GNI MAG Issue 19

GNI mag

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GNI mag

14

EDITOR Kieran Clarke kieran@lambpromotions.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Tony Day tony@lambpromotions.com DIRECTOR Fred Scott fred@lambpromotions.com FASHION EDITOR Tony Webster PHOTOGRAPHY Tony Webster & Brad McClenaghan BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Daniel May CONTRIBUTORS Evan Arthurs / Jamie Baird / Gareth C. / Fox Fisher / Bliain Fitzpatrick / Jake Graf / Lewis Hancox / Orlaith Hendron / Eamon McAuley / Hayden McGehan / Elaine O’Shea / Trudy Scrumptious / James Rampton / Rebecca Root / Ross Semple / SJ Wilson SPECIAL THANKS TO Union Street Bar / Kremlin / Destination Skin / The Grand Opera House Belfast / La JohnJoseph / Willam / Alan Carr / Jonathan Harvey / Panti Bliss / Hybrid Gym / REAL Belfast

34

GNI MAG is published by: Lamb Promotions Ltd 145 Holywood Road Belfast, BT4 3BE

23

Telephone | 028 90654314 Website | www.gnimag.com

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 is final. Any material sent is at the owner’s 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 liabilty for any misprints that ap-

CONTRIBUTORS

pear in this magazine. You should seek professional advice prior to

ROSS SEMPLE

following any advice offered in this publication.

Ross Semple is a

ORLAITH HENDRON

Lamb Promotions Ltd 2015

writer whose talents

Orliath is a feminist

include having three

activist. She is involved

nipples and being able

with the Belfast

to name every Real

Feminist Network

Housewife. He has a

and has volunteered

@gnimag

@

gni@lambpromotions.com @GNImag #TeamGNI /gnimag

regular feature about camp popular culture at Gay with IGLYO: an international NGO for young

Times. You can follow him on Twitter at

people and student activists. She was previously

@rosssemple.

Community Developement Officer for Here NI.

contents

EDITOR’S letter 50 GNI MAG Columnists 52 Top Belfast bars

Style

21 Intro

8 @GNI MAG 10 Preview 13 Tried and Tested 17 Bliaine Fitzpatrick

Features

18 La JohnJoseph 21 First Look 23 Star Wars: The Force Awakens 26 Willam 31 2015 review 34 Alan Carr 38 The Big Debate 40 Jonathan Harvey 44 Panti Bliss

55 Fashion 63 Get The Look 65 Grooming Special

Lifestyle

67 Dating 68 Gay Berlin 70 Fitness 72 Food 75 Interiors 76 On the Scene

The Big Day

79 Dearbhaile and Gabrielle

Outro

85 Health 88 Coming Out 93 My Gay Family 94 What’s On: Dublin 96 What’s On: Belfast 98 Christmas by the numbers

UE S S I T NEX

26

OUT 6 1 UARY

JAN

It’s always strange to think another Christmas is here. If you’re anything like us you’ve been scouring the shops since mid September for that first glint of tinsel (only to discover that after a brief surge in Pumpkin spice, the only thing you will be smelling from now until January is the vague whiff of Brussels sprouts).

But being common gay boys, we can’t get enough of this most fab time of year.

From frostbitten fingers, to resisting the urge to push people with prams into traffic, even suffering through the 42nd rendition of ‘Fairytale of New York’ you’ve likely heard that day, we love it all. And why wouldn’t we? Christmas is a time to be with family and friends. If you haven’t got either you can come round mine to help me through this mountain of Iceland vol-au-vents and Black Forest Gateaux.

This is my first Christmas as editor of GNI MAG. The past six months have been a real game changer for me. I can honestly say I have never done anything more difficult or more rewarding, and I really hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have. If you had have told me a few years ago that someday I’d achieve my dream of running a national magazine I probably would have screamed at you. I would certainly have hurled hot coffee in your face. But I do it from a place of love, so you can’t sue.

Of course, no Christmas is complete without a few festive treats. That’s why we’ve treated you to this extra special collector’s edition cover. Isn’t it pretty? I’m also proud to announce our biggest and best celeb line up yet. Alan Carr? Check.

Jonathan Harvey? Got him. Panti Bliss?

Double check. WILLAM? Shantay, you most definitely stay. We’ve caught up with the most notorious queen in Drag Race herstory to talk her new album, series two of Eastsiders (not to be confused with Eastenders), and why you shouldn’t call her a queen. You have been warned...

Until next time, we want to wish all of our beloved readers a happy and peaceful Christmas. Now, more turkey, dear?

- Kieran Clarke, GNI MAG Editor

Yardbird 2ND FLOOR 3 HILL ST, BELFAST, BT1 2LA

@ gni mag Leanne Culbert @leanneculbert

Gay people are not asking for special rights. We are not asking to not pay

Michael Grey-Sloan @mgs_eire

GNI MAG @gnimag

sex relationships. He did teach

Jesus said nothing about same

has us gripped. And by gripped we

Micky Murray @Micky_Murray

If you want to govern with religious beliefs, go govern a church. Don’t involve the country.

Jake O’Kane @JakeOKane

LGBT love is the same love as

any other love. For God’s sake –

whatever God you believe in – grow up and move on.

It’s #equalmarriage not gay marriage

tax like churches don’t.

Tonight’s @StephenNolan show In October Northern Ireland had an historic victory when the Stormont Assembly voted in favour of same-sex civil marriage for the first time, only for a DUP veto to stop it from becoming law. To say you guys were pissed is an understatement...

Neil Davis @WeeNeiller

mean gripping the edge of the TV

love, respect etc but don’t tell the

homophobes that, it’ll annoy them.

and heading for the balcony.

Peter C Johnson @epictrader

Shane Sweeny @shanedsweeney

marriage was cringeworthy. Too

Christians do NOT own marriage.

Civil partnerships are not the same.

Civil marriage for all.

Patrick Corrigan @PatrickCorrigan

#MarriageEquality – what people

in N.Ireland actually think.

IpsosMORI poll – 68% support, 27% against.

The #NolanLive ‘discussion’ on gay many people here are living a Bibleinspired time warp.

Ciaran Moynagh @CiaranMoy

#NolanLive makes me very sad to live in Northern Ireland.

Kate Elliot @Moyiv8

Politcians used to think that women would not not know what to do

Mel Bradley @Meljbradley

@gnimag I’m screaming at the television.

with a vote, an unthinkable attitude.

Same applies to gay marriage.

the archive

INSTA LOVE This month’s #InstaLove goes to New York-based actor, model and military man Ryan White.

Ryan hasn’t been active on Instagram for all that long, but our ginger pride is positively overflowing.

His rugged good looks and penchant for underwear selfies have won him an impressive few thousand followers in no time at all.

GNI MAG | 9

Has it really been two years since this Christmas issue? Scary how time flies...

In issue 8 we caught up with BBC newsreader Andy West, sat down for a chat with our fave Michelle Visage, and we talked all things art with that talented Dublin duo Adrian and Shane.

Rise of the Tomb Raider November 10 Xbox One Exclusive

Guitar Hero Live October 20 PS4, Xbox One

HALO 5: GUARDIANS October 27 Xbox One Be still our geeky hearts! From Halo 5 to the long awaited Guitar Hero reboot, here are our top 3 games to plug yourself into this Christmas while Nana gently farts in the corner. Sorry Playstation fans (i.e. everyone) Lara Croft’s latest outing in Rise of the Tomb Raider is a timed exclusive for the Xbox One. You won’t be able to get your grubby mitts on it until Christmas 2016 *crying face emoji* GNI MAG | 10

No self-respecting gayer would dream of starting 2016 without the latest calendar from übertwink (and future husband to Dustin Lance-Black) Tom Daley. This time around our fave Olympian lets his stupidly amazing abs do the talking. Best of all, it’s got an extra four months for you to rip out and stick on your bedroom wall to curb that insatiable thirst. Get yours at bit.ly/Tomcalendar2016

NOVEMBER 6 Spectre Bond is back, and this time he is facing his greatest threat yet: a shadowy criminal network known only as Hydra, er, sorry, we mean SPECTRE. Our interest in this is rated somewhere between piqued and positively frothing.

NOVEMBER 12-21 Outburst Northern Ireland’s premiere queer arts festival returns for yet more fun and frivolity. Set over ten days, expect queer cinema, queer drama (of the good kind) and enough great art to keep you in Tweets for years. outburstarts.com GNI MAG | 11

DECEMBER 1 World Aids Day Dust off those red ribbons.

Every year the community around the world comes together to raise awareness of rising infection rates and to mourn the friends we have lost along the way. worldaidsday.org

DECEMBER 4 Transparent The Emmywinning series returns to keep the transgender zeitgeist going.

We can’t wait to see what certifiable thesp Jeffrey Tambor brings to series 2 of the Amazon exclusive.

DECEMBER 18 Star Wars Cue the John Williams score!

You heard us right: Star Wars is back for more interstellar larking about in that galaxy far, far away. Turn to page 23 to see what we are most excited by!

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TRIED & Tested TECH / Movies / music / stage Master &Dynamic MW60 Wireless Headphones £362.99 Hi-Fi Bluetooth headphones don’t come cheap, and the newest model from Master & Dynamic is no exception.

If you haven’t seen them in your nearest Apple Store, the MW60’s are seriously high end and unquestionably luxurious.

What makes the MW60 a must have is that it’s two products in one: an unrivaled Bluetooth headphone and a legit hi-fi corded headphone.

Sony Cyber-Shot RX1R II Digital Camera £2034.00 No Christmas is complete without a fancy camera to record those moments of festive wonder (like the look on your face when your aunt gives you Tom Daley’s autobiography for the third time).

The RX1R II camera is one of the world’s smallest fullframe cameras and delivers one of the highest picture qualities of any compact cameras ever made.

It houses a built-in flash, shoots at 5 fps, and is an easily portable camera for the professional photographer.

Omega Seamaster 300 £2,995.00 This unique Seamaster 300 is the actual model worn by James Bond in Sam Mendes’ hit film SPECTRE. It comes in a robust stainless steel case with a sleek black and grey striped NATO strap.

Inside, the watch is powered by the OMEGA Master Co-Axial calibre 8400, a revolutionary movement that is resistant to almost everything.

GNI MAG | 13

They say a man’s home is his castle. If that’s true then his armor has to be his gadgets.

No modern man is complete without three essential tools: a high-end camera for the perfect Christmas portraits, a signature watch to complete any outfit, and a pair of wireless headphones to drown out the noise and help you navigate the sturm und drang of city life.

In this edition of TNT we present our top three gadgets for Christmas 2015. The Sony Cyber-Shot RX1R II is the most affordable high-end camera on the market, and is as simple to use as any point and shoot. The latest offering from Master & Dynamic offers high-quality wireless sound from a pair of headphones that wouldn’t look out of place in the cockpit of a Spitfire. And what man wouldn’t imagine himself as the next James Bond with his own Omega Seamaster 300?

TRIED AND TESTED | MUSIC

TROYE SIVAN 2015 was Troye Sivan’s year.

his ‘Blue Neighborhood’ series: a

He may have started life as a

trilogy of short films that charted

tween sensation but this gay

the blossoming relationship

20-year-old from Johannesburg

of its two young leads (one

is one of the few YouTubers to

of them played by Troye). In

successfully transition from

part two things took a turn

twinky internet celeb to legit

for the worse and got all dark

musical talent. He has teased

and instragrammy. Part three,

us with his brand of precocious

‘Talk Me Down’, had a darkly

synth-pop since his first single

ambiguous ending.

‘Happy Little Pill’ (from his first studio album TRXYE) came out last summer.

enough.

“I think the most important

In September he released his

AG M I N G IST ART 15!

OF 20

Naturally we couldn’t get

thing to me at this point in my

new 6 track EP. Wild was so on

career is being able to be honest

point it hurt, narrowly beating

in my songwriting - and these

Years and Year’s Communion

songs are about boys,” Sivan

to the top spot of GNI MAG’s

told The Advocate Magazine in

album of the year. An expertly

September.

produced buffet of oh-so-

“Hopefully these videos will

brooding pop, it was as if Lorde,

be the most viewed thing I’ve

Passion Pit and Olly Alexander

ever done in my life.”

had a musical lovechild and named it Troye Sivan.

The first track of the EP, also called ‘Wild’, was the first part of

‘Talk Me Down’ is the first single from his upcoming album, also titled Blue Neighborhood, due out on December 4.

GNI PLAYLIST 2015 DRAKE - HOTLINE BLING | JUSTIN BIEBER - WHAT DO YOU MEAN | THE WEEKND - CAN’T FEEL MY FACE | MACKLEMORE + RYAN LEWIS - DOWNTOWN | MARK RONSON - UPTOWN FUNK | SKILLEX & DIPLO - WHERE ARE U NOW | DEMI LOVATO - COOL FOR THE SUMMER | JESS GLYNNE - HOLD MY HAND | LORDE - ROYALS

JOHN GRANT

| WALK THE MOON - SHUT UP AND DANCE | CARLY REA JEPSEN - I REALLY LIKE YOU | KELLY CLARKSON

If you haven’t heard of him, John Grant is an angry, bearded, 47-year-old, HIV-positive American musician who had

- HEARTBEAT SONG | ELLIE GOULDING - LOVE ME

made his name writing witty electronic pop about his

LIKE YOU DO | HOZIER - TAKE ME TO CHURCH | IGGY

personal drama, drink and drug-fuelled binges, a litany

YEARS | OLLY MURS - WRAPPED UP | ADELE - HELLO

of exes, his HIV diagnosis and homophobia, all in classic

| DISCLOSURE ft. SAM SMITH - OMEN | ADELE HELLO | SAM SMITH - WRITING’S ON THE WALL | ONE

singer-songwriter style. He is also one of the most talented

DIRECTION - PERFECT | ELLIE GOULDING - ON MY

musicians of the last decade.

MIND | CALVIN HARRIS - HOW DEEP IS YOUR LOVE

For an album about making peace with death and letting

| JESS GLYNE - HOLD MY HAND | KYGO ft. CONRAD

go of life because you’re going to lose everything you love, his new album ‘Grey Tickles, Black Pressure’ is dark, brooding,

SEWELL - FIRESTONE | OMI - CHEERLEADER | JAMES

and probably his most upbeat work to date. It is a sprawling,

BAY - LET IT GO | YEARS & YEARS - SHINE | AVICII WAITING FOR LOVE | NICK JONAS - LEVELS

angry, often hilarious album that solidifies his place as the foremost artist of his generation.

GNI MAG | 14

WORDS BY KIERAN CLARKE

AZELEA ft. CHARLI XCX - FANCY | KING - YEARS &

disastrous relationships. His work is set to two decades of

TRIED AND TESTED | MOVIES

THE DANISH GIRL

CAROL

Tom Hooper brings to the big screen

Based on the 1952 novel ‘The Price of Salt’

the true story of Einar Wegener

by Patricia Highsmith, ‘Carol’ was one of the

premiered at Cannes in May, winning

(Eddie Redmayne). Einar is a

first novels to portray a lesbian romance that

universal praise and the coveted Queer Palm

successful painter who is happily

didn’t end in outright tragedy.

award. The praise is well deserved. The film

married to fellow artist, Gerda (Alicia

Oscar nominee Rooney Mara plays

Carol was the critic’s darling when it

is achingly beautiful, with career-defining

Vikander). When Gerda asks Einar

Therese, a talented artist trapped in an

turns from the two leads. Until now Mara’s

to pose in a pair of stockings for a

unfulfilling relationship. With Christmas

career hasn’t quite had the escape velocity

painting she has been working on,

fast approaching, she takes a job in the toy

needed to break into the mainstream. As the

Einar has a transformative moment.

department of a Manhattan department

uncertain, bookish, and repressed Therese,

He soon becomes one of the first

store. It’s here, during a chance encounter,

she is a revelation and a delight to watch. It is

recorded recipients of gender-

that she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an

an electrifying performance unlike anything

reassignment surgery in the world.

unhappily married New York socialite going

else we have seen this year.

As Einar (and later as the titular

through a messy divorce. Glamorous in

Danish Girl, Lili) Redmayne’s

furs, the older woman captivates Therese. A

performance dazzles. As the finest

difficult and touching relationship begins to

actor of his generation he brings

blossom between the two women.

When all is said and done, Carol might just be our top film of 2015.

Out November 20

as much charm and sincerity to the role as you would expect from

She survived the perils of

a seasoned thesp who is well

the 74th and 75th Hunger

known for demanding physical

Games, but the end is

and psychological transformations

nigh for Katniss Everdeen

(witness his turn as Stephen

(Jennifer Lawrence). Now

Hawking in last year’s The Theory

the games are over, the war

of Everything). The arrival of a

for Panem has begun, and

young suitor named Henrik (Ben

it’s as barmy as we hoped.

Whishaw) makes for an intriguing—

This time around

if unnecessary—love triangle. Like

the Capitol has been

Lili herself, the film is a beauty to

transformed into a gigantic

behold, packed with period-detailing and a thoughtful orchestral score by Alexandre Desplat. It lacks much serious drama, in a post-Caitlyn Jenner world we had high hopes for

death maze designed to put

HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PT 2

that started in Catching

Fire. With three films behind it, Mockingjay Part 2 finally delivers on its long-teased promise of all out war, with a shocking and brutal finale that strains the 12A rating to breaking point.

something with a bit more depth.

Out January 1

an end to the revolution

Out November 19

GNI MAG | 15

TRIED AND TESTED | BOOKS & THEATRE

MICHELLE VISAGE THE DIVA RULES

She gave us a peak back in issue 17, and now The Diva Rules: Ditch the Drama, Find Your Strength, and Sparkle Your Way to the Top is finally out! From advice on living life to the fullest, keeping your shit together, and giving good face, Mama V dishes 22 invaluable lessons in sparkling your way to the top.

MARY POPPINS - BGE THEATRE

THE SNOWMAN - BGE THEATRE

No Christmas is

production is adapted

The Snowman is a

score played live by

complete without a

from the PL Travers

true Christmas classic.

the Irish Philharmonic

refresher course in all

original and the Walt

It’s as traditional as

Orchestra, this family

things Mary Poppins.

Disney film, with a

Brussels sprouts, The

friendly show is packed

So count your lucky

handful of new songs

Queen’s speech, and

with a selection of

stars that Cameron

to compliment old

naff paper crowns. Now

popular Christmas

Mackintosh, one of the

favourites like ‘A

you have the chance

Songs (including

West End’s best-known

Spoonful of Sugar’ and

to start a tradition of

‘Walking in the Air’)

producers, has teamed

‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite.’ Zizi

your own by watching

and is not one to be

up with Downton

Strallen is just Julie

The Snowman live

missed. Suitable even

Abbey writer Julian

Andrews enough to

on screen with your

for young children, this

Fellowes to bring this

be authentic as Mary

little ones. Shay

show is an opportunity

practically perfect

while still making the

Byrne of RTÉ Radio

for the whole family

production to the

role her own. The West

1’s Risin’ Time is the

to share the magic of

stage of the Bord

End staging astounds.

narrator. Accompanied

Christmas.

Gáis Energy Theatre.

This all-new stage

by Howard Blake’s

December 3 - January 9

TYLER OAKLEY BINGE

Tyler Oakley is the nicest guy in showbiz bar none, with 8 million followers and hoardes of tween fans at his disposal. Binge is a part autobiography, part scrapbook, part hilarious social commentary about life as a gay man. Tyler bares all (sadly not in *that* way) about his coming out, abusive relationships, and his top twelve Disney princes, and all in his trademark wit and style.

GNI MAG | 16

beautifully haunting

December 14 - 20

COLUMN | BLÍAIN FITZPATRICK

JEREMY CORBYN The media circus never ends! #JezzaforPM IDRIS ELBA ON LUTHER *eggplant emoji* *heart eyes emoji* STAR WARS The expectation! The merch! Solo and Chewie! #fanboys OLD SAINT NICK Who doesn’t love a cash rich daddy you only have to see once a year?

