GNI Mag Issue 10

GNI

FREE

take me home

www.gnimag.com

GNI - Winners 2013 & 2014

the award winning gay mag that’s small, well informed and really, really good looking

luxury is now affordable

Quality, Service, and Trust

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B

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D

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CREDITS

Shout outs to those brilliant people who made it happen.

Pictured above: A: Tony Webster - Fashion Editor B: Trudy Scrumptious - Kitsch Bitch C: Greg McCaw - Dating D: Gemma Hutton - Her World E: Scott De Buitleir - Seriously Tho F: Beth Evans - Writer/Sub-Editor G: Jordan & Diona - Comedy H: Frankie Brogan - Nutrition In house: Publisher: Lamb Promotions Ltd Published: Bi-Monthly Editor: Tony Day Sub Editor / Writer: Beth Evans Sales Director: Fred Scott Creative: Lauren Clarke Fashion: Tony Webster (Big Bad Llama) Sales: Eamann MacManais & Gary Campion Additional Writers: Colin Flinn - Getting Old

Lee Austin - Interiors Review - Conleth Kane Get The Look - Lewis Cameron Rebecca Bryson - Beauty Fashion Shoot: Tony Webster - Styling and Photography Rebecca Bryson - Hair and Makeup Ruta Mineikyte - Model Jurgita Mineikyte - Model Brennan Mckeag - Model Special thanks to: Nicki French, Liz MacKean, Ryan Dolan, Dan Osborne, Jai, Che and all the other bar tenders who entered our competition, John and Alan, Michael, Donnellys, and to all of you who are enjoying reading our magazine.

Socials: Website: www.gnimag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/gnimag

Twitter: @gnimag Instagram: @gnimag Advertising Sales: Eamann MacManais eamann@lambpromotions.com +44 (0) 28 90 31 21 81 Gary Campion gary@lambpromotions.com +44 (0) 28 90 31 21 81 Publisher Contact: Lamb Promotions Ltd Conway Mill, Conway Street Belfast, BT13 2DE Tel: +44 (0) 28 9031 2181 Email: tony@lambpromotions.com Web: www.lambpromotions.com Subscribe to GNI for free: www.gnimag.com

www.gnimag.com | page 7

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EDITOR

A quick intro, what’s it all about?

Who says size doesn’t matter? You have in your hand the new bigger, better size GNI mag! Our new size is still small enough to fit in your bag or fold into your pocket, but a bit bigger so we can squeeze more content in for you. Hopeufully you’ll like our new look too, it’s our second bir thday so we figured we needed a wee freshen up.

This issue is packed with great features: Liz MacKean talks to us about her time in Russia making the “Hunted” documentary; with Eurovision in the air we chat to Nicki French about what it was like being one of the stars; Ryan Dolan tells us about his new single and what the inspiration was behind his haunting music video; and we catch up with star of TOWIE and Splash!, Dan Osborne.

Our Scene Out section in this issue has also grown, we’ve been to all your favourite bars again, and this time we’ve travelled south of the border too snapping in Dublin.

Tony Webster is back with another inspirational fashion shoot. As ever all of the looks can be easily and affordably achieved from the high street and online.

All of our regular contributors are back again, Conleth, Gemma Hutton, Jordan and Diona, Kitsch Bitch, and Greg. A couple of new faces appear in this issue; Frankie Brogan is our new nutrition exper t and Scott De Buitleir from Eile Magazine takes over as our resident journalist for the Seriously Tho piece.

Anyway, I could wax lyrical but sure you’re better just getting stuck in.

Enjoy Tony

GNI - GOSCAR AWARD WINNERS 2013 & 2014

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

Lamb Promotions Ltd 2014 www.gnimag.com | page 9

Gonorrh o

ea

Gonorrhoea cases in men who have sex with men have more than tripled since 2010*

You can now get a simple urine or swab test for gonorrhoea - so get tested You are at risk of gonorrhoea from unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms can include a sore throat, a painful burning sensation when passing urine or discharge from the penis or rectum. However, people may show no symptoms at all. Gonorrhoea also increases your chances of getting other sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV. Always wear a condom and get tested regularly - at least once a year, or once every three months if you change sexual

partners.

Don’t leave it to chance!

To find your nearest GUM clinic go to servicefinder.hscni.net Public Health Agency, 4th Floor, 12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS. Tel: 028 9032 1313 *Public Health Agency STI Surveillance Report, 2013

www.publichealth.hscni.net

www.rainbow-project.org

ROUND UP

A look back at the world since our last issue.

SCOTLAND PASSES SAME SEX MARRIAGE

THE GAY FLOODS

WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

On Tuesday 4th February 2014, MSPs voted in favour of the Marriage and Civil Par tnership Bill. Although the Scottish government predominantly agreed that it was the right thing to do, Scotland’s 2 main churches remain opposed to the bill. Minsters have said that no par t of the religious community will be made to hold such ceremonies in churches; instead they will be able to “opt in” to perform same-sex marriages.

The bill, which received 105 votes for and 18 against, will enable the first gay and lesbian marriages in Scotland to take place this Autumn. The first samesex marriages in England and Wales occurred on 29th March this year, after legislation was passed in July 2013 at Westminster.

David Silvester made the national headlines in January after he penned a letter to his local newspaper claiming that the UK’s disastrous deluges were down to David Cameron’s suppor t for the legislation of same-sex marriage. Following this, an online petition calling for the 73-year-old councillor’s resignation gained over 25,000 signatures. Silvester was suspended on the 19th January while his fellow UKIP members came to a decision regarding his future within the par ty. On 4th February, a UKIP spokewoman announced that “Because he was an elected official representing UKIP, we take the view that his expression of views was unacceptable and in order to distance UKIP from those views permanently and irrevocably, we have no choice but to expel Mr. Silvester.”

To mark the opening of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games, Russian President Vladimir Putin went all out. The show, which lasted 3 hours, was the most expensive olympic opening ceremony the world has ever seen. It was an extravangant, lavish spectacle representing a journey through Russia’s history. Putin’s enforced ‘anti-gay propaganda’ laws led to many Olympic-focused protests. The laws, which deny Russian LGBT people the same rights as non-LGBT citizens, contradict the Olympic char ter, which states: “Every individual must have the possibility of practicing spor t, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of freindship, solidarity and fair play”.

4th

4th

7th

February

February

February www.gnimag.com | page 11

WE CAN’T BE QUEENS

ANTI HOMOSEXUALITY ACT

DON’T SERVE GAY PEOPLE

700 years of legislation will be rewritten to prevent men from becoming the Queen or the Princess of Wales. The huge redraft comes almost exaclty a month before the first same-sex marriages will take place in England and Wales. A list has been drawn up featuring ancient statutes and regulations that are to be altered or excluded in time for the advent of the Government’s SameSex Marriage Act. Allegedly, the term ‘widow’ will be deleted or reworded, and references to the titles mother, father, husband and wife will be amended.

The order clearly states that if a future Prince of Wales were to marry a man, his husband could not take the title of Princess of Wales. Shame.

President Museveni fur ther strengthened Uganda’s anti-gay movement when he signed a bill imposing harsh prison sentences for homosexual acts. The bill, officially called Uganda’s Anti Homosexuality Act 2014, includes penalties for anyone who knows of LGBT people or LGBT groups but does not inform the government. Same-sex relationships are illegal in Uganda, and are legally punishable by up to 14 years in prison, although the new law has clauses that allow for a life sentence, if the person in question is found guilty of ‘aggravated homosexuality’.

In response to pressure from Western countries to scrap the bill, Museveni said that we “never seek to impose our view on others; if only they could let us alone.”

Arizona passed a controversial bill stating that business owners would reserve the right to refuse to serve gay people if homosexuality is against their religious beliefs. The law sparked uproar amongst gay rights groups, and consternation amongst several business owners, who worried that it could mean financial disaster and a bad reputation for Arizona.

The ruling vote rested in the hands of Governor Jan Brewer, who is known for her right-wing stance on sensitive issues like immigration and abor tion. On 26th Feb Gov. Brewer ruled against the legislation, stating that it “does not address a specific or present concern related to religious liber ty in Arizona,” and that it was “broadly worded and could result in unintended and negative consequences.”

21st

24th

26th

February page 12 | www.gnimag.com

February

February

POPE FRANCIS: “ASK QUESTIONS WHY”

DALAI LAMA OK WITH GAY MARRIAGE

GUINNESS PULLED SPONSORSHIP

Pope Francis has advised that instead of dismissing same-sex marriage, the Catholic Church should study the topic.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, said that regarding samesex unions, Pope Francis told him, “Rather that quickly condemn them, let’s just ask the questions as to why that has appealed to cer tain people”. In an interview with leading Italian newspaper, Corriere della Sera, the Pope stressed the Church’s continuing opposition to same-sex marriage. However, he also said that countries around the world were “normalising different arrangements of cohabitation” and therefore “we must consider different cases and evaluate each par ticular case”.

The Dalai Lama has said that he believes there is nothing wrong two people of the same sex being together. During an online interview with talk show host, Larry King, the Buddhist monk said (in English), “If two people – a couple – really feel that way is more practical, more sor t of satisfaction, both sides fully agree, then okay… But then for a nonbeliver, that is up to them. So if there are different forms of sex – so long (as it is) safe, okay, and (if both people) fully agree, okay”. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader added, “Bully, abuse – that’s totally wrong. That’s a violation of human rights”.

The Irish brewing giant joined NYC mayor in boycotting the St. Patrick’s Day march due to the fact that gay and lesbian parade-goers cannot carry pro-gay banners. In 1995 the US Supreme Cour t voted that St. Patrick’s Day parade organisers have the right to exclude groups brandishing messages of which they do not approve. Guinness’s UK parent company, Diageo, issued the following statement: “Guinness has a strong history of suppor ting diversity and being an advocate for equality for all. We were hopeful that the policy of exclusion would be reversed for this year’s parade.

As this has not come to pass, Guinness has withdrawn its par ticipation. We will continue to work with community leaders to ensure that future parades have an inclusionary policy”.

4th

7th

17th

March

March

March

www.gnimag.com | page 13

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN...

DISCOTEC. MAY. 2014.

Add us on facebook.com/discotecbelfast

It was the fith bir thday of Bubu when we popped along in March....

www.gnimag.com | page 15

The Kremlin was buzzin’ the night Samantha Mumba performed there....

page 16 | www.gnimag.com

www.gnimag.com | page 17

GNI mag popped along to Maverick the night Charlie Hides was there....

Page 18 | www.gnimag.com

The free LGBT magazine for those who want another view For daily news opinion health entertainment and more With contributors from Belfast, Dublin, Cork, Los Angeles and Brussels, our website is updated daily, and our monthly digital issues are available via issuu.com/eilemagazine

Also available by logging onto:

eile.ie

GNI went along to the opeing of the new Belfast City Skinworks studio on Oxford Street...

page 20 | www.gnimag.com

We had a ball in The Front Lounge....

www.gnimag.com | page 21

We nipped into Pantibar to see what was happening...

page 22 | www.gnimag.com

Carmen Carrera was in the Dragon the night we went....

www.gnimag.com | page 23

KITSCH BITCH

Sharp tongued answers to your problems.

Dear Kitsch Bitch, I have secretly fancied one of my good friends for ages. Last week we all went out and drank a bit too much. He told me he likes me too, we flirted shamelessly and then he came back to mine. I PASSED OUT and in the morning he was gone! I’m too embarrassed to talk to him, or any of my friends for that matter – in case they mention it. I don’t even want to leave the house!!!

Peter, Dublin Well Peter, as they say in Belfast, “scundered for you love!” I think you should pick up where you left off.......

Hello Kitsch Bitch, My partner and I are redecorating our house. I want a classic and tasteful Victorian vintage-chic style and she wants an 80’s, bright and in-your-face look. This is causing serious friction between us. I cannot live in a hideous house, what should I do to get my way without losing my boo?

Sandra, Magherafelt Well relationships are all about compromise so I’d say blend both styles and see what happens. If it’s hideous then that’s a physical representation of your dysfunctional relationship and besides, it’s Magherafelt… how much damage can ya really do ? xxx kisses xxx

Kitsch Bitch you are amazing!

I have an odd one for you here. I am a proud gay man and I have been for as long as I can remember, but the other night I had a raunchy dream about a woman I know!!! I feel very weird about it. What does this mean?!

Confused, Belfast Thank you very much. Flattery will get you everywhere (like my bedroom).

Now you must believe me, I’m not abusing my position here but. . . . I think the only way to figure this one out is to sleep with me!!! I look like Barbie but with Actionman’s accessories. It’s always best to take small steps!!

HELP! I recently broke up with my girlfriend. A few months before we broke up I got her name tattooed in a rather intimate area… Will this ruin my chances of ever moving on?!?

Distressed, Armagh Well firstly of course you’re distressed, you live in Armagh ! I’m afraid I’m gonna need more information like where did you get the tattoo?

Boobs, bum or vagi-gi? If it’s boobs then simply give the other boob a rhyming name e.g. Helen and Melon!! If it’s bum then it literally is behind you already and if its vagi-gi well then that’s bad crack!

