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AMBITIONLESBIANS IN BUSINESS 2009 WE INTERVIEW HIGH-FLYING PROFESSIONALS
A TAXING ISSUE DO WE NEED SEPERATE TAX ADVICE? WOMEN ONLY GIRLS WHO ONLY DO GIRLS BETH Scene all the latest DITTO listings on fashion, fat and Gossip’s new killer album
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highlights Beth Ditto editorial “ 020 7724 9898 Managing Editor Sarah ‘I know it’s here somewhere’ Garrett [email protected] My weight Deputy Editor Charlotte ‘very important’ Dingle [email protected] is a political Art Director Helen ‘that’s my mug’ Mathias [email protected] issue and Designer Thom Rhein [email protected] I love talking Film Editor Jen Kilchenmann Music Editor about it. Lea Andrews Sub Editor Kathryn Fox “ Original Design Concept Boutique Marketing www.boutiquemarketing.co.uk Contributors/Thanks to: Maggie Allen, Jane Almunshi, Nadia # Attura, Lulu Belliveau, Julie Bindel, 28 Nikki Chubb, Lynda Clarke, Dulcie Danger, Chance Delgado, Anna Maria 35 Espsäter,Philip Garcia, Mark Hawkin, Theresa Heath, Faye Hughes, Stefan Klenke, Chloe Marshall, Ara Maye, 41 Mercury, Anna Nathanson, Rebecca Roberts-Hughes, Ben Summerskill, Emily Towns
How lesbians are advertising forcing their way 020 7258 1777 through the double Senior Advertising Executives glass ceiling Have a gold star Maz Ogden for commitment Fashion in that [email protected] to lesbianism unpredictable Maggie Allen British weather [email protected] Dan Goodban [email protected] regulars Accounts Maria Liatou 07Ua^]b 72\Sea 91V][SZWdW\U 3 [email protected] Fashion faves and groovy All the latest news and Batteries included: we look Managing Director Linda Riley gadgets, plus music, fi lm and views, nationally and at eco-friendly cars. Kizz tells [email protected] event previews. Julie Bindel’s internationally. us about her Girl’s Night In. lesbian clone couples. PUBLISHERS Sarah Garrett/Linda Riley Square Peg Media Ltd 37 Ivor Place, 75Q][[c\Wbg 103b`OdSZ London NW1 6EA 38 d]WQS Jigsaw launches, shaving your We fi nd out how to Switchboard: +44 (0)20 7258 1777 Fax: +44 (0)20 7258 1787 Gay tax advice: has diversity hair for charity, plus we organise your gap year. ISDN: 1473-6039 gone too far? profi le SexYOUality. All advertising copy for September VSOZbV 2009 must be received before 107PSOcbg 15.8.09 Please send all advertising copy to [email protected] 47aQS\S 83`SQ`cWb[S\b Have two wheels, will travel: We check out Vanilla’s Miss How to score points and cycling, the new way to go. The content of this publication, either in whole or in part, may not be reproduced, stored in a data retrieval system Gay UK, WiSH and Furburger win that job at interview. or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without prior and preview Uni Challenge Woman on Top and club permission from the publishers. Opinions expressed in g3 magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. and Girls on Top parties. Plus queen, Nikki Chubb. 1`SZObW]\aVW^a10 © Square Peg Media Ltd 2000-2009. Square Peg Media Ltd t/a g3 magazine will take no responsibility a run down of all the latest Plus, starting your own Lesbian spotting: How to for any loss/claim resulting from a transaction with one of our advertisers/media partners. bar and club listings. business. tell if your best friend is gay. upfront
C Just send your letters to the send us your letters: usual address or email: mailbag [email protected]
STAR LETTER! Two VIP tickets to Machester Pride butch in business win! Want to join the most exclusive club at Pride and enjoy Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend? Win tickets worth £150 and join celebrities and VIPs in Pride’s exclusive lounge. Just answer the following question: Which Little Pop Princess is New in Town at Manchester Pride 09?
Tickets for the VIP Club can be purchased from Manchester Pride, including three free drinks tokens per day for the VIP bar, viewing platforms to the main stage. Application forms at manchesterpride.com or call 0161 236 7474.
Dear g3, I have written a poem in response to ‘Ding Dong... The Butch Is Dead?’ [issue 98]. Hope you like it… Ding Dong… The Butch is not dead or only a fantasy in my head. I hope the butch is here to stay ed’s letter and not now a whim that will go away. How dull it would be if all are men from Mars? lesbians were femme. Some of us would have no one to fancy then! This month, news hit our inbox concerning a lesbian couple who were turned away Because sexual variety is the spice from Tom’s Cruise Bar in Torquay. This may seem unusual but here at g3 HQ we often of life, we don’t all want to have a get letters from women who have been refused entry to well-known gay men’s bars lesbian wife. So give us a break and throughout the country. It raises the question: Do gay men and lesbians mix? Or do we enjoy whoever you are. then we can even want to? There’s a point to be made about whether, in the name of inclusion, enjoy you not just from afar. turning away women should be covered by anti-discrimination laws. Don’t forget, the JULIE TANT, LONDON arrival of Sexual Orientation Regulations laws in 2007 have made it illegal for gay ED: Wow! Thanks for viewing your people to be refused goods or services. opinion in rhyme, either you’re on drugs or have far too much time. Of This also raises the question: Why should these two unique groups of people want course we think that some so-called to mix? Just because we are homosexual, it doesn’t mean gay women and men butches are fi t, it’s just that times have anything more in common. Of course there are exceptions, but in general, there have changed them a bit. is no reason that gay men and women should automatically want to hang out. The summer’s Pride events are the biggest indicator that gay women and men can love letter mingle and have fun. With over 100,000 men and women fl ocking to Brighton and Dear g3, Thanks for your interviews Manchester Prides this month alone, there is recognition that these types of event are 4 with famous lesbian writers in about celebrating being out and championing all that gay people have accomplished… ‘Sapphic Scribes’ [issue 98]. Sarah together. But, this is where the common ground ends. Is it a case that gay women really Waters is my favourite author. and want to hang out in male-dominated gay places where they are not always wanted, or it’s great to hear from the women is it more of a case that in smaller, not-so-friendly gay towns there are fewer options. behind the books. SAMANTHA, VIA EMAIL Sarah single ladies Dear g3, Can we have an article and some advice about how to fi nd a decent girlfriend? I have been single for too long. Without being big headed, I’m quite a catch, but g3 liveU![OU Q] cY can’t fi nd anyone without baggage. Can’t get g3? Read the latest g3 magazine instantly ALEX, OXFORD on your computer by visiting our website which ED: Unfortunately, there are no includes instant access, page-turning graphics, music guarantees that anyone is issue-free. and fi lm videos, plus interactive web links from our But check our relationships section stories and advertisers. each month for advice. Check out the latest issue and archives at www.g3mag.co.uk 5 music//film//girls//toys//fashion//news//reviews//music//film//girl
6 s//music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//film//girls
This month: g3 gets up close and personal with Gossip front woman, Beth Ditto. Plus our fun quiz, tit bits and the latest reviews! TT`]\ahitting your spot again and again!
Babe of the month 3ZZg 7 DR Y\cR aUR N[Q_\Tf[\b` 8OQYa]\ SRZNYR UNYS \S RYRPa_\]\] Qb\ 9N ?\be @UR `U\a a\ SNZR dUR[ aURV_ `V[TYR /bYYRa]_\\S UVa [bZOR_ \[R V[ 7b[R N[Q [\d `UR `RRZ` a\ OR RcR_fdUR_R :` 7NPX`\[ _RNYYf V` U\a `abSS ¯ N[Q dR PN[´a URY] d\[QR_V[T VS `UR Wb`a ZVTUa OR ³V[ aUR PYbO´© La Roux’s self-titled debut album is out now. La Roux will be playing London’s Scala on 10 September, with the rest of their UK tour taking place in November. For more information visit www.laroux.co.uk bV 7AAC3
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the fun BVS:E]`R0]O`R5O[S If you’re after some no-batteries-required fun, then invite the girls round for a play with the L Word babes… A ruthless game to keep you all entertained, the contact as you fi ght tooth and nail to run The L Word’s hottest nightspot. Have you got the jewels to be a club >OZ[>`S;]PWZS>V]\S The mighty iPhone is all set to face a owner, or will some other backstabbing tramp beat serious rival in the form of the Palm Pre. you to it? Designed by a group of ex-Apple RRP £30 www.gamaka.com employees, this all singing all dancing smartphone has a 3.1 inch touch screen, slide out Qwerty keyboard, WiFi and 3g connectivity, 8GB memory, and a 3MP camera with fl ash. Currently fl ying off the shelves in the US, we excitedly await its release here. £TBC www.palm.com
the pal ;g2SaY4`WS\R Why trawl through your Facebook and email accounts, when you can get your bird to do it for you? This cute little social media companion reads out your messages, interacts through Facebook, and even responds to up to fi fteen vocal commands. The rest of the time it rolls around your desk, expressing fi ve different moods and a penchant for being tickled. Launches September RRP £50 www.mydeskfriend.com she’s just gotta have it 9 tech up in style with the latest gadgets the pictures =Zg[^ca3> >S\1O[S`O This old school camera has all the timeless style of the classic Pen SLR range, brought bang up to date with cutting-edge technology. Now it’s a smaller, more convenient digital point-and-shoot camera, complete with interchangeable lenses and fi lters, and the high image quality of an SLR. Retro-cool fashionistas and
budding photographers alike will be clamouring to get CHLOE MARSHALL !their hands on one. RRP £699 www.olympus.co.uk WORDS BY music//film//girlsT`]\aT Gear //toys//fashion//reviews//news//music//film//gir
the shoulder pads @WdS`7aZO\R Give yourself a retro-fi t at River Island. The fashion outlet is becoming one to watch for affordable and unique clothing designs. The 80s were responsible for many crimes against fashion, but some of the themes can work if brought up to date – yes, even rolled up sleeves and big shoulder pads! The Autumn/ Winter season shows that tight pants are the sparkle following on from being one of last year’s 4`SSR][ favourites, but add on their Tilly waistcoat and Big dangly earrings in acidic colours to Ondine sequinned blazer combo to give a match the tasteless beaded necklaces retro feel that’ll see you ‘dancing in the street.’ were a must to fi nish off your 80s Necklace £39.99, waistcoat £24.99, blazer £69.99, ensemble. Accessorising was everything grey marl shoulder pad T-shirt £16.99, boots £59.99 in 80s fashion and your ears did not get River Island 020 8991 4759 www.riverisland.com off lightly. For a more up-to-date, less offensive look, try these Rhinestone tiered hoop earrings, which come in a range of colours. Earrings £35 retro renegade… Topshop www.topshop.com 80s styles to make you smile the boots AVcV Although generally dwarfed by more pressing concerns, such as the battle to wear the biggest shoulder pads, 80s footwear was nevertheless noteworthy. Schuh have launched Milito, their own ‘blast from the past’ lace up boot in both patent and matt black leather. A cross between military boots and lesbian favourites, Doctor Martens, these are sure to be a real hit. 10 Milito boot £74.99 Schuh 0845 30 72484 www.schuhstore.co.uk
the blazer your favourite fl uorescent Ts – just don’t forget your SARAH GARRETT big bead necklaces and leg warmers! Blazer £60 !New Look 0500 454094 www.newlook.co.uk WORDS BY lsgirls//music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//film/ 11 music//film//girlsT`]\aT Quiz //toys//fashion//reviews//news//music//film//gir Are you HighMaintenance? Is your life one big, expensive melodrama, or do you just shrug your shoulders and move on? You’ve got a date. How do you Your boss asks you to work late prepare? on a Friday. What do you do? a) I apply a bit of lippy and put my a) I point blank refuse, and call a favourite dress on. cab to take me into town. b) I glance at myself in the b) I make a compromise, and just window of a parked car. do an extra hour. c) I book a manicure, a pedicure c) I stay in the office! until midnight. and a waxing session. The phone rings at 2am. What is your fi rst thought? a) I order another drink. She’ll get here when she gets here. b) I text to ask if she’s still coming. c) I leave her a voicemail telling her I hate her, and storm out of What’s your favourite meal? the club. a) A bag of chips. b) Pasta with a nice tomato sauce. Your best friend tells you she c) Russian Coulibiac. can’t afford to get you a birthday present. How do you respond? How do you like" to occupy a) I send her to Coventry. your spare time b) I’m absolutely shocked that she a) Riding my racehorses thought I expected one, and b) Walking round town. shower her with hugs and kisses. c) At the cinema, clubbing and c) I just tell her not to worry. Scores: 7-12: Low maintenance: reading. 1) a) 3 b) 1 c) 5 You’re completely self-reliant and easy to please. 2) a) 1 b) 3 c) 5 13-21: Average maintenance: You’re off work sick. Do you: 3) a) 5 b) 1 c) 3 You like some attention and indulgence, but #a) Hide yourself away and sleep. 4) a) 5 b) 3 c) 1 never over-do it. b) Make your girlfriend wait on you 5) a) 1 b) 3 c) 5 22-35: High maintenance:w hand and foot 6) a) 5 b) 1 c) 3 You’re a total screaming, stomping, c) Text a few mates to moan 12 7) a) 1 b) 5 c) 3 diamond-dripping diva. about how ill you$ feel. says she isn’t, Rumer Willis has obviously Li-Lo watch: decided to cut her losses and go with it. She We can’t keep up with these two. Just when GOSSIP is now all set to play ‘punk lesbian’ Gia in the we get used to the idea that they’ve parted second series of US teen drama 90210. company, it seems they’re back together. whore And then just when we get used to that… Good news for all you Heroes fans… It looks Yes. One minute they’re spotted having a Hayden like Hayden Panettiere’s character, Panettiere cosy lunch and the next minute they’re Claire, is going to be trying it out with the furiously dumping bags of clothes outside ladies. The fourth serious of the popular BBC one another’s houses. 2 sci-fi programme will apparently see Claire There are also strange rumours to the getting up close and personal with her effect that Lindsay has been trying to get CHARLOTTE DINGLE CHARLOTTE college roommate. into infamous lothario Russell Brand’s skin-tight togs – and, by all accounts, she’s After complaining last year that she keeps the fi rst woman in history he’s ever WORDS BY being mistaken for a lesbian, even though she turned down! lsgirls// music//film//girls//toys//books//news//reviews//music//film//girls/ 14 /music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//filT`]\aT TitBits m//girl WHAT WAS THE … first date LAST…? no-nos: … fi lm you saw 1. Bring10 your suitcase Up (new fi lm from Pixar) Yes, that classic lesbian mistake. … album you bought Music for Men – Gossip 2. Turn up an hour late She won’t care that the goldfish ate your MISS … club you visited shoes, she’ll just be annoyed. CODE, London 3. Talk about your counselling sessions … book you read Show off your legs, not your disturbed CUPCAKE The Queen of Whale Cay – psyche. Lynda Rathbone, Kate Summerscale DJ … magazine you bought 4. Get plastered Wired UK There’s Dutch courage… then there’s lager-fuelled insanity from outer space. JULY Fundaq… Monday 3 – Thursday 6 – Monday 31 Rosie Sunday 30 Becoming Marilyn at the Rosie Wilby at Edinburgh Fringe Festival – FUN Wilby The Camden Issy Van Randwyck of Fascinating Fringe – The Aida tackles the role of the iconic lesbian favourite blonde. www.edfringe.co.uk explores The Science of Sex. www. Issy Van 5. Show her that wicked party trick with camdenfringe. the talking buttocks Saturday 1 org Randwick City Pink Just… No! Summer Party – The bash to be seen at for lesbian or bi career women. 6.Try and pull the waitress www.citypink.co.uk Focus on your date, not on possibilities for a threesome. Ongoing… Flip fl ops – 7. Take her away for the weekend Time for everyone’s gnarled You really don’t want to be halfway to toenails to come out. Vile. Cumbria when you decide there’s no End of chemistry. August September is on its 8. Text under the table way, and the 15 fi rst hint of Tell your mates about the date afterwards autumn is – otherwise you may find yourself teasing the without a date to tell them about. DINGLE CHARLOTTE air. Sigh. GLUM 9. Start planning your wedding Asking a girl WORDS BY you only met ;cab`SOR last week Saachi Green/ what her favourite girl crazy – coming out erotica precious Published by Cleis Press £10.99 stone is will +++,, only terrify, not impress. From the college students whose fi rst girl-on-girl forays are captured on camera, to 10. Bring the ‘straight’ woman who is shocked to fi nd your best mate herself attracted to her young colleague, this The only place for gooseberries cheeky collection of tales will have you on a date is in a flirtatiously shared blushing all over. dessert. music//film//girls//toys//fashion//reviews//news//music//film//girlic//film//girls//toys//fashion//revie Beth On breaking Ditto into fashion, living it 16 large and ten years of fronting Gossip Her band have just released a new album, Music for Men, and she recently launched her own fashion range for plus-size clothing chain, Evans. Feisty, fat and fabulous femme, Beth Ditto, has defi nitely been fi ring on all cylinders… s//toys//fashion//reviews//news//music//T`]\aT Interview film 17 music//film//girls//toys//fashion//reviews//news//music//film//gir 18 “ T`]\a T Gossip, truly isawonderful creature: Beth Ditto, leadsinger ofaccclaimed alternative band this incollaboration with highstreet retailers Evansand the results are really exploit agapinghole in the market for stylish plus-sizeclothing. She has done when itcomes to gainingexposure. One of herlatest ventures hasbeen to dwarfed by anyone –indeed, sheseems to begoing from strength to strength Forgive the rest of usif we’re still notconvinced.Bethisalong way from being me, ‘Aren’t you afraidhe’llbecome this bigDJandgetall the attention?’”Hmm. “Nathan DJs four days a week andhegets alot of attention for that. People tell she who isabsorbingall the attention.“That’s really absurd,” Bethsplutters. However, Beth doesn’t seem to agree that, among the members of the banditis bitch oryou’reselfi You’re supposed to bereally selfl always felt that’s expected of you inaprofessional environment asa woman. being inextricably linked to herpositionasa female in the musicindustry:“I for themselves to their children andhusband.” Unfortunately, Bethsees this as should always beselfl duty. They should stayathomeandnot want anything for themselves. They the motherina family andhowamomisn’tsupposed to leave hermaternal fi to your albumanditnever hurts to try your best.” How does it feel to be the that anything canhappen. You never knowhowmany peopleare going to listen taught Beth? She says:“Ilearned alot over the years… The lastalbumIlearned It’s beena decade since Gossip recorded their fi gentle people of all time. He’s genuinely amusiclover.” things. Helikes to have hishandinalot of different pots.He’s one of the most us, actually!” Bethenthuses.“I don’t really know why. I think hejustlikes new Johnny Cash. So why did they choose to work with himinparticular?