WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK ISSUE SIXTY-FOUR 04/12 £FREE

INSIDE PORTUGAL PARTYING LOS ANGELES PRIDE MADONNA’S MDNA MYRA DUBOIS

Help! My man wants to open up our relationship

Perfume Genius MIKE HADREAS: BOY N’ THE HOOD

Sparl R www.boutiquemarketing.co.uk DAVID HUDSON [email protected] retrieval system ortransmitted inany i Kruse, JoshW Director ofAdvertising otherwise, withoutpriorpermission otherwise, [email protected] © Square Peg MediaLtd 2000-2009. resulting from withone atransaction form orby any means, or electronic Bout expressed in chard Ph either in whole or in part, may not either inwholeorpart, neccessarily thoseofthepublishers. Advertising Manager Advertising The magazinewillnottake City any of our advertisers/ MediaPartners.of ouradvertisers/ Phone +44(0)2072581777 Square Peg MediaLtd. James McFadzean The content ofthispublication, be reproduced, stored inadata THE TEAM Square Peg MediaLtd In t/aOut [email protected] responsibility forany loss/claim Fax +44(0)2072581787 from thepublishers. Opinions + 44(0)7772 084906 Square Peg Media Chance Delgado & ExhibitionSales + 44(0)207258 1777 + 44(0)207258 1777 +44 (0)207258 1943 Graphic Designer +44 (0)207258 1777 Head ofBusiness Lyndsey Porter Design Concept [email protected] i Dan Goodban Sarah Garrett Chr ng, SorenStauffer- Photographer Development London NW16EA ISDN: 1473-6039 Contributors L i Ryan Beal 37 Ivor Place Sub Editor Publishers que Market i nda R Out In The City The In Out Editor i s Jepson i ll

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[email protected] change [ “Some believe theGovernment hasnorightto “owned” by thechurch. Featherstone for pointing outthat marriage isnot guns onthisissue,andto Equalities Minister Lynn Kudos goes to theGovernment for stickingto its education of children.” marriage isintended for theprocreation and the complementarity of maleandfemale orthat people involved. There would benorecognition of It would reduce itjustto thecommitmentof thetwo society’s understanding of thepurposeof marriage. law would gradually andinevitably transform all Catholics to opposesuchplans:“A change inthe wrote apublicletter saying that it was the“duty” of Archbishops of Westminster and Southwark jointly described theplansas“grotesque”, while the the subject.Scotland’s Cardinal Keith O’Brien Catholic Church outspoken hasbeenparticularly on group holdsuchceremonies ontheirpremises, the proposing to make itcompulsorythat any religious Despite thefact that theGovernment isnot secular premises. to allow themto holdcivilmarriage ceremonies on marriage equality for same-sex couples,proposing coalition Government intends to introduce full It hasbeenimpossibleto escapethenews that the consultation periodcloseson14 June2012. under ‘Equal civilmarriage consultation’. The go to http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk andsearch civil marriage. Ifyou want to give themyour opinion, opinions from peopleonthesubjectof same-sex The Government iscurrently seekingviews and than theUK. which have afar higherconcentration of Catholics Belgium –even, interestingly, inMexico andSpain, norm insuchcountriesasSouthAfrica, Sweden and recent Populus poll).Gay marriage isalready the in favour of gay marriage (65% according to a Polls have indicated that mostpeopleintheUKare and change things for thebetter.” future, notstay silentwhere ithasthepower to act fundamental jobto reflect society andto shapethe challenge that view —itistheGovernment’s “They want to leave tradition alone.Iwant to Letter Hudson’s marriage ] at all,” shetold @OutInTheCityMag The Telegraph . 10 her cap Myra Dubo around thecap fi alternat second, annual, R 06 MYLONDON co.uk ed correspondence to Send your 04 LETTERS CONTENTS Rev 18 MUSIC l h Apr 15 DIARY H FESTIVAL 12 FRINGE Hudson… talks toDav Perfume Gen Hadreas, aka and songwr Seattle-based s GENIUS 10 PERFUME North SeaTexas i lm fest st i i i ghl s ghl i i tor i i i ngs ng cabaretstar ews ofnew l’s cultural i i ghts andarts ghts ofthe i al@outmag. i i i i tal h n and ve LGBT val -Fr 20 i i s g i ter M d i OUT INTHECITY i ghl us, i i ves us i nger i tal i nge! ghts i ke PHOTO © CHRIS JEPSON 39 theatre news rev rev H awards andTerrence Kennedy Trust Walk, Albert Br The Stonewall 40 OUTREACH Masked Ball and NAT’s fabulous of XXL,Gutterslut Apr Scene h 31 OUTTHERE un Burston abouth We chattoPaul 26 POLARI Class Master Tyne Dalyandher 24 THEATRE Sea North Beauty, 20 FILM among others Rufus Wa albums byMadonna, Texas Be The Place The Be i gg i i ghton Equal i i que l i ewed andother ewed l, pluscoverage i ns Trust and i i ghl terary salon i WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 3 nwr Th i ghts for

i i s Must Must s ght, i ty i s APRIL 2012 Sperm Bank Centre andLondon hunk Spa andanother Yoga, Sk Marylebone’s Indaba Agony uncle, SOUL 61 BODYAND Lesboa party L Angeles Pr We checkoutLos 56 TRAVEL for thehome and des Newlon’s HaleV 50 PROPERTY Br 46 PARENTING parenthood? plann agreement pre-concept benefi What arethe 44 LEGAL home andabroad Gay newsfrom 42 OUTNEWS i sbon’s legendary i t i sh Surrogacy ts ofs i i ng n BodyTalk i rable i n Health i i de and f i i gn on i tems i ng a i llage READERS’ LETTERS: APRIL 2012 FEEDBACK SEND YOUR PRAISE, RANTS OR COMMENTS TO [email protected] - ALL LETTERS PRINTED WIN A PRIZE…

bit of a crush on Mr Spence. It’s those tight buns and dancers legs – I think he’s gorgeous! It was interesting to read your interview with him as you asked some of the questions I’d ask myself. I don’t know why anyone would slag him off for giving gays a bad DRINKING BUDDY name – he’s unashamedly proud of who he is, and doesn’t Some advice to Daniel, who care what anyone else thinks of wrote in about getting drunk him. I wish more gay men had and trying to snog his best his balls… so to speak! mate’s boyfriend [OITC - Alex, Crouch End March 2012]... I agreed with all of the agony uncle’s advice, but FULL FIGURE I just wanted to add that perhaps you should also be Dear Hudson, us gay men still thinking about your alcohol have a long way to go for consumption. That particular equality. Women TV presenters problem wouldn’t have arisen if show more cleavage by the day. you weren’t so drunk, so maybe They will be reading the news it’s something worth thinking topless before long! However, about that. I don’t want to when that pretty young man sound judgemental, because wore rather attractively tight everyone does things they jeans whilst reading the regret when drunk, but if those weather forecast last year, he CATHOLIC TASTES things become more and more was told off and we have never common, then perhaps you been allowed to admire his I grew up Catholic and was an altar boy for quite a few years, back should also think about cutting “cleavage” since. Hetero males in the days of the Tridentine Latin Mass. It may be generations back on the drinking, rather have their voyeurish desires before the Vatican grasps that the reality of homosexuality is far than just avoiding your friends. pandered to but we are left more about who one falls in love with than actual sex acts. Marty, WC1 frustrated and ignored! Gay Lib Marriage, as a legal contract, offers benefits and ‘goodies’ by the has not won the last battle by a truckload that gay couples have not previously been eligible for. long chalk. Now, in the 21st century, to hear this Pope state that same-sex Bill T marriages undermine human dignity and threaten the future of P.S. Why are we never allowed humanity is what we young Mass servers, eons ago, would have to see more of Hudson than his called pure “excreta tauri”. These people definitely need an bust? I want the full figure of increase in levels of fibre in their diet! Here in Canada, where the man! nuptial equality has been in place for years, I assure Mr. Ratzinger that the sky has not fallen. H, Canada Anyone who had LOUIE LOUIE a letter printed this month won a ‘Like’ our new Follow us on Twitter: Thank you for the interview copy of Weekend Facebook page: @OutInTheCityMag with Louie Spence [OITC - on DVD Out In The City March 2012]. To the horror of some of my friends, I harbour a

WRITE TO Anyone who has a letter published next month in the May issue of Out In The City will win a copy of new DVD Eating Out: The Open Weekend. The fifth instalment in the Eating Out series of films offers another bawdy gay sex comedy, US AND WIN with a cast stuffed with hot talent and barbed quips. It’s released by TLA releasing on 26 March. A PRIZE... The writer of May’s Star Letter will win a copy of Eating Out: The Open Weekend, plus a copy of the brand new Spartacus International Gay Guide. The 2012/2013 of the famed guide (the 41st edition) features worldwide gay listings, and is available now for £19.99 (published by Bruno Gmünder). Send letters to [email protected], and please include your name and address if you want to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

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LISTED LONDONER MY LONDON RISING CABARET STAR MYRA DUBOIS GIVES US HER CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS… Portrai t by CHRIS JEPSON

Where do you come from doorstep and we never use originally? them. A friend and I once Rotherham, South Yorkshire – planned to be photographed in as do the Chuckle Brothers and comedy poses outside Joe Paul Shane. William Hague is Orton’s flat with an inflatable also from Rotherham… but I’m hammer. Maybe I should do less keen on that fact. that first? Where do you currently live Favourite green space? and when did you move there? Greenwich Park is nice. There’s Hither Green. Most people this lovely bit claimed to be haven’t even heard of it. They Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite say in Hither Green no one can view of London. I also love hear you scream, so I’m moving Victoria Park. Very peaceful. in April. Where do you escape the city? What’s the best thing about Back up to Rotherham to see living in London? family but occasionally to The nightlife! I especially enjoy Manchester. I lived there for a the karaoke that goes on till few years and lost my virginity. about 6am in the Dolphin on I don’t perform up north half as Mare Street, Hackney. I also often as I’d like, but every time love the theatre, from the big I do I have a scream. It has budget West End Shows to everything London does but in Fringe Theatre. London is just walking distance. rich with culture. The amount What’s the most you’ve paid for of tourists I speak to that can’t a cab, and to where? get over museums being free! I’ve got a real flair for falling We shouldn’t take that for asleep on night buses, so I granted. imagine it’ll have been on the …and the worst? cab back from whichever depot Commuting. Humanity is at its the driver kicked me off at. lowest when it comes to getting If you were mayor for a day, on a train. There’s that selfish, what would you do to improve hard-faced and determined London? look that boils my piss. I’m not Lower the price of public a battery chicken and I shan’t transport – that would be a be forced to travel like one. priority. But then again, if I What are your favourite were only in power for a day restaurants? then it wouldn’t matter what E Pellicci’s on Bethnal Green I’d do. The next person would Road. They put you on tables just swan in to the office the with people you don’t know next day and scrap all plans, and conversation can blossom! using up even more precious Each meal feels like it’s been tax money. And I’d cancel the cooked by an old maiden aunt Olympics – just for a reaction. that really loves you. Whilst Favourite London song… we’re on the subject, could ‘Consider Yourself’ from someone please open a late- Oliver!. I remember being little, night chippy in Soho? seeing Oliver! and informing Where do you go drinking? my mother that I was going to The Retro Bar (pictured), just move to London as soon as the off the Strand. I host a weekly song had finished. pub quiz there on a Sunday. Are you single, partnered or That’s what I moved to London dating? to do: host pub quizzes. But the Perpetually single. jukebox is cracking (as in good, Invite us to a party… not damaged) and the drinks I’m doing a show with David cheap. I also spend a lot of time Mills at the RVT on the 12 April at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. called ‘Mouthing Off’. We’re Favourite tourist haunt? both doing a few turns each, Do you know, this question has plus we’ve got Clayton stumped me! It’s that typical Littlewood and Frances Barber London-living thing isn’t it? All on as guests. Entrance a fiver. these tourist haunts on our Come on down! RETRO BAR THE TO THANKS WITH

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BAROMETER: APRIL 2012 THE WORD ON FIRE THE HIT FACTORY LIVE, RE-DISCOVERING SOMERSET MAUGHAN AND RISING POP STARLETS...

DENMARK The country’s PM has announced the APP legalisation of equal gay marriage, commencing 15 OF THE June 2012. Come on UK – MONTH keep up!

