Sunday of Manchester Pride. It’ll be the first time our fans will get to come to a Queens of Pop full show instead of seeing us billed alongside other performers in a club. We’ll be able to meet and greet fans before the gig and then perform for a full hour and a half. We’re going to take the show around the UK and we’ll get back to Belfast eventually. Over the next couple of years we want to build up the live audience. If you don’t get a video out in say, about 2 or 3 weeks, the brand identity tends to disappear so we have to keep people interested and excited and keep them laughing! We’re in a really good place right now.

COMING OUT Glenn’s story.

Glenn Gordon talks to GNI about coming out and what his life has been like since then.

I knew I was gay from quite a young age, but I didn’t come out until 2004, when I was 16. Before that, though, I used to tell my Mum I was gay when I was drunk, and then I’d always deny it the next day… so I don’t think she was too shocked by the news! I have a vague recollection of her saying to me on occasion, ‘Glenn, I think there’s something a bit different about you – I think you might be gay.’ Back then I didn’t fully understand what that meant, but other people definitely speculated about my sexuality. I remember having a fight with my friend when I was very young… he pushed me over and called me ‘fruit’.

That has always stuck in my head, not because it par ticularly offended me at the time, but because I couldn’t understand what exactly he meant by ‘fruit’; was I a strawberry, or an apple…?!

In 2004 I went on a family summer holiday to Gran Canaria. I was still at that rebellious stage – getting drunk and going a bit wild. One night while

I was drinking at the resor t, I noticed some Scottish people looking over at me, laughing and smiling. I think they liked the way I was getting on, and they came over and star ting chatting to me. When they asked me if I was gay, instead of denying it, I decided to be upfront, thinking ‘I’m never going to see these people again’. Fast-forward 10 years and they’re like family to me – we see each other at least once a year, and I even photographed their daughter’s wedding two years ago! We’ve kept in touch ever since that night and I’m so glad we did… telling them the truth allowed me to return home and finally be honest with myself, and with everybody else. It was actually really positive; the name-calling stopped and the vast majority of people in my life were very acceptant. I did have two friends – a guy and a girl – who were really nasty to me when they found out, but I did the right thing and cut them out of my life and moved on – I didn’t need them and their negativity bringing me down.

Around the same time, my little sister told me she was bi-sexual, but I knew deep down that she was gay. I’m so

glad I was able to pave the way for her, as an older sibling. After I moved out when I was 17, my sister was allowed to have girlfriends over to the house; I think my parents’ experience with me made them much more open-minded. I never really had to come out to my Dad, because my Mum told him, and he never had much to say on the subject anyway.

After coming out, it took me a good six years to feel truly content. Now everything is going amazingly well. I opened my business, ‘Third Eye Photography’, three years ago, and it’s getting stronger every single day. I don’t go out on the scene much because most of my time is taken up with work, and that’s the way I like it! When I opened up my first shop close to where I grew up, I knew I had to make it work. I used to be a bit of a wild child; I went off the rails and was expelled from two schools, so I don’t have any GCSEs and I’ve never really studied in my life… I had so many people to prove wrong, and against all the odds, I succeeded!

As well as the photography company, I do spiritual readings with a friend of mine. We do readings at par ties and

the feedback has been absolutely fantastic. We’re both Libra and we’re going to be making our own cards soon, called ‘Libra Cards’, for balancing your life out. We’re going to use my photography for that, so it all fits in nicely! Soon I’m hoping to go par t time with the photography, and par t time with the readings, so I can make the most out of both businesses. I have about 100 different ideas floating around in my head at any one time, so who knows what the future will bring!

It took me a really long time to realise that it’s not about being gay, and it’s not about who you’re attracted to; it’s about who you are as a person. When you do come out, don’t let being gay be your main focus in life, because it’s not a career… Being gay is not a career! I’ve come to realise that being gay doesn’t really define me… it used to – it used to be a big issue, but it’s not anymore. I truly believe that a man who loves a man is a god, and a woman who loves a woman is a goddess.

As for my love life, I’ve met some beautiful souls along the way, but not my soulmate just yet. I know what I really want, and I won’t settle for anything less. It sounds silly, but I learned a lot from Sex and the City! I used to watch it and think, ‘which character am I? Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, or Miranda?’

Then one day it dawned on me: I’m Mr Big! My career and my happiness come first, and I’m happy to let all the other stuff fall into place naturally. Now, after some mistakes made, and many lessons learned, I have come to the conclusion that it’s better to be Mr Right than to find him. I always say, ‘dream your dreams with open eyes and watch them all come true.’

SERIOUSLY THO Are we becoming post-gay?

A few years ago, I came across a term called ‘pinkwashing’. At first, naively, I thought it was something akin to limewashing; something you’d do to the exterior of your house.

In some ways, I’ve come to learn that it is, in that it’s something of a front presented to the outside world. Up until recently, I never knew much about Israel, and knew even less about what or where exactly Palestine was.

While I’m not here to discuss Middle East ethnic politics, pinkwashing came back to my mind recently, while we’ve all been watching the horrific news of what’s been taking place in the region.