CHRISTMAS DINNER The look on your mum’s face when you tell her he isn’t really your housemate...

LOVE HATE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING Boots 3 for 2 on Christmas Eve. Sorted!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING PT 2 Not really. We’ve been planning for months. Spreadsheets and everything. You think we’re kidding?

SHOPPING (AGAIN) You’ll never encounter more prams parked at the top of escalators than when scouring the shelves for that one thing you forgot about YET MORE SHOPPING Seriously, get out of the way WRAPPING PAPER More like ‘handy weapon’ THE NAUGHTY LIST You’re on it for life now

The Christmas survival guide

Blíain Fitzpatrick It’s already that time of year again, which means it has been a year since I started writing for this fabulous magazine. First of, a huge festive “Thank you!” for your continued support.

Christmas is my favourite time of year. The anticipation of that big guy in red squeezing down the chimney can bring some much needed cheer over the festive period. It can also bring up some less positive feelings for some people, so here are my top tips for keeping safe and staying sane this Christmas.

can, however small the gesture, and make things a little easier for someone who really needs it.

Sometimes you just have to be selfless and put someone else’s needs above your own.

Fill up your diary

Keeping the heating on is essential, but other ways of staying warm are good too! Whether you are single or happily coupled, there is no better time of year than winter for spooning with your cuddle buddy of choice.

For the lucky ones who have time off at Christmas the temptation to lock the door and watch old movies is strong. But it’s important not to spend too much time alone at Christmas.

If you are a social media addict, pictures of happy families and extravagant gifts can make you incredibly jealous. Don’t do it. Get off the phone and make those plans. Enjoy making memories that don’t require a Facebook account.

Get in touch with old friends Now don’t go all Scrooge on me and start reliving the highs and lows of your life accompanied by three ghosts. We know how it is, we’re all busy and wrapped up in our own little lives, but find the time to call to an old friend that you haven’t heard from in a while.

Christmas can be a really emotional time for some people, something as simple as a phone call can make all the difference.

Get a Christmas tree!

As a little boy I could not wait for the time when I would be old enough to decorate my Christmas tree the way I wanted. As a 20something-year-old man I have yet to take the plunge and buy a tree of my own, and every year I ask myself why doesn’t it feel like Christmas yet? You can’t enjoy all the magic without a ton of tinsel and decorations everywhere.

Give something back Last Christmas I helped a friend serve a threecourse meal to over a hundred homeless people.

It was a really fantastic experience. Find a way to give something back this Christmas if you

GNI MAG | 17

Ask for socks Do you ever find yourself in the situation where someone asks you what you want for Christmas and you genuinely have no idea? Take my advice and ask for socks. You’ll thank me later.

Stay toasty

Michael Buble is essential!

Buble is Christmas incarnate. There is no better feeling than getting drunk on his sexual tones whilst having a cheeky snog with some doe-eyed stud surrounded by Christmas candles and a veritable garden of aforementioned mistletoe.

Remember to keep the music loud enough to wake grandma from her Brussels sprouts induced coma. Speaking off…

Look after the older generation Grannies, granddads, great aunts and uncles, older neighbours, that nice lady you see pottering about her garden… Winter can be a tough time for the elderly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Make a point of calling in to make sure they are warm and well fed, especially if it gets snowy or the pipes burst or something equally horrible happens. And accept their offer of a fruit loaf or biscuits with good grace. It’s probably all they have to offer.

Stay safe!

Just remember: everything in moderation, including the urge to click on that little yellow icon we all know and love. If you do hook up over Christmas remember to tell someone where you are going and who you are with, and for goodness sake be safe! Not even your bff wants to spend New Year’s Day in the GUM clinic with you...

INTERVIEW | LA JOHNJOSEPH

W

hen we first meet La JohnJoseph his voice is hushed. It is as if the Berlin-based playwright, librettist, journalist, novelist, and fiercely intelligent literary rebel is on her deathbed and is incapable of raising her voice above the level of a whisper.

“I’m feeling a little under the weather,” he murmurs.

“A cold, I think.”

In our best impression of someone’s mum, we remind her that something is usually going around.

He perks up instantly. “That’s what people in the UK always say, isn’t it? They always say there’s something going around. In Germany if you say ‘I have a headache’ or ‘I’m a paranoid schizophrenic,’ the people always say ‘It’s the change in the seasons’.”

Two minutes into our chat and we are already a teensy bit in love with the satirical cabaret starlet. (“…cabaret doesn’t seem to require talent per se, or an actual what you might call purpose, or any sort of skills, and since I don’t have any of those sort of things I immediately felt I’d be perfect.”)

Variously described as a toxic mix of the empress Agrippina and Hyacinth Bucket, and “the only person in the UK more delusional than Nigel Farage,” La JohnJoseph is a protégé of the legendary Penny Arcade. Her work has taken her around the world.

An artist of the highest caliber, his memoir play “Boy in a Dress” was critically acclaimed at the Edinburgh Fringe and enjoyed a sold-out UK tour.

She regularly performs with her “twin brother,” a pop performance persona by the name of Alexander Geist. Last month her debut novel Everything Must Go was nominated (but sadly didn’t win) the Polari book prize. “…which is very exciting,” he tells us all in one breathless whisper.

Setting aside poor editing skills on our part, La JohnJoseph identifies as genderfluid, a gender identity that Google reliably tells us is best described as a dynamic mix of male and female.

“I have considered myself genderfluid since my early teens,” she explains. We picture her sipping a gin and tonic, or a glass of champagne, while we speak, surrounded by a cloud of cigarette smoke; then again, we are homosexual.

“The pronoun that I do like is ‘they’,’ he explains, I” deliberately move between the two, he and she, but I prefer they. Being genderfluid allows for not only a multiplicity of genders, but a multiplicity of identities in general. You can move through personas with that.

There’s a plurality built in to “they.”

Like most queer artists his work is flavored by gender and sexuality. But unlike most queer artists

his work his also inherently political. La JohnJoseph wears her political sensibilities on her sleeve.

“The current political climate in the UK is truly appalling,” she intones. “This government is the spawn of the devil. What we have now is this horrendous right-wing politics which is decimating the most vulnerable people, and putting pure greed at the top of the political agenda. This government is the absolute work of Beelzebub.”

With society in tatters, with rumors of a romantic tryst between our Prime Minister and the head of a pig still not quite blown over, when you can’t get a decent soy latte for under £3.50, trust La JohnJoseph to step in to take our once great country in hand.

Her political motivations have inspired her latest show: a blisteringly glamorous play entitled “Practically Royalty.” It premiered at the London Wonderground in August to rave reviews.

“What I’ve come up with is an intimate but life-changing evening of elegant rhetoric, a really charming, ambient medley of song and spiel, with the occasional dash of hate speech!

“I take on the persona of someone who is very proTory, very-privileged, and basically spewing bile about how we can make Britain great again. How we can destroy the welfare system, demolish council estates for more convenient off-street parking, how we need to put a wall between England and Wales to keep out Welsh extremists… Really vulgar stuff that you see people like Katie Hopkins talk about.

“The show was born out of political despair.

It’s really satirical stuff, but really it’s my way of

La John protesting this government which is destroying the NHS, destroying the BBC, destroying arts funding etc.

If you’re an artist, if you’re disabled, if you’re queer, if you’re of colour, you know who not to vote for.”

La JohnJoseph blogs at boyfriendrobotique.blogspot. com Her debut novel is available now at bit.ly/lajohnjoseph

GNI MAG | 18

Christmas Day TELLY

The Sound of Music - ITV Who doesn’t enjoy spending Christmas day with Captain Von Trapp? Not us, that’s for sure. The good news is that ITV are planning their own star-studded performance to be screened live a la those Corrie specials

Dr Who - BBC 1

nJoseph

Spoilers, sweetie! Series regular Alex Kingston’s River Song is back from dead for one last spin in the TARDIS. We’ll also be bidding a fond farewell to the Doctor’s current companion Clara, who may be getting killed off

IMAGES | Bruce Atherton & Janna Chiellino

The Queen’s Speech - Multiple Channels Assuming you haven’t slipped into a turkey and stuffing induced coma by the time it’s on, expect a good poke in the ribs from your nan if you doze off during this festive fan favourite.

GNI MAG | 19

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INTRO | FIRST LOOK

INTRO | MARVEL’S JESSICA JONES

FIRFSIRTST LOOLKOO! K! Have you met Miss Jones? Jessica Jones, we mean. After the ratings

HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES?

smash that was Daredevil, it’s the turn Marvel’s newest and most interesting character to get her own Netflix series. Breaking Bad’s

Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones

Specially commissioned by Channel 4, this striking and original series by local director Ryan Ralph is an honest and insightful look at the male body.

The series focuses on six men: a bear, a HIV positive artist, a drag queen, a sportsman, and a

Miketattooist.

ColterThe as Luke Cagefocuses final short on the fiancé of GNI MAG’s very own fashion maven Tony Webster (otherwise known as BigBad Llama), who is on hand to photograph and narrate in his distinctive style throughout all six Images: © Marvel/Netflix

shorts. The Male Body Handbook is available now at channel4.com

Krysten Ritter will star as the titular Jones, a retired hero turned 12 massively successful films later and Earth’s mightiest heroes are detective by the events that led her totell hang cape. householdhaunted names. Even your Nan could probably youup theher current line up of the Avengers.

These days Marvel’s most exciting work are its Broadchurch star David Tennant plays her nemesis, the Daredevil smaller-scale TV projects.

Agents of SHIELD has been a ratings winner baddie known as The Purple Man, who used his powers of persuasion for ABC, ditto Cap’ spinoff Agent Carter. Daredevil was one of Netflix’s to keep Jones as his personal slave for almost a year. biggest ever hits when it launched earlier this year. Now it’s the turn of Expect lesser-known hero Jessicagritty Jones.capesexual realness.

Marvel’s Jessica Jones premieres on Netflix November 20.

Jones first appeared in the 2001 comic Alias by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. When we first meet her (who will be played by Breaking Bad’s Krysten Ritter) is a detective working on cases tied to the fringes of the New York superhero society. So, who is she? Potential spoilers ahead…

Jones was on a family trip with her family when the car they were travelling in collided with an army truck transporting unidentified experimental material. Her family were killed in the collision, while Jessica’s injuries were so severe she was in a coma for months. Those chemicals gave her superhuman powers, including super strength, limited invulnerability, and even flight. (We’d be amazed if they pulled this off on the show.)

During her stint as the superhero Jewel that she encountered Zebediah Killgrave, the Daredevil villain better known as The Purple Man (David Tennant). Killgrave used his powers of persuasion to abduct Jones, keeping her as his personal slave and psychologically torturing her for almost a year. When she eventually escapes she swears off superheroics forever.

Jessica Jones will pave the way for Marvels next big team up, the Defenders, featuring Jones’ romantic interest Luke Cage (whose own series is due in 2016), Iron Fist, and the already established Daredevil.

Still plenty of time for Marvel to give Squirrel Girl the gritty spin-off she deserves…

David Tennant as The Purple Man

GNI MAG | 21 Jessica Jones premieres on Netflix November 20.

Marvel’s

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INTERVIEW | BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT

OF

ngs

ngs

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"There has been an awakening, have you felt it?"

This December Star Wars: The Force Awakens will hit screens around the world. Set 30 years after Return of the Jedi, this long awaited sequel IS SET TO STAR an all new cast with a few familiar faces back to save the day. With Darth Vadar gone and the Galactic Empire no more, it is up to some old friends to confront the new evil that has risen to take the Empire's place..

Here are the top things can't wait to see in Episode VII.

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS RE LEASE DEC 17

No return to the Star Wars universe would be complete

The old gang are back!

without Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford.

More than a nostalgic cash-grab designed to sell tickets (we hope) the original trio of Luke, Leia and Han are set to play major roles in The Force Awakens. Joining them in that galaxy far, far away are series regulars Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Kenny Baker as R2-D2, and even Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew! (What, no Billy Dee Williams as Lando?!)

Joining them are John Boyega as Finn, a rogue stormtrooper, Daisy Ridley as Rey, a scavenger from desert planet Jakku, and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as an X-wing fighter.

Filming shut down for two weeks last year while Ford recovered from having part of the Millennium Falcon set fall on him, fuelling speculation that the old smuggler will have a much bigger role to play than we thought. The amount of screen-time the Skywalker twins will get isn’t yet known. Neither have featured in any of the trailers so far, although if the rumours are to be believed Luke may finally have succumbed to the Dark Side of the Force‌

GNIMAG.COM | 21

INTERVIEW | BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT

It is authentically Star Wars In the biggest shake up of Star Wars since the prequels, the role of director has passed from franchise stalwart George Lucas to Star

Trek helmer JJ Abrams. Lucas had no direct input in the making of The Force Awakens (given the much maligned prequels this is probably no bad thing)...

Lawrence Kasdan, who wrote The Empire Strikes Back and

Return of the Jedi, is not only co-writer on The Force Awakens, he’s co-writing the first Star Wars Stories movie. Speaking to

Entertainment Weekly, Kasdan said “I thought, ‘Wow, okay, these people have lived - they’re in a different place in their lives, Han and Leia and so on. They’ve lived the same 30 years I have. What would that be like? How would you see things differently’.”

2

Heroes are only as good as their villains. From Captain

Phasma (the chrome stormtrooper glimpsed in the trailer played by Game of Thrones fave Gwendoline Christie), to the mysterious Kylo Ren, The Force Awakens is stuffed

3

The new villains look badass

with as much villainy as the Mos Eisley cantina. (Greedo not included.) With the Death Star out of action the Empire is no more. But wait! A new group dubbed The First Order has risen to take the Empire’s place. Little is known about who or what The First Order are, but chances are it’s nothing good. Early speculation pegged Kylo Ren as a Sith when his tri-bladed lightsaber from the first trailer grabbed headlines.

Director Abrams says otherwise. “He works under Supreme Leader Snoke, who is a powerful figure on the Dark Side of the Force,” he told Empire magazine. Snoke is the CG character motion-captured by Andy Serkis. If you think he looks a bit like Darth Vadar the similarities are intentional.

Kylo Ren is obsessed with the former Anakin Skywalker…

Earlier this year Disney chief executive Bob Iger revealed that Disney would soon be adding two massive Star Wars expansions to their Florida and California parks. “We knew it needed to be big,” says Iger, “we knew it needed to be great, and we knew it needed to be every bit as thrilling as the films are going to be.”

Inhabited by humanoids, aliens and droids, these 14 acre sites will transport guests to a whole new planet not previously seen in the movies, with shops run by various species and everything looking a bit like a cross between Mos Eisley and Naboo. Both parks will feature two key attractions including a ride where guests take control of the Millennium Falcon. No word as yet on when the planned parks will open, but your little Luke’s and Leia’s will love it. We will be first in line for tickets.

We are getting a Star Wars Theme Park!

4

GNIMAG.COM | 22

Lucasfilm and Abrams have been clamoring to reassure fans that

The Force Awakens makes extensive use of real practical effects.

“The thing that struck me,” says Abrams, “that wouldn’t get out of my head, is just how real you knew and felt Star Wars was when you first saw A New Hope. You couldn’t deny it. It’s Star Wars.

There will be an endless number of effects. We needed a standard.

You want it to be legitimate and authentic.” They have been relying heavily on that message ever since. What we do know is that most of the completely CGI shots are in set space, featuring ships like Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters, the Millennium Falcon and

5 may the merch be with you One thing Star Wars is famous for is product tie-ins. From your run of the mill hoodies and t-shirts to functional Millennium Falcon drones, merchandise has come a long way since little plastic figurines. In September the Star Wars YouTube channel livestreamed a product rollout unlike any before. The highlight?

Kylo Ren’s First Order starship. Says 3-PO actor Anthony Daniels, “It became clear early on that with JJ we were getting back to the old-fashioned kind of film-making. We have walls. Actual sets! All right, so you might not have a view out of the window, but you have a window!”

So long CGI…

6

A tiny working version of the movie’s droid BB-8 (pictured right) that can roll, balance, scoot around, and avoid objects. First glimpsed in The Force Awakens trailer, BB-8 just relegated your R2-D2 to the merch scrapheap. When paired with your iPhone or tablet, this diminutive droid will even project recorded videos via an augmented reality app à la “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi!” The £129.99 price is unlikely to prevent it becoming the must-have toy this Christmas. Expect to see grown men beating each other with plastic lightsabers to bag the last one...

After The Force Awakens comes the spin-off Star Wars Stories series. Due out in December 2016, the first of these standalone films is Star Wars: Rogue One. Set before the events of A New

Hope, Rogue One is rumored to be a heist movie centered around a band of rebellion fighters who unite to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s planet-destroying battle station. The sequel to The Force Awakens will be released

7

There is more to come!

IMAGES © LUCASFILM LTD/DISNEY

in May 2017. Episode VIII will be written and directed by

Looper director Rian Johnson. The second spin-off is due out in May 2018, this time focusing on a teenage Han Solo.

In 2020 fans will be treated to a long gestating Boba Fett movie. Josh Trank was set to direct but has since pulled out.

Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy has said, “It’s still one of the stories we absolutely want to tell.”

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is released in the UK on December 17, 2015

INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI

GNI MAG | 26

INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI

WILLAM WORDS | Ross Semple IMAGES | David Phelps It’s difficult to find a

someone then they think you

more successful Ru

walk around to a Rihanna song

Paul’s Drag Race queen

and take money. I kind of think I

than Willam. The first and

do more than that, which is why

only contestant to screw himself out of $100,000 by

I call myself a comedian. I’m a comedian and a clown. I wear as

getting disqualified in Season

much makeup as a clown, and

4, Willam has made a name for

who doesn’t love being under a

himself through bad behaviour and raunchy parody videos.

big top?”

Touring has given Willam the

With 80,000,000 YouTube views,

opportunity to go all over the

23 television appearances, a #1

world.

album (Shartistry in Motion) on

“I’ve been to England every

the Billboard comedy chart, and

month this year so it’s kind of

an appearance on the VMAs

like I know the neighborhoods

alongside Miley Cyrus, you can’t

now. One of my best friends,

say Willam hasn’t capitalised on

Jodie Harsh, lives there. I love

his popularity. Still, after all this

Manchester. I love Brighton. I love

success, he’s not keen on being

hanging out with my UK fans and

called an artist...

getting crazy with them. They’re

“That’s taking it far,” he says. “I’m

awesome, especially the Irish

a clown at best. You can’t expect

ones. The Irish and British ones

me to sit here with a straight face

can go in.”

while you call me those things.

On the topic of the show that

I do those things. I wouldn’t call

made him famous, Willam had a

myself any of those things.

lot to say, and not all of it positive.

“I’m not a singer; I’m a

“Okay, I’ll talk about it once, then

comedian who just happens to

I’ll put a dollar in the Ru jar and

use music. I’m not really an actor

then I won’t talk about it again…

anymore. I just say yes when

“Everybody goes on Drag Race

people want me to be in shit.

and a lot of them are characters.

If you’ve got a cheque, I’ve got

They do drag characters. I’ve never

talent. Calling it work is a strong

been a character and I never will

word for what I do.”

be. They try to fit me in their little

Even the term ‘drag queen’

mold, or get me on their YouTube

doesn’t sit right with Willam.

channel, and pay me $50 for it.

“I hate to sound like Madonna,

You’re insulting. You’re insulting

but that’s kinda reductive. If

to me. We know how much that

you say ‘I’m a drag queen’ to

show makes. Goodbye.

GNI MAG | 27

He insists the issues he has

in the second season of webseries

with the show are separate

EastSiders, available through

from his admiration for its

LogoTV’s website.

host and creator, RuPaul.

“I just wish people

“It’s about really hot people and their problems, based in east LA. East

would let go saying ‘You

LA is very much like—you know

can’t say this, you have to

how in London you have the Soho

be politically correct, you

gays, and you have the Shoreditch

can’t tweet that.’ Fuck that.

gays? East LA is like the Shoreditch

I’m gonna say what I want.

gays. I’ve been to England every

I’ve never not said what I

month this year so I kind of know the

wanna say. And I’ve gotten

neighborhoods now. I get lost every

to where I am today saying

time I go to fucking London because

what I wanna say and I’m really happy. I’m happy to be me, and if someone doesn’t like me as me…” She shrugs.