AZEALIA BANKS Our first taste of Ms Banks came courtesy of her guest AIDSMAP NEWS role on the Scissor Sisters single, but debut single Recently launched by NAM (National ‘212’ shifts her firmly into the spotlight. HYDE PARK HITS AIDS Manual) is this informative app offering daily updates on new KARIN PARK Buy your tickets now for what research into HIV treatment. It’s Another female singer- promises to be the campest available for free from iTunes. Also songwriter to catch our open-air festival of the check out online resource www. attention is Karin Park: summer. PWL Hit Factory Live aidsmap.com/talking-points androgynous chanteusse will be a celebration of the in the Robyn/Bjork mould. Debut album due May. music of Stock, Aitken and Waterman – the hit makers behind some of the biggest hits of the 80s and early 90s. THIS The list of acts appearing MONTH’S reads like a G.A.Y Who’s Who: RISE AND Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, FALL Bananarama, Dead Or Alive, Sinitta, Hazell Dean, Sonia, Sybil, 2 Unlimited, Lonnie Gordon, Steps, Pepsi & Shirlie and Brother Beyond. Sadly, no ENGLEBERT HUMPERDINCK mention of any performance QUOTE We’ve nothing against Mr from Kylie… but given the OF THE Humperdinck himself, but whole thing is a fundraiser in his slushy ballad – our UK aid of Cancer Research, we’re MONTH Eurovision entry – leaves us cold. Bring back A Song For sure there might be one or two Europe! other surprise guests on the day. Tickets cost £48.50 from CIGARETTES “Our strong advice to Priced hiked by 37p a the usual outlets. packet in the recent anyone who disagrees with budget… not to mention same-sex marriage is not to slowly blocking your ALL REVEALED arteries and killing you. get married to someone of Come on boys, time to ditch the fags. Films are increasingly being the same sex.” distributed by means other Ben Summerskill, chief executive of LORD TEBBIT gay, lesbian and bisexual charity The former Conservative than the traditional cinema and MP describes Prime Stonewall. DVD market. Swim Cinema Minister David Cameron’s (www.swimcinema.com) has reasons for supporting gay just been launched, allowing us marriage as “absurd”. to stream or download original [ Arts documentaries and performaces. Its launch film is a fascinating, unique documentary about Somerset Maugham (pictured), one of the 20th century’s greatest ON ICE writers, who, although married to a woman for a few years, spent most of his life living with his male partners. From filmmaker Michael House, the documentary had its world premiere at the recent London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, where all performances were sold out. Enjoy it now via www.swimcinema.com

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COVER STAR: PERFUME GENIUS SMOKIN’ HOT PERFUME GENIUS, AKA SEATTLE-BASED SINGER/SONGWRITER MIKE HADREAS, TALKS TO DAVID HUDSON ABOUT HIS STUNNING SECOND ALBUM, PUT YOUR BACK N 2 IT, OVERCOMING THE PROBLEMS OF HIS PAST, AND KEEPING HIS MUM HAPPY…

Although Perfume Genius’ debut album, other people, or bringing up other people’s even if it’s not 100% their story, and I wish Learning, picked up good reviews in experiences, that’s when I get nervous. If I I could have heard music when younger 2010, it generally passed beneath the ever do that, even if it’s not very clear, I where I felt like I could have something radar of most music fans. It wasn’t until still play it for my friends. There’s a song that was 100% my story, or close to it. the video for ‘Hood’ (lead single from his on the album about my mum, and I played Your first album also touched upon the second album) popped up on YouTube it for her before I put the record out, just fact that you’ve previously had trouble earlier this year, that his name began to to make sure she’s OK with having that with addictions. What’s your relationship spread across the blogosphere. The film is song on there. with drugs and alcohol now? a short but tender exploration of male Do you find that songwriting is cathartic Well, I’ve been sober for two and a half intimacy, with the make-up-sporting for you? years, so I haven’t had a drink in that time singer cradled in the arms of muscular Yeah. I sometimes want to have a cooler or any kind of drug. And it was a long time porn actor Arpad Miklos. answer for that [laughs], but it pretty trying to get those two and a half years. But Born and raised in the suburbs of Seattle, much is cathartic. as the music’s been going well and having where he still lives, Perfume Genius is the commitments and things that I really want moniker for singer/songwriter Mike to keep, and wanting to be honest, I know I Hadreas. Filed in the same genre as really can’t do those things if I’m drinking, Anthony and the Johnsons, or a stripped- so it’s definitely helping me stay sober. down Rufus Wainwright, Hadreas boldly What drugs were you taking? and explicitly sings about love, life and Well… cocaine was my favourite drug. loathing from a gay boy’s perspective. The Cocaine gets pretty expensive and… you’re latest result: second album Put Your Back in the UK, right? I don’t know how big N 2 It, is a delicate, beautiful and stirring crystal meth is over there but it’s a big deal piece of work that has resulted in Hadreas in the States. It’s terrible – it’s an awful, embarking on a whirlwind global tour of awful drug; it’s insane, but it’s also cheaper promotion. Out In The City caught up with and lasts longer than cocaine, so, I think him in Paris to talk about his rising profile “I knew I wanted the towards the end I was heading in that in the music world… video to be a loving, direction. I took whatever I had the money to be able to get my hands on, and what Can you tell us how the video for ‘Hood’ tender thing between was around. came about? two men and that I Is it hard, given that your music career is I had to think about what I wanted to do, taking off and you’re touring the world, to and, um, that’s what happened, I guess! I wanted it to be be tempted to fall into that whole knew I wanted the video to be a loving, very classically rock’n’roll lifestyle? To relapse? tender thing between two men, and that I Yeah, especially like the social part of it, wanted it to be very classically macho- macho-looking.” because for my whole life, that’s how I’ve looking, so that’s how, after looking at gotten to know people. That’s how I’ve had other options, they came to use Arpad fun, although it didn’t end up being fun [Miklos]. Originally, I was thinking I You’re very open about your sexuality in anymore. There’s a lot of drinking and wanted to have a body builder in it, like your lyrics – has anyone ever suggested partying on the music scene, so sometimes someone who does weight-lifting that you should tone that down? I wish I could have saved… or I wish I’d tournaments, but they couldn’t find Oh yes. I think some people think that done this earlier when I was drinking someone who was a body builder that was they’re trying to protect me in some way, because I’d probably have had a lot more also willing to, like, embrace me! So they that somehow, if I’m too explicitly gay, fun, and it would have been a lot more started looking in other places, and even though there’s no getting around it, glamorous too, I’m sure. someone read about Arpad and contacted really, that’s just who I am, that it’s going But it could have got a whole lot messier… him, and it worked out way better. He’s an to alienate non-gay listeners, or people Oh yeah! There are temptations all the actor too, and I think he did a really good aren’t going to be able to get past that, time, but I’ve kind of giving up thinking job on it. which, you know, can happen. That can that I could ever do it just a little bit, or Lyrically, your songs are very personal. Do happen just in your daily life. I’ve had have any control over it. And I really want you ever find yourself censoring your experiences with people who just won’t… to do everything that I’m doing right now, words? Is anything off limits? …It will always be an issue for them? so that’s a part of it for me. I don’t think anything about me is off Yeah; always. And there’s no breaking limits. I think the more I tell the truth through it. But I’m not making music for The album, Put Your Back N 2 It, is out now. Perfume about myself, the more I find the song people where that would happen, you Genius tours the UK in May. A longer version of this helpful, or it might be helpful to other know? I think most people are smart interview can be read on the Out In The City website people. Sometimes, if I’m writing about enough to be able to relate to something at www.outmag.co.uk

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CULTURE CALENDER: APRIL 2012 FRINGE FEST 2012 FRINGE FEST IS BACK – TAKING OVER THE EAST END WITH LGBT FILM SCREENINGS AND PARTIES…

Out In The City is proud to be sponsoring the second Fringe Gay Film Fest, which will be returning to the capital from 12-15 April. Launched last year, the event is an alternative film festival that will present LGBT film screenings at a handful of East End arthouse cinemas, along with associated events, exhibitions and parties. The festival will also present its first commission, Super 8 Cam – created after organisers asked six London-based artists to produce three-minute portraits on Super 8 camera. The results can be viewed at Dalston Superstore. They are also running a video-based outreach programme on the subject of first love. For more details, go to http://vimeo.com/ fringefirstloveproject Below are just a few of the highlights, but for full listings, keep checking the website at www.fringefilmfest.com, or check out the ‘fringefest’ page on Facebook.

SCREENINGS a film that deals with sexual identity, gay equality, bullying and homophobia. n The opening screening will be I Want Your Love, and will take place at the Hackney Picture House n Retrosexual TV Special: Coming Out In Newport n Super 8 Cam, at Dalston Superstore, 117 (270 Mare Street, E8) on Thursday 12 April at 7pm. Pagnal/Framed Youth, at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Kingsland Road, E8. Six photographers present their After a decade in San Francisco, Jesse is forced to Green Road. Sunday 15 April. Screening followed by three-minute Super 8-filmed portraits, running on a move back to the Midwest. He gathers friends and a Q&A, with participants including Richard Coles, loop across the festival weekend, they have a launch ex-lovers for a going-away party that promises to formerly of the Communards. www.richmix.org.uk event on the evening of Thursday 12 April. heighten Jesse’s already bittersweet feelings about leaving. This is the first of two feature films by US n Young Soul Rebels, at the Rio Cinema in Dalston director Travis Matthews – whose ‘In Their Room on Sunday 15 April. Director Isaac Julien’s seminal EVENTS Berlin’ is screening on Sunday 15 April. Tickets are 1991 drama set on an east London housing estate in available from www.picturehouses.co.uk the summer of 1977. n The Little Joe Clubhouse, at Rich Mix, 35-47 An associated opening night party will follow the Bethnal Green Road, E1. From the folk behind Little screening. n Swoon, at the Rio Cinema in Dalston on Sunday Joe magazine, this pop-up space will host short film 15 April. Director Tom Kalin’s 1992 take on the tale screenings and discussions, as well as acting as a n Bijou, at the Aubin Gallery, 64-66 Redchurch of real-life gay lovers, Richard Loeb and Nathan library and meeting point. There’s a launch event Street, E2 on Friday 13 April. A screening of Leopold Jr. who kidnapped and murdered a child in between 7-9pm on Friday 13 April, and the space Wakefield Poole’s 1972 gay classic, Bijou, the early 1920s. will then be open over the course of the weekend. accompanied by a live DJ set. Limited audience numbers – strictly RSVP only. n In Their Room Berlin, at Town Hall Hotel, 8 n Dragersize, at Market Sports, 1-6 Bateman’s Row, Patriot Square, E2. From director Travis Mathews, EC2. Taking place at 2pm on Saturday 14 April, join n In Bed With Madonna, at the Rio Cinema, 103-107 this second instalment of his ‘In Their Room’ series tranny fitness instructor Sharon Husbands in all her Kingsland Road, E8. The Rio hosts a late-night is set in the German capital. It voyeuristically glitter fabulousness for a ‘muscle-tonight’ cardio screening of the classic Madonna documentary on documents what goes on in the minds and class! Admission £5. It will be followed by ‘Voguing’ Friday 13 April (admission £7.50). The event will be bedrooms of a group of urban gays over the course at 4pm, with Nathaniel TheDiscoKid Parchment hosted by Holestar, and audience members are of one day. It screens on Sunday 15 April. leading a voguing dance master class. Again, entry invited to sing and dance along to their favourite is £5. The classes are reversed and repeated on hits. Sunday 15 April, with Voguing at 2pm and EXHIBITIONS Dragersize at 4pm. n (A)sexual, at Rio Cinema, 103-107 Kingsland Road, E8 on Saturday 14 April. An American n Facing You, at Long White Cloud, 151 Hackney n Dick and Fanny, at The CAMP Basement, 70-74 documentary looking at individuals who experience Road, E2. Five London-based photographers present City Road, EC1. The quarterly club night for boys no sexual attraction. www.riocinema.org.uk works that explores identity, gender and sexuality. and girls returns with a special Fringe Fest party on Running the entire Fringe weekend until 21 April. Sat 14 April from 10pm till 4am, admission is £5 n Private Romeo, at Hackney Picturehouse, 4pm on with tickets from late-night screenings at Rio Saturday 14 April. Eight cadets find themselves left n After Louie, at the White Cubicle Gallery, George Dalston and Hackney Picturehouse (otherwise £7). behind at an isolated military academy, with plenty & Dragon, 2-4 Hackney Road, E2. Admission free. of time to ponder Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet – in Exhibition of work by Vincent Gagliostro. www.fringefilmfest.com

I Want Your Love

Bijou In Their Room Berlin

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DIARY DATESDIARY The aimof theshow is Control entitled month longexhibition hosting afree, two- SW1Y 5AH)willbe ICA commemorate this,the TV to digital signals.To switch from analogue that theUKmakes the April marksthemonth 02 APR-10 JUN: trust.org www.teenagecancer at thevenue.concerts run of fundraising it’s of part aweek-long Teenage Cancer Trust – HallforAlbert the show at theRoyal performs aheadline The fabulous SUN 01APR: CULTURE CALENDER: are responding to how thenext generation to alsooffer alookat with themedium,and engagementartistic through arange of contemporary culture television has hadupon enormous impactthat to demonstrate the APRIL’S CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS INANDAROUNDLONDON (The Mall,London, Remote . Jessie J

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E4 Udderbelly , showcasing hisworks from thelasttwo decades– ), Greg Davies, Nina Conti, The Physical ImpossibilityofDeath inthe APRIL 2012 hosts amajorsoloexhibition from ), vitrinessuchas returns toLondon’s second album, criminally-overlooked Promoting lastyear’s TUE 03 APR: www.ica.org.uk and Jonny Woo. Wachtel, BobStanley Hamilton, Julie (his 1991sharkinformaldeyde - (his A ThousandYears

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return to the (1990), play an , Shaftesbury Avenue. Apollo Theatre on can helponeanother. problems before they with theirown must cometo terms edge of disaster who Tyrones, afamily onthe tells thestory of the Set in1912, theplay Nig Day’s Journey Into Eugene O’Neill’s in anew production of days on we’ve loved sinceher Laurie Metcalf David Suchet 10 APR: Laurie Metcalf www.serpentinegallery.org his career. It willdraw togetherwork from across since winningthe2010Hugo Boss Prize. public gallery, andhisfirstmajorshow first solopresentation inaLondon photographic series. Thiswillbehis for hisexpansive andencyclopaedic early 1970s, earningworldwide acclaim Feldmann rose toprominence inthe since winningthe2010Hugo BossPrize. artist Hans-Peter Feldmann Gardens hostsamajorshow by The SerpentineGalleryinKensington 11 APR-03 JUNE: ht , comingto the Roseanne WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 15 and (who Long ) star Booking till18August. com www.nimaxtheatres. More details at: www.emelisande.com Bush Empire. at theO2Shepherds plays aheadlineshow brilliant Version OfEvents of herdebutalbum, Following thesuccess MON 16 APR: Spitalfields Traders shows taking placeat capital, withrunway Week Alternative Fashion 16-21 APR:

