WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK ISSUE SIXTY-THREE 03/12 £FREE

Help! I fancy my best mate’s boyfriend The Ting Tings Return from Nowheresville Gay Tokyo Bright lights and ancient charm

INSIDE FORCED MARRIAGE KU BAR BIRTHDAY XXL VALENTINES RICHARD TONKS Louie PAUL BURSTON Spence ICE, ICE BABY!

Sparling, SorenStauffer- Director ofAdvertising Forgione, ColinGentry, www.boutiquemarketing.co.uk Kruse, RichardTonks, DAVID HUDSON Martyn Dunn,Marion [email protected] Advertising Manager retrieval system ortransmitted inany Paul Burston,Steven otherwise, withoutpriorpermission otherwise, [email protected] © Square Peg MediaLtd 2000-2009. resulting from withone atransaction Front cover image: © form orby any means, or electronic Boutique Marketing expressed in & ExhibitionSales either in whole or in part, may not either inwholeorpart, neccessarily thoseofthepublishers. The magazinewillnottake City any Square PegMedia of our advertisers/ MediaPartners.of ouradvertisers/ Phone +44(0)2072581777 Graphic Designer Square Peg MediaLtd. James McFadzean Head ofBusiness 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 Chance Delgado Design Concept + 44(0)207258 1777 + 44(0)207258 1777 +44 (0)207258 1943 +44 (0)207258 1777 Lyndsey Porter Photographer [email protected] Dan Goodban Sarah Garrett Josh Winning Contributors Development Chris Jepson London NW16EA ISDN: 1473-6039 Linda Riley Sub Editor Publishers Johnston/ITV Ryan Beal 37 Ivor Place Editor Out In The City The In Out

Nicky are not

[email protected] myself, “You’re gay, David… an anglewhenIpickupacup.Now Ijustremind inside whenIrealise my little finger’s stickingoutat appearance for signsof gay’. being‘too Istillwince find ourselves checkingourbehaviour or homophobia –mostof uscarrysomearound, or unburdened by any residue of internalised It’s rare to find someonewhoappearsto be gay-related canleave adeepandlastingimpression. scars. Sometimes,justasilencearound anything Disparaging words andactionscanleave deep the adultsthey eventually grow upto become. profound influence ontheirchildren, and–inturn – Louie was indeedfortunate. Parents have a simply wanted to kickaballaround afield. about inballettightswhenotherboys hisage negative remarks ashestarted throwing himself him –noteven batting aneyelid ormakingany he says that they were always hugely supportiveof discuss thesefeelings withhisparents at thetime, age of five. Fortunately, although hedidn’t openly he was gay –orat thevery least,different, from the hang-ups abouthissexuality. Hesays heknew that him was that heseemsto besomeonewhohasfew epitome of ‘upfront’. What struckmemostabout Louie, what you seeiswhat you get: he’s the his life andcareer... andcanthat mantalk! With Ice On Dancing This month,Ihadthepleasure of sitting down with feedback. Body Talk. Enjoy, andkeep sending usyour positive, andbring you anothergym-toned hunkin of hepatitis Cinfection for thosewhoare HIV- The Ting Tings, visitgay Tokyo, lookat thedangers Elsewhere inthemagazine thismonth we chat with waste ittryingto besomethingyou’re not. doesn’t quite fit. You’ve onlygot onelife –don’t or tryingto squeeze yourself into amouldthat As Louie himselfconcludes,stop denying yourself, up inknotsover how they are seenby gay people? people? Doyou thinkstraight peopletiethemselves Give gays abadnameto whomexactly? Straight bad name”. suggesting that others“give heandcertain gays a Louie onexactly this“toogay” behaviour, Despite this,there are somewhohave knocked Letter Hudson’s ’s Louie Spence(p.12) to talk about @OutInTheCityMag get over it! over get ” co.uk T and JulesofThe F Lesb of theLondon cr judge talkscareers, cap Sh Promoter Wayne 06 MYLONDON ed correspondence to Send your 04 LETTERS CONTENTS We talkw 22 MUSIC l h March 19 DIARY Braz the contrad Paul Burstonponders 16 COLUMNIST The 12 LOUIESPENCE cl seeks love Mar 10 COLUMNIST i i i st i i ng T lm Fest ghl i i mate i t tor i res g i i ngs plusdeta i c tal h i o Forg Dancing OnIce i l i i an andGay ghts &arts sm andcamp i i ’ al@outmag. s cultural ngs i ves ush i i ghl i val th Kat 22 i i i n acold one ct i ghts OUT INTHECITY i ons of ons of i i i e s ls