Literally!!

Should I get my boyfriend an Easter egg or a love egg?

Damian, Derry ya don’t wanna get them mixed up ! www.gnimag.com | page 25

HUNTED

Liz Mackean talks about working on the Dispatches programme.

page 26 | www.gnimag.com

Liz Mackean star ted her career in journalism at BBC Hereford and Worcestor. She then went on to present the BBC Breakfast News programme and later worked as a BBC News Correspondent. In 2000, Liz star ted working on the BBC Newsnight programme, specialising in covering the unfolding peace process in Nor thern Ireland. Liz worked on a Jimmy Savile exposé, which was scheduled to air just after his death in October 2011, but she left the BBC after they decided to axe the repor t.

In 2013 Liz, Meirion Jones, and two others won ‘Scoop of the Year’ at the London Press Club Awards for the cancelled Savile repor t.

Liz continues to bring hardhitting news repor ts to the public’s attention. She talks to GNI about ‘Hunted’, her recent documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches programme, which exposes the ongoing brutalities suffered by LGBT people at the hands of anti-gay groups in Russia.

What motivates you to uncover hidden truths?

My motivation to get into journalism was old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always thought it a great privilege to be able to ask questions of strangers. Looking back over my career, the most satisfying stories by far are the ones where I have felt able to shine a light on things that matter but that people might not know about, and “Hunted” is an example of that.

People often say that much of what is going on in the real world is kept from the general public. In your opinion, are cover ups and well-kept secrets common in

the media?

It’s paradoxical that in the digital age where so much information is available, cover ups and wellkept secrets remain common.

The unfolding hacking trial is potentially revealing uncomfor table truths about cer tain practices.

The Savile scandal at the BBC led to three inquiries about who knew what and when. The third of these, the Dame Janet Smith inquiry is still to repor t and if it finds that much more was known about Savile during his lifetime than has been admitted, it will provide fur ther embarrassment to the corporation.

Why did you choose to work on ‘Hunted’?

After the anti-propaganda law was passed in Russia last Summer, I really wanted to know what the effect had been on the treatment of the LGBT community there. That was the star ting point for our research. What we found was really shocking.

It showed that homophobic groups felt they had the green light to attack gay people.

Did you meet much opposition while you were filming in Russia?

It took our researcher in Russia a long time to get access to some of the groups that were carrying out attacks and harassment of gay people. Once that trust had been gained, we were able to film with care. We found that none of the groups we filmed with felt any shame in their behaviour. Our aim was to show what they think and how they operate - and they were only too willing to let us know.

Before you went to Russia, did you realise just how badly LGBT people were being

“It was a surprise to see a woman so filled with hatred and loathing...The sequences we filmed of the ‘Safari’ in which the gang lured a gay man to a flat on the pretext of sex where the most harrowing we filmed.”

treated there?

No, to see the brazen way in which some of these groups behave was a genuine surprise.

It was telling that no-one had been arrested despite the many videos circulating online in which the assailants don’t even bother to hide their faces: they clearly aren’t afraid of the authorities.

Were you worried about your own safety?

Once access had been secured, we didn’t worry for our safety. There are very few gay demonstrations in Russia - by definition they are illegal. When they do take place there is often violence. Had one been taking place while we were in Moscow and St Petersburg, we would have had to be extremely careful.

Was there anything that shocked and disturbed you more than you had expected?

The casual way in which the vigilante groups condemn gay people is shocking. There is no taboo. One reason for this is that the anti-propaganda law bans even “neutral” references to so-called “non-traditional” relationships. It was also shocking to interview a senior member of the Russian Or thodox Church who said it was natural that “ordinary” Russians would be enraged by homosexuality and feel moved to take action. At the end of the interview, he even asked me to make sure I didn’t por tray him as too liberal!

You spent some time with the St. Petersburg branch of ‘Occupy Paedophilia’, which is led by Katya Zigunova. How would you describe that experience? www.gnimag.com | page 27

It was a surprise to see a woman so filled with hatred and loathing. She was clearly the ringleader of the group and had a tight control of its members. The sequences we filmed of the “safari” in which the gang lured a gay man to a flat on the pretext of sex were the most harrowing we filmed.

This took place in a block of flats and it was clear other people in nearby apar tments knew exactly what was going on, but carried on as if nothing at all was happening.

To what extent do you think the programme helped to raise awareness and concern for LGBT people among those who had previously been indifferent to the issue?

The reaction to the programme has been huge. I think that even people who were aware there was a problem in Russia were shocked and appalled to see the extent of it. Cer tainly the programme has helped to raise awareness. Gay rights groups are hoping to capitalise on this, but are well aware that the current interest and good intentions can quickly fade.

You interviewed Yekaterina Bogatch, a heterosexual teacher who bravely spoke about her support of LGBT people. Obviously not all straight people in Russia are anti-gay, but they are being silenced. Was it difficult to find LGBT supporters?

The hard thing was to find LGBT suppor ters and activists who were willing to speak out. Those that did were very brave. Daily life is very difficult for gay people in Russia. It’s estimated that just 1% of them feel able to live completely openly. Remember page 28 | www.gnimag.com

that a lot of our most shocking filming was in St Petersburg, supposedly Russia’s most Western city. This is where, days before we arrived, a young man was shot in the eye as he left a gay community centre in the middle of the day. The repression in smaller places in even worse.

Sochi and the rest of Russia, things are likely to get even worse for its LGBT citizens. Is there anything we can do to stop - or at least reduce - the struggles these people face?

I think the most impor tant thing is to keep talking about it. Groups like All Out and Stonewall are continuing their campaigning to keep pressure on Putin. The British government has offered extra funding to Stonewall to help activists on the ground in Russia. At the time, Maria Miller, the Culture

Do you fear Yekaterina Bogatch, and Julia and Sveta (the lesbian couple we meet at the end of the programme), will face severe consequences for speaking

out against Russian anti-gay propaganda laws?

Everyone who did speak to us weighed their decision to do so very carefully. They were driven by the wish to make sure people outside Russia were told how serious the situation is. They were also motivated by the concern that, after Sochi, things might get worse. Julia and Sveta were happy for us to film their son, but we took the decision to make sure he wasn’t identifiable.

As you pointed out at the end of the programme, when widespread media attention inevitably moves away from

Liz and her team found that none of the groups involved felt any shame in thier behaviour.

Secretary, said the government was taking the situation seriously. It will be interesting to see how they are following up. The activists we spoke to in Russia are counting on ongoing suppor t from other countries. Obviously the situation in Ukraine is now occupying world attention, but it’s impor tant the LGBT community is not forgotten.

NICKI FRENCH

Talks Eurovision and selling 5 million singles.

page 30 | www.gnimag.com

How are you, Nicki?

Very, very well. I’m enjoying the break – I’ve been very busy doing panto, especially over Christmas. Right now I’m doing up the house and getting out things from the loft to sell - silly things like that!

Where are you living now?

Did you ever see yourself living anywhere else?

I’m living in Buckinghamshire in a town called High Wycombe. I’m always thinking of living in other places! I’m doing the house up so I can sell it and move on.

The street I live on is an old Victorian street and there’s not much parking. It’s first come first serve and it can be awful coming home from a gig at 3am and having to park at the station and walk. I’m definitely going to move somewhere with a driveway!

Are you still gigging?

Yes, still gigging and back in the studio with Mike Stock, who was responsible for Total Eclipse of the Hear t. It’s a slow time of year but I’ve already been approached about various shows.

Hopefully the diary will star t filling up again soon!

What was your latest release?

The last release was by Energise Records. I did a kind of double A side. One was ‘Red Light’ and the other was the old Belinda Carlisle song, ‘Leave A Light On’ – everyone went mad for that one! There are more tracks coming soon. The first one I recorded with Mike Stock’s help is called ‘This Love’.

In 1995 Total Eclipse of the Heart sold over 5 million copies!

It was absolutely massive! We travelled the world on the back of that song. It was bizarre – I was used to playing full gigs for pennies and suddenly I was being paid stupid money for 3 songs!

Be honest: are you fed up

Eurovision seasson is upon us.

Nicki talks to GNI about performing on Eurovision and travelling the world following the success of Total Eclipse of the Hear t.

of singing Total Eclipse of the Heart?

No. Never. I give this advice to other singers: always do songs you enjoy because you never know which one might go big. If you do a song you don’t like it will be stuck around your neck for years. I absolutely love Total Eclipse of the Hear t.

Have you met Bonnie Tyler?

No! I’ve never met the woman!

I almost did a few years ago.

I was doing a Pride event in Cardiff and Bonnie Tyler herself suggested we do a duet! Unfor tunately she had to hop on a flight last minute and couldn’t make it but hopefully we will get the chance to meet soon.

How do you feel about your big gay following?

I love it! It’s bought me a house and kept me in work! I adore the enthusiasm and the music played in most gay clubs. It’s such a fun scene and the crowd is so loyal. I’m very grateful they have stuck with me. Through the popularity I enjoyed thanks to my gay following I got to do Eurovision, and that was really the best time of my life.

You just missed out on securing the #1 spot in USA – Bryan Adams took it from you with ‘Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman’. Any hard feelings?

No, of course not. It’s such a beautiful song so I don’t have any hard feelings. Getting to no.1 would have been wonderful, but I’m so proud to have reached the no.2 spot. I think it was the 11th highest selling single that year so I didn’t do too badly!

In 2000 you entered the Eurovision Song Contest with ‘Don’t Play That Song Again’. How did you find the experience?

I had a ball. I would love, love, love to do it again. Unfor tunately the votes didn’t come in for us but flying the flag for my country was a huge honour.

Eurovision is the biggest, most glamorous, silly, cheesy songfest there is. Every year there’s ridiculous costumes and amazing ballads. It’s this wonderful network of international people showing incredible respect and suppor t for each other. Political leaders could do well to take a leaf out of Eurovision’s book!

This year’s UK entry is unsigned singer Molly SmittenDownes. Have you heard the song, and have you made any predictions for this year’s contest?

I have heard it! I don’t dislike it.

It all depends on when it comes in the running order and how it comes across on live TV. I think that after everyone going on and on about getting a song that’s not at all Eurovision, they might have created something even more Eurovision!

What’s next for you?

I’m going up to Scotland to do a few gigs at the end of the month, and before that, Cornwall for a friend’s bir thday. Next week I’ll be back in the studio to record more tracks. I’m going to Brazil in September and really looking forward to that.

Out of all your songs, which is your favourite to sing?

I love singing Total Eclipse of the Hear t because of the amazing reaction it gets. My absolute favourite song is ‘Did You Ever Really Love Me?’ off my first album. That song is the big, big one in Brazil so it’s always great fun to sing it there. www.gnimag.com | page 31

JAI

Our very own girl from Belfast on Team Kylie.

Hi Jai! How are you?

I’m good! Very busy. I don’t normally do gigs so I’m having to get a few things sor ted before I star t. I’m doing rehearsals for a DJ set. I’m going to be doing the vocals and live sets, and acoustic sor t of live lounge covers of old dance tunes. I’ll be performing in the Remedy Café. They’re putting on an Amsterdam Supper Club where the music changes every course and then at the end it turns into a bar/ nightclub. I’m also going to do the Sunflower Fest in July which should be great fun.

How has your life changed since you auditioned for The Voice?

In a way people expect a lot more from you. Before singing was just a hobby and now I’m expected to be really polished.

There’s quite a bit of pressure but I’m learning from it. I went from singing karaoke to singing in front of 80 million people!

What do your friends and family think of your success on The Voice?

They’re over the moon! It’s so great seeing my mum and aunts and even estranged relatives across the world suppor ting me.

Why did you choose to sing Never Forget You by the Noisettes?

The lyrics are relatable. It’s about having a good time, being a bit mischievous and living life.

It’s my go-to song to sing at par ties!

You were very ill during the battles. How did you manage to get your strength up?

Pure willpower. I really didn’t want to make a fool out of myself. By the time the knockouts came around I was absolutely exhausted. It was a bittersweet ending for me – I was a bit relieved that I didn’t get through because Kingston my son is so young (3 year old)

Jai got through the blind audtions to secure a place on Team Kylie in the 2014 season of The Voice on BBC 1.

and I hate being away from him.

I had no idea whether I would get through or not, but I never expected to get as far as I did.

By the way, if you noticed all the tense expressions I was making it was because my feet were killing me in those pointy high heels!

What was it like being on Team Kylie?

It was cool. Everyone got along without any drama despite living together in such close quar ters.

Kylie is so kind and constructive; you can tell she really cares.

She’s not quite as hyper in person but she’s very energetic while also being very laid back.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I want to get an EP out with all the stuff I’ve written on it, and meet an awesome producer!

www.gnimag.com | page 33

FASHION

Tribal meets floral in this issue’s shoot.

Miranda Priestly doesnt see anything groundbreaking about florals in Spring, so pair them with some vintage classics, tribal patterns or bold makeup and you can instantly go from wilting wallflower to budding fashionista.

page 34 | www.gnimag.com

STYLING CREDITS All clothes available at Lola’s Vintage www.lolasvintageonline.com Hair and makeup Rebecca Bryson Models - Ruta Mineikyte, Jurgita Mineikyte and Brennan Mckeag

GET THE LOOK Lewis Cameron on psychedelic print.