“Now we can stop talking about RuPaul.”

During his appearance on Drag

I’m cheap so I’m like “Let me just turn my cell data off…’”

Despite his success Willam admits that he is not pursuing any acting opportunities at the moment.

“I’ve stepped away from acting right now, because a lot of my work is

Race, Willam was read for constantly

considered almost like black-face, like

talking about his roles on high profile

trans-face. Like ‘He can’t play that,

TV shows like Sex and the City and

he’s not a transwoman, he doesn’t

Nip/Tuck. He played a transgender

know.’ It’s called acting for a reason.

woman in the latter series. When we ask what he thinks about

I’m not really known for that, that was a decade ago, but thank you for

the controversy surrounding

Wikipedia-ing that. Now transgender

cisgender men portraying

people actually play the transgender

trans women, he says: “I think the best actor should get the job. For that role

roles on TV instead of me—which is amazing for the community. It’s a fucking kneecap for my career, but it

[on Nip/Tuck], Ryan

allowed me to reinvent myself to do

Murphy told me that

what I love doing now. If one door

they saw ten different

closes, another one opens, and I just

people for that role,

keep banging out new doors so it’s

three of them were trans, and then there was like

cool.”

It’s arguably Willam’s music that

seven others, and I was the

has brought her the most fans, with

best one for the job, so I got

tracks like ‘Boy is a Bottom’ and ‘Only

it.”

Anally’ being viewed millions of

Willam is currently starring

time. (“I feel like I won the Internet.

GNI MAG | 28

INTERVIEW | WILLAM BELLI

I might not have won Drag Race,

always singing. I do it every day.

a whirlwind success for Willam,

but I won the Internet.”)

I had to shut the music off for this

and judging by the amount of

interview. I always have music

projects he has on the go his success

on.

shows no sign of slowing down.

From his parody songs with DWV, to his solo work and more recent collaborations

“I have my book coming next

“I do musical comedy shit

with Courtney Act and Alaska

because I write everything, and

year. It’s called ‘Suck Less: Where

Thunderfuck, it seems like not a

I’m like ‘I’m the only person

There’s a Willam There’s a Way’. It’s

month goes by where we aren’t

who’s gonna perform this as bad

a lifestyle guide. I think everybody

treated to a new Willam track.

as it deserves. I’m the only one

should have a drag queen best

“I’ve always been musical, I

who’s gonna shove an enema

friend and then a little bitch on

guess. I’ve always been in bands.

filled with beer up my ass and

their shoulder to tell them what

I wasn’t really allowed to watch

sing this song how it should be

they should do, what they really

TV growing up, but we always

sung.’”

wanna do, and how to cross

had the radio on and we were

between the two.

The last three years have been

“I say yes to any acting that I’m offered. I’m gonna relaunch my album with some extra songs. I’m collaborating with some people that I want to have fun with, and laugh at. The Beatdown’s coming back. I have some Christmas shows too. Anything you would think a traditional drag show would be is not what my show is...”

What is a typical Chrismas like in the Belli household? “They’re always different. When I was growing up my mom threw the Christmas tree in the pool one year.

I FEEL LIKE I WON THE INTERNET. I MIGHT NOT HAVE WON DRAG RACE, BUT I WON THE INTERNET

GNI MAG | 29

I have a very colorful family, and I would have it no other way.”

Christmas Queens, featuring the stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is out now

FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW This year got off

2015:

to a bad start. 2015

JANUARY

wasn’t even a

GNI MAG’s YEAR IN REVIEW

week old when 11 people were brutally murdered when Islamist extremists stormed the Paris headquarters

of satirical magazine

Charlie Hebdo. A series of related attacks in the days that followed left 16 dead. #JesuisCharlie Memes were big this year. 70’s sitcom The Brady Bunch enjoyed a brief revival when Jan’s made-up boyfriend George Glass went viral for some reason. To this day “Sure Jan” remains a crushing put down thanks to that bitch Marcia.

Elsewhere, music bloggers collectively shit themselves with glee when eccentric artist Björk released Vulnicura, her ninth studio album and possibly the best breakup album ever—two months early.

In February there was one question on

FEBRUARY

everyone’s lips, “Is the dress blue and black, or white and gold?” #Dressgate was the hashtag du jour. It was tweeted over 10 million times in the first week.

For the record it was blue and black and anyone who says different can fight us...

All eyes were on Hollywood for the Oscars. Accusations of racism and sexism were rife, but that didn’t stop Birdman,

Boyhood and Whiplash from winning every award possible.

February saw the end of Cucumber,

Banana and Tofu, Channel 4’s groundbreaking series. We couldn’t get enough of the Russell T. Davies drama. A sequel isn’t likely but that won’t stop us dreaming.

March was a month for saying goodbye. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, beloved writer Terry Pratchett passed away, breaking the collective hearts of geeks around the world. Discworld has sadly come to an end but they will live on forever.

We also said goodbye to Natalia kills, who committed career suicide on X-Factor New Zealand following a flurry of hate filled (and frankly bizarre) comments aimed at contestant Joe Irvine. Not even changing her name to Teddy Sinclair will help this talentless hack escape her hateful comments. #ByeFelicia Another queen we buried once and for all was Richard III. (See what we did there?). The remains of the last Plantagenet king of England were discovered by complete fluke under a car park in Leicester. Better 529 years late than never, huh?

GNI MAG | 31

MARCH

FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW April belonged to Caitlyn Jenner. Her Vanity Fair cover broke the internet unlike any other story this year. After years of speculation, the former Olympian and Kardashian patriarch announced she was transgender in the most fabulous way possible. Her coming out was headline news for days, leading to her very own show I am Cait on the E! Network. Caitlyn Jenner, we salute you.

The fifth series of Game of Thrones wrapped this month too. Like GNI MAG, GoT is proudly made right here in Belfast, and boy are we proud. HODOR!

APRIL MAY The marriage referendum passing in the south was pretty nice but the highlight of May has to be Cheeky Nandos and other topnotch fuckboy banter. Never heard? M8 it’s well simple. It’s like you’re hanging with the lads and you proper fancying a maccies after leg day cos you haven’t been in ages, and it’d be proper good bant. But then your fam be like “nah let’s have a cheeky Nandos” and then you’ll be proper chuffed, the banter train’s going full steam ahead today, so you have your butterfly chicken, 2 sides and it’s fucking top.

Surprising masterpiece Mad Max gave the world Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa, sending us to the gates of

JUNE

Valhalla all shiny, feminist, and chrome.

Christmas is a time for meeting up with old friends

In June, Colin Trevorrow’s

and those we’ve forgotten during the year. After

Jurassic World took officially all of the money. It fought off stiff

Pluto got demoted to a dwarf planet in 2006

competition from the likes the

and stopped staying in touch we kind of

Avengers: Age of Ultron and

went our separate ways. But in July

Furious 7 to be 2015’s highest-

Pluto came back with a bang. The

grossing film. The thing about

New Horizons spacecraft completed

Jurassic World was that it

an historic flyby of the dwarf planet,

wasn’t all that good, even with

revealing previously unseen detail in

space hotty Chris Pratt looking

glorious high-definition. Space was big

daddy AF. I mean, sure the

this year...

In Kenya - where gay sex is

effects were pretty stunning, but the acting wasn’t really up

punishable by 14 years in prison -

to scratch. It was every bit the

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

cash grab we promised you it

caused controversy, saying gay rights

wouldn’t be back in issue 17.

JULY

was “a non-issue” for Kenyans.

GNI MAG | 32

FEATURE | 2015 REVIEW This year’s MTV Video Music Awards was all about the dramz,

AUGUST

and a certain Onika Minaj stole the show. To the delight of gays worldwide the ‘Stupid Hoe’ singer called out host Miley Cyrus for dissing her to a reporter. “And now back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me the other day in the press— Miley, what’s good?” thus spawning the biggest and best meme that has been everywhere the past few months.

That same month The Fantastic 4 reboot tanked. With a pretty decent cast and a darker, grittier reboot in mind, this could have been the next X-Men. Instead we ended up with a real stinker of a movie that lacked any joy or passion or even made all that much sense. Plagued by endless (not to mention expensive reshoots) basically no one saw it. Even next big thing director Josh Trank disavowed himself from the finished product, with his reputation now in ruins.

Four months ago we’d never heard of him, now you can’t

SEPTEMBER

watch a bit of telly for more than ten minutes without someone mentioning how horrible new Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is. The bearded pinko Queen-hating babyeating commie became an honorary friend of Dorothy when he vowed to bring marriage equality to Northern Ireland if Labour win the next general election. You’ve got our vote, Jezza!

Elsewhere, the Syrian migrant crisis continued to worsen. The image of a Syrian child washed up on beach in Turkey was a stark reminder of the human cost of war.

It’s been a big year for space. Only last month the biggest science story of 2015 landed with a splash with the announcement that there is liquid water on Mars.

Good news for future astronauts, not so good news if your pipes freeze this winter.

Small coincidence that Matt Damon’s astronaut-marooned-on-red-planet movie The

Martian - based on the 2011 novel by Andy Weir - was released pretty much the same day. What else director Ridley Scott knows about Mars we want to know....

OCTOBER This month the hearts of millions of teenage girls, gay men and fan-fiction shippers were forever brokem when our beloved One Direction performed their last show before doing a Sam Smith (not literally...) and taking a career break. We bid a

NOVEMBER

fond farewell to Liam, Harry, Louis and Niall. That sound you hear is Zayn Malik dancing on their graves.

GNI MAG | 33

We have no idea what’s going to happen in December but with Christmas right around the corner expect plenty of shopping for presents, plenty of camp carrying on etc etc etc,

INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR

YAPoverlap WORDS | James Rampton

IMAGE | Andy Hollingworth

A

lan Carr is one of Britain’s best

Alan is thrilled to be touring again. “I love

loved comedians. A winner of

live comedy,” he beams. “I adore touring.

tours. I don’t know how Jimmy Carr does

BAFTAs and British Comedy

“I always leave it three years between

It keeps me out of mischief. This is the

it, touring all the time. I’m lucky enough

Awards, he has interviewed anybody

biggest tour I’ve ever done! Sometimes

to have the show to keep me busy. And it

who is anybody. We catch up with our

the politics of doing the chat show and

means if I haven’t been touring for three

favourite camp comic to talk Twitter trolls,

booking guests can be frustrating. And

years, it’s more of an event when I do.”

dealing with stroppy boyfriends, and life

occasionally you’ll have a dud guest with

on tour...

nothing to say.

“They’re always lovely, my fans,” he enthuses. “A lot of them want to mother

“But when it’s just you on stage with

me. I’ve got one of those faces that makes

In the middle of my interview with

a mic in front of lots of people who have

women want to put me on their chest and

Alan Carr a police siren starts wailing in

come specifically to see you, it’s fantastic.

stroke my hair. Blokes do the same – they

the background. Quick as a flash he jokes,

You’re the boss. I get such a buzz on stage.

always want to nestle me on their chests!”

“I’m so in demand, even the police want

It’s a complete adrenalin rush. When you

me.” He adds, laughing, “Or maybe they’ve

dream up new material and think, ‘Great,

glow, but fame, as he reveals, isn’t always

seen my act and want to arrest me!”

I can add that to the set,’ it’s a wonderful

so nice. “Twitter can be a nasty, spiteful

feeling. If it works, a new joke always

place. It makes you think the British

brings a smile to my face. It’s such a thrill.”

public are awful. But Twitter isn’t real. It

My partner doesn’t necessarily like being part of the show, but I said to him, “Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so stop moaning!”

encourages a certain type of person. The

This is typical of the quick-witted humour of one of the finest comics currently at work in this country. Alan is nearing the end of his first major stand-up tour for three years. When ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ comes to an end in late December, it will have taken in an eye-watering 140 shows.

In person Alan is just as hilarious as he is on stage. He’s won numerous awards, like the 2013 Bafta for Best Entertainment Performance and the 2013 British Comedy Award for Best Comedy Entertainment Personality. He can find humour in

The warmth of his fans gives Alan a real

real British public are lovely. People are really warm – they feel they know me, and they’re always bringing me presents! They bring me lots of knickers and ropey drinks for the globe on my chat show.”

Such is his rapport with his fans that Alan has deliberately chosen to perform at more intimate venues on the latest tour.

“I could have played arenas and done the tour within a month, but in those big

A dazzling live comedian, and host of

places you can’t talk to the audience. If

Independent declared him, “A comedian

hit C4 chat show Alan Carr Chatty Man,

you mention the jumper of someone in

who owns the space he is working in so

Alan boasts a huge nationwide following,

the front row, 11,999 other people say,

much, he could put a flag up.” The Evening

which is mobilised whenever he tours.

‘What’s he on about?’

any situation, and the critics agree. The

Standard called him, “A natural on stage…

“Some venues have sold out within five

“With arena shows, the material doesn’t

a born storyteller, sheer entertainment.”

minutes,” he reveals. “People have been

evolve. You don’t want to take the gamble

Previously responsible for sell-out

sleeping outside to get tickets. Oh please,

of trying out new stuff in front of 12,000

stop it! That’s sweet, but unnecessary.

people. If you lose the room at an arena,

shows ‘Tooth Fairy’ and ‘Spexy Beast,’

GNI MAG | 34

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GNI MAG | 35

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INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR you can’t get it back because it’s so big.

being part of the show, but I said to him,

free he’s received all the way along to his

Putting a show on in a theatre, everyone

‘Look, it’s paying the bills. See those shoes

family, it seems no one is safe from a quick

feels they have had a unique night that

you’re wearing? Comedy bought them, so

jibe or joke. Alan even lets us all into his

won’t happen anywhere else.

stop moaning! The show is about manning

current relationship status and describes

up.”

his boyfriend as ‘liking a dog fight but can

“When you’re on stage, you almost go into a trance. These people have paid good

And what about the title of the show?

appreciate a room spray’.”

money to see you, and you can’t let them

We can’t help but ask. “I called it, ‘Yap,

down. If they’ve had a crap day, they just

Yap, Yap!’ because there’s a lot of waffle out

the lovely thing about him is that despite

want to go out and have a laugh – and it’s

there. With blogs and Twitter, everyone

his very high profile, he remains the same

your responsibility to deliver. You want to

has an opinion nowadays. I can’t believe

really grounded and lovely person that he

perform for them because they’re so lovely.”

I’ll be waffling on stage for two hours – I’m

has always been. “Fame is very nice,” he

adding to it. It’s my own fault!”

tells me. “I’d never take it for granted. You

So what can fans expect from the new show? “This show is very personal. It’s a

“It’s had great feedback so far. I’ve been

I have known Alan for many years, and

get lots of great opportunities. The other

gamble including so much personal stuff,

performing it on and off for the last six

day I was asked to present a Pride of Britain

but it pays dividends.

months and I think, ‘This is actually quite

Award, and that was great.

“The more personal stuff you put in, the more people go ‘Aaah!’ Also, the audience can smell if you start lying in your act.

good’. Now I can’t wait to get out on the road for the real deal.”

Alan recorded a live DVD of the show at

“And I also get marvellous presents. So if the fans who are coming to the show could bring me some awful wine to put in my

There is an honesty in this show that

the Hammersmith Apollo in September,

globe on the chat show, that would be very

people will appreciate.

so the good news is that even if you can’t

much appreciated!”

“It’s about co-habiting and how it affects

make it along to a show, you’ll still be

you. I talk about my partner. The show is

able to enjoy the tour from the comfort of

Tickets for Alan Carr’s tour, “Yap, Yap,

about my life, so he has to be in it. I didn’t

your home. GayTimes called it “a show

Yap!” are available from alancarr.net and

want to start lying and saying I still live on

that will leave you struggling for breath as

offthekerb.co.uk. His Chattyman Christmas

my own in Stretford.

you roar with laughter throughout. From

Special and New Year’s Eve Specstacular

his celebrity name dropping to awkward

will air in December.

“My partner doesn’t necessarily like

GNI MAG | 36

TRANS HIGHLIGHTS 2015

naked through a city centre. He covers himself with Polaroid photographs while taking abuse from people in the streets.

Award,

Boy Meets Girl is the brainchild of the BBC Writer’s

The surprise reveal that the protagonist is a transgender man set Twitter into meltdown.

This was also a year of controversy, with

2015 was the year when Trans issues

room and media education group All

cis actors being cast in a number of high-

became mainstream. From Caitlyn Jenner

About Trans. It made a household name of

profile trans roles, with Eddie Redmayne

and her remarkable coming out in Vanity

actress Rebecca Black. The series charts the

playing the title role in The Danish Girl.

Fair, Channel 4’s ‘Born in the Wrong

developing relationship between 26-year-

So we’ve asked the four biggest names in

Body’ season, and our very own landmark

old Leo (played by Harry Hepple) and 40-

Trans media have to say on the hottest

Transgender Issue, trans-positivity was

year-old Judy (Root). Boy Meets Girl isn’t

issue of the year...

everywhere in 2015.

the first time a trans female actor has been

Amazon’s Transparent - the touching story of a retired professor who starts to

cast in a trans female role, of course, but it was the first British sitcom to do so.

live as a woman - earned critical acclaim,

‘I really believe that [the series] will

a second series, and two Golden Globes. In

demystify my community,’ says Rebecca.

July the E! network gave us I Am Cait, a

‘It will increase the visibility of the trans

documentary following Caitlyn Jenner’s

population. In a way it’s a shame, it’s 2015

transition from former Olympic athlete

for goodness sake, and we’re only having

and Kardashian patriarch to the woman

this conversation now. But better

we know and love today. While on hit

late than never!’. The first series just

Netflix series Orange is the New Black,

launched on DVD, with the second

Laverne Cox made us fall in love with fan-

series (we hope!) due in 2016.

favourite Sophia Bursett all over again.

In September, a new era in British

In October Will Young premiered the video for ‘Brave Man,’ the latest

television arrived when the BBC launched

single from his hit album 85%

new sitcom Boy Meets Girl. Created by

Proof. The video shows a vulnerable

Elliott Kerrigan for The Trans Comedy

looking young man walking

GNI MAG | 37

DEBATE | CAN CIS PLAY TRANS?

THE DEBATE: CAN CIS ACTORS PLAY TRANS ROLES? Jake Graf is the writer and lead of award winning short films XWHY (2012) and Brace (2014), and the writer and director of award winning short Chance (2015). Upcoming projects include a lead role in new webseries Spectrum East (2016).

His next short film, Dawn (2016), is now in post production When Dallas Buyer’s Club was released last year, it wasn’t the Oscar buzz or the promise of Matthew McConaughey’s

there are no trans actors, and indeed few

a real respect for the craft. These roles will

cis actors, who have that financial pull.

keep on coming up, but, as with any parts,

Some argue that trans actors must then

success rates are low. There will always

performance that made me rush to see it.

at least get priority when casting for trans

be more losers than winners, but at least

What gripped me was the furore at the

roles, which I would tend to agree with,

getting real experience, be that class based,

casting of Jared Leto in the role of Rayon,

but as the recent Eastenders casting saw

or simply enrolling in the local Drama

a trans woman who forged an unlikely

most of trans England show up for the role,

society, shows some kind of dedication.

alliance with McConaughey’s lead.

when does that become a token attempt

Another option is to write the roles that

to cast to type? Many who attended were

we dream of playing, as I did with Brace,

being purely fictional, a narrative device

not actors, and had no acting experience.

and continue to do. I am currently writing

to show the evolution of McConaughey’s

And as a trans friend of mine pointed out

web series Spectrum East, where we have

character, but more striking was the

(somewhat bitterly) she had been studying

specifically cast trans actors in trans roles,

backlash from the trans community for yet

acting and drama for nearly a decade, and

and which launches in February. My

another a cisgender male being cast in the

now that the trans roles were suddenly

latest short, Dawn, stars Nicole Gibson,

role of a trans person.

there she was auditioning alongside

rising star of Channel 4’s Catastrophe, in

Much was made of Rayon’s character

people who had never studied the craft

a role no cis actor could ever have played

Buyer’s Club is Focus Features, the same

but who felt somehow entitled to the role

with the depth, understanding and

studio who recently got The Danish Girl

simply because they were trans.

experience that Nicole brought to the part.