PHOTO © CHRIS JEPSON 34 Awards The C our annualOutIn plus thew home andabroad, Gay newsfrom 40 OUTNEWS Equal Stonewall Br people, plusthe and olderLGBT Stonewall Hous 38 OUTREACH Vauxhall Tavern Anthem attheRoyal b of XXL,KuBar March, pluscoverage Scene h 31 OUTTHERE and theatrenews George III The Madnessof 28 THEATRE Dory House Means War, Safe Contraband, This 24 FILM i rthday and rev i i and ty Walk ty Readers i ghl i ewed WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 3 rev i nners of Hunky i ghts for i ghton i ewed ’ s fi i ng ’ fth

MARCH 2012 Tokyo Sperm Bank Centre andLondon and BodyTalk threat ofhepat Agony uncle,the SOUL 63 BODYAND trad The br 58 TRAVEL ASRA and New propertyfrom 52 PROPERTY Br 48 PARENTING marr Cornwell onforced Law fi 46 LEGAL host yourspec gorgeous locat Thames andother Runnymede-on- PARTNERSHIPS 44 CIVIL the home i t i i sh Surrogacy t i rm Dawson i age onal charmof i ght l 12 i tems for i ghts and i i i ons to al day t i s C READERS’ LETTERS: MARCH 2012 FEEDBACK SEND YOUR PRAISE, RANTS OR COMMENTS TO [email protected] - ALL LETTERS PRINTED WIN A PRIZE…

As to his idea of a yearly music expo outside the normal tourist season (which is great!), I don’t know why it would need someone to be re-elected mayor of London in order to achieve it. A project promoting regular music on a big scale and generating jobs and money SEEING RED should be developed as soon as we finish reading this Out in I thought the feature by Gary the City issue. It shouldn’t take Nunn [OITC – January 2012] a mayor to be in charge of was very positive and running it. Where are all the informative. There was a time creatives up for the challenge? that if you were a redhead you Count me in! would be ridiculed by the Marcio Delgado @marcio_delgado mainstream. I’m partial to some redheads but not MATING MATES exclusively. I’m not sure what attracts me but it may be the I was interested to read the contrast between the pale skin letter to your agony uncle from and freckles. Maybe it’s the guy who was finding it because opposites attract. difficult to make friends in Being a person of colour, I can London, because I feel very appreciate that some of them much the same way. In all have been discriminated honesty, the two main friends against. It’s good to see more that I’ve made, after three WHO’S THE DADDY? redheads in the mainstream years of living here, are both like Florence Welch, Nicola people whom I had brief flings I just wanted to say that I very much enjoyed your big feature on Roberts, Siobhan Donaghy with. It seems to me that it’s adoption and fostering. My partner and I have been thinking about (original Sugababe). They say one of the more common ways adoption, as we can’t afford surrogacy abroad and don’t really want variety is the spice of life and I that gay men make friends – ex to advertise to find a woman who would be interested in carrying salute all you natural reds! boyfriends who settle instead our child and the possible legal complications with such an Trev B, London SE15 into a friendship role. I’m not arrangement. It was great to read real-life stories from gay couples saying that’s a reason to sleep who have adopted, and also the couple who were fostering. We around a bit more, but for some hadn’t heard of any gay couples that were fostering, and it made us reason, it’s not an uncommon think that perhaps that might be something we want to explore. occurrence. I wish the guy well It’s definitely prompted us to attend an information day with our that wrote to you. Stick with it local council to find out more. It seems such a shame that there are – it does get better! so many kids in the care system and so many thousands of LGBT Barry, WC1. people who think that they will never be able to have a family. Richard, Stratford Anyone who had a letter printed this LOST IN MUSIC month won a copy ‘Like’ our new Follow us on Twitter: of the new b-sides Facebook page: @OutInTheCityMag Hi there. That was quite an collection from Out In The City opportune interview with Ken the Pet Shop Livingstone [OITC – February 12]. Boys, Format.

