QS Mag

LGBT+ Helpline Scotland

Provide emotional support and information to the entire diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community across Scotland. This includes queer, intersex, asexual people and all identities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.

You do not need a label to use the helpline. They will support you if you are questioning or exploring your sexuality and/or gender identity. They are also here for the families, partners, friends and supporters of LGBTQ+ people, as well as health and social care professionals who want to be more inclusive.

They can support you with all kinds of issues as often and as regularly as you need it.

Non profit use of material in the magazine will normally be permitted free of charge, but contact us first for permission. Views expressed in QS Mag don't necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. People featured may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, straight, or none of the above.

QS Magazine Album

Loves

Albums that are classic, overlooked, lost or just special to us.

Album Love Number 7

"Welcome to the Pleasuredome," by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

"Welcome to the Pleasuredome," the debut album from Frankie Goes to Hollywood, released in 1984, is an audacious journey through the eclectic sounds and flamboyant theatrics that define the band. This album stands out not only for its controversial lyrics and themes but also for its innovative mix of musical genres. From the explosive opener, the title track "Welcome to the Pleasuredome," listeners are catapulted into a sonic experience that melds rock, dance, and pop in an unprecedented manner. This track sets the theatrical tone for the entire album, showcasing the band’s ability to create a lavish sound spectacle. The hits

"Relax" and "Two Tribes" are arguably the pillars that cement the album's place in music history. "Relax," with its pulsating bassline, catchy hooks, and bold sexual innuendos, became an anthem of the era, despite (or perhaps because of) its initial bans from radio play. "Two Tribes" continues the aggressive, highenergy vibe with its anti-war message wrapped in a danceable beat that was both urgent and compelling. Beyond these wellknown singles, the album offers a diverse selection of songs that display a range of emotions and styles. "The Power of Love," a

lush, emotional ballad, stands in sharp contrast to the provocative tracks, proving the band's versatility and depth. The production, led by Trevor Horn, is meticulous and layered, adding a richness to each track that makes the album a rewarding listen with headphones for capturing the detailed soundscapes. The use of synthesisers, real orchestra, and choral arrangements all contribute to a grandiose auditory experience. "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" is more than just an album; it’s an extravagant musical statement rich with innovation, rebellion, and extravagance. It captures the essence of the 80s while remaining timeless in its appeal,

a true testament to Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s boldness and creativity. "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" offers significant value from a queer perspective, particularly given the context of its release during the early 1980s. This era was marked by both the burgeoning of gay rights movements and the oppressive backlash against them, especially with the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Firstly, the band's openly gay frontman,

Holly Johnson, brought queer visibility to a mainstream platform, which was particularly impactful at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in media was scant and often steeped in stigma. Johnson’s unapologetic presence and persona challenged conventional norms of masculinity and sexuality in pop music, providing a powerful counter-narrative to prevalent homophobic attitudes. The album itself, through its lyrics and themes, toys with ideas of excess, pleasure, and taboo, all of which resonate with queer experiences of seeking affirmation and joy in a world that frequently marginalizes or suppresses nonheteronormative identities and desires. Songs like "Relax," with its notorious refrain, "Relax, don't do it, when you want to come," became anthems of sexual liberation and were embraced by gay communities as defiant celebrations of queer sexuality, particularly at a time when such expressions were politically and socially charged. Additionally, the

thematic content surrounding war and peace in tracks like "Two Tribes" speaks to the broader struggles for rights and recognition faced by marginalized communities, including the queer community. The call for resilience and resistance against oppressive forces parallels the activism prompted by the AIDS crisis and the fight for equality and acceptance. Overall, "Welcome to the Pleasuredome" resonates deeply within queer contexts for its bold, transgressive take on societal norms, its celebration of difference, and its embodiment of the struggle and jubilation inherent in the queer world.