Get The Look in this issue focuses on prints for the spring/summer season.

The future is bright, the future is psychedelic print. I say this because prints for SS14 are not your average florals or predictable nautical anchors.

Thank the Lord on high, because instead of the dull and unimaginative, we have an eclectic array of graphic and statement patterns and prints bursting with vibrant and confident colours and styles.

Geometric abstract designs have been a domineering force among menswear of late with galactic, futuristic and ar tistic influences finding their way into the mix through bold and imaginative shapes, contrasts, textures and patterns. The world is now a technological and digital playground where ipads, smar tphones and tablets are man’s best friends, so it is unsurprising to see both designers and high street destinations alike incorporating modern, high-tech culture into their collections.

Elements of kaleidoscope imagery and asymmetric mirroring are other notable key design features with energetic Spring/Summer palettes to inspire and entice along the way.

Pairing psychedelic prints with minimal and simplistic accessorising is the definite must. With a futuristic vibe in mind, metallics and urban infused offerings with streetwear inspired hats, statement necklaces and contemporary shades are all utilised to push the look to that all impor tant catwalk enthused finish.

Credits: Words & Styling: Lewis Cameron Photography: BigBad Llama Model: Abby Sanusi Clothing: Printed T-Shir t: Primark Digital Print Jumpsuit: Lorraine Dimond Shades: Topman

BEAUTY

Rebecca offers up some tips.

It’s coming to that time of year again; the nights are getting longer, the air a little less frigid, talk of holidays to Ibiza are on the cards, and soon, legs will be bared. We are all going to have to consider getting ourselves spring/summer ready in the not too distant future, so let’s try and make this as pain free as possible!

Now chums, I don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but if there’s one thing sexy skin needs, it’s moisture. Make sure you’re applying your facial moisturizer morning and night, and slathering on some body butter when you jump out of the shower. And don’t forget your water intake, dehydration on the inside, does not a pretty face make! Pick up a bottle of water on your way to work or Uni and horse it in to ya Cynthia!

While we are on the subject of showering (oh er) if you are a little on the lazy side, and let’s be honest, that’s most of us, pick up a scrub and body wash in one. The Dove body scrub is perfect, and comes in the men’s and women’s ranges. Give your arms and legs a quick once over in the shower to get rid of any dry skin. You can even skip the after shower moisturizing by using a product like the Nivea in shower moisturizer, which does the trick for you!

If you find your skin is dying for a bit of moisture, whack some baby oil on still damp skin. You can get a light baby oil spray that dries quickly and it will lock the moisture in, leaving your skin looking super healthy and glowing, a la Beyonce!

Now is the perfect time to do any waxing or shaving, you might need to do after living in trousers and jumpers all winter, no doubt we have all been a little neglectful in the hair removal depar tment!

You can visit your favourite local beauty salon and get the works, or if you prefer, use a product like the Veet hair removal cream. If shaving is for you, wait until you have showered;:the heat from the shower will soften the hairs making them easier to cut, and you will get a closer shave. Make sure to leave your razor soaking in hot water while you’re showering as well - hot blades really help you get that perfect close shave, head to toe.

By this point, your skin should be glowing, but maybe a little on the white side. If you like a tan, slap on a light tan to give you a bit of colour, and slowly build to a darker colour as we move closer to summer. I’m a big fan of the Vita Liberata pHenomenal tan, which lasts 2-3 weeks, and is made in our own wee NI!

page 44 | www.gnimag.com

HAVE YOU HEARD? We heard it on the grapevine there’s a new club coming to town...

Have you heard the rumours? They’ve been flying around like paper planes in maths class.

Here’s what we know so far...

A new club is set to open in May 2014 in the Smithfield and Union area of Belfast.

Speculators claim that the new establishment will be an ‘unconventional concept’ for Belfast.

As of yet it is unclear who is behind the new project.

Details so far are sketchy but we’re pretty sure this is something to get excited about. Keep your ear to the ground and do tip us off if you hear anything.

Let’s Go Belfast!

www.gnimag.com | page 45

HOTTEST BARTENDER Che takes the title of the GNI Hottest Bartender 2014.

Seems like a lifetime ago now, but at the beginning of February we launched our search for the GNI Hottest Bar tender 2014. The competition was opened to bars across Ireland, both Nor th and South, and opened to bars that do and don’t identify as “Gay Bars”.

Suppor ted

by Blitz Drinks, the winner was to appear on the cover of this issue of GNI (which he has), as well as trophies awarded for first, second and third place.

As soon as the voting page went live on www.gnimag. com people were clicking for their favourites. During the course of the competition a total of 52,229 votes were cast. Rounds included the uniform round, beachwear round and cocktail shaker (ahhhem, c*m) face round.

The bars involved encouraged voting by proudly displaying posters of their staff and sharing pictures on social media networks.

At the end of the first round Kayti was leading the way,

Grainne finished third place.

in fact the top three at the end of round one were all girls; Kayti (Kremlin),

alphabetical order they were; Ali (Queens Café Bar), Che (Kelly’s Cellars), Grainne (Union Street Bar), Kayti (Kremlin) and Nick (Maverick).

During the final week of the competition the first place changed a number of times. When the competition closed and the final votes were counted the top three were: 1st Place – Che, 2nd Place – Kayti, 3rd Place – Grainne.

So the official title of GNI

Kayti finished second place.

Hannah (Maverick) and Grainne (Union Street Bar), and that pattern continued until the end of round two.

It appears that once the competition got tougher, the voting stepped up. At the end of round three the final five were announced. In

Hottest Bar tender 2014 goes to Che. Congratulations from all of us here at GNI mag.

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PARTNERS

John and Alan talk about their life together

In every issue we introduce you to a loved up gay couple. They very kindly invite us into their world for a while and show us what makes their relationship great. Meet John and Alan!

John O’Donnell and Alan Johnston have lived together in the historic town of Carrickfergus for more than two years. While Alan hails from the coastal Co. Antrim town, John was born fur ther away, in Kildare.

John and Alan met in Belfast City Centre in 2011, during a night out in Dubarry’s Bar (now The Hudson Bar). John and Alan shared mutual friends and got talking straightaway. They hit it off and a budding relationship began.

John mentions Alan’s easygoing nature, saying that it’s par t of the reason he feels so comfor table around him. John also says that at the star t of the relationship Alan made him feel instantly welcome, and he

always feels relaxed in his company. Alan admires John’s innate kindness, and he finds his build, Irish accent, and great sense of humour extremely attractive.

John and Alan, who have been an item for two and a half years now, are not yet Civil Par tners… but they soon will be!

The date is set for July 2015. The couple have already planned what form their Civil Par tnership ceremony will take. While organising a wedding could be an argument star ter for many couples, John and Alan share the same tastes and the choice was simple - they have opted for a classy yet casual affair.The ceremony will take place in Carrickfergus Town Hall. Afterwards, the informal reception will be held at the Swift Complex (also in Carrickfergus). There guests will enjoy a rustic food service before par taking in lots of dancing and plenty of merriment during what will undoubtedly be a fantastic, fun-filled evening.

John and Alan will be celebrating their civil par tnership in Carrickfergus.

The couple spend a lot of time in one another’s company. John is involved in Events Management and he and Alan enjoy working together at various events. John and Alan socialise together, they go to the cinema most Tuesday nights, and in their spare time they like relaxing in front of the TV. As well as all that the loved up pair make time to go for walks together in Whitehead along the seafront and they often visit the lighthouse… How romantic!

During their downtime you might find Alan attempting to copy John’s Southern Irish accent and cheekily laughing at the comic and unusual facial expressions he pulls!

Both Alan’s and John’s families have been warm and welcoming and they are very suppor tive of the happy relationship.

www.gnimag.com | page 49

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CIVIL PARTNERSHIP The GNI guide to civil partnership suppliers.

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

www.gnimag.com | page 51

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

Four Star Hillgrove Hotel, Leisure & Spa The stunning 4 Star Hillgrove Hotel is renowned for its exceptional professionalism, delectable cuisine and friendly service. From the moment you enter the magnificent chandelier clad lobby, decorated in funky purples, blacks, golds and silvers, you will simply fall in love with every par t of this fairytale venue. Hillgrove offers lots of little added glamorous extras such as fairy light backdrops for your top table; Giant Pink Chair in their Wedding Garden surrounded by hear t shaped lights, flowers and fountain; giant purple thrones and giant purple stilettos inside; and an amazing array of locations throughout the Hotel for photographs.

The two amazing Honeymoon Suites at the Hillgrove Hotel really must be seen to be believed. With fairylights twinkling behind your 4 poster bed, ipod docking

stations, champagne stands, his & his or her & her sinks and walk in showers, they even have a bath in the bedroom!

Yes they do!! With a choice of three stunning Banqueting suites, all of their food is sourced locally and is cooked fresh on the day of your function. Not to mention all the fabulous facilities on-site such as their Leisure Club, Spa & Wellness Centre and Hair Salon. Voted in the Top 23 Trendiest Hotels in Ireland, their award is well deserved.

Last month, the Hillgrove Hotel starred in RTE’s ‘The Takeover’, where the bosses stepped aside for two weeks, allowing the staff to run the Hotel. One of the projects the staff under took, was to promote Gay Weddings in the Hotel.

They ran a really successful Wedding Showcase, with enter tainment from Davina Devine. The Hotel is continuing to pursue this market and invite GNI readers to come down for a look around or make an appointment with one of their Wedding Co-ordinators. With Wedding menus from €30 per head midweek and a fur ther 20% allowance on sterling, the value is unbelievable.

All Hillgrove Weddings of over 100

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people include red carpet, champagne reception for the Bride and Groom, tea/coffee and biscuits for all guests on arrival, as well as flowers, a choice of table centre pieces, linen tableware, menu cards, table plans, complimentary Honeymoon Suite and much more.

The Hillgrove Hotel have been hosting Wonderful Weddings for over for ty two years (since 1972), which is over 7,200 Weddings!! So obviously they are exper ts in what they do. Having a proven track record of excellence and style, the Hillgrove Hotel is one of Ulster’s leading Wedding Venues.

All menus requirements, religious and cultural customs can be catered for, as can all varieties of unions, ceremonies and blessings.

The Hillgrove Hotel are also market leaders in Pre-wedding par ties, including Murder Mysteries, Sex And The City Par ties, Jungles & Jammies, Cocktails & Dreams, Petrol Head, Horsie, Potty Pottery, Dance Diva Packages and Spa Pamper Breaks. The Hillgrove is situated minutes walk from Monaghan town, just one hour drive from Belfast.

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

PREDATOR COMBAT GAMES Looking for adventure, fun and excitement? Prepare for an adrenalin fuelled, fast action, super exhilarating experience at Predator Combat Games - one of the largest Airsoft sites in Ireland. All games are planned, organised and carefully marshalled. Predator Combat Games staff put every effor t into creating the best experience possible and fully interact with players on all aspects of the program. Book a full day or a half day’s activities for a super fun-filled, memorable and original way to celebrate your special event. With 22 acres to roam, a relaxed atmosphere, and tea and coffee on tap, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience, and plenty of craic. You will leave with only one regret: that you didn’t stay longer!

The ultimate airsoft combat simulation company is now offering outdoor activities such as bushcraft, canoeing, hill walking, target and field archery, abseiling, climbing, wilderness training and camping. Team building programs and corporate days are also available, and extremely popular.

Contact Predator Combat Games for more details about game dates and offers.

• • • • • • • •

Hillwalking 0pp Climbing y £3 Onl Abseiling Wilderness/Bush Craft Skills Archery Field Archery Canoeing Team Building Challenges

KISO ARTS Janet Millar at Kiso Ar ts is a professional calligraphy and por trait ar tist with a great eye for design. Her passion for capturing precious memories, occasions and beloved pets is evident in each piece of ar t created.

Janet loves combining her exper t calligraphy skills with other styles including painting and drawing to create outstanding and original pieces of ar t. She will provide a beautiful handwritten finishing touch to all your stationery, whatever the occasion. Janet also sketches incredible por traits of animals, managing to perfectly capture the personality of every pet in exquisite detail. Janet’s ar twork is very much in demand and all of her bespoke pieces make special, thoughtful gifts.

Contact Janet today to enquire about wedding favours, invitations and pet por traits.

07862788576 kisoar ts@btinternet.com facebook.com/kisoar ts @kisoar ts 07862788576 . kisoarts@btinternet.com facebook.com/kisoarts . @kisoarts

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

WWW.GEORGEPENNOCK.COM

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Beautiful Creative Imagery

GEORGE PENNOCK

Beautiful Creative Imagery located in Belfast city centre just a minute’s walk away from the City Hall, my studio is perfect for stylish studio shoots. I also provide fabulous location work to capture you and your par tner in romantic surroundings of your choice.

Friendly and fun, you will spend an enjoyable time as we work on getting the best from you.

I provide bespoke packages tailored to your requirements. From commitment shoots to civil par tnership coverage, you will have photographs to treasure for years to come.