Let’s take another look at this news, though, and put it into context with the LGBT community. Tel Aviv has spent millions of dollars in promoting the Israeli capital as a kind of gay haven for the world. Tel Aviv Pride brings tourists from far and wide, although if the tourist takes a look around, he or she will rarely see a Palestinian

celebrating the supposedly idyllic festival. So what, are there no LGBT Palestinians? Is Gaza gayfree? Hardly, and this is where a strange problem is presented to the world.

While it is fantastic that LGBT people are granted so much equality and respect in Israel (levels of homophobia exist outside of Tel Aviv, like anywhere else) but putting one minority on a pedestal while another is persecuted is not a logical way towards true equality. It’s a fake equality. A smokescreen.

To steal the much-loved catchphrase of Israeli government spokesperson, Mark Regev, let’s be perfectly clear here. We’re not talking about militants, firing rockets towards Ben Gurion Airpor t. We’re talking about the lonely, young and innocent Palestinian gay teenager or young adult, needing to reach out and connect with a community that understands him. Or, maybe, the middle aged trans woman who can’t deal with the façade of being a happily-married family man in Gaza. Where are these

“We’re talking about the lonely, young and innocent Palestinian gay teenager.”

people supposed to go? What are they supposed to do, when they’re not allowed into Israel, or anywhere else for that matter?

Of those who have been killed so far, there’s a good chance that some were LGBT. Whomever you may choose to suppor t, or believe, in this conflict, remember that there are so many people suffering for no reason other than because of who they are.

Surely, that should strike a chord with a few readers of this very magazine.

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NUTRITION Avocado - the Alligator Pear

The avocado is sometimes referred to as the Alligator Pear because of its shape and bumpy green skin. We often label the avocado as a vegetable, but it is techinically a fruit… it’s actually even more techinically a berry, but there’s no need to get fussy!

Avocados have acquired a bad rep because of their high fat content, but in actual fact the fats found in avocados are ‘good fats’. Monosaturated fats are rapidly burned into energy by the body, and they are known to boost hear t health, promote insulin resistance and help to lower blood pressure. Unlike most fruits, avocados have a very low sugar content: there is approximately 0.7 grams of sugar in every 100 grams.

Avocados have several other unique health benefits: they can help to enhance the body’s absorption of nutrients, protect against cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and promote weight management. Thanks to their antiinflammatory proper ties, avocados can aid digestion by reducing inflammation in the stomach and the small intestine’s

mucous lining, which also improves the body’s absorption of nutrients and carotenoids. Some exper ts have also heralded avocados as natural protectors against breast and prostate cancers, because they are one of the richest sources of Vitamin E succinate (noted for reducing the risk of cer tain types of cancer). According to Dr. Daniel G. Amen, author of Change your Brain, Change Your Life avocados are one of the top healthy brain foods that can help to fight against Alzheimer’s Disease.

The most widely distributed species of avocado is the Californian Hass. A medium Hass avocado contains around 22.5 grams of fat, two-thirds of which is monosaturated (good for you!). The hero of our story – the Hass avocado – provides almost 20 essential nutrients, including fibre; potassium (more than double the amount found in a single banana); folate; niacin; vitamin A; vitamin C; vitamin E; B-vitamins; calcium; copper; iron; magnesium; manganese; phosphorus; zinc…. You won’t get that in a plate of chips.

There are numerous ways to incorporate avocado into your diet.

Introduce a cup of avocado into your salad or other dish at lunchtime; make guacamole as a side dish at dinner; use avocado to replace the fat used in baking – its smooth, creamy texture is perfect as a butter, oil or shor tening substitute and with it you can enjoy healther cookies, brownies and cakes; avocados can also be whisked up and used as a healthy alternative to processed baby food. Avocados are rich in folate, and they are therefore a good natural source of folic acid for pregnant women.

To make delicious guacamole: - mash an avocado or two - add crushed garlic and finely chopped tomato, onion and chilli - season with fresh lemon juice and ground black pepper

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE Team GNI take it out for a spin.

As you may have noticed, the team at Donnelly Motors has spoiled me rotten over the past year or so by letting me test drive beautiful car after beautiful car. I really couldn’t believe my luck could get any better until they suggested I try the new Range Rover Evoque Pure! It’s a stunning car, I’m sure you agree, and I couldn’t wait to get into the driver’s seat.

Not gonna lie, I felt like kind of a big deal driving around in the Range Rover Evoque. What a car! It’s tall, smooth, sleek, commanding, uncomplicated, and incredibly good looking – it’s all you could ask for in a car… and in a par tner, for that matter. In my opinion, the Evoque has the edge over other Range Rovers in terms of appearances; it’s a real head turner, and it’s trendier looking and less bulky than some of its predecessors. It’s amazing they’ve managed to incorporate so much state-ofthe-ar t technology and stunning design into such a compact SUV. The car is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, power folding side mirrors, rainsensing windscreen wipers, automatic climate control, luxurious suede and

leather seating, 19-inch wheels, a power rear lift gate, front and rear parking sensors, a rear backup camera, a 380-watt sound system with 8-inch touchscreen audio, Bluetooth, and a USB/iPod interface.