“Hepicked co-head of Columbia Records, andhaspreviously worked with starssuchas Rubin, which mayhave helpedcontribute to this change of direction. Rubinis grown-up.” The bandare now working with anewproducer, Rick sound like a Gossip record butmake itsoundalittlemore adult– explains: “Ourapproach was to keep itreally simple, to make it rocky sound, with itsslicker, more electro-based tunes. Beth year. Itmarkssomething of a departure from Gossip’s trademark Music forMen big fat lesbian.Hallelujah! So what’s the lovely ladybeenup to? signifi series of identicalstraight,skinny starsisstarting to lookasifit abundant fi beacon of hope for everyone alittle… different. The sight of her gurehead inall this? Beth says of herrole in the band:“I would compare it to what’s written written what’s It’s a bad idea. It’sidea. bad a es areal shiftinpublic opinion. It’s nolongeruncool to bea I never read never read I gure gracingmagazine covers usually reserved for a about me. me. about , Gossip’s fourth album, was released on 22 June this sh.” sh.” ess and givingawayeverything that they’ve ever wanted Interview ess and giving,andif you’re not, then you’re a an outspoken rst album. So what hashindsight “ women should wear. “It’s called curvier suggest most would darefashion designers to kind ofthingthat the stunning –acolourful whirl of funky patternsand way-out designs. Inshort,not get both). Our guessis,Beth Dittoisn’tgoinganywhere. Thank God. print leggingsandgeometricsequinned prom dress (hint: we think you should to hop online to attempt the agonisingchoicebetweenblack and white domino branches nationwide–andif your local branchisn’t one of them, you only need end there. news doesn’t be playingatReading andLeedsFestivals at the end of August. And the good Fortunately for those of us who think Ms Dittois damned fabulous, Gossip will what people think.” maintained that she will never slim down, andshe tells us:“Ireally don’t care But my weight isapoliticalissueandIlove talking aboutit.” Bethhasalways what’s written aboutme.It’s abadidea.I think ifI read stuffI would getupset. feel to have hersizeunderconstantscrutiny? Bethresponds: “Inever read detractors, who frequently feel the need to poke fun ather weight. How does it This bodypositive gesture is yet anothermiddle fi his accessories.” There’s Frédéric andhe does alinecalled Castelbajac. There are somenew designers that Ijust fell inlove with recently. inspirations are many and varied: “Ilove Jeremy Scott andIlove Jean-Charles de but I felt no one was ready for that. Too wild!” As with hermusic, fashion creative! Ireally went on alimb for that one! I felt like callingit‘BethRow’, Beth Ditto forEvans Beth Ditto For more information visit www.gossipyouth.com For more visit information www.gossipyouth.com Beth Ditto forEvans Beth Ditto Nuit N°12 is available now at selected isavailablenowatselected and www.bethdittoatevans.co.uk nger to her(mostly tabloid) . It’s amazing.I wear alot of ,” Beth tells us.“Very WORDS BY BEN SNOW/FAMOUS & CHARLOTTE DINGLE lsgirls// music//film//girls//toyT`]\aT Opinion s//fashion//reviews//news//music//film//gir 6` Y\\XV[T Na f\b_ TV_YS_VR[Q YVXR Y\\XV[T V[ aUR ZV__\_, 7bYVR /V[QRY Re]Y\_R` ³9R`OVN[ CLONE :R_TV[T @f[Q_\ZR ZONE Lesbian Merging Syndrome (LMS) is a common affl iction in our community. Couples who merge, or are ‘joined at the hip’, can be seen in lesbian enclaves all over the world. These couples, who automatically spend every weekend together, fi nish each others’ sentences and have the exact same hairstyles can be spotted from Hebden Bridge to Hackney. Let me set out my stall. I have been with my partner Harriet for 23 years. We choose to be monogamous, but have many separate friends, interests and opinions. We share a core value system, but disagree on many issues. We neither need to keep tabs on each other, nor feel insecure if one of us chooses to take a holiday with a friend as opposed to with one another. My partner and I have separate bedrooms. No, this does not mean we have experienced ‘lesbian bed death’ and no longer sleep together. It means that I can watch TV in the characteristics or gender stereotypes to 28. When the hets were glued to the TV on middle of the night (I am an insomniac), pile follow, they can get away with it. Lezzers, on a Saturday evening whilst their babies were my clothes on the chair rather than hang the other hand, often appear to have only asleep upstairs, we were having fun-fi lled them in the wardrobe, and have the odd one lifestyle or the other. The more nights copping off, breaking up, getting pissed illicit fag without upsetting anyone. But the conventional we lesbians become – with and being generally outrageous. How times 20 reaction of some ultra-merged lezzers to our pets, kids, mortgages and timeshare change. We are now as guilty of washing cars our separate rooms has been extraordinary. apartments in Spain – the more impossible and feeding babies as the rest of them. One woman actually called us “freaks” it seems to be able to live differently to You could argue that this is more to do whereas another said “Isn’t it nice when straight society. with age than sexuality or outlaw status, but I you can carry on sharing a house with Sasha Roseneil, Professor of Sociology would beg to differ. As we have fallen into an ex?” and Social Theory at the Birkbeck Institute the habit of asking for ‘rights’ and ‘equality’ we Inviting friends for dinner can be for Social Research has argued that while have lost our radical edge. Whilst gay male embarrassing if they suffer from LMS. What if heterosexuals are becoming more ‘queer’, campaigners tend to ask for sympathy, and they assume the girlfriend is invited too, and lesbians and gay men are moving towards argue that we “can’t help what we are”, two of them turn up at the door when you the conventional. This is worrying. Those of radical lesbian feminists of my generation are are only expecting one? Have you ever you in your forties and older will remember more inclined to view lesbianism as a dared invite only one half of a couple when the time when lesbianism was challenging to positive alternative to heterosexuality, and you happen to know them both? heterosexuals rather than a reassurance that demand an end to discrimination. Lesbians can be so badly behaved as we are the same as them, but differently The more we appear to be just like them, couples that a whole raft of jokes have wired. Whilst the straights were seen the less society will view us as proudly emerged about LMS. “What does a lesbian washing the car and trimming the hedge on different. As more and more of us acquire take with her on the fi rst date? Her suitcase.” a Sunday morning, we were organising LMS, the likelihood is that heteros will appear Perhaps heterosexuals are as bad, but pickets of the Ideal Home Exhibition to more radical then we are. Is that what we because they tend to have distinct protest against something such as Section really want? lsgirls// 21 music//film//girls//toys//books//news//reviews//music//film//girls/ 22 /music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//filT`]\aT Live m//girl Arts & Culture don’t for girls who like to be out miss! festival favourites: the words summer sundae 3RW\Pc`UV7\bS`\ObW]\OZ weekender 0]]Y4SabWdOZ Iconic lesbian writers Carol Ann Duffy and Sarah Waters are among those scheduled to appear at this unmissable literary festival, running over two weeks in Edinburgh. Established authors will be unveiling new books, and there will be storytelling from The Charlatans, Imelda May, Saint around the world as well as a chance to Etienne and The Streets are among those experience other elements of Scotland’s announced to perform at this year’s thriving creative scene. With authors from Weekender, described by The over 45 countries in attendance, as well as Independent as an “unfailingly hip festival”. around 200 Scottish authors, look forward to There will also be poetry, a comedy tent, lots of debates and discussions. family area and cinema tent. the movies 15-31 August. Various prices. Charlotte Square 14-16 August. From £92. De Montfort 4`WUVbTSab Gardens, Edinburgh. www.edbookfest.co.uk Hall, Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU Prepare to be scared as Frightfest, the biggest www.summersundae.com annual horror fi lm festival in the country, kicks off at the end of August. The fi ve-day fl ickathon v festival features the best in new world horror, including premieres and previews. There will be some exciting special guest speakers, with directors and stars amongst those attending. Thousands of horror fans fl ock to this one, so you’ll be in good company. It’s the festival’s tenth anniversary The 14th V Festival boasts a talented this year, too, meaning you can expect an extra and eclectic line up. Those appearing helping of the unexpected! include Lady Gaga, Snow Patrol, Lily 27-31 August. Prices from £10. Empire Cinema, Allen, The Killers and Oasis. Artists are Leicester Square, London, WC2. placed on rotation, so that the festival www.frightfest.co.uk can take place simultaneously in two different parts of the country. 22-23 August. Various prices. Hylands Park, Chelmsford and Weston Park, Stafford. www.vfestival.com reading & leeds festival 23 the A mammoth display of live music festival awaits you at this electric annual <]bbW\U6WZZ festival. As at V Fest, bands are on 1O`\WdOZ rotation so that the event can reach Get ready for Europe’s largest annual street festival, as music fans in both the North and carnival fever takes over this month. Don your most South of the country. Acts appearing outrageous outfi t and get into the party spirit as you join include Kings of Leon, Placebo, Gossip, over a million other revellers on this legendary day out. Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead. Main attractions include fl amboyantly-costumed dancers, 28-30 August. Various prices. colourful fl oats, lively bands and over 40 static sound Richfi eld Avenue, Reading and NATAHANSON ANNA systems playing a host of carnival music. Bramham Park, Leeds 29-31 August. Free. Notting Hill, London, W2. www.readingfestival.com www.thenottinghillcarnival.com www.leedsfestival.com WORDS BY music//film//girls//toys//books//news//reviews//music//film//girlsT`]\aT Reviews / music/keep on track we for girls who want to stay in tune love… … KELLY PEPPER. g3 talks to the burgeoning It has an edge that recalls Mazzy Star, pop princess. and a strangeness that is all her own. MICHAEL She is defi nitely not singing about the JACKSON joys of spring here, and it would be a August 29, 1958 - poorer album if she were. It is hard to June 25, 2009 believe this album was entirely made at home as it is so multi-layered and unearthly in its beauty. How did you start out? I started singing when I was about five and started writing songs when I was in my early teens. I did a couple of courses to help my stage persona and Moving on to something far more song writing, and these led to energetic Shir Khan presents Exploited me being signed by Baby Girl (Exploited), which is a collection of his Music. label’s fi nest achievements to date. Loosely described as electro house, but What do you sound like? in fact far more interesting than other I’ve heard different comments exponents of the genre, this double CD about what my music sounds is absolutely brilliant. The highlights for like over the years. My music is Whenever a great artist dies, me include an amazing remix of Soho’s pop/dance, tracks that will get there is a strange period of Hippychick, and Gipsy Kings by Malente people on the floor dancing time during which we all have & Dex feat. Analogik. Worth the money, both now, and hopefully for to get used to speaking about however you get hold of it. years to come. them in the past tense. Ye t their work is all around us, as Super club mega brand Cream are back Who/what are your infl uences? vibrant as it always was. When with the latest edition of their award I love a wide spectrum of that artist is Michael Jackson, we all winning compilation Cream Ibiza. You music and I believe you can have to go through the tidal wave of Nell Bryden releases her second studio can’t really argue with the quality of this take a little something from opinions on his life, his history, his album this month What Does It Take? product, and there will always be an every track you hear and love mental health, and everything else that (157 Records). She originally funded her audience for this shiny techno trance and use it. Vocally I’ve always 24 made him almost unreal. So it is hard to career by selling a painting she found in and house collection, no matter who aspired to the greats such as remember that a man born in 1958, her loft, and continued to fund it by the mix is by. This year, following on Whitney and Celine. I think what won a talent contest in Harlem and by simply having a tremendously soulful from the success of Paul van Dyk, we are Lady Gaga’s doing is amazing, the age of eight was singing lead vocals, and beautiful voice. Think bluegrass, treated to Eddie Halliwell and Saunder and Britney in her heyday was fronting the Jackson 5. I cannot imagine retro soul, with a country lilt. Van Doorn. It’s polished, it’s funky, and it pretty inspirational too. losing my experience of childhood, or a does exactly what is says on the tin… relatively normal teenage existence, Gemma Ray Handy for shoe shops and embarrassing Where/when can we see you play? and I shudder to think of the person I souped-up ford KAs too. I’m currently doing a Gay Pride would’ve become had I lived Michael tour, the final date of which Jackson’s secluded yet scrutinised life. I See you next month, try to stay alive! will be Cornwall Pride on 8 Want You Back was recorded when August. I’m also doing lots of Jackson was 10 years-old, and captures other summer festivals and the very essence of a young boy with club PAs before the release of more talent in his left thumb than most my forthcoming single, Miracle people dream of. I listen frequently to Staying with country-tinged pop, but Man, so look out for those this recording, and it is this that I shall this time with a darker edge, Gemma dates online. ANDREWS/CHARLOTTE DINGLE LEA remember: the keen and excited young Ray gives us LightsOut Zoltar (Bronzerat boy, about to change the world, not the Records). Fans of Ms Ray include Seasick For more information visit confused and troubled adult. Steve and Jimmy Page – oh, and me too. www.kellypepper.co.uk WORDS BY /music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//film//girls/ 25 music//film//girls//toys//books//news//reviews//music//film//girlsT`]\aT Reviews / screen/what to watch for girls who like a good fl ick ;cabaSS cinema/ coco before chanel Out Now ++++, From the writer of the excellent Natalie, Anne Fontaine, comes Coco Before Chanel, a biopic following the story of Coco Chanel’s rise from obscure beginnings to become a fashion industry icon. Audrey ‘Amelie’ Tautou takes on the title role and there is already talk of Oscars. As you would expect, the sets are lavish and the costumes stunning. Tautou shows off her acting chops and I am happy to once again be able to say that I enjoyed a French fi lm! It’s both a sad story and a fascinating one which will make you want to run out and get a little black dress… ;cabaSS dvd/ damages season 2 Out 31 August +++++ dvd/treading water Out 31 August +++,, Of all the lesbian movies out there – and granted there aren’t enough – I’m just not sure Treading Water was the right one to pick for release. It’s a classic for anyone who isn’t in their twenties or younger. It frankly hasn’t aged well, and I am unfortunately in a mood that leads me to say “just because it has lesbians in it, does not make it a good lesbian movie!”… It’s 26 your classic story: girls have a beautiful life together but one is I could not be more excited haunted by her mother’s inability to about Damages Season 2. accept her daughter’s sexuality. Is it a Season 1 was already, frankly, happy ending? Find out for yourself. one of the best TV series around, and the second season has gone a further step closer dvd/the burning plain to sainthood. First of all it stars Out 24 August the awesome Glenn Close, ++++, who is as sharp as a steak knife. But second of all, the incredibly Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron finally return to the screen in this dark, talented and beautiful Rose character-driven little gem. The Burning Plain follows the story of a young Byrne is back with equal girl, Sylvia, and the tragedy that haunts her into adulthood. As ever, Theron sharpness and slyness. To talk gives a riveting performance as the older Sylvia, full of pathos and truth. about the plot would be to Basinger is also on top form and completes an outstanding cast. If you give too much away. It’s Season haven’t got much patience with a slow plot where not much happens, this 1 but darker, meaner and KILCHENMANN JENNIFER is probably not for you. But if you’re a fan of a well-written, sharp narrative, colder. Watch acted well, you could be in for a treat. it or miss out. WORDS BY /music//film//girls//toys/books//news//reviews//music//film//girls/ 27 featured Pink In association with Stonewall AMBITION Lesbians in Business 2009 /b`V[R``d\ZR[ N_R ]b`UV[T UN_QR_ NTNV[`a aUR ]V[X PRVYV[T dVaU \ba N[Q ]_\bQ YR`OVN[` d\_XV[T V[ `R[V\_ ]\`VaV\[` NP_\`` ZN[f ]_\SR``V\[NY ONPXT_\b[Q` 0UY\R :N_`UNYY aNYX` a\ \S aUR Z\`a `bPPR``SbY YR`OVN[` V[ Ob`V[R`` ]\YVaVP` N[Q NPaVcV`Z I joined the media industry in 1995 and I’ve worked for I’ve moved jobs for a breadth of experience, and have some of the biggest media agencies on some of the not been afraid to take risks. My best advice is to create biggest brands. I was Director of Planning & Strategy at a strong identity and skill set for yourself, so you stand Universal McCann, responsible for redeveloping global out. The media industry is young and open-minded planning process and leading the agency’s strategic and I’ve never encountered any real prejudice. But it’s and creative output. At News International, I work still a man’s world, with the usual hard drinking and across The Sun, The News of The World, The Times and golf playing dominating business entertainment. /PPO The London Paper, my job remit is literally “anything As the economic climate impacts the advertising <3E03@G different”. My team do anything from sponsoring industry. I only hope that, as businesses look to make Position: Director of conferences in Richard Branson’s back garden, giving savings, we are able to retain flexible working practices, Creative Solutions away Mars branded footballs with The Sun, and local allowing women with children to manage kids and Company: News International community makeovers with Dulux. careers. 1O`]Zg\ :33 Position: Head of 28 Diversity and Inclusion Company: Herbert Smith LLP I started my career as a lecturer in English Literature, then worked for Capita as IT project manager and technical writer, moving on to Deutshe Bank as a financial writer. During my redundancy, I set up a company making hula hoops for professional circus performers and started my role at Herbert Smith in 2006. At university I had very strong, out lesbian role models, and have been out since my early twenties. When I started work, I didn’t hide my sexuality and came out at interview. With hindsight, I may have been lucky it didn’t affect my career, but being out means there are fewer places for prejudice to lurk. My career path has evolved unexpectedly over the years, and having the confidence to be myself has been essential. featured /\USZO 3/5:3 Position: MP for Wallasey As a woman, “ don’t be frightened of being 29 “ opinionated. I completed my degree at Oxford University in Politics, As a woman, don’t be frightened of being opinionated. know. Times are changing, partially because of the Philosophy and Economics, then worked for the CBI and You need passion and political opinion, and be upfront changes in Equality Law and the Civil Partnership Act. the Confederation of Health Service for Employees. From and able to articulate arguments. When I first became The only other woman I know of who was outed in there I ran in the 1992 election, ousted a long -standing interested in politics, my heroine was Barbara Castle, a Parliamentary history was Labour MP, Maureen Conservative MP to become the first Labour MP for the very feisty Labour Cabinet Minister in the 1970s who Colquhoun, who lost her seat at the subsequent constituency. While Labour have been in power, I’ve was the highest level female politician of her day. The election in 1979. My experience has been very different, done four different jobs in three different departments. shape and structure of politics was formed by men, and thank goodness. I’m currently the Minister of Pensions, and the Ageing I’m constantly trying to re-engineer it to involve Society at the DWP. women. I’m the only lesbian in Parliament, as far as I featured Pink AMBITION 4S[W =B7B=8C Position: Managing Director Company: Challenge Consultancy Ltd. I have a background in sales with companies such as Adecco, The Voice and The Observer, and progressed to being an Outreach Officer for the Greater London Council and working at Haringey Council Lesbian and Gay Unit. In the late eighties, I founded Challenge Consultancy in order to provide an integrated approach to equalities, while most others were addressing single strands such as race, disability or sexuality. I leapt upon every opportunity, and approached everyone who could help me build my business. I worked six or seven days a week for “ several years, and learned to embrace change. I came out and stayed out. If anyone had a problem with my sexuality, they had to deal with it. Nowadays, equality issues are firmly on the agenda and many of the battles have been won. There are out lesbians and gay men I came out everywhere, and the Pink Mafia is stronger than ever! However the current economic climate is often used as an excuse to avoid taking and stayed out. diversity issues seriously, and as a shield for discrimination against If anyone had a problem certain people – such as the request I recently received: “Just show us how to avoid getting sued without spending too much money.” with my sexuality, they had to deal with it. 8cZWS “ 07<23: Position: Freelance Researcher and 5`SbO Journalist A167::3@ Position: Freelance Director/Producer As a director/producer of walked across a soft topped outdoor documentaries, I discover interesting Jacuzzi and fell into it! stories with compelling characters. The main challenge is convincing TV editors My advice is to save money for hard that serious documentaries can also be times, stick to your dreams and work entertaining. Once I get the money, I hard. Watch a lot of documentaries, not have to make the film I promised, no just those on TV. It is harder for women matter what. I have worked around the to get ahead in this career, especially if world for 25 years, and my most you have a family, as the job always memorable faux-pas was on my first takes precedence. 