Don’t just keep it digital; I also provide a full range of printing options and albums packages suited to your taste.

I offer free consultations with every shoot so let’s arrange to discuss creative ideas over coffee at my studio.

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Visit my website: www.georgepennock.com Feel free to contact me directly via telephone 077516 12450 or email: gpennock.photography@gmail.com

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

SJ WILSON

don’t just hire an entertainer for your event, hire a personality!

www.sj-wilson.co.uk facebook.com/sjwilsoncountry

SJ WILSON SJ Wilson is a well-known Nor thern Irish radio presenter and freelance enter tainer. He spends his time presenting for local radio station Blast 106, MCing at various events and belting out his favourite tunes. SJ has been singing since the age of 13 and is now one of Nor thern Ireland’s top Country Tribute performers. With an impressive reper toire of country music, he can promise to perform all your favourite tracks. SJ specialises in paying tribute to great ar tists like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus and Gar th Brooks. Songs include ‘Folsom Prison Blues’, ‘Achy Breaky Hear t’, ‘Coward of the Country’ and ‘Friends in Low Places’, to name a few.

Don’t just hire an enter tainer for your event, hire a personality! SJ always delivers a brilliant, energetic performance that will make every event even more memorable and remarkable.

Treat yourself and your guests to a full set by one of Nor thern Ireland’s top Country Tribute performers.

Visit SJ’s website to listen to his brilliant versions of classic and contemporary country tracks. SJ is also available to DJ at private par ties, and can be booked as an event MC. sj-wilson.co.uk facebook.com/sjwilsoncountry

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

BEFORE

look your best, feel your best...

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

ELITE AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

Elite Aesthetic is a medical clinic in L/ Derry providing revolutionary anti-aging and beauty treatments. The Elite Aesthetic Treatment Clinic is focused on providing clinical excellence within the fields of non-surgical aesthetic treatment and skincare.

Elite Aesthetic Treatment Clinic is proud to be the first clinic in Nor thern Ireland offering 3D Lipo treatment. A complete, effective, and pain free alternative to liposuction, 3D Lipo treatment offers a 3 dimensional, non-surgical way to combat excess fat and cellulite. Unlike other non-surgical lipo machines, 3D Lipo uses Cavitation and Cryolipolysis technology, which actually destroy the fat cell. By combining Radio Frequency and 3D-Dermology, 3D Lipo targets cellulite, reduces fat and tightens up the skin. Contact Elite today for 3D Lipo consultation.

Other treatments available at Elite include Medical Microdermabrasion, Genuine Dermaroller Therapy, AntiWrinkle Treatment (Botulinum Toxin), Derma Fillers, Skin Analysis, Skin Peels, Hair Restoration, Hydro Facials, Megawhite Blue Fusion Teeth Whitening, and

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many more.

Elite professionals are committed to understanding the needs of clients and consumers, and strive to keep up to date with the fast-evolving aesthetic industry so that they offer all the very best treatments and products: “We provide an elite, professional, discrete and positive experience challenging aging through refreshment and rejuvenation of the skin.�

Book yourself in for an appointment at Elite and put yourself in the safe and capable hands of qualified aesthetic practitioners. *Buy 6 treatments get 1 free *Buy 8 treatments get 2 free Look your best, feel your best, and expect the best at Elite.

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

FLEURISTE Fleuriste provides creative, professional and individual floral design services, offering a wide range of contemporary flowers for all occasions: weddings, corporate, sympathy, bir thdays, formals and everyday floral needs.

Each order is unique so Fleuriste staff are on hand to offer guidance where needed, and to add creative input that will transform your ideas into a reality.

Fleuriste offers bespoke wedding flowers to suit every taste; we can design your wedding flowers working within your budget and theme to ensure that your special day is everything you imagined it to be.

For beautiful flower designs created with you in mind, pop in store today or call 028 9060 1616

creative, professional and individual oral design

fleuristeflowers@yahoo.co.uk www.weddingflowers-belfast.co.uk Facebook: Fleuriste, Belfast

DB MUSIC

DB MUSIC

Music for your civil ceremony

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

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

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

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

Pianist & Vocals 07712 209 163 SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

5 0

DJ KENNY KANE

DJ Kenny K has worked as resident DJ in almost every major club in Belfast and has received 3 nominations for ‘Best DJ’ in Nor thern Ireland’s prestigious Fate Awards. During his 20+ years of experience he has developed a finely tuned musical ear and the incredible ability to successfully read any audience.

Kenny has always been passionate about music. His career began when, after covering a DJ set in Belfast for a friend, he was snapped up by Dublin’s Temple of Sound. Following that he worked in the legendary Parliament in Belfast and now he regularly DJs in El Divino, The Kremlin, and The Shoe Factory. He plays a full spectrum of music, including anything from pop through to commercial club and house.

Kenny provides a unique service offering full mobile setup using state-of-thear t equipment, which can be modified to suit any venue. Kenny prides himself on his diversity, his personal approach, and his unwavering attention to detail.

Kenny provides a bespoke service for weddings. Three precise meetings are arranged prior to each wedding.

During the first meeting, the venue and

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times of the event are discussed, as well as the couple’s preferred musical direction. The couple brings a list of song requests – compiled by themselves and their guests - to the second meeting.

During the third and final meeting, the list of requests is added to by Kenny, who puts forward a selection of great par ty tracks.

You can trust Kenny to create the perfect tailored soundtrack, just for you.

Kenny takes care to make sure nothing is left to chance so you can rest assured that your evening will be full of the songs that both you and your guests love.

This kind of preparation and planning puts Kenny a cut above the rest and makes for a great night for everyone.

Book Kenny for weddings, civil ceremonies, private par ties, charity events, and all other special occasions.

Facebook: /djkennyk.events djkennyk@hotmail.com 077 0406 2696

GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

THE PERFECT CAKE The lovely people at The Perfect Cake in Lisburn don’t just bake delicious cakes – they design them too! They can create an impressive centrepiece for your special day that perfectly fits the celebration. Whether you are looking for something traditional or avant-garde, simple or extravagant, whatever the event and whatever your taste, let The Perfect Cake custom make a cake just for you.

The Perfect Cake staff will work with you to achieve a price that matches your budget. Cakes can be created from scratch or custom decorations can be added to a cake that you have already purchased.

Home baked cakes are available in a variety of flavours and special dietary requirements are catered for. The Perfect Cake serves the Greater Belfast area and has been rated as a 5 star food hygiene business by Lisburn City Council.

Get in touch to discuss your cake design: 078 1763 0079 claircakes@hotmail.co.uk perfectcake.wordpress.com

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The Perfect Cake Facebook: The Perfect Cake Lisburn

Contact us to discuss how we can help make your occasion special: T: 078 1763 0079 Email: claircakes@hotmail.co.uk

A TOUCH OF CLASS WEDDINGS A Touch of Class – Weddings Adding a touch of class to your special day!!

Adding a touch of class to your special day!

A complete venue styling service ranging from: !"#$%&'()*%+&,&-(.&"$%*& /#$%01$2"3&4#'56%(7&,&8.#2+& &9$'3(%$#:&+301*&'#:60&'#%3&& -*+7(5*&!*:3%*7$'*+& ;#41*&<*'(%#=(:&,&/#)(>%+&& ?$+1*&%>::*%+&,&'">%'"&)*:>*&6*'(%#=(:&& <*'(%#=)*&>%:+&,&87$%#1&3(7$#%0&

... And all other finishing touches! &...@A#'*4((5@'(JK7#3%$'5@(%(%5*&& &#3(>'"(A'1#++B.*66$:2+L"(3J#$1@'(@>5&& ;*1C&DEFGHDFIHHI&&

A Touch of Class is an exciting, innovative and dynamic wedding styling company. Offering the very best of Traditional, Vintage, Elegant and Modern products with our service tailored to your individual requirements, we work with you and your budget to help create the room(s) of your dreams.

We pride ourselves on our attention to detail and delivering a first class quality service. Let our friendly and creative venue stylists work their magic, turning your imaginative ideas into reality creating the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests to enjoy and create treasured memories forever.

We provide all our clients with a FREE design consultation service at your chosen venue. To arrange please contact Patrick: Mobile: 07856082662 Info: atouchofclass-weddings@hotmail.co.uk Follow us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/patrick.ororke

...@#3(>'"(A'1#++B.*66$:2+:$@'(@>5&

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GNI Civil Par tnership Suppliers Guide

WEDDINGS AT TIFFANYS Tiffany’s showroom is based in Crumbs Cakes on 4a Lisburn Road avenue the studios. For brides that want to replicate the elegance and grace of Audrey Hepburn a Tiffany’s styled wedding is ideal. As well as supplying chic wedding displays, chair coverings, backdrops, stationery, and favors we also specialise in wedding planning & coordination. To make perfect the most special day of your life, Tiffany’s weddings manages every wedding with unique care, considering the requests and the desires of the couple. We offer tailored services to satisfy your needs and realize your union of love just the way you have always imagined it to be. From the choice of the location and venue for the ceremony and the reception, to the flower decorations and skilled photographers to capture the emotions, our staff follows you step by step to make this moment and every moment unforgettable and magical.

07955050861 info@weddingsattiffanysni.com weddingsattiffanysni.com Facebook: Weddings at Tiffany’s

Weddings at Tiffany’s

MAKING WEDDINGS STAND OUT, BECOME ONE OF A KIND AND SYMBOLISE YOU!

For a consultation contact Ciara: 2a Lisburn Road Avenue Studios, Belfast info@weddingsattiffanysni.com www.weddingsattiffanysni.com 07955 050861

CRAFTS R US SD ANTIQUES

Create your own wedding stationery and gifts

24-26 Albert Street, Bangor 028 9146 9431 facebook.com/crafts-r-us

We areana obvious, quaint craft in the hear t of Bangor town That’s but shop realistic, generalisation of how your Joe centre,may withrespond friendlytoand knowledgeable who always Soap you, if you were tostaff talk to himare about willingistohappening help. what right now in Uganda. There would be a run a variety different workshops ranging froma toneWe of sympathy andofbewilderment in his voice, without ceramics jewellery scrapbooking. doubt, butand youglass maytofear that heand won’t be thinking Our aboutstudio it space is also available to renthe’d if you want toberun yourabout own in ten minutes’ time. Instead, probably going workshops or just want ahopping more personal one or ontrain one home, workhis weekly food shopping, on the bus shop with of our trained staff members. putting on one the dinner and catching up on his favourite drama WeTruth stockbea told, massive range products, series. while it’s aofpity that hecovering may notnearly feel all basis of craft supplies.We havebyallthe thesigning supplies would need more empathetic or angered of you the Anti-Hofor, card making, scrap booking, mosexuality Bill, putting an entirejewellery section ofmaking, societydécoupage, in danger, ceramics blanks, decopatch ribbon, buttons, and daily so you probably don’t have anyblanks, plans to change your own much more.

If we don’t have it, we can help you find out the routine, either. easiest way to obtain it.

That’s entirely understandable, and nothing to feel awkIf you would likeall,towhat find out more aboutaussingle and person all that ward about.

After on ear th could we offer, can find on IfFacebook at www.facebook.com/ from [inseryou t town here]usdo? you marched barefoot up to Crafts-R-Us, you your can give a call on 028 9146 9431 can Stormont, would voiceusbe heard?

Probably – by or theyou secuvisit guards, us at 24-26 Street, Wethe look forwardIf to rity whileAlber they tescor tedBangor. you from premises. you seeingtoyou were go soon. to your local Councillor/MLA/MP, would they (in cer tain cases, definitely) but many are more interested

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Bespoke, independent mortgage and insurance advice you can trust.

We provide expert Mortgage Advice and offer specialist advice in a range of areas including: 路 Life Cover 路 Family Protection 路 Business Protection 路 Income Protection

For Further Details, Contact Elizabeth Walker on 07955050111 elizabeth@c3fs.co.uk c3fs.co.uk *Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

DATING

Greg takes us through another dating disaster.

I star ted using the internet nearly 10 years ago for dating; it was unchar tered territory, a mystery. I can remember getting down with the lingo; what’s your ASL?-Oh the excitement as they confirmed they weren’t a geriatric, the jitters as they confirmed they were a male: “that’s good he’s male, I’m male- we’re going places”, location: “oh he’s in Belfast, this is good, city boy, probably has his own place.”

The whole process became slightly laborious in the absence of 21st century technology with questioning around waist size, mobility, hair colour...it was like a job application-for a very perver ted boss. Online dating was the next evolutionary par t of my gay life; it was time to give the tattered underwear page in Littlewoods a break... to be honest item 168/4567 Black Speedo wasn’t par ticularly visible anymore. I can remember the first time that I went on a date, excited because I might page 62 | www.gnimag.com

be able to call it a day with a catalogue, however equally anxious that I could very well be dragged into a basement to my doom. I went on that date with only a mental picture of what he might look like and in the space of 5 minutes of waiting outside a Chinese ‘All you can eat’ Restaurant, I quickly realised that 6ft was probably more of an apt description of the gir th of his stomach.