Don’t let the Evoque’s chic exterior and luxury interior fool you; although it has ditched the familiar big, boxy look of it siblings, this athletic looking car can rough it like the best of them. Yes, the Range Rover Evoque can hold its own off-road. The car is fitted with Land Rover’s clever Terrain Response system – which manages the ABS, traction control systems, and the four-wheel drive –delivering brilliant off-road traction on all types of terrain. As I took the first tight corner of my drive I was wary that the car (which is much bigger than the vehicle I’m used to driving) would be clumsy and difficult to maneuver, but it really was just like they say – sturdy yet light, nippy and precise, with extremely responsive handling to boot.

If car safety is at the top of your list, you needn’t look any fur ther. The Evoque is kitted out with numerous advanced safety technologies including traction control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake

lights and emergency brake assist, corner brake control, dynamic-stability control, roll-stability control, trailerstability assist, hill-star t assist, hill-descent control, gradient-release control and engine-drag torque control.

The Evoque has been designed with a focus on improving fuel economy and lowering emissions, and as a result, it’s the most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. This fantastic car comes in a variety of striking colours and finishes, with a range of alloy wheels and trims.

Donnelly’s currently have some fantastic affordable payment packages on offer for the Evoque. Visit their website or showroom, or drop them a line for more details.

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE MAKE NATURE GREEN WITH ENVY

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À Þ ËÎ > Ì « ÕÃ `i« Ã Ì > ` w > «>Þ i Ì q « i>Ãi Ãii `iÌ> Ã Li Ü° Evoque 2.2 SD4 Dynamic 5dr Auto Representative example On the Road Price Finance Deposit Allowance Customer Deposit Total Amount of Credit 2WTEJCUG (GG KPENWFGF KP ƂPCN RC[OGPVU /QPVJN[ 2C[OGPVU

Donnelly Land Rover 59 Moy Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7DT

028 8772 2887 donnelly.dungannon.landrover.co.uk

£41,105.00 £1,500.00 £8,665.00 £30,940.00 £10.00 £399.00

(KPCN 2C[OGPV

£22,098.00

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£46,627.00

Duration of Agreement

37 months

Representative APR +PVGTGUV 4CVG (KZGF

6.9% APR 6.72%

DONNELLY LAND ROVER Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the Range Rover Evoque range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 27.4 (10.3) – 47.9 (5.9) Extra Urban 44.1 (6.4) – 62.8 (4.5) Combined 36.2 (7.8) – 57.6 (4.9) CO 2 Emissions 181 – 129 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Representative 6.9% APR available on new Land Rover Evoque models registered between 1st July and 30th September 2014 at participating dealers only. Finance Deposit Allowance only available on Prestige, Dynamic, Autobiography and SE models. We may receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to Land Rover Financial Services. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payment. If the vehicle is in good condition and has not exceeded the allowed mileage you will have nothing further to pay. If the vehicle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge for excess mileage will apply - in this example 14p per mile for any excess mileage up to 4,999 miles and 28p per mile for any excess mileage exceeding 4,999 miles. (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status. Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Finance is subject to status and only available to applicants aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N.Ireland. Indemnities may be required. Finance is provided by Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 5BH.

BOOMBOX is the latest addition to the Gay Scene in Belfast. Team GNI were invited along to their launch night and we’ve been there a few times since.

Located above Maverick within the “Queer Quar ter”, BOOMBOX is now another clubbing option. Entering from the door that used to take you up to what was the Foxes Den, the change is immediate. You can see from standing at the bottom of the stairs that you’re in for something a bit different.

When you enter the club the bar is conveniently right in front of you. You’ll immediately be aware of the fresh feel and vibe of this club - the walls are mostly black with attention-seeking neon lighting scattered about. To the right of the bar is a great chill out area with amazing ‘face’ seats - reminiscent of a 1980’s music video, complemented with the most amazing - and slightly disorientating - angry zebra print wall covering.

Moving away from the bar into the main club/dance area, the DJ box is straight ahead looking down on you, and in front of this is a stage area for guest acts, as well as an additional dance area for those that want to be noticed. This area continues the darker theme from the bar but with amazing light shows that flash and bounce along with the music.

The main club room is also home to the VIP area. Offering up the best view of the dance floor, this area is raised up, and if you’re lucky enough to be in here you’ll have the benefit of table service.

Take a walk on past the VIP area

and you’ll end up outside in the smoking area. This is an amazing space not only utilized by the smokers among us, but also by those that need to cool down after all the dancing.

We’ve kept an eye on BOOMBOX since it opened. There are now regular nights and resident DJs, and it’s also home to some great monthly events such as Fuzz Box and Room Service.

Here at GNI we wondered whether there was scope for another club or bar on the Scene in Belfast - we were concerened that there would be four halfempty venues instead of two packed

and fun-filled ones. Thankfully there was no need to worry; the addition of more choice on the Belfast Scene seems to have brought more of our community out. It’s great to see more of us using and suppor ting venues which are there to offer us a safer place to par ty.

WHAT’S ‘APPENING The Pipeworks launch their new app.

For those of you who aren’t yet familiar with the new Pipeworks app, you’re about to be…

Simply type ‘The Pipeworks’ into your apple device’s app store and hit download, and you have an abundance of information and exclusive discounts at your finger tips. Downloading the app gains you instant perks – you’ll be the first to know when The Pipeworks have special offers on; you’ll be able to par ticipate in their loyalty scheme; you’ll be kept up-to-date with the latest events; and you’ll receive special coupons.