31 interview for Before Stonewall when I I left school at 15 with no qualifications and became involved in unpaid feminist activism. I then got involved in the ‘grey economy’ and ran a catering company for lesbian events in London. I went to university at age 27, studying Film and Discourse. After graduating I got my first research job and progressed to become a writer and journalist. I’m currently researching sexual violence for a voluntary organisation in London and writing for The Guardian, g3 and Channel 4. The main difficulties arise from men and anti-lesbian women thinking Greta Schiller with they’re superior. I’ve received accusations of being a man-hater simply politician and former for criticising men who abuse women and children, or because I won’t London mayor, sleep with men. It is easier nowadays, we have made improvements Ken Livingstone by campaigning and refusing to be labelled as second-class citizens. featured Pink AMBITION AcS EO\RO A/<23@A 5=:2E/5 Position & Company: Adviser to Position: LGBT Rights Activist Smedvig Venture Capital, and Co-Chair of Schools OUT and Non-Executive Director of the LGBT History Month :]cWaS Performing Right Society, 6=EA3 Non-Executive Chair of You at Before I went to Drama College, I sold things door-to- Position: Managing Director Work Holdings Ltd and True North door, such as encyclopaedias and even wigs and fire Company: Aventis Coltman Media Human Capital Ltd, Director of extinguishers. I then trained as a teacher and spent four Challenge Consultancy and a years teaching. I went to Australia and did a variety of I started my media planning and buying career in one Postcomm commissioner by jobs, including working in a women’s prison. I returned of the UK’s largest media independents, Mediaedge: government appointment. to work in a London school, looking at the issue of sexism, CIA. I’m now the Managing Director and one of the and coming up with strategies to tackle it. I helped to start founding members of Adventis Coltman. I run the I graduated in economics at the London School of Schools OO in 1974, and became a trainer on gender company and its staff, and work closely with some Economics (LSE), and had a 25-year career in marketing and sexual orientation to the Crime Prosecution clients to plan the best media strategy. I got where I am in a diverse range of industries from cosmetics to unit Service, the Essex Police and the Criminal Justice Service. today by learning quickly on the job, having strong trusts and travel. I am a tough negotiator, clear about I’m now on a variety of advisory groups including the mentors and understanding that media is more than what I need professionally and personally and Home Office Advisory Board, the Metropolitan Police just numbers and costs. determined not to compromise when people suggest LGBT Advisory Group, Suffolk County Homophobic “as a woman I’d got as far as was possible”. Forum and the NUT Working Party, as well as running Luckily, I haven’t had any real difficulties, perhaps Schools Out and LGBT History Month. because I was already well-established in my business I’ve always been out at work and if anything, I’ve before coming out. I still find it tedious outing myself benefited because I was offered one senior job after You need to be able to do about 10 things at once, with when I meet a new contact – the conversation can be another, as people thought that unlike other women, I good organisation and networking skills. You should overridden by their curiosity! Organisations like wouldn’t get pregnant. I saw many other senior women make and maintain connections because someone Stonewall have helped in driving out prejudice in the losing out on salary and promotion, because of sexism you meet now could be very senior in the future. If you workplace and acting as a great support. in business. Everyone who has ever hired me must want to make changes, you need to get into where you have thought “Wanda is obviously a lesbian but her can make a difference and work outside the institutions talents and skills are such that we aren’t letting that get but also make effective links with them. As a political in the way” so they’ve accepted the real me before woman who is lesbian and works for feminism, I want they’ve offered me the job. to challenge patriarchy and oppression. I’ve been qualified as a solicitor for four the ‘pronoun game’ when discussing my years. I trained in a ‘magic circle’ law firm, personal life. Fortunately, times have but have since moved to a smaller firm with changed, and no one batted an eyelid when more personality. I grew up on a council estate I came out at my current firm. If anything, it and went to a comprehensive, but worked gives me an advantage. Law firms and the hard to earn a place to read law at Cambridge City have accepted that women want to, before training as a solicitor. I stayed focused and can, have it all; an engaging and on the bigger picture, and surrounded rewarding career and a real and fulfilling 3[[O myself with people I like and look up to. family life. It takes a lot of energy, but I E==::1=BB believe that it is possible. Position: Solicitor I was told my career would be hindered if I Company: Mishcon de Raya was out, so at the start of my career I played 33 featured 34 featured . ³T\YQ `aN_´ YR`OVN[ V` N YR`OVN[ dU\ UN` [RcR_ `YR]a dVaU N ZN[ 0UY\R :N_`UNYY aNXR` N Y\\X Na aUR ]b_R N[Q aUR YR`` ]b_R NZ\[T b`© STAR QUALITY Gold star lesbian status is awarded to sexuality is something to be proud of, experiences? As gay women are those who’ve never done the deed with then it is clear how ‘gold star girls’ see becoming increasingly accepted and a member of the opposite sex – and themselves as that bit more credible. open in wider society, perhaps they feel don’t ever plan to either, thank you very But how many of us are that clear less of a need to assert their sexuality. much. Does this make them in any way a about our sexuality from day one? Many Self-confessed lipstick lesbian Emma is superior or more credible lesbian? How lesbian and bi women follow a jagged the fi rst to admit: “I love being glamorous many true gold star girls exist, and what path towards discovering their sexual and girly, so of course I’ve always attracted do they think of the rest of us? preference, having had a variety of more males than females. It should come As one gold star lesbian quite simply experiences with both sexes, before as no surprise that I experimented a little 35 puts it: “If you really know you’re a lesbian, getting a clear idea of their true with the opposite sex as a confused you’ve got no reason to sleep with a orientation. “To be honest, I don’t think teenager…Who hasn’t?” man”. Fiona feels that if you’re sure about most of us would say that our previous Even some women of the more butch what you do like, there’s no point in trying relations really count as sex at all” explains variety have dabbled in straight sex. something that you don’t. She adds that Anna, who had experience with males in Patricia says: “My girlfriend is a ‘full on’ by refraining from sex with a man, she is her younger years. “The fi rst time I was dyke, and she is very sexually aggressive. taken more seriously as a lesbian, and with a girl, I fi nally realised what all the fuss But occasionally, she likes to have sex with feels a greater sense of solidarity with was about! I wasn’t sure what all that stuff a man to indulge in her more submissive those who share her status. was about before!” or feminine side.” Patricia explains that her The status of being “unsullied by male Perhaps it’s just a part of growing up girlfriend’s hetero indulgences are “no hands” as described by one gold star that many of us kiss a few frogs before we threat whatsoever, it honestly doesn’t lesbian, is something to be proud of fi nd our prince – or princess. “Most gay affect our relationship.” As unusual as because it proves a true understanding of girls have had het sex at least once,” Fiona Patricia’s attitude may seem, she is clear her sexuality. “My sexuality is concrete” admits, and she is well aware that she is that men pose no threat or cause for Fiona adds “It’s not a lifestyle choice or the very much in the minority. So are gold concern in her life. They are actually just result of a drunken experiment. It’s star lesbians a dying breed? Or is it just toys for her in a way – making her attitude something that I’ve always known and that gay women are now more open to quite assertively lesbian. always will.” If being assured of your talk about their prior heterosexual And just as some gold star lesbians featured view the less ‘pure’ as less credibly lesbian, male-to-female transexual, says: “Gender people to whom that is exactly what it many lesbians view bisexual women as doesn’t matter to me, personality is the means! inferior in a similar way. The sexual fl uidity most important thing, you never know Sometimes, what one lesbian sees as a of a bi or bi-curious woman is often who you’re going to fall for. Overall I’m sign of purity or pride can be seen as looked down upon by lesbians, who see attracted to femininity more than derogatory by another. Perhaps all of their behaviour as a slap in the face, masculinity. If I have to say, I guess I’m more these contradictions arise because hurting the lesbian cause. Anna says: “I’m lesbian than anything else.” And yet, Zoe’s women are made to feel guilty about tired of being messed around. A woman orientation as “more lesbian” while sleeping their sexual past, as a result of judgements has to know what she wants to get me. with a transsexual is probably unlikely to that most often seem to come from male I’m a person, not an experiment.” be approved of by the gold star group. mysogynists. As women, especially Gay or straight, some women prefer In an interview with New York Times those who identify as ‘gold star’ or feminist, to keep their sex lives to themselves, and Magazine, American fi nancial adviser and we should be careful not to contribute don’t see it as something that should play television personality Suze Orman to this. a big part in their identity. Others don’t identifi ed herself as a gold star lesbian by Whether lesbian and bi women feel 36 agree with the assumed superiority of the saying: “I have never been with a man in less of a need to defi ne their orientation gold star lesbians, because they don’t want my life… I am a 55-year-old virgin.” than they have previously, or feel more to be pigeon-holed into any one type of Unfortunately, although she was merely open to try (or admit to trying) sex with sexual orientation in the fi rst place. being playful, she actually touched on a a man, the gold stars are defi nitely on the Zoe, who is in a relationship with a common attitude to lesbian sex – that decrease. There are many colours in the it doesn’t count as real sex. The idea of rainbow, and just as the gold stars can be all gold star lesbians being ‘virgins’ seems proud of their status, so can every other laughable to us, but there are many woman. As a community of women who “ love women, we are stronger if we accept Gender doesn’t matter to me,our differences, and come together to personality is the most importantcelebrate our lady-loving similarities. thing, you never know who “ you’re going to fall for. voice A Taxing ISSUE g3 Readers’ Poll: HM Revenue and Customs recently the laws which apply to your acquired gender. But Do you think published a booklet of advice for the LGBT should tax payers simply be expected to fi nd this HMRC was community. Charlotte Dingle wonders if it’s information elsewhere, or is having it all in one place justifi ed in a much-needed resource or an empty useful enough to justify printing the booklets? Do releasing a token gesture. these laws even need to be explained in such depth, special booklet or are they self-explanatory? Opinions seem to be of tax advice for On the cover, a rainbow fl ag fl utters invitingly against divided… LGBT people? a blue sky. Turn to the fi rst page and there is a robust The booklet’s detractors have criticised HMRC endorsement from Stonewall. So far, so good. But for spending money on a separate publication for a just how useful is this new 20-page publication? minority of the population rather than incorporating While many herald it as a victory for gay rights, it into guidance which everyone can follow. The print 50% others are calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money. run was only 5,000, however, at a not exactly \S f\b `Nf fR` Va` URY]SbY a\ So what’s the difference between tax advice for extortionate cost of £1,356. It is perhaps churlish to UNcR NYY aUR LGBT people and tax advice for everyone else? The object to what is a relatively modest expenditure, V[S\_ZNaV\[ V[ fi rst line of the booklet says: “From 5 December even if it may not be an entirely necessary one. \[R ]YNPR 2005 when the Civil Partnership Act came into HMRC’s gesture cannot be viewed as anything other 25% of you say no, force, same sex couples in civil partnerships have the than a step in the right direction for inclusiveness. the information is all same legal status as married couples for tax Derek Munn, Stonewall’s Director of Public Affairs available elsewhere purposes.” Much of the booklet merely goes on to says: “Lesbian and gay taxpayers deserve and expect and 25% of you don’t reiterate this principle in more detail. Indeed, the value for money, just like anyone else. HMRC are to know. To vote on next month’s poll, visit advice for transsexuals is based on a similar concept - be commended for adopting a proactive approach www.g3mag.co.uk once you’ve changed gender, you are governed by to equality. If passed, the Equality Bill currently being 38 Natasha, % Angela, !! ;O`YSbW\U :]UWabWQa Shona, ! 3fSQcbWdS “Any kind of recognition :OegS` “Why should there be a is positive. To look at “I think the government diff erent publication for this kind of progress as already focuses a lot on LGBT people if a lot of negative is missing the other minority groups, so the laws are essentially point.” why not gay people too?” the same?” voice debated by Parliament would require all publicly funded services to adopt a similarly proactive approach – something that Stonewall strongly welcomes.” Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, disagrees. He says: “This is a gimmick, not a real aid. HMRC already produces tax advice for people with civil partnerships and it’s right that it does that, but there’s no need and no demand for a special booklet for Pride events. Who goes to Pride to pick up tax and accountancy tips? Everyone would be better off if the tax man focused more time on doing the job and keeping our personal data secure, and less time trying to be politically correct.” The booklet was originally created after HMRC representatives asked people at a Pride celebration what kind of tax help the LGBT community needed. It was then handed out at London Pride in July. It is true that, in some ways, Pride seems a strange choice of event at which to quiz people about, and then give out, tax advice. The last thing you’re concerned with 39 when you’re half cut on lager and cruising all the hot girls is how much Child Tax Credit you might get if one of the hot girls decides to shack up with you and start a family. On the other hand, Pride is probably the best place to be sure of making face-to-face contact with the maximum number of LGBT individuals. The last part of the booklet is devoted to outlining HMRC’s equal opportunities recruitment policies and urging LGBT individuals to consider a career with them. Critics have said that this, too, didn’t really need to be published. However, it’s diffi cult to fi nd room to criticise a government body which is attempting to diversify its staff force in this way. The booklet may be full of information readily available elsewhere, but the fact remains that it is an important symbol of the government’s attempts to reach out to the LGBT community. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MODEL : Nadia Attura Lauren FASHION DIRECTION Mercury Come Rain… What to wear in the unpredictable British summer. 40 Dressed for rain, but got sun… Lauren wears: Jacket by Gant, T-shirt by Religion, trousers by Gant, shoes by Viva La Diva. Dressed for sun but got rain… Lauren wears: Dress by Religion, bag by Simply Be, shoes by Viva La Diva. … or Shine! 41 Shining bright at night… Lauren wears… Left: dress by Religion, bag by Red or Dead. Right: Hood by H&M, top and shorts by Religion. 42 43 STOCKIST DETAILS: GANT: WWW.GANT.COM / 0845 1111010 H&M: WWW.HM.COM / 020 7323 2211 PORTOBELLO MARKET: FRI TO SUN, PORTOBELLO RD, LONDON W11 WWW.PORTOBELLOMARKET.ORG RED OR DEAD BAGS: WWW.REDORDEAD.COM / 0161 764 3322 RELIGION: WWW.RELIGIONCLOTHING.CO.UK SIMPLY BE: WWW.SIMPLYBE.CO.UK VIVA LA DIVA: WWW.VIVALADIVA.CO.UK She gave up… Lauren wears… Dress by Simply Be, belt from Portobello Market, shoes by Viva La Diva, bag by Simply Be. 44 45 bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsTT`PR[R / 46 //girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bar This month: g3 checks out Nightingales, Escape and Taboo. TT`PR[RYou’ve got to be scene to be seen club of the month 5W`Za]\ B]^. @SdS\US! !"=ZRAbSW\S 0`WUVb]\0< Thursday 11 September 6a dN` AUb_`QNf ¯ \_ N` Va´` PNYYRQ V[ /_VTUa\[ ³AUb_`TNf´ ¯ N[Q NYY N_\b[Q aUR PVaf TNf TV_Y` dR_R TRaaV[T _RNQf S\_ aUR UVTUYVTUa \S aURV_ PYbOOV[T dRRX .` [VTUa Q_Rd PY\`R_ aUR a\d[ dN` ObggV[T N[Q aUR ?ON_ dN` ]NPXRQ a\ aUR _NSaR_` dVaU N[ RePVaNOYR P_\dQ NYY T_NOOV[T aURV_ " Q_V[X` ORS\_R UVaaV[T aUR `\baU´` OVTTR`a TV_Y` [VTUa 4V_Y` \[ A\] Na aUR V[SNZ\b` 0YbO ?RcR[TR 4V_Y` \[ A\] UN` _Rc\YbaV\[V`RQ aUR YR`OVN[ `PR[R V[ /_VTUa\[ \cR_ aUR 47 ]N`a ad\ fRN_` URY]V[T a\ ab_[ aUR PVaf V[ a\ N YR`OVN[ ZRPPN DURaUR_ S_R`U \ba \S aUR PY\`Ra \_ `RN`\[RQ WWW.3SIXTYMAG.CO.UK YNQf Y\cR_` TV_Y` S_\Z NYY dNYX` \S YVSR P\[T_RTNaR \[ aUR 4\A QN[PR¼ \\_ a\ N `\b[Qa_NPX \S PHOTOGRAPHS © © PHOTOGRAPHS P_\dQS_VR[QYf ab[R` Girls on Top takes place every Thursday. For tickets and full information DULCIE DANGER | go to www.revenge.co.uk August truly is a great month for girls as this month also ends with a spectacular GOT party at Revenge on Sunday 30th. WORDS BY bars//clubs//girls////bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//cluT`PR[R Style This month’s Style photos were taken in popular Soho lesbian haunt Candy Bar, at 4 Carlisle Street. For more information visit www.candybarsoho.com 48 Joanna 23, Student Trousers H&M, £12 © ARA MAYE PHOTOGRAPHS PHOTOGRAPHS bs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//T`PR[R Style Andi, 28, Bar Manager Boots Camden, London, £180 Lara, 20, Student Bag Camden, London, £20 Lola, 21, PA Ring Pride, £25 49 Tina, 34, Designer T-shirt Mentalwear, £25 Lianne, 22, Bar Supervisor Hat Berwick Street, London, £10 50 51 bars//clubs//girls////bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//cluT`PR[R 52 bs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//T`PR[RReview $ $EWA6.5`O[O^V]\S 1][[S`QWOZAb`SSb/ZRUObS3Oab:]\R]\3 Saturday 4 July Kate Lawler & Kath Harding Kate Lawler © STEFAN KLENKE WWW.STEFANKLENKE.COM STEFAN © The place to party after parading at Pride this year was well east of Soho, in Gramaphone on Commercial Street, where WiSH hosted their monthly event. Pub prices made sure that PHOTOS everybody was able to keep the party swinging, and the house and guest DJs kept the dancefl oors packed all night. Upstairs was the domain of John Sizzle, Sean Hewson and La Coop, ARA MAYE | playing dancefl oor classics from every era, while downstairs Kate Lawler, Kath Harding and VJ Hobbyboy made sure everyone was well entertained with bangin’ WORDS BY beats and awesome visuals. Big Brother winner Kate certainly drew in the crowds, with the DJ box mobbed for most of her set! 53 No London WiSH in August, as the crew will be helping celebrate Pride down south. Brighton ladies, look out for them hosting the Main room at the Ocean Rooms! The next London WiSH will be on 5 September. For more information visit www.club-wish.co.uk bars//clubs//girls////bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//cluT`PR[RReview ;Waa5OgC9 .DO\WZZO #>`W\QSaaAb`SSb 5`SObS`;O\QVSabS`; Sunday 24 May In May this year, 23-year-old Charlie Lloyd was g3: Other than this fabulous g3 photoshoot, what else did you crowned Miss Gay UK 2009 at Manchester’s Alter win as a prize? Ego club. g3 stopped her for a chat… CL: I won free Manchester Pride tickets, Paul Mitchell hair products, an i-Pod, a free meal for two at Taurus restaurant in g3: Charlie, what do you do for a living? Manchester… Oh, and a lovely pink ‘MISS GAY UK’ sash! CL: I work in retail which I absolutely HATE! I also do g3: What was the evening of the competition like? What photography at uni, so hopefully, one day, I will have my dream happened? job as a photographer. CL: It was a bank holiday, so it was an early start on the drinking for me. We were outside Vanilla and that’s when I signed up for g3: How do you feel about winning the Vanilla competition? the competition. I wasn’t sure at fi rst but my mates bet me, and CL: I am absolutely made up! I Can’t believe I actually won! I’m always up for a bet. So it all went from there really. Next thing I knew I was up on the stage against the other contestants answering questions and dancing!! I didn’t think I had a chance of 54 winning because a lot of the other contestants had been preparing for weeks and had large followings in the audience. I only had two mates with me! They shouted out the winners third, second then fi rst… the third place winner was CHARLIE! I walked up to the stage to win third prize and was told to get down, it was a different Charlie. I was fuming because I was made up with third place. I was on my way to the bar when I heard CHARLIE LLOYD.