The worldwide distributor of Dallas

on its feet, and they have received much

I know that the option to cast trans is

Would I cast a cis actor in a trans role

of the same criticism for casting Eddie

not always there. Three years ago, when

again? If I felt that I were unable to find

Redmayne in the title role as Lili Elbe.

I was casting my second short film, I was

a trans actor who fit the bill then yes, I

I was lucky enough to play a small part

desperate to cast trans actors in both leads.

would. Luckily, I know enough incredible

in that film, and after being treated to

We searched high and low for trans actors

actors, many of whom are trans, that that

a private screening in September I can

that fit the bill, but were unable to find

would hopefully never be the case. Would

honestly say that the casting was spot on.

anyone, let alone anyone as good as Harry

I feel that I had failed to be authentic if I

The performance is sensitively portrayed,

Rundle, who eventually got the part.

had to cast cis? No, for that authenticity, as

We need more trans folk to train as

with all roles, is brought by the actor, trans,

beautifully acted, and thoroughly

actors, to attend drama school, and to

cis or otherwise. For me, the real dream

suggest that a trans actor could not have

ready themselves for those roles as and

would be a world, somewhere along the

played the role as well as Eddie, but not

when they come up. I was lucky enough

line, where actors were just playing the

many actors, trans or otherwise, could

to attend the first ‘Trans Acting’ course at

roles that they were best for, be that cis as

command budgets of £40 million, and

Central School of Speech and Drama over

gay, gay as trans, or trans as cis. I hope that

sadly, therein lies the rub.

the summer, and what I saw was people

that reality isn’t too far off.

Big films need big names to justify the millions spent in budgets, and currently

eager to learn, to pour their time and enthusiasm into becoming real actors with

GNI MAG | 38

Spectrum East launches in February

IMAGE BY PAUL GRACE

researched by Redmayne. I would never

DEBATE | CAN CIS PLAY TRANS?

Rebecca Root is an actor, a voice and speech THERAPIST, and star of BBC 2’s Boy Meets Girl. She is a Trans awareness campaigner and occasional stand-up comedian There was a story I read recently about a Scottish cis female actor who was cast

experience. So imagine the

Any actor knows they

outreach that that will have.

Eddie Redmayne is a

trans.” But she had no reas0n

won’t always have a

to apologise. It takes a lot

shared experience with

for a cis person to take on a

in a short film where she

very good actor, he does his

the characters they play.

trans role, and that particular

would be playing someone

homework like every good

However, it is important to

part was integral to the

who was transitioning, or a

actor should. You can’t hope

bring authenticity to any

normalisation of trans issues.

post-transitonal trans woman.

to portray something of the

role, so if a cis person is being

And I thought, ‘Oh, enough

experience of another person

cast in a trans role I would

to help more trans people

already.’

without gaining some sort of

hope they are considered the

get into the media, be it

insight into that person’s life.

best person for the role.

as writers or filmmakers.

I think that Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Lili REBECCA ROOT IMAGE BY KENDALL MESSICK, FOX FISHER IMAGE BY SHARON KILGANNON, LEWIS HANCOX IMAGE BY FOX FISHER

Fox Fisher is co-creator of My Genderation, an ongoing documentary series celebrating gender variance. He works closely with All About Trans and is a proud patron for LGBT Switchboard

For playing Stephen

This year, to even up

We need to find ways

Because we haven’t reached

Elbe in The Danish Girl will

Hawking in The Theory of

feeling unprepared for

full awareness of trans

be one of the last big trans role

Everything, Eddie met with

auditions, I helped to set up

issues it’s critical to have a

played by a cis actor. I think

Professor Hawking and

Trans Acting in collaboration

multitude of representation

it’s becoming increasingly

the doctors who deal with

with Gendered Intelligence

to make trans voices

difficult to justify using cis

those sorts of disabilities. He

and the Royal Central

heard. Too often members

actors in those roles.

would be a very poor actor

School of Speech and Drama.

of our community are

if he didn’t do that. And he

We were visited Eddie

misrepresented; we are

wouldn’t be winning the

Redmayne who discussed

sensationalised and reduced

prizes and awards that he has

his lead in The Danish Girl,

to our surgeries.

won if he hadn’t done that.

and what research he did on

I thought, ‘Give somebody else a break,’ you know?

We’ve had Riley Carter Millington start in Eastenders.

He’s a young man in his early

We desperately need a

trans issues. At the launch

voice to show people that

20’s, in his first major acting

reach out to the community

for C4’s Cucumber I met

there are trans people in all

role, and he’s a trans guy.

he is representing, he’s been

Julie Hesmondhalgh who

walks of life. The future is

It’s great that Eastenders is

very sincere in his desire to

played Hayley Cropper in

trans people playing the roles

using a trans man because

portray Lili Elbe with the

Coronation Street. The first

we best suited for regardless

until now the focus has been

upmost authenticity as his

thing she said to me was

of their trans status. We have

largely on the trans female

experiences would allow.

“Sorry for not actually being

a lot of work left to do.

Eddie is the sort of person to

Lewis Hancox is a comedy writer, actor, filmmaker, transgender advocate and YouTuber (MrLewzer). He was recently voted in The Guardian’s Top 30 Young People in Digital Media I think that cisgender actors

I would love to play non-trans

I don’t personally think that

should be cast in trans roles if

roles. I would never want to be

casting cis actors in trans roles is

they are the best person for the

limited to trans only roles as first

harmful per say, as the important

job. I do think there should be

and foremost I am a guy! I hope it

factor is that transition stories are

more of an effort to search for

will get to the point where there

being told and therefore raising

trans actors, but mostly to give

are enough trans actors in the

awareness. It is just as important

them an opportunity rather than

media that we don’t have to be

to have trans people working

for authenticity. For instance,

fighting for more representation.

behind the scenes too.

GNI MAG | 39

INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY

He is one of Britain’s best loved playwrights. He wrote Gimme, Gimme, Gimme because Kathy Burke asked him to write it. He’s responsible for Coronation Street’s first openly gay storyline, and his Pet Shop Boys musical Closer To Heaven has just had another sell out run. Jonathan Harvey spills the tea on his new book, growing up gay in Liverpool, and a little play called Beautiful Thing…

WORDS | Evan Andrews

“I didn’t always want to be a writer,” Jonathan Harvey tells us over coffee.

We’ve caught him mid prep for a script

before it all comes well. In true gay style,

great. The only negative would be that

it’s all set to the music of Mama Cass.

they made home such a safe place that

Harvey describes Beautiful Thing

I couldn’t understand why the rest of

roundtable meeting for Coronation Street.

as “a bit of a fairytale,” not just for the

society wasn’t quite so accommodating of

He has been writing for the show since

two young leads, but also for the writer

a little camp boy skipping down the street.

2004, and was instrumental crafting the

himself. It won him armfuls of awards,

As much as my childhood was fine, it

first gay storyline, character, and kiss in

including the Evening Standard’s Most

wasn’t such fun at school, or in the outside

Corrie’s 55 year history.

Promising Playwright award, an Olivier

world, but I was lucky to have a roof over

Award nomination, and cultural and

my head and parents who accepted me.

actor. I was in the local youth theatre, but

critical acclaim. It sold out its five-week

But I don’t patronise the working class. I

then I got really bad acne when I was

run at the Bush Theatre in 1993, before

have a laugh about it all, but never from

about 13 or 14. After that the last thing I

transferring to the Donmar Warehouse,

an angle of taking the piss.”

wanted was for people to look at me!

and eventually to the Duke of York’s

“When I was a kid I wanted to be an

“When I was 17 my local theatre did a

Beautiful Thing was groundbreaking in its presentation of gay characters. It

Theatre.

“You do wonder,” he laughs, “what

rejected the usual narrative of addiction,

saw every play that season. I had my first

you’re doing wrong when The Sun gives

disease, death and tragedy so common to

play on when I was 18. Perhaps I liked the

you a good review about two 16-year-old

stories like this one. In short, it is opposite

sound of my own voice too much?”

boys getting it together.”

of what The Daily Mail would have you

season of original plays by local writers. I

After that he went on to study

Beautiful Thing was Harvey’s seventh

believe gay life is like.

“I wrote Beautiful Thing in 1992, so aside

psychology and education before

play but it was the one that changed

becoming a special needs teacher. It was

everything. It became a cult hit when it

from the age of consent which was being

during his six week summer holiday

was made into a film by Channel 4 films

debated in the House of Lords, there were

in 1992 that he wrote Beautiful Thing.

in 1996. His screenplay solidified his

a lot of dramas about AIDs and HIV, and

“Previously I’d written a few plays which

unique voice, which you could describe as

rightly so, because in a way that pandemic

had been put on, and just before the start

working-class camp.

was still just starting. So it was quite usual

of the break my agency got rid of me

These days his home away from home

to go to the theatre or read something with

because they said that I wasn’t taking my

is Pimlico, central London, where he

a gay character where either they died, or

writing seriously.”

lives with his long-term partner, but this

if you were working class in Liverpool and

Liverpool native has an accent that’s

you came out, invariably you’d end up at

a heartwarming play about two young

solidly Scouser. His vocal range is a good

Lime Street station selling your arse.

lads, Jamie and Ste, growing up in a dodgy

octave deeper than should be possible.

For the uninitiated, Beautiful Thing is

estate in southeast London. Jamie and Ste struggle with their mutual attraction

“Growing up in Liverpool, I had a really nice childhood. My parent’s were

GNI MAG | 40

“My experience of being gay wasn’t like that. I think that’s why Beautiful Thing did so well when it came out. It was a little

INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY

GNI MAG | 41

INTERVIEW | JONATHAN HARVEY breath of fresh air. I suppose that’s why

inspiration strikes! Each writing job is

and the various denizens of their Kentish

critics at the time said it was just a little too

different. If I’m writing one of my novels

Town flat (‘69 Paradise Passage’, naturally.)

good to be true, a bit too rose tinted. But

there might be some reading involved, an

that was the difference I wanted there to

area I need to do some research on. But

she saw Beautiful Thing,” Jonathan recalls.

be: a positive, happy ending.”

when you’re writing a script each journey

“After that we often saw each other at

“I was introduced to Kathy Burke when

is different. On Coronation Street you’re a

the same parties. We’ve been friends ever

ask if he feels pigeonholed as a gay writer.

part of a big machine, so by the time you

since. When I met producer Sue Vertue,

“It doesn’t bother me at all when people

Positive endings aside, we can’t help but

sit down to write your episode you have

who had the idea of doing a sitcom about

call me a “gay playwright” or “Jonathan

had several meetings about what the

a straight woman and a gay man sharing a

‘Beautiful Thing’ Harvey.” It’s what I am.

content is going to be. Everything is signed

flat, I was really interested. Kathy’s career

I’d rather be called that than something

off before you put pen to paper.”

was going brilliantly and it just happened

embarrassing. I think “Jonathan ‘Beautiful

Harvey’s latest endeavor – the Pet Shop

that we wanted to work together at the

Thing’ Harvey” sounds quite nice. It is

Boys musical Closer to Heaven – has just

same time…” It was nominated for a

slightly misleading, but I’ve always been

had a sellout revival at London’s Union

BAFTA in 2002 but lost out to The Office.

comfortable with being called a gay writer.

Theatre. Originally meant for television,

“I had a meeting with the BBC about

I could be called something worse, like a

Closer to Heaven featured an all new

four years ago. I’d just written a new

dreadful writer!

score by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe.

sitcom. It was quite rude and they kept

“The majority of my plays are about gay issues, so if anyone has pigeonholed themselves it’s me.”

Other plays have since followed, including Boom Bang-a-Bang, originally directed by Kathy Burke, Hillsborough drama Guiding Star, and Hushabye

Mountain, which deals with a world that has learned to live with HIV. Jonathan is also a writer of novels, including All She

Wants, The Confusion of Karen Carpenter, and The Girl Who Just Appeared. His latest book, The Secrets We Keep is out now in paperback.

about four years ago I wrOtE a new sitcom. It was quite rude and the bbc kept going on about how rude it was.

And I said, ‘It’s no more rude than Gimme Gimme Gimme!’ At that point in time the head of comedy at the BBC said to me, ‘Yeah, but we wouldn’t make gimme gimme gimme now.”

“It’s about a family whose father has

going on about how rude it was. And I said, ‘It’s no more rude than Gimme

Gimme Gimme!’ At that point in time the head of comedy at the BBC turned to me and said, ‘Yeah, but we wouldn’t make that now. We need to be more cautious’.”

“This was around the time when the credit crunch crunched, so I can understand why they wanted to be cautious. But I was surprised because I like writing rude stuff, so it was a bit of a kick in the teeth. I’m not sure whether that theory holds water anymore though, because otherwise we’d only be getting really boring comedies, and I don’t think

gone missing five years before the book

Set against the backdrop of seedy Soho

that’s the case. It’s certainly not the case on

starts. It’s about his wife, his son, and his

nightlife, it tells the story of Dave. Like

the BBC. It’s probably a bit unfair of me to

daughter, and each chapter is told from

many gays before him Dave is just off

be repeating that story, but sod it.

their different points of view. It’s about

the boat from Ireland and determined

what they’re up to at this point in time, the

to make something of himself. He is

would be now! They might both be dead!

time after he disappeared. It’s about how

offered a job at a glitzy London nightclub

Or drowned. Drowned in a pool of their

you get on with the rest of your life when

where he quickly becomes part of an

own bile. Any sitcom worth its salt is

you don’t know if someone is going to

unconventional family. The original

about people trapped together, whether

come back.

starred Frances Barber as the ageing, drug-

that’s trapped in a crap job, or trapped in

addled compere Billie Trix.

a flat in Kentish Town. I couldn’t really

“The family is sort of imploding on the back of living in that hinterland of having

These days Jonathan is best known for

“I have no idea where Tom and Linda

imagine them surviving in a situation

no idea where their father is. The son is

his drama work, but originally he made

where they weren’t together. Tom and

gay, and he embarks on an affair with

his name as a comedy writer. His most

Linda hated each other, so the idea that

one of his mum’s friends. The daughter is

successful (not to mention outrageous)

fifteen years later they would still be

out of control. They’ve just moved house,

creation is still funny 15 years after it

sharing that flat is really hard for me to

and that leaves them riddled with worry

last aired. Gimme Gimme Gimme ran for

imagine. And Linda must be about 80 by

because if their dad ever came back would

three seasons on the BBC from 1999-2001.

now! Maybe they’re in a camp old people’s

he be able to find them? It’s about the

It charted the lives of Kathy Burke as

home causing mayhem.”

journey they are all on.

demented and delusional Janet Street-

“My writing process is bit boring, really.

I just sit at my computer and hope that

Porter lookalike, Linda, James Dreyfus’

The Secrets We Keep is available now,

Tom, a theatrically camp out of work actor,

published by Pan Macmillan.

GNI MAG | 42

Ireland’s First Lady

“

WORDS | Kieran Clarke

Northern Ireland is now in this weird position where it’s the only part of these islands that doesn’t have gay marriage. Over time it’s going to be inevitable, because Northern Irish couples can pop over to Scotland or pop down to Drogheda to get married, and that’s a position that’s going to be more and more difficult to maintain. If I was a gay in Northern Ireland I would approach a marriage referendum with real trepidation.

GNI MAG | 44

IMAGES | Conor Horgan / Ronan Healy / Niall Sweeney

INTERVIEW | ALAN CARR

GNIMAG.COM | 37

INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS

Pandora Panti Bliss is the undoubted Dame of Irish drag. A household name, a reluctant revolutionary, and a self-styled “gender discombobulist.” In 2014 her Noble Call was described as “the most eloquent Irish speech” in 200 years. An impassioned defence of her comments which sparked a controversy that became known as Pantigate, it became a viral sensation overnight. It was broadcast around the world, it was debated in the Oireachtas, and even received a remix from The Pet Shop Boys.

The drag persona of County Mayo man Rory O’Neill, Panti was the face of this year’s marriage referendum campaign. Even in the face of vile accusations from the “No” campaign, Panti was hailed for her eloquence throughout.

When the referendum passed with a resounding win, Panti was there to lead the celebrations at Dublin Castle.

GNI MAG catches up with Ireland’s foremost drag queen mid-tour on her latest show ‘High Heels in Low Places’. A riotous stand-up about life after Pantigate, the show has already played to rave reviews around the world.

GNI MAG | 46

INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS

I

n true Julie Andrews style, let’s start at the very beginning. Who is Panti, and where did she come from?

Panti originated in Tokyo. I had been doing drag before I went to Tokyo in my late teens. When I went to Tokyo I took the opportunity to do a different character from what I’d been doing before, which was this very arty, very art-school drag stuff. I did a double act called Candy-Panti with an American queen for five years, that’s where I started doing what we now think of as Panti.

You must have known you were gay from a young age?

I guess I realised I was gay when I was in college. I knew a little bit before that, but I wouldn’t have been able to name it when I was that age. There was no internet.

There was no Graham Norton, George Michael. None of that.

So coming to the full realisation that you’re a big old gay was a longer, more difficult process then, I think. So I didn’t start telling people until I was absolutely sure, when I was about eighteen.

If I was growing up now I would have been surer earlier, but you’re in a culture now where everyone is watching Graham Norton with their granny on a Friday night. And where within two clicks you can be a thirteen-year-old boy in Ballinrobe watching Brazilian boys fucking each other, you know? It’s just a whole other world.

Young people are so much more aware these days. For me it was definitely more of a struggle to find out these things. For a long time I wasn’t even sure that gays were real. I thought they might be made up for a schoolyard joke. Nowadays, the whole world is there in front of you on your computer screen.

Did coming out as gay prepare you in any way for coming out as HIV? It helped a little. They’re very similar, in different ways. You’re having to reveal this very personal thing to people. In the same way that there’s some sort of shaming of gay people, there’s this shaming of HIV positive people. But in some ways I found it much harder. One reason I think

GNI MAG | 47

is that when I was telling people I was gay, especially if it was going to cause that person some upset, like my parents for instance, in some ways I felt absolved from that responsibility because being gay had nothing to do with me. I was gay but I I didn’t ask to be gay, so I had no guilt about it. There’s no culpability around being gay. Whereas with HIV there’s this level of shaming, this idea that it’s all your fault, which made it harder. Even today, it’s 2015 and living with HIV shouldn’t be a really big deal.

But what is still a big deal, and that’s very disappointing especially when we see it in the gay community, is other people’s attitudes towards it, especially that shaming element of things.

In 1995, when I was diagnosed, HIV was a death sentence. There are a lot of HIV infections now because young people feel invincible. They always have. Young people never think that HIV might affect them. But actually, my feeling is that people don’t see HIV as a chronic but manageable condition. They still view it as this huge big deal.

INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS

People are so terrified of HIV, and terrified of you if you are HIV. I can’t count the number of people I’ve started to date in some way, and then as soon as you tell them that’s it. That’s the end of it.

They’re still terrified, but they don’t understand how it’s all changed. There is stuff around it, like PrEP, and there’s an awful lot of gays who are very judgmental in shaming of that.

Why do you think that is?

I see posts on Facebook all the time with these judgmental gays talking about PrEP. A lot of them are like, “Oh, we can’t be giving everybody PrEP just to let them run around acting like whores, they should be taking personal responsibility.”

There is all of this shaming, and judging, around PrEP. We could get rid of all of that, and get rid of that fear of HIV, by explaining to people how hard it is to live with HIV now.

Taking all those antiretrovirals is a pain in the ass, and you don’t want to do it, but the fear of HIV is what prevents people from looking after their health properly. It prevents people from going and getting tested because they’re terrified of the outcome.