Prides Across Scotland

Saturday 30th March Trans Pride

Scotland

Trans Pride Scotland Website

Saturday 25th May Grampian

Pride Saturday 30th March

Saturday 22nd June Pride

Edinburgh

Pride Edinburgh Website

Saturday 20th July MardiGla -

Glasgow MardiGla Website

Arran Pride 2024

1 June 2024

Dundee Pride 2024

15 June 2024

Shetland Pride 2024

15 June 2024

Fife Pride 2024 / Kirkcaldy

29 June 2024

Portobello (Porty) Pride 2024

29 June 2024

West Lothian Pride 2024 / Livingston

27 July 2024

Bute Pride 2024 / Rothesay

10 August 2024

Oban Pride 2024

31 August 2024

Moray Pride 2024

7 September 2024

If we have missed any please let us know at hell@qsmag.net

� � Pride 2024 announcement

From Highland Pride

We are delighted to announce that for 2024 we are planning a programme of events to celebrate Pride month in June across the Highlands, including a parade in Inverness (subject to approval) on 22 June 2024. There will also be some events in July. We know how important representation and visibility of our LGBTQ+ community continues to be in the Highlands. As we’re only a small group of volunteers, mostly based in and around Inverness, we are limited in what we can organise…both in number of events and locations ... we need YOUR help! No matter where you are in the Highlands, if you are a local organisation, a group, venue owner, artist, performer etc., and would like to organise / hold a Pride event as part of our Pride 2024 programme, we’d love to hear from you. If you have an idea you’d like to pitch, or if you already have plans at your local library, school or community centre, please get in touch too. We would love to promote your events as part of the Pride programme. We hope the LGBTQ+ community across the Highlands, and our neighbouring communities, will find the programme more accessible by removing some of the geographical barriers we face. If you would like to volunteer to help us, or sponsor us or our programme, we would love to hear from you too. Please contact us on: events@highlandpride.org For more information, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions: https://highlandpride.org/faqs-2024/ #Pride24 #HighlandPride #LGBTQ+ #Festival #Highlands

I Kissed a Girl - TikTok star, comedian and presenter

Charley Marlowe revealed as voiceover artist for new BBC Three series )

Interview with Charley Marlowe

Charley, tell us about your role as a voiceover artist on the show?

So, funnily enough, the BBC had only one rule about IKAG, and that was to find the sexiest northern lezza they could get to voiceover the show! Bingo, they found Marlowe and hit the jackpot. So my job as voice over is to provide another layer of queerness to the series, so you’re not only watching lesbians, but you’re listening to them as well. Being a voice over artist does make you feel very omniscient on the whole. I see EVERYTHING…not really. But I’d recommend the job to all.

Did you have a great time voicing the series?

Oh I had the most incredible time. This has been a dream job for me. Not only

getting to voiceover a show which is something I’ve NEVER done before, but the show being the queerest thing I’ve ever seen…double whammy!!! We would record a couple of episodes at a time so I was drip fed the drama and each week I was absolutely gasping for the next one, the cliff hangers are brilliant. If I’m honest it still hasn’t sunken in that so many people are going to hear my voice…even though it’s nothing different to what I already do really!

How does it feel to be part of this groundbreaking show?

It’s huge!!!! I have had to sit myself down so many times during the recording process to say to myself, you are recording the voiceover for the queerest show EVER !!!! it just doesn’t feel real. I’m such a lucky little lesbian and am so grateful to have this opportunity. It’s also

UNREAL to have my loud northern voice blaring throughout the series.

Without giving anything away, what can we expect from the girls?

Snogging! God, they all barely get a word in between all the smooching. Only joking I am (kind of). You can expect to see normal queer girls!!!! Not queer girls who are sexualised, fetishised or romanticised!! Queer girls who don’t know what they want, who want a relationship, who want a fling. Young queer girls who are exploring their sexuality and themselves in a safe environment. Of course, there’s loads of drama and it’s SUCH an unreal watch! But it’s fantastic to see queer girls being themselves without constraintsthat’s what you can expect. Christ, how deep!!!

A little birdie told us you're a MEGA Minogue fan. How is Dannii with the girls?

Oh my god I am the BIGGEST Minogue fan!!! I even remember exclaiming that I was NOT gay at my first Kylie concert…yeah right! Dannii and Kylie have created such a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and everyone adores them for it. They are both absolute icons and Miss Minogue put her everything into her looks this series. The girls were obsessed, and so was I!!!! I’m glad my reactions weren’t recorded every time Dannii came on screen, I think you’d have the longest “WOW” compilation you’ve ever heard.

The girls took on a Chemistry Test called Red Flags. Do you have any dating Red Flags to share?

There is such a thing as OVERcommunication, ok!! That’s all I’m

saying…Also a crush is just a lack of information. I love that saying. Unable to comment on my own red flags as I don’t have any xx

Spill the tea! Can audiences look forward to a bit of drama, or is it all smooth sailing for the girls this season?

Of COURSE there’s gonna be drama!!! As much as we love it when everyone gets along, an argument is always going to hook us in. Which is exactly what this series does. Shock revelations, mass amounts of snogging (which made me realise I’m more of a prude than I thought) and lesbians being lesbians. It’s got it all!!!

What makes I Kissed a Girl so special?