returns to the EmeliSandé –hisfirst German , the Our

CULTURE CALENDER: APRIL 2012

stalls to browse between 11am-5pm. More details at www.alternativearts. co.uk TUE 17 APR: Noah and The Whale conclude their UK tour with a date at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, supported by Emmy The Great and Lucy Rose. www.noahandthewhale. com THUR 19 APR: TUE 10 APR: It’s the gig you’ve been waiting for! Steps re- Sure to be sold out is this intimate London gig from the unite for a sell-out much-hyped and acclaimed Lana Del Rey – following the show at the O2 Arena – success of her debut album, Born To Die. Catch her at the part of their first UK Jazz Café in Camden. tour in ten years. www.lanadelrey.com www.stepsofficial.co.uk 27 APR: Market (E1 6AA). of applications were further afield. Fashion Expect truly cutting- received to take part in shows will be open to Tits Up is the name of a new, monthly edge design, avant- the event, and 80 the press and public drag party being launched at the Soho garde creations and designers have been each day at 1.15pm Theatre by Jonny Woo. Described as “A breakout fashion stars chosen to participate, onwards, and there will celebration of the best new and of tomorrow. Hundreds from across the UK and be plenty of fashion traditional cross-dressing superstars”, the night will offer a mix of performance art, lip-synching, music and cross-dressing madness. The night kicks off on 27 April (with subsequent dates on 11 and 25 May and 8 June). Here Tickets £10. Don’t forget that Jonny also presides over the regular Gay Bingo 19 APR-12 MAY: session, which will be back on 1 April The brilliant Alison and 6 May. Steadman returns to www.sohotheatre.com the London stage this month, starring in a revival of Michael SAT 21 APR: design world’, the Frayn’s Here, at the The annual contest rewards and Rose Theatre, Kingston. International Record acknowledges the most She’ll play the part of Store Day returns, innovative and Pat, the woman who celebrating progressive designs lives downstairs to Cath independent record from around the world. (Zawe Ashton) and Phil stores and encouraging The Museum is 26-29 APR: (Alex Beckett). The the public to visit and currently hosting an production is running buy from them – with exhibition of shortlisted One of the most famous film festivals in the world is the annual for a limited period several high-profile acts designers and their Sundance Film Festival which takes place each winter in the US. only: Thur 19 April until (Kate Bush, Noel work (running until 4 For the first time ever, the festival will be making its mark on Sat 12 May. £14-£30. Gallagher) releasing July), and the winners London, with a four-day mini-festival coming to London’s O2. The www. limited-edition material will be announced at a programme includes film screenings, music performances and rosetheatrekingston. to coincide with the special awards event discussions. Robert Redford, who launched Sundance, will org event and available this evening. Winners participate in an opening night debate (which will also include T only in selected stores. will be chosen by a panel Bone Burnett) on the relationship between film and music; while a FRI 20 APR: www.recordstoreday. in the fields of handful of films that made their premiere at the US Sundance The Puppini Sisters com Architecture, digital, festival will receive screenings here. These will include the award- headline at the O2 fashion, furniture, winning Nobody Walks, Safety Not Guaranteed and Luv; and Shepherd’s Bush TUE 24 APR: graphics, product and documentaries The House I Live In, Chasing Ice and The Queen of Empire, following last The Design Museum transport. Versailles (pictured above). Live performances will also come from year’s release of their announces the winners www.design Placebo and Tricky (performing Maxinquaye in its entirety). album, Hollywood. of its annual Designs museum.org Individual tickets will go on sale in early April – for full details see www.thepuppini Of The Year www.sundance-london.com sisters.com competition. Dubbed ‘the Oscars of the

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MUSIC: REVIEWS

Featuring production from hit-makers Dr Luke, Greg Kurstin and Swedish ALBUMS House Mafia, Electra Heart works a more electronic pop sound than her 2010 debut, The Family Jewels. But it’s ALBUMS OUT IN APRIL hardly chart fodder. It’s too goddamn oddball. One of the album’s catchiest tracks, ‘Homewrecker’, suggests MADONNA Elizabeth Hurley covering a Goldfrapp MDNA (UNIVERSAL) song; another highlight called ‘The State of Dreaming’ sounds a bit like Bucks Fizz. Those over-arching Did anyone love ‘Gimme All Your Luvin’? concepts start to make sense with Even hardcore Madonna fans have repeated listens, helped by some pretty conceded that the lead single from her irresistible choruses. Like I said, Marina 12th studio album, MDNA, is a song Diamandis isn’t the easiest of pop stars. than one can like rather than love. But on this evidence, she’s worth the Thankfully, its parent album offers effort. NL better material. MDNA finds Madonna Out: 30 April revisiting Confessions On A Dancefloor territory, and the result owes plenty to the co-producers that affix some monster beats to her trademark pop. Italy’s Marco ‘Benny’ Benassi and France’s Martin Solveig produce the first two-thirds of the album, while the UK’s William Orbit takes charge of the final third. It opens with Madonna intoning a request to the Almighty GRAHAM COXON saying ‘Sorry for having offended A+E (PARLOPHONE) thee…”, before launching into second single ‘Girl Gone Wild’ – a distinct grower. Things take a hardcore twist Graham Coxon has always followed his with ‘Gang Bang’. ‘Turn Up The Radio’ own muse, seemingly unconcerned would have made a better lead single. about chasing commercial success. ‘I’m A Sinner’ finds Ms Ciccone refusing A + E is his eighth studio album. It finds to kow-tow to Catholic guilt, turning ‘I’m him moving away from the folk-pop of a sinner, I like it that way’ into an 2009’s The Spinning Top and back RUFUS WAINWRIGHT irresistible mantra of self-liberation. towards grittier punk and new wave OUT OF THE GAME MDNA reveals itself to be a solid, leanings. While his last couple of dancefloor-oriented piece of work. albums have been produced by (POLYDOR) Possibly not quite as consistent as Stephen Street, A + E finds him working Music or Confessions, but a cut above with Ben Hillier, who produced Blur’s What’s a boy to do when he’s Despite these reference points, Hard Candy and American Life. DH Think Tank album (on which Coxon written a song called ‘Gay and the odd obviously Ronson- Out: 26 March famously only appeared on a couple of Messiah’, penned his own ish moment, there’s no the tracks before departing the band). opera, covered ‘Hallelujah’ for mistaking the artist at work It’s a collection of ten sharp and the Shrek soundtrack, here. Wainwright’s voice is angular tracks, on which Coxon plays recreated Judy Garland’s distinctive, whether drawling all the instruments, and which lyrically legendary Carnegie Hall or soaring, and he’s still the finds him picking over a hedonistic concert in its entirety, and set sort of songwriter who rhymes weekend in the city – best exemplified three Shakespearean sonnets “production” with “The Flying by ‘Meet+Drink+Pollinate’. Highlights to music? Release “the most Dutchman” and writes lines include the Joy Division-esque ‘City pop album I’ve ever made”, such as, “Nina was a sweet Hall’ and ‘Running For Your Life’, which that’s what! nymphomaniac”. But he’s MARINA AND THE looks at another messy consequences Rufus Wainwright recruited candid and emotionally open DIAMONDS of a night on the lash. “We don’t like producer Mark Ronson to help too. ‘Montauk’ is a wry, your haircut or your attitude, get back him, but fret not, this is no revealing song for daughter ELECTRA HEART (679/ down the M1 because we don’t like Back to Black knock-off. Out of Viva; ‘Song of You’ and ATLANTIC) - you…” he opines, which could itself be the Game works a warm, ‘Respectable Dive’ are tender, a nod back to the days of Blur’s inviting 70’s pop sound, honest ones for his partner, Marina Diamandis isn’t the easiest of animosity with Manc-rivals Oasis. Of nodding to Elton John, Jorn. And the record’s closing pop stars and this, her second LP, is a course, any hedonistic weekend must Fleetwood Mac and Young track, ‘Candles’, is a seven- typically tricky proposition. It’s a kind have its comedown, which here is Americans-era Bowie. The minute elegy to the singer’s of concept album on which the Greco- presented as ‘Knife In The Cast’: more album’s most danceable late mother that begins like a Welsh songstress adopts the roles of than atmospheric guitars and moment, ‘Bitter Tears’, sad French chanson and ends four different “archetypes”: Teen Idle, mumbled vocals – a reminder that suggests Harry Nilsson gone with bagpipes. It’s a suitably Primadonna, Homewrecker and although following his muse may disco, while its most romantic, moving conclusion to the most something she calls “Su-Barbie-A”. It’s delight some, Coxon’s perpetually low-fi ‘Song of You’, recalls Dorothy affecting album of Rufus also the singer’s response to a failed approach is likely to leave others cold. Moore’s classic soul ballad Wainwright’s career. NL relationship in which “for the first time DH

‘Misty Blue’. Out: April 23 in my life, I got played”. Out: 2 April HUDSON DAVID LEVINE AND NICK REVIEWS:

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FILM: REVIEWS This BEAUTY Month’s A MARRIED MAN IS WRENCHED OUT OF THE CLOSET BY HIS OBSESSION FOR A YOUNGER BOY. DVDs...

EATING OUT: THE OPEN WEEKEND

Fans of Eating Out films will need little persuading to snap up the latest in the series. The fifth Eating Out movie (from Q. Allan Brocka – the man behind Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple In The World TV series), finds Zack and new boyfriend Benji hitting Palm Springs on holiday… with jealous exes in tow. Cast regulars mix with new hotties and hunks! Out: 26 March BEAUTY THE DEEP BLUE SEA

Winner of the ‘Queer Palm’ at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011, and the South African Director Terence Davies’ tender love submission for ‘Best Film in a Foreign Language’ at this year’s Academy Awards (although story is like an alternative take on the it sadly wasn’t shortlisted as a nominee), Beauty is a powerful and absorbing film from classic Brief Encounter. Adapted from director Oliver Hermanus. Francois (Deon Lotz) is a middle-aged businessman who has a play by Terrence Rattigan and set in lived his life buried deep in the closet. Married, with grown-up daughters, his homosexual 1950, it follow’s Rachel Weisz as activity is restricted to occasional sex parties with other equally closeted men. He is coolly Hester, who’s ditched her husband for racist and homophobic in equal measures, rallying against “faggots”. In such a fashion, he a fling with dashing pilot, Freddie manages to maintain his veneer of respectability amongst his Bloemfontein neighbours (Tom Hiddleston). But sexual and family. That is, until he runs into Christian, the charismatic and handsome son of an chemistry doesn’t always translate acquaintance. Francois becomes obsessed with the young man, to the point where he into loving stability. The result is a invents a spurious business excuse to travel to Cape Town to spend time close to him. thoughtful and beautifully-shot Christian remains utterly unaware of Francois’ interest in him, until one evening, when drama. Francois becomes hideously drunk – and the iron-grip of control he exerts over his Out: 2 April feelings weakens. Although its protagonist is a repressed homosexual, living in an ultra-conservative society THE GIRL WITH THE (Bloemfontein – South Africa’s ‘city of roses’ – is not as progressive as Cape Town), in DRAGON TATTOO many respects, Beauty could easily have been about any middle-aged man becoming obsessed with a younger beauty – male or female. However, it’s been some time since the Daniel Craig & Rooney Mara star in detrimental and damaging effects of living one’s life in the closet have been so vividly David Fincher’s remake of Swedish portrayed on screen. Hermanus masterfully ratchets up the tension, with Francois’ novel/film, The Girl With The Dragon mounting obsession slowly engulfing him until an implosion is inevitable. When that Ta tto o . Some fans of the original were implosion comes, its depiction is brutal and unflinching. a bit miffed by his stylistic treatment, Beauty may be a depressing experience for some viewers, but it’s also – for those of us who but it’s a high-octane thriller with an live in more liberal parts of the world – a reminder of how far much of Africa still has to go imaginative whodunnit? at its core. on the road to LGBT equality. DH Mara received award nominations for Out: 20 April her depiction of cyber-goth bisexual hacker Lisbeth Salander. Out: 23 April NORTH SEA TEXAS PRIVATE ROMEO Chosen as the closing night presentation for this year’s London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, North Sea Texas Shakespeare fans will love this! is the debut feature from director Bavo Defurne. It Private Romeo offers an alternative concerns 14-year-old Pim, who lives on the Belgian coast take on the Bard’s Romeo & Juliet. with his single mother, Yvette, a rotund accordion player Featuring a rather delicious all-male who rents out a room to help with her income. cast, it followed eight army cadets Pim’s humdrum existence entails plenty of hanging around waiting for his mother to who find themselves left behind at an return from gigs or to finish her evening’s drinking in the local bar (the North Sea Texas isolated military school, and together of the title). He daydreams about a more fairytale life, secretly dressing up in his mother’s recreate the classic love tale. Director clothing to alleviate his boredom, or pining for his friend Gino, who lives nearby with his Alan Brown’s film is occasionally a mother and younger sister. A tender coming-of-age gay drama, Defurne’s creation a little earnest and self-consciously dream-like, evocative piece; languid in its pacing, but with strong performances from its arty, but it manages to transcend its young leads and a camp turn from Eva van der Gucht as the comical Yvette. DH micro-budget origins.

Out: 6 April Out: 23 April HUDSON DAVID REVIEWS:

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HEADHUNTERS

With The Girl In The Dragon Tattoo kick-starting a surge in interest in Scandinavian crime fiction, it was only a matter of time before Norway’s Jo Nesbø found one of his books making the leap to the big screen. Headhunters tells of Roger Brown, a corporate recruitment specialist who supplements his income with some after-hours art theft. He feels compelled to do so. Short in stature but tall in vanity, he fears his stunning wife may look elsewhere for love unless he DAMSELS IN DISTRESS can keep up mortgage payments on their fabulous jet- set lifestyle. Then the dashingly handsome Clas Sporadically laugh-out-loud funny and offering the occasional polished pearl of wisdom, Greve, an acclaimed businessman, turns up in Damsels In Distress is a whimsical breeze of a film that doesn’t ruffle too many feathers. Brown’s life. Both have something that the other is It’s the fourth film from director Whit Stillman, a filmmaker infatuated with upper-class determined to get. Brown can get Greve a coveted CEO US WASPs - a breed dubbed the ‘urban haute bourgeoisie’ in his 1990 film Metropolitan. position at a top tech company, while Greve has a lost Stillman doesn’t stray far from familiar terrain with Damsels: a frothy comedy set on masterpiece that Brown wishes to steal. the Seven Oaks US college campus. Here, new student Lily (Analeigh Tipton) falls in with Headhunters is a bold and original tale. For a a trio of über-well-groomed girls who are single-handedly attempting to save the campus start, Brown is far from being your average from dumb jocks and student depression. Leading them is the buttoned-up Violet (Greta protagonist. As played by Aksel Hennie, he’s a priggish Gerwig), armed with her own singular world view. Together, this unusual quartet charter dork who masks a mass of insecurities behind a faux matters of the heart (and head) in their search for love and enlightenment. alpha-male exterior. He likes to believe he’s a master Films like Legally Blonde have explored similar college-based comedy before, but of his own destiny, and so when he finds himself Damsels is more interested in Woody Allen-style witticisms than frisky female running scared his cool façade quickly evaporates. empowerment. It’s an odd experiment in off-kilter characters and relaxed plotting. At first Director Morten Tyldum has constructed a stylish irritating – Gerwig talks in a monotone drawl that sometimes has one searching for and sophisticated game of cat and mouse that weaves subtitles, while pal Megalyn Echikunwoke trips over a truly horrendous British accent – layers of intrigue in its first half, before exploding into Stillman’s film is a jumbled confectionary that will turn some off within minutes. a bombastic chase movie in its second. Fatally, the However, get past the kooky performances and the super-dry screenplay packs in some plot itself plays fast and loose with credibility, and the sardonic nod-winks. Echikunwoke’s awful accent is, in the end, revealed as a joke, while story takes some jaw-droppingly implausible twists. Violet’s increasingly crackpot schemes to ‘spread the love’ culminate in a gigglesome High drama spills over into camp melodrama, which in encounter with a bar of soap. Nothing’s off limits here, with a running gag about anal sex turn give rise to some moments of dark humour. getting the biggest laughs, and a closing musical number that’s pure sunshine. A deadpan However, despite these failings, Headhunters remains curio, Damsels exists in its own little bubble of weirdness – much like its lead quartet. JW thrillingly entertaining throughout. DH Out: 27 April Out: 6 April