Over the last 10 years there have been huge advances in technology and I’m wondering whether it’s turning the normal sane, respectable homosexual into a criminally qualified stalker of men. There have been several instances of behaviours I just can’t class as normal, I remember one par ticular date who star ted to talk to me about a holiday I’d been on two years prior; yes we should have a conversation about that holiday you had to spend 1 hour scrolling through my timeline to find, or a

Is it actually possible to have a blind date anymore? Greg ponders over this question.....

guy texting me ‘Hey Man- Are you in town; you’re showing as 5K from me, fancy a coffee?’- No you weirdo, fancy a restraining order? The internet has opened up a window into my life that I’m no longer comfor table with; people will not wait until a date to get to know you. Facebook has destroyed the term ‘friend’we brush past someone , we add them and completely digest their life; I don’t see a difference between that and following someone round screaming ‘LIKE’ every time they complete another mediocre task. We all know that on social networking sites we try so hard not to be ourselves; we spend more time pretending to be someone we’re not. Human beings are like show ponies; if only our lives were as awesome as we pretend they are on Facebook.

My advice: Stop and think about getting to know people as people on an actual face to face date. Yes like the olden days.

Danâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a busy boy, a regular on TOWIE, making a Splash with Tom Daley and appearances all over the country.

page 64 | www.gnimag.com

DAN OSBORNE TOWIE, Splash and a whole lot more.

Hello Dan. How’s life?

Good. I’m having fun and keeping busy.

It’s interesting.

TOWIE – is it all glitz, glamour, bust ups and blow outs, or is there more going on behind the scenes that we don’t get to see?

There’s lots and lots of drama, and lots of glamour too.

During Splash! season 2 you had most of us doing this face :O. Thank you for that. Talk us through your outfits…

Well, I didn’t know I was wearing the first leopard print one. The sparkly ones at the end were… interesting!

I’ve kept them actually. Now I’ll have a nice pair of trunks to wear when I’m on holiday.

You couldn’t dive at all before the start of the show. What advice would you give to non-divers?

Definitely give it a go. It does hur t when you don’t land them straight.

My advice would be keep your body straight.

Tom Daley publicly came out a month before you started filming

Splash!. Was the video and its reception ever discussed on the show?

No, it was never discussed but he’s a great guy. Good luck to him.

didn’t get to see much of the place. I was only there for one night. I’d like to spend time there and check it out properly.

Your synchronised dive with Tom was amazing! You must have felt immensely proud of yourself afterwards!?

Yea! It didn’t feel as good as it looked. I watched it back and I was surprised at how in time it was.

What’s next for you and your career?

At the minute, I’m concentrating on filming this series of TOWIE. I also have PA’s, bookings and lots of photo shoots lined up. I really need to get back to the gym; it can be hard to find the time when I’m filming.

Your son Teddy arrived in December last year. How are you finding being a new Dad? Amazing. Incredible. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. He’s awesome.

Does Teddy already dress to impress?

He’s already got his cool clothes. When I see stuff for him I can’t help buying it but he’s growing out of everything so quickly at the minute.

Will you ever go into the jungle?

I wouldn’t mind it! I don’t know about eating kangaroos’ testicles but the rest I could do.

Thanks very much Dan. We look forward to seeing you in the flesh!

Thank you!

You’re coming to Forbidden Fruit in El Divino in Belfast on 5th May… Have you ever been to Belfast before?

I’ve been to Belfast once before but I www.gnimag.com | page 65

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RYAN DOLAN

What he’s at, Eurovision and LGBT issues.

Ryan Dolan’s new single, ‘Star t Again’ was released on 27th February 2014. The single’s video, which tells the hear t-breaking story of a gay schoolboy who takes his own life, has over half a million views already. We caught up with the lovely Strabane-born singer to chat about his career, his Eurovision experience and impor tant LGBT issues.....

www.gnimag.com | page 67

What are you up to at the moment?

Right now I’m on the road. I’m doing an all-Ireland radio tour – my new single, ‘Star t Again’ came out on the 7th March so I’m travelling around promoting that.

made up story but it is relevant to so many young people. We wanted to do a video that would grab people’s attention and I’m really happy with it. Ovié Étseyatsé, who produced and directed the video, has done a really great job.

messages and video comments I have already received, it’s brought a lot of people who have already come out back to childhood; they can really relate to the subject matter. I’ve also had a lot of young people thanking me after I came out

You’re from Strabane. Will you ever forget your roots?

No, not at all! Everyone in Strabane has been so suppor tive of me and my career. I’m still loving Strabane!

How did you get into singing?

I’ve been singing for most of my life. My mother and father are singers and a few of my brothers and sisters sing. I only star ted singing professionally about 4 years ago. Before that I was uploading videos to YouTube and they did really well. After that I did suppor t slots around Ireland for a few ar tists including JLS and Jedward.

The video for ‘Start Again’, your new single is incredibly powerful. And it’s gone viral!

What is the message?

I know! It’s already gone viral and it’s only just out - it’s almost reached 1 million views! It’s amazing! The song is about accepting yourself and the video tackles topical issues like bullying and suicide. The video isn’t completely autobiographical – it’s a page 68 | www.gnimag.com

On the whole, what do you think most people’s attitudes are in the UK and Ireland to young gay people?

I think people’s attitudes are getting a lot better, a lot more accepting, especially over the last 5 years. There are still people out there with negative attitudes and we still have a long way to go, but it will continue to get better.

Do you think your song/ video will help young LGBTQ people?

Judging by the amazingly positive

The video for “Star t Again” highlights LGBT teen suicide and has gone viral online.

publicly.

You came out in February during an RTE Radio interview. You mentioned that you knew you were gay growing up but you found it difficult to talk to someone about it…

Talking is so impor tant. Bottling everything up inside can be really damaging. Everyone needs courage to tell that first person.

I was about 13 when I told my oldest sister and it was like a huge weight had been lifted. We must try and encourage young

Do you watch the contest, and what does it mean for you?

people to open up more. I didn’t really think about coming out before I did because I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I came out on air because I wanted to be open with my fans.

What are you most passionate about?

Music, song writing.

What makes you happy, day-to-day?

I love being home and around family, and I love being out on the road too.

A huge amount of young people commit suicide every year in UK and Ireland, and a lot of those victims are LGBT. Why do you think this is? And do you think this is an issue that is being overlooked?

It’s definitely being overlooked.

So many people have taken their lives and a lot of the time we will never know why. It’s a disaster and it happens all the time, and the people taking their own lives are getting younger and younger. It’s not talked about enough.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be touring around promoting the new single and working on new material. I have a few gigs lined up in Ireland and Europe in the next few months.

Thanks very much, Ryan.

Thank you! Take care.

What can we do to prevent suicide in young people?

We must try and normalise the issue. Public figures and celebrities should be speaking out about it, young people should be able to read about it – the subject needs a bit of publicity.

You were the Irish entrant in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2013. What was that experience like?

Amazing. It was the best experience of my life so far.

Ryan came out in February during and RTE interview and is currently in a relationship.

I try and watch it but I’m very busy. I’ve heard Ireland’s song for this year and it’s great.

Hopefully it will do well.

Is there a special someone in your life?

Yes. I’m in a relationship. www.gnimag.com | page 69

SERIOUSLY THO We Can’t Be Complacent About Uganda.

Scott De Buitléir writes about what could be done for the Ugandan LGBT community from Nor thern Ireland “Ah, sure it’s terrible, isn’t it?”

That’s an obvious, but realistic, generalisation of how your Joe Soap may respond to you, if you were to talk to him about what is happening right now in Uganda. There would be a tone of sympathy and bewilderment in his voice, without a doubt, but you may fear that he won’t be thinking about it in ten minutes’ time. Instead, he’d probably be going about his weekly food shopping, hopping on the bus or train home, putting on the dinner and catching up on his favourite drama series. Truth be told, while it’s a pity that he may not feel more empathetic or angered by the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, putting an entire section of society in danger, you probably don’t have any plans to change your own daily routine, either.

That’s entirely understandable, and nothing to feel awkward about.

After all, what on ear th could a single person from [inser t town here] do? If you marched barefoot up to Stormont, would your voice be heard? Probably – by the security guards, while they escor ted you from the premises. If you were to go to your local Councillor/MLA/ MP, would they really take the matter seriously? Maybe (in cer tain cases, definitely) but many are more interested page 70 | www.gnimag.com

in bringing more money/jobs to their constituency, and if that is high on their list, then you can’t fault them too much.

Could you write a letter to the Ugandan Ambassador in London? Absolutely, but you may well be ignored. In shor t, you can’t fault someone for thinking they are helpless about what is happening thousands of miles away from them.

Still, there is always something we can do, but while I’ll get to that in a moment, I am genuinely delighted to see that many Western governments have already star ted to take a stand against Uganda, since President Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law. The Canadian, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish governments have already announced that they have frozen aid to Uganda because of their human rights concerns, while the American government has hinted at following suit.

Closer to home, the UK government announced that British aid to the Ugandan government was frozen last year due to corruption scandals in Kampala, but that the anti-gay law would only solidify the already-icy atmosphere between Britain and Uganda. Instead, British aid goes to NGOs working in Uganda, bypassing the government entirely. Down the road, the £18 million (€22m) that the Irish government gives to humanitarian causes in Uganda also bypasses Kampala, thereby helping the people as opposed to the politicians.

The arrangements made by the likes of the London and Dublin governments

means that Ugandans in need of help are not being abandoned or punished by the West for what Museveni has signed into law, and nor should they be.

That said, LGBT Ugandans are in grave danger, and need as much help from the international community as possible. The Red Pepper newspaper in Uganda has printed the photos, names and addresses of some 200 allegedly gay people. To help those affected, Scottish Parliament Member, James Dornan, has called on the UK Home Office to offer asylum to those who may well become the targets of a new “media witch hunt”, as described by Ugandan LGBT rights activist, Kasha Jacqueline. Kasha, however, has called on the world to “isolate” Uganda, to warn other nations against following in her government’s footsteps.

The Ugandan situation is by no means unique, however – we’ve seen atrocities against LGBTI people take place in many countries around the world, including Russia, Iran and Jamaica – but it is cer tainly one of the most severe situations. We have seen that Russian LGBT activists were encouraged to fight on when hundreds of protests took place around the world against Vladimir Putin’s passing of Russia’s law against ‘gay propaganda’. We now need to suppor t Ugandan LGBT people, and show them that they are not alone.

Countries like the UK, Canada and Ireland could offer asylum to Ugandans on the grounds of persecution, especially as the public atmosphere against LGBT

people in Uganda is so strong.

As a community – whether that means LGBT, British/Irish or of a particular city/town – we can stand up and make our voices heard. Individuals rarely make much of a difference on their own, but if we can come together like we have done in the past (most recently against Russia) then it will be made very clear that Uganda’s President has made the wrong move here. Even if Uganda’s society is not entirely accepting of LGBT people, its law should still uphold tolerance and equality for all its citizens.

This does not have to be a European or American ideal; South Africa has full rights and equality for its LGBT citizens, even if many South Africans are still intolerant of gay rights.

We – the LGBT and wider community on this isle – have already shown that we can make a difference; from the Anti-Apar theid Movement in 1986 to the LGBT community’s protests of the Russia’s anti-gay laws in Dublin, Belfast and Derry~Londonderry last year. We can easily stand, therefore, in solidarity with our Ugandan brethren.

Scott De Buitléir is Founder & Editor-inChief of EILE Magazine, and radio host of The Cosmo on RTÉ Pulse. The original version of this column appeared in EILE Magazine on February 26 on www. eile.ie

www.gnimag.com | page 71

FOREVER YOUNG

What happens when your clubbing days are over?

Over the past 10 years we have seen that we have a mounting crisis in terms of providing suppor t for a burgeoning older population. To give an example, there will be more than 16 million pensioners in the UK in 2037, a 30 percent increase on 12.3 million last year. This is largely due to improved healthcare and diets. Because we survive longer, it does not necessarily mean that we live better into older age!

There is a perception that many Lesbian and Gay people with pride in themselves will never age, and will hold onto their youth forever, like a bit of a Dorian Gray syndrome! The reality is, of course, otherwise; nature will always win.

For LGB and T people, there are extra sensitivities, and often fears which provide a challenge to the health service in delivery of personalised services.

For example, there is some evidence that Lesbian and Gay people go back into the closet when accessing health and social care services in later years; they are more likely to live alone and not have children or family ready and willing to care for them. The challenges are to find answers to these issues, to propose a range of possible options for life and even care in later years, such as a cluster of housing units for Lesbian and page 72 | www.gnimag.com

Gay people with the aim of reducing isolation. The shift from residential home care to domiciliary care brings fur ther challenges. Regular training of personnel working in the fields of health and social care must continue to focus minds on awareness of sexual and gender diversity of people accessing these services.

In achieving a feeling of security and wellbeing among older LGB&T people, the LGB&T suppor t organisations will have an increasing role to play. They will need to identify older and vulnerable LGB&T people within their communities (par ticularly in rural areas), and they will need to design and deliver services tailored to their specific needs, such as befriending, in order to minimise depression and isolation. Such services should be delivered in par tnership with existing agencies and charities such as the health and social care trusts, Public Health Agency and AgeNI. Among the LGB&T organisations which can help are The Rainbow Project, HereNI and Cara-Friend, with Queerspace, Newry Rainbow Community and Strabane and Lifford LGBT providing social suppor t.