IKAG really is the first of its kind. It gives so many people a safe space where they can see themselves and

their community represented onscreen. The good, the bad - the cowboy boots - EVERYTHING. I know I’ve never seen a show with so many queer girlies in and it makes me so so proud that I’ve had a part to play in the whole thing. I didn’t have any shows that catered to me when I was a little lezza, I would just repeatedly watch Moulin Rouge and pretend I was Ewan McGregor… anyway. IKAG shows the reality of being a queer girlie - it’s not always sunshine and rainbows, believe me. And I ADORE the fact that the show is made by so many queer people who are so passionate about intentional queer representationeven the fact that I’ve voiced the show just shows they are bothered and they care!!! That’s exactly what a show as important as I Kissed a Girl deserves.

On iPlayer now

Classic Films that we love

"Longtime Companion" is a 1989 film directed by Norman René and was one of the first mainstream motion pictures to address the subject of AIDS. The film’s narrative follows a group of gay friends in New York City, marking how their lives are affected by the AIDS epidemic from its beginnings in 1981 through to the mid-1980s. From a queer perspective, "Longtime Companion" is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it humanizes the epidemic, presenting it not merely as a news item, but as a deeply personal tragedy affecting a tightly-knit community. The use of the term "longtime companion" in the film highlights the era’s euphemistic way of referring to a gay partner, which itself is a commentary on the social and legal

invisibility of gay relationships at the time. The film effectively captures the initial ignorance and fear surrounding AIDS, but also the tremendous acts of care, activism, and community solidarity that emerged in response. By focusing on a group of friends, the film personalizes the epidemic, showcasing the impact on relationships, from romantic partners to friendships, with a palpable sense of loss, love, and transformation. Critically, though, while the film was pioneering, it also represents a very specific demographic: mostly white, gay men. This narrow focus has been critiqued for not addressing the full spectrum of those affected by AIDS, such as the Black and Hispanic communities, women, and heterosexual individuals, who were (and remain) significant parts of the epidemic’s landscape. Moreover, the film's approach to depicting the response to AIDS, while heartfelt and deeply moving, can be seen as somewhat sanitized and gentle, possibly to make the subject matter more palatable to mainstream audiences of the time. Modern queer critiques might desire a more raw and unfiltered look at the anger and militancy of AIDS activism (a la "How to Survive a Plague") and the broader cultural responses from within the queer communities. Overall, "Longtime Companion" is often lauded for its bravery in tackling a topic that was highly stigmatized at the time of its release. It opens up necessary dialogues about grief, activism, and community resilience, serving as a vital cultural artifact in the representation of gay lives and the impact of AIDS. However, it also invites reflection on whose stories are told in mainstream narratives and whose are omitted, urging ongoing consideration and inclusivity in depiction.

Glow Up Series 6 now on BBC

iPlayer and BBC Three

.Interview with Leomie Anderson

Leomie Anderson

How does it feel to be returning for another series as host?

It’s so exciting to be back. I really missed being on set and having the pleasure of getting to know these amazing artists and watch them grow in the show. And of course I’m excited to pull out more looks of my own!

What differences did you find this time around from your first series?

I’m a lot more comfortable and know what to expect which feels good. I also feel better prepared to support the MUAs as their sort of friend on the show.

Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?

One of the artists created a look you needed a phone filter to see in all its glory, that was pretty epic! You’ll

have to watch and see how it turned out…

What do you love the most about hosting the show?

I love getting to surprise the MUAs with my own looks each day. They’d take bets on what colours I’d be wearing. My favourite part was watching the make-up transformations in real time because it’s where you truly see the MUAs passion for make-up come out - it’s a really interesting process.

Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Val and Dominic this series?

I loved meeting Alexis Stone as I’m a huge fan of his work and transformations! I also loved meeting Mitchell (Creative Director of Made By Mitchell) as we’ve followed each other for a while and it was our first time meeting face to face.

What would be your desert island make-up product and why?

Lip gloss - I literally cannot survive without it. I would simply shrivel up and die without gloss!

What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?

Prepping the skin before applying make-up is super important and also

setting your products with powder correctly.

What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?

They can expect a season of big personalities and even bigger makeup looks!

Interview with Dominic Skinner

Dominic Skinner

It’s series 6! How does it feel to be returning for another glittering series?

It feels incredible to be back with another series of Glow Up. More sparkle, more glamour and more fantastic looks!

What do you love the most about being a judge?

What I love most is seeing the development of all the young artists. Our goal as judges is to build up and encourage each of them so that no matter how far they get in the competition, they end up stronger, more skilled and an all-round better

artist to when they first entered Glow Up Studios.

Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?

There are so many moments that stood out for me but this year for the first time, we challenged the MUAs to create a full body paint look. Body painting is a passion of mine and it was so exciting to see what they were able to deliver in the incredible short time frame.

Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Val and Leomie this series?

Each guest judge we had this series was brilliant. They passed on amazing knowledge and shared so many wonderful tip and tricks to the MUAs. However, it was lovely having Isamaya Ffrench back. We had a lot of fun that day.

What would be your desert island make-up or skincare product and why?

I would have to go with SPF for practical reasons but i would also need a lip balm. I can’t sleep without putting lip balm on. If I have to be stranded on a desert island, I’d rather not be tired too!

What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?

The key to a flawless look is all about the base. If you prep the skin correctly and get a perfect match with your foundation, you can literally do anything you want and it will always look either good or on purpose!

What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?

They can expect bigger looks, bolder colours and bonkers creations!

Interview with Val Garland

Val Garland

We’re back and it’s series six! How does it feel to be returning for another glittering series?

I’m so excited I can’t wait! It’s unbelievable, I’m so honoured!

What do you love the most about being a judge?

I love how inspiring it is to be in the company of such untapped talent.

Were there any standout moments that you can share without revealing any major spoilers?

Well, let’s just say an ambulance was involved! You’ll need to tune in to find out more…

Do you have any favourite guest judges that joined yourself, Leomie and Dominic this series?

I was so in awe of all of the different flavours we were getting from out guest judges - it’s what makes Glow Up such an interesting and unique point of view. Each of our guest judges brings their expert knowledge, special brand of success and are trail blazers on the make-up motorway.

What would be your desert island make-up or skincare product and why?

Mascara, because it makes me look like I have eyes!

What do you think is the key to a flawless make-up look?

Preparation, tools, application and technique.

What can viewers expect when they tune in on BBC Three?

The highs, the lows the creativity and… The Drama!

Historical Figures of LGBTQ+ History

Sophia Jex-Blake was a pioneering figure in the history of medicine and a significant player in the fight for women's rights in the United Kingdom. Born on January 21, 1840, in Hastings, England, she is best remembered for being one of the first female doctors in Britain, and for her role in opening up the medical profession to women. Sophia Jex-Blake's interest in medicine was sparked when she encountered Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Inspired by Blackwell's achievements, JexBlake sought to pursue a career in medicine. However, she faced significant barriers due to her gender. In 1869, Jex-Blake applied to study medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Her

application initially led to her admission along with a small group of other women, who were collectively known as the "Edinburgh Seven." Their admission sparked a great deal of controversy and resistance. The women faced intense hostility from a segment of the university's students and faculty, which culminated in the infamous "Surgeons' Hall Riot" in 1870, when a mob of rioters tried to prevent the women from taking an anatomy exam. Despite these challenges, JexBlake and her peers persisted. They completed their studies, but the University of Edinburgh

refused to grant them degrees. Undeterred, Jex-Blake continued to fight for her right to practice medicine, and she finally earned her medical degree in 1877 from the University of Bern in Switzerland, which was then validated by the College of Physicians in Ireland. Sophia Jex-Blake's struggle did not end with obtaining her degree. She campaigned tirelessly for the medical education of women, ultimately opening the London School of Medicine for Women in 1874 and later, the Edinburgh School of Medicine for Women in 1886. Her efforts paved the way for future generations of female medical professionals.

Jex-Blake was also involved in other reform movements, including women's suffrage. Her life and career reflect the broader struggles and eventual progress of women in medicine and other professional fields, highlighting the intersectionality of gender, societal roles, and professional identity during the Victorian era. Sophia Jex-Blake died on January 7, 1912, but her legacy endures, marked not only by her contributions to medicine but also by her role in advancing women's rights. Her perseverance in the face of adversity has made her a respected and inspirational figure in both medical and feminist histories.

Dannii Minogue is back to play Cupid, as host of the UK’s first dating show for girls who like girls. I Kissed a Girl serves drama, smashes stereotypes, and promises more twists and turns than ever.

Ten singles are matched up and meet for the first time…with a kiss. But will it end in true love? Let's find out, as Dannii Minogue throws open the doors to a beautiful Italian Masseria for the ultimate summer of love.

With gripping love stories, sizzling drama, jaw-dropping outfits, and a shiny new Italian Masseria, this is one party you don’t want to miss. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it all starts with a kiss.