THIS MUST BE THE PLACE

Sean Penn is known for embracing challenging roles, and he’s almost unrecognisable in this latest outing. This Must Be The Place is the debut English language feature from Italian writer and director Paolo Sorrentino (Il Divo). It concerns itself with Cheyenne (Penn), a washed-up, gothic rock star – a cross between Ozzy Osbourne and Robert Smith – who spends idle days in his mansion in Ireland. His life lacks meaning, but he’s shaken when news reaches him that his father – whom he hasn’t spoken with in 30 years – is on his deathbed. He returns to New York, and after his father’s death, is drawn into a mission to track down the Nazi officer who tormented his father during his time in Auschwitz. The hunt takes him into the American wilderness – Michigan, New Mexico and Utah – where he encounters a variety of similarly troubled souls – most wrestling with their own demons and sense of displacement. This may all sound like a turgid and plodding cinema experience, but the tone is decidedly bleakly comic and oddball throughout. Sorrentino channels the spirit of the Coen Brothers and David Lynch, and adds his own dash of Italian surrealism and morbid humour. Does it work? Well, there are some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, and Penn’s performance, with his strangulated vocals and preening persona, make the entire creation watchable throughout. It also boasts some great cinematography – particularly when the action moves to the wide-screen vistas of the US. On the downside, it’s also wildly indulgent and pretentious in places. Cameos from the likes of David Byrne (playing himself), add little to the piece – and smack more of director who just wanted to include one of his heroes within his work. An intriguing, bemusing and semi-successful offering, which is just about rescued by Penn’s notable performance. Cult status is assured. DH

Out: 6 April HUDSON DAVID AND WINNING REVIEWS: JOSH

22 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 23 THEATRE: REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS DIVA FEVER Book STEVEN SPARLING REVIEWS MASTER CLASS your tickets

RITA RETURNS

Following its recent run of Abigail’s Party, the Menier Chocolate Factory in London Bridge hosts the return of another classic play this month with a strictly-limited run of Willy Russell’s Educating Rita. This new production will star Claire Sweeney as Rita and Matthew Kelly as lecturer and academic Dr Frank Bryant, in a tale about a Liverpudlian hairdresser’s efforts to improve her education, despite her unsupportive husband. The play was turned into a hugely successful film in 1983 starring Julie Walters and Michael Caine. It will run at the Menier for three weeks only, before embarking on a national tour. It runs from 25 April till 12 May, with tickets from £29.50. www. menierchocolatefactory.com BOYS WILL BE BOYS Is there a modern equivalent to Maria cloak a viper’s tongue and a rhino’s hide. Callas or is she a breed of diva that just Daly displays great precision and an Fans of the gay theatre will want to doesn’t exist anymore? Lady Gaga? economy of effort in everything she does. book tickets for the Tabard Theatre Beyonce? Or how about Madonna? Like Her stillness is riveting. Alone onstage in two this month. From 10 April to 12 May it Callas, Madge has had a couple of husbands, spoken ‘aria’ sections, she relives her will be hosting a production of The but while she has a talent for music interactions with the two men in her life: her Custard Boys. Adapted from a book production, her vocal talent cannot be husband Meneghini and her lover Onassis. by John Rae, which was written whilst compared. In the opera world, Angela These relationships were messy, ugly and he was House Master at Harrow in Gheorghiu would probably love to think she raw and Daly doesn’t shy away from any of it. 1961, it caused quite a stir upon was cut from the Callas cloth, but even that It’s a bravura performance. publication for exploring a gay comparison fails to stand up to scrutiny, as relationship between two teenagers. she doesn’t command the press interest the While Callas often struggled to find stage The production marks the directorial way Callas did. ‘La Divina’ was simply partners who could match her intensity debut of Glenn Chandler, the without peers, with both a talent and and talent, likewise Daly is in an onstage originator of the award-winning TV tumultuous personal life that was league of her own. series Taggart. unparalleled. The three students who sing for Callas are The Tabard Theatre is near Turnham Terrence McNally’s play Master Class tricky roles to cast. They need to be a fine Green tube station, at 2 Bath Road, (Vaudeville Theatre) is based on a real event enough actors to be in a Terrence McNally W4 1LW. Tickets cost £16 (£14 towards the end of Callas’ life where she play in the West End, yet at the same time concessions). Box Office: 020 8995 undertook a series of public master classes at good enough singers to make you believe that 6035 or www.tabardtheatre.co.uk the Julliard School of Music. This came after they could be senior students at America’s her relationship with Aristotle Onassis, and finest conservatory. Dianne Pilkington, as the FEATHERED FRIENDS an ill-judged attempt to resume her career, nervous, gauche Sophie De Palma does a had failed. Wounded, and brittle from her fantastic job with the acting, but her singing Fans of the hugely-popular TV sitcom failings in both career and love, Callas was voice isn’t sufficiently operatic. Whereas Birds Of A Feather will be flocking to always a dangerous choice to work with Naomi O’Connell as Sharon Graham has a buy tickets for an eponymous talented, but unpolished, singers. As Callas cracking opera voice, her gestures and acting theatrical production that unites its herself says, “no one ever accused me, or my lack the necessary detail to really convince. principal cast Pauline Quirke, Linda voice, of charm.” The third student, Garrett Sorenson, has a Robson and Lesley Joseph at the Tyne Daly as Callas gives a performance of fine tenor voice coupled with truthful acting, Richmond Theatre. The BOAF great finesse. Best known for her role on TV’s but his lack of charisma means that he production will run from 16-21 April, Cagney & Lacey, as half of a tough talking, doesn’t really leave a lasting impression. as part of a national tour. This brand all-action female cop duo, we are used to Ultimately, it’s a bit of an unbalanced evening new show will feature the three seeing Daly with a swagger in her step. Here, – though when Daly takes centre stage, it’s a women reprising roles as Sharon in the Diva’s guise, she wears an elegant master class in fine acting. Theodopolopoudos, sister Tracy black pantsuit and a Hermès scarf; but it isn’t Stubbs and neighbour, Dorien Green. long before she reveals that the chic clothes www.masterclasstheplay.com Tickets £15-£35. www.atgtickets.com

24 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 25 BOOKS: INTERVIEW THE JOY OF TEXT POLARI HAS BEEN DUBBED “LONDON’S PEERLESS GAY LITERARY SALON”. WE ASKED ITS FOUNDER, AUTHOR PAUL BURSTON, TO EXPLAIN THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE NIGHT AND THE ANNUAL POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE…

How did Polari come about? Polari Prize? Polari was born out of my The Prize is for a first book frustration at the lack of that explores the queer opportunities for LGBT experience, and is open to any authors to promote their work. work of fiction or non-fiction, With very few notable prose or poetry, published by exceptions, most of us are seen an author born or resident in as ‘niche’ writers and are not the UK. Self-published books invited to take part in book are eligible, including ebooks. festivals or events in In fact, last year’s winner, bookshops. In February, during Autofellatio by James Maker, LGBT History Month, one began life as a self-published might get asked to read at a ebook before being picked up local library, but that tends to by a publisher. For more be it. So, being a cocky bugger, information about the prize I decided to launch a gay and how to submit, see my blog literary salon of my own. That at www.paulburston.com was back in November 2007. Are you still seeking About ten people came. The submissions for the Prize for following month, Neil Bartlett this year? And when will the agreed to read for us, and the shortlist be announced? place was packed. And it grew We are still looking for from there. submissions. The long list will What past Polari events stick be announced in July at the in your mind the most? London Literature Festival. We had Will Self once, reading The shortlist will be from his book, Dorian. He announced in September, and addressed the audience in the winner will be revealed in Polari parlance and introduced November, at Polari’s Fifth himself as an honorary gay. Birthday Party. Needless to say, he went down Finally, you’re well known for a storm. Fenella Fielding was your own fiction. Are you fantastic. She was reading on working on a new book at the behalf of a gay friend of hers, moment, and if so, can you tell Michael Menzies, who was too us anything about it? shy to read in public. I’m busy working on a new “Would you mind terribly if novel. It’s about a woman Fenella read for me?” he asked. whose husband is away at war, “That’ll be fine!” I said, trying and it’s really about different not to sound too excited. She forms of courage. There is a gay didn’t disappoint, either. She’s storyline, but it’s quite an amazing performer and a different to anything I’ve great friend of the LGBT written before. It’s much community. And what a voice! tougher, far grittier. I’m also We’ve also had Adam Mars- working on an ebook, which is

Jones, Francis King, Paul IMAGE © CLAIRE LAWRIE a very topical story about a Bailey, Ali Smith, Philip queerbashing and the impact it Hensher – all of whom gave Becoming Nancy, plus historian who are up-and-coming or just has on a small community. And wonderful readings. And we’ve Rose Collis, and Michael starting out. I believe strongly I’d like to write more short had performers like David Wynne, author of Confessions in supporting new talent. stories. I’ve had four published McAlmont, Andy Bell, Marcus of a Sex Addict. In May, the Are there any guests that you so far. Another 20 and I may Reeves, Michael Twaits and headliner is the wonderful VG would dearly love to host at have enough for a book! LaJohn Joseph. It’s not for Lee, reading from her new Polari? nothing that the New York novel, Always You, Edina; plus I’d love to have Armistead Polari takes place next on 10 April at the Times called Polari, “London’s we have the actress and author, Maupin, if only because he’s Southbank (Level 5 Function Room, RFH, most theatrical literary salon”! Barbara Ewing. In June we one of my favourite gay Southbank Centre, SE1) What events does Polari have have Neil Bartlett and Serena authors. Also Stephen www.southbankcentre.co.uk coming up? Mackesy. There are usually five McCauley, whose books I The Polari Book Prize is sponsored by In April we have Terry Ronald, or six people on the bill, adore. Square Peg Media – publishers of Out In author of the best-selling including one or two people Can you tell us a bit about the The City and G3.

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FOOD: REVIEW NORTH SOHO DAVID HUDSON REVIEWS 52°NORTH BAR & KITCHEN 21-22 POLAND STREET, LONDON, W1F 8QG 020 7287 1661

Any regular drinkers at the hundreds of old-fashioned little caraway carrots, celeriac and with mushrooms and a side Kings Arms in Soho will lightbulbs in rows across the sherry vinegar (£7) from the order of hand-cut chips and probably have noticed that ceiling. The décor is suitably aforementioned ‘snacks’ menu. Caesar salad (£18). the bar’s immediate warm and welcoming, with My ‘Pill Pill’ dish was three king Unfortunately, there is neighbour has changed exposed brickwork, wood prawns cooked with oil, garlic currently no dessert menu, but hands. Champagne bar Amuse panels around the pillars (like and chilli, and served with a the staff informed us that this Bouche recently departed and roof tiles) and wood parquet bowl of rocket leaves. It was a will be added at a later date. has been replaced by flooring. A minimal aesthetic perfectly-flavoured dish, if a 52°North is more of a bar 52°North Bar & Kitchen. It’s runs throughout the design, and little messy – with some nice, destination than a restaurant. In an entirely new creation from although traditional in tone, the doughy bread to mop up the fact, it seems that many people the Alula Leisure stable – the feel remains contemporary – juices. My friend’s duck was a are still unaware that it is a food company behind the Penny aided by some modern wooden more substantial offering, destination and we appeared to Black in Chelsea. Whereas the seating alongside the traditional which looked a little heavy on be the only diners on the latter establishment is aimed Chesterfield leather sofas. An the lentils, but which evening of our visit – although more at the Kensington and expansive, black and white nevertheless received an the venue was busy with Chelsea set, 52°North is an mural of typography dominates unqualified thumbs-up. drinkers. Background music is altogether more funky and one wall, with floor-to-ceiling We followed this with a fairly loud, so it won’t be the bohemian offering, aimed very windows overlooking Poland slow-cooked ham hock stew dining room of choice for much at those who prefer a Street. (£14) – yet another bowl of anyone wanting a quiet one-to- night out in W1 than a trip At the moment, the British- warming flavours, with a thick, one, but for groups of friends or down to Sloane Square. inspired menu offers ten herby liquid offering up chunky, rowdier gatherings, it should Visiting on a chilly Tuesday different ‘snacks’ and ten main marbled spearheads of ham. My appeal to the same crowd that evening in early March, we courses. We started with companion went for the 9oz frequent such nearby found the interior bathed in a Prawns Pill Pill (£8) and Confit Scottish sirloin steak, which establishments as Barrio warm, amber glow, courtesy of of Duck salad with puy lentils, was cooked to order and topped Central or Alphabet Bar.

REGENT STREET OASIS SPICING UP SOHO Now that the clocks have gone forward and we can Brand new for W1 is Cinnamon Soho, a third venue look forward to lighter evenings and warmer days, from executive chef Vivel Singh (of Cinnamon Kitchen the idea of al fresco dining becomes increasingly fame). Out In The City attended the launch party of attractive. Unlike Italy or Spain, London is not this new Kingly Street venue (off Carnaby Street), overrun with gorgeous outdoor cafés so we were to admire the stylish two-floor establishment and delighted to be alerted to the beautiful outdoor enjoy some tasty canapés. The menu includes such space at North African restaurant Momo. Evoking delights as sticky desi pork back ribs, seared sea the feel of North African souks, and decked out in bass with aubergine-potato crush, and vindaloo of ox rich fabrics, intricately-carved screens and beautiful cheek. East-west fusion can be found in a Roganjosh Moroccan glass lamps, you could easily forget that shepherd’s pie and a crab cake and Bangla-Scotch you are actually down a quiet alleyway adjoining egg! On offer are set lunch, pre- and post-theatre plus Regent Street. Momo Restaurant Familial, 23-25 a late-night supper menu. Cinnamon Soho, 5 Kingly Momo Heddon Street, W1B 4BH. www.momoresto.com Street, London, W1B 5PF. www.cinnamonsoho.com

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OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS APRIL 2012 A

SCENE HIGHLIGHTS OUR PICK OF THE BEST EVENTS IN TOWN...