… FIRST PLACE! So I shimmied on up to the stage to collect my sash! Good times! g3: Are you planning to do any modelling work in future? CL: I had never really thought about it before but after doing my photo shoot with Lulu for g3 yesterday I really enjoyed it. I would consider it… Any offers? Ha! LULU BELLIVEAU For more information on upcoming Vanilla events, PHOTOS BY visit www.vanillagirls.co.uk bs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//T`PR[R 55 bars//clubs//girls////bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//cluT`PR[RReview 4c`Pc`US` >WQO`Rg>ZOQS.56? 3RW\Pc`UV Friday 10 July In the attractive surroundings of the back room of GHQ in Edinburgh, a stylish crowd of up-for-it lasses partied the night away. The folks at Furburger ask their 56 customers to: “Wear good shoes and bring beautiful people,” and it looked to us like most of them had obeyed. Furburger also calls itself the club “for girls who like girls who like music.” So what did EMILY TOWNS EMILY DJs Funki Diva, Dejaybird, Boy Toy and Debi T offer up? Well, it said ‘eclectic’ on the tin, and it didn’t lie! Everything from PHOTOS BY old school indie faves to a dash of sultry R’n’B had us riveted to the dancefl oor for most of the evening. The next Furburger is on Friday 14 August – be there or be kicking yourself CHARLOTTE DINGLE | later! For more information visit www.myspace. WORDS BY com/clubfurburger bs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//T`PR[R 57 58 59 bars//clubs//girls////bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//cluT`PR[RPreview C\W1VOZZS\US .;O\QVSabS` AbcRS\bC\W]\ =fT]`R@]ORO\R/QORS[g ;O\QVSabS`; Saturday 29 August The ultimate Manchester Pride party, this is one you really can’t afford to miss. A red hot collaboration between some top gay promoters, this event sees the likes of Federation, Evolved Events, Organic and Gaydio joining forces to make sure you have the night of your life. This will mark the 10th anniversary of this huge event, so it will be even more of a special occasion than ever before. We guarantee you’ll be on your feet from 10pm till 5am, with a host of top name DJs making sure you party till you drop! If you’ve still got any energy left after all this, Federation will also be holding a Wild West event at the Ritz on Sunday 30 60 August! Yee haw! For more info visit www.uni-challenge.com or www.clubfederation.com CLUB FEDERATION CLUB | PHOTOS © SCHARLOTTE DINGLE DINGLE SCHARLOTTE WORDS BY bs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//T`PR[R 61 barsT`PR[RT clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars// 62 /clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsT`PR[RT //girls Listings //bars//z//ba \ bars/clubs/events \ don’t for girls who just can’t stay in THIS MONTH’Smiss! Readers Date ESSENTIAL NIGHT! LONDON guide MONDAY 1O\Rg0O` A=CB6 1st Mon: 3 August 4 Carlisle Street, Soho, London 2nd Mon: 10 August <=@B6 3rd Mon: 17 August 4th Mon: 24 August AUR_R´` Y\a` a\ Y\\X S\_dN_Q ;72:/<2A Last Mon: 31 August a\ Na aUR a\] DR`a 2[Q A1=B:/<2 TUESDAY 1st Tues: 4 August YR`OVN[ cR[bR aUV` Z\[aU E/:3A 2nd Tues: 11 August 6S f\b dN[a U\a TV_Y` `Ref 3rd Tues: 18 August QN[PR_` SNO 17` N[Q N Listings are ordered by region Last Tues: 25 August and then by day. If you can’t WEDNESDAY `afYV`U cR[bR Y\\X [\ fi nd the address, it may be in 1st Weds : 5 August Sb_aUR_ 0N[Qf /N_ V` \]R[ our Boozer Guide. 2nd Weds: 12 August If you’ve been to a listed 3rd Weds: 19 August S\_ TV_Y` N[Q aURV_ TbR`a` event and it’s advertised Last Weds: 26 August RcR_f RcR[V[T DUf [\a incorrectly in our listings, THURSDAY URNQ aUR_R a\[VTUa, please let us know. 1st Thur: 6 August 2nd Thur: 13 August g3 recommended events 3rd Thur: 20 August dddPN[QfON_`\U\P\Z >> new entry events Last Thur: 27 August Ytransport links <girl ratio (out of 5) FRIDAY 1st Fri: 7 August 2nd Fri: 14 August 3rd Fri: 21 August Soul Wednesday @ The girls’ night. www.lounge.uk.net theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk. 4am. £4.<< Promoters Last Fri: 28 August Edge, 11 Soho Square, Soho <<<<< 7pm-12am (show 8.30pm- Usual Suspects@ First Out, W1. Live acts. 9pm till late. Miss-Shapes @ Ghetto, 10.30pm). £5. < 52 St Giles Street Soho WC2. Listings info and large, high SATURDAY www.edgesoho.co.uk. < 58 Old Street EC1. [1st Pulse @ Lo-Profile 84-86 www.firstoutcafebar.com. res photos must be sent by 1st Sat: 1 August Thurs] 10pm-late. www. Wardour Street, Soho. www. <<<< 15th of the previous month. 2nd Sat: 8 August THURSDAY ghetto-london.co.uk. £2/FREE profilebar.co.uk. <<<<< Wotever Extravaganza @ Listings not guaranteed. 3rd Sat: 15 August B4 midnight with Q-Jump. Queen Bees @ 66 Stoke RVT 372 Kennington Lane, 4th Sat: 22 August Bitch Slap @ The Green <<< Newington Rd, Stoke Vauxhall: [13 Aug] Showcase Please include the Last Sat: 29 August Carnation, 5 Greek Street Dave’s drop-in centre Newington N1. [3rd Fri]. Avant of queer talent!. www. following with all listings: Soho W1. [2nd Thurs] @ RVT, Kennington Lane, garde women’s night. www. theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk. Club/night name, venue and SUNDAY [email protected] Vauxhall SE11. www. myspace.com/stavb. 10pm- <<< address, frequency and day/ 1st Sun: 2 August <<<< date, description of DJs/music 2nd Sun: 9 August Bird Club @ Bethnal policy, opening times, contact 3rd Sun : 14 August Green Working Men’s details and percentage female 4th Sat: 23 August Club, Pollard Row Bethnal Boozer attendance expected. Last Sun: 30 August Green E2. www.myspace. Send all listings to: [email protected] com/birdclubcabaret. [2nd Guide Thurs] £6/5. << Blush Acoustic @ Blush, Angel (The): Cabaret bar. 21 Cazenove Rd, Stoke Church St, Stratford E15. (T): Newington SE11. Live music 020 8555 1148. and comedy. 8pm-12am. £3. Bar 68: Friendly bar, 68 :]\R]\ <<<< Brigstock Rd, Thornton Heath, Chicks Rock! @ Zenith CR7. 020 8665 0683. MONDAY Newington N16. Bar, 125 Packington Street, Black Cap: Mixed bar + club. www.blushbar.moonfruit. Islington N1. [2nd Thurs & 171 Camden High St, NW1. Frat Party @ Ghetto, 58 com/ 02079239202. 8pm, 4th Thurs]. www.zenithbar. 020 7428 2721. (T): Camden Old Street EC1. www.ghetto- FREE. <<<< co.uk. 7pm-2am. Free entry. Bird in Hand: 291 Sydenham london.co.uk. 10pm-late, Ruby Tuesdays @ Ku Bar, <<<< Rd, Croydon. 020 8683 3104. £2/FREE before midnight 50 Lisle Street, London WC2. Chocolate @ Ghetto, 58 Pool, darts, function room. 63 with Q-Jump. << www.ku-bar.co.uk. Low-lit Old Street EC1. Indie-pop www.birdinhand.info. SOHO basement venue for girls. mash up. [1st Thurs] www. Blush: Intimate, friendly TUESDAY FREE, 9pm-3am.<<<< ghetto-london.co.uk. £2/FREE bar. 8 Cazenove Rd, Stoke 82 Norwood High Street, the basement. 7pm-12am/ Bar Wotever @ Central B4 midnight with Q-Jump. Newington, N16. West Norwood SE28. 020 10.30pm on Fridays. 30 Old Station, Wharfdale St, WEDNESDAY << Brewery Tap: Community 8761 5200. www.ego- Compton St, Soho. Kings Cross N1. Queer talent Gay Girlz @ Heaven, pub for South Londoners. southernpride.com. Bar, club, 020 7494 2756 YLeicester Disco Value @ Ghetto, 58 78 Lingham St, SW9. meet.www.centralstation. Old Street EC1. [2nd Weds] Embankment. W2. cabaret experience YWest Square YStockwell co.uk. 6pm-12am, FREE. www.ghetto-london.co.uk. 11pm-4am. Free with Norwood BR Trash Palace/Ghetto: 58 <<<< fl yer. Facebook: Gay Girlz Box (The): Café bar. 32-34 Escape (The): Cosy venue, Old Street. EC1. Popular << Monmouth St, WC2. YCov. Comedy Camp @ Barcode, Glitterati @ Ghetto, 58 <<<< fun atmosphere. 8 Brewer alternative venue. www. Archer Street, Soho W1. Laughing Cows Comedy Gdn St, Soho. 020 7734 2626. ghetto-london.co.uk. Old Street EC1. [1st Weds] Catch 22: DJs, pool and www.comedycamp.co.uk. £8 www.ghetto-london.co.uk. Night @ Private Eye’s YLeicester Sq Green (The): 74 Upper St, members (£2 membership). Private Dining Room The cocktails. Wellington Terrace, Enclave: 25-27 Brewer Street Angel. 020 7226 8895. Y << Turnpike Ln, N8. 020 8881 << Laura Steel @ Sh!, Hoxton Coach and Horses, 29 Greek W1. Private members’ bar. Angel 1900. YTurnpike Ln >> Fish Market @ Belushi’s, Square, Hoxton N1. [2nd Street, Soho W1. [1st Thurs]. 020 7434 2911. Joiners Arms (The): Up for it Camden Town.New weekly Female stand-up night. Charlie’s Bar: Stylish, cosy Flag (The): Traditional mixed crowd. Open ‘til 2am. Weds]. Acoustic set. www.sh- cocktail bar. 124 Globe Rd, E1. girls’ night! www.myspace. womenstore.com. www.laughingcowscomedy. boozer. 29 Crouch Hill, N4. 116 Hackney Rd, Shoreditch. <<<< 020 7790 1007. YStepney com/friedafi shmarket << Miss Basin’s Jarmy Bingo co.uk. 7.30pm. £7/£5 concs. YFinsbury Park 020 7739 9854. Meat Whiplash @ Ghetto, <<<< Green First Out: Cafe/bar. 52 St KazBar: 50 High St, Clapham @ The Windsor Castle, 152 Duke Of Wellington: Soho’s 58 Old Street EC1. Post- Bath Rd, Hounslow TW3. Ladies Night@ Load of Hay, Giles High Street, Soho SW4. 020 7622 0070. punk/Electro-noir/Wonky 207 Pinner Rd, Watford Heath traditional pub. ‘til 11pm. 77 YTottenham Ct Rd YClapham www.windsorcastle Wardour St, Soho. 020 7439 Freakzone-pop. www.ghetto- hounslow.co.uk. << WD19. [Last Weds].. www. Friendly Society: Bringing King Edward VI: Friendly london.co.uk. 10pm-late. loadofhay.co.uk. 9-11pm, 1274. YPiccadily. out the London-cool. Tilman mixed bar, 25 Bromfield St, N1. Quiz @ Blush, Cazenove Rd, Edge (The): 3 fl oors of £2/FREE B4 midnight with Stoke Newington SE11. Cash FREE. <<< Cr, Soho, W1 (adjacent to Ann ‘til 12am. YAngel Q-Jump.<< Lounge @ Vertigo tasteful décor. 11 Soho Sqare, Summers). 020 7434 3804. prize! 9.30pm-12am, £1. W1. 020 7439 1313. Games Night @ Blush, <<<< 1 Leicester Square, YLeicester Square Cazenove Rd, Stoke Soho WC2. [2nd Thur] Stylish Ego @ Southern Pride: G-A-Y Bar: Women’s bar in barsT`PR[RT clubs//girls//baListings //clubs//girls //bars//clubs//girls//bars//c www.gspotgirlbar.com Stiletto @ The Chapel Club K @ The Livery, 130 Exilio @ Rez Bar, 1 Nine Elms FRIDAY <<<< Bar, Penton St, Islington. Wood St, City of London St, Vauxhall. LGB latino club. Calling All Tribes @ The Karaoke @ Blush, Cazenove N1. [Last Fri]. For bad girls EC2. [1st Sat] www.clubk. www.exilio.co.uk. Macbeth 70 Hoxton Street Rd, Stoke Newington SE11. who love good music. www. co.uk. £6 B4 10/£8 after. £8 b4 11pm/£9 after, Hoxton www.myspace. www.blushbar.moonfruit.com. stilettoparty.co.uk. <<<< <<<< 10pm-3am, <<< play Trailer Trash @ On The Club Wotever @ The Fun for Females @ a com/themacbethuk. FREE B4 8pm-12am. <<<< 10.30/£5 after.< Kill Your Pets @ Ghetto, Rocks, 25 Kingsland Rd Masters Club, 12 Denman secret location. Erotic party . Club Kali @ The Dome, 58 Old Street EC1. Electro. Shoreditch, E2. St, Piccadilly, W1. [4 www.funforfemales.co.uk. list 1 Dartmouth Park Hill, www.ghetto-london.co.uk. www.myspace.com/ Oct].www.woteverworld. <<<<< Tufnell Park N19 [3rd Fri]. 10pm-late. £2/FREE B4 trailertrashin. <<< com. 9pm-3am, £8/£5 in G-A-Y @ Heaven, The www.clubkali.com. Asian LGB midnight with Q-Jump. << Viva @ RVT, Kennington beachwear or with flyer. Arches (off The Strand), Villers club night. 10pm-3am, £8/£5 Kimono Krush @ RVT, 372 Lane, Vauxhall SE11 [2nd <<< St, Charing X WC2N. 020 conc. <<< Kennington Lane, Vauxhall Fri]. Spanish night. www. Duckie @ RVT 372 7930 2020: www.heaven- Club Fukk@ Central [2nd Fri]. www.myspace. theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk. Kennington Lane, Vauxhall: london.com.10pm-5am. £12. Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, com/kimono_krush. £4. 8pm-2am. < Cabaret with Amy Lamé. << Kings Cross N1 [2nd Fri]. 9pm-3am. < Wino @ Oak Bar, 79 Green www.theroyalvauxhalltavern. Hustle @ The Oak Bar, Queer fetish night. www. Kunst @ RVT, 372 Lanes, Stoke Newington. co.uk. 9pm-2pm, £5. << Green Lanes, Stoke woteverworld.com. 7pm Kennington Lane, Vauxhall [2nd Fri]. www.oakbar.co.uk. - midnight. No entry after [4th Fri] £5. 8.30pm-2am 9pm-2am. £6. <<< 9 10.30pm. <<<< << CODE @ The Enclave, Lower the Tone @ SATURDAY 25-27 Brewer St, Soho Oak Bar, 79 Green Lanes, 26 Taboo @ 26 Smithfield, DJ Kate W1 [1st & 3rd Fri]. www. Stoke Newington [last Fri]. 26 Smithfi eld St, City of club-code.net. Email info@ Infamous kitsch party. 9pm- London EC1. [2nd Sat] don’t miss! Wildblood club-code.net to attend. 3am,. www.oakbar.co.uk. £6. www.26taboo.com. £5 B4 Music? All things house! <<<<< <<<< 10/£7 after. <<<< >>Play @ The Enclave 25 Fave song? Dirty Converse @ A Taste of Honey @ The Boston Music Rooms, 178 Brewer St Soho. (2nd/5th Fri). Cape Bar, 10 Aldermanbury, Superstition by Stevie Junction Road, Tufnell Park www.myspace.com/_ Moorgate EC2. [3rd Sat] clubplay. <<<< Wonder [2nd Fri]. www.dirtyconverse. www.tasteofhoneyclubnight. com. <<<< Popstarz @ The End 58 Old co.uk. 70s and 80s music. Philosophy? Honesty GAY Camp Attack @ St Old Street EC1. Indie, Rave 8pm-2am. £5 B4 9.30pm/£7 and decent bassline will Heaven, 9 Villiers St, Charing and Pop. www.popstarz.org. after. <<< Cross WC2. <<<<< Free B4 11 , £4 after. << So What! @ First Out, 52 get you through Girl Action @ Ghetto 58 Popcentral @ Central Giles Street Soho. <<< anything. Old Street EC1. [4th Fri]. Station, 37 Wharfdale Road, Bootylicious @ 100% Babe 10pm til late. Kings Cross N1. www. Colosseum, 1 Nine Elms Lane, Where do you DJ? Girl Friday @ First Out, centralstation.co.uk. < Vauxhall [3rd Sat]. www. @ The Roxy Wild Fruit, Sunday Soho 52 GilesStree t W1. Something for the bootylicious-club.co.uk.11pm- There’s a Bank Holiday at the end of August , and www.fi rstoutcafebar.com. 5- Weekend @ Vertigo 1 5am. £10/£7 b4 12am/£5 NUS. Sundae @ Audio, 11pm, FREE. <<<<< Leicester Square, << you know what that means – another 100% Babe! Electronic Disco and Girls and their friendz night Soho WC2. [Last Fri] Stylish Cabaret @ The Windsor The ever-popular event has been going from girls’ night. www.lounge.uk.net. Rebel. Plus I’ll be DJing @ The Windsor Castle, 152 Castle, 152 Bath Rd, strength to strength in the ten years it’s been Bath Rd, Hounslow TW3. <<<< Hounslow TW3.www. at Brighton Pride 2009! www.windsorcastle Soup @ The Star of Bethnal windsorcastlehounslow.co.uk. running. Join DJs Suze E-T and Ms Justine for a night Green 359 Bethnal Green www.katewildblood. hounslow.co.uk. <<<< << of unbridled girlie fun! Launch night @ G-Spot, Road Bethnal Green E2. Cabaret @ Central Station, com 10 Adelaide Street, Charing Italo and Hi-NRG. www. 37 Wharfdale Road, Kings www.myspace.com/hundredpercentbabe Cross WC2 .New girl bar! starofbethnalgreen.com. < Cross N1. < 64 clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsT`PR[RT //girls Listings//bars//cl //ba Unskinny Bop @ Pleasure Holiday Sunday 30 August. Bar, 79 Green Lanes, Stoke Unit, 359 Bethnal Green www.myspace.com/ Newington. www.oakbar. Spotted! Rd, Bethnal Green E2 6LG. onehundredpercentbabe. co.uk. <<< vip @ CODE [3rd Sat]. www.myspace. <<<<< Market EC1/Wet Yourself We saw this com/ubop 9pm-2am, FREE Bloody Sundae @ @ Fabric London, diary b4 9.30pm/£4 after. Ghetto, 58 Old Street EC1. 77A Charterhouse St, City of cutie at CODE. If << www.ghetto-london.co.uk. London EC1. (2nd Sun). www. Wigout @ Ghetto, << fabriclondon.com << it’s you, email us 58 Old Street EC1. Pop Exquisite @ The Shadow Rock Society @ dates and get in free to madness. www.ghetto- Lounge 5 Brewer Street, The Black Gardenia, PLAN london.co.uk. 10pm-late. Soho W1. [4th Sunday]. 93 Dean St, Soho W1. the next CODE! £2/FREE B4 midnight with www.theshadowlounge.com. www.myspace.com/ AHEAD Q-Jump. << 11pm-4am. <<< rocksocietylondon. 7pm- Wish @ Gramaphone, Fozzie’s Classic Karaoke 11pm, £3. <<< 60-62 Commercial St, Disco @ Central Station, 37 S.L.A.G.S/chill-out @ Aldgate East [1st Sat]. . Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross RVT 372 Kennington Newington [2nd Sat]. www. SE5. www.woteverworld.com. www.club-wish.co.uk. 9pm- N1. www.centralstation. Lane, Vauxhall. Huge VANESS DARLING girlsoutloud.co.uk. £5. <<< 4am, £5 b4 11pm/£10 after. co.uk.<< dance anthems. www. 9pm-3am. <<<< RuMoUrS @ Minories, 64- <<<< Future Fusion @ The Green theroyalvauxhalltavern.co.uk. ! BY PIC Killer Queen @ The Royal 73 Minories, Tower Hill EC3. Carnation 2pm-12am, £7. <<< George, 133 Charing (last Sat): www.girl-rumours. SUNDAY 5 Greek Street, Soho W1. Sunday Games @ First Out, Cross Road Soho WC2. co.uk 100% Babe @ www.myspace.com/nikki_ 52 St Giles Street Soho WC2. Saturday 8 August www.myspace.com/ <<<<< The Roxy Club 3 Rathbone lucas. <<< www.firstoutcafebar.com. Mannequin clubkq<<<< Salla! @ Oak Bar, 79 Green Place, Soho W1. Bank Karaoke with Mags @ Oak <<< Lounge @ Vertigo 1 Leicester Lanes, Stoke Newington. Sunday Happy Day @ @ The East Room Square, [Last Sat]. www.oakbar.co.uk. Century, 61-63 Shaftesbury Where Soho chic Soho WC2. www.lounge. 9pm-late. £7. <<<< Ave, Soho WC1. [last Sun] uk.net. <<<< Soul Naturelle @ The Oak Boozer Sunday_happyday@hotmail. meets Shoreditch Mannequin @ Shoreditch Bar, 79 Green Lanes Stoke Guide co.uk. <<< kitsch. Members Club, 2a Newington. N16. [1st Sat] Retro Bar: Old style gay bar. Sunday Jukebox @ 2 George Ct. WC2 (off the Tabernacle Street Old <<<<< King William IV: Traditional Blush, Cazenove Rd, Stoke Street/Moorgate EC1. [2nd Smack @ Hidden, 100 Strand). 020 7321 2811. Newington N16. [2nd Sun]. Saturday 1 August mixed pub near the Heath. YCharing X Sat] <<<< Tinworth St, Vauxhall, SE11. 77 Hampstead High St, DJ and music quiz. MooMaa @ Jerusalem, www.myspace.com/ Roebuck (The): 25 Rennell www.blushbar.moonfruit. Popstarz tent NW3. 020 7435 5747. St, Lewisham, SE13. 020 8852 33-34 Rathbone Street smackclub. £11 b4 11pm/£14 YHampstead com. 7pm. <<<< @ Brighton Pride Bloomsbury W1. Electro, after. <<<< 1705. YLewisham BR Little Apple (The): 98 Royal Vauxhall Tavern: With special guests rave and pop. £5 B4 10.30/£8 So What @ First Out, Soho Kennington Ln, SE11. after. moomaaclub@ Indie, Electro, Trash. Cabaret come clubbers bar. Alphabeat! YVauxhall 372 Kennington Lane, SE11. googlemail.com <<<< www.firstoutcafebar.com. Oak Bar: Late night Oysters @ Oak Bar, FREE. 7-11pm. <<<< YVauxhall club/bar. 79 Green Lns N16. Star at Night: 22 Gt 79 Green Lanes, Stoke Sweet Satisfaction @ 020 7354 2791. YManor Every Friday Newington [3rd Sat]. R’n’B, Selected venues. Chapel Street, Soho. www. Hs./Bus73/141/341 thestaratnight.com. All Mixed Up Reggae, Old Skool Classics, www.myspace.com/ Profile Bar: Brings to life Garage and Soul. £7/ £5 with sweetassoho. <<<< Star of Bethnal Green 359 @ Tee’s Wine Bar the world of Gaydar. 4pm to Bethnal Gn Rd, E2. www. fl yer. www.oystersuk.com. T Tease @ The Black 1am. 56-57 Frith Street, Soho, Eclectic music and free <<<< Gardenia, 93 Dean St, starofbethnalgreen.com W1D 3JN. T: 020 7734 8300. Yard (The): 57 Rupert Queer Complex @ Soho:. [Last Fri]. www. Reflex: Fri + Sat, 10pm-3am. entry. The Red Star, 319 myspace.com/t_tease. 7pm- St, Soho. 020 7437 2652. 