Episodes one and two of I Kissed a Girl will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 5 May. Episodes will air on BBC Three every Sunday and Monday night at 9pm

Interview with Dannii Minogue

I Kissed a Boy was the first gay dating show in the UK, and now it’s back and doing it for the girls as the first UK dating series for girls who like girls! How does that feel?

We are so excited to be back and to share the stories of these girls. They are open and honest in their search for love, funny and surprising, so get ready for a whole rollercoaster of emotions. I genuinely laughed and cried watching all the antics in the Masseria.

How does this series compare to I Kissed a Boy?

Although this is the same format, it feels brand new. The girls bring such a different energy and I feel stories of girls-who-like-girls have been sadly missing from so much of what we see on TV. While the girls open up to possible love, I think so many viewers will be both educated and entertained. As each day developed, it sparked a lot of heartfelt conversation on and off the set. With lots of queer females on the crew, it created an incredible environment that supported the cast and was a joy to be a part of.

What can we expect from the cast?

The girls are so much fun. They wore their hearts on their sleeve and they did not hold back - with their affections as well as their opinions. They are so diverse in their personalities and in what they are looking for in a partner. Just remember the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, as each episode reveals more and more about their vulnerability underneath the exterior.

What did you learn working with the girls?

I was on a learning curve with the boys, but with the girls, I actually needed a glossary of lesbian lingo to decode some of the conversations. In the best possible way, their language cuts to the chase - and I was happily catching up. You will know what I mean when you hear fun descriptions like ‘golden retriever’ and ‘black cat’. You work with the team on creating the brilliant Chemistry Tests. Tell us about the first one for the girls - Red Flags?

Red Flags leans into a saying that comes up in conversation regularly with the girls. We wanted to use this to find out what would turn each girl off or give her the ‘ick’. It was a great way for the group to get to know each other in the early stages of their summer of love. This challenge absolutely turned the Masseria upside down and there were long moments of navigating a level of awkward I had never experienced before.

As well as all the feels, the girls bring a lot of drama to the Masseria. How gripping are the episodes this season?

The girls move fast, and every episode is electric with the last minutes of each episode leaving me wanting to know what was going to happen next. It is like trying to predict what will happen in a game of Snakes and Ladders! Impossible. What makes this show so special?

The girls and their genuine search for love, with inhibitions left at home, we watch it all unfold in the sun-soaked romantic Italian landscape. In my role as ‘cupid' I always hope that an attraction sparks with such intensity that it leads to a lasting relationship - but my lips are sealed as to whether that happens this series. One thing I can tell you is that it was the ultimate lesbian summer holiday that the girls loved so much - I got the feeling they didn’t want it to end. I am so so proud of these girls and can't wait for viewers to discover this groundbreaking and hugely entertaining series.

Feminists hit back at trans-exclusionary activists in open letter

We, the undersigned, are a large and diverse group of women who are committed to ensuring that trans people feel welcome and safe within our society.

Recently there has been a rise in ill-informed articles and commentary, where writers have continually insinuated that trans women are not women. These same pieces misrepresent current legal statutes, equalities policies, and public attitudes in Scotland.

Since 2004 the Gender Recognition Act has realised, in law, the rights of trans women as women and trans men as men. Since 1999, the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations and then the Equality Act (2010) have recognised, in law, the right of the trans community not to be discriminated against on the basis of their gender reassignment. The right of trans people to access gender specific services is an already settled legal matter.

Many national and regional news outlets routinely fail in their pages to recognise this legal reality. Instead, it is our perspective that some writers rely on recycling outdated arguments in an uncomfortable attempt to shoehorn trans identities into much needed conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence.

We believe that national conversations about gender-based discrimination and violence are necessary, however these conversations should not in any way attempt to roll back the rights that trans people already have in Scotland, nor spread misinformation.

In the Scottish Government's recent public consultation on reforming the Gender Recognition Act (2004) a majority of respondents supported gender self declaration, as well as recognising non-binary people. As a collective of women, we urge that trans-exclusionary writers do not suggest that their narrow and archaic arguments are in any way representative of the women of Scotland. They do not speak for us.

This is not an issue of Freedom of Speech. Both sides have a plethora of platforms to outline their position. However, it is imperative that these platforms should not be used to spread misinformation or misrepresent the law or the facts in this area.

When this conversation is reduced to allegations of "shutting down debate" whenever misrepresentation or misinformation is challenged, the result is to purposefully discount the position of many women - like us - who support the trans community. We will be heard.

Trans people have played an integral role in every civil rights movement to date; from LGBT equality to women's causes. Attempts to airbrush trans people from conversations regarding equality and human rights, or to exclude them from advancements for LGBT and women's rights, have happened before. Such efforts may have re-energised, but they are nothing new, and we say as a collective of women: they are not representative of us. We support trans rights.