APRIL A2012 ACCESS ALL AREAS OUR GUIDE EASTER EXTRAVANGANZA IMAGE © CHRIS JEPSON TO EVENTS The team at the Orange Group in Vauxhall will offer an unbeatable three nights of Easter entertainment. They have pulled together several promotions to offer an all-encompassing ticket to their ‘Big Easter Weekend’ allowing entry to three big parties. Beyond Midnight Xlsior Pre-Party, Sat 7 April, midnight till noon (Sun 8 IN AND April) at Area on Albert Embankment will feature 12 DJs and act as an official warm-up for the huge Xlsior Festival in August 2012 (www.xlsior.gr). It is followed by WE London T-Dance on Sun 8 April from 6pm till 2am at the Coronet Theatre in Elephant & Castle – www.wepartylondon.com. Then it’s back to Vauxhall for AROUND the As One Easter party on the Sunday night, midnight until super later on bank holiday Monday at Fire on South Lambeth Road. Again, expect London’s top promoters and club nights to each host a room (www. TOWN fireclub.co.uk). A ‘Big Ticket’ will also allow holders free entry to the Onyx opening party and A:M afterhours. The Big Tickets start at £40, and for more details, log on now to www.orangenation.co.uk

EASTER DISCOTEC MZZ KIM’S SOHO PROFILE SUMMER RITES IMAGE © CHRIS JEPSON Discotec is back! The much-missed gay club is Singer and performer Mzz Kimberley is well known Following the success of last year’s event, it’s been returning for a one-off Easter special on Thursday 5 for her Sunday afternoon lunch sessions at the announced that Summer Rites is set to return to April (the night before Good Friday bank holiday). It Cambria in Camberwell. Now she’s added yet London this summer. Older readers may know that will take place in the gorgeous Brixton Club House another string to her bow, with a weekly early the boutique LGBT festival first appeared in the late – with the weather just about warm enough for us to evening Wednesday residency Profile Bar in Soho. 90s, before disappearing at the turn of the new hope for the outdoor terrace to be in use. With or The show time starts at 7.30pm prompt, with Mzz century. The organisers took a decade-long break without the terrace, the venue boasts two floors to Kim offering her own bluesy take on classics by the before resurrecting the event last summer. They’ve explore, with dancefloors sure to be busy thanks to likes of Billie Holiday and Etta James. Regular announced that the one-day event will return on the sounds being laid down by Marron Bitch (aka DJ guests take a turn on stage (with fabulous Sunday 2 September to Shoreditch Park, Islington, Fidel), Femi B, Guy Williams, Slamma and Jeffrey performance artist Pustra Muse on 4 April), while from noon-10.30pm. A line-up of participating clubs Hinton. Doors will open at 10pm and close at 4am Mzz K winds up the evening with some more gospel- and performers will be released on 29 March 2012. with admission just £5 before midnight and then oriented numbers to leave you on a high. Limited £10 super advance discount tickets will £10 after. You’ll find the Brixton club house at 467- You’ll find Profile at 84-86 Wardour Street, W1F 0TQ. then go on sale on 1 April! Tickets, and further 469 Brixton Road, London SW9 8HH. For more If you want to guarantee a good seat or reserve your information from the website of Facebook page. details, check the Facebook page at ‘discotecclub’. own booth, call 020 7734 3444. http://summer-rites.com

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 31 OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS A APRIL 2012

GUTTERSLUT THE EAST END STAPLE CELEBRATED ITS FOURTH BIRTHDAY RECENTLY…

If you want to sample a taste of the London club celebration of the night’s fourth anniversary. scene’s cutting-edge, then the team at Taking over East Bloc on Old Street, the gang Gutterslut have always been able to help. The offered both a disco room and rave room, with night first launched in 2008, but – four years Jonny Woo oscillating between the two on down the line – it still offers one of east hosting duties. Music was supplied by London’s most debauched, underground, WeAreSkitzo, DJ Squeaky, Laurent C, Kate hipster-heavy gatherings, attracting a Hutchinson and Per QX (with Miss Crystal predominantly gay mix of fashion kids, freaks, rapping), who together ensured that the sweat Shoreditch trendies and disco aficionados. The was quickly dripping from the East Bloc walls. night is presided over by the self-dubbed The next Gutterslut date will be announced on ‘Dalston Gay Mafia’, and the team returned at the Facebook page at “GutterSlut Group” or

PHOTOS © JOEL RYDER the end of February to throw a typically messy www.myspace.com/gutterslutuk

32 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK

‘ smaller, inMarch. sister party Their first don awig–theorganizers launched a create lavish outfits–ortheinclinationto that noteveryone hasthetimeorbudgetto oneanother.to outsmart Well, recognizing spending timeandeffort to create costumes National AIDS Trust, withparticipants extravagant soirée to raise funds for the Party glamorous, annualfundraiser isthe Everyone knowsthatLondon’s most THE WIG ORGANISERS PARTY THREW ANEW MASKED BALL 34 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK and someturnedupinquite eye-catching plenty wentaboveandbeyond thecallofduty description… althoughasourpictures reveal, were simply asked to wearamaskofsome off Leicester Square, andallthoseattending GATHERING IN MARCH AT THE CAFÉ DE PARIS… Masked Ball A . Every autumnitthrows aglittering and OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS APRIL 2012 ’ took placeatthe Café DeParis Wig Wig , www.wigparty.org planningthatoutfit! – start Ken, BuzzLightyear, MissPiggy, Shrek-alikes Noddy, BigEars, Sooty&Sweep, Barbie& be ‘ for thenext inOctober, WigParty which will delight ininforming thecrowd ofthetheme evening, host Peyton. To addextra excitement to the visual entertainment, whileaPA camefrom Aerial performers anddancers provided D’Johnny, Tony EnglishandBrent Nicholls. the soundsofDJsRob Sykes, Marco Gee, most ofwhomtook to thedancefloorto enjoy The nightattracted around 500party-goers, head-to-toe ensembles! Wig Partygoes to Toyland Jonny ‘Wiggy’Woo ’. So, allyou took great

PHOTOS © CHRIS JEPSON, WWW.CHRISJEPSON.COM WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 35

OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS A APRIL 2012

BREEDING CLUB NEWS GROUND Breed returns for its fifth instalment to Dalston Superstore on Good Friday (6 April). Presented by promoter Rex The Dog, the night will run from 9pm till 4am, and will feature a headline slot from Rex himself in the ravebox basement, plus residents Rufus & Bambi and ‘analogue synth purists’ Pleasure Cruiser. The upstairs bar will be hosted by special guests John Sizzle and A Man To Pet. Music-wise, Breed specialise in tunes that are strictly electronic, ranging from “Italo and Neo Italo, Chicago through to sweatbox tech house”. The club will be decorated in the trademark Rex The Dog motif, and Rex has made 100 limited-edition T-shirts to give away on the night. Best of all, admission for the whole night is free – which is bound to ensure that the place is heaving! More details at http://rexthedog.net/breed

TAVERN TRADE FLUORESCENT

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern has another crop of cabaret and clubbing FRENZY highlights lined up for the month of April. For a start, there’s the Easter weekend, which will offer a double helping of S.L.A.G.S/Chill-Out on We Party London is back… with Sunday 8 April (with guest DJs Steve B and Rob C joining residents what could possibly be it’s most Simon Le Vans and Sean Sirrs) and again on Monday 9 April (with guest glitzy and colourful outing yet. The Marc Andrews spinning a retro set). The D.E Experience will perform on team will be back at the Coronet in both days, hitting the stage at 5.30pm. Entry is £8 or £5 before 9pm (or Elephant & Castle on Easter before 7.30pm on the Monday). Expect plenty of topless guys and hands- Sunday (8 April), and this time the theme will be We Fluro – offering the in-the-air commercial dance anthems. perfect excuse to wear all those fluorescent colours and Lyrca that Wednesday nights offer the return of Dr Sketchy (18 Apr) – the comedy, you’ve perhaps been a little bit too shy to don before! As this is a Sunday avant garde, burlesque-laden life-drawing class, when all audience date, the team will be opening the night as an evening event – with doors members will be given a pencil and paper and invited to draw the open from 6pm till 2am. However, that doesn’t mean that your night has performers on stage. Tickets cost £10 on the door or £15 on the door to end early, as you can then party on till super late at the massive As (show starts at 8pm). Myra Dubois (see ‘My London’ on page 6) returns One party which will be taking place at Fire in Vauxhall. For We Fluro, on Wednesday 25 April with her new, monthly engagement, Sing Out expect the unusual incredible visuals and stage production, mind- Louise! A celebration of the best and worst in musical theatre, Myra blowing special effects, and no doubt plenty of UV lights to make those presents “a low-brow evening of cheap laughs and naff show tunes”, fluorescents shine! Early advance tickets cost £15 from the usual Soho with a live podcast of the evening (complete with commentary and outlets (£18 standard advance). Or, get a £40 Big Easter Weekend ticket, critical response from Radio Jiblets) available to all audience members allowing you entry to We Party, Beyond Midnight and As One to take away on the evening. The show’s at 8.30pm, with tickets £7.50 in www.orangenation.co.uk advance (www.rvt.org.uk). Thursdays in April offer the return of East End drag troupe Lipsinkers (5 April) – namely Ryan Styles, Lisa Lee, John Sizzle, Blanche Du Bois and EASTER KU Richardette (pictured above). The show starts at 8pm. They are followed on 12 and 19 April by ‘Mouthing Off!’ – a new panel show hosted by The team at the Ku Bar venues are not David Mills and Myra Dubois, “promising mayhem and debate for the ones to let a big weekend like Easter Twitter and Facebook generation”. At the time of going to press, special pass without some acknowledgement. guests had still to be confirmed, but this looks like something well worth The smaller Ku Bar venue at 25 Frith checking out. Entry’s just £5. The month is rounded off by the return of Street will be opening super late over Freddie and Holly’s Karnival of Kitsch on 26 April, offering a 21st century the entire Easter weekend, from take on the old-fashioned variety show. Thursday 5 till Sunday 8 April. DJs will The rest of the week offers bingo with Timberlina and Hey Baylen each include Doug Silva, DJP and Albaro, spinning the tunes in the Monday (except Easter Monday), the wonderful Bar Wotever each basement, while you’ll be able to pick up cocktails – including the Tuesday, and the long-running Duckie club night each Saturday. Fridays bar’s signature Mojito – for just £5 a pop. Doors to the bigger Lisle offer a rotating line-up of monthly promotions, which include Eurovision Street venue will also be open late across the Easter weekend, with and Europop-celebration Eurofest (6 April - www.eurofest.org.uk), all three floors open until 3am on Thursday 5 April (the night before Wotever Friday (13 April), charity night Barelesque (20 April), and pop Good Friday). Resident DJs Tasty Tim, Dusty O and Lady Lloyd will be night Push The Button (27 April). spinning the tunes in the basement Ku Klub each night over the weekend, while to help get you in the mood, you can ‘Make it a You’ll find the Royal Vauxhall Tavern at 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, double’ for £1 extra on top of your normal drinks charge. SE11 5HY. Website: www.rvt.org.uk and advance tickets at www. www.ku-bar.co.uk ticketweb.co.uk

38 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK PULSE… AT SUPERCLUB TO ANEW RESIDENCY gay night! Promoter officially claimto bethew move to the5,000-capacityPulse, itcannow world’s biggestweekl reason? The giganticrelaunch of Southwark to visitLondon superclub Mid-March found usjourneying downto ARCADIA AND ‘HELLO’ TO ‘GOODBYE’ STICKS, SAYING HASUPPED XXL XXL www.xxl-london.com Expect abigEaster bashonSaturday 7April. smaller midweeksessiononaWednesday. XXL returns to Pulse everySaturday, withthe to take theweight oftheirfeet. expanse ofluxurious sofasfor thosewho want garden area ofany clubinLondon, with an The venuealsofeatures perhapsthe best eclectic andretro selec get wellsoon!), while Joe Eggspunthemore (resident jock Christianwasillontheevening– with aheavy selectionofuplifting anthems Phil Marriott(Gaydar) rul being putthrough theirpaces. DJsLogan and the venue’s lights, laserandsoundssystems all The relaunch nightw problems attheenormousPulse. loud soundsystems. Happily, there are no such decided thevenuewasunsuitablefor housing identified structural problems atArcadia and mind wasmadeupwhenNetworkRail considering themovefor sometime, buthis Pulse andformer XXL homeArcadia, hadbeen Mark Ames as ahugesuccess, with y bears club, butwiththe tion inthesmallerarch. ed over the main floor ed overthemainfloor orld’s biggestweekly , whoruns both XXL ! The ! The Pulse . The OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 39 APRIL 2012 L-R: MarkAmesandDJPhil A