184 London Rd, Kingston. YPiccadilly Circus Camberwell Rd, Camberwell 10am. £10. <<< 020 8549 9911. YNorbiton 65 barsT`PR[RT clubs//girls//baListings //clubs//girls //bars//clubs//girls//bars//c Medway, Kent: www. Booty Call Monthly @ org/ghettobrighton riversidetavern.co.uk. <<< Ghetto, 129 St James’s Spot the Dot @ Riverside Midweek Social @ Charles St, Brighton BN1. Tavern, West Bank of River don’t St Club,Brighton BN1. [1st Thurs] www.popstarz. Medway, Kent: www. www.charles-street.com org/ghettobrighton << riversidetavern.co.uk. << Colours Karaoke @ HDSM @ Ghetto 129 St Tits Up @ Ghetto, 129 St miss! Beehive Pub [upstairs], James’s St, Brighton, BN1. James’s St, Brighton BN1. Kingswood Suites, www.ghettobrighton.com. [3rd Thurs]. www.popstarz. Southernhay, Basildon, Essex << org/ghettobrighton <<< CM2.FREE. <<< Fresher than Fresh @ Lush @ Bent, 36-40 Poole Bang Bar, 5 The Parade. FRIDAY Torture Hill, Bournemouth, BH2. Basingstoke. Fairylea @ Charles St Club, Garden www.bent-club.co.uk www.bang-bar.com.. 9pm- Brighton BN1. www.charles- Summer R ‘n’ B Night @ Magnum, 2am. £4 B4 12/£5 after. street.com, < St Mark’s St, Southampton Girls on Top @ Revenge, Girls Connect @ Edge Ball @ Club S014. 9pm-2am, F:45% Old Steine, Brighton, BN1. Nightclub, Southampton. Coloseum Theme Nights @ Riverside Pride specia! www.revenge. [1st Fri]. www. Tavern, West Bank of River co.uk <<<<< theedgesouthampton.com. Friday 7 August Medway, Kent: www. Leader of the Pack @ <<< The world famous riversidetavern.co.uk. << Ghetto, 129 St James’s G Spot @ The Bizz and The Infamous PV Quiz @ St, Brighton BN1. [Last fetish club is Works 15 Station Road East PV at The Jury’s Out 161 Thurs] www.popstarz. Canterbury Kent [4th Fri] celebrating its London Edward Street, Brighton org/ghettobrighton << <<<<< BN2. 01273687090<< Mad Cow @ Charles St Summer Ball with a Lollipop @ Revenge, Old Transition@ Ghetto, 129 Club,Brighton BN1. www. Steine, Brighton, BN1. theme of Underwater St James’s St, Brighton charles-street.com << wwwmyspace.com/ BN1. www.popstarz.org/ Rack Em Up @ Ghetto, Love. It’s time to get clubrevenge. << ghettobrighton << 129 St James’s St, Brighton Popstarz @ Ghetto, 129 those imaginations in BN1. [2nd Thurs]. Blues, Rock St James’s St, Brighton A]cbV and Country. www.popstarz. gear. Will you be a THURSDAY saucy rubber-clad MONDAY theedgesouthampton.com. << Edge (The): 58 St Mary’s Frat Party @ Ghetto, 129 St Is It Only Tuesday? @ PV at sailor girl, or is a scanty Boozer Road, Southampton, SO14. James’s Street, Brighton BN1. The Jury’s Out 161 Edward www.theedgesouthampton. latex mermaid Student night. www.popstarz. Brighton Guide Street, BN2. 01273 com org/ghettobrighton. << 687090. costume more your < Fudge: Redbourn Rd, St I Don’t Like Mondays @ Twisted Karaoke @ Ghetto Bar 11: 11 Burgate, , Albans, Herts AL3. 01582 style? Whatever you PV at The Jury’s Out 161 Brighton Canterbury, Kent, CT1. 01272 129 St James’s St, 794053. do, make sure you get Edward Street, Brighton BN1. www.popstarz.org/ 478 707. Charles Street Ghetto Brighton: 129 St BN2. 01273 687090. << ghettobrighton. << . 8 Marine your tickets right now, Studio 150 Warm Up@ Parade, Brighton. 01273 James’s St, Brighton. 01273 Chill Out Tuesdays @ 2 Terminus Terrace, Southampton. Charles St Club Brighton 624091. Coopers Arms: TV. 622424.: 10.30pm as this one will sell out , Charles St Club,Brighton 02380 710652 (F): 30% BN1. www.charles-street. 55 Bute, St, Luton, Beds. www. The Grosvenor Bar: 16 fast! BN1. www.charles-street. Western St, Brighton, BN1. The Lounge: 53 Old Market com. << com. << thecoopers-arms.co.uk Colors: Beehive Pub www.thegrosvenorbar.com Street, Bristol. TUESDAY (upstairs), Kingswood Suites, Load of Hay: 207 Pinner www.loungebristol.com www.torturegarden. WEDNESDAY Southernhay, Basildon. 01268 Road, Watford Heath WD19. Magnum Club: 113 St Mary’s com Karaoke with Lucinda Chatterbox @ Riverside 242031. www.colorsessex. 01923 441113. (T): Bushey BR Road, Southampton SO14. Lashes @ Edge Nightclub, Tavern, West Bank of River co.uk London Hotel: 023 8033 5049. Southampton www. 66 clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsT`PR[RT //girls Listings//bars//cl //ba The Grosvenor 16 SUNDAY Western St, Brighton, BN1. Marlborough (The): 4 Princes The Retreat West Street, Old Bent Double @ Komedia, [Sunday 2 August] www. Street, Brighton, BN2. 01273 Market, Bristol. Brighton. www.komedia. thegrosvenorbar.com<<< 570 028. Revenge: 32-34 Old Steine, co.uk. £9.50. Sirens @ Ghetto, 129 St Old Vic Brighton we love : . 104 St Paul’s Rd, Brighton. 01273 606064. <<< James’s Street, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hants. Riverside Tavern: Canal Big Gay Quiz @ The BN1. [3rd Sun]. Burlesque. 02392-297013 Road, Strood, Kent, ME2. Marlborough, 4 Princes St www.popstarz.org/ Princess Victoria Bar (The) 01634 719949 ghettobrighton <<< < Brighton BN2. 8pm. £5/4. : 161 Edward Street, Brighton, Secrets: 8-12 New Road, <<< Sunday Sundae Double BN2 0JB. 01273 687 090. Chatham, Kent, Cabaret @ Old Vic, Floor Special @ Audio, PV @ Jury’s Out: . 161 ME4. 01634 832433 Portsmouth. www. Marine Parade, Brighton BN1 Edward St, Brighton. www. Ship Inn: 347 High Street, oldvicportsmouth.co.uk <<< the-pv.co.uk Rochester, Kent, ME1. 01634 <<< Electronic Disco @ Queen Anne: 11 Queen Anne 844 264. Ghetto, 129 St James’s Charles St Club, Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14. Street, Brighton BN1. Brighton BN1. 01622 753 023. [1st Sun]. www.popstarz. www.myspace.com/ org/ghettobrighton secretdisco <<< <<< BN1. www.popstarz.org/ queens-court.co.uk. Wild Fruit @ Tru, West ghettobrighton. <<< Electronic Disco @ Secret Fuck the Pain Away @ Ghetto, 129 St James’s Street, Brighton BN1. [1st Speed Dating @ The Location, Brighton BN1. Sun].. www.aeonevents.co.uk. Amsterdam, Marine Parade, www.electronicdisco.com Street, Brighton BN1. [Last Sun]. www.popstarz. 10pm-3am. £8/£12. Esther @ Chicks Rock!! Brighton BN1. [1st Fri] www. Girlsworld @ The Ocean <<< amsterdam.uk.com/whatson. Rooms, Morley Street org/ghettobrighton<<< How long has Chicks Rock!! been running? Post Pride Street Party@ <<< Brighton BN1. Pride girls’ Chicks Rock!! started in November 2008. Thank Funk It’s Friday @ party [1st Aug]. <<<<< PV at The Jury’s Out 161 Kinky Dangerous @ Where is Chicks Rock!! held? At the Zenith Edward Street, Brighton Charles Street Club, Bar in Angel, London. BN2. 01273687090. << Brighton BN1. Funky House. Women’s Night @ The www.myspace.com/kinky_ Don’t Chatterbox What can someone expect from a night at Grosvenor 16 Western dangerous. <<< @ The Chicks Rock!!? Expect anything! Street, Brighton BN1. [First Theme Nights @ Riverside Miss Friday] www.grosvenorbar. Tavern, West Bank of River Riverside What do you enjoy most about running Chicks com <<<<< Medway, Kent: www. Tavern Rock!!? The fact that twice a month I have a riversidetavern.co.uk. << SATURDAY Viva la Divas/Booty Call Kent’s largest midweek party to go to that’s completely different from Club 52 @ Leonards, @ PV at The Jury’s Out 161 gay club night. Everyone anything else on the scene. Edward Street, Brighton Wennington, Essex has a number - if you When is the next Chicks Rock!!? It’s every 2nd [last Sat]. Girlie night with BN2. <<< DJ Jo. www.club52.com. Wigout @ Ghetto, 129 St like the look of and 4th Thursday of the month. James’s St, Brighton BN1. Pop <<<<< someone, send a How can can people get hold of tickets? No Guest DJ Josephene @ The party night. www.popstarz. Marlborough, 4 Princes St org/ghettobrighton << message and see what ticket required…it’s FREE entrance! Brighton BN2. 8pm. £5/4. Women’s Disco @ The happens! <<< Babylon Lounge, Hove DJ Amanda @ Queens BN3. [3rd Sat]. www.riversidetavern. Look for Chicks Rock!! on Facebook – and don’t Court, 167-168 Lower [email protected] co.uk forget the exclamation marks! Briggate Leeds www. <<<< 67 barsT`PR[RT clubs//girls//baListings //clubs//girls //bars//clubs//girls//bars//c Chorlton St, Manchester M1. after 10pm.<<<< www.xxpromotions.co.uk. com. <<<<< 01612364007. 9-11.30pm, Quiz night @ Coyotes, <<<< Big Gay Friday @ Cruz 101, don’t FREE. <<<< 14 Chorlton St, Mancs M1. Lez-B-Naughtier @ Flame, Princess St, Mancs=. www. Poptastic @ Mutz Nutz, www.coyotesbar.co.uk. 58 Wellington Street, Luton. cruz101.com. members. < miss! Princess St, Manchester M1. 9-11.30pm, www.fl ame-nightclub. Rah Rah Rah @ Stardust Retro & camp Pop. www. FREE. << co.uk<<<<< Bar Cambridge St, poptastic.co.uk.11pm-3am, Pre-Fuel warm up @ Sheffield. [1st Fri]. www. £4.50/3.50 members. << FRIDAY Propaganda, sheffieldgayscene.co.uk/12. Clare Summerskill@ 107 Ferensway, Hull, HU2. 10pm-2am. << Fussy Pussy WEDNESDAY Metropolitan Community 9pm. www.propagandabar. @ The New Band Practice @ Bar du Church of Manchester, co.uk.<< SATURDAY Fay, 25 Stanley Street Anson Road, Manchester DJs @ Fuel Sheffield, 6 Baker DJs @ Fuel Sheffield, Overdraught Liverpool L1. www.myspace. M14. Fri 21 Aug. www. St, Sheffield S1. Dance, Chart 6 Baker St, Sheffield S1. The offi cial com/bardufay. claresummerskill.co.uk and Pop. 10.30pm-3am.£5 Dance, chart, pop. 9pm-3am. DJ Angel Delight @ Kampus, <<<< with loyalty card. www. £3 b4 11pm/£5. <<< women’s Pride 45 China St, Lancaster LA1. Climax@Sheffield Union, fuelclubsuk.com. <<< Drama Queen @ Cruz 101, club event takes Music & drag. F:50% University of Sheffi eld, Fridays @ Vanilla, Princess St, Mancs. Sexier @ Vanilla, Richmond Sheffield. [3rd Fri]. www.shef. Richmond St, www.cruz101.com. place on 29 St, Mancs M1. [3rd Weds]. ac.uk. 10.30pm-3am (last Manchester, M1. www. 11pm-6am. <<< August in The www.vanillagirls.co.uk. admission 12.30). £4 adv/£5 vanillagirls.co.uk<<<< Genesis @ Legends, The Twisted Wheel @ New Overdraught, fi ve mins walk from Vanilla... DJ <<<< on door. << Whitworth St, Mancs. DJ Miss Candi @ Bar du Fay, Legends, Whitworth St, . genesis_clubnight@ Furey will be spinning top tunes for over 1000 THURSDAY 25 Stanley St Liverpool L1. Mancs. £6. www.myspace. yahoo.co.uk. 10.30pm. £4. www.myspace.com/bardufay. com/fucktheelectro. F:60% <<<< women, with £1.50 drinks offers all night!! Miss it Back 2 Back @ Cruz 101, Hanki Panki @ Coyotes, Princess St, Manchester M1. Dykes to Dine @ various, Glasshouse @ Mission, and you’ll defi nitely be missing out! Calder Valley. 01706 373 Mancs. www.coyotesbar. Heaton’s Court, Leeds Retro & Camp Pop. www. co.uk. 9pm-4am.<<<< www.vanillagirls.co.uk cruz101.com 066 (last Fri): Fine food and [2nd & 4th Sat]. House company. <<<<< Lash For Lasses@The night.www.myspace. 9pm-3am. £4/£2 students Tunnel, 6 Whitworth St, and Cruz members.<< Girls on Top 2 @ Bar com/glasshouseuk.11pm- 24/7, Redbourne Rd, St Mancs. BDSM. 9am. << Cumasudare @ Route [2nd Sunday]. www.clublash. 69 Wine Bar, 1 Gas St, Albans, Herts, AL2. (last Fri). Jukebox @ Coyotes, Northampton N1. R ‘n’ B, <]`bV Hip Hop, Basement, Rare Grooves. 07826819016. Boozer MONDAY Karaoke @ Propaganda, www.route69.co.uk.10pm- 107 Ferensway, Hull, HU2. 9pm. 3am. £5. <<< Guide Compassion @ LT nights, www.propagandabar.co.uk.<< Fussy Pussy @ FG2, 5 47 Heathcoat St, Dickson Road, Blackpool. AXM Bar: Mixed bar. 10 Nottingham NG1 [1st Mon]. TUESDAY [Last Thurs]. 9pm. www. Canal St, M1. 0161 236 6005. Ladies night. www.ltnights. vanillagirls.co.uk. <<<< (F): 60% CU Next Tuesday co.uk. 9.30pm-3am, £3 b4 11 Student Night @ Bar du Coyotes: Fun bar. 14 Poptastic: c/o Mutz Nutz, Spirit: 63 Richmond St. @ Vanilla, Richmond St, or NUS/£4. <<<<< Fay, 25 Stanley St Liverpool Chorlton St, Manchester, M1. Princess St. Manchester, Mancs. 0161 2379725 (F): 40% Manchester M1. www. Open Mic Night @ L1. www.myspace.com/ 0161 236 4007. F: 80% 0161 2270341 Vanilla: Women’s bar (men vanillagirls.co.uk. <<<< Bar du Fay, 25 Stanley St bardufay.<<< Lucy’s Two: Gay bar with Queer: 4 Canal St, Mancs. as guests). 39-41 Richmond Indie Night @ Bar du Fay, 25 Liverpool L1: Live music The Lick @ Vanilla, pool and darts. Abingdon St, 0161 2281368 (F) 35% St, Mancs M1. 0161 288 2727. Stanley Street Liverpool L1. from talented regulars. www. Richmond St, Blackpool. 01253 753 598. Taurus Bar: 1 Canal St, (F): 95% www.myspace.com/bardufay. myspace.com/bardufay. From Manchester, M1. R’n’B. www. (F): 50% Manchester M1. 0161 236 Via Fossa: 28-30 Canal St, 9pm. <<<< <<< vanillagirls.co.uk. 5pm-late. £1 Manto: 46 Canal St. Mancs. 4593. (F): 50% M1. Classy bar.(F): 30% Karaoke @ Coyotes, 14 0161 2362667 (F):40% 68 clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsT`PR[RT //girls Listings//bars//cl //ba Manchester. www. coyotesbar.co.uk. 9pm-4am. <<<< Boozer Karaoke @ Bar du Fay, 25 Guide Stanley Street Liverpool L1. ;WRZO\Ra www.myspace.com/bardufay. Poptastic @ NG1 76-80 Diversion: Busy gay venue. Lavender Lounge @ TUESDAY 125-127 Railway Terrace, Gregson, 33 Moorgate Lower Parliament Street, DJ Dean’s Karaoke @ Nottingham, NG1. Rugby, Warwickshire CV21. Lancaster. www. Nightingale Club, Kent << lavenderlounge. www.ng1club.co.uk/. (0115) profile St, Birmingham B5. www. 958 8440 << DV8 Nightclub & Innov8 co.uk<<<< nightingaleclub.co.uk. FREE. Bar: 16 Lower Essex St, Nocturnal @ Propaganda, <<< SATURDAY Birmingham. 107 Ferensway, Hull, 0121 6666366 <<< HU2. 2.30-6am. www. WEDNESDAY Betty’s Music Bar @ Fox (The): Popular women’s propagandabar.co.uk.<< Betty’s Nightclub, 10 bar. 17 Lower Essex St, Poptastic @ Mutz Nutz, DJ Dean’s Karaoke @ Cornhill, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1. Nightingale Club, Kent Birmingham B5. Princess St, Manchester M1. www.bettysbar.plus.com. 0121 6221210<<<< www.poptastic.co.uk. St, Birmingham B5. www. 9pm-2am, FREE b4 10pm/£4 nightingaleclub.co.uk. FREE. Greyhound:. 2am licence. << members/£7. <<<< 14 Bond St, Wolverhampton, FEDERATION <<< Pre-Fuel warm up @ Big Saturday Night Out @ WV2. 01902 420916. Manchester Propaganda, 107 Ferensway, Nightingale Club, <<< Hull, HU2. 9pm. www. FRIDAY Kent St, Birmingham: Kudos: 28 Horse Fair, How long have you been going? propagandabar.co.uk.<< Betty’s Music Bar @ Betty’s www.nightingaleclub. Birmingham< Federation has been running for 7 and a half years Saturday ROCKS! @ Nightclub, 10 Cornhill, co.uk.10pm-6am. £4 b4 New Forresters : 18 St Ann’s Anything new & interesting? Vanilla, Richmond St, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1. 01473 10pm/£8. << St, Nottingham NG1. 0115 Mancs. . www.vanillagirls. 288406. Top club tunes & ALL Party Night @ The Fox, 17 9580432.<< Federation is constantly evolving. co.uk.10pm-4am. FREE b4 drinks. www.bettysbar.co.uk. Lower Essex St, Birmingham. NG1: 76-80 Lower What is Foundation famous for? 9pm/£1.<<<<< £6/£4 members. 9pm-2am, 0121 622 1210: . Friday 19 is Parliament St. Nottingham, Women’s Disco @ B@r FREE b4 10pm. <<<< the night of the Miss Gay Fox 0115 9588440 << We’re famous for our entertainment from the Place Crown Street, Hebden competition! Have you got Blast! @ Nightingale Nightingales: Kent St, spectacular to the truly bizarre. Bridge W.Yorkshire. [4th Sat]. Club, Kent St, Birmingham. what it takes? www.foxbar. Birmingham. 0121 6221718. www.lesbianhebdenbridge. www.nightingaleclub. co.uk. <<<= << What is the atmosphere like? co.uk. <<<<< co.uk.10pm-4am. Free b4 Route Two: 139/147 Hurst The atmosphere is electric and second Women’s Disco @ 10pm/£2 till midnight/£5 SUNDAY Street Birmingham, 0121 Todmorden Cricket club, after. << 6223366: << to none. Todmorden Comedy Collective @ Burnley Road, . Karaoke @ The Fox, 17 Rainbow & Dove: 185 Charles Who are your clientele? (2nd Sat): www.myspace. Nightingale Club, Kent Lower Essex St, Birmingham. St, Birmingham: www. St.Leicester 0116 2547568 com/tod_disco. £2-£6. Sobar@ NG1 Federation appeals to a diverse crowd, hence our 0121 622 1210: www.foxbar. nightingaleclub.co.uk. £3. : 7pm-late. <<<<< 7 nights. 0151 9588440 co.uk. 9-11.30pm, FREE. <<< strap line ‘United for Dance’ <<< < 69 barsT`PR[RT clubs//girls//baListings //clubs//girls //bars//clubs//girls//bars//c com. <<< FRIDAY Saturdays @ Foundation Fridays @ Foundation Nightclub, Nightclub, Carnegies Brae, Aberdeen. don’t Carnegies Brae, Aberdeen. www.bebo.com/ EOZSa Funky house, pop, disco, £4, Foundationnightclub. <<< open til late TUESDAY SUNDAY www.bebo.com/ miss SUNDAY Karaoke @ Kings Cross, 25 For the angels @ Exit Foundationnightclub. Cardiff << Sunday sessions @ Cafe Caroline Street, Nightclub, 48 Charles St, Ladies night @ Planet Bar Habana Greenside Place CF10 1FF Cardiff, CF10 2GF 6 Baxter’s Place Edinburgh Edinburgh EH1. .www. www.kxcardiff.co.uk <<< www.exitclubcardiff.com EH1. www.bebo.com/ cafehabanaeh1.com. <<< <<< PLANETbar Sundays @ Foundation THURSDAY Open mic @ Thru the Arch Nightclub, Club, Newport 33A Stow Hill <<<<<A Loud & proud @ Thru the Carnegies Brae, Aberdeen. Newport NP20 1JH <<< Fur Burger @ GHQ Picardy Arch www.bebo.com/ , Club Newport 33A www.thruthearch.com Place Edinburgh EH1. [2nd Stow Hill Newport NP20 Foundationnightclub. <<< Fri]. Electro, hip hop and 1JH www.thruthearch.com pop . www.myspace.com/ <<< clubfurburger Ladies Night @ Planet Bar <<<<< FRIDAY Kick Start @ Cafe Habana This is the place to meet your mates for pre- Open all levels @ Exit Boozer Greenside Place Edinburgh Nightclub, 48 Charles St, Furburger drinks, on the second Friday of every EH1. www.cafehabanaeh1. Guide Cardiff, CF10 com. Minskys Show Bar: month. Don’t even think about going anywhere www.exitclubcardiff.com << Cathedral Walk, St David’s else! <<< Centre Cardiff CF10 www. 6 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh, EH1 Get the party started @ minskys-showbar.com SATURDAY Club X, 35-37 Charles Street The Offas Tavern: Prestatyn, BHQ @ Cafe Habana Cardiff, CF10 2GB North Wales, LL19 Greenside Place Edinburgh www.club-x-cardiff.co.uk (01745) 886 046. EH1. www.cafehabanaeh1. <<< Three Crowns: Well Street, Bangor, LL57 SATURDAY Golden Cross: 283 Hayes AQ]bZO\R Bridge Road, Cardiff, CF10 Absolute heaven @ Exit Boozer Nightclub, 48 Charles St, 1GH TUESDAY THURSDAY Guide Cardiff, CF10 2GF Exit Nightclub: 48 Charles On Demand @ Cafe Cheesy Wotsits @ Cafe The Polo Lounge: 84 Wilson 01315 565758 www.exitclubcardiff.com Street, Cardiff, CF10 2GF Habana Greenside Place Habana Greenside Place, St Glasgow, G1 1UZ Pop Rokit: Picardy <<< www.exitclubcardiff.com Edinburgh EH1. www. Edinburgh EH1. www. 0141 553 1221 Place,Edinburgh EH8 1JT Big night out @ Thru the cafehabanaeh1.com. << cafehabanaeh1.com Dolls: 36 Broughton Street 01315564272 Arch Club Newport 33A Stow < 70 clubs//girls//bars//clubs//girls//bars//clubsT`PR[RT //girls Listings//bars//cl //ba 71 news Cathy Turner, Barclays HR Director, WORLD speaks at an event celebrating 20 years of the Albert Kennedy Trust. The Trust was set up to help young NEWS... LGBT homeless people. USA/Lesbian parental rights Lesbian parents in Washington DC have been granted the right to become the legal parent of a partner’s artifi cially inseminated child, without having to adopt. This makes Washington a leading force in gay adoption rights in the US, with various other states allowing same-sex couples to adopt jointly. STEFAN FERRIERA/CTHECHANGE.COM STEFAN Australia/ Lesbian event bans men Lesbian party company PHOTO BY Pinkalicious has won a case allowing it to ban men undermine the ‘traditional’ family. from events, making it the BEN’S Rather, the lesbian couples in Britain sole women-only party in who have made a considered decision Australia. Speaking to the Herald Sun, director BITS to start a loving family have been Julie MacKenzie said women want “to be able to afforded equal access to services their express themselves in a safe environment… free taxpaying money helps fund. So life of intrusive attention from men”. for lesbian families isn’t only fairer – it’s also much easier. Lithuania/ Section 28-style law A guide on ‘how to get pregnant’ may Lithuanian parliament sound like a cringe-worthy sex has voted to pass a law education class exercise for school that bans information pupils. But Pregnant Pause is actually on homosexuality in Stonewall’s new guide for lesbians on schools or in media Recent law changes – as a result of how to conceive. It continues our accessible by young tireless Stonewall lobbying – have commitment to communicating legal people. The law states that “propaganda of made it infi nitely less complicated changes in helpful plain English guides homosexuality or bisexuality” has a detrimental for lesbians to conceive. If you’re so that lesbian and gay people effect on young people and is comparable to planning to fi ll your household with completely understand where they Section 28, the law that prohibited discussion of the pitter patter of tiny feet, you can now stand in the eyes of the law. As homosexuality in UK schools. now fi nally approach fertility clinics the law improves and provides further without fear of discrimination. The equality, knowing your rights will help Venezuela/ requirement that clinics consider ‘the you and your family enjoy the services Greater LGBT rights need for a father’ has been replaced you already pay for – and if The Venezuelan National with ‘the need for supportive discrimination occurs, the same Assembly has voted to pass a Ben Summerskill is parenting.’ Furthermore, when a knowledge can help you bring the 72 bill for gender equality through Chief Executive of lesbian couple have a child, the non- perpetrators to justice. the fi rst round of discussion. If Stonewall. birth mother no longer has to adopt passed, the ‘Organic Law for To support the child in order to be named joint For copies of Pregnant Pause Gender Equity and Equality’ would criminalise Stonewall’s legal guardian on the birth certifi cate; call Stonewall’s free Infoline on discrimination, as well recognising the rights of campaign which if the couple are civilly partnered, this 08000 50 20 20 or download from cohabiting same sex couples. It would also allow tackles homophobic will now be automatic. And contrary www.stonewall.org.uk/ the introduction of civil partnerships. bullying, visit www. to what some so-called ‘family values’ pregnant_pause’ stonewall.org.uk/ campaigners predicted, the roof of Sweden/Gay and education_for all the moral universe has not caved in to lesbian nursing home Elderly gays and lesbians in Stockholm may soon be able to live in a special gay-friendly nursing home, called Regnbågen, ±AUR OR`a `Re 6´cR UNQ aUV` fRN_ which means ‘Rainbow’. Project dN` ]_\ONOYf dVaU Zf cVO_Na\_² CHLOE MARSHALL leader Christer Fällman told The Local Newspaper: – Desperate Housewives star “We want to avoid the situation where a guy Eva Longoria Parker tells Rolling Stone magazine doesn’t dare to tell nursing home staff that his about her preference for self pleasure. WORDS BY boyfriend is coming to visit.” news Lesbian paedophile jailed Churches Sarah Wilson, 21, RISE IN performing gay was sentenced to ‘exorcisms’ 20 months in HOMOPHOBIC A number of Christian churches have prison for been found to be performing grooming a 15- HATE CRIME ‘exorcisms’ to cure lesbians and gays year-old girl over Despite an apparent of their homosexuality. According to the internet, in fall in overall crime, the Metro, a Pentecostal church in what is believed to figures recently north west London is openly be the first case of released by the advertising the controversial ‘cure’. It Sarah Wilson its kind. She spent Metropolitan Police is one of hundreds of fundamentalist six months show a 13.5 per cent churches in the UK to offer the grooming the girl, sending sexually graphic rise in homophobic ‘exorcism’ of ‘gay demons’. Gay rights messages, and then arranged to meet her at King’s hate crimes reported activist Peter Tatchell is calling for a Cross Station in London. The parents reported her in London. Over protest and police investigation: missing, and British Transport Police picked up the teen, the past year, 1,123 “There are claims that gay teens and preventing any acts from taking place. Ms Wilson incidents were adults are being subjected to has now been put on the sex offenders’ register. reported, compared exorcisms at the insistence of their to the 989 which parents and pastors. When they are Lesbian couple were reported last under 18, it’s a form of child abuse and get IVF on NHS year. Acting Detective the police should intervene.” Following a legal fight, an anonymous lesbian Superintendent couple will now have their IVF treatment paid for the Met Gerry Campbell said: “Homophobia for by the NHS. The couple were denied cannot be considered a thing of the past, it’s on the treatment by their local primary care trust increase.” David Allison of OutRage! Agreed, telling because they are both female. One of the women The London Paper: “There’s something wrong has polycystic ovary syndrome, which can with society that people can’t tolerate each other. lead to infertility. Trusts can decide whether to However, it’s partly down to a greater willingness of fund treatment for same sex couples, but from gay people to report crimes… Previously, they didn’t October the ‘need for a father’ will no longer be trust the police to investigate them, and thought a stipulation. there was no point.” 73 community 74 community Sponsors Community PICK UP THE PIECES sector organisations join forces to help meet the needs Four charities of lesbian, gay, bisexual and specialising in LGBT trans (LGBT) young people. issues have launched Jigsaw, by bringing together an initiative to reduce four organisations, each with homelessness in our their own specialism, creates a community. Chance dynamic initiative which Delgado looks at the responds holistically to the good work Jigsaw is needs of young people. I am doing. proud to see London tackling the endemic issue of LGBT youth homelessness Jigsaw is an umbrella head on, and am delighted to organisation that brings support the launch of Jigsaw. together legal advisers I look forward to seeing this Stonewall Housing, pioneering initiative prosper.” homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust, mental health For more information visit Amy Lamé organisation PACE and Galop, www.lgbtjigsaw.net which supports victims of homophobic crime. in the last 10 years, many them to move away from the Jigsaw’s co-ordinator, young LGBT people face negative elements that they Michael Nastari, comments: violence, bullying and rejection have encountered in their “The effects of homophobia by their family or communities. young lives. The project has EASTERN and transphobia on young Often, they are victims of hate the support of both people’s lives can be crime in their own celebrities and politicians who PROMISE devastating. As a result, they neighbourhood. The statistics understand the real need for can fail to succeed in for suicide are higher among such an organisation. Amy education, miss out on gay young people and this Lamé, broadcaster and employment and training, and shows that there is a defi nite promoter, comments: “It is suffer a range of mental health need for a mentoring shocking that so many LGBT issues. Young people who use organisation that directly deals youth are forced out of Jigsaw gain access to a with them when they are at homes onto the streets by complete range of services, their most vulnerable. their own families, simply for specially tailored to their The Jigsaw project has being who they are.” individual needs.” come together to pick up the Deputy Mayor for London, Jigsaw users will gain most vulnerable in our Richard Barnes, stated: “It is specialist advice to improve community and empower inspiring to see voluntary their housing and safety, as well as enjoying emotional support, education, employment or training opportunities and 75 social networking skills. This WORCESTER SAUCE Hooray! At last we have a new means that no young gay community centre in north east person need remain in an London offering a safe, alcohol- environment that is dangerous AUR ;NaV\[NY /V`RebNY 0\[cR[aV\[ free space for all our community or isolating. /V0\[ V` N[ N[[bNY TNaUR_V[T S\_ in which to access information, Though the legal position support and counselling. of homosexuals has changed OV`RebNY` aURV_ S_VR[Q` ]N_a[R_` N[Q `b]]\_aR_` AUV` `bZZR_ aUR The East London Out Project B[VcR_`Vaf \S D\_PR`aR_ dVYY U\`a centre boasts comfy sofas, snacks, aUR S\b_ QNf _R`VQR[aVNY RcR[a S_\Z a library, pool table, music and .bTb`a NPP\ZZ\QNaV\[ V` games. ELOP rely on volunteers NcNVYNOYR \[ `VaR V[ `abQR[a ¼ Na` and are currently recruiting. /V0\[ \SSR_` QNf aVPXRa` Na To learn more, please contact b[dNTRQ N[Q N SbYY RcR[a ]N`` [email protected] or check the S_\Z &$ b[dNTRQ # dNTRQ website at www.elop.org . For direct access, contact our staff For more information visit www.bicon2009.org.uk directly on 020 8509 3898. community Sponsors Community FUND RAZOR Coyotes would like to take this opportunity to send a very You’ve probably big thank you to everyone for sponsored a walk and their kind donations and maybe a friend who support. They would also like to has stopped smoking, thank other businesses for but a sponsored head donating raffle prizes to help shave is the wild new raise more cash. way to raise money for charity. At Coyotes in Manchester on Sunday 19 July, two members of staff willingly submitted to the razor in front of a cheering crowd. Coyotes are supporters of Act 4 Africa, a Manchester- massive £2639 in total - and Emily Shenton kept her hair on based charity, whose aim is the they’re still counting! The money but instead did a sponsored prevention of HIV/AIDs through will be put towards buying the bungee jump for the charity. education, sporting activities and charity a 4x4 vehicle which will Emily, another Coyotes staff workshops. take the message of AIDs member, is jetting out to Kenya The evening was a huge prevention to outlying parts on Tuesday 28 July for a month success having exceeded the of Africa. where she will be working DELGADO CHANCE / ALMUNSHI JANE modest target figure of £1700. Some eschewed a short alongside some of the poorest The Coyotes staff were back and sides in favour of other communities in the urban slums For more information delighted to have raised a ways to raise cash. Bar manager of Kenya & Uganda. www.coyotesbar.co.uk WORDS BY 76 77 community Sponsors Community <=@B6 Fit Women: Women’s 271 www.cruisers.org.uk badminton group. Asian LGBT: Greater Mancs S.wimmin: Social events Mondays 7-9pm. email: support grp. t: 07931 252874 for Surrey gay women. Age fi [email protected] range 25-50. Contact Karen: [email protected] Hackney Women’s Football listings Lesbian & Gay Foundation: [email protected] Club: t: 07941 561060 Sexual health, meetings etc. KB Fitness: London’s largest <=@B6 Helpline: 0161 235 8000 gay owned/run Martial Arts LGBT Choir: A=CB6 Manchester Lesbian Manchester Stingers GROUPS Academy! www.e-kbfitness.com. Football Team: Lesbian Michael: 07980 023578 Allsorts Youth Project: Community Project: London Cruisers Basketball football. 0161 273 7128 LGB Youth Group @ Step Drop-in for under 26s in Drop In – 2nd & 4th Thurs 7- LONDON Women’s Team: 07800 647 www.manchesterstingers.net Out: LGB Group for under 26s. Brighton. 8.30pm, Tues. 9pm; Discussion Group – 3rd Camden Adoption: Tue 5-7pm. Tower Hamlets. Wed 7-8.30pm; OWLs (Older t: 0800 0281436 t: 01273 721211 Scott: 020 7739 3082 Brighton Lesbian Link: Wiser Lesbians) Every Wed DASL: London drug/alcohol London Bisexual & 1-4pm. 49-51 Sidney Street, support. t: 020 8257 3068 t: 07594 578035 Lesbian Women’s Group: Brightwaves MCC: M1 7HB t: 0161 273 7128 Dykes On Bikes: Cycling. Church Social/discussion group. Last inclusive of LGBTs. Sundays LIKT: For young lesbian and HELP LINES Dee: 020 8771 3285 Wed/month. 8-9.30pm. 6-7pm @ Clermont Church, bi women in Mancs. t: 07813 ELOP: Youth, advice and Upstairs Bar, The Blue Posts, 981338 www.likt.org.uk e: support groups. Walthamstow. Cumberland Road, 81 Newman St, London , W1T (nr Preston Pk.), Brighton. [email protected] t: 020 8509 3898 3EU. www.facebook.com/ LYSIS: Lesbian Youth Support Albert Kennedy Trust: Thurs 10am-1pm & 7.30- GayGordons (The): LGBT t: 01273 681101 group.php?gid=11652761266 Freedom Youth: & Info. t: 0161 274 4664 (London): 020 7831 6562 9.30pm 01332 349333 Scottish country dance club. Bristol Metro50+: Social group for based LGB support group for Mancs Parent’s Group: (Mancs): 0161 228 3308. London Lesbian & Gay Unity Hall, 279 Upper St, London older people. 2-4pm. Metro Taurus Bar, 1 Canal St. N1 2TZ Thurs 7-9.10pm ages 13 to 21. t: 01173 773677 Housing advice for Switchboard: Centre. Jackie: 020 8265 3311 www.freedomyouth.co.uk Nicky: 01565 733891 www.thegaygordons.org One-Up: Youth group for Stepping Stones: Support gp under 21’s. 020 7837 7324 GaySurrey Ladies’ Nights: GLAM: Gay & Lesbian Media Antidote LGBT drug and www.llgs.org.uk LGBTs aged 18 and under. in Brighton. 44-46 Old Steine, in Mancs. LGF 0161 235 8000 @ The Hautboy Inn, nr Mondays 4pm-7pm. Hendon, alcohol support group. London Friend: Ockham, Surrey. BN1. t: 01273 707963 NW London. t: 07504 226793 Women’s Social Group: 020 7437 3523 Counselling service. www.gaysurrey.org/ladies. HATE CRIMES PACE Groups promoting (based in Kent). Poetry, walks, Brighton Lesbian and 020 7837 3337 LGBT Parents:Tower lesbian and gay health and LONDON Hamlets. Rosie: 07779 288232 golf, bowling and bi-monthly Gay Switchboard: www.londonfriend.org.uk wellbeing. t: 020 7700 1323 disco. t: 07960 627824 e: [email protected] Rainbow Parents: True Vision: Homophobic 01273 204050 Peer Support Project OutWest LGBT: Advice and rainbowparents@googlemail. ;72:/<2A and transphobic harassment Broken Rainbow: Mancs Youthline: 0800 support. Contact Chris t: advice. www.report-it.org.uk LGBT domestic violence 1697384 Tel info/support com. t: 07506 012282 Derbyshire Friend LGBT 07834 483866 e: secretary@ Galop Forums: Local LGBT Regard: Disabled LGBT. Youth Forum ‘Love Knows helpline. Mon & Thu 2pm- on Sats, 1-3pm. OutWest.org.uk. t: 020 8892 forums. Sam 020 7704 2040. Regard, BM REGARD, No Gender’: For young people 8pm, Wed 10am-1pm. Quest LGB Catholics: 5061 www.OutWest.org.uk Gay Police Association: London WC1N 3XX. aged 12-25. Sat 1.30–5pm t: 08452 604460 0808 8080234 UK Lesbian and Gay Action Line 07092 700 000 www.regard.org.uk Derby City Centre. 01332 www.broken-rainbow.org Stonewall Housing Immigration Group: (24hrs) e: [email protected] e: [email protected] 207704 loveknowsnogender t: 020 7922 7811 Galop: Help and advice for Colchester Gay Advice: 020 7359 5767 South London Lesbian @hotmail.co.uk/www.love- www.uklgig.org.uk victims of hatecrime. t: 020 Switchboard: Stonewall: Mums Group: East Dulwich knows-no-gender.piczo.com Lesbian Gay Christian 7704 2040 www.galop.org.uk The Outhouse, 19 East Hill, Campaign group for LGBT Community Centre, 46-64 Derbyshire Friend Movement: t: 020 7739 1249 Colchester. Helpline Mon- rights. 08000 502020 Darrell Road, London SE22 Women’s Zone: For LB&T ;72:/<2A e: [email protected] 9NL. Tricia Durr: 07876 762 women Tues 7–9.30pm at Fri 7-10pm 01206 869 191 www.stonewall.org.uk www.lgcm.org.uk West Midlands Police: 245. e: [email protected] Derbyshire Friend LGBT www.gayessex.org.uk UK Lesbian and Gay Kenric: Events /members Reporting LGBT crime. Step Out Tower Hamlets: Support Services, 2-3, Friary offi [email protected] Immigration Group: grp for women. BM Kenric, t: 0845 1135000 Social & support group for St, Derby. DE1 1JF. London, WC1 3XX. Derbyshire Confidential 020 7922 7811 LGBTQ young people. 5-8pm 01332 207704 t: 01159 663638 SPORTS LGB&T Switchboard: www.uklgig.org.uk Tues. t: 07946 337160 [email protected] Lesbian Discussion Group Advice, information and Unison: Help with LGBT Women’s Voice: Friendly www.gayderbyshire.co.uk @ Gay’s The Word: 66 LONDON a listening ear. Derbyshire employment issues. lesbian/bi group. £2/4 Tues Rainbow Voices Choir: Tues Marchmont Street. Every Dynamo Dykes: 7:30-9pm. Kairos t: 020 7437 8-10pm.Central Birmingham. Friend LGB&T Support 0845 3550845/ Wednesday. t: 020 7278 7654 Lesbian volleyball club. 6063 www.kairosinsoho.org.uk 07759 642410 Services. Tues, Weds, & 0800 0967 968. www.dynamodykes.org.uk YOU TIME holds a weekly drop in, 2Byou, BBC Switch, E4 and BBC3 will trusted, consistent service and for young people aged 14-16 on be the special guest. The evening have built up an extensive Thursdays from 3-5pm and for will kick off with live music by knowledge of services for 16-24-year-olds on Wednesday talented singer, Emily Fraser, and children and young people in 78 SexYOUality is an evenings from 6.30-8.30pm. up-and-coming local band, the local area. They have also independent charity Each week offers something Newspeak, followed by a ‘Fun built strong links and whose sole purpose different, from graffi ti workshops Fundraising Auction’. partnerships with the local is to provide support and games nights to cinema trips. A SexYOUality volunteer voluntary and community sector, to young lesbian, gay One of SexYOUality’s latest sums it up: “With Jeff Leach as as well as other LGB and bisexual people in projects has been making a our auctioneer, this is not going organisations throughout the Cambridgeshire. short documentary-style fi lm. to be just another charity auction, country. Perspectives – Challenging so get ready for Homophobia brings together the plenty of cheek So what exactly does the charity experiences of young lesbian, from this north do? Miriam Lynn, Project Support gay and bisexual people in London lad.” Offi cer explains: “We’re a group Cambridgeshire. It challenges The charity also of fully trained youth support stereotypes and provokes the trains young LGB workers and volunteers who audience to see the world from people to train offer safe and supportive activities new and different perspectives. other young for young lesbian, gay and The fi lm is being launched at people and runs workshops in For more info about the fi lm: bisexual people to take part in.” the Junction2, Cambridge on schools across Cambridgeshire www.perspectivesfi lm.webs.com SexYOUality has been Wednesday 29th July. Jeff Leach, to challenge homophobia. They For more info about SexYOUality running for 15 years. The charity comedian and presenter on have established a well-known, and the groups: www.2byou.org.uk community 79 80 81 Recruitment 82 Recruitment JUST THE JOB Getting an interview is hard enough, but nailing the job requires a combination of grit, wit and some crafty techniques. Chance Delgado guides you through the pitfalls and pratfalls of the modern interview Aren’t you sick of hearing how diffi cult it is to get a are not a pushover. Asking direct questions to the Have several phrases rehearsed to state exactly job nowadays, constantly being reminded that the interviewers is a way to do this. “Do you have a what your talents are: “I set up my own blog last competing applicants have never been of a higher pension plan?” “Is your company a diversity year and from the social networking contacts now calibre? Talk about pressure! But if you do some champion?” It is a way of being assertive without have a mailing list for my fortnightly newsletter on homework and learn to understand the game, aggression and shows your confi dence: a rare cat breeds, which is a favourite hobby.” This interview technique will come naturally and you’ll prerequisite for such a job. shows that you do not stand still but are progressing soon land that plum job. your work experience. What you wear is also of paramount importance. Your CV is your calling card and should be spell- Leaving your nose rings out may be necessary if you Most importantly, do your research. Know about checked and looked over by a friend who has a high are going to be front of house in a retail outlet, but the company, their products, organisation and core standard of English. Don’t write lies, but you can wearing them may be acceptable if your job is beliefs. It is impressive if you can weave in a 83 exaggerate the truth. For example, there is nothing backroom. You may ask about this, but never in the statement such as: “I see from your website that wrong with saying you have been involved in setting fi rst fi ve minutes of your interview, and never as the your company has a branch in France. Will there be up three websites for friends, even if you have only fi rst question you ask, or it will make you seem opportunities to transfer there as I speak fl uent been making the tea and doing a bit of light shallow and narcissistic. Clothes should be French?” This fl ags up that you have done your research. If you are questioned on any issue on your respectful,demure and not revealing any cleavage homework and also reminds them of one of your CV, state clearly what you did and how that relevant and your make-up should be subtle unless the job skills. If you can, get a friend to rehearse an interview experience can help your potential employer. calls for a fashionista style. Often your interview will with you to raise your confi dence For example: “I was compiling all the pictures be cut short if you get this very wrong. for the site and looking online for relevant links. And lastly, don’t forget your body. Don’t eat beans I think these skills will be very useful to me in Each time you open your mouth in the interview the night before. Wear deodorant and avoid heavy this job.” room, you give yourself the opportunity to shine. perfume. If you are very hot, ask for a window to be Putting one joke in can be great for breaking the ice opened rather than drip. Breathe deeply before you Remember that your employers want someone but be careful, don’t be fl ippant. However, you go in and keep your voice and breathing very even. with the right attitude: proactive, polite, and a ready should smile on at least three occasions during the listener and learner. If you can show this in the short interview. First when you enter, once during and If you don’t get the job, ring or write to the interview you will impress. In a job that requires you again when you leave. This simple act can win you interviewer and ask them if they can point up any to be fi rm or slightly confrontational, eg: security many points and help your potential employers areas where you might improve. That way you’ll be guard, prison warden etc, you need to show that you warm to you. as sharp as a razor for the next interview. or www.club-code.net www.club-code.net or www.girlactionevents.com www.girlactionevents.com “ visit information more For 84 created.” what you’ve you’ve what “ enjoying guests seeing your your seeing the feeling of of feeling the “You can’t beat beat can’t “You club in London and Girl Action. Action. Girl and London in club manager/director for CODE CODE for manager/director Nicola Chubb is an events events an is Chubb Nicola ON TOP ON WOMAN WOMAN Recruitment Recruitment 85 Recruitment 86 Recruitment COMPANY SPOTLIGHT Company: pronoun game! Lots of people asked if British Red Cross I was married and I was very open and Each month, g3 asks gay employees Name: Louise Irvine said that I lived with my girlfriend. It what their company is doing for diversity. Age: 30 has defi nitely been the easiest coming Job title: Senior Fundraiser out experience I have had in my life! Are there many other gay What does your job entail? employees where you work? Yes, My role is to raise funds to support the which made it easier to come out as I work of the British Red Cross both already knew that it was a gay- locally and overseas. friendly work place. What do you love about your What makes your company so job? Being privileged enough to be gay-friendly? I think the fact that able to see at fi rst hand the difference diversity is at the very core of the Red the Red Cross has made to people’s Cross’s values means that here is no lives. I also love that every day is room for discrimination on any different. One day you can be speaking grounds. I have always felt very at a local primary school about our supported and accepted at work. HIV work in South Africa and the next day you will be raising funds for the What does your company do to Chinese Earthquake Appeal. promote equality? We do a lot of community engagement work. For How did you come out at work? LGBT issues, this mainly means How hard was it? I always fi nd its attending Prides around England and best to come out early on, so you Wales. This year we were one of the For more information visit www.redcross.org.uk don’t get caught up playing the sponsors of Birmingham Pride. 