Anyone who has a letter published in the April issue of Out In The City will win a copy of new DVD Weekend. Widely WRITE TO acclaimed as the best gay-interest movie to be released in 2011, this hit movie follows what happens when Russell US AND WIN meets Glen in a nightclub, and the ensuing weekend that they spend together. It’s released on DVD on 19 March. A PRIZE... The writer of April’s Star Letter will win a copy of Weekend and new documentary The Erotic Films of Peter de Rome. This new release from the BFI includes a fascinating documentary about this seminal 1960s/70s fi lmmaker, plus a selection of his short fi lms. It’s released 26 March. 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 CLUB PROMOTER WAYNE SHIRES GIVES US HIS CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS… Portrai t by CHRIS JEPSON

Where do you come from If you were mayor for a day, originally? what would you do to improve I was born in Portsmouth, but London? my family moved to north Make all public transport free; London when I was a kid. fine people on the spot for Where do you currently live littering; and ban rickshaws and when did you move there? from the West End. Redchurch Street, Shoreditch. Name a place or location of It’s a great place to live. I love sentimental value to you… all the art galleries and bars on Waterloo Bridge. It has the best my street. views of the river and it’s What’s the best thing about where I want my ashes living in London? scattered. That’s morbid, I The fact that all my friends live know... sorry! here, and all the different areas. Favourite London song… I love that it’s a “city of ‘Soho Square’ by Kirsty villages”; plus there’s the river. MacColl never fails to bring a Also, I like the fact that my tear to my eye: “The pigeons family is just 20 minutes away shiver in the naked trees and on the Northern Line. l’ll do anything… but please… …and the worst? don’t hurt me, just kiss me Rubbish on the street, the state quick, ‘cos it’s my birthday.” of the public transport system… What’s London’s most beautiful and the fact that my family are building? 20 minutes away on the St Paul’s Cathedral. I love the Northern Line! Whispering Gallery, and the What are your favourite view from the top is fantastic. restaurants? And the British Museum. I Pizza East, Shoreditch, the know it’s not politically fantastic ‘A Little Bit Of What correct, but I do love the Elgin You Fancy’ on Kingsland Road, Marbles! Plus, the central and The Wolseley in Piccadilly. courtyard is the perfect Where do you go drinking? marriage of new and old design You can find me most nights at and architecture. The George & Dragon on Are you single, partnered or Hackney Road. It has the best dating? resident DJs and lovely staff. I I have a partner, Diego, and we sometimes have a pint at the have been together for five King’s Arms on Poland Street years. or head to Shoreditch House Besides your own, what have for a cheeky cocktail. been your favourite London Favourite tourist haunt? club nights? The Museum of London is I never miss Ponystep nights in always really interesting and Hoxton. They always have a it’s a great place to take great crowd and the best DJs. If visitors; and Brick Lane Market I ever travel to Vauxhall these is the best place for picking up days it’s for Horsemeat Disco good junk. to hang out with Jim [Stanton] Favourite green space? and the boys! I love the Eagle – Highgate Cemetery, because it’s a great bar with cool staff. it’s so romantic and gothic. Invite us to a party… Where do you escape the city? Come to East Bloc, 217 City I have a little place on the Road, on any Friday or beach near Rye in East Sussex. Saturday night! We have a great It’s great for clearing my head line-up for March, including and recharging my batteries. Larry Tee’s SEPM, Tom and What’s the most you’ve paid for Borja with Dish, Jim Warboy’s a cab, and to where? SOS night, pop party Songs of Home from Stansted Airport Praise, Kris di Angelis’s War when I once missed the last event and Mark Ashley Dupe’s train. It cost £90... which was BLOC Party. more than the price of a flight from Ibiza! http://eastbloc.co.uk/