Outlets and commentators have an ethical responsibility to consider the impact of their reportage, analysis and commentary particularly on the mental health of trans young people. Recently, data from Stonewall Scotland revealed that over half of trans people considered ending their lives last year. Trans people continue to face unlawful discrimination and violence. Routine misinformation and sensationalism is contributing to a cultural climate where this is legitimised. This has to stop.

Journalists, commentators, and publishers have a central role to play in ensuring Scotland is a welcoming and inclusive place for trans people.

The conversation has to change.

Rhiannon Spear, Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Glasgow City Councillor for Greater Pollok Tiffany Kane, Vice Chair of Time for Inclusive Education (TIE) and Operations Manager at Common Weal Dame Emma Thompson, Double Academy Award Winner Laura Waddell, Publisher and Writer Dr Jennifer Jones, Independent Rosa Zambonini, Communications Manager to Member of the Scottish Parliament Cllr Jennifer Layden, SNP Councillor for Calton Dr Claire Askew, University of Edinburgh Laura Wylie, Sexual Violence Prevention Worker at the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus), Sinead Daly, CEO of the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (Dundee and Angus) Christina Neuwirth, Writer Kate Adair, SQIFF Eve Livingston, Freelance Journalist Kelly Given, Equalities & Mental Health Advocate Jennifer Constable, Journalist Rachel Hamada, Journalist Leona Jack, Gender Based Violence Practitioner Angela Haggerty, Journalist Lynne Davies, Foster Carer Amanda Stanley, Freelance Podcast Producerx, Kaite Welsh, Author & Journalist Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston Miriam Brett, International Finance Project Manager Sarah Masson, or Co-Artistic Director of Shift, Shift Theatre Fi and Charlotte Duffy-Scott, Co-Owners, Category Is Books, Glasgow Claire Biddles, Freelance Writer Erin Hardee, Schools Outreach Organiser School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee Dr Pat Cullum BA (Hons) DPhil FRHistS, FHEA, School Co-Ordinator for Student Experience, School of Music, Humanities and Media, University of Huddersfield Gail Ross MSP, SNP Member of Scottish Parliament for Caithness Dr Eleanor Janega, Guest Teacher at the LSE Cllr Kim Long, Green Councillor for Dennistoun Cllr Eva Murray, Labour Councillor for Garscadden/ Scotstounhill Cllr Christina Cannon, SNP Councillor for Springburn/Robroyston Cllr Martha Wardrop, Green Councillor for Hillhead Bailie Christy Mearns, Green Councillor for Anderston/ City & Yorkhill Cara Spence, Head of Programmes, LGBT Youth Scotland Amy Irons, Broadcaster Hannah Pearson, Queer Feminist Campaigner Rebecca Crowther, PHD Social Science Researcher Susan Ross, Police Scotland Jane Friffin, Head of Partnerships, LGBT Youth Scotland Michelle Sodo, Head of Operations, LGBT Youth Scotland Nicola Booth, Head of Youth Work, LGBT Youth Scotland Bridget Bradley, Teaching Fellow, The University of Edinburgh School of Medical Anthropology Naomi McAuliffe, Scotland Programme Director, Amnesty International Gayle Telfer Stevens, Olivier Award Winning Actor Jen Ang, Lawyer and Director, Just Right Scotland Lisa Clark, Senior Communications Officer, Children in Scotland Mhairi McMillan, Solicitor, Logans Solicitors, Cumnock Margaret Logan, Women’s Aid, Support Worker Dr Brandi Lee Lough Dennell, Research Associate Rona Mackay, SNP MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden Hazel Marzetti, PHD Student, University of Glasgow Pam Currie, EIS FELA President (Personal Capacity) Fiona Robertson, SNP's National Women's and Equalities Convenor Katherine O’Donnell, Journalist Christine Burns MBE, Equality Campaigner and Author Lucy Spraggan, Musician Leeze Lawrence, Producer, Editor, Filmmaker & Trans