87 Recruitment GOING SOLO advise you on funding such as that available from the Prince’s The current Youth Trust and other economic downturn government funding. You might means unemployment also try for lottery funding. is on the rise. If you find yourself being 3. Marketing and branding made redundant, don’t The quality of any materials you fret… this could be the send out to clients, such as perfect time to start letterheads, promotional your own business. materials and business cards, is extremely important and can flow forecast for at least six you want to register as a limited 1. Do your research provide a great first impression. months ahead. Work out realistic company or trade as a sole Contacting potential clients and Websites have also become a running costs and a separate trader or partnership, so speak doing market research with the necessity for businesses. If you budget for personal expenditure. to an accountant or financial general public. Valuable feedback can’t afford a web designer, there By doing this you will know if the adviser before you decide. Yo u will be given on how your ideas are various ways to launch an business is a viable one. Look at also need to set up a business can work better for you, thus effective website for free using ways of saving costs, possibly by bank account. Most banks have saving you money and time. effective site builder tools such as working from home. If you need free business banking advisers. If www.wix.com for flash sites or a decent company address, you you expect your turnover to be 2. Get funded www.rvsitebuilder.com. can use companies such as more than £68,000 pa you There are various new business MailBox, who forward your mail. should register with the Inland loans and funding available but 4. Do the sums Revenue for VAT. You need to get you will need a professional It is important to plan your 5. Get registered basic business insurance and also business plan. It is worth going to expenditure and how much It’s important to get everything in think about copyright, your local business link (www. money you will need to make order before you begin trading. trademarking or patenting your businesslink.gov.uk), who can each month by filling out a cash You need to choose whether ideas (www.ipo.gov.uk). 88 Recruitment 89 home&living 90 home&living BATTERY INCLUDED exchange your carbon tyre print for zero emissions The future of our roads. In the next few years, we will see electric vehicles taking over the streets and kicking petrol cars to the curb. Nowadays, manufacturers are moving away from the typical slow and ugly Electric Vehicle(EV) in search of cars to suit every taste. Mitsubishi i-MiEV Charge: 20 minutes, lasting 100 miles between charges. A reasonably nippy vehicle with an ergonomic design – the Japanese car, which costs around £30,000, can make a top speed of just under 90mph. The charge time and the four-person capacity are the best features on this EV. Mini E BMW Lightning Charge: 2.5 hours with a special converter or eight Charge: 10 minutes with a special converter or two hours, lasting 156 miles between charges. hours, lasting 188 miles between charges. The much talked about mini has a lot more than All electric cars are not the same. In the past we’ve just batteries under its bonnet – it can almost ramp been used to sluggish cars which are only suitable up 100mph. The car will be available to test drive for geography teachers and short librarians, but later this year, however when the new mini fi nally Lighting does exactly what it says on the tin and arrives, it may prove an expensive sibling to the can max 130mph, except at £120,000, being eco- petrol version and only fi ts two people. Price tbc. friendly and cool comes at a price. 91 Tesla Roadster Charge: 3.5 hours, lasting for 220 miles between charges. One of the fi rst sports EVs out. With a top speed of 130mph you’d never know it was charged using a household supply. The cute roadster can do 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, beating most petrol cars to the chase. Price £94,000. D]ZYaeOUS\>]Z] low on 0ZcS[]bW]\ CO2... CO2: 99. From £12,120 …if costly EVs are not for you yet, B]g]bO>`Wca A;/@B there is always a CO2: 65. Launching 2010 4]`be]1OP`W] compromise. Around £30,000 CO2: 113. £10,500 92 93 home&living /2D3@B=@7/:43/BC@3 TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY? Many people see affordable housing products as their only route to home ownership. Rebecca Roberts-Hughes from Metropolitan Home Ownership reports. HousingOptions products New Build HomeBuy (formerly known as Shared Ownership) Brand new homes for sale on a part-buy, part-rent basis. Home owners can increase the share they own over time, which is called ‘staircasing’. NBHB/SO Re-Sales These properties are New Build HomeBuy or Shared Ownership properties which are being re-sold by their Who doesn’t want to own their own home? deposit of £4,350 and an annual income existing owners, also on a part-buy, part-rent basis If you’re renting, your landlord probably doesn’t of £19,725. Your monthly costs, including lovingly furnish your home to suit your own mortgage repayments, rent and service Intermediate Rent specific tastes. If you still live with a parent, charge would be an estimated £608. Brand new apartments are available to let from a maybe you do get to do what you want with The cherry on top of the cake is that housing association at a subsidised rent level, which is your décor, but your space still isn’t your own. New Build HomeBuy homes are in brand usually 20% below private rents. HousingOptions ran a survey at their new developments. Shiny new kitchens and recent London Affordable New Homes bathroom suites are standard, and white walls HomeBuy Direct Show – which a phenomenal 5,000 provide a blank canvas on which you can First time buyers can buy a home from a private Londoners attended – and 68% saw express yourself. developer using an equity loan of up to 30% of the affordable housing products as their only HousingOptions, the HomeBuy Agents property value. route to home ownership. and advisers for London, work with over 40 Trying to buy your first home in the housing providers who offer an exciting range Rent to HomeBuy current market is a smart idea, but can seem of newly built and resale homes across the Would-be buyers can rent a new build home at a daunting. City dwellers have been hit hardest capital at market beating rates, and handle discounted rate for two to three years, with the option by the challenging property market. For 35,000 applications every year from London of buying the home afterwards using the New Build example, in Hackney in London the average key workers and other first time buyers. HomeBuy scheme. price of a flat is £205,000*. If you’re a first MHO have new homes available now 94 time buyer looking to get a mortgage, which in areas such as London, Hertfordshire and Home Ownership for people with is usually 3.5 times your income, you’d have the Midlands. There are also individual homes long-term disabilities (HOLD) to be earning around £58,000 per year. Add for resale, which previous owners are selling. People with long-term disabilities can buy a home on to this the 10% deposit required and you’ll To find out more, visit www.mho.co.uk or call a part-buy, part-rent basis, using the benefits system need over £20,000 in the bank. It’s a tall order 0845 230 4422. to pay the mortgage and rent. for anyone who values their social life! One solution is to buy your home in stages. With * Data based on Hometrack London Wide Initiative the government-backed scheme New Build calculations in June 2009. Key workers can buy a property in one of 15 HomeBuy, where you part-buy and part-rent developments across London. The government your property, you can buy a share in a home retains a share and no payments are expected until on a designated development. For example, the key worker leaves their profession or sells the home. you would buy 25% of a flat and pay a reduced rent on the remaining 75% to the To apply for an affordable home, register with your developer who owns it. local HomeBuy Agent. If you live or work in London, Mountside Walk in Hackney is a register with HousingOptions: New Build HomeBuy development by www.housingoptions.co.uk Metropolitan Home Ownership. You can buy To find out who your local HomeBuy Agent is, visit: a 30% share in a one bedroom apartment www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/ for only £43,500, so that you only need a homebuy_agents home&living 95 home&living 96 home&living 97 home&living /2D3@B=@7/:43/BC@3 HOT PICK: GO EAST… City centre living or edge of town retreat? Swan Housing has a range of homes to suit your lifestyle choices across east London and Essex. Roding Court entertainment nearby. And its location in Poplar, near Canary Wharf, makes it ideal for first time buyers looking for easy access sites. Roding Court has excellent at the Wyndralls, Priors Green, to work. Shared ownership transport links and takes 20 mins offer an antidote to city life in high apartments start at £47,250. by train to Liverpool Street. quality accommodation. Roding Court, Ilford, is a The Watch, a development of Easy transport access to buzzing town centre development listed Georgian apartments and London and Cambridge make offering fast access to central mews houses on London’s Isle of the development a convenient London and shared ownership Dogs, provides historic city centre out of town retreat. One and prices starting at £42,000. living with one and two bed two bedroom apartments It boasts stylish one and two shared ownership apartments start from £36,000 on a shared Atelier offers a particularly stylish, bedroom apartments with a available from £50,000. ownership basis. affordable and convenient east range of features including private Easy access to Canary Wharf, London base for development. balconies and hi-specification the Jubilee Line and DLR, makes Residents have the best of fixtures and fittings. it a prized Docklands base. For more information about city life with an eclectic range Ilford has a range of shops, Set in a relaxed village location Swan’s developments, call 0800 389 of restaurants, shops and restaurants, bars and cultural near Bishops Stortford, homes 6382 or visit www.swanho.org.uk. 98 99 home&living 100 home&living GIRLS’ “My friends would never NIGHT forgive me With if I didn’t singer-songwriter/ IN MC/guitarist Kizz invite P!nk .” “ 101 “ travel 102 travel MIND THE GAP Whether you want to change Before you go… the world, or simply need Many people choose to take a whole year next?! time away from the offi ce, out, often maximising the validity of a plane a year out could be just the ticket. Some people are spontaneous and Where to ticket. Anna Maria Espsäter prefer to just ‘up and go,’ but to make the helps you plan your adventure. most of the year away and have things run smoothly, a bit of forward planning is key. For those with commitments in the UK, the for staying in touch while away – The days are gone when gap years were the earlier you start to plan the better – even as international SIM cards and/or email sole domain of 18-year-old students wanting early as a year before leaving, if possible. If you access. Last but not least, check out the to see the world before going to uni. These have your own place and plan to be away best time to visit different countries, to days, anyone can take a “career break” to for six months or more, it’s worth renting it avoid monsoons and typhoons. travel, learn a new set of skills, re-assess their out to cover your mortgage and also make And now for the fun part – actually lives or volunteer their own knowledge in some extra cash while away. If you go for a planning what you’d like to do and where far-fl ung places. There are backpacking shorter period of time, friends or family you’d like to go for your year out… grannies, whole families with children in tow, might be willing to house-sit, or check on couples and singles, all taking advantage of your property on a regular basis. Good old time out to re-invent and re-discover Once you’ve sorted out what to do with Round-the-World… themselves. Not sure what to do with that the house, pet and car, there are further This is the classic gap year experience – redundancy package? Now could be a good practicalities to look at before you can get to jetting off on a round-the-world ticket – 103 time to change your life. the fun parts. Is your passport still valid, will but many things have changed since the you need a visa? Does your passport have early days of globetrotting. Whereas enough blank pages to fi t stamps or visas? before many would follow a defi nite Do you have comprehensive travel backpackers’ trail from east to west insurance? Might you need vaccinations for through Southeast Asia, to Australia, New the exotic locations you have in mind? Zealand and onto the Pacifi c, returning via Would you like to travel on your own or the USA, or simply the same route in with someone? reverse, nowadays the options are If you choose to go on your own but endless. Most plane tickets are valid for 12 would you like to hook up with other months and although you may have to travellers along the way, you might want to book fi xed dates for each leg of the join some online networks before you go. If journey, these can often be changed for a you’re in a couple and would like to travel small fee or even free of charge. together, bear in mind that a long journey There are several airline alliances, such can strain a relationship – if you didn’t know as One World and Star Alliance, offering each other that well before you set out, you RTW fares that incorporate all the alliance certainly will by the time you come back! members, thus multiplying the number of Also, don’t forget to check out the options destinations available. Most allow you to travel Trans-Mongolian Railway Lending a inhand Borneo stop off in as many as six to ten places. It’s you’re a complete newbie somewhere, and Learning a possible to create your own tailor-made breaks you in more gently. new skill abroad… itinerary. For example, you can include an Volunteering is a great way to pass skills on, East African safari on the way out to Oz and Giving something back – but also increasingly popular is combining NZ, while fl ying back via Easter Island and volunteering… your travels with picking up a new skill, South America… Or fl y out to Moscow, do Taking a whole year out to travel for pleasure improving an existing one or indulging in a the Trans-Siberian or Trans-Mongolian is a dream for many, but for some, just favourite hobby. Think salsa and Spanish railway on the way out, fl y from China to Oz travelling isn’t enough. With the world classes in Cuba, cookery in Italy, drawing in or NZ and return via Canada. becoming increasingly divided between rich Greece or horse riding in Argentina. There With such diverse options, it’s essential to and poor countries, many on a gap year see are endless exciting options to choose from do research, either online or with the help of it as an excellent opportunity to do their bit and some of them could also be career- a specialist travel agent such as Trailfi nders or to redress this balance and have wonderful, enhancing, not just for fun. Become a diving STA Travel. Once you’ve decided on your life-enhancing experiences at the same time. instructor, interpreter or playwright in the route, consider whether you want to Volunteering has become more popular in place of your choice – just make sure your backpack or travel in style. No one said you recent years and a number of organisations diploma or certifi cate is valid internationally. have to rough it during a gap year and many now offer projects, both long and short airlines now offer special discounted RTW term, in many countries. Coming home… business class fares. Even if you’re on a tighter Although it’s still possible to fi nd a project Remember that returning home after budget or plan to work some of the time to work with and support on the spot while months on the road can be just as much of you’re away, it’s worth booking your abroad, think carefully about what you’re a culture shock as arriving in a new country. 