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BAROMETER: MARCH 2012 THE WORD ON FIRE BEAUTIFUL FILM, THT FUNDING, AND PSYCHEDELIC APPS FOR IPHONE IMAGES

LOVEBOX The line-up for 15-17 June includes Hot Chip, Friendly APP Fires, Chic, Holly Johnson, Azari and III, Patrick Wolf, OF THE Gutterslut and Trailer MONTH Trash. www.lovebox.net

ERASURE Last year’s Tomorrow’s World album was GLOBE-TASTIC! somewhat overlooked, but Erasure’s new single, ‘Fill Tiny Planet Photos is one of those Us With Fire’ (out 12 March) is their best in years. pointless apps that, nevertheless, offers hours of entertainment. It TOM + LORENZO simply takes a photo and turns it into Funny, frivolous, gossipy SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL a sphere, creating quite beautiful and opionated.. we’re kaleidoscopic art work. It’s available loving this fashion blog Out In The City is very proud to have teamed up with Channel 4 to for 69p from the iTunes store. from gay duo Tom and present a screening of the classic film Beautiful Thing. A film Lorenzo – www. tomandlorenzo.com adaptation of the play by Jonathan Harvey, this 1996 film follows the blossoming love between teenager Jamie and school friend and neighbour Ste, set against the backdrop of a balmy summer on a south London council estate. The film is being screened at THIS Channel 4’s head office on Horseferry Road as part of its Diversity MONTH’S Week initiative, and the screening will be hosted by drag queen RISE AND Dave Lynn (pictured), who also appeared in the movie. Dave will FALL also take part in an interview with presenter Steven Milne about the effect of the film on his life and career. The screening is free to attend and open to anyone over the age of 18, but due to limited space, you must register your interest to attend. Entry is by invitation only, which will be emailed to you before the day. All CHRISTOPHER BIGGINS The gay star – who has a names must be pre-registered on the guest list. If you would like QUOTE civil partnership himself – to bring someone with you they OF THE said on Loose Women that must register too. Due to space he believes marriage should limitations a random selection MONTH be between men and women only.. process will be used. Go to http://4talent.channel4.com/ extra/film-4s-beautiful-thing- EAST 17 “It would be tempting to The band are back with screening-hosted-dave-lynn their first new album in have come out earlier, over a dozen years. Singer saved time and explored Tony Mortimer says Dark HIV HARDSHIP Light is inspired by U2 and a lot more naughtiness in Kings Of Leon. Yikes! FUND my 20s. But then again, I RELAUNCHED see where I am now as a BARLOW/WEBBER Gary Barlow and Andrew product of that fairly Lloyd Webber have teamed HIV and sexual health isolated period.” up to create a song for the charity Terrence Higgins Diamond Jubilee. Rarely Illusionist Derren Brown, when Trust has relaunched a have we been less excited asked by The Guardian if there was by a musical collaboration. national Hardship Fund for anything he’d edit about his past. people living with HIV in severe financial need. Funding has been secured from the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the M·A·C AIDS Fund, as well as via Terrence Higgins Trust’s annual Walk For Life fundraising event, to provide ON ICE £1.5 million of grants over a period of three years. The fund aims to provide financial aid to those in need. For enquiries about the Hardship Fund, including how to make an application, please call 020 7812 1682, or send an email to [email protected]