The app also acts as a mini digital organizer with a convenient function allowing you to add events and reminders to your phone’s calendar, a list of handy contact details and opening times, and information about venues and special events happening on the local scene. It also has a nifty built-in digital Stamp Card, which works like a loyalty card; after you reach ten stamps, you are entitled to one free visit!

Social functions include the ability to upload and view gallery photos for The Pipeworks venues in both Belfast and Glasgow; interact with others in the Pipeworks chatroom; access The Pipeworks Facebook page; read and write reviews; and click on links to related websites.

App users are entitled to exclusive coupons and discounts for The Pipeworks and other local businesses, and concessions and free entry into various venues around Belfast. You can’t say better than that!

A-Z Nightclub putdowns.

We’ve all been followed around on a night out by an unwanted admirer that just won’t give up. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say, and often putting them down gently only spurs them on. Memorise this list of ‘nightclub putdowns’, so that next time you’re being shamelessly stalked around the club by a creepy clinger you can stupefy them with a verbal punch in the face.

WARNING: the following slurs should only be used in extreme cases.

A – Are you tired? Because you look like turd.

B – Be yourself, but only as a desperate last resort.

C – Can I borrow your face? My ar*e is on holiday.

D – Did you forget to turn your brain on?

E – Everything happens for a reason, but in your case it’s mostly because you’re stupid and you make terrible decisions.

F – Fit, clever, and sophisticated are the last three words I would use to describe you.

G – Get out of my face, you’re clogging up my pores.

H – How much does a polar bear weigh? Less than you by the looks of it.

I – Is it hot in here or do you always sweat that much?

J – Jack and Jill went up the hill to get away from you.

K – Keep talking, I love being bored senseless.

L – Love is blind… and right now I wish I was too…

A-Z Z A

A-Z A-ZA-Z

M – My escape plan is coming together nicely.

T – There are several things in this world that I find revolting and you are all of them.

N – Never say never… apart from when it comes to me and you.

U – Ugly and dumb? It must be my lucky night.

O – Of all the people I’ve met you’re certainly one of them.

V – Voldemort called. He wants his face back.

P – Princes don’t talk to frogs… Now, hop away off.

W – When did they let you out of your cage?

Q – Queue that way for the ugly door.

X – X marks… all of your spots…

R – Roses are red,

Y – You’re about as welcome as prohibition.

Violets are blue, Your clothes are really bad, And so is your conversation.

S – Save your breath, ‘cause it’s making me wanna boke.

Z – Zero: the chance you have with me tonight.

a brand new musical (all details will be in my next column), so I saw this as the perfect oppor tunity to do my own show too, whilst being in the country.

I’ll be singing lots of my favourite Christmas songs, alongside songs that meant a lot to me growing up, and others that have featured in my own career.

Accompanying me, I have the very talented Mark Dougher ty on piano. I will be sharing lots of funny stories, from singing with PINK, to an unexpected Christmas dinner with Pamela Anderson, and lots more. I’d love to see you all there! Much love xx

CONLETH RECOMMENDS Song of the month: Leah Mc Fall - HOME Belfast singer Leah McFall launched to stardom last year on the hit BBC Television series ‘The Voice’, coming second to fellow local singer, Andrea Begley. Just before the season’s final, Leah’s version of ‘I Will Survive’ leapt into the top ten on the iTunes char t, which gave the TV Show a new found credibility, considering it was undergoing scrutiny from critics having not produced a star or hit single from the first series, so her future as a recording ar tist seemed promising. Since the show, she has been stateside working under the guidance of her show’s mentor ‘will.i.am’ to create her debut album, and here we have her first offering, ‘HOME’. I loved it from the second I heard it. Not only is she signaling her adoration for Belfast via the lyrics, she also sneaks in a camp ‘Wizard of Oz’ reference with ‘Close my eyes,

click my heels’. Brilliant! With its stomping chorus and guest appearance from will.i.am, I hope it does as well as it should, and that her ‘HOME’ town gets behind her! Her album ‘Weird and Wonderful’ is due out in October.

Theatre: Conleth Kane - All I want for Christmas… The Black Box, December 21st at 8pm This week I have officially announced my first N. Ireland concer t, live at ‘The Black Box’ this coming Christmas. I am so excited! It is something I have wanted to do for a while.

Months after my experience on the RTE Series ‘Fame the Musical’, I announced my first solo concer t in London at the Landor Theatre in 2011. It was such a magical night for me and ever since I have wanted to do something similar here on my home turf. I will be home in N. Ireland this Christmas starring in

Originally from NI, Conleth has carved out a successful career in London both on stage and on screen.

Tickets are £12.50 and can be bought online at www.blackboxbelfast.com or call the Box Office on 02890244400.

Film of the Month - Guardians of the Galaxy (12A) Already labelled ‘A Pop-Culture Gem’ by the toughest of critics, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ looks like it will be the action-filled, family blockbuster of the summer! The film is an epic space adventure centered around hero Peter Quill, also known as ‘Star Lord’ (Chris Pratt), who finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb, coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. Such eclectic and fun characters are met along the way, but the best comedy moments are provided

by Rocket, the talking Racoon (Bradley Cooper). I managed to grab a GNI EXCLUSIVE and spoke to my friend Laura Haddock who plays Peter’s mum, Meredith Quill in the movie! She said “I was lucky enough to play a small par t in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s funny, fast and full of hear t. Being par t of it was incredible but watching it was even better!”