A range of organisations can be found on the LGBT Sector website at www. lgbtni.org There is no doubt that LGB&T com-

munities and lives will continue to change and in the future it is hoped that more LGB&T older people will have formally recognised relationships and children, potentially strengthening suppor t networks fur ther. Expectations about accommodation, suppor t and confidence about sexual and gender identity may also change, creating more confident older LGB&T people, who are more able to ar ticulate their needs.

Colin Flinn is Facilitator of LGBT Switchboard NI, a service of Cara-Friend; a member of AgeNI Consultative Forum; and a Peer Facilitator and Information Ambassador with Age NI.

COMING OUT Michael tells us his story.

I had a traditional Roman Catholic upbringing; we went to church and had a big family dinner every Sunday. I didn’t even really know what ‘gay’ was when I was younger because it was never discussed. My parents recognised that I was more effeminate and ar ty than other boys but they thought I liked girls because I got on with them so well.

I realised I was gay between the ages of 12-14. During those 2 years I wasn’t comfor table in myself at all; I felt withdrawn and didn’t want to spend time with other people. When I eventually came to terms with my sexuality I decided to come out to my best friend. We had just finished our GCSEs and I asked her to meet me for coffee. I felt sick with nerves but after I said the words, ‘I’m gay’ it was like a weight had been lifted, and her reaction reassured me that everything would be OK: ‘Why should it affect me? It’s fine!’

In October 2012, when I was 16, I came out to my mum. I sat her down after dinner. My lip was quivering and I could feel the tears coming as I said ‘Mum, I’m gay’. She hugged me, star ted crying and said ‘I love you, no matter

what’. That felt really great, but a day or two later she began worrying about what my Dad would think, urging me to tell him before I told anyone else. I remember being so angry and thinking ‘it’s my choice!’ I took her worry as a personal insult; I thought she was ashamed of me but instead she was scared for me. My mum spoke to my Aunt, who works in psychiatry, and she got her to calm down a bit and offered to talk to me about things. Chatting to my Aunt helped me an enormous amount and we are still very close.

I came out to my Dad 7 months later, just before my 17th bir thday. He didn’t take it well at all. He’s a typical man; he retreats into his cave when things get difficult. I had already been really down and lost quite a lot of weight but after telling my Dad I felt worse than ever.

He was out of the house as much as possible over the following few days and I barely saw him at all. I knew I had to deal with the situation so I asked him if we could talk… Cue a 45 minute heated argument. Things got quite vicious but the next he star ted talking to me again – nothing major, just everyday stuff…

but it meant a lot to me.

When my older brother found out he came directly up to my bedroom, gave me a big hug and said, ‘it doesn’t make a difference to me’. I remember thinking ‘this is the best! Why can’t everyone have this reaction?!’ My little sister found out the same day as my dad. When I told her I was gay she wasn’t fazed at all, in fact she seemed much more interested in what was on the Disney Channel.

It took me a long time to be OK with my sexuality, and although it is a very personal issue, I never considered the possibility that my parents might also need time to come to terms with it. Now, things aren’t what you would call perfect, but I’m happy with who I am; being called gay is no longer an insult. My Dad has even given me lifts to gay bars! He’s a very physical man and gestures like this are his way of showing he accepts me.

Through being gay I got into modelling. I went from being quiet and unhappy to networking with people, and doing photo shoots and promotional work. I recently signed with a new .............

..............agency, LSH modelling and promotions, and it’s going really well.

I went from being a complete loner who only wanted to spend time with animals, to someone who actually. enjoys spending time with people! It’s been a full transformation. I’m a big fan of The Noisettes and they have a song called ‘Winner’ about someone who blossoms from a nothing into the swan they’re supposed to become. I feel like that!

As for the future, I’ve applied to do English Literature at University, but I’m thinking of taking a gap year first because I’m not yet 100% clear about what I want to do. I’d like to go to London during the summer to do some modelling. My aim is to spend most of my 20s travelling; I’d love to be able to see the world and make money as I go.

MR GAY

Nick wants to represent us.

Hello! I’m Nick. I’m 22 and I was born in a lovely seaside town called Tramore in Co. Waterford. Once I finished school, against my mam’s wishes, I flew the nest and moved to Galway to study. After 5 years of books and par t-time minimum wage work, I decided to move to Belfast. Now I work in Maverick bar and as an or thopaedic injury consultant with My Body Therapy. I also swim competitively with Belfast Masters swim team. I love to keep active, anything that gets my blood rushing works for me!

Other than that, I’m an open-minded big spoon with a love for Pokemon.

This year I will be representing Nor thern Ireland in the World Gay Games in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. I originally entered and won Mr Gay Galway and went on to compete at Mr Gay Ireland in Dublin. Mr Gay Ireland and Mr Gay Nor thern Ireland were chosen, with Mr Gay Limerick and myself as runners-up. Mr Gay NI pulled out, so as I was runnerup, and living and working in Nor thern Ireland, the committee decided to crown me Mr gay NI! There are 2 competitions: Mr Gay Europe and Mr Gay World. Mr Gay Europe takes place in Vienna in June 2014 followed by Mr Gay World in Rome in August 2014. There will be over 20 contestants in each competition.

Winning would mean a chance for me to draw attention to issues close to my hear t.

In the lead up to Mr Gay Ireland we raised £12,000 for St James’s Hospital, Dublin, for their Newfill Clinic. The Newfill Clinic is an unfunded service for people that had been taking older forms of HIV medication. Older HIV medication caused facial lipoatrophy, which destroys facial tissue. Naturally, this has a huge impact on an individual’s self-esteem. The doctors at the Newfill Clinic rectify damages of facial lipoatrophy and not only give people back their visual appearance but also their self-confidence and dignity.

In the coming months I will be tackling the issue of homophobia in spor t and also fundraising for a local Co. Antrim charity; FOCUS. They are a group of young people that have come together to raise awareness for youth suicide and other issues that affect young people living in Nor thern Ireland.

To make a difference to any these causes would mean the world to me and I believe that with a bit of determination and grit, we can do just that.

As Mr Gay NI, I hope to do you all proud in Rome and Vienna and raise plenty of funds and awareness for people in need.

I am your representative in Nor thern Ireland so I would love to hear from you. How would you like to be represented? Please let me know. My email is mrgayni2014@ gmail.com or you can find me on facebook.com/mrgayni Peace out bitches! page 78 | www.gnimag.com

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LANDMARKS A - Glasgow Cathedral B - Glasgow School of Ar t C - Kelvingrove Park D - The Hydro E - SECC F - Cineworld Cinema G - George Square H - Rottenrow Gardens I - St. Enoch Centre J - Queen Street Station K - Buchannan Galleries L - Glasgow Central M - Duke of Wellington Statue N - University of Strathclyde

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cultural organisations including Scotland’s National Orchestra, Theatre, Opera and Ballet

It’s rare to see Glasgow’s Wellington Statue without a traffic cone on its head.

Sauchiehall Street is over 2.5km long, and the River Clyde is 100 miles long.

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The Retail Footprint 2010, complied by CACI, named Glasgow as the second biggest retail destination in the UK

£ Glasgow city has the biggest economy in Scotland.

Famous Glaswegians: Lulu John Barrowman Gerard Butler Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music and was dubbed by Time Magazine as “Europe’s Secret Capital of Music”.

The University of Glasgow has and LGBT Staff Network which LGBT academic and non-academic staff members, PhD students and friends and family can join. the Network hosts social events and allows members to openly and safely discuss LGBT issues.

www.gnimag.com | page 83

YOUR HOME

Lee Austin keeps us up to date with the spring trends.

With Spring finally upon us and Summer just around the corner, we wanted to share with you our top trends for this season, including a few of our favourite picks that we think will be big for this summer.

At recent international design fairs, including Maison & Objet in Paris last month, bold geometric patterns and prints were very much the leading trends, focusing on clean, strong use of shape and pattern.

These patterns introduced in a combination of soft delicate pastels in natural hues which are offset with unexpected primary colours introducing contrasting bursts of life to a room. Gone are the days of formal interiors, we now long to retreat to a home or space that gives us a sense of diversion and comfor t. Introduce a mixture of dyed linens and printed designs into your space and complement these fabrics by trying a new metallic this season, such as stunning copper and rose coloured metals, in both polished and beautiful bronzed tones.

Take inspiration from 1950’s glamorous vintage style.... rose tinted pink, soft corals, sea greens and dusky blues. Solid colour blocking on furniture with abstract geometric pattern will bring vibrancy and a fresh look to your interior.

Remember to maintain a balance within your space. So in practice, your space can work in two ways: either by having bold coloured furniture in a room with pastel walls and a white floor, or a room with colour blocking on your wall surfaces and plain white tones on your furniture. Colour flow from pastels into brighter hues and offset these bolder tones with white surfaces and unfinished materials such as bleached wood. Incorporate exposed and angular framework in your furniture with smoked and weathered oak surfaces as well as lighter grain timbers.

If all this pastel and geometric form isn’t your thing, another big trend this season is tropical revival. Yes it’s bold. In fact it’s very bold and recreates a style typical of that from a 1960’s Miami champagne lounge.

Large floral and leaf patterns in bright colours accented with aged brass and copper highlights will add a tremendous amount of glamour. Although this may seem quite daring and somewhat over the top, we are now wanting to have some fun and create a space that’s exciting and dramatic. Companies such as Osborne & Little and Sanderson are heading this summer’s fun revival with incredible wallpapers and fabrics to lighten up even the dreariest dull weather we’ve come to expect of our climate. Even if it’s cold and miserable outside at least we can have a little summer fun indoors!

page 84 | www.gnimag.com

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BEAT IT INTO YA

Frankie talks nutrition and the benefits of coconut oil.

From a young age Frankie was always keen to learn to cook new things; his father was a chef by trade, so perhaps his love of food has been inherited. In his late teens he self-educated in spor ts nutrition (after his American body-building cousin sent him his first text book) and fitness, to undergo a personal physical transformation (involving hefty weight loss), before receiving his formal spor ts nutrition qualifications at a later date.

Frankie went on to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition at Queen’s University, Belfast. He’s currently pushing this fur ther with a master’s degree in Human Nutrition, at the University of Ulster, Coleraine: one of the world’s leading center’s of nutritional excellence. Along with obtaining his degrees, he has worked in the supplement industry for almost 7 years now, gaining a strong insight into supplement

use amongst the public, advising on the best supplement strategies to help clients achieve their goals (i.e. weight loss or muscle building), and trends in the supplement industry.

In this issue Frankie give us the low down on coconut oil....

Coconut oil helps to fuel a workout if taken 30-60 minutes before.

and smoothies! It melts in your hands, making a great massage balm and moisturizer! Health food stores & Asian groceries are likely to stock this, versatile nutritional powerhouse. *Study- Tusji, et. al, 2001, Journal of Nutrition

Coconut oil (made famous by model Miranda Kerr) is primarily made up of a type of fat known as MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) which gives it several unique proper ties.

Our bodies break down MCTs differently than other fats; it can provide a great release of energy to fuel a workout if taken 30-60mins before! A 2011* trial showed that consuming more MCTs over other fats significantly reduced body weight. There are no definitive dose suggestions for coconut oil, but as with all fats, it should be consumed in moderation.

Try it on toast, in stir fries www.gnimag.com | page 87

FITTING IN Aidan wanted to lose it.

Can you feel it? A hint of heat filtering through the clouds tells us spring is on its way. Time to discard the hide-all jumpers and expose our exercise-honed bodies to the public. What? You’re not ready? Tummy more tubby than taut? Never fear – the Fit Fairy is here. We don’t need a magic wand though, as we have some magic leaves. Aloe leaves.

Jack and the Beanstalk, eat your hear t out.

Once upon a time, the GNI team were asked to try a nutritional cleanse called Clean 9. Side effects included weight loss and inch loss so we jumped (ambled over slowly) at the chance. Momentarily seduced by the weight and inch loss we then asked ‘what exactly do we have to do?’ The answer? Simply consume the products in the box.

Bee Pollen Also known as Nature’s speed, Bee Pollen boosts energy and stamina.

Garcinia Plus Aids natural metabolism and lowers cholesterol.

Forever Lite Ultra with Aminotein A high protein shake available in vanilla and chocolate flavours.

Aminotein is a blend of enzymes specifically designed to break down protein in the diet.

Aidan completed Clean 9 after gaining weight last year. By day nine he had lost 1st and 1lb, by continuing with the 2nd stage he lost a fur ther 16lb.

has his weight dramatically reduced, his energy levels are sky-high and his skin is glowing.

“Client after client at the salon has asked me what I have done to lose the weight,” said Aidan.

“I have never had so many compliments about my skin either, roll on summer!”

We have a great offer on Clean 9 for GNI readers, just check out the information on the adver t on the page opposite.

A tape measurer, a shaker and an instructional leaflet

What’s in the box?

How do you do it?