PHOTOS © CHRIS JEPSON, WWW.CHRISJEPSON.COM COMMUNITY ALBERTS AWARDED

The Albert Kennedy Trust – the charity for young homeless LGBT people – held its annual Alberts awards L-R: Laura Doughty, Catherine Bosworth, Clare Fuller, Lucy Bryans and ceremony on 23 Di Hughes at the official Brighton Equality Launch event in March February 2012. The Awards acknowledge BRIGHTON achievements in fighting LGBT youth L-R: Mandy Hetherton (Trustee), Dan Gillespie- homelessness and Sells, James Hodge (Chair of Trustees), Campbell (AKT Young Person), Charlie Condou, Jeremy EQUALITY WALK are usually given to Dunton (Credit Suisse), Tim Sigsworth (AKT CEO) volunteers, There’s just over a month to go until the mentors, carers and staff. A special award was also presented to leading law firm Dawson Cornwell, in recognition of its work on annual Brighton Equality Walk returns an international level in defending the human rights of young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual people. (6 May). Here’s how to take part… Actor Charlie Condou (Coronation Street) was on hand to present this year’s awards, with the ceremony taking place at the UK headquarters of financial services provider Credit Suisse, at Whether you like Brighton’s seafront, its winding lanes, Canary Wharf. Tim Sigsworth, AKT Chief Executive, said: “The vibrant culture or the healthy sea air that surrounds the city, Albert Kennedy Trust has transformed over the past 12 months. We Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk has something to offer are about to launch the first LGBT safe housing in Europe and last everyone who takes part. year we ran a major TV advertising campaign with celebrities Now in its ninth year, the Walk supports the gay equality including Ian McKellen, Paul O’Grady and Sue Perkins. All of this charity’s Education for All programme, which works to make helps our work to support young LGBT people to overcome the schools a safe and supportive environment for children from all devastating consequences of homelessness: providing accepting families. The Walk returns to Brighton on Bank Holiday Sunday 6 homes, advocacy, mediation and practical support so these young May. Last year it attracted over 500 people, all walking for gay people can rebuild their lives. The Albert Awards are our chance to equality. The Walk is supported by American Express and media say a big ‘thank you’ to all those involved.” partners g3 and Out in the City. Joining Stonewall this year are hosts The Only Way is Essex star Harry Derbidge and Casualty’s Jane Hazlegrove. Jane, who was named Stonewall ‘Entertainer of the Year’ in 2011, says: “I’m delighted to host Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk. School POSITIVE ADVICE should be the best years of any child’s life, but homophobic Are you HIV-positive and confused bullying ruins it for so many. Taking part in the Walk will directly about your treatment options? HIV and help Stonewall to make school a safe environment for all children – sexual health charity Terrence Higgins and is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families and friends Trust is teaming up with independent to spend a Bank Holiday in Brighton.” health care recommendation site Registration for the Walk is now open, and it costs just £10. iWantGreatCare (www.iwantgreatcare. On the day, walkers can take part in a pre-walk picnic, before org), in an innovative partnership that heading through the heart of Brighton on the 10k walk, taking in will make it easier for people with HIV to the Pavilion, the Clock Tower and the Palace Pier, followed by a find and recommend health care services post-walk party. Each walker will receive a commemorative T-shirt that are sensitive to their needs. and a glass of bubbly when you cross the finish line. And there’s A spokesperson for THT said, “Due to good news if you’re a mum or dad, as under-12s can walk free. ongoing stigma around HIV, those with the condition can find “The Brighton Equality Walk is great way to spend a May Bank choosing a GP or dentist a daunting process… Terrence Higgins Holiday Sunday – you not only get to see Brighton but you also get Trust’s partnership with iWantGreatCare creates the UK’s first to relax with hundreds of other walkers having raised vital funds patient-generated resource for people with HIV to share health for Stonewall’s work,” says Catherine Bosworth, Stonewall care recommendations. It allows people coming through the Director of Fundraising. Competitive fundraisers are catered for charity’s interactive members’ website myHIV (www.myhiv.org) too – with prizes for the Top Fundraiser and the Top Fundraising to submit confidential ratings and reviews recommending health Team. A luxury weekend for two in Paris – complete with Eurostar care professionals, as well as the overall facilities. These detailed travel and spending money – is up for grabs for the Top Fundraiser. recommendations will then help others with HIV find the best The Top Team is hotly contested every year, with EYGLES – the local health care providers that have been directly endorsed by network group from Ernst & Young, Stonewall’s 2012 Employer of someone living with the condition. the Year – scooping the title in 2011. By registering on the myHIV website, people with HIV can also privately store health and treatment information, access online For more information or to register call 020 7593 1875 or visit counselling and advice, and gain 24-hour community support. www.equalitywalk.org.uk Full details at www.myhiv.org

40 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK

NEWS IN THE NEWS... Gay stories from the UK and farther afield...

MARRIAGE CONSULTATION LAUNCHED

The UK Government has launched a 12-week consultation process on the issue of allowing gay couples to marry in England and Wales. A similar consultation has already taken place in Scotland. Civil partnerships, which were introduced in 2005, give same- sex couples in registered union KEN EMERGES FROM the same legal rights as married allow same-sex couples to marry do it. I understand the liberal SHADOW couples, but many same-sex in a register office or other civil Jews, the Quakers and some Labour London mayoral candidate, couples have argued that it is ceremony, to retain civil Unitarian churches would like Ken Livingstone, popped along to simply marriage by another partnerships for same-sex it, but that’s not in the sight of Soho’s famed gay nightspot Shadow name, and should therefore be couples, and to allow couples this consultation.” Lounge on Monday 12 March. LGBT recognised as such. A small already in a civil partnership to The Home Office is asking Labour and other supporters had number of heterosexual people convert it into a marriage if they individuals and organisations arranged an LGBT fundraising evening have also argued that they so wish. However, it will to give their views on the for Livingstone’s election campaign – should be allowed to form a civil maintain the legal ban on same- proposals for England and the event was sponsored by Square partnership, and that allowing sex couples marrying in a Wales via an online survey. If Peg Media (publishers of Out In The only same-sex couples to do so religious service. you wish to express your City). Duckie promoter Amy Lamé is discriminatory. Opponents to Liberal Democrat Equalities opinion, go to www. (pictured behind Ken), hosted the the move include senior church Minister Lynne Featherstone homeoffice.gov.uk/ evening, and besides Ken’s, there figures, as well as some said: “We’re not looking at publications/about-us/ featured speeches from out Labour Conservative MPs. The changing religious marriage, consultations/equal-civil- MPs Angela Eagle and Stephen Twigg. consultation paper proposes to even for those that might wish to marriage/ More details about Livingstone’s campaign, and his vision for London, can be found at www. performance and Q&A with drag queen Dave Lynn, kenlivingstoneformayor.co.uk who appears the film. Dave discussed the role in the groundbreaking movie – and his career – with STONEWALL HOST presenter Steven Milne. Ever since its inception, GAY HUSTINGS Channel 4 has shown a strong commitment to LGBT equal rights charity Stonewall promoting diversity, both to satisfy audience demand, has announced that it is to host the and as a tool to attract those interested in a career in London Gay Mayoral Hustings on 14 the media. As shown by Diversity Week, it has also April 2012. The purpose of the engaged with communities to ensure its content best Hustings is to allow the capital’s serves those with whom it wishes to engage. lesbian, gay and bisexual voters to The successful screening event, which took place on ask candidates from the four main Friday 9 March, was accompanied by a drinks parties in London about their policies reception, and many of those who attended before the mayoral election on 3 May. commented on how the film had affected them when The Hustings - which are supported it was first by g3 and Out In the City magazines - released in the will be held at BFI Southbank from BEAUTIFUL EVENING mid-90s. 11am to 12.30pm, and will be Anyone interested attended by current Mayor of London, As part of its recent Diversity Week initiative, leading in pursuing a Boris Johnson, alongside rivals Jenny broadcaster Channel 4 hosted a screening of the career in the Jones, Ken Livingstone and Brian classic 1990’s ‘coming of age’ drama, Beautiful Thing media can find Paddick. It follows a similar event in early March. Organised by Channel 4’s People more information staged by Stonewall ahead of the Development Manager Colin Campbell-Austin, and about Channel 4 mayoral elections in 2008. sponsored by Out In The City, the event took place at and the To attend the event, or for more a screening room within Channel 4’s headquarters in opportunities it information, send an email to London. The audience, which included a high offers athttp:// [email protected] or call number of gay professionals and Channel 4 staff, 4talent.

020 7593 1861. were treated to not only the film, but also a channel4.com IMAGES: MANSOOR MUNAWAR

42 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK “Yes, gay marriage is about symbolically blessing a relationship, but the larger issue is about transmitting a fundamental message about equality. Gay people should have equality in law everywhere.” Actor Daniel Radcliffe speaks out in favour of gay marriage IMAGE © TREVOR PROJECT

AND FINALLY... WORLD NEWS PICTURE BY MARK WEEKS

IMAGE S © SAM MILFORD/REAL BRIGHTON L-R: Square Peg CEO Linda Riley, Cameron Laux and his partner STUDENT PRIDE SUCCESS Charlie Coundou, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone and Brighton hosted another successful Student SOUTH AFRICA Stonewall Chair David Isaac Pride celebration at the beginning of March, In what is being hailed as a attracting an estimated 1,200 LGBT students development in LGBT rights in STONEWALL’S RECORD- from across the UK. The event boasted The cast of Africa, the Mr Gay World contest BREAKING DINNER My Transsexual Summer various activities, with the bulk taking place will take place for the first time in One of the glitziest dates in the gay at Brighton Dome. These included a Question Time-style debate, which Johannesburg, South Africa, from calendar is the annual Stonewall featured former NBA basketball player John Amechi, news presenter Jane Hill 4-8 April 2012. Organisers are Equality Dinner. This year’s event and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. Other highlights in the free particularly pleased to have took place on Thursday 29 March at daytime festival included live music on the women’s stage, stalls from attracted a handful of African London’s Dorchester Hotel, and it national charities and companies including Ernst & Young, AMEX and IBM, participants for the competition, proved to be another huge success. and a Q&A from the cast of C4 hit show ‘My Transsexual Summer’. including entrants from Namibia The event was attended by 500 guests, The festival received messages of support from the leaders of all the three main and Ethiopia – although an entrant including celebrities, politicians and political parties, with Prime Minister David Cameron writing, “As you gather in from Zimbabwe withdrew from the all of London’s mayoral candidates. Brighton, I hope you will refl ect on the role each of you can play in bringing about event citing personal reasons for The event raised a record-breaking change in your communities… Homophobia can prevent people from realising his non-participation. £393,000 to support Stonewall’s The competition says it aims “to Education For All campaign tackling advance national and international homophobic bullying in schools. gay rights through education and During the event it was announced public performance”. Promoters that Aviva has just signed a new have also erected what they sponsorship agreement to support believe are the first gay-themed the Equality Dinner and Stonewall’s billboards in Africa to promote the work for a further three years from event. For more details, visit the 2013-2015 worth £250,000. official website at www. Hosted by Stella Duffy, the Dinner mrgayworld.org included a live auction led by Christopher Biggins. Guests included DENMARK Dr Christian Jessen, Charlie Condou, While the UK government consults Harry Derbidge, House of Commons on the implementation of full Speaker John Bercow, Lord Alli and Emile Sandé, Katy B and Jess Mills marriage rights for same-sex MPs Lynne Featherstone, Angela IMAGE: LINDA NYLAND LINDA IMAGE: couples, Denmark’s Prime Minister Eagle and Margot James. Given that OH WOW! has announced that equal this is the year of the London Olympics, marriage laws will come into effect Clare Balding gave an emotional The annual Women of the World festival took place at London’s in the country on 15 June this year. keynote speech about sport, saying: Southbank in March. The weekend-long event included a variety of Helle Thorning-Schmidt told a “If we convince coaches that the live evening performances from the likes of Annie Lennox, Emile press conference: “The sporting world will be improved if Sande, Katy B, Jess Mills and Sinead O’Connor, as well as daytime administration and I firmly believe people can be out and comfortable, discussions and debates. Cherie Blair hosted a ‘Mass Speed that this is a natural step to take in that will translate across to performance. Mentoring’ session for women looking to get ahead in their careers, a modern society like Denmark. Each of us makes a little personal Rosie Boycott presided over a panel discussion on global fi nance, The law will go into effect on June triumph every time we persuade Lynne Franks hosted a workshop on how women can set up 15, so already this summer we’ll someone that I can still do my job, I can sustainable their own sustainable business, while from the publishing see the first gays and lesbians still have fun and be everything you world, Square Peg Media’s Linda Riley joined journalist Julie Bindel getting married in Danish want me to be, and I’m gay. Not ‘but I’m and news presenter Jane Hill in a discussion about tackling lesbian churches.” gay’ but ‘and I’m gay’.” stereotypes.

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 43 PARENTING PRE-CONCEIVED IDEAS Are you thinking of helping a female friend to conceive a child? Richard Phillips, partner and head of the Family team at IBB Solicitors, explores preconception agreements in light of a recent court case…

contact for L but only indirect contact to P. He recognised the importance of the men’s contributions in the children’s lives. But the judge gave some helpful guidelines. First, he said it was important to agree the future roles of the parties before the first child is born. Second, he warned against the use of stereotypes from traditional family models: arrangements are quite different and therefore the same model does not apply. Third, a level of contact should be provided that reflects the role that has either been agreed or could be established from the parties’ conduct.

This last point is of particular interest. Properly defined preconception agreements have been suggested by many writing on the subject and will certainly help to define parental roles. These might set out the role the parties will have in naming the child, its health, education, religion, holidays or moving house. They are an important declaration of the For many gay family. It was agreed that M would be parties’ intentions at the time, but it must men, the route the biological mother, SM would co- be remembered that intentions may vary to fatherhood parent, F would be the father and SF the over time – either explicitly or implicitly. may often stepfather. It was clear from their initial Accordingly, it can be regarded that an include helping correspondence that the women would individual’s conduct following a child’s a female friend be the principal parents, the men the birth may be a better evidence of the to conceive a secondary parents. The men’s role parties’ up-to-date intentions. child. But what would give the children a sense of will a court do if identity and provide male role models Furthermore, it should be there is a in their lives. Their involvement was of remembered that preconception breakdown in the a more general and benign nature than agreements cannot be legally binding. Richard Phillips relationship the more active role offered by the The governing principles of the between the biological mother and biological mother and her partner. Children Act 1989 (Section 1) will biological father of such a child? always predominate. The court will This was the difficult issue a court Initially, the relationships always have to have regard to the recently had to deal with. between the parties were happy ones. welfare of the child and the Section 1 The facts of the case concerned The elder daughter, P, was born in 2001. (3) criteria – over and above an applications for Residence Orders by She enjoyed regular contact, including agreement made between individuals the Applicant Father (F) and his male overnight stays and holidays with F and before the child concerned was born. In partner (SF) in relation to two girls: P, SF. In 2004, all four parties agreed to short, the family’s circumstances may aged 10, and L, aged 6. Both girls were have a sibling for P and L was born in be very different to those that existed conceived through In Vitro Fertilisation 2005. Unfortunately, in 2008, the when the agreement was first signed. (IVF) following agreements made relationship between F (biological Preconception agreements may be of between the children’s mother (M) and father) and SM (mother’s partner) broke some value in aiding a judge to reach a her long-term female partner (SM) and down over their respective roles. P decision, but the judge may well F and SF. F had parental responsibility became “deeply enmeshed” in the disregard them if he or she feels by virtue of a court order made later in dispute and wouldn’t see F and SF. L circumstances and intentions have the proceedings and SM as a result of an continued to enjoy contact but felt changed since the time when the agreement made pursuant to her civil unable to acknowledge it in the agreements were first signed. In such partnership agreement with M. presence of her sister or the women. instances, the court must retain the The judge struck out the residence overall discretion to exercise its powers The parties met following an application, seeing it is an obstruction to safeguard the child’s welfare and to advert that M and SM placed in The to contact. However, he made a contact put his/her needs ahead of the parties’ Pink Paper in 1999 seeking to start a order including monthly overnight rights.