Jordan & Diona Discuss some TV show ideas.

Jordan & Diona fill us in on the TV series ideas they’ve been pitching.....

as they ‘cross streams’ at a urinal during a lightning storm.

Hilarious mildly sectarian comedy ensues.

Holmes Under The Hammer We follow Eamonn as he puts up some new shelves in his Nor th Belfast home. Ruth’s not in. So don’t be asking.

Kremmerdale Soap set in the famous Belfast nightclub: sex, scandal and unisex toilets.

Final Score Telling the story of three drug dealers as they book into rehab.

Gaelic Footballers’ Wives Culchies fighting, buckin’, playing the beautiful game, fake tan and football.

Belfast Tele-Tubbies Diet show challenging morbidly obese workers at the Belfast Telegraph to lose wait and win a Kia Rio.

Great British Bake Off Loyalist Beauty Competition to see who will win a Kia Rio.

Orange is the New Black Orange men are challenged to put on a fashion show at the internationally renowned ‘Por tavogie Fashion Week’ but can they convince a panel of top judges including Frank Mitchell that they really are top designers and win a Kia Rio? The Inbetweeners Fly on the wall documentary uncovering the lives of Alliance voters.

The Switch Up! A Catholic man and his Protestant neighbour swap brains

So You Think You Can Fight?

Frank Mitchell challenges a different member of the public to a fight each week to win a brand new Kia Rio. Rory’s Girl Join host Julian Simmons as ten blonde tennis players must try and win the hear t of the golfing hear tthrob, or face being run over by a Kia Rio. Ulster Says Yo! Catch up with best of NI Hip Hop in a live studio audience hosted by Frank Mitchell.

“Worry about your own damn wedding cause regardless of who you love it doesn’t change the cost of it!”

SJ WILSON A straight guy’s view on some gay stuff.

Well this is my first column for GNI and I have been asked for my thoughts on “gay marriage”. I will try not to rant but it is rather difficult considering the backward society of Northern Ireland. So yeah, let’s blurt out some verbal diarrhoea here and hope it makes sense...

First off I want to draw attention to the fact that it is even called “gay marriage”... are marriage and “gay marriage” different things? There is a ceremony for both, there is a meal at both, there is a par ty at both....bridal par ty at both......brides and grooms...erm....why can it not just be called MARRIAGE? I really do not see the problem with two people who are in love with each other and potentially wanting to spend the rest of their lives together getting married. If it does not work out will it be called “gay divorce”?

I respect every person has the right to believe or not believe in whatever they wish, however, to enforce personal beliefs onto someone for no

other purpose than to control is unethical and a severe breach of human rights, and indeed the message that was taught to them by their Jesus.

I once read that a Baptist Minister in the US said that “gay marriage” is destroying the sanctity of marriage...No sir, I disagree - divorce, infidelity, lack of sex and really bad working hours ruin the sanctity of marriage.

I am curious though; does sexual preference determine the title of your marriage? “gay marriage”, “lesbian marriage”, “straight marriage” or “transgender marriage”? When does the madness stop? I am also intrigued to find out if “gay marriage” has the same issues with lack of sex as “straight marriage” or “Regular Marriage” as some would say. The amount of married couples I know that SCHEDULE a SEX NIGHT is shameful. Is this something for people that have a “gay marriage”? If it is then I urge you all...

DON’T GET MARRIED! As a straight man with no back doors....yeah, I walked into that one didn’t I, I would like to put it to you...WHO THE F**K

DECIDES WHO YOU CAN OR CANNOT LOVE? The rest of the UK have moved with the times, why haven’t we? Is it a case of trouble in this country brings money?

Personally, why would it bother me if two men, two women, man and transgender, bisexuals, anything - why would it bother you if someone is getting married? Worry about your own damn wedding cause regardless of who you love... it doesn’t change the cost of it!

Follow me on Twitter @ SJWilson25 or at facebook.com/ sjwilsonofficial

GEMMA HUTTON

Her world in her words.

So I have finally reached my 30th year this month... As I lay my youth to rest I have developed paranoia about my age. I have slowly turned into Big Mama in Maverick…. The staff come to me for boob hugs for Christ sake. I can hear myself tutting at young people and saying, ‘ When I was young…’

I can even hear a ticking from my ovaries any time I come close to a man who I would consider a potential fer tiliser. This, by the way, leads to uncool behaviour such as quizzing perfect strangers on their family medical history and if they have any gingers in the family. We can’t be too careful. I have decided I am no longer going to age from now on.

I have also been rather busy with Pride and comedy when I’m not trying to get samples from bearded athletes with no interest in children. I was delighted to win the Best Night Out Award for my Motor Mouth Mondays show. I was up against some awesome nights and performers so I was well chuffed.