For two days you consume only what is in the box, allowing your body to cleanse itself of toxins.

From Day 3 to Day 9, you add in a 600 calorie meal.

Aloe Vera Gel The latest superfood even though it’s been around for thousands of years. It contains over 200 different compounds, including 19 amino acids. It also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial , antifungal properties. Oh, and you need to drink it, not rub it on anything.

What are the results?

Aidan, a colour specialist at Stafford Hair, completed the cleanse after gaining weight over the last year. By Day 9 of the cleanse Aidan had lost 1 stone 1 lb. He then continued with the second stage of the program called Nutri-Lean and lost a fur ther 16 lbs. Not only www.gnimag.com | page 89

LET’S EXPLORE We test drive the Fiat 500L Trekking.

Spring is definitely in the air and with that in mind I took myself along to Donnelly Motors to see what was on offer this season for me to test. So I was delighted to have the oppor tunity to have a spin in the Fait 5OOL Trekking.

The Fiat 500L Trekking is a tough and ambitious machine. It has been designed to suit both city-dwelling drivers and, (as the name ‘Trekking’ suggests) those who love to go exploring at a moment’s notice.

My first impressions of the Fiat 500L Trekking were very good – you can tell a lot of thought has gone into the look of the car. This tall SUV-style model is sleek and robust at the same time, combining stability with style.

As soon as I star ted to drive, I felt completely at ease. The car scores 10 out of 10 for comfor t, and it has a wonderful suppleness to it – it feels nippy and secure. This little warrior is also super spacious inside offering the luxury of a 400-litre boot, and loads of useful storage compar tments, which is pretty amazing for such a compact machine.

The differences between the 500L Trekking and its predecessor, the Fiat 500L MPV, are subtle enough to the eye but star tlingly obvious once you’re at the wheel. The 500L Trekking has

a bespoke front bumper, new wheels and plastic cladding fitted to the wheel arches, sills and rear bumper. It’s also equipped with 17” diamond finished alloy wheels, satin handles and brushed steel side panels. Compared to previous models, the height of this car is noticeably increased, and as a result, the whole thing feels sturdier; you can tell this vehicle would be more than capable of tackling a bumpy off-road excursion.

Speaking of off-road, the car allows you switch from city streets to trickier terrain at the press of a button thanks to its built in Traction+ technology. Traction+ is an innovative control system that ensures excellent performance when tackling low-grip surfaces. Oh, and if you encounter adverse weather conditions on your travels, you needn’t panic: the Fiat 500L Trekking comes equipped with Mud and Snow all-season tyres as standard. Win! This car is made for anyone with a hectic lifestyle, and these days that’s most of us! It offers a host of seating configurations and 2 interior combinations: ‘magnesio grey fabric with ecoleather inser ts for a more rugged feel, or black fabric with white eco-leather inser ts for a more urban-chic vibe’. As if that wasn’t enough, the car also has in-

credible wraparound glazing and glazed windscreen pillars for enhanced visibility.

The new Fiat 5OOL Trekking is ecoconscious, too! It’s equipped with four eco-friendly and cost-effective engines.

This car is a true performer on roads near and far, and is perfect for active, eco-conscious, city dwelling, country loving explorers… and anyone else in between!

As I go back to my own car, I can’t help feeling a little underwhelmed.

www.gnimag.com | page 91

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WHO ARE YA?

Ever thought of a life as an aerial performer?

Paradigm of physical fitness, Emmen Jude Donnelly, kindly took the time out of his mega-busy schedule to let us know what it’s like to be an aerial performer, circus school teacher and all-round ‘oddball’ (his words, not ours)!

Emmen, who grew up in Por tadown, has been doing theatre based performance since 2005. Things had got somewhat stale and Emmen felt like his life needed shaking up a bit. To help him move on with things, he went looking for a challenge … and what he found was a super-duper-king-kong challenge with cherries on top. He took himself along to a circus class and the moment he sat upright on the trapeze he knew this he was onto something: “I knew this was the direction I wanted to go in and it would help me utilize all I was and shape who I could be!”

On a typical day, Emmen gets up at the crack of dawn, eats breakfast and heads off to the ‘office’. When most of us hear the word office we think of a room full of desks, computers, printers, coffee machines, luminous lighting and a team of suited-up colleagues. For Emmen, the office is more like a gymnasium; it’s a circus training space in Belfast city centre. Emmen then spends the next 6 hours doing hardcore training in activities such as aerial conditioning, core strengthening, hand balance and object manipulation – like Uri Geller!? Emmen loves his unconventional office life: “It’s a great space shared with amazingly talented and understanding people who share in the love of physical challenge and creativity. I tend to leave feeling rather exhausted yet fulfilled... it beats going to a regular gym, that’s for sure!” For some of us, the idea of pushing our bodies to the absolute limit every single day is more than a little bit terrifying; 3 one hour sessions in the gym each week is enough! With great physical exertion comes great pain, but Emmen understands that pain is a huge par t of his job and to push on through you’ve got to focus on the end results. Hanging from a rope every day means Emmen may not keep his feet on the ground, but he’s very grateful when his work is appreciated: “being able to express yourself using your entire body is so motivating and rewarding! It is amazing hearing a crowd applaud – it’s instant validation for your hard work.”

Emmen believes that these days we put so many limitations and stresses on ourselves regarding appearance and social standards: “if everyone could take a step back and just breathe then they would be able to see what makes them truly happy”.

When he’s not training hard at work, Emmen enjoys devouring the Jack Daniels burger from TGI Fridays.. he’d need it after all that exercise!

credit Stewar t Duffy Photograhpy. Still from a music video for Jonas Rake

www.gnimag.com | page 93

A-Z The A-Z of Eurovision

Put on that sequinned jumpsuit and polish those shiny disco balls... Eurovision 2014 is upon us. This year’s poptastic loveathon will be held in Copenhagen in May. We’ve compiled an A-Z of Eurovision to help you brush up on the facts and wow your mates at your annual Europop Par ty. Say cheese!

A

Alexander Rybak won ESC 2009 for Norway with a massive 387 points: the highest score ever in the competition.

B

Belgium entered the competition in 2003 with a song called ‘Sanomi’, which was sung in a made-up language. Terry Wogan famously remarked “They’re got 4 languages in Belgium and they’re singing in an imaginary one, the very essence of the Euro”.

C

Copenhagen, the host of this year’s contest, has offered gay and straight couples the oppor tunity to get married in 3 locations around the city during ESC 2014.

D

Dana International, Israel’s Eurovision entry in 2008, caused controversy when conservatives

page 94 | www.gnimag.com

tried to have her expelled from the competition because she was a transsexual. She won the competition with her song, ‘Diva’.

E

Eurovision first began because the European Broadcasting Union were looking for a way to bring European countries together after World War II.

F

France, Spain, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom came joint first in 1969. At that time, such a situation was unheard of and there was no system in place to separate the winners. The organisers ran out of medals to give to all the winning competitors and as a result of the debacle, Finland, Sweden, Por tugal, Austria and Norway boycotted the contest in 1970.

G Elaiza).

H

Germany has had the most entries in the final, with 59 in total (including this year’s entry,

Hilverson in the Netherlands was the host of the 3rd ESC in 1958. It was the first time a winning country hosted the following year’s contest.

I J

Ireland is the undisputed champion, with 7 Eurovision medals under her belt.

Jemini scored 0 points for the UK in the 2003 Eurovision final. ‘Cry Baby’ remains the only UK entry ever to receive zero points.

K

Korea, Hong Kong, Jordan, India, Egypt, New Zealand, Australia and USA are among non-participating countries that broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest.

L M N

Live animals are banned from the competition.

Millstreet in Co. Cork is the smallest town ever to host the competition.

Norway have scored ‘nul points’ in the competition 4 times, and ranked last a whopping 11 times, making them the biggest losers.

O

Originally, only solo-ar tists and duos were allowed to compete in the competition. This was changed in 1971.

P

Prelude To Te Deum, a fanfare

by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, opens every Eurovision Song Contest. It is known as ‘The Eurovision Anthem’. That’s one for the iPods.

Q R

Quickest Eurovision song: 1957 UK entry ‘All’ by Patricia Bredin.

It lasted 1 minute 52 seconds.

Ruslana won the competition for Ukraine in 2004 and was later rewarded with a seat in parliament.

S

Sandra Kim from Belgium is the youngest ever winner. She won in 1986 at the age of thir teen after her manager told organisers she was fifteen. In 1990 an age restriction was introduced – these days you must be at least sixteen to compete.

T

Time zones. As the main contributors to the contest, the big 5 (UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain) stipulate that the star t time of the final should always be 8pm GMT. The 2012 final in Azerbaijan began at midnight local time.

Yugoslavia in 1992, all of the ex-Yugoslav Ukraine revoked its normal visa countries have par ticipated in the ESC: requirement for visitors from the Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Macedonia.

EU in 2005 to coincide with its hosting of the event.

Zero points. 36 acts have received ‘nul points’ in the history ‘Volare’, aka ‘Nel Blu Dipinto of the ESC. Awkward.

Di Blu’ by Domenico Mudugno, is the most covered Eurovision song ever. You know the one: Volare oh oh, Cantare oh oh oh oh!

U

Z

V

W

‘We are the winners of Eurovision, We are, we are, we are, we

are Go baby….

So you gotta vote Vote, vote for the winners Vote vote vote for the winners.’

These were the (rather presumptuous) lyrics of Lithuania’s 2006 entry sung in English by LT United. They came 6th.

X Y

X Factor 2008 contestant, Ruth Lorenzo, will be representing Spain in this year’s contest.

Yugoslavia entered the competition 26 times between 1961 and 1991. Since the breakdown of the Socialist Federal Republic of

IMAGE CREDIT: Grand Final of the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest - Dennis Stachel (EBU)

CONLETH RECOMMENDS What to watch, listen to and see.

Artist: CAMERON NEILSON AND THE PERRY TWINS - ALLEQUALONTHEDANCEFLOOR. ‘My mate Cameron has teamed up with The Perry Twins in LA to record a cracking ‘Equal-Love’ Club Anthem! Cameron and I went to college together and his voice has always been a favourite of mine. As the song opens we get to hear his brilliant vocals for a good minute before the real club beat kicks in. The Perry Twins add a definite edge to this track. I know it’ll be a huge hit at every Gay Pride par ty all over the world this year! And the song is right, everyone IS equal on the dance floor! Available to download on iTunes and a donation from the song’s proceeds will go to the Deser t Aids Project!’

DVD: WALT DISNEY’S FROZEN I don’t care what anyone says, everyone loves a bit of Disney. We all have a kid within page 96 | www.gnimag.com

us! I went to see ‘Frozen’ in the cinema at Christmas, and have since been anticipating the release of the DVD. It has proved to be a worldwide hit having just scooped 2 Oscars (Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song). Get a big tub of ice-cream and go and join Elsa and Anna in the land of Arendelle and escape from reality for 2 hours! Packed with catchy songs, hilarious characters and a magic-filled plot, (with a surprise twist at the very end).

I guarantee you’ll come out the other end humming the tunes and wanting to book a holiday to Disney Land!

Theatre: THE COMMITMENTS Coming to London for a weekend? Why not celebrate a bit of Irish Culture in the hear t of London’s West End? Based in the Palace Theatre, in the hear t of Soho, ‘The Commitments’, Roddie Doyle’s bestselling novel is now on stage for the

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

first time. It features hit songs including ‘Mustang Sally’, ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ and many more. You go on the journey with the young group of musicians from Dublin as they piece together their musical ambitions and dreams, and by the end of the night you and 2,000 people will be on your feet dancing and singing along. Great to see local performers Sean Kearns, Mark Dugdale and Sarah O’Connor flying the flag on the London stage in such a fun-packed show!

GNI Gay friendly businesses

www.sunflowerbelfast.com

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

No. 36 is a coffee shop and eaterie on the Belmont Road, offering the best of home cooking, beverages prepared by experienced baristas and to complement a wide range of home baked goods.

At No.36 we love food and believe that it should be fresh, sourced locally, cooked with passion and served with a friendly smile.

36 Belmont Road, Belfast

028 9065 7476

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

HELP FOR LENT 40 days and 40 nights seems a bit of a far stretch to abstain from chocolate, learn a new language or stick to the squat challenge.

What if we told you we had the key to sticking to your lent promises? Follow the relevant pointers below to becoming a better version of yourself- because right now, well... you’re just not good enough:

A FRIENDLESS EASTER Going on the wagon until Easter? Not to worry.

Just sit in every weekend, speak to nobody and become increasingly unhappy and friendless by Easter. But think about it, you won’t have to share you Easter eggs with anyone. WIN WIN!

POSITIVITY If your lent promise is to not to go off or on anything but simply to be a nicer then. Then your full of sh*t. Go away. Now. Your positivity is ruining my day.

FORTY / FORTY page 98 | www.gnimag.com

JORDAN AND DIONA HELP US THROUGH LENT Remember, Jesus did 40 days and nights without food and survived on water. I’m pretty sure you can do without a binge fest on Breaking Bad and Dairy Milk. Stay strong soldiers!