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PARENTING

CALIFORNIA DREAMING Mandie Mayes, Social Work Assistant at British Surrogacy Centre, examines why a growing number of British gay couples are looking to California to help them achieve their dreams of parenthood…

Because of the economic and legal David and Simon, a couple from many of the surrogates who take part in issues that we face in the UK, Manchester, had twin baby girls born this process are generally from a lower hundreds of couples are being forced to them via a surrogate in California. socio-economic background than the to look overseas when considering Explaining their own circumstances, people for whom they are bearing surrogate motherhood and California they say: “Around seven years ago we babies, and some do not have the best has become the number one most decided we would try to have a child educational background. Some people sought-after surrogacy destination. through adoption, but we found the might argue that surrogacy facilitates There is no doubt that surrogacy has process aggressive and hard work. It the exploitation of women who are become one of the biggest trends in the seemed that every time we gave the vulnerable due to their poor economic well-established outsourcing social workers what they wanted, it was situation and, in some cases, their relationship between the UK and USA. never enough and they wanted more. So, difficult living circumstances. The British Surrogacy Centre celebrates it didn’t happen for us. We had, without It is important to think about all its 99th baby conceived this week, and doubt, given up on the hope of having a aspects of surrogacy when you start the the demand for surrogate services is child and decided to call it a day. process. There is no point in waiting till rapidly growing, with the majority of Suddenly, the world went surrogacy the last moment to sort things out with interest coming from the UK. One mad! Every time we picked up a paper regards to legal arrangements. Such reason for this is that Californian or a magazine, there were people who arrangements must all be confirmed and surrogacy has been legal for over a had gone through or were going through agreed before you start. Make sure you decade. Those working within the field the surrogacy process. That’s when we have everything in place. One place to of surrogacy in California are therefore realised that if we wanted to have a start is the newly-published book by the very experienced in the problems that baby and complete our family, surrogacy British Surrogacy Centre’s co-founder: can arise or when cases end up going to was going to be the best thing for us!” The Ultimate Guild to Surrogacy by court. They also, thankfully, have the The average cost of surrogacy in Barrie Drewitt-Barlow. most expertise when it comes to California is between $80-130,000, If you want to chat to anyone at the arranging a problem-free surrogacy. depending on the egg donor chosen and British Surrogacy Centre about Though the cost of having a child with a where the surrogate is based. The surrogacy, or any of the issues Californian-based surrogate is often surrogate mother gets between $23- mentioned in this feature, you can higher than other places, you can be $45,000 dollars of this money. Egg contact us via the website at www. pretty sure that you will get the baby donors range from $6-50,000. britishsurrogacycentre.co.uk or by that you so greatly desire with minimum There are many ethical issues calling 01621 878650. risks involved. involved with surrogacy. It is true that

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PARENTING TIME FOR GIVING Ms Toyin Jegede, Donor Recruitment and Campaign Officer for the London Sperm Bank, looks at why men donate sperm, and the requirements for donation…

When recruiting sperm donors, the most important part of the job is to ensure that we recruit men who genuinely want to come on to the programme for altruistic reasons and who are sympathetic to the circumstances surrounding the need for a donor. A study carried out by researchers Damien Riggs and Laura Russell in June 2010 took a close look at the profiles of 1,428 sperm donors to determine their motivations for donating. They concluded that the two most significant reasons guys choose to donate were altruism and, particularly for men who had not already fathered children, a desire to procreate and pass on their genes. The study also indicated that men in same-sex relationships were more willing to consent to identity release than men in heterosexual relationships.

There is a misconception that sperm banks turn away gay men because they are seen as a high-risk group. However, at The London Sperm To be considered you simply have to an untreated infection of the Bank, we recruit men from a variety of meet the following criteria: reproductive system or urinary tract can different social backgrounds. Perhaps n Be aged 18-45. cause infertility in men. For example, because of the many misconceptions n Be healthy and free from infectious or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) surrounding sperm donation men are hereditary disease. may lead to reduced sperm motility, and put off by myths that are not true. We n Be able to make 20-25 donations over repeated STI infection may lead to often find during the recruitment a 3-6 months period. scarring, which can block the passage of process that once men are provided semen. Some infections have no with accurate information and facts The first step to becoming a donor symptoms besides infertility. they go on to complete a course of would be to book an appointment to n Reduce your stress levels as stress can donation and stay committed to the come into our clinic for a semen have an impact on sperm quality. bank. We believe that if they were analysis and test freeze. This is crucial armed with the relevant information, in ascertaining whether your sperm is As a sperm donor, you can expect many more men could be recruited. suitable for freezing. During this visit regular and comprehensive health you will also be asked to provide blood checks (semen analysis, STD and and urine tests to complete screening genetic screening) as well as a fee of for sexually transmitted (STD) and £35 per donation (in line with the hereditable disease. recent changes made by the HFEA relating to payment of donors, which Some of the things that you could do takes affect from the 1 April 2012). to improve your sperm quality are: There’s also the knowledge that you are n Adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a among the 5% of men who are actually balanced diet and regular exercise. accepted on to the programme following n Don’t smoke or use recreational our meticulous screening process. drugs. n Keep alcohol consumption within If you would like more information recommended limits. on how to become a sperm donor at the n Avoid exposure to sexually London sperm bank, please contact transmitted disease by adopting safer [email protected] or call sexual practices such as using condoms 020 7563 4305. You can also visit our and reducing your number of partners. website on www.londonspermbank. n Treat underlying medical conditions: com

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HOMES

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01. Turciù ceiling light 02. Söderhamn sofa 03. Sponge holder We do love chandeliers! Part of IKEA’s new 2012 range “What on earth is it?” you We Want Taking the prize for this for spring summer is this may be wondering. Well, if month’s most desirable yet three-seat Söderhamn sofa you’re something of a clean- THIS MONTH’S HOT expensive product is this and chaise longue. The freak, you will be pleased to creation from designers Söderhamn range comes in a know that someone else has PRODUCTS FOR THE HOME Catellani & Smith. Made from wide variety of sizes, from looked at their kitchen sink aluminium, it has bendy footstools and one-set and thought “I wish there arms featuring 36 small light sections up to this three- was somewhere stylish to bulbs. It’s truly stunning seater. Whatever the size of stick my sponge when not in when illuminated, and great your lounge, you should find use…” Bingo! This foliage- if you have high ceilings a variation that’s just perfect. inspired sponge holder. It’s (height can be adjusted There are also several covers available in white, green and between 90 and 160cm).. including this light-blue variety. ‘smoke’ (shown here). RRP £2,305 RRP £800 RRP £6 www.madeindesign.co.uk www.ikea.com www.ziggiziggi.com

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04. Calligaris green chair 05. Contact Plate 06. Hoodies shaker set 07. Pantone boxes 08. Lucas sofa With weather getting warmer, Design doesn’t always have Fancy a couple of hoodies If you want to keep your One of our favourite London- thoughts turn to barbecues to be po-faced and cooler- skulking around on your home clean, smart and fairly based design companies is and summer entertaining. than-thou… there’s always dining table? That’s exactly minimal, then you’ll want to SCP. With shops in Heals is now offering a room in our homes for a little what you’ll get if you invest in some storage Shoreditch and Notting Hill, it selection of colourful outdoor bit of humour. That’s why we purchase these cool, ceramic solutions. We love these specialises in well-crafted, furniture which would look were drawn to this ‘Contact salt and pepper shakers. The bright storage boxes from functional and beautiful just as good inside the home Plate’ from Evthokia Ltd. The ‘Hoodies’ bear a discreet Italian firm Seletti, wrapped products. We love its entire as out. We like this ‘Area 51’ 28cm plate is made from floral pattern, with some of in bold Pantone colours. Nine 2012 range, particularly this green chair by Calligaris. The bone china and features a the butterflies making up the different shades are available ‘Lucas sofa in Kvadrat Remix’ colour is UV-resistant, so cheeky bite-mark design on actual pouring holes through – or just invest in the whole by Matthew Hilton. It features shouldn’t fade. Grey, fuchsia the rim. A smaller plate and which the salt and pepper collection, to add rainbow oak legs and a hard-wearing and orange are also cup/saucer combo is also tumble. hues to your living space. grey covering. available. available. RRP £22 RRP £13.30 each RRP £3,575 RRP £91 RRP £30 www.bouf.com www.madeindesign.co.uk www.scp.co.uk www.heals.co.uk http://www.evthokia.co.uk

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PROPERTY ALL HALE! In one of London’s major regeneration areas, Tottenham Hale is fast becoming a hotspot. Thanks to developers Newlon Housing Trust, first-time buyers can purchase an affordable home there from just £56,000 for a 40% share...

L-R: George Taylor, Chair Newlon Board, John Bercow MP and Mike Hinch, Newlon Group Chief Executive

IN GOOD ORDER!

The House of Commons Speaker opens Newlon’s new offices at the heart of the organisation’s Tottenham regeneration project

John Bercow MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons, visited Hale Village in Tottenham on Wednesday 14 March to open Newlon House, the new headquarters of the Newlon Group. Newlon House is a purpose-built landmark building at the heart of the major regeneration programme at Hale Village. It provides a new home for A £400 million project to All the apartments include: 150 staff of Newlon Housing Trust, Outward and Newlon Fusion. create Hale Village is n Secure door entry system Newlon – which recently won the inaugural Out In The City readers award underway which, when n Ceramic floor tiling to for Housing Provider of the Year – is providing nearly 550 new affordable completed, will create a kitchen and bathroom homes at Hale Village, which is a £400 million regeneration scheme and brand new suburb of London n Wool-mix carpets currently one of the largest projects of its kind in London. by Tottenham Hale tube throughout the living areas and Mr Bercow was given a brief tour of Hale Village, including visiting De station. This will include a bedrooms Havilland Court, the first block of new affordable homes to be completed. new health centre, gym, hotel n Contemporary fitted At a reception attended by 250 guests he commended the Newlon Group and high street. It will kitchens on its commitment to the regeneration of the local area and for providing transform this large area of n All kitchens are fitted with support and care to people who need additional assistance to fulfil their former industrial wasteland an oven, hob, stainless steel potential. and open up a vibrant extractor hood, washing It is hoped that the inward investment at Hale Village will be a catalyst for waterfront area. Newlon machine, fridge freezer and the further regeneration of the wider Tottenham area. Housing Trust is building 185 dishwasher new affordable one and two- n Modern white bathrooms bedroom apartments through suite with ceramic tiles to floor to London Liverpool Street and available this summer. Prices New Build HomeBuy (part buy, and walls Stratford (around 10-12 start from £56,000 for a 40% part rent), which are perfect n Balcony or terrace to minutes for each). It is also on share based on a full market for first-time buyers. selected apartments the Victoria line and is just four value of £140,000 for a one- Some of the contemporary n 12 years BLP Construction stops from King’s Cross St bedroom apartment. The two- homes boast private winter Warranty Pancras. bedroom apartments are priced gardens and waterside views of from £66,400 for a 40% share the River Lee, whilst others have Tottenham High Road is Just to the north of Hale with a full market value of access to roof allotments and nearby and provides a wide Village lies Lee Valley Park, £166,000. Newlon will also pay landscaped gardens, with variety of restaurants, shops which offers over 100 acres of legal fees if you complete Juliette balconies and communal and entertainment. Plus, open space. A large part of the within their target times and courtyards. Newlon have been Tottenham Hale Retail Park is area is managed for the use one of their approved panel particularly careful to design the just a short walk away. There preservation of wildlife with of solicitors. apartments to provide energy- are also excellent transport woodlands and wildflower efficient living, which is so links. Tottenham Hale station meadows. For more information contact Newlon important at a time when energy is just a two-minute walk away Newlon’s new affordable Home Ownership on 0800 058 2544 bills have been rising. and provides quick connections homes at Hale Village will be newlonhomeownership.org.uk.co.uk

54 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 55 TRAVEL PRIDE OF THE WEST COAST Los Angeles offers a sight-soaked holiday at all times of the year, but – as Matt Newbury discovers – never more so than during the annual LA Pride celebrations…