It still feels that weeee bit harder to get the same acknowledgement as other male/drag performers in our community…mainly because I think people don’t

always get what I do. So to see that change has been awesome and much appreciated. As par t of the ole pride week I got the chance to MC a gig for Rhona Cameron. I must admit I was a bit nervous meeting her, I had heard a lot of rumours about her diva antics. The room was packed, the craic was flowing and everyone was just up for it. The person I met in reality was a nervous comedienne who was worried about being rejected rather than what colour her dressing room was. We sat and drank pints into the wee small hours after the show and planned how we were going to film a lesbian version of Spinal Tap. Random but wonderful! My other comedy gig that week was my usual Monday night but I decided in my infinite wisdom this was the time to unleash my male alter ego Juan Ellofalova… why?

I don’t know…but the reactions were fascinating.

Men were jealous of my beard… which was awkward at the time because I hadn’t star ted putting it on. I may just wear a beard occasionally to look like I am thoughtful by scratching it when people ask me a question and I smoke a pipe looking into the middle distance…This is the type of sh*t my mind comes up with. How I have not been locked up by now I will never know. Next month I will be updating you all on my trip to London for the first time to gig… and sightsee… with my nan… in a wheelchair…travelling by tube… oh what f*cking joy.

GNI Gay friendly businesses

the only gay bar outside a city in Ireland www.

thecentralstrabane

.com @thecentral08 www.facebook.com/ centralstrabane Castle Street, Strabane www.sunflowerbelfast.com

Public house and live music venue A Corner Pub. No Themes. No Gimmicks (but a wee bit pink) 65 Union Street, Belfast | Tel: 028 9023 2474

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

THE MAC

A unique theatrical experience.

Willkommen! Bienvenue!

Welcome! To the Kit Kat Klub This Autumn, the MAC and Bruiser Theatre Company present an all-new co-production of the Broadway smash hit musical, Cabaret.

Prepare yourself for a unique theatrical experience that plunges you into the decadent but decaying world of 1930’s Berlin as the MAC is transformed into the infamous Kit Kat Klub for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing and the riotously risqué.

Step into the seductively seedy shoes of 19-year-old singer Sally Bowles, as she embarks on a relationship with young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As their romance blossoms in the confines of the underground club, the Nazis are seizing control of the world outside.

We guarantee you’ll be blown away by the theatre’s transformation.

Book your cabaret seat now

for the musical sensation of the year - only at the MAC, Belfast.

Dates: 16 Sept – 4 Oct Captioned show: Wed 24 Sept For more information and to book, visit themaclive.com or call 028 9023 5053.

Go VIP with one of the MAC’s Cabaret Offers: ‘Sitting Pretty’ Cabaret Seats £25 These are our Premium seats.

Immerse yourself in the world of the Kit Kat Klub and sit, cabaret style, in the midst of the club.

‘Perfectly Marvellous’ Cabaret Special £40 Make a real night of it with an AbsolutCabaret cocktail; charcuterie board and Premium seat to the show.

About the MAC The MAC is Belfast’s newest

“World class building is situated in the hear t of Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quarter.”

ar ts venue - selecting, creating and mixing up music, theatre, dance and ar t – bringing you the very best of local and international talent, all under one roof.

The world-class building is situated in the hear t of Belfast’s bustling Cathedral Quar ter, right behind Saint Anne’s Cathedral.

The MAC is home to international ar t exhibitions, the very best in live theatre, experimental works and all manner of weird and wonderful goings-on.

One visit and you’ll discover that the MAC has something for all ages and interests…and the coffee is pretty good too!

A BRUISER AND MAC CO-PRODUCTION

16 Sept – 4 Oct Premium Cabaret Seats £25 Seen the movie? Don’t miss the real thing. Step into the Kit Kat Klub for the musical sensation of the year.

On sale now at themaclive.com Proudly sponsored by

YOUR HOME Lee Austin: Wool Takes the Stage.

As the summer nights begin to get cooler and the Autumn season is within our sights, its time to introduce deeper textures and colours to your interior so you can feel prepared for the winter!

There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking into a room that is filled with character. Nothing makes a room as homely at this time of year than natural materials such as woolen fabrics and weaves. Amongst our favourite are Herringbone, Hound’s-tooth check and Tar tans.

These fabrics work brilliantly in a variety of ways; upholstered chairs & sofas, cur tains and even chunky thick wool throws and cushions for the sofa during the colder, windier nights. These heavier wool fabrics will help to create a warm and sophisticated ambience.

Darker finishes and furnishings will help in creating a cosy space and work well implemented in study spaces, or more formal living areas.

Think heathery tones and muted shades of burnt umbers, chalky deep midnight blues combined together in a variety of chequered tweed and chic herringbone patterns that capture the classic English heritage style. Add leathers and soft velvet to contrast with your woolen fabrics and be brave to take on darker palettes, making sure to include lots of layers.

When it comes to furniture and accessories, metallic finishes such as pewter and aged brass in lighting, as well as cur tain fixtures and fittings will complement your heavy woolen textures scattered around the room. Trunk style coffee or side tables alongside your cosy sofas will also enrich the character in the room as well as offering added storage.