TWO BIRDS ONE STONE Going to mass every day for the duration of Lent can be a strain, kill two birds with one stone and get fit while you are there. Hold a bible in each hand and do 100 bicep curls during the sermon, followed by 100 tricep dips on your seat. It’s a fast track to fabulous arms.

PERKY CHEEKS Squat challenge- 40 days of no pain no gain. Why don’t you fit the squats into your lifestyle? Make it a fun little game when you go to the toilet for a poo- make yourself work for it- 50 squats before you are allowed to sit. Hello perky cheeks!

ENTERTAINMENT If you have, like me, decided to watch less tv then you can, like me, demand that your pets/kids provide some form of enter tainment for you. Demand full fancy dress and a show with a proper storyline. No getting out of it that easy pets - just because you ‘don’t speak human’. Wind your neck in and Dance Monkey Dance!!!!

PREPARATION If the demon chocolate is your downfall, stick to your clean 40 days Zoolander style.

Associate pain with chocolate- take a bite and get a friend to punch you each time in preparation for lent. Then each bite of chocolate will be more painful than the last. www.gnimag.com | page 99

ALONE IN A CROWD A room full of people can still be a lonely place.

The title of this ar ticle came to me some time ago, it felt like a statement of who I was and what I was going through. I also felt that many other people feel this way too. But what do I mean by it, well, let me tell you.

Firstly though, I would like to mention that I am writing this not as a call for sympathy or to seem different than others; I am solely doing it because it is how I was feeling and I understand others have been there, so I feel itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impor tant to talk about it. We each have a personal story, a personal journeyâ&#x20AC;Ś this is par t of mine.

To begin, I will explain who I am, in a way! I am in my early 30’s, yet most would take a guess that I am 25-27, which does, I will admit, bring a smile to my face. I am what you could consider a large guy, being currently over 15 stone.

My weight does go up and down each year as I eat healthily and exercise, yet keeping it off seems to be a problem.

My ‘story’ includes an event which took place when I was 20. At the time I wasn’t sure if I was gay or bi and something happened to me that I would wish on no one and it did, and still does, ruin my life. Coupled with the fact of coming from a very religious family, I had no one to talk to about it and it built up in my mind for a long time. It effected my personality in many ways but mainly I lost faith and belief in myself.

I went into what I call ‘gay hiding’ for 7 to 8 years battling my own thoughts and emotions. Growing older and maybe wiser, I decided to get a grip with myself and to get my life back on track - but now I can see I wasted the best years of my life!

I had my first boyfriend at the age of 28, which due to some factors, didn’t end well. He isn’t the reason for this ar ticle, so no more detail is required.

That summer, 2009, I went to my first Pride in Belfast. It was then, as I stood on Custom House Square all day that the phrase ‘Alone in the Crowd’ came to me. I was there all day, alone, and I didn’t know anyone. Not one person said hi, not one of the guys with

‘free hugs’ even offered me one! I used to be really outgoing, but coming out of a ‘shell’ proved really difficult.

After that first boyfriend, which lasted a few months, I went into that thing I called ‘gay hiding’ again. I moved to Belfast in this time as well and began going out on the scene, so it wasn’t like before, but I wasn’t in the mind to open up, so most nights I sat alone in the bar, or stood alone in the nightclubs. Not being one for sleeping around, I wasn’t going to star t, even if I was wasting my years, I was protecting myself. During this time I star ted to attend the Rainbow Project and a Personal Development Group, which did help, and I would recommend to anyone who feels they are in the same ‘place’.

As I am not fully out (read that story in GNI Christmas 2012, page 93), I do tend to go out alone, and most times now due to the help I received, would talk to strangers at the bar - a little banter is good to have. But sometimes I still feel myself slipping into that feeling of although I am in a crowd, I am alone. In some ways I am still hiding myself away from the world, but that’s a journey in itself and I have to see where it goes.

The likelihood is that you are sitting in a bar now, or you were when you picked this magazine up. Have a look about, is there a person sitting alone, do they need a friend to have a conversation with for a few minutes? They don’t have to be your type, just a simple ‘hello’ or ‘how you doing’ can go a long, long

way and you never know, you might actually save that person. And you could even make a friend.

I know I am not alone anymore. I know sometimes I feel like I am but I am sure there are so many other people that feel this way too. This is simply an ar ticle that I hope makes you think. The Community is a small one in general terms, and we give off about how we are stereotyped and discriminated against yet we do it to each other within our own community.

I still go out on the ‘scene’ but am afraid to take another risk at times! I go out, usually alone, and sit at the bar or in the nightclub and watch others having fun.... I do feel very insecure in myself, but know I have the confidence to engage with people. At times, this inner conflict rips me apar t - and then I truly feel ‘Alone in the Crowd’.

I am sure I am not the only one feeling this way. We all have stories and journeys - that is life, but if we can make things a little better for each other, we should. If this ar ticle has effected you in any way, I would love to hear your comments and have asked the guys at GNI to pass on any feedback to me.

www.gnimag.com | page 101

GEMMA HUTTON Her world in her words.

This has been an awesome month for me. I have been kept busy with photo shoots, gigs, radio shows, video shoots and now some political activism. But a more life changing event occurred this month.

I decided, in some realm of my messed up mind... on a whim...that I would get my upper lip threaded.

Women of the universe, if I can ask you to do only one thing, never let some crazy bitch near your face with thread! I have never felt pain like it, and by the time I left I had an audience watching in pity at my red, tear and mascara stained face. So there’s my beauty tip for this month... That and Hi Shi one hour developing tan is the saviour of all women getting ready for an impromptu night out.

Anyway, anyway.... Apar t for some great gigs all over the place, I also decided to agree to feature in one of Kaz Hawkins’s music videos for Belfast Nashville festival. Because when somebody thinks sexy burlesque girl... They think Gemma Hutton. Except they normally can’t find me behind the KFC wrappers and tracksuits. However, it was an experience and I was honoured to have been asked so f**k it...it’s one

off the bucket list.

I also star ted my own night in Maverick on Monday nights which is a pub quiz/comedy night. It’s not just about having a laugh, or having a regular gig. For me it’s more the fact that I’m really the first woman who has had their enter tainment night in an LGBT venue. So I’m a bit chuffed at that to be honest. But the thing that has had the biggest impact on me was not the price increase I have noticed on Kinder Eggs, it was the stand up for choice gig I did with Robin Ince, Josie Long, Bridget Christie and....my new baby daddy, Mark Thomas. This man was so inspirational, his humour and passion for the rights of not just women, but the LGBT community was astounding.

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

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LR NTRAYA E C SUN S BAR MOTN N E E QU FLO K C I BU R U E WE V B A M R R E K PA W on M O L g F NTI B A N a SU r AR C VER D Y R O e I ENTR CK FACT Th AL BSAHOQE R UBEU AR N I L B M E B NSU MO KRE NS T E T E B N E E AR YARD QU STR 4K 01 NION CEN C UNION I TRAVER STRE ET K MA L BA REML R R E IN SH B W U O OE FA B L F U N CU MO S T N RY O Th T C eG A F eor E O H ge S N UN LI ION M E R STR K T EET E E R T KR NS EM L RY

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Thursday Kremlin (Belfast) – Deuce £2 entry £2 drinks Union Street (Belfast) - Okie Dokie Karaoke hosted by Trudy Scrumptious and Rober t Brown Maverick (Belfast) – PORTIA PRESENTS… variety, cabaret and high jinks with Lady Por tia Di’ Monte from 9.30pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Folk Club 7pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Thirsty Thursday

Specials Free Spanish Classes @ The Sunflower: Mondays 6.30 – 7.30 pm (contact Sunflower on 028 9023 2474) 26th April @ Kremlin: DWV (Detox, Willam & Vicky) Live in Red Square 5th May @ Union Street: DMFAO (dance machine challenge) Grand Final

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8pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 7pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Spiritual Sunday

Regular Monthlys BUBU @ The Shoe Factory - 1st Friday of the month (men only) Tuesday Kremlin (Belfast) - Klub 180, all drinks £1.80 all night Cherry @ The Shoe Factory - Last Friday of the Union Street (Belfast) – Grannie’s Fun Factory 9pm month (women only) Maverick (Belfast) – Amplified Live Music Tuesdays The White Mansions @ The Sunflower – 1st Friday of the month Sunflower (Belfast) – Open Mic Night 7pm Pub Quiz @ The Sunflower – 1st Tuesday of the Central Bar (Strabane) – Final Countdown month MOTN @ Queen’s Café Bar - Last Friday of the Wednesday month Union Street (Belfast) - Tina’s Stop the Clock Maverick (Belfast) – Open Mic Wednesdays hosted Hooker @ John Hewitt – 1st Friday of the month Passion @ Bellinis (Newry) 1st Saturday of the

by Cherrie On Top month The Shoe Factory (Belfast) - SLOSH Central Bar (Strabane) - Big Gay Wednesday

Friday Kremlin (Belfast) - Weekly theme nights Union Street (Belfast) - An evening with Glitzy Glamour Maverick (Belfast) – WINE CLUB Half price bottles of selected wine from 4pm-7pm! VAGABOND with DJ Marion Hawkes from 9pm Sunflower (Belfast) – Traditional Session 9pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Friday Mash Up with DJ Ola Saturday Kremlin (Belfast) – Revolution 9pm Union Street (Belfast) - Tina’s Trannyoke 5pm-8pm, Grannie’s Time Tunnel 9pm-late Maverick (Belfast) – Par ty vibes from 9pm cour tesy of DJ Sean McCann Sunflower (Belfast) – Appalachian Session 8pm Central Bar (Strabane) – Saturday Beats with DJ Ricardo Sunday Kremlin (Belfast) - Industry 10pm, free entry Union Street (Belfast) - The Sunday Bingo Show 8.45pm Maverick (Belfast) – Live acoustic session from 6pm-8pm, Sunday grooves by Groovebound from

BELFAST

Monday Union Street (Belfast) - The Trudy Show Maverick (Belfast) – Motor Mouth Mondays Comedy Night hosted by Gemma Hutton Central Bar (Strabane) - BOGOF

DUBLIN

Monday The George: Win, Lose or Drag with Phil T. Gorgeous and Bunny, from 8.30pm, drinks promotions, free admission The Dragon: Dolly Does Dragon Pantibar: Pints and Chats Tuesday The George: Bassline with DJ Karen, drinks promotions, free admission The Front Lounge: Davina Devine’s Casting Couch Karaoke from 10pm, free drinks for every singer and prizes on the night Pantibar: Pints and Chats Wednesday The George: Space N Veda with Veda Beaux Rêves and gorgeous guests. Cabaret, Drag, Video Ar t & Live Music, free admission all night Pantibar: Pints and Chats Thursday The Dragon: PrHomo, Dublin’s biggest gay student night, drinks promotions The George: Thirsty Thursdays with D.V.D: Davina, Victoria & Dolly The Front Lounge: 2 for 1 Cocktails Pantibar: Joystick, DJ Dr Beat plays quality 80’s music Friday The Dragon: Plastic, free in before 10pm and €5 after The George: Glitterbomb hosted by David D-Pole, free before 10pm, €5 from 10 til midnight, €8 after Pantibar: DJ Steobear and Our Perfectly Preposterous Drinks Specials Saturday The Dragon: Dragged Up & Queen hosted by Victoria Secret from 10pm The George: SaturGays with DJ Sean John, Davina, Veda & guests with Beauty Spot Karaoke from 10pm Pantibar: The Panti Show from 10pm: Cruisin’, Music, Dancin’, Chattin’ Copper Alley: Mother, home of synth pop and electronic music Sunday The George: Bingo with Shirley Templebar from 9.30pm Pantibar: Popcorn – Panti’s Tea Dance from 3pm: A gay ole ‘tea dance’ with Panti on the decks

Monthlys Crush Girlclub @ Lafayette Club – next club night: 25th April Specials 5th April @ The Dragon: Alyssa Edwards and Laganja Estranja 8th April @ Pantibar: Dublin Lesbian Line Fundraiser Table Quiz from 8pm 12th April @ The Dragon: The Dragon hosts Deal or No Deal with Victoria, €500 prize money 25th April @ The Dragon: Alaska Thunderf*ck (Star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5) launches The Ringmaster’s Drag Race Cycle 5 10th May @ Pantibar: Europanti Eurovision Par ty

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et St re

2

4

D

et

Ta lbo t

Un io n

B re St all eg

1

on D

St re

3

7

W ar

ing

St re

et

B126

Middlepath Street

6

St re Hi gh

Royal Avenue

et

Westlink A12

re St

Castle Street

Bridge End

et

th

5

H

Victoria Street

or N

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

M3

un D

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

Chichester Street

8

C G

F

DUBLIN

2

Aaran Quay

Essex Quay

D

1

Wellington Quay Aston Quay Temple Bar Essex Street

B

3

4

G C

A 5

Exchequer Street

6

Bride Street

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

Capel Street

BARS 1 - Panti Bar 2 - Nealons 3 - The Front Lounge 4 - Copper Alley 5 - The George 6 - The Dragon

Cromac Street

A20 Alber tbridge Road

George Street

A

Great Victoria Street

May Street

F E Golden Lane