You may have seen – on film – Los Angeles destroyed by everything from floods and earthquakes to aliens, giant apes and dinosaurs, but it’s only when you witness hundreds of thousands of gay party people descending on the city that you’ll understand the true meaning of the word ‘carnage’! That’s exactly what happens each year for LA Pride. The parade, which completely swamps Santa Monica Boulevard, attracts around 400,000 participants. It’s a mind and whistle-blowing spectacular – exactly as you would expect from a city that’s famed for celebrating excess. LA Pride completely takes over the West Hollywood region, with local gay venues going to ridiculous lengths to completely wrap their buildings in outrageous rainbow-themed decorations. Trying to negotiate a route through the blur of Los Angeles feathers, leather and glitter-coated muscles is as challenging as it is fun. virtual roller coaster is also great fun, driver and you can allow an expert to plan Visiting the event last year, we even while you can finish your visit exploring the perfect route. As well as tailoring your spotted famed film director Chi Chi LaRue Universal City Walk, packed with themed tasting programme, your driver can also outside of her adult video shop handing bars, restaurants and shops. schedule a visit to an olive oil farm, as well out branded whistles and discount If you’re looking for a great spot for an as a stop for a delicious deli lunch. vouchers. As well as the parade (which will evening meal, check out Susan Feniger’s take place this year on Saturday 10 June), Street (www.eatatstreet.com), a seriously Whilst in the area, it’s worth driving to you can expect three days of festivities, cool hangout with food inspired from the the coast for a visit to the Hearst Castle, including sports events (the end of the San owner/chef’s travels to Vietnam, India, an opulent celebration of excess and ego. Francisco to LA AIDS Life Cycle event Turkey, Mexico, Spain and Israel. The Commissioned by newspaper magnate, coincides with the festival), massive club street food concept encourages sharing, William Randolph Hearst (inspiration for nights and a celebration that will take over while the interior is equally as quirky, the classic film Citizen Kane), he originally West Hollywood Park – featuring boasting two, 50ft palm trees, a fire pit and told his architect: “I would like to build a hundreds of exhibitor tents, adult areas wall murals inspired by street art from little something.” By the time of his death, and big name entertainers. around the world. The out gay celebrity the unfinished project, modelled on a chef is also a big supporter of LA Pride, and Spanish Cathedral, boasted 165 rooms, Of course, as a tourist from the UK, the helps the organisers raise impressive multiple swimming pools, its own airport great thing about attending a pride amounts of money for AIDS charities. and the biggest private zoo in the world. event in Los Angeles is that you can fill Even the frequent movie star and jet-set your days sightseeing before joining the It’s great to complement the madness of visitors travelling down from LA for parties decadent masses. As well as the Los Angeles with a more sedate escape, in the 1920’s and 30’s may have thought Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s and our top tip is the staggeringly this was a little ‘over-the-top’. To outdo the Chinese Theatre, you’ll probably also beautiful wine-growing area of Paso excesses of Los Angeles is a pretty want to hop on to a Starline Tour (www. Robles. Located on the Central Coast, impressive feat! starlinetours.com). The mini-buses take halfway between San Francisco and LA, you on a two-hour guided tour, taking in the region’s climate is perfect for the the mansions of present and former production of wine, thanks to a long n Matt Newbury stayed in the Crescent Hollywood stars, and infamous locales like growing season of warm days and cool Beverly Hills Hotel, 403 N. Crescent the Viper Room, as well as a visit to Beverly evenings. The region is more chilled than a Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (www. Hills and Rodeo Drive for some whistle- crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc and is crescentbh.com). Built in 1926, this stop window shopping. gaining a burgeoning reputation for award- Mediterranean-style hotel boutique Another LA must-see is Universal Studios winning wine production, thanks to an property is situated on the quiet corner of (www.universalstudioshollywood.com), influx of family-owned and boutique Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle just steps which not only includes the legendary vineyards. Indeed, the number of wineries away from the glamour of Beverly Hills. In studio tour and visits to special-effects in the Paso Robles Wine Country has more Paso Robles he stayed in The Adelaide stages, but also a host of rides themed than tripled from 50 to 180 in the last Inn (www.adelaideinn.com). around blockbusters, including Revenge of decade. n LA Pride takes please 8-10 June 2012 the Mummy, Jurassic Park, Shrek and the The best way of exploring is to book a jeep (www.lapride.org). For more information King Kong 3-D ride created by film tour with Cloud Climbers (www.ccjeeps. on LA visit www.discoverlosangeles.com director Peter Jackson. The Simpsons com), so no one has to be the designated

56 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK Pictured: 1. Los Angeles Pride 2. Pride concert 3. Hearst Castle 4. Margaret Cho on stage at LA Pride 2011 5. Matt Newbury (centre) and his Cloud Climber jeep

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WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 57 TRAVEL LEGENDARY LESBOA Looking for an excuse to visit the Portugal capital, Lisbon? Twice-yearly party Lesboa is Portugal’s hottest gay event. The Out In The City crew donned the sequins to check out their most recent party…

The recent Lesboa Party – Carnival Lisbon at dusk Edition – which took place in Lisbon, Portugal, was a night full of promise. A biannual event, the magnificent party took place in late February at Faculdade de Medicina Dentaria with ‘Space’ as its theme. As promised, a truly international offering of Manhunt-sponsored go-go boys, DJs and a party crowd bedecked in cyborg costumes were on display. As soon as we arrived at the plush ‘Dom Pedro’ resort in the heart of Lisbon – with its grand marble floors, extravagant décor and equally extravagant guests – we began to get excited for what lay ahead. With ten hours to go before the party commenced, the place was already awash with gorgeous dancers, a swarm of hairdressers, make-up artists and stage managers. It was a good job we made sure that we allowed ourselves enough time pre-dinner to buff ourselves up to an impressive standard. Before long, it was time for the main event. We weren’t exactly sure just how wild the party would get, but a quick peek in the dressing rooms revealed big make- up and super-small costumes! We were whisked up to the VIP balcony, where we found tables filled with party-fuel vodka served in reassuringly European-sized measures. Suddenly, our silver hot-pants outfits didn’t seem to be such a bad idea after all! A huge venue, it didn’t seem filled to capacity at 1am, but as the music got heavier, so did the crowds, and from the balcony it was clear there were more than enough people to fill the impressive hill- top venue. DJs Danny Verde and Phil Romano spun a mix of tribal, progressive and tech-house, which pleased the eclectic crowd – everything from bears dressed as nurses, Shoreditch-meets-Euro-style On the web, Lesboa-style. hipsters, and a handful of robot spacemen PHOTO © LESBOA PARTY on stilts. The entertainment peaked with a beautiful, almost angelic, performance by The organisation and running of the Pregnant pause Vauxhall regular La Menor, who was event was done by Van Cotrim, with main in Portugal utterly mesmerising in heels and not very sponsorship provided by Diogo Vultos much else. from Be Out Travel (www.be-out.net) – As the night progressed, the an LGBT-specific holiday company, performances became more outrageous, exploring the best party scenes and also with one act offering a live-on-stage birth the luxury market, with co-sponsorship of an alien, though by about 4am it didn’t provided by Heineken and Magic seem that unusual for this ‘anything goes’ Mushroom. It’s definitely a party worth venue. But sadly, by 5am, despite having travelling for, and you’ve got plenty of time our wristbands for the ‘after’ party, the to book arrangements for the next bash – effects of vodka/glitter/post-natal aliens which will be a grand sixth anniversary began to take their toll, so the Out in the celebration on Saturday 29 September City team was unusually sensible and 2012. For more details, keep checking the

retired early to the hotel. website at www.lesboaparty.com PHOTO © LESBOA PARTY

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60 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK HEALTH / WELLBEING / ADVICE / FITNESS / NUTRITION / GYM

deeply he may consider changing his mind, although you would always question his fidelity given that things started out the way they have. I do not think that sex is ever ‘just sex’. It may be attractive to exercise the freedom to create a lifestyle that allows stepping outside the hetero- normative box. That is great as long as both partners agree and no-one gets hurt. But even if they both agree, that doesn’t mean that no one gets hurt. Given that you would like another path for yourself, I fear that you may ultimately be the one that gets hurt. Settling for something that isn’t right for you implies that on some level that you don’t believe that what you are really looking for exists. INDABA YOGA But I know that there are many other PAGE 62 gorgeous, settled, seemingly sane men with a good job and their own home who want to be monogamous. Walking away from this relationship may be difficult if you have fallen in love. But staying may be an unhappy Help me Out! situation for you. Before you walk away, maybe there is Soren Stauffer-Kruse offers words something you can learn from this situation. As a psychologist, I would of advice and guidance… want to know why people make these choices. It is not necessarily the case FAITHLESS FELLA Dear Bryan, that people choose a non- Many gay couples decide to live monogamous lifestyle because they Dear Out, together in a happily monogamous find it difficult to commit to one I’ve recently started dating a lovely man. relationship. So maybe you just partner. Ask yourself what your He’s gorgeous, settled, and seemingly haven’t met the right one yet. preference for monogamy is based sane, got a good job and owns his own Although I understand that it is hard on. Some have a preference for home. He seems very keen on me. to meet Mr Almost-Right. He does monogamy because they fear that PHOTO © MARIUS ELS However, he has made it very clear from sound like a great guy, but since you they would otherwise lose their BODY TALK the start that he doesn’t believe in really want a monogamous partner to someone else. But there monogamy. This has come as a shock to relationship you are indeed are no such guarantees in PAGE 66 me, as I have previously only wanted – incompatible in this important area. relationships. The best guarantee for and still want – a monogamous I do not agree with your man that the ongoing stability and happiness is a relationship. He has made it clear that he older you get the more you will basis of trust and understanding that is not prepared to compromise on this, understand that you still need sex is shared. If you think you can achieve and says that he would be lying if he with other men even when you are that with your new man, maybe you promised never to have sex with another romantically settled with one person. should go for it. guy. He says it’s “just sex”, but he really In fact, I would say that many people wants to be in a relationship with me. become more monogamous the older However, I can’t bear the idea of him they get! having sex with someone else. I am 37 GET IN TOUCH and he is 46. He says that I might feel the I may be old-fashioned but I feel that Soren Stauffer-Kruse is a same if I were a bit older, but I don’t really at this stage of a new relationship Chartered Counselling Psychologist see why this should be an age issue. I you should be so in love with each and an expert in gay relationship and don’t know whether I should walk away other that it would not even occur to sexual issues. If you have a problem from this relationship now or unhappily you to want to have sex with and are seeking advice, email settle for this arrangement? someone else. It may be that he has [email protected] Bryan issues committing to another person We regret that Soren cannot enter fully. If he really cares about you into personal correspondence.

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 61 HEALTH STRETCH YOURSELF The recently-opened Indaba Yoga in Marylebone has quickly become one of the capital’s top yoga studios. David Hudson paid a visit…

putting newcomers at ease, whilst doing the different and will happily chat to you exercises – was also about the different classes, unexpectedly powerful. At the your ability and expectations. end of the class, I felt a deep As I was a complete sense of calm – which I can beginner, Ellen suggested I try honestly say followed me a Pilates class; so I dropped in around for the rest of the day. on a lunchtime session. I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but If you’ve ever thought of found myself surprisingly trying out yoga, Indaba off ers affected by the session. On the a great introduction deal. Pay surface, £25 and you can Pilates attend as many simply classes as you entails like for a ten- striking and day period. It’s holding a great way to gentle poses, sample the gently raising diff erent yoga and lowering disciplines best for your limbs or you. Classes range Yoga is one of those perfumes the air, and you are torso to exercise and from beginners disciplines that I’ve always invited to shed your shoes in stretch different through to AcroYoga, known to be good for you, the reception area on the first groups of muscles. Jivamukti, Dharma but which I’ve never actually floor, next to the first yoga This is done in time Mittra, Astanga, tried. The recent arrival of studio and gorgeous changing to your breathing. Yogasana and Iyengar, Indaba Yoga to Marylebone rooms. On the second floor is a The class lasted to name just a few – (just a few minutes from the larger studio space, while a 45 minutes, and with the ‘Hot Power Out In The City office), offered third floor offers a couple of although I didn’t Hour’ in the early me the perfect excuse to take luxurious private treatment break out in a morning or lunchtime the plunge. rooms for massage, plus a one- sweat, I felt like I particularly popular. Indaba (the word means on-one studio for private had genuinely ‘gathering’) first threw open its lessons. tested each of my Indaba Yoga, 18 Hayes doors in mid-2011. It’s run by core muscle Place, Marylebone, the American-born Ellen Indaba offers a groups. The London NW1 6UA. Walsh Moorman. Her aim is bewildering array of process of 020 7724 9994. simple: to offer “yoga at its top different classes… enough to concentrating http:// level”. delight those familiar with on one’s indabayoga. As soon as you step their yoga, but perhaps a little breathing – com/ through Indaba’s doors, you intimidating for anyone who gently are immersed in an has never tried a class before. inhaling and atmosphere of calm. Incense However, advisers are adept at exhaling

62 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 63 HEALTH SKIN TRADE Looking for affordable, professional skin treatments? Look no further than Marylebone’s Skin Health Spa…

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TRAVEL LEGAL FITNESS My body Gary Frantz Massage practitioner

WHEN DID YOU START QWORKING OUT? I first started working out when I was seven years old, doing GET A BODY gymnastics. I was born in LIKE GARY Scotland, but lived in the US for most of my life. I began playing water polo internationally at high 1. Find a sport you school when I was 15, and played love doing. Don’t be for 14 years. I was a member of the afraid to try out USAF (US Air Force) track team at something that the age of 18, and ran the 800 you’ve always metres. I was with the USAF for secretly wanted to two and a half years before being try. You may well find discharged in 1984 because of my that you love it and sexuality. Alongside disciplines look forward to your such as kick-boxing and various activity sessions. other martial arts, I have been a massage practitioner for the past 2. Try to listen to 25 years. your body, and work on those areas you WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL GYM feel need QROUTINE? improvement, I find that sticking to a routine whether that be can be helpful for people who are flexibility and just starting out, but if you’ve been coordination or working out for a while, you need endurance. If you to break routines. simply “want a For me, exercise should be more bigger chest”, you like play than work. Coming from may be ignoring your a background where I have played body’s more general

so many sports, I strongly believe PHOTO © MARIUS ELS needs. that it’s important to do exercise that you enjoy, that feels like fun WHAT SORT OF WEIGHTS DO eat a healthy diet – eating and 3. Don’t overlook and not a chore. QYOU LIFT NOW? exercising as necessary to achieve simple exercises that Lots of people go to the gym to The older I’ve become, the more optimum health. force you to support change the way they look and they I’ve found it beneficial to lift my your own body often forget that it’s more own body weight – through doing DO YOU HAVE ANY weight – you don’t important to look at how your handstands and push-ups. I QPERSONAL WORKOUT necessarily have to body moves and performs. I don’t sometimes do handstand push- ADVICE OR TIPS? lift height dumb bells have a typical routine. I work out ups; and pull-ups and chin-ups are The best tip I can give is never and bar bells to every day, but what I do can vary also great. allow your workout to become develop greater greatly. I usually use Jubilee Hall You can do them in lots of work. Turn it into your personal muscle tone and in Covent Garden. I think that different ways and positions. You playtime. Make it fun and allow strength. counting weights can actually can do a pull up where your body yourself to be a kid again. limit your development. is horizontal and parallel to the Concentrate on getting into shape, Sometimes I might exercise for ground, or a pike push up, where not just looking in shape. Find a three hours, or sometimes for just your body is bent at the hips 90 sport you love doing. When you 30 minutes. I call it playtime. I degrees. look at different athletes, such as dance and do martial arts, Thai Listen to what your body is telling swimmers or runners, they’ve got stick-fighting and yoga. I dance: you. I’m also 6’3”, so most of the slightly different bodies to your modern, ballet and jazz styles – gym machines don’t actually fit a average gym-goer. Yes, go to the which train so many different body like mine. They are built for gym, but sometimes finding a muscles. I think your strength people between 5’7” and 6’. sport you love, and doing it comes from how you use your regularly, can yield much better body, not how big you are. As you DO YOU TAKE ANY results in terms of overall health get older, your balance goes long QNUTRITIONAL and fitness. Trainers can be before your strength does – you SUPPLEMENTS? utilised, but more as a coach than don’t become weaker because of a I don’t take any supplement or meal a motivator. If you find an activity lack of strength but a lack of replacement. I always watch what I you love, you will have the coordination. eat, and I eat to heal myself. I think I motivation to keep doing it.

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