So they bury their heads in the sand. If people really understood where we are now with HIV treatment they would be less afraid of it, and they would be more willing to go get tested.

And people that do get tested are the safest people to have sex with whether they are HIV positive or not. At least they know what their status is.

The problem is people who do not know what their status is, and then behave as if they’re negative when they don’t really know…

If you are the kind of person who is high risk the responsible thing to be doing

is be on PrEP. My experience is that people that have been informed about the reality of HIV treatment these days are not running around acting slutty.

But the ones who don’t know about it then start behaving irresponsibly because they don’t want to think about it because they’re young or because they think HIV is an old guy’s disease that they don’t need to worry about. I think honest, full information is the best policy.

And of course, as someone who has to live with the stigma of HIV, I just wish people would catch up with where we are because you still run into that stigma and prejudice.

Young people make mistakes. They do stupid things. Sex is an incredibly powerful biological drive.

People make stupid choices because they’re madly in love, or because they’re drunk, but they make mistakes. To shame them for the rest of their lives because they made a mistake once is just so stupid.

Let’s talk about your new documentary, The Queen of Ireland. It hits cinemas on October 21 and will be on RTE in the Spring. It has been in the works for a while. What can you tell us about it?

They’ve been making it for five years, but when they started making it was quite a small thing. I’ve known the director for a long time and we’ve worked together for many years, so when he asked me about doing a documentary I was reluctant.

I’ve said no to lots of people who have suggested the idea over the years, but because I’ve known him, I trust him, and I owe him a lot of favors!

So I said okay. But I thought I was agreeing to a small, little documentary. So for the first

two and a half years he scrapped together a little money and would turn up with his camera crew. It was a slow process.

I don’t know if he knew then what his project would be. But then when Pantigate happened he was thrilled. It’s what every director wants. That obviously changed the focus of things in many ways.

I haven’t seen the finished product yet.

I saw a rough cut quite late in the editing process. They wanted to show me incase there was something I was absolutely appalled about. There wasn’t. But it was impossible for me to know if it was good or not because I’m too close to the subject matter.

When you’re in practically every frame, and your mother’s in it, you can’t tell if it’s any good. But they’re all convinced it’s very good, and all the other people who have seen it are excited about it. So I’ll trust them that it’s good!

There’s a lot of great and funny stuff that didn’t make the cut, but that’s the way documentaries are. Hopefully they’ll make it into the DVD extras.

drag amplifies my voice.

Drag queens get more attention than a guy standing there in a shirt.

GNI MAG | 48

We can’t wait to see your exploits. Do you think drag queens have a duty to be transgressive and break the usual drag mold in the way you have?

It’s a very individual thing to be a performer. I don’t know if drag acts have a duty to be transgressive. The wider community has a very limited view of drag. They think all drag queens are like that one they saw in Lanzarote once.

Whereas we know that drag can come in many varied forms.

You can’t compare someone like David Hoyle to me, or to Trudy Scrumptious…

Drag is so broad.

What I was always attracted to about drag—and it’s why I was interested in it in the first place—was its trangressive nature.

Drag goes against the mainstream. It plays with ideas of gender. That’s the unifying factor of drag; it’s playing with gender, or exploring the boundaries of gender. It is inherently discombobulating.

That’s why I was drawn to it, that underground, discombobulating, transgressive nature. That’s the fun of drag.

That’s also the power of it.

My drag favorites were the ones who explored that part of drag, and I love all drag—good, bad, or indifferent—I’ve never seen a drag show I didn’t enjoy.

INTERVIEW | PANTI BLISS

Could you have become an accidental activist as Rory instead of Panti?

God no, absolutely not. I never set out to be an activist per se. My motivation has always been quite selfish. I just want to live my own life freely as I chose to, and occasionally I run up against these barriers that stop me doing that, so I’m forced to become some sort of activist to… activate on my own behalf. Other gays just get caught in the cross-fire!

I’m not good at meetings, and the kind of hard work that activism often requires. But I have other talents that I have used to be an activist, and all of them came from being a performer. There have been times when people have dismissed me as “a bloke in a dress” or as “just some drag queen.” There have been times when activists have been uncomfortable with me because they worry about what people will think about a man in a dress. “How can you make a serious point when you’re dressed as a clown?”

Obviously you’ve very successfully turned that to your advantage.

I have. I’ve also learned over the years that drag amplifies my voice. Drag queens get more attention than a guy standing there in a shirt. There is absolutely no way my Noble Call speech would have had such an impact if I had been dressed in a shirt and a pair of jeans. It simply wouldn’t. Not as many people would want to click on a video of a bloke just standing there. The visuals are very important.

I’m aware that people who aren’t very familiar with drag queens can take time to adjust to the idea. In that speech I took a couple of minutes at the beginning, just speaking but not really saying anything, and that’s because I was aware that the audience in the auditorium that night weren’t going to be a bunch of gays.

I knew that a lot of them would not be used to seeing a drag queen to give them a minute or two to sit there and ask their internal questions about my wig, and my boobs and whatever. Once I knew they had gotten over it and I wasn’t coming out to do a Dolly Parton number, then I told them what I really wanted to say.

So my experience is: give people a moment to get past the drag aspect, and then once they are, drag in a sense amplifies what you have to say. I’ve gotten into trouble for various speeches I’ve given over the years, and it’s always because more

attention was given to what I had to say because I was in drag.

Which is obviously why being such a recognisable face of the Yes campaign really paid off. What tactics do you think same-sex marriage advocates here in the north could borrow to make marriage equality a reality here in the North?

I’m not from Northern Ireland, but I don’t think we tactics we used for the marriage referendum here would work in Northern Ireland. We didn’t chose to have a referendum, and we wouldn’t have done it by referendum had we had the choice.

But our government went with its legal advice, which due to the vagaries of our constitution meant we would have to have a referendum. Not every legal eagle agreed with that opinion, some felt we could have done it without a referendum, but the general legal consensus was that we needed to change our constitution because it was implicit in our constitution that marriage was between a man and a woman even if it’s not explicitly stated.

My advice is: No, don’t do it, because it’s a risky way of doing things unless you’re very sure of the outcome.

It’s a big risk to take. If we had not won the referendum it would have been another generation before we had another shot at it, because you can’t go back to people straight away and ask them the same question.

That’s why so many organisations including GNI MAG, Amnesty International, and the Rainbow Project don’t support a referendum. We want change to be legislated for, not to have our rights put in the hands of a group of politicians who have historically voted against equality legislation.

The advantage is winning a vote by

GNI MAG | 49

referendum is that it makes the result much more powerful. People can’t say afterwards “Oh, this was pushed through by politicans, people don’t really want it.” Well, no, we had a discussion and people voted on it and people overwhelmingly voted for it. So it’s very powerful, and it’s had a very powerful effect on the gay community here. Now you see gay couples holding hands now in Dublin in a way you never did before. The gay community feel much more confident in themselves. They feel much more accepted and sure that they’re accepted. The referendum transformed so many things in a really beautiful and brilliant way. But it was horribly risky.

And unfortunately, I think if you had a referendum in Northern Ireland there is a very good chance you’d lose it. And then you’d be really pushed back. And I also agree that the rights of minorities shouldn’t be put in the hands of the majority.

That’s not the way it should be. If you can do it legislatively like they’ve done it everywhere else in the world where they have gay marriage, do it.

It’s a safer option, and in some ways it’s a better option. Having a yes vote is powerful and uplifting, but it’s risky. Northern Ireland is now in this weird position where it’s the only part of these island that doesn’t have gay marriage. Over time it’s going to be inevitable, because Northern Irish couples can pop over to Scotland or pop down to Drogheda to get married, and that’s a position that’s going to be more and more difficult to maintain. If I was a gay in Northern Ireland I would approach a marriage referendum with real trepidation.

Finally, since this is our Christmas issue, what does Christmas look like in the O’Neill household?

I normally go home to my hometown in County Mayo for Christmas. My parents are still there and so are four of my six brothers and sisters. We have a big traditional family Christmas, either in my parent’s house or one of my sister’s houses.

What am I looking forward to most for 2016? Hmm, let me think… Marriage equality in Northern Ireland! Yay!

The Queen of Ireland is in cinemas now

FEATURE | GNI MAG COLUMNISTS

all i want for christmas is...

HAYDEN McGEHAN What up!? My name is

ELAINE O’SHEA

I’ve got a thirst for adventure,

Another year is drawing to

Madonna, front and centre, for

been for the LGBT community.

shows. So I really hope I don’t

Hayden, and headed into 2016

a hunger for creativity, and a

a close. What a year 2015 has

transdude here at GNI MAG.

waves in the trans community

Across the world we’ve made

I am gonna be the resident

2015 has been too legit! I

finally came out to my family

and friends and thankfully have all of them fighting my corner.

I spent eight months living and working in the UK, travelled to

hope that I’ll be able to make

and beyond. I draw a little in my spare time and recently whipped up few t-shirt designs as my

first shot fired in the war against gender roles. Check them out at

lads.storenvy.com and come say

huge progress with equal rights,

hope the new year brings some

Christmas dinner: Don’t! If

stuck in the dark ages. I can only much needed change.

I will be looking forward

to the usual Christmas at

and I’m now in the process

the ride with GNI MAG and

involves early morning present

transdude gang based online.

Keating likes to say, life is a

of growing LADS, a small

Transvisibility is important.

At LADS we give trans

and non-binary kids a place to have their voices heard,

promote positivity, encourage self-awareness and love, and

celebrate the things that make

the journey of life all that it is.

its readers. As our friend Ronan rollercoaster… just gotta ride it.

And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

Let’s roll with the punches

and inspire hope, change, and

good vibes in 2016 together, eh?

Much love, Hayden

For those younger lesbians

who may be planning on

hey at lllads.tumblr.com.

I’m hyped to be along for

make the naughty list this year.

while Northern Ireland remains

Canada, started testosterone, set a ballpark date for top surgery,

at least ten of her world tour

home in Dublin. This normally opening, pretending to forget

about the local Church service, leaving the turkey on too long, uncorking a bottle of wine at

coming out of the closet during you come out at least a month

before the big day you avoid the risk of grandma choking on the Christmas ham. Best of all, if

you do it in advance you will get

presents you can actually use. So long four inch party heels, hello leather converse!

And finally, thank you all for

9am, drunken relatives, falling

sticking with me this year. I look

and the annual family argument.

more Sapphic tails of Christmas

asleep to old movies on the telly, (Hopefully there won’t be any

extra surprises this year.) What I want most of all is tickets for

GNI MAG | 50

forward to delighting you with charades in 2016. Until then, have a fabulous party season.

Elaine x

FEATURE | GNI MAG COLUMNISTS 2015 has been a busy year for Team GNI. We’ve interviewed some serious talent, had a

complete redesign, and also said goodbye to a few familiar faces. Some of our columnists have moved on to pastures new and we wish them all the best of luck. In this issue we thought we would give our existing writers the chance to tell us all about their year and what they are looking forward to most. We also welcome our newest face to the team: say hello to Kiwi lad Hayden McGehan. We will leave the introductions to him.

SJ WILSON 2015 and still no hover

GARETH C.

What do I hope for 2016?

2015 has been quite the

boards? Great Scott! Michael

Well for a start I would like to

year. I took my seriously lazy

Another Christmas approaches

husband in one piece. I hope

(with copious amounts of sweat,

J Fox has a lot to answer for!

(I only know this because

get through my first year as a

the Deadpool movie is a success.

Clinton Cards have had their

And I hope to see Northern

September). I am not a big

in Euro 2016.

cards on display since early

Christmas person. I think Sandy

Ireland get some kind of success I hope there will be some

Klaws brought me coal when

progress towards full equal

sure the meteorologists will

Northern Ireland regardless of

I was a kid or something. I am give us our annual dose of snow predictions. At least five media

outlets will claim we are going to have a white Christmas.

Just as 2015 got truly

underway, the dream of marriage equality became a reality. Other notable events were—let’s be

honest—Peter Robinson packing it in and Northern Ireland

qualifying for France 2016.

liberties for everyone in

their gender or sexual preference.

Do you want to save someone’s life by donating blood? Great,

but what does your sex life have to do with it? Do you want to

offer up your home and love to a

ass to the gym and managed

My friends are still the

Physique program.

I learned that I’m capable of

I scraped together the

willpower to finish a home study

creatures they’ve always been. things I didn’t think possible.

There are lots of things I

Anatomy course I’d hidden in a

still don’t understand, lots of

out of my family home. And I

more than a few things I have

drawer for a year. I finally moved finally took the first step towards my dream of running a massage and holistic therapy studio by

starting a night course in Body Massage at Belfast Met.

I also took a massive leap of

for years but you are not allowed

down stigma and promote some

Lets change that in 2016.

and achieve them.

uniquely weird and special

a majorly intensive 12-Week

faith and went a bit more public

to marry?

I need to, that I can set goals

tears and whining) to complete

child that has neither? Have you and your partner been together

I could be self-disciplined when

with my status to (I hope) break positive education about HIV

I learned a lot in 2015. I learned

GNI MAG | 51

unfulfilled good intentions, and tried but failed at, but it’s okay!

Not everything in my life is

sorted. Some of it may never be sorted, and that’s okay too.

I’m looking forward to a lot

more okay in 2016!

Gareth

TOP FIVE PITSTOPS

1.

THE BEST PLACES TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY THIS CHRISTMAS (1) BERT’S JAZZ BAR

fairy lights, open fires and water

16 Skipper Street, Belfast

features, to the cosier confines of Filthy

Complete the magic of Christmas and

McNastys, the mismatched furniture

transport yourself back to the Art Deco

and quirky décor make The Filthy

glamour of 1930’s New York in Belfast’s

Quarter a modern Belfast institution.

only dedicated jazz bar. Housed in

Food is served in the form of an Italian

the luxurious surroundings of the

Pizza, just the ticket for replenishing

5* Merchant Hotel, the interiors and

those shopped-out spirits.

atmosphere of Berts Bar are pure luxury.

2.

So sit back, soak up the sophisticated

(4) ROBINSON & CLEAVER

vibes, and let the music wash over

1-3 Donegal Square North, Belfast

you while you sup from a handpicked

Boasting an outdoor heated terrace that

list of 5* cocktails. A French bistro

has the perfect vantage point for the

style menu of mouth-watering dishes

festive City Hall, Robinson & Cleaver

created by Head Chef Michael Weber

is a superlative city center eatery.

(from Chateau Briand to Moule Frites)

Whether you are grabbing a coffee with

is complemented by an extensive wine

friends, warming up after a busy day’s

list and, of course, exemplary service.

shopping with a lunch of pan seared local cod, or tucking into a dinner of

3.

(2) BOOTLEGGERS

slow roasted Irish sirloin, there are few

46 Church Lane, Belfast

establishments more smart or more

Bang centre in the middle of the city

central than Robinson & Cleaver. Their

(and officially the coolest new kid

restaurant is fully licensed, with an

on the block) Bootleggers is the new

extensive wine and cocktail list to add

home of casual eating. This comfy and

that little extra fizz to a weekend of

original bar serves up original cocktails

Christmas shopping.

and great grub seven days a week, from

4.

5.

lunch all the way to dinner. Service

(5) BAR WITH NO NAME

is first come first served, so get there

44 Dublin Road, Belfast

early to make the most of their proper

There is no mistaking The Bar With No

burgers, tacos, and soon-to-be-famous

Name. With its gaudy yellow exterior,

jerk chicken. From daisy duke cocktails,

this quirky new bar dominates its

to chilli dogs so hot they have been

surroundings. Inside, the atmosphere

known to reduce grown men to tears,

is warm, dark and friendly, with a

Bootleggers is one not to be missed.

casual and friendly air that will make a welcome change from the bustle

(3) FILTHY QUARTER

of streets crowded with Christmas

45 Dublin Rd, Belfast

shoppers. The helpful and friendly bar

Spread across four venues the Filthy

staff are on hand for recommendations

Quarter serves up a wealth of local

if you can’t chose between their wide

tipples, local talent, and local charm.

range of beers, ciders, spirits and

From the Secret Garden and Roof

cocktails. With a great selection of

Terrace that transport punters to a

choices and even greater banter, pizza is

charming outdoor area replete with

provided by the nearby Opera pizzeria.

GNI MAG | 52

BELFAST’S TOP 5 RESTAURANTS AS RATED BY USERS OF TRIP ADVISOR

(1) KURRITO

vegetarian platters, to old favorites like

26 Botanic Ave, Belfast

masala, and daily recommendations

Forget the dull sandwich bar, a fresh

like traditional lamb biryani from

new burrito sensation has hit Belfast.

head chef Sanj, the food is delivered to

If you’ve heard the rumors about how

perfection. Undoubtedly one of Belfast’s

good Kurrito is, let us be the first to tell

most cosmopolitan restaurants, and

how really good it is. Run by Simina

coupled with a prime location and

and her team, the staff at Kurrito are

cuisine never before seen in Belfast, Nu

passionate about fresh healthy cuisine.

Delhi Lounge is perfect for everything

From their ample menu you can choose

from business lunches to a relaxed

lunchtime treats from burritos to tacos

evening with friends and family.

and fajitas. Plus there’s a great range of vegan, vegetarian, meat and gluten-

(4) INDIA GATE

free options too, including traditional

73 Great Victoria Street, Belfast

daal and butternut squash in coconut,

A stone’s throw from the Europa Hotel

paneer and peas. Their delicious,

and Grand Opera House, India Gate

wholesome and tasty food is not to be

is ideal for pre-theatre dinner. The

missed.

staff at India Gate pride themselves

1.

2.

on providing a memorable evening (2) HOLOHAN’S AT THE BARGE

and mouth watering food for their

1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast

guests, offering, dare we say it, some of

If there is better spot to sit and enjoy

the finest Indian this city has to offer.

dinner than on a barge moored on

Their chefs have designed a menu that

the banks of the River Lagan, we

bridges the old India and the new,

haven’t found it. At Holohan’s at the

traditional tastes with a modern twist,

Barge there is a real focus on locally

so indulge in their sumptuous selection

sourced craft beer, ales and ciders, and a

of starters, mains and deserts.

3.

selection of homegrown Irish whiskey.

While the atmosphere is charmingly

(5) SLUM’S KITCHEN

relaxed, the staff are as professional

25 Bruce Street, Belfast

as they are knowledgeable of their

The rise of street food has revolutionised

fantastic range of food and drinks. Their

the way we think about good,

food is all ethically sourced, so you can

affordable food. Slum’s Kitchen is the

be sure of the provenance of your pan-

newest kid on the block, and with its

fried seabream or your Cherry Valley

shanty town-style interior, offers a tried

duck breast whilst enjoying one of the

and tested formula that really delivers

most charming views in Belfast.

on price and taste. There is a multitude

4.

of choices, usually served with one of (3) NU DELHI LOUNGE

three types of rice and served in a whole

25 Bruce Street, Belfast

meal roti wrap. Or you can take it away

Nu Delhi Lounge is a Northern Ireland

in a plastic bowl for a handy lunch.

culinary and cultural institution, with

The flavors are warm and reassuring,

enough variety to tickle the fussiest

the textures are soft and varied, and the

of taste buds. From their signature

prices are spot on.

Ratings/Order correct at time of print.

GNI MAG | 53

5.

pout pout B E ABUE TAYU, T Y ,

C R ECCR HE EC H& E

&

P A RPTAYR TV YE NV UE EN U E

pout BEAUTY,

CRECHE

PA R T Y

&

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we would love to see you at our special christmas show!

The Christmas shows start on the 17th-24th December and run at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm subject to availability.

We also have a 6:30 show on the 20th December.

Price £10.00 per person, this includes an hour long show, free sweets, a quiz, prizes, full candy making show, and everyone will get a present from Santa.

Plus meet Willy Wonka’s cousin!

This is a magical show from start to finish as we track Santa’s journey from Lapland to Belfast, then disaster strikes as Santa’s sat nav breaks down and he is left circling City Hall!