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COLUMNIST: MARIO FORGIONE GOING THE DISTANCE MARIO FORGIONE FINDS HIMSELF ON A PLANE TO SWEDEN IN THE PURSUIT OF LOVE AND ADVENTURE…

“Sure, why not? I’ll before I started to visualise hadn’t bothered to book a taxi. for hours at a time. visit. I could do with a several gloomy outcomes from As a result, we ended up When he mentioned that a break. I’ll see you next my trip to Sweden which, all of waiting for a taxi for over an few months earlier he had split a sudden, had lost much of its hour. Outside, the temperature up from his long-term partner, week”… I saw myself appeal. was a not-so-balmy minus 16 I made the basic but crucial typing. A de-stabilising degrees. Then again, we got to error of asking him what statement, given that, By the time I landed, I know each other a little better happened. Big mistake. By the under normal was ready to turn around and while waiting, bonded by the second day, I was so go back home. Unfortunately, mutual longing for central emotionally exhausted I could circumstances, I don’t mine was the last flight of the heating. have drowned myself in his consider leaving the day and, when I got out, “At least he is not a killer,” I sorrow. safe haven of my home Stockholm’s Arlanda airport thought cheerfully, as I was to meet anyone living It was not exactly what I was expecting when I jumped further than ten on a plane to Stockholm to minutes away from me. meet one of the sexiest men I In fact, a distance have ever seen in my life. greater than a two-mile I could have taken advantage of the situation and radius equals a road to mercy-fucked him, but I didn’t nowhere… but not in have the heart to do so… even this instance. though it would have been very easy to benefit from the And so, a few clicks and circumstances and his £92 later, it was all booked. vulnerable emotional state. So, Squeezing in a short break I gave him, not what I wanted, between work shifts wasn’t a but what he needed. problem. The next thing I We went to bed. When he know, I am on a plane to turned over to switch off the Stockholm. light I gently wrapped my arms around him as the room I blame it on my quest for plummeted into darkness. love – not the fact that There I stayed until he fell possibly, I may be going asleep, with him holding on to insane. Besides, meeting with a my hands. That is how we stranger in a foreign country awoke early in the morning, covered in ice and snow, where still embracing one another. it gets dark by 2pm and the locals hibernate for months on “It could have been much end, appeared to be a perfectly “It was not exactly what I was worse,” I found myself acceptable way to spend my thinking while sitting in the two days off. expecting when I jumped on a taxi on my way back to the Somewhere over the North plane to Stockholm to meet one airport, as I left Stockholm Sea, it dawned on me that I had behind me. no idea what his real name was. of the sexiest men I have ever The road to romance is long In fact, thinking about it, I seen in my life.” and tortuous and – at least not didn’t know much about him at in this instance – does not lead all. A hunk, yes... but for all I to Scandinavia. knew, the man could turn out was already closed for trying to keep myself warm, However, I am a romantic to be as boring as Sunday roast business. jumping from one foot to the at heart and will not be without the trimmings. Worse other. There was no way dissuaded or allow myself to still, he could be a psycho or an I was greeted with someone who appeared to be become jaded. That said, I have axe-murderer. If that were the stillness and silence. He was lacking any form of forward- stuck a mental Post-It note in case, my remains wouldn’t be nowhere to be seen. As I was planning could get away with my mind for future reference. found before the thaw and, at starting to think with relief premeditated murder. We made “Mario, only meet up with these latitudes, that doesn’t that the guy performed a ‘no it back to his home by 3am. I strangers in central London in take place until April. show’ on me, my mobile rang. spent the next 36 hours eating, future – no exceptions!” Confined to a plane cabin It was him… waiting for me at drinking herbal tea, sightseeing with nothing but my morbid the wrong terminal. Worse and listening to him talking imagination, it wasn’t long still, he wasn’t driving and he about his failed relationship…