Advocate Helen Nugent, Journalist and Editor of Northern Soul Janet Coulson, Actor and Creative Director of Firebrand Theatre Paris Lees, Writer and Broadcaster Marlene Zwickler, Agent and Producer Elena Soper, Feminist and Activist Mhairi Black MP, Paisley and Renfrewshire South Dr Lindsay Clark, Post-Doctoral researcher Jackie Brock, Chief Executive, Children in Scotland Joanna Murphy, Chair, National Parent Forum for Scotland Louise Oliver, Actor and producer Lady Mary Hope, Lady Hope of Craighead Audrey Barnes, Campaigns & Programmes Coordinator at YWCA Scotland Jemma Tracey, Senior Participation Officer, Children in Scotland Laura McGlynn, University of GlasgowBailey McCormack, Event Coordinator and Freelance Performer Emma Rogan, Senior Policy Officer at Children in ScotlandRóisín McKelvey, Feminist PhD Researcher Janine Ewen, Queer Feminist, Violence Against Women Campaigner Mhairi Hunter, SNP Councillor for Southside Central Sarah Currier, Feminist Blogger Dr Caroline Scott (Constituency Office Manager for Nicola Sturgeon MSP) Elizabeth Thomson, Campaigner at Amnesty Scotland Cass Macgregor, Scottish Green, NHS Physio, PhD student GCU Molly Mulready, Lawyer Wendy Jordan, Community Development Officer Hannah Boyle, Writer and Journalist Dr Alexi Drew, Post Doctoral Researcher in International Security at King’s College London Caron Lindsay, Scottish Lib Dem Spokesperson on Housing and Social Security Emma McDougall, Learning & Events Co-ordinator, Children in Scotland Rachel Thomson, Chair of YWCA ScotlandThe Young Women’s Movement Sinead Collins, Social Care Worker Lauren Toner, Senior Case Worker to a Member of the Scottish Parliament Sarah Higgins, Volunteer Sexual Violence Support Worker Lisa Ward, Sexual Violence Prevention Worker, Shetland Rape Crisis Non Executive Director, NHS Shetland Carole Anderson, Chair, SWAN- Scottish Workplace Networking for LGBT People Ruth Aylett, Professor Bissie Anderson, Journalism PhD Researcher Cllr Mary Campbell, Green Councillor for Portobello/ Craigmillar Cllr Lynne Short, SNP Councillor for Maryfield and Dundee City Convener of City Development Dr Rosemary Leslie, Veterinary Surgeon Cat Smith, Artist Ciara Maguire, Committee Member of the Scottish Queer Film Festival (SQIFF) Michelle Cameron, Student and Feminist Rececca Rae, Student and Feminist Cllr Susan Rae, Green Councillor for Leith Walk, Edinburgh Sophie Cameron, Author Patricia Johnston, Member of Scottish Labour Edinburgh Northern and Leith CLP Jess Yuill Annie Wallace, Feminist, Activist and ActressLesley Smith, Documentary Maker Susan J Rae, Women’s Support Worker Professor Tanja Bueltmann, Historian & Citizens’ Rights Campaigner Leyla Josephine, Poet and Theatre Maker Melissa Jennings, Author Nicole Kipar, LEADS, University of Glasgow Kiera Wilkins, MA student of Central European University Cllr Julie McKenzie, SNP Councillor for Oban North and Lorn Ward Cllr Debbi McCall, SNP Councillor for Penicuik Allie McGregor, Representative of Amnesty UK Feminists and Queer Feminist Campaigner Val Waldron Sara Lucia Carbonara, SEN Teaching Assistant Susannah McWhirter, LGBT Activist Hannah Nicholson, Writer and Performer Cllr Elspeth Kerr, SNP Councillor for Drumchapel / Anniesland Sarah Thoms, Campaigns Manager Madeleine Fenner, Writer Alexandra Butler, Personal Capacity Eilidh Thomson, Teacher Esther Curran, Artist Claire Black, Therapist & Counselling Coordinator LGBT Health & Wellbeing Juno Dawson, Bestselling Author Lynsey Morgan, Secretary of PCS Union in Scottish Government and Member of Glasgow Feminist Collective Chloë Minish, Political Advisor to Patrick Harvie MSP Katie Sproull, Co-Founder & Co-Convener of Glasgow LGBT+ Interfaith Network Carly Bell, Member of Scot-Pep Jennifer Maybanks, Trans Ally Jamie Munsey, Actress and Feminist Lorna Kelly, Research Scientist and Feminist Tomiwa Folorunso, Writer and Content Creator Rohanie Campbell, Youth Worker and Sex & Relationship Educator Julia Stachurska, SNP Students National Equalities Officer Catherine Burton, Chair of Race Equality First Katie Fisher, Programmer Andrea Baker, Mezzo-Soprano and Creator of Sing Sistah Sing! Lorna Ward, Scottish Bi+ Network Dr Penny Haddrill, University of Strathclyde Dr Chloë Kennedy, Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Kathryn Pierce, Founder, Somewhere EDI Katrycja Kupiec, Director of YWCA Scotland - The Young Women’s MovementStella Hervey Birrell, Writer and Poet Emma Walker, Mental Health Spokesperson, Scottish Liberal Democrats Lisa-Marie Ferla, Journalist and Blogger Dr Marie Mathers, NHS Lothian LGBT+ Staff Network Mel McKenna, Disability Advisor Tara Hewitt, Director Purple Infusion, Founder NHS Trans Staff Network and Co-Founder Trans Equality Legal Initiative Emily Benita, Writer Kirsten Salzer-Frost, Engineer Lorna Low, Midwife, Mum and Lifelong Feminist Cass Macdonald, Diversity Officer, North Edinburgh and Leith Liberal Democrats Rachel Plummer, Poet and Writer Suzanne Martin, Small Business Owner Sarah J Stanley, Artist and Musician Tia MacFarlane, Personal Capacity Kate Jarman, Director of Corporate Affairs, Milton Keynes University Hospital Hannah Burke, Press OfficerKaren O’Kane, Primary School Teacher, Mother and Feminist Amy Woodhouse, Head of Policy, Projects and Participation, Children in Scotland