Can he make it? Can Rudolph guide him with the children’s help?

All will be revealed on the day!

There is no minimum number of people (from 1 to 40) and everyone is welcome!

The show is pitched towards 3 years old and right up to the older generations.

When booking one to three people please pay in full by card, three plus people £30.00 deposit or pay in full.

To check dates, times or to book telephone 028 9073 2868

REAL FASHION Styling and photography by Tony Webster / BigBad Llama Models: Laura Firby, Piaras Smyth, Rachel Donnelly Make up: Rebecca Bryson Hair: Catherine Allen Special thanks to Maverick Bar All looks available from REAL, Lisburn Road, Belfast

GNI MAG | 55

RACHEL WEARS: Passotti Double Umbrella £173 Jane Carr Luxe Truffle Scarf £276 T-ba Mao Shirt £81 T-ba Tasmanian Jacket £370 T-ba Feather Brooch £48 Meli Melo Thela Taupe Handbag £546 PIARAS WEARS: N.Peal Carnaby ½ Zip Sweater £299 Jane Carr Double Scarf Eggshell £229 London Undercover City Gent Umbrella £99 LAURA WEARS: T-ba Mariane Silk Velvet Coat £535 Mucho Gusto Tropez Nappa Scarf £270 Felisi Tan Bag £572

LAURA WEARS: T-ba Mariane Silk Velvet Coat £535 T-ba Riana Shirt £119 Mucho Gusto Scarf Tropez Nappa Scarf £270

GNI MAG | 58

PIARAS WEARS: N.Peal Burlington V Neck Cashmere Sweater £219 Diamond Scarf Blue/Orange £75

LAURA WEARS: Eskandar White Slim Shirt With Collar £232 Eskandar Cashmere A-Line Sleeveless Deep V-Neck Long Tunic £890 T-ba Borsalino Trimming Hat £371

GNI MAG | 59

RACHEL WEARS: Ebony Tippet Scarf £32 Other items models own

RACHEL WEARS: Warm &Co Curved Hem Tunic £224 Exquiste Hand Painted Scarf £88 PIARAS WEARS: Montreux Cable Cashmere Sweater £312 Crieff Cashmere Scarf £182 LAURA WEARS: Mucho Gusto Scarf £235 Warm &Co Cashmere Oversize Tee £206 Warm &Co Cashmere Tunic Dress £195

ALL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM REAL, LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST www.shop-real.com LAURA WEARS: XXXXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXX XXXXX

LAURA WEARS: T-ba Borsalino Trimming Hat £371 Eskandar Slim Shirt With Collar £232 Eskandar Cashmere A-Line Sleeveless Deep V-Neck Tunic £890 Meli Melo Fleming Black Handbag £455 ALL ITEMS IN THIS SHOOT AVAILABLE FROM REAL, LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST, www.shop-real.com GNI MAG | 62

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or flannel should cover the hair. The lit candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and extinguished in some water. The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements down the neck.

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What are the effects?

Ear Candles are therapists are experienced in Hopi delivering a hollow tubes made In most cases the treatment is extremely of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and soothing and relaxing, leaving the patient range of treatments which willherbs. have you When lit, the candle acts like a with a sense of well-being and reduced chimney, causing the warm air inside it to pressure in the ears or head.

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The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.

How are the candles used?

The patient should lie in a comfortable position on his/her side with the head supported on a pillow. A small cotton towel or flannel should cover the hair. The lit candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and extinguished in some water. The practitioner then massages gently around the ear, using draining movements down the neck.

Telephone 07955 408 202 Rejuvalase Beauty & Laser Clinic, 448 Newtownards Road, Belfas Tel: 028 9046 9447 or 084 3886 9497 Email: rejuvalase@ What are Hopi Candles?

Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs. When lit, the candle acts like a is repeated with the other The procedure and then the patient lies on his/her back chimney, causing the warm airear, inside it to for gentle drainage massage on the face. rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom.

It is then important for the patient to have This vacuum gently stimulatesa drink theofear, water and lie still for about 15 before he/she stands up. facilitating removal of excess minutes wax and What are the benefits? impurities.

Hopi candles can be used for many conditions including deafness caused by excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, tinnitus, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu,

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REFLEXOLOGY Whatwhere arethethe effects?

Reflexology is a treatment therapist works on “reflex points” on your In most cases feet, hands, and head (especially ears). the treatment is ex The theory behind reflexology is that these soothing and relaxing, leaving th reflex points relate to specific organs and glands in the body, and stimulating thoseof well-being and re with a sense points with finger pressure promotes health pressure the ears or head. A li in those organs and glands via thein body’s energetic pathways. is felt, and hissing and crackling When done by a skilled practitioner, like heard, with a little popping. Most those in out salon, reflexology is a deeply relaxing treatmentthat with benefits can be pleasant experien it is that a very

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felt throughout the body.

The initial effect can be an impro in hearing or freer nasal breathin The patient should lie in a comfortable an improved sense of smell. How position on his/her side with the head improvements can continue occu supported on a pillow. A small cotton towel day orBT4 two.

Rejuvalase Beauty & Laser Clinic, 448 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Antrim, 1HJ or flannel should cover the hair. The litTel: 028 9046 9447 or 084 3886 9497 Email: rejuvalase@outlook.com candle is inserted carefully into the outer ear and the flame is allowed to burn down to within a short distance of a marked red line, when the candle is removed gently and Reflexology is a treatment where extinguished in some water. The practitioner therapist works on “reflex points” then massages gently around the ear, using feet, hands, and head (especially draining movements down the neck.

The theory behind reflexology is Personal & Relationship Therapist reflex points relate to specific org Personal & Relationship Therapist The procedure is repeated with the other glands in the body, and stimulatin British Association of Counselling and ear, and then the patient lies on his/her back points with finger pressure promo British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited and for gentle drainage massage on the face. in those organs and glands via th Psychotherapy (BACP) Accredited Advanced Pink Therapy Accredited energetic pathways.

Advanced Pink Therapy Accredited It is then important for the patient to have Martin Rolston is a qualified & experienced therapist for clients across the rainbow spectrum, Martin is a qualified experienced therapist clients the rainbow spectrum, based Rolston in Belfast and Dublin & and can provide therapyfor via Skypeacross anywhere in the world. a drink of water and lie still for about 15 When done by a skilled practition based in Belfast and Dublin and can provide therapy via Skype anywhere in the world. minutes before he/she stands up. those in out salon, reflexology is relaxing treatment with benefits t Martin What are the benefits? felt throughout the body.

Martin 07734914778 mrcounselling@outlook.com RolstonHopi candles can be used for many 07734914778 mrcounselling@outlook.com Rolston The therapist will use various tec conditions including deafness caused by that include holds, finger pressur excess wax, congested sinuses, irritation kneading, rotation and rubbing a in the ears, ringing or noises in the ears, should feel an effect through the tinnitus, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu,

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M. R.R. MM. R. R. M Counselling Counselling

The therapist will use various techniques that include holds, finger pressure, kneading, rotation and rubbing and you should feel an effect through the entire body.

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In the past, waxing and shaving was reserved for swimmers and bodybuilders, while other man held onto their hair with pride. With changing fashions perceptions about male grooming have changed too. Whether you want to show off your muscles, get a tattoo or look good for your partner, hair removal is becoming an increasingly common treatment.

So if you are hoping to ditch your lumbersexual credentials (it’s a phrase, Google it) the good news is that the bear look may be on the way out. Increasinly guys are embracing the clean-cut, wellgroomed look. While some men don’t want to remove body hair completely, there is definitely a growing trend toward getting that wirey man mane under control.

Body hair removal for men covers a multitude of sins. Most guys aren’t into styling and shaping their brows to perfectly manicured arches, but the unibrow has (thankfully) become a thing of the past.

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Did you know that your ears keep growing throughout your life? Gross, right?

Well same goes for ear hair. The good news is that those wild strands poking from the top of your ears can be dealt with just as easily, because smooth ears will never not be in style...

Fuzzy hair popping above the back of your collar and travelling around your neck can ruin even the best of haircuts, lads.

Many guys are discovering the advantages of various hair removal methods to provide that neat and well-groomed look.

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AODHAN (Patient) I had waxed my back a few times but I always found it very painful. I like that Destination Skin offer a more permanent solution to hair removal. Gillian really put me at ease and it wasn’t sore at all. I’m really pleased with the results even in such a short space of time. I would definitely consider more treatments. Now I’ve had my back done I’d love to get my shoulders and arms done too.

AFTER GILLIAN (Destination Skin Therapist) I’m really pleased with Aodhan’s results.

His skin is quite pale, and the hair quite dark, which is a good combination for laser treatment. It’s common for men to discover ‘bacne’ when hair is removed and it’s much easier to treat with the hair gone. We were able to do three TCA peels on Aodhan plus the 6 laser hair removal sessions, which has helped a lot to clear his skin. He’ll find his skin clears up quite quickly.

GNI MAG | 65

that would put Tom Daley to shame. Others embrace their inner otter/bear/cub/delete as appropriate. A little hair may be fashionable but the truth is that thick out-of-control chest fur is no longer in vogue. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, you know?

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DATING | EAMON McAULEY / KITSCH BITCH

Kitsch Bitch

Happy Christmas KB! What are your plans for Christmas day?

Well I do love a good stuffing and I love seeing Santa empty his sack even though he’s a fictional character like Jesus.

But I’d also like to wish everyone on Grindr a happy Christmas cuz I’m sure that’s better than hey or hi!

Is wearing tinsel like a feather boa ever a good look?

I say if you’re going to go for the look fully commit with bauble earrings, fairy light hat and a spritz of Fabreeze festive cinnamon stick!

Hi KB. Just wondering how many Brussels sprouts you can fit in your mouth at one time?

Ask your da!!

I have a red leather jacket that I adore... festive or freaky?

In some cases it’s a welcome distraction from the face. #sorryboutit

Dating expert Eamon is here to help.

Eamon McAuley Hello Eamon. I’ve always loved Christmas but since my mother passed away in June nothing feels the same. I am close to all of my family and they will be spending Christmas here with me, but is it okay to celebrate Christmas without her? I feel so guilty for having a good time without her.

Brendan, County Kildare Hi Brendan. I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. It is never easy to lose a parent, and the first holiday without them is always going to be the most difficult. My personal advice is that it’s better to celebrate a life than to mourn one. This Christmas you and your family should remember the good times you had with your mother and fill the house with laughter and remember the good times you had. No parent would want their child not to move on with their life. So you have nothing to feel guilty about. Enjoy the festive season the way it is meant to be enjoyed. Good luck.

Hi. I’m gay and I’ve just started a new job.

My problem is that my boss is very interested in me. I’ve told him I’m not interested but he’s very persistent. I don’t want to make a complaint and have to miss the office Christmas party to avoid him or even risk losing my job. What should I do?

Kyle, Belfast Hi Kyle. This is a problem that arises time and time again. Without meaning to sound like too much of a cliché: no means no.

Have another chat with your boss again, but this time be direct at expressing how uncomfortable you find this situation.

If you don’t feel comfortable being alone with your boss then tell a sympathetic coworker about your concerns and what you plan to do. Make it clear that if things carry you will make a formal complaint. No one has the right to make you uncomfortable in your workplace. You shouldn’t have to live with the fear of losing your job or the fear of harassment from a superior. It daunting to have to be tactical, but be brave and take a firm stand. For more information contact Workplace Relations.

Can you give me some advice? I’m recently single. I live alone and I don’t want to spend Christmas by myself. I don’t have much of a family. There is a guy I have been seeing for a

GNI MAG | 67

few weeks. We get on well but I don’t want to scare him off by asking him to spend Christmas with me. Any advice?

Alex, Dublin As we get closer to this time of year this is a problem that a lot of people begin to face.

Unfortunately there is no ideal answer to this, and this is because when it comes to relationships everyone is different.

And how quickly a person begins to feel comfortable with someone else isn’t easy to predict. My advice would be to test the water and perhaps ask this guy what his plans are for this Christmas. You may find he already has plans to celebrate Christmas with his family.

On the other hand he may not be into Christmas at all. Don’t forget that many people see it as just another day. Be honest and direct with this guy about your feelings, but be mindful not to sound like you are trying to make him feel sorry for you. If you really like this guy take the time to get to know him.

Hi Eamon. I’ve been single since the summer. Getting dumped knocked by confidence but I think I’m ready to start dating again. What is the easiest way to meet a nice woman? Eimar, Newry Hi Eimar. Having your confidence knocked after a breakup is only natural, but I’m delighted to hear that you’re ready to start dating. This is where the fun starts! The easiest way to find a nice woman is to let it happen naturally without trying to force it.

Don’t put pressure on yourself to suddenly find someone straight away. It can take time. Clubs and bars aren’t the best places to meet people, so keeping an eye out in places like the gym or when you are out shopping or friends of friends can always help. When you meet someone you like, do your best to look confident and be direct and ask them out. You may be surprised at the outcome.

If you need advice on a family, dating or relationship problem, email Eamon on dating@lambpromotions.com Uniquedatingagency.com

TRAVEL | BERLIN

BERLIN WORDS | ORLAITH HENDRON

GNI MAG | 68

TRAVEL | BERLIN I first visited Berlin in 2010 when I came

walking east. The variety of art on display

and traditional treats. Expect luxury and

here on a holiday to check out the club

is incredible. Most of the galleries are

then some.

scene. I fell in love with the city and

free, and you might be lucky enough to

vowed then to move here some day.

stumble on a gallery opening night where

Flea Market. This takes place during the

there is always free wine and snacks. If

last week of Advent inside the cathedral-

you’ll likely experience anywhere in

you’re interested in taking a tour, consider

like former electrical substation in

the world. The Berlin music scene is

avoiding the usual city tour buses and opt

Kreuzberg. Here you can find handmade

probably best known for techno and

for an alternative tour instead.

items and antiques that make for the ideal

The music scene here is the best

electronic sensibilities, so if you’re into

Don’t worry that things might start

The second is the Nowkoellen Christmas

perfect Christmas present. The indoor

that then Berlin is the place to be. Clubs

to wind down in the winter. Berlin in

location is perfect for those snowy winter

like Berghain, Golden Gate and Tresor are

the summer is madness but there is no

nights, where live music will definitely

worth checking out.

Autumn lull in the run up to winter.

have you in the Christmas spirit.

It’s worth noting that things start late in Berlin. Going out at 2am is respectable enough not to be too early. Unlike

Berliners don’t do Halloween like we do, but Christmas is pure magic.

For two weeks in October the Berlin

If I can give one word of advice, come to Berlin and see what you can find. Don’t worry about getting lost, or not being able

most European cities the local transport

Festival of Lights transforms the city’s best-

to find anything, the transport here is

runs smoothly 24/7 at the weekends,

known landmarks like the Brandenburg

second to none.

so transport needn’t be an issue. It’s not

Gate and Berlin Cathedral with the most

uncommon to go for brunch at a café on a

amazing light shows you could imagine.

There is an excellent service called White Rabbit (whiterabbit.tips) run by two

When it comes to Christmas there

local guys. For the price of a text message

a spot of afternoon raving (if that’s what

is no better way to pass the time than

you can ask them anything and they will

you’re into).

in one of the city’s many markets.

answer so long as it’s legal. Normally

Throughout the year the marketplaces

you’ll get an answer within minutes

here are consistently fantastic – with

along with a few recommendations

Sunday morning and then onto a club for

If it is Drum and Base you’re after you can find it at Rosi’s or Gretchen. For punk

and directions. “I’m at Henrich Heine

music check out SO36. Queer clubs? No problem. From pop to techno and rock, Schwuz on Rollbergstraße has the most to offer. It’s also open, friendly, and is one of the few fully wheelchair accessible clubs in Berlin.

On the way home why not find a nice spot along the canal where the series of wooden cabins that make up the Club der Visionaere plays host. Minimalist techno is as relaxing as it sounds after a night or

Berlin really is all the hype says it is. You can walk down the same street ten times and see something different each time AND Each quarter is completely different from the last

don’t just mean the club scene. The city is

the huge indoor flea market that is

chock full of museums, exhibitions and

Hallentrödelmarkt Treptow being a

workshops; it sounds cliché, but Berlin

personal favourite – but at Christmas

really does have something to suit all

tourists and locals alike are treated to the

tastes. In my first few weeks I attended a

best markets Europe has to offer.

Café culture in Berlin is unbeatable.

27. This market takes place in an area

Kreuzberg. The East Side Gallery is a must

of Charlottenburg known for theatres,

for any tourist; this kilometre-long walk of

museums and fine dining.

If art is your thing then head to

a good fry?” “Who are these guys in this statue?”

Berlin really is all the hype says it is.

You can walk down the same street ten times and see something different each

amazing as you’ve heard.

Just be careful you don’t end up falling in love the way I did.

the Charlottenburg Palace Market, which runs from November 24 to December

Auguststraße in Berlin-Mitte and start

somewhere?” (There is!) “Where can I find

markets you should not miss. The first is

many little coffee shops in Neukolln and

reminder of Germany’s recent history.

park?” “Is there a feminist bike workshop

If you are pressed for time there are two

Try spending some time sampling the

what’s left of the Berlin wall is a poignant

find a sex party?” “Where’s the local skate

from the last, and the beer is just as

You can have it all in Berlin and I

vegan friendly alcohol-free cafés.

have friends visiting and they want to

time. Each quarter is completely different

weekend of Berlin-style clubbing.

few queer zine workshops, some hosted in

Strasse, where’s the nearest gay bar?” “I

Every year it hosts more than 250 vendors who set up in the beautiful Palace courtyard, where you can find exquisite handmade decorations, artisanal foods,

GNI MAG | 69

Orlaith is Hendron is an LGBTQ and feminist activist. She is involved with the Belfast

Feminist Network and has volunteered with IGLYO: an international NGO for young

people and student activists. She was previously

Community Development Officer with Here NI, and a lobbyist with the Women’s Resource and Development Agency.

FITNESS | BODY TRANSFORMATION

FITNESS Before starting at Hybrid Fitness Stephen Clarke weighed 19 stone

Getting off the sofa was the hardest part. At my heaviest I weighed around 19 stone and with a new-born son on the way, I decided that enough was enough. I’d had my fill of crappy food. I’d had my fill of going episode after episode of whatever series I was binging on instead of doing something about my size.

Although I had known the guys at Hybrid Fitness for years, I’d never set foot in a gym

before. I knew that by joining their gym I’d be avoiding many of the traps and pitfalls that you find in the fitness industry. And I knew I would be taught how to work effectively to get the results I wanted.

Because I was a gym newbie, and being the size I was, I was afraid of feeling intimidated and being made to feel that I didn’t belong. But not once did I feel that way. The people who train at Hybrid Fitness are

there to better themselves, not to take the piss. They are always encouraging each other to do great things. It’s this feeling of community that has kept me training with them ever since I started in February 2014.

Before I started, climbing stairs without breaking a sweat was pretty much impossible.

Now I do three flights while holding a 28kg kettlebell in each hand for the fun of it! Lenny and PJ have helped me turn my

GNI MAG | 70

life around. Their knowledge on training and nutrition has helped me continue to make better decisions for my health, helped me to become stronger, and helped me to shape my physique in the way I want.

Believe me when I say there is no quick fix to achieving your goals. Ultimately you are the one who has to put the work in. You are the one who has to sweat. You are the one who has to have the drive to achieve

FITNESS | BODY TRANSFORMATION The ultimate goal is building muscle mass, but you won’t get far without first strengthening the connective tissue like tendons and ligaments that keep the muscles working. For instance, Stephen’s best lift is his squat, so we kept the reps high with medium to heavy weight. In addition to packing on size on the legs, the squat also helps develop the upper body. With the deadlift we kept the reps low and heavy.