Don’t forget about your walls too. We are loving the look of hand painted timber paneling and for decoration, look at a series of black and white architectural prints. Just settle down by the fire, put your feet up and feel warm and cosy!

milk

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ulster ink Northern Ireland’s Tattoo Magazine

������ ��� Northern Ireland’s Tattoo Magazine

Issue One | Jul/Aug/Sept 2014 | £3.95

baz black

LOCAL STUDIOS we visit 8 studios in NI

body modification artist

Pete bonner artist focus

terry bradley strong women & sailortown

howlin’ hank redneck blues

first tattoo tam talks about his first time

OUT NOW

A THOUGHT Maybe we should just be nicer to each other.

Recently I saw an image on Facebook – one you all might have seen. It was a photograph of Britney Spears with the words, ‘Ugly straight boys who think every gay guy is going to hit on them’ written across the top.

I had planned on writing a feature about discrimination within the community, and wasn’t sure how to begin, until I saw this image. OK, as true as it may be to some, it was the comments under this image that got me thinking. I wondered whether there would have been the same reaction if a gay guy (or even a straight guy) were to make this image up… Let’s say, a photo of Neil Patrick Harris with the writing over it… ‘gay boys who think every other gay guy is going to hit on them’.

In my last feature (GNI Issue 10, page 100) I wrote about how our community is a small one in general terms, and we give off about how we are stereotyped and discriminated against, yet we do it to each other within our own community.

What is wrong with just being human with each other? Yes, I

agree there is the odd person who might take advantage of your kindness, but not everyone who says hello as you sit in the bar is doing it because they want into your pants. Some are just lonely and want to say hello, and sometimes that little hello can turn into a full conversation during which you might just learn something!

I wrote before how I used to sit alone in a bar – and I don’t have a problem with this, I enjoy my own company – but now and then I would say hello and a few people would stop and have a conversation. I met some new friends as they got to know me a bit better through conversing.

We are a small community, and in some terms a young community… we cry out for equal rights, not to be stereotyped for this or that… feelings of and acts of discrimination happen all the time… yet, we do it to each other. If we stood as one, not just on the day of Pride, but each and every day of the year, we might achieve more as a community as we would be stronger. Sometimes to change the attitudes of others, we need to star t with ourselves.

“Having that small conversation may in turn save someone”

In a recent interview, RuPaul claimed that the gay movement will “eat itself from the inside out”. The Drag Race star said that the biggest threat to the gay community is not from an outside par ty, but from the community itself. He went on to note the similarities between the gay community and the characters in ‘Animal Farm’ (George Orwell) who, “forget why there was a revolution in the first place.”

By doing something as simple as this – being more human to each other – we might actually help each other. Having that small conversation may in turn save someone, showing them that they are a par t of a community, showing them that others care. If we want the community to be strong, we all need to take Pride in it… every day, and every person. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Mar ty

N S HOE FAC TOR Y S UNF LOW ER MAV ERIC K Q UEE NS B AR CEN TRA L BA R

A glance at what’s happening around Belfast and Dublin.

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BRU U A B B S EENon U RY Q RICK Drag BO E V A OM R M E he W BO T O L F X SUN AR Y MA B R K PA O T V NTI B NS FAC E E O E AR C ERIC H QU ENTR K EMLIN S AL BTAQKUR CK I E E R R E R BENUSBU ST VE N A O I N M B M U AR OTN B R E o om OBW CEN TRA NFL ox UNIO N STR LSBU EET Y AR R KREM O T B LIN S C U A BU F HOE F OE ACM H OTN S LIN Th M eG E R K eor T E ge E R T UN S ION N IO N STR U EET KR EM LIN

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Boombox (Belfast) – DJ Ciaran Boylan 10pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Appalachian Session 8pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Saturday Beats with DJ Ricardo

Friday Kremlin (Belfast) – Karnival Weekly theme nights Union Street (Belfast) – An evening with Glitzy Glamour Maverick (Belfast) – WINE CLUB! Half price bottles of selected wine from 4pm-7pm! VAGABOND with DJ Marion Hawkes from 9pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 9pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Friday Mash Up with DJ Ola

Specials Saturday 23rd August: Derrick Barry as Britney Spears @ Kremlin Saturday 23rd August: B Side Social Club Mod Night @ Queen’s Café Bar Sunday 24th August: White Par ty @ Kremlin Friday 5th August & Friday 3rd October: REWIND @ Kremlin Friday 12th September & Saturday 4th October: Twi Lite Club @ Queen’s Café Bar (women only) Saturday 13th September: Superfly Funk and Soul Night @ Queen’s Café Bar Mondays 6.30-7.30pm: Free Spanish Classes @ The Sunflower (Contact The Sunflower on 028 9023 2474)