EDINBURGH

The Regent Bar

Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL

Mon-Sat 4-00:00 Sun 4-00:00

Planet Bar & Kitchen

6 Baxter's Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AF

Tel: 0131 556 555

Open daily: 13:00-01:00

CC Blooms

23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA

Tel: 0131 556 9331

Mon - Sat 11am - 03:00. Sun 12.30 - 03:00

The Street

2 Picardy Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JT

Tel: 0131 556 4272

Mon- Sat 12:00 - 01:00; Sun: 12:30 - 01:00

Food served until 21:00

GET YOUR VENUE LISTED IN THIS SECTION OF THE MAGAZINE, SEND YOUR INFO TO, MAIL@SCENEALBA.CO.UK

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS AROUND THE COUNTRY TO HELP EXPAND THIS FOR ALL OUR READERS, THANKS.

GLASGOW

The Waterloo 306 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8LY Mon- Sat 12pm - 12am Sun 12:30pm - 12am

The Gallery Bar 101 Brunswick Street, Glasgow

AXM Club (Glasgow) 80 Glassford Street, Glasgow G1 1UR TuesSun 10pm - 3am

Speakeasy 10 John Street, Glasgow G1 1JQ Sun -Thur 5pm-1am Fri - Sat 5pm-3am

The Underground Bar 6a John Street, Glasgow G1 1JQ Mon - Sun: 12pm - 12am

The Polo Lounge 84 Wilson Street, Glasgow G1 1UZ Mon -Sun: 11pm - 3am

Delmonicas 68 Virginia Street, Glasgow G1 1TX Mon - Sun: 12pm - 12am Club X 9pm - 3am

Katie's Bar 17 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1HP Mon-Sat: 12pm -12am Sun: 12.30pm - 12am

The Butterfly Lounge 51 Cochrane Street, Glasgow G1 1PH

BARS, CLUB & SHOPS

Cheers Bar & Club

11 Hadden Street

Type to enter text

AB11 6NU Aberdeen

POUT Nightclub

St Andrews Street, Seagate DD1 2 Dundee

Kafe Kweer

5 St Peter’s Buildings, EH3 9PG

Edinburgh

Lighthouse - Edinburgh's Radical

Bookshop

43 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh

Logan Malloch art/gift shop

13 Leith Walk Edinburgh

Category is Books

34 Allison Street G428NN Glasgow

Kilted Fudge Company Ltd

Unit 17 1-2 Speyside Business Park, Dalfaber Industrial Estate

PH22 1ST Aviemore

Luke and Jack

Shop and more

45 Virginia Street,Glasgow,G1 1TS

CHARITABLE ORGANISATION

Equality Network,

30 Bernard Street, EH6 6PR Edinburgh

Four Pillars

33 Regent Quay, AB11 5BE Aberdeen

HIV Scotland

18 York Place, EH1 3EP Edinburgh

LEAP Sports Scotland

Baltic Chambers (Suite 35), Glasgow

LGBT Helpline Scotland

0300 123 2523

Information and support for LGBT+ ,

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

4 Duncan Place

Edinburgh EH6 8HW

LGBT Health and Wellbeing

12 Queen’s Crescent Glasgow G4 9AS

LGBT Youth Scotland

Mitchell House, 5 Mitchell Street EH6 7BD Edinburgh

Stonewall Scotland Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh

Waverley Care

3 Mansfield Place Edinburgh EH3 6NB