Because of his size Stephen struggled at

Lenny - training

first with the pull-ups, but he worked at it consistently. As soon as Stephen reached the point where he was able to perform one pull up it was plain sailing ahead. Turning your

At Hybrid we stick to the basics, and strength

weaknesses into strengths is what makes people

training is our expertise. If you are trying

better athletes.

to build muscle without first building your

For variety we threw in dips, pistol squats,

strength you’ll only get so far. That’s why we

dumbbell rows and powers cleans. For cardio

had Stephen focus on first mastering a variety of

we used farmers walks, kettlebell swings and

specialised techniques.

running. To recover we used Turkish get ups,

If you are going to the gym is to pack on

which is a very simple movement designed

muscle then squats, the bench, the deadlift,

to make all the muscles of the body work in

the military press, and pull-ups should be your

tandem to achieve the same goal. Add in plenty

main focus. Add some swings and farmer’s walks

of water, sleep, good nutrition, dedication and

for cardio and you have the ideal work out.

the results speak for themselves.

When Stephen came to Hybrid Fitness it was

Y

BRID GY M

H

clear he had issues with his nutrition that needed to be addressed. We spoke about how we would set about changing his eating habits.

He came to a gym with a friend and they both decided to join a weight loss group.

The problem is that no one nutritional approach will get anyone to his or her desired end destination. At certain points everyone needs to re-evaluate what they know and adjust Lyndon Court, Belfast BT1 6EF

your goals because no one is going to force you. This is the only way to do it, and I can’t tell you the feeling you get when you hit your goals.

I hope I can inspire others to work hard to get what they want. I still have a long way to go to reach my finish line, but I know that whatever comes my way I’m surrounded by likeminded people.

before continuing on.

Most of Stephen’s pre-structured eating

PJ - NUTRITION

plan was instinctual. Meals weren’t restricted in terms of portion size, proteins, fats or carbs.

Stephen had the help and guidance he needed

When Stephen decided he wanted to take his

at Hyrbid Fitness to help him back on track.

transformation to the next level we needed

There is no such thing as a perfect diet. We all

to re-evaluate his approach to nutrition. We

fall sometimes. A good eating plan will ideally

calculated his calories and macronutrient

be one that you can follow and one that is

requirements and gave him targets to hit.

tailored to you.

Foods were generally weighed and measured.

If you are looking to embark on a weight loss

Most people view this as an extreme tactic

journey then construct an intelligent approach

but every great body is built on routine and

to nutrition based on you. An experienced coach

consistency.

can help you with this. When your progress

There were a few sticking points along the

inevitably stalls readjust and move forward.

way, which there always are. Weight loss

Don’t give up. And be realistic - if you haven’t

is never linear, and it’s normal to have the

been looking after your body for years you won’t

occasional lapse on any plan. Fortunately

see the results you want to see overnight

GNI MAG | 71

FOOD & DRINK Festive Mince pies - The GastroGays Patrick Hanlon and Russell James Alford are the couple behind Gastrogays – a food and travel blog born of the streets of Dublin and grown in London. Their blog straddles both sides of the Irish Sea, documenting their recipes, restaurant reviews and travel guides, whilst also offering an honest, behind-thescenes look into the blogging world.

Follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat as @Gastrogays and gastrogays.com

A mince pie is the iconic Christmas treat.

However, you will always meet one person who complains that when they bite into one all they get is a mouth full of dry, cold pastry and a measly dollop of boozesoaked fruit; we agree, there’s nothing more disappointing. This particular recipe is inspired by none other than Fanny Craddock, who made one giant mince pie, however her’s had a lid, to be cut into slices.

Our version goes one step further and is the perfect ratio of fruit to pastry. We’re also compelled to write a recipe that has the word ‘mince’ in it.

You’ll need: 410g jar of good quality mincemeat 2 tbsp cornflour 150g butter 400g flour 1 large, free-range egg You have two decisions before you start this recipe. If you have homemade mincemeat go on ahead and use it, but a shop-bought jar is perfectly fine (we like Waitrose and M&S).

Secondly, if you’re averse to making your own pastry, get an all-butter shortcrust pastry 1. Begin by making your pastry: blitz the flour and butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Add the egg and a little cold water until it all comes together into a ball. Gently roll the pastry into a disc and place into the fridge for 30 minutes.

2. Pre-heat the oven to 180C and grease a loose-bottomed 22cm tart tin.

GNI MAG | 72

3. Remove the mincemeat from a jar, pop into a bowl and stir in the cornflour. This helps to keep the mincemeat from crumbling as you cut later.

4. Remove the pastry from the fridge and roll out between two sheets of parchment paper and carefully place into the tin, on the base and fully up the sides.

5. Trim off any excess around the outside by rolling a rolling pin over the top of the tin.

6. Prick the base well with a fork to avoid the pastry puffing up. Now chill the pastry in the tin for 20 minutes. Gather the pastry remains, re-roll and cut out shapes, or a lattice if you like, to adorn the top of the tart, and chill this as well.

7. Remove from the fridge and cover the pastry in the tin with parchment paper, fill generously with baking beans or dried rice to weigh down and blind bake for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from oven, ditch the beans and fill with the mincemeat and cornflour mixture.

8. Adorn with your extra pastry shapes, brushing the top of these with beaten egg yolk, then cook in the oven for a further 20 minutes.

9. Do not attempt to eat this while it’s warm, as the molten mincemeat will burn your mouth.

Allow to cool almost completely and serve, topped with a snowy sprinkling of brandy butter or whipped cream.

LIFESTYLE | FOOD AND DRINK

RESTAURANT REVIEW

COCO

Although Coco has been situated in Linenhall Street in Belfast’s

which was delicious. The prawns were soft, fresh, and cooked to

City Centre for around seven years, this was the first time this

perfection. The rice was moist with the taste of the chorizo piercing

writer had been. Set in a row of beautiful Victorian buildings, in a

through. Each mouthful was a pleasure.

former life Coco’s building was an old linen drying room, so this restaurant just oozes character.

The turnaround between courses was just right, allowing time for our starters to settle, but not so long that we felt as if we were

Once inside, the smells of fresh gourmet food being prepared

having to wait for the main to arrive. I had asked for my lamb to

were palpable. The place was buzzing with the mixed crowd of

be served well done, and that is how it was served, perfectly sliced

city folk in for apost-work pick me ups, couples seated for romantic

and presented in a cassoulet reduction. As well done as it was,

meals, and small groups out celebrating. The interior is larger than

the meat was tender and succulent. The flavours of the cassoulet

the exterior would have you believe, with a contemporary and

and merguez sausage nicely complimented the lamb. Once again,

urban feel, with the walls adorned with the works of various local

the portion size was more than filling without running the risk of

artists. Although it’s obvious that you are dining in a restaurant

leaving no room room for dessert.

with style and panache, the decor is far from overwhelming.

The dessert menu would put any other restaurant in Belfast

The menu is well apportioned, with a variety of starters ranging

to shame, with a multitude of treats to chose from a vanilla

in price from £4.50 - £7.95, and mains ranging in price from £15.00 -

cheesecake and berry compote, to an apple and blackberry

£22.95. This writer opted for a Risotto with chorizo, prawn, saffron,

crumble served with crème anglaise. This reviewer settled on an

lemon and parsley to start. This was followed a well-seasoned

oozy chocolate fondant served with a sharp orange ice cream and

Dexter beef burger, with chedder cheese, coleslaw and a side of

chocolate sauce. My guest opted for the buttermilk pannacotta, a

fries. My guest opted for a starter of roasted Tamarind chicken,

creamy confection accompanied by plums stewed in mulled wine

with chilli, scallions, fresh mango and sesame dressing. This was

and a brandy snap tuille that would make Mary Berry proud.

followed by roast Mourne Lamb with a white bean red pepper cassoulet and merguez sausage). This was complimented by a

We left Coco feeling entirely satisfied. The ambience is second to none, while the selection food and drink is top notch.

taster portion of seared scallops on a bed of braised pork belly, broccoli, pickled cauliflower and cauliflower puree. The wine list

Words by Tony Day

was well stocked for even the most discerning gourmand.

Portion sizes were more than ample, with a fair-sized portion of risotto being served as a starter. That is to say nothing of its flavour,

7 Linenhall Street, Belfast, BT2 8AA (028 90 311 150) Meal for two, including drinks and service: £60

GNI MAG | 73

Purveyors of Irish cuisine, fine wines and craft ales

TAKING BOOKINGS FOR CHRISTMAS Follow us on Facebook @HolohansPantry for updates on our new menus and opening hours

www.holohanspantry.co.uk 43 UNIVERSITY ROAD, BELFAST, BT7 1ND

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“Our Civil Partnership at the Belfast Barge & Holohan’s restaurant was absolutely surreal from start to finish and exceeded any hopes or expectations we might have had. Right from our first meeting with Calvin we were captivated by the surroundings, atmosphere and quirkiness of the venue. It was the perfect spot for us to make this big commitment to eachother. Calvin, his mum and the whole team at Holohan’s went above and beyond to make sure they made our day perfect, from the exquisite food to the outstanding service, we could not have imagined anything more perfect. Our guests complimented that it was the nicest food they’ve ever tasted and best menu they’ve ever seen at a wedding. For us both we were blown away by the attention to detail but most importantly how personal the whole day felt. I have never experienced a more efficient, professional and friendly service and our deepest thanks for a day we will always remember!”

Contact our dedicated wedding specialist and plan your dream wedding on a boat! www.holohansatthebarge.co.uk

Furniture, Sofas, Giftware New cafe open in Boucher Crescent Belfast City Centre 17-21 Bruce Street, Belfast, BT2 7JD (028) 9032 3197

TORE Boucher Crescent NEW S45-56 Boucher Crescent, Belfast, BT12 6HU Tel: (028) 9521 5899

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Small chandelier £629

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HOME To celebrate the launch of Creations’ newest store on Belfast’s Boucher Crescent, here’s the hottest look for fitting out your dining room in 2016.

Large Mantle clock £269 Miranda Weathered Display Cabinet £689

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£79

GNI MAG | 75

SCENE OUT | HOLOHANS

GNI MAG

were at the launch of new

restaurant Holohans Pantry. Located at 43 University Street, Belfast, Holohans are purveyors of Irish cuisine, fine wines & craft ales.

Follow them on Facebook @HolohansPantry for updates on their new menus, opening hours, and Christmas bookings.

holohanspantry.co.uk

GNI MAG | 76

SCENE OUT | KREMLIN

No weekend is complete without a trip to Northern Ireland’s biggest and best gay venue. So that’s exactly what we did.

GNI MAG | 77

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FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE

The Big Day

GNIMAG.COM | 79

In this edition of ‘The Big Day’ GNI MAG catches up with Dearbhaile and Gabrielle. Like so many before them, these two lovely ladies met by chance in the Kremlin. Six years later and they’re still inseperable.

job. Because I was a Kremlin regular I noticed a job vacancy ad behind the bar and asked for an application.

After about a year of working together I realised I was crazy about her.

Dearbhaile We met while we were both working in the Kremlin. Gabrielle was one of the managers there while I was a member of bar staff. I had been in and out of relationships before I met Gabrielle. I was in uni at the time and working in the Kremlin, so I was just having fun.

Gabrielle and I didn’t really get on when we first met, but after chatting to her one night I realised she was actually dead on. After some terrible flirting on Gabrielle’s part we got together on a staff night out and here we are!

Dearbhaile We didn’t rush into things. We were together for six years before we got engaged. We had just bought our apartment and we knew that the next step was to get married.

We had spoken about it lots and we knew that it was something we both wanted. We got engaged on Christmas Eve 2012. We had our rings under the Christmas tree for about a month. When Christmas Eve arrived we promised each other that we would be together forever. It was all very sweet.

My main stumble was finding the perfect wedding dress. I found the dress of my dreams while on holiday in NYC a few months before the wedding, but they didn’t have it in my size, so I had to head back to Belfast without it. Little did I know that they wouldn’t

Gabrielle I had been single for four years and, believe it or not, had never been interested in women before.

At the time I was training to be a hairdresser and needed a part-time

ship the dress to the UK because it was a Vera Wang, so I faced the predicament of flying back to NYC to pick it up or do without. Luckily a friend of mine was heading to New York on holiday so she was able to pick it up for me. We still joke that the dress had its own seat.

Gabrielle I had a few struggles in the first few months we were together because I was trying to come to terms with being in a same-sex relationship.

I never considered myself gay before I met Dearbhaile or had any feelings for women. It was a difficult adjustment because I’d grown up dreaming about my Prince Charming. Who knew that a girl was to be my soul mate?

When I realised the important part wasn’t about gender or being gay, it was about finding my soul mate and being happy. I knew I would be with her forever.

We discussed our future from early on, moving in together after a year of dating. We knew we would get married; it was a question of, not

GNI MAG | 81

if, but when. We shopped for our engagement rings together, bought them, and kept them under the Christmas tree. It was an amazing day. I’ll never forget it.

Dearbhaile My wedding day was the best day of my life. I know everyone says that, but it was just perfection. We had our ceremony on the Roof Garden of The Merchant Hotel. We were the first couple to ever have a ceremony up there so that was really special too.

Gabrielle and I both stayed in the hotel the night before (in separate rooms, of course) each with our bridal party. We all had breakfast together on the morning of the wedding alongside our wedding party, and then we went our separate ways until the ceremony. The ceremony was pretty small. We had about sixty guests there. We each wrote our own vows because we wanted it to be personal to us. From the music, to the readings, to the seating arrangements, every part of the

FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE

ceremony meant something personal to us. After the ceremony we had afternoon tea and drinks. We hired a Routemaster Bus to take the party from The Merchant to Harlem Café for the meal and evening reception.

Harlem is a fantastic venue. We loved how chic it felt, and how perfectly it fitted with our theme.

We chose not to have a top table, instead just having small tables of five to six people. Gabrielle and I had a table to ourselves. We named each table with quotes from different books, songs and movies, all of them about love. After dinner we danced the night away with family and friends. So off came the shoes and on went the Converse.

Gabrielle I would love to take credit for how our wedding day turned out but it was all Derv. She styled the whole day and organised everyone. We discussed what we wanted at length

(I helped with multiple choices when she couldn’t decide), but she executed it all! We decided to go for a small wedding because we liked the intimacy of enjoying it with our close friends and family.

I don’t like the summer and she hates the winter so we felt that September was that perfect medium.

And it was. There was rain the night before and morning of our big day but it was completely dry for the rest of it, which we were so thankful for because our photos were meant to be taken on the roof of the Merchant!

Everything went so smoothly, which wasn’t surprising as Dearbhaile (who we fondly nicknamed Monica after Monica from friends) and our events manager Rachel had everything planned to perfection. I literally just had to show up.

The most important thing for us on the day was the music.

We put our hearts and souls into

getting it right. There could be no compromise. We handpicked every song that was played in the background, the music that played during the ceremony, and the music that was played throughout the reception and evening party. It was a beautiful mix of modern acoustic songs as well as songs from our life that we’ve always loved and have special significance for us. The music really made the day; even now it is the one thing (apart from maybe the food) that we still talk about more than two years later.

Dearbhaile The reception was a great chance to relax and talk to old friends that we hadn’t seen in a while. With Harlem being such an intimate venue in comparison it meant we got to close to our friends and family. The atmosphere was brilliant, especially when the guests started to arrive for the evening do.

We had a sparkling reception on arrival for our guests. Then we had speeches, none too embarrassing thankfully, there were some tears, and then it was onto the food.

We opted not to go with a traditional wedding meal, instead giving our guests the choice of what they wanted to eat. For starters there was a choice of ribs, salad or soup.

The main was fish and chips, steak burger and chips, or a traditional chicken dinner. I have such a sweet tooth so we had a trio of deserts so we wouldn’t have to pick just one!

As the night drew to a close we headed back to the Merchant for our one night’s stay. As we ordered drinks in the residents’ bar there were three other guys sitting there who asked us about our dresses.

They thought it was a double wedding! We explained that we were just married so the lovely guy at the bar offered to buy us a drink to celebrate. It turned out to be the actor Dominic Cooper who was in Belfast filming at the time. It was a really lovely and surprising end to the day. The next morning we woke up to beautiful personalised breakfast menus. We had a private dining room for our family and friends. The Merchant team did an incredible, beautiful job for us. We loved every second.

Dearbhaile We went on honeymoon three days after the wedding. We flew into Barcelona for a night and then headed away on a weeklong cruise around the Mediterranean. It was heavenly.

You don’t realise how tiring it is planning a wedding until it happens to you. We planned ours in just less than six months so being able to get away and spend time alone together was fantastic.

After our cruise we headed to Sitges for two nights. This was where Gabrielle and I had our first holiday way back when we first started going out in 2006, so it holds a special place in our heart.

FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE

Dearbhaile I love married life. People say that it’s not different but it is. You have made a commitment to someone to be there through the good times and bad. Just knowing you have one person in your life who will be by your side forever is an amazing feeling. Gabrielle and I are also wedding photographers, so every time we do a wedding I give her this little look and it reminds me how lucky we are and how much I love being with this girl!

Gabrielle Before we were married it I was told by so many people that nothing changes, that everything is exactly the same as it was before, but I have to disagree. I know it sounds crazy, but my favorite part of the whole experience was the morning after the wedding. I was in the suite getting dressed. Dearbhaile was still asleep, and I was thinking about the night before and wondering if things did feel different now that we were married. Then a lovely feeling

washed over me and I have never felt so safe and secure in my life. I knew we would be together forever and I would never have to be alone.

Marriage isn’t just a piece of paper, for me it means security. I know that may sound strange but knowing that I had a person who loved me more than anything, enough to make this commitment to me, was heaven. Married life is fun.

We can be rude, cheeky, thoughtless and crazy, but it doesn’t matter because we take care of each other.

GNI MAG | 83

Dearbhaile Gabrielle is a girly girl. She is very into her make up and dressing up and getting her hair done. I just throw something on and I’m out the door. I would be more into sports and music. I love going to the gym and DJ’ing. We do important things together but also have our me time. I am the planner. I plan and organise everything whereas Gabrielle is happy just to wing it.

Luckily this works well for us. We know that in the eyes of the law our

FEATURE | THE BIG DAY - GABRIELLE & DEARBHAILE

marriage is only a civil partnership.

We need to continue to fight for equality to make gay marriage legal in Northern Ireland.

Gabrielle We are polar opposites in so many ways. Dearbhaile is so organised, I’m a hot mess. She loves cleaning, I leave things for her to clean. I’m mad about musicals, whereas she is more reserved. She has adapted to my tastes over the years.

Even though we are different in so many ways we managed to make it work. I am a photographer by trade (#PopPhotography!) and I work long hours at weddings or on shoots, which means I’m away quite a lot, so it was natural for Derv to want to learn how to take pictures too so that we could work together.

We also love to spend time apart on our “pamper days”. Sometimes it’s visiting family, or going out for drinks with friends, or even just sitting at home to chill! We are happiest when we are together.

Contact Dearbhaile and Gabrielle at popphotographyni.com

GNI MAG | 84

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LGBT FAMILIES

When I was growing up, everywhere you looked there were mums and dads with two kids and a dog. My family were “pretend”

Liz’s story I’m never sure what people expect me to say

traditional moral values are being taught that

smaller affair, but they were surrounded by those

a family with two mums.

She later introduced Section 28, which banned

Civil Partners there was a great “Whoop!” in the

when they ask me what it was like growing up in I was born in Birmingham in the mid 1980s.

My parents divorced when I was two because my mum came out as gay. She bought a house at the opposite end of our street so my brother and I

moved house on a weekly basis for the majority of our childhood.

Some people may think this was hard for

us, and sometimes it was a pain to have to pack up your things when all you wanted to do was

test out the new Mario game for my Gameboy, but through a kids eyes all you saw was two

bedrooms, two Christmas stockings! You also got loving parents in abundance.

Looking back, it was exceptionally brave of

my mother to come out when she did, and for

they have an inalienable right to be gay.”

local government bodies from promoting or publishing material that “promoted homosexuality.” This included schools

“promoting the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”

This meant that my teachers were cautious

“issues” with my family. And some friends were not allowed to come over to my house to play,

although my parents always protected me from this kind of attitude as a child.