Sunday Kremlin (Belfast) – Industry 10pm, free entry Tuesday Union Street (Belfast) – The Sunday Bingo Show Kremlin (Belfast) – Klub 180, most drinks £1.80 all 8.30pm night Maverick (Belfast) – The R&R with Rusty and Union Street (Belfast) – Grannie’s Fun Factory Roxy 5pm, Sunday grooves by Groovebound from 9pm, all drinks £2 8pm Maverick (Belfast) – Amplified Live Music Tuesdays Boombox (Belfast) – Full Circle, Upfront House with DJ Stuar t Millar Boombox (Belfast) – Hoochie Tuesdays with KKRU DJZ Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 7pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Open Mic Night 7pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Spiritual Sunday Central Bar (Strabane) – Final Countdown Regular Nights BUBU @ The Shoe Factory – 1st Friday of the Wednesday month (men only) Union Street (Belfast) – Tina’s Stop the Clock Cherry @ The Shoe Factory – last Friday of every The Shoe Factory (Belfast) – SLOSH! month (women only) Maverick (Belfast) – Open Mic Wednesdays The White Mansions @ The Sunflower – 1st hosted by Cherrie On Top Friday of every month Boombox (Belfast) – Bitch Please! with Roxy Pub Quiz @ The Sunflower – 1st Tuesday of the Tumbledryer, Rusty Hinges, DJ Kenny K & special month guests Duke Special’s Gramophone Club @ Sunflower Sunflower (Belfast) – Piping Hot Sessions 8pm – Last Friday of the month Central Bar (Strabane) – Big Gay Wednesday MOTN @ Queen’s Café Bar – last Friday of the month Thursday Passion @ Bellinis (Newry) – 1st Saturday of the Kremlin (Belfast) – Deuce £2 entry £2 drinks month Union Street (Belfast) – Okie Dokie Karaoke Lovebox @ Boombox – last Friday of the month hosted by Trudy Scrumptious and Rober t Brown (women only) Maverick (Belfast) – PORTIA PRESENTS… variety, cabaret and high jinks with Lady Por tia Di’ Hotel Motel Residency @ Boombox – Last Friday of every month Monte from 9.30pm Fuzz Box @ Boombox – 3rd Friday of every Sunflower (Belfast) – Manouche Gypsy Swing month (men only) 5.30pm, Folk Club 8.30pm Room Service @ Boombox – bi-monthly Central Bar (Strabane) – Thirsty Thursday

Saturday Kremlin (Belfast) – Revolution 9pm Union Street (Belfast) – Tina’s Trannyoke 5pm-8pm, Grannie’s Time Tunnel 9pm-late Maverick (Belfast) – Par ty vibes from 9pm courtesy of DJ Sean McCann

BELFAST

Monday Union Street (Belfast) – Trudy’s Monday Club Maverick (Belfast) – Motor Mouth Mondays Comedy Night with Gemma Hutton El Divino (Belfast) – SWAGGER Central Bar (Strabane) - BOGOF

DUBLIN

Monday The George – Win, Lose or Drag with Phil T. Gorgeous and Bunny from 8.30pm, free entry The Dragon – Dolly Does Dragon Pantibar – Pints and Chats Tuesday The George – Bassline with DJ Karen, free entry The Front Lounge – Davina Devine’s Casting Couch, Karaoke from 10pm Pantibar – Pints and Chats Wednesday The George – Space N’ Veda with Veda Beaux Rêves and gorgeous guests. Cabaret, Drag, Video Ar t & Live Music Pantibar – Pints and Chats Thursday The Dragon – PrHomo. Dublin’s biggest gay student night. Drinks promos The George – Davina Devine hosts Thursty Thursdays with the 11 0’clock show (ish) The Front Lounge – 2 for 1 cocktails Pantibar – Joystick, DJ Dr Beat plays quality 80’s music Friday The Dragon – Plastic. Free in before 10pm and €5 after The George – Glitterbomb hosted by David D-Pole. Free before 10pm, €5 from 10 til midnight, €18 after Pantibar – DJ Steobear and Our Perfectly Preposterous Drinks Specials The Hub – SweatBox Saturday The Dragon – Dragged Up & Queen hosted by Victoria Secret from 10pm The George – SaturGays with DJ Sean John, Davina, Veda & guests with Beauty Spot Karaoke from 10pm Pantibar – The Panti Show from 10pm. Cruisin’, Music, Dancin’, Chattin’ Copper Alley – Mother, home of synth pop and electronic music Sunday The George – Bingo with Shirley Temple Bar from 9.30pm Pantibar – Popcorn. Panti’s Tea Dance from 3pm.

A gay ‘ole ‘tea dance’ with Panti on the decks

Regular Nights Pop Rox Indie Night @ The Dive Bar (Turk’s Head) – For tnightly Saturdays Crush Girlclub @ Lafayette Club Specials Saturday 23rd August: Mister George, Call For Entries @ The George Saturday 6th September: Adore Delano Performs Live @ The Dragon

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Exchequer Street

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LANDMARKS A - Parliament Square B - Temple Bar C - Dublin Castle D - The Needle E - Gaiety Theatre F - Grafton Street G - Olympia Theatre

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VENUES 1 - Panti Bar 2 - Nealons 3 - The Front Lounge 4 - Copper Alley 5 - The George 6 - The Dragon 7 - Lafayette Club 8 - The Hub 9 - The Boilerhouse

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LANDMARKS A - Grand Opera House B - The MAC C - City Hall D - The Fish E - Odyssey F - Ulster Hall G - The Waterfront H - The Cour ts

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VENUES 1 - Union Street Bar 2 - Kremlin 3 - Maverick 4 - Sunflower Bar 5 - Kellys Cellars 6 - Queens Cafe Bar 7 - Yard 401 8 - El Divino 9 - Boombox

F E Golden Lane