104 accommodation for the fi rst few nights after looking to achieve before you commit. If Be good to yourself upon return and try to arriving at your initial stop. This takes away the you’re only going to stay for a couple of ease yourself back into a routine until the hassle of having to fi nd a place to sleep when weeks, consider whether you’ll really be travel bug bites helping the community. Is time being spent again and you training you to do a task that could just as start planning easily have been done by someone local? your next useful websites Are you staying long enough to warrant the escape. time and effort local people put towards www.gapyear.com training you, so you can have an interesting www.gapyearforgrownups.co.uk experience abroad? And also, how useful www.trailfi nders.com and transferable are your skills in the fi rst www.statravel.co.uk place? For example, if you’re an IT consultant www.oneworld.com at home, why would you make a good www.staralliance.com medical assistant in Ethiopia? www.vso.org.uk If volunteering is what you’d like to do, www.worldwidevolunteering.org.uk it’s best to commit to a minimum of six www.caledonialanguages.co.uk months and do some research into www.wanderlust.co.uk charities such as VSO with experience www.lonelyplanet.com/community of sending volunteers abroad. travel 105 health&beauty 106 health&beauty RIDING HIGH its the wheel thing WHICH BIKE? racing/road bikes These lightweight creations are built for speed on the road or racing track. In order to maximise the bike’s aerodynamic potential, the handlebars are placed lower down than the saddle. mountain bikes It’s fun, it’s cost effective, it doesn’t /\RZOabPcbRSTW\WbSZg Designed for off-road cycling, mountain bikes harm the environment… and it’s also \]bZSOabª6SOZbVg have a number of gears and sturdy tyres to help a great form of exercise! Charlotte Victoria Hazael, spokesperson for UK’s national you navigate Dingle welcomes you to the wonderful cyclists’ organisation, Cycling Touring Club (CTC), rough terrain. world of cycling. says: “70% of women don’t get enough exercise and cycling is the perfect way to incorporate it into 3Q]Z]UWQOZ your daily routine. It burns at least fi ve calories a In these eco-conscious times, cycling is becoming minute and evidence shows that if you ride your an increasingly popular way of getting from A to bike regularly you’ll have a fi tness level equal B. According to the Department of Transport, a to a person ten years younger, and you’ll live quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide output currently on average two years longer.” comes from transport emissions. As fewer of us feel folding bikes inclined to key the ignition of the 4x4 and casually Cycling is a fantastic way to keep fi t. Regularly If you need to incorporate 107 blast noxious fumes into the atmosphere, the hopping on your bike is a great source of aerobic a train journey into roads are fi lling up with people pedalling their way exercise. This will decrease your risk of both heart your ride, or you just to the offi ce. disease and high blood pressure. don’t fancy leaving your bike chained 1VSO^ Keeping trim is another fortunate side effect of up outside the offi ce, Once you’ve paid for your bike, helmet and other regular cycling. If you cycle for half an hour to and you might want to accessories, cycling is an inexpensive mode of from work, you will burn off almost all the calories invest in a folding bike. transport. There’s no need for petrol or MOTs, of a light lunch. You’ll also fi nd your thighs, calves hybrids you don’t have to pay congestion charges or road and bum becoming much more toned. The hybrid is effectively a cross between the tax, and a decent bike will last longer than many mountain bike and the racing/road bike. It uses the cars. Of course, you will incur various costs for the Like other forms of exercise, riding a bike can lift mountain bike’s upright posture, but goes faster upkeep of your bike, but these are unlikely to come your mood and de-stress you. If you cycle to work, than a mountain bike as it also has the large wheel anywhere near the cost of an annual train pass! you don’t need to battle your way on to packed diameterof a As far as minimum start-up costs go, you can get tube trains or sit in traffi c jams, and you get some racing/road bike. yourself a decent new bike for around £300, and a fresh air before your working day begins. If helmet for about £30. Add a pump and a puncture you’re feeling down in the dumps at the repair kit and you’re looking at approximately £350 weekend, you can herd your mates together in total. and go for a scenic ride somewhere green. health&beauty CYCLING CHECK-LIST useful info high visibility clothing/ There are many different high visibility items available to wear, or to cover your bags with, so that other road users see you more clearly. Refl ective bands are perfect for night cycling. lights/ If you’re riding at night, you want to be as visible as possible. It’s vital to invest in lights for both the front and back of your bike. lock/ Splash out on a sturdy one, as bicycle thieves can often cut through the cheaper locks. Remember, it’s not just the entire bike which can be stolen – front wheels often go missing too! Buy a security cable which you can run through the spokes advice/ and secure with a lock. Or remove the front wheel and CTC: lock wheels and frame together. www.ctc.org.uk British Cycling: pump/ Make sure you get the right pump for www.britishcycling.org.uk your bike, as not all pumps work with all bikes! You Sustrans: also need to decide if you want a frame pump or a www.sustrans.org.uk If you’re not sure about anything, portable mini pump to take with you. it’s best to go into a reputable bikes and bike shop, such as Evans or puncture repair kit/ Essential so that accessories/ Halfords, and ask for advice! you’re not stuck on that picturesque country lane Halfords: due to an unexpected fl at tyre! www.halfords.com Evans: helmet/ water bottle & holder/ Cycling is www.evanscycles.com A well-fitting helmet is crucial if you are to lessen the chance of a thirsty work, and you’ll want water at your disposal! head injury in an accident. Information about the recognised safety groups/ standards can be found at www.dft.gov.uk. If you have an ac- bags/ You can get bags to attach to various parts Dykes on Bikes : cident, or drop your helmet at any time, you must replace it. of your bike frame, and your saddle. www.dobs.org.uk this month’s top beauty tips :WUVb\W\U:]QYa Good news – the fabulous Electric Hair Salons are building on the successes of their Brighton and 108 Reading branches, and opening a new salon in Marylebone in London later this year. Not only this, but owner Mark Woolley has just been named global ambassador for Denman International, manufacturers of what has come to be known as ‘the hairdresser’s hair brush.’ So, if your tresses need some attention, you know where to go! 4OQSbVS4cbc`S www.electric-hair.com / Tipped as Europe’s No 1 Facial, OXYjet promises to smooth fi ne lines and 01273 202808 wrinkles and fi ght signs of aging. Try it out for yourself…The treatment feels like it is breathing new life into your skin, making it feel more toned and giving it a youthful glow. There’s a free St. Tropez spray tan worth £35 with every facial – and throughout August selected treatments come at the reduced price of £15! www.beautiquebrighton.com / 01273 711 077 health&beauty 109 relationships Unfortunately, everyone’s gaydar lets them down from time to time. Theresa Heath looks at those confusing ‘is she, isn’t she?’ situations. THE LESSER- SPOTTED LESBIAN It used to be that you could spot a lesbian from half a mile away in a bad fog. If they weren’t shaven-headed and check-shirted, they were probably wearing a rainbow badge or at least a discreet pinkie ring. Today the possibilities for expression are endless and queer women are free to dress themselves however they choose. Hurrah for that! The downside is that lesbian and bisexual women can now be notoriously diffi cult to spot. This can be particularly frustrating if you fancy the pants off someone but aren’t sure which team she bats for. Luckily she didn’t freak out – but she didn’t kiss could barely talk to her. If I’d had more confi dence me either. We had a big cuddle and never actually in my own sexuality back then I’d have fl irted more, You can limit yourself to gay venues, or look for the acknowledged what was said. It was only later, or at least tried to see if she responded, but in the traditional clues – lesbian haircut, fl at shoes, short when I offi cially came out to her, she then became end I chickened out and she thought I didn’t even fi ngernails, etc. But with straight women now also my chief confi dante in all things girly, and is still a like her! free to mix it up, you could just be hankering after great friend. With hindsight all that ‘chemistry’ was 110 a tomboyish piano player. And if she’s a feminine- probably just projected from my own lesbian self on A few years later, I decided I fancied my friend Judy. looking girl, your gaydar doesn’t stand a chance. to this poor hapless beauty, who was just thinking She was girly and not obviously gay, but she had a she’d made a great friend.” way of touching me a lot and being a bit fl irty. By Kaya found herself in this predicament with a work this time I was more open about being gay and had colleague: “A new girl started in my offi ce. She was So there we have it – gay women have just found that the best way around the ‘is she or isn’t very attractive, cool, well-dressed, lived in east become too cool. If everyone could start wearing she?’ conundrum was to be brash and incorrigible. London, never mentioned a boyfriend or boys in Birkenstocks and weaving their own tunics from So I plunged in with ‘How’s about it Jude! Ever general. I had the dilemma of: lesbian or very cool? recycled hemp again, that’d be great thanks. fancied a woman?!’ The answer was ‘No, but thank you’. And it didn’t hurt one bit because I’d asked The weeks rolled past and I was sure there was Siobhan also found herself infatuated with the with a sense of humour, and I now took more pride some ‘vibe’ between us – she was really intense, coolest girl at school, whilst feeling like a bit of a in my sexuality.” locked eyes when we spoke, sending what I geek herself: “Being unsure of someone’s sexual interpreted as fl irty emails… preference can be disastrous for your confi dence, Maybe the answer is to be brave and plough in with especially combined with an utter lack of gaydar… a cheeky smile and, if they turn out to be straight, All this weird tension reached a climax at the and unfortunately I tend to go for girls who don’t hope they take the advance as a compliment. Of Christmas party. We were downing shots, dancing look stereotypically gay. course, this could end up in a humiliating rejection close, whispering jokes and were basically oblivious or a nasty confrontation with someone’s boyfriend to everyone else. So right at the end of the night I I was desperately in lust with Flossy Iqbal, the – but is it worse than never knowing? Only you can bit the bullet and said, ‘I really want to kiss you.’ cool American girl at school. I was so nervous I decide that. relationships DEAR BROOKE WAYS TO & DARIA… Our resident agony aunts soothe your 5 SAY SORRY… dating pains You forgot her birthday, and then she caught you fl irting with the girl next door. Charlotte Dingle helps you back into your girlfriend’s good books. Write her a poem Of course, this one only works if you have the required sensitive literary touch. You Cook don’t want to end up being the ex she tells her a meal ve-year- everyone about at dinner parties… You know, A certain amount of culinary talent the one who rhymed ‘boobies’ with ‘boogie.’ is necessary here. I mean, a fi old can open a jar of pasta sauce. Dear Brooke and Daria, Equally, however, you don’t want to My girlfriend has just asked me for a civil be too adventurous, and risk it all ring. Not everybody wants partnership. I adore her but, at 19, I’m Buy her backfi not sure I’m ready. How can I tell her? to sit down to a big plate of ostrich Yours, Footloose of Fishguard. a present sausages, spiced red caviar and Remember, though, it’s the braised sea cucumber. Brooke: Not everyone wants or thought that counts. And if your needs to make their relationship offi cial. thought is “Oh, I’ll buy her that Indeed, some people fi nd the very idea Barry Manilow CD I’ve secretly distinctly uncomfortable – particularly been yearning for for months,” younger folks. Frightening images of you may wish to think again. pipes and slippers fl oat into view… Shudder. The whole thing just seems to take us a few steps closer to being a grown up, and that sucks. Sure, there are legal benefi ts, but what 19-year-old (or indeed 25 or 30-year-old, for that matter) is worrying about whether or not they’ll inherit their partner’s Xena action Take fi gures when they die? You need to sit her out for a drink her down and explain that you’re not 111 With any luck she’ll forget what a ruling out a CP later on down the line, pig you’ve been after a few pints. but now isn’t the right time. Emphasise That, or she’ll punch your lights out. that it’s nothing to do with her, and Life’s all about these little gambles. everything to do with your attitude to getting hitched in general. Hopefully, she’ll come round. If not, you can always Cry. A lot get her one of those nice Russian brides off the internet to keep her quiet. If all else fails and the Daria: At 19, you’re not supposed to homemade pasta sauce be settling down to a future of Swedish you tried to knock up was furniture stores and IVF. You should be inexplicably burnt to a cinder, upside down in a toilet in Soho, you can always rub the leftover projectile vomiting after your 18th onions into your eyes… Bacardi Breezer. Most19-year-olds don’t Ham it up massively, and make worry if one of their ladies starts being her feel bad for being so angry diffi cult – they’ve usually got at least with you. Poor, misguided little another fi ve on the go. Ditch the bitch you. Aw! and go party! Horoscopes your stars By Philip Garcia aquarius pisces aries taurus 20 Jan - 18 Feb 19 Feb - 20 March 21 March - 19 April 20 April - 20 May Now is a good time to look back over After a quiet start to the month you Consider why someone is You are more easy-going than usual. previous weeks and assess could fi nd your desire for peace deliberately trying to rub you up the You’re giving more time to your successes and disappointments. replaced by a whirl of new social wrong way. Perhaps they are doing it closest relationships. Something Place them in the context of your contacts and opportunities. Friends to mask the attraction they feel for makes you reconsider your approach general life structure, and see that made in the next month will want to you. Change your tactics over the to a romantic interest. Suspicion is one or two problems might seem involve you in group activities; expect weeks ahead. Don’t rise to the bait now replaced with sincerity and you to crop up consistently. Are you to be doing more travelling. All of this and soon you may have managed to know immediately how to bring out being taken advantage of? Now is month’s changes could result in get a budding romance off the the best in others. Over the weeks a good time to solve problems in some positive achievements both ground. You can be persuasive in a ahead someone will be left in no your life. personally and professionally. gentle way now. doubt about how you feel for them. gemini cancer leo virgo 21 May - 20 June 21 June - 22 July 23 July - 22 Aug 23 Aug - 22 Sept There are some unspoken anxieties Bulging wardrobe but nothing to Give yourself time to get to know A private matter needs to be dealt affecting a close relationship. wear? Time to update your look. people before you put your trust in with immediately. This could put a Postpone major discussions until Take a fashion-conscious friend along them. Someone is trying to set plans damper on any social plans. you’ve had a chance to decide how with you and enjoy a spending spree. that will benefi t them more than You will be looking at life in an you really feel. Spending a little time Suddenly, deciding what to wear to you. You will be against these initially objective fashion over the weeks to on your own will help you sort out the offi ce won’t be such an ordeal, but once they’ve put their powers of come. You are considering making your priorities. In the next few weeks and you’ll fi nd others complimenting persuasion into action, you could new future plans or deciding on a you will receive just the bit of news you on your appearance. An fi nd yourself changing your mind. new direction for your life or you’ve been waiting for. The picture overseas connection could bring an Don’t! Your fi rst impressions were career. Life is likely to take an gets brighter and brighter. exciting offer. the right ones. interesting new turn. 112 libra scorpio sagittarius capricorn 23 Sept - 22 Oct 23 Oct - 21 Nov 22 Nov - 21 Dec 22 Dec - 19 Jan A friend might come to you for advice Understanding why someone is If you’re unhappy in a relationship, You’re feeling unusually sensitive and and, if you put yourself in her shoes, behaving strangely will make a big why pretend it is okay? A certain emotional now and it isn’t easy to hide you could offer her some helpful tips. difference in your relationship. You union is well past its sell-by date and your feelings. This mood could surface Getting involved in other people’s can’t always expect others to be the it’s time to fi nd someone new. An in any number of situations. Its problems could be just what you need same in all situations with all people. energetic period begins, and a marked importance lies not in understanding to take your mind off your own You might admire their persistence in interest in community affairs will others but in realising the depths of concerns. Romance will be up and some areas and laugh at their antics emerge. You are in the good books of your personality. You will feel proud of down over the weeks ahead; friendships in others. This will help strengthen an older relative and an offi cial will yourself after you do something for will bring you most happiness now. your romance over the weeks ahead. become a useful ally. those less fortunate than yourself. Call 0905 072 3512 for your detailed Horoscope or 0906 117 7583 for one of Philip’s Psychics or Mediums. Calls to 0905 cost 75p per min/ to 0906 cost £1.50 per min from a BT Landline/ Other networks may vary. All calls recorded for your security, 18+ only. All calls regulated by PhonePayPlus. SP: Astro Int, PO Box 322, WA15 8YL. 113 rant//art//chat//rant//debate//chat//rant//debate//chat//rant//debOpinion a 27A1:/7;3@( B67A7A/<=>3<1=:C;<4=@/ Faye Hughes is the writer and producer of new lesbian drama Far Out. Full of passion for the project, sure that the UK public and broadcasters were ready for it, I sent the script out. I waited. Then BBC Writers room returned it and I was gutted, so I shoved the script under my bed and went back to directing theatre. Then, late last year, curled up on the sofa, channel fl icking, I came across this comedy show about two fl atmates in London. In this particular episode a lesbian couple had moved in next door. The stereotyping was just dreadful, I was outraged. The jokes were just pervy. My licence fee was paying for this rubbish! What made it worse was that everyone could see this, my parents could see this, this was how the lesbian community was being represented on TV. I am all for a laugh, and I can take a joke at my own expense, but when there is no realistic balance, no accurate representation to balance out this ‘humour’ – that in my opinion is what breeds Faye Hughes (centre) gets behind the camera homophobia and ignorance. I sat down and thought about it. Really thought about. I set about making a list of accurate representations of the lesbian community in the media, and I could have fi t my list It started about three years ago and I think it was on a Thursday. I am on the back of a postage stamp. not quite sure from where it came but I just started writing. I had I dusted the script off and Far Out TV was launched. We written plays before, having acted and directed for theatre for managed to secure some funding, but just enough to hire coming up for ten years. It comes naturally. TV, however, was not equipment; everyone would have to give their time for free. And something I was used to – but the idea and the characters came to they did. We were inundated with casting submissions. People have life on the page so freely that I was sure I was on to something. given their time so generously, crew, cast, designers, website By the end of the weekend, I had mapped out the fi rst series of designers, extras. It really fi res you up to know that so many people Far Out, a TV series based on the lives of a group of gay women in want this to happen. and around Soho. I was a woman possessed; something was The project has grown beyond what we ever thought possible. driving me to put this down on paper. Within the next fortnight I And the joy of it all is that this WILL be an accurate representation had a rough draft of scenes for each of the six episodes and within of my friends. Not produced by a group of businessmen in it for a month a group of my actress friends sat down in my living room the money. It won’t be over glam and sensationalised, it will be for a read through. I still have the tape recording from my honest and real and made by the people it represents. Now we dictaphone of the fi rst read-through. Many of the scenes have just need an audience! barely changed and some of those actresses remain. www.farouttv.co.uk 114 great . `R_VR` \S V[aR_R`aV[T SNPa` S\_ f\b a\ VZ]_R`` f\b_ QNaR dVa lesbian inventions!U AUR 1RONaR Debating is a formal way in which shouting about the topics of the people can discuss differences of day. We are very fortunate that the opinions on subjects ranging from British Museum of Great Lesbian the Iraq War, election candidates, Artefacts has an original transcribed and whether or not Tupperware conversation, reprinted here for your should go in the dishwasher when pleasure: there is the risk of lid shrinkage. ANDREWS LEA Tracius: “I was like…” Debating was invented in ancient Sharonus: “Yeah, it’s like…” Rome by lesbian twins called Tracius Tracius: “I know…” and Sharonus. They frequented an Sharonus: “Yeah…” ancient drinking hole called the Tracius: “Exactly, know what I mean?” Oakius Barbarus, and were often seen Sharonus: “Yeah, it’s like…” These, and other complex debates, set the precedent for propping up the huge stone bar, Tracius: “Yeah…” generations of highbrow lesbian interaction. WORDS AND ARTWORK BY ate//chat//rant//debate//chat//rant//debate//chat//rant//debate// 115