It meant that no books in the school library

Looking back now, I can’t understand why we

offer same-sex couples the same legal status as still face here in Northern Ireland today.

Luckily my mums live in England, so last

Christmas, after over 20 years together, they

quietly slipped off to the registry office (again),

handed in their Civil Partnership certificate, and left with a marriage certificate.

On this occasion there wasn’t a big party; it

was just the two of them. And after years seeing

kids and a dog. My family were “pretend.”

had the piece of paper to prove it. I can’t describe

In 1996, my mums had a Commitment

Ceremony. All their friends and family were

In 1987, the year my mum came out, the

with confetti, cake, dancing and a whole lot

said, “Children who need to be taught to respect

Or did they?

television!) represented my family. Everywhere

Ireland and Scotland was a new thing. There

Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

relationship recognised by law.

heterosexual couples. This is a position that we

kids, rather than the kids themselves who had

you looked there were mums and dads with two

was growing hysteria around the AIDS crisis.

many years together, my mums finally had their

Unsurprisingly, it was the parents of some of the

out as gay quite often lost custody of their kids of gay sex for men aged over 21 in Northern

totally overwhelmed with emotion. After so

settled for Civil Partnerships when they fail to

encountered at school because of our parents.

or programmes on children’s television (or any

purely because they were gay. Decriminalisation

room and we all cheered. I remember feeling

of addressing any problems my brother or I

my father to support her as much as he did. This was the eighties. Back then, mothers who came

they loved, and as the registrar pronounced them

invited to celebrate and we had a brilliant day of love. But the ceremony gave my mums no legal status or protection, and in the eyes of

the law they were

not recognised as a

couple. This meant

that if anything were to happen to my

mum, my other mum had no legal rights over my brother

each other as fully wedded partners, they finally to you what it is like to see your parent’s brand

new marriage certificate for the first time when you are 30 years old.

If there was anything detrimental in my

childhood it was the anti-gay laws and attitudes that failed to see or accept that gay families like mine existed, not the families themselves, and

definitely not being raised by two mums. These

laws have taken the UK and Ireland decades to

overcome, but now – thankfully – we have legal protection for our LGBT communities and

their families as well as equal civil marriage in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

My brother is straight and can marry his

and I.

girlfriend, but I can’t marry mine. So come on

years to the day of

I’ve got a woman I love and I want to wed!

In 2006, ten

their Commitment Ceremony, my

mums had a Civil

Partnership. It was a

GNI MAG | 86

Northern Ireland, get a move on and catch up -

If you would like to have your family story

featured on this page email your story to kieran@lambpromotions.com

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Professor Tara Moore Ulster University

GERRY’S STORY Gerry Walls, aka Tina Leggs Tantrum, is looking bronzed and

but his mum’s experience has made him more determined to

relaxed after enjoying a week at Benidorm’s Gay Pride. It

keep healthy. “I used to weigh twenty stone and smoked forty

couldn’t be more different from last year’s holiday when he

cigarettes a day, but I was fed up being chubby. I changed my

only had one thing on his mind – his beloved mum Terry, who

life around when I was 40. I had just lost my dad who had

was in hospital following open heart surgery.

passed away only a year after his retirement and I knew

Gerry explains, “About two years ago, my mum started to experience heart palpitations and she developed a shake in her

that I wanted a long, healthy retirement.

“So I changed my life. I gave up smoking. I rarely have

hand. Mummy never smoked or drank. There was no family

a drink now. I run in the mornings, I go to a circuit class

history of heart disease, but she did have diabetes. She went to

and have a PT session four times a week. I am healthier

her GP, and to this day I believe she owes her life to him. He

and fitter. I have done all this for myself, to make

immediately sent her to the Royal Victoria Hospital for tests.

myself happy. But I also know, looking at my family

“I went with her for the results. I don’t know why, but I just

history, I need to look after my heart too. So often in

had this funny feeling that something was the matter. We

the LGBT community, the health issues we focus on

are very close, and I was right – the news wasn’t good. The

are sexual health and mental health, and we forget

consultant told her that her arteries were almost totally blocked

about the health issues that affect you regardless

and she would have to undergo surgery as soon as possible.

of your sexuality. Twice as many LBGT people

“Mummy is like me – she likes to sprinkle comedy on

smoke compared to the overall population of

everything. After the consultant gave her the diagnosis he

Northern Ireland, which increases your risk of

asked her if she had any questions. ‘Yes’ says Mummy, ‘only one

heart attack and stroke, as well as respiratory

– will I have to give up my part-time job as a lap dancer?’ I love

illnesses and cancer. I know I can’t make

my Mum – she makes me laugh so much.

anyone else change their lives, that the

“The day she went in for her operation was heartbreaking. I

effort to change has to come from within.

am one of six kids and we lost our Daddy in 2007. I knew that

But I want to make sure people know the

Mummy was about to undergo major surgery and that I could

facts and figures so they can make their

maybe lose her. When I saw her after the operation, I took her

own decisions about their health.”

hand and told her ‘I know you can hear me. I’ve told God I am not letting him take you. You’re staying here with us.’”

At this point Gerry pauses and says that is the first time he had ever been able to say those words aloud without crying.

Within hours, Gerry’s mum was able to open her eyes. Within three days she was moved from to a high dependency ward.

“I had a holiday booked but I had no intention of leaving Mummy,” Gerry continued. “When she asked me when my holiday was, I told her I wasn’t going. ‘If you don’t go, I’ll fall out with you’ she told me. So off I went. I felt awful. I tried to enjoy myself but couldn’t. I am so thankful God decided not to take her and to let us have our Mummy for longer.”

Gerry’s mum gradually improved. Eventually she was able to look after herself fully again. The consultant was so impressed by her progress that he decided to discharge her completely.

Gerry speaks to her every day. “You only get one mother. So I want to look after mine like she looked after me. She is doing really well now. She’s like a new pin.”

Gerry started to look after his own health a few years ago,

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FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story

James knew he was gay since he was small. He’s had the usual ups and downs, but this Belfast lad is about to achieve his lifelong dream of jetting off with British Airways...

When did you first realise you were gay?

I always knew I was gay. Ever since I was very young I knew I was a little bit different. I didn’t play with Action Men, but my mum was a childminder so I would play with the dolls of any of the little girls she minded. I grew up surrounded by a lot of girls and women, but my best friend who lived next door was a boy.

Tell me about your coming out experience?

I came out to my close friend Stephanie when I was 17. I was on my lunch break with her in school. It felt like I had reached the stage where I needed to tell someone, and I trusted her with my life. It took me a very long time to say “I’m gay,” whenever I talked about it to people I always said “I liked boys,” I never said “I’m gay.”

How did they react when you told them?

I came out to my close friend first of all. I guess she already knew. I came out to the rest of my friends a month later, then my mum about a half a year later. It was the biggest weight of my chest. I was so relieved. I was really emotional, but I wasn’t as emotional as I thought I would be because I guessed she already knew. I was so much happier after coming out. I was like a totally different person. Coming out made me the person I am now. It took a while but I am so much more confident. I’m really glad I did it.

Was coming out a big deal for you or did it feel natural?

It was definitely a big deal. I had a girlfriend when I was very, very young. We kissed, and I did fancy her, but it never felt right. There was a boy in my year who I really fancied when I came out; he was gorgeous, really tall, and really nice arms. He was so sexy, and he had the best smile.

That summer we flirted with each other non stop, but it was just banter.

Did you find it difficult to accept you were gay?

Yeah, I did. I felt like it was so different to what I knew. No one else was gay but me and I was scared of their reaction. I knew my friends would be supportive, but I found it really hard to

0808 808 8000

tell my best friend Stephen because we were so close, even though he is straight. Coming out to him was the biggest relief of all. He knew as well so he acted as normal. His family became my second family after that.

How did your family react when they learned you were gay?

I thought my mum would have been fine, and she was, but I knew it would be harder with my dad because we were so close. I love him, and we do get on, and he is really comfortable being around gay people, but I didn’t feel like I could tell him. It’s so much different when it’s personal for you. Mum said she knew I was gay, but she didn’t want to show it. But for dad it was a real shock. It was a really tough couple of months, especially since mum felt stuck in the middle between me and Dad. I didn’t stay in my house a lot, I stayed with my fiends, and I didn’t really socialise with my immediate family during that time. But I was about to start a new job after leaving school and I wanted to be me.

Has anyone’s opinion of you changed since you came out?

No, I honestly feel like my family and friends love me more for being who I truly am than for living in secret. They wouldn’t have wanted me to be in the closet, and I was so miserable right up until I came out.

Did you ever feel the need to seek professional help?

I didn’t feel like I had very much gay support, but since coming out I’ve made so many gay friends that have helped me in so many ways.

Where do you live? How accepting are people there of LGBT people?

I live in North Belfast. I have never once encounteered homophobia in the streets. I’m always really affectionate when I’m on a date. I don’t mind holding hands and kissing in public, and no one has ever said anything to me. But you have to be sensible about these things. I feel comfortable enough being gay in Belfast because

Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000

www.lifelinehelpline.info

FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story

COMING OUT

JAMES tells his story.

0808 808 8000

Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000

www.lifelinehelpline.info

FEATURE | COMING OUT: James’ Story

it’s my home town. I know it’s not perfect but nowhere really is. It could be a lot worse. I don’t actually know anyone that’s been gaybashed. I’m about to move to London to work as cabin crew for British Airways. I’m not worried about being openly gay in public in London.

What are the most important things in your life?

Having positive and loving people in your life is the most important thing to me. Genuine, generous, loving people, lots of family and friends are the best. Being productive keeps you stable. It’s really important to have good and achievable life goals, but your goals have to be realistic. There’s no point wanting a ten bed house in New York City. British Airways is a great stepping stone for me.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan is to stay with British Airways for the next few years. I’d like to see how far it can take me. Then I really want to pursue my career in London. I’d love to settle down in New York some day, or Los Angeles.

I really like the idea of putting down roots in other cities even though I really love Belfast. There just aren’t enough opportunities here.

I am single at the moment, and looking for love. I’ll be looking for that certain someone when I move to London. I can see myself with my own family in the next few years. I would love to have my own kids, but I think adoption is a really good idea too. Right now I’ll settle for a puppy and a kitten and a rabbit all at the same time so they can be best friends like the ones of the YouTube videos.

0808 808 8000

Textphone 18001 0808 808 8000

www.lifelinehelpline.info

you’reinindistress distressor or despair, oryou you distress ordespair, despair,or IfIfyou’re someonewho whois, is,call callLifeline Lifeline24/7 24/7 know 24/7 knowsomeone someone on0808 0808808 8088000 8000. on 8000.

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Calls to Lifeline are answered CallstotoLifeline Lifelineare areanswered answered Calls by qualified counsellors who byqualified qualifiedcounsellors counsellorswho who by can providehelp help and support canprovide provide help and support can and support con fidence.Calls Callsare are free from inconfidence. confidence. arefree freefrom from inin all landlines and mobiles. alllandlines landlinesand andmost most mobiles. all most mobiles.

(Textphone:18001 18001 0808808 808 8000) 180010808 0808 8088000) 8000) (Textphone:

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | BELFAST

Monday

Maverick – Contdown with Contessa Von

Sunday

Boombox – Now You’re Talkin’! Weekly pop

Union Street – The Sunday Bingo Show

Kremlin – Closed

Tramp. Free entry

Kremlin – Industry 10pm, Admission free

Trudy Scrumptious

party with DJ Ricky C. All drinks £2

8.30pm

Union Street – Monday night show with Shoe Factory - Flux with DJ Ryan Morgan

Maverick – Motor Mouth Mondays, Comedy Night with Gemma Hutton. Free entry

Sunflower – Manouche Gypsy Swing 5.30pm, Sunflower Folk Club 8pm

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex

Sunflower – Open Mic Nights, 7pm, Free

– Now open until 4am

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex

Friday

– KJB Massage 2pm – 5pm

Kremlin – Weekly Themed Nights with DJ

Tuesday

Union Street – The Friday Set Acoustic

bottle of beer for every performer

Kremlin – Klub 180, All drinks £1.80 all night, 10pm – 2.30am

Union Street – Grannie’s Fun Factory 9pm, All drinks from £2

Maverick – Lipsync for your Drink, with Rusty Hinges and Roxy Tumbledryer

Sunflower – The Dandy Horses Unplugged, 7.30pm

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – Now open until 4am Wednesday

Gareth Woods. Open until 3am

Bubu @ The Shoe Factory - First Friday of

Boombox – Downtown with DJ Jordan,

HOtel MOtel last Friday every month. All drinks £2.50

Sunflower – Boxing Hare Wood Fired Pizza Traditional Session 8pm

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – KJB Massage 2pm – 5pm

Grannie’s Time Tunnel 9pm – Late

by Trudy Scrumptious and Robert Brown

concessions & under 26 years old

month

Union Street – Tina’s T’Okie 5pm – 8pm,

Union Street – Okie Dokie Karaoke hosted

Complex – Hard Up Sundays, free buffet &

Hawkes from 9pm

Cherrie On Top. Free entry

Kremlin – Deuce, £2 entry, £2 drinks

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure

Maverick – VAGABOND with DJ Marion

Maverick – Open Mic Wednesdays with

Thursday

Gramophone Club from 8pm

Rewind @ Kremlin – First Friday of every

Kremlin – Revolution, 9pm – 3am

– Now open until 4am

Sunflower – Traditional Session 7pm, Sunday

Regular Nights

Saturday

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex

with Gemma Hutton & DJ Lady Luck

Friday from 9pm

Union Street – Tina’s Stop the Clock

Roxy Tumbledryer, & DJ Kenny. 10pm – 3am

Boombox – Sunday Service, drag spectacular

Sessions with Ash Smith 5pm – 7pm. TGI

Kremlin – Closed

Boombox – Bitch Please! with Rusty Hinges,

Maverick – R&R with Rusty and Roxy 5pm

Maverick – HIJINKS with Lady Portia Di’Monte from 6pm

Boombox – BOOMBOX Saturdays DJ

Ciaran Boylan, Sassie Longshaft and Paulette Stiletta 10pm – 3am

Sunflower – Boxing Hare Wood Fired Pizza 5pm – 11pm in the Sunflower Garden, Appalachian Session 8pm

every month (men only)

MOTN @ Queens Cafe Bar – Last Friday of every month (men only)

The White Mansions @ The Sunflower First Friday of every month

Pub Quiz @ The Sunflower – First Tuesday of every month

Duke Special’s Gramophone Club @

Sunflower – Last Friday of every month

Hotel Motel Residency @ Boombox – Last Friday of every month

Room Service @ Boombox – Bi-monthly

The Pipeworks Gay Men’s Leisure Complex – First Friday of every month – Bubu Afterparty

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | BELFAST

Belfast

1 - Union Street/Shoe Factory

6 - Queens Cafe Bar

A - Grand Opera House

E - Ulster Hall

3 - Maverick

8 - Boombox

C - City Hall

G - Albert Clock

2 - Kremlin

4 - Sunflower Bar 5 - Kelly’s Cellars

7 - El Divino

9 - The Pipeworks

10 - Whites Tavern

B - The MAC D - The Fish

F - The Waterfront

© Jamie Baird 2015

out in...

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | DUBLIN

Monday

Pantibar – Joystick, DJ Dr Beat plays quality

Copper Alley – Mother, the home of synth

The George – Win, Lose or Drag with Phil T.

80s music

pop and electro

Gorgeous and Bunny from 8.30pm.

Break for the Border – Meat Street with

Admission free all night with drinks!

Friday

international guest hosts, DJs and live acts,

Pantibar – Pints and chats

The George – Glitterbomb with DJs Ger

from 11pm

and Mo, hosted by David D-Pole and his Tuesday

Glitterati Dancers, Drinks promos, Free

Sunday

The George – The Dolly Grip Experience

shots, Admission free before 10pm, €5 from

The George – Bingo with Shirley Templebar,

The Front Lounge – Davina Devine’s

10 til midnight, €8 after

from 9.30pm. Admission free before 10pm,

Casting Couch, Karaoke from 10pm

The Front Lounge – DJ Conor Behan

€5 entry after

Pantibar – Pints and chats

playing dance floor fillers from 10pm

The Front Lounge – The big Gay Brunch

Pantibar – DJ Steobar and Our Perfectly

Club from 12pm

Wednesday

Preposterous Drinks Specials

Pantibar – Panti’s Tea Dance

The George – Space N Veda with Veda

The Hub – SweatBox, Classic House Regular Nights

Beaux. Cabaret, Drag and Live Music Pantibar – Pints and chats

Saturday

Pop Rox Indie Night @ The Dive Bar (Turk’s

The George – SaturGays with DJ Sean John,

Head) – Fortnightly Saturdays, €5

Thursday

Davina, Veda & guests with Beauty Spot

Crush Girlclub @ Lafayette Club – Check

The George – Davina Devine hosts Thursty

Karaoke from 10pm. €10 after 11pm

listings for events

Thursdays until 2.30am

The Front Lounge – Brunch with DJ Terry

The Front Lounge – 2 for 1 cocktails

from 10pm Pantibar – The Panti Show from 10pm.

Cruisin’, Music, Dancin’, Chattin’

Map Key 1 - Panti Bar

7 - The Hub

A - Parliament Square

E - Gaiety Theatre

3 - The Front Lounge

9 - The Dive Bar (Turk’s Head)

C - Dublin Castle

G - Olympia Theatre

2 - Nealons

4 - Copper Alley 5 - The George

6 - Lafayette Club

8 - The Boilerhouse

10 - Break for the Border 11 - 4 Dame Lane

B - Temple Bar

D - The Needle

F - Grafton Street

THE WHAT’S ON GUIDE | DUBLIN

Dublin

© Jamie Baird 2015

what’s on in...

CHRISTMAS

IN NUMBER

S

60 1/6 521 50 364 1870

A whopping 60 million Christmas trees are grown each year in Europe.

Those are our chances of a white Christmas in Ireland this year. (Or 1/10 if you’re in England. Sorrynotsorry.)

The first UK Christmas was celebrated in AD 521 in York!

‘White Christmas’ is the most popular Christmas song ever, with more than 50 million copies sold since 1934.

If you totted up all the gifts in ’The 12 Days of Christmas’ you’d end up with quite a few extra to regift next year...

The year Christmas was declared an official holiday in the USA.

15 7 822 50% 1 25% 4 25

The amout of years a Christmas tree needs to mature before it’s sold (only to dry out in 10 minutes...)

The UK has only had seven white Christmasses in the last 100 years!

That’s how many houses Santa Claus has to visit every second on Christmas Eve to reach every house on the planet.

Half of UK households tuck into a Christmas pudding on the big day.

One movie regularly tops polls for the greatest Christmas movie of all time: the classic It’s A Wonderful Life

On average, a quarter of your time shopping for Christmas presents will be spent in the queue. Argh!!

4 BILLION Brussels Sprouts are sold in the week before Christmas around the world. That equals a hell of a lot of farts.

There is no mention of December 25th in the bible. Most historians actually think Jesus was born in the spring.

Sources larkstatistics.co.uk, mirror.co.uk. britishturkey.co.uk

GNI mag

PUTTING THE ‘T’ IN LGBT & PROUDLY MADE IN BELFAST

THE SPORTS ISSUE Issue 18 | September/October 2015 | £3.95 / €4.95

THE SPORT ISSUE

NEXT ISSUE - WE GET DOWN AND DIRTY WITH IRELAND’S NEWEST INCLUSIVE RUGBY TEAM, THE BELFAST AZLANS - EXCLUSIVE 2016 PREVIEW - AND INTRODUCING... THE GNI MAG AWARDS!

CELEBS / FASHION / MUSIC / NEWS / REVIEWS / MOVIES / FITNESS / HOME / FOOD & DRINK

GNI MAG | 98

OUT JANUARY 16

GNI mag THE AWARDS T W E N T Y

S I X T E E N

C O M I N G S O O N

For details on award categories, nominations, voting or sponsorship contact Tony on 028 9065 4314