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COVER STAR: LOUIE SPENCE

TWINKLE TOES

LOUIE SPENCE IS THE DANCER-TURNED-TV-STAR WHO IS CURRENTLY CAMPING IT UP ON THE JUDGING PANEL OF ITV’S DANCING ON ICE. HE TOOK TIME OUT FROM HIS BUSY WORK SCHEDULE TO CHAT WITH DAVID HUDSON…

Louie Spence shot to fame as the Are you glad to have experienced this fame Some of them are absolutely wonderful exuberant, unashamedly camp star of at a slightly later age? Some people I’ve and some of them are total wankers… and Sky TV’s Pineapple Dance Studios in spoken to about fame say that it would I’m not going to say who! But you know… 2010, although he’d been well known on have completely gone to their heads if I’ve seen how it is. Yeah, I suppose the UK dance circuit previous to this – they’d found fame when younger. anything that happens to you later on in both for his work as a dancer and his job Well, I never expected it to happen in the life, you’ve got the beauty of having the as artistic director at Pineapple in first place, so I wasn’t ever looking for experience of life. Covent Garden. The 42-year-old was born fame. I think, when you’re a dancer, you Were you surprised to get the Dancing On in Enfield, but his family relocated to are normally a backing dancer, so it’s not Ice job? Braintree in Essex when he was a young about being up front. It’s a great life, Yes, because it came around really child. He studied at the Italia Conti because you get to travel the world with suddenly. It wasn’t like we’d been in Academy of Theatre Arts before pursuing the wonderful artists that I did, touring contact with them and it had been an a successful career in dance. Not only did with pop artists. I was living a very ongoing thing. There was an article in the he appear in a string of West End shows, glamorous life that took me all over the paper saying that I was being looked at to but he also toured the world as a backing world and I mixed with wonderful people. do it, and that was the first thing I’d heard dancer for such pop acts as the Spice Girls, of it! It was in The Sun. Me and Jason Bjork, Boyzone and Take That. He retired [Gardiner] are good friends, so I was like from full-time dancing after turning 30, [indicates picking up phone] “Girl, what’s and then threw himself into his role at “I had a going on? Apparently I’m going on the Ice Pineapple. He has made numerous TV – what’s going on with you?” And he said, appearances, but it was the smash hit wonderful “No, I’m still negotiating…” Now, I don’t Pineapple documentary that turned him upbringing. My know the actual ins and outs, and it’s not into a household name. Unlike other stars for me to say the actual ins and outs, but I of reality TV shows, instead of fading from parents never tried to believe that Jason decided that it wasn’t view once the series ended, Louis is now say that I couldn’t for him this year, so, it was his decision to enjoying an even higher profile role – as a dance or I couldn’t put move on and then they did come to me and judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. Ahead of say ‘Would you like to?”, and then we this year’s Dancing On Ice finale, he sat on the ballet tights... spoke about it and then, I’m there. down with David Hudson at The Ivy Club they didn’t try to You have previously spoken about being to discuss his career, fame and self-hating good friends with Jason Gardiner. Has this homophobes…! change me.” affected your friendship at all? No. Not at all. My friendships will always You must have an incredibly busy schedule be a lot stronger than any job, and as judge on Dancing On Ice and as Artistic especially in show business. I mean, I’ve Director of Pineapple Studios. How do you In that sense, my life had already been known Jason since the first day he arrived squeeze it all in? absolutely full and when I went to work at here, about 14 years ago. The thing is, Well, it’s just in-between the other bits I Pineapple, I’d actually given up dance. I people… they have a TV persona, and then do. Before I became better known, I had think I was 31, and I’d done everything they have their own personality. Obviously done TV stuff before and gone to other that I wanted to do so I was quite happy to that persona is part of them, and Jason jobs before I was at Pineapple. Debbie just have that sort of ‘normal’ job. It was a was encouraged to be very villainous, it [Moore – founder of Pineapple] would let relief, in a sense, to have a wage coming in was pantomime. Jason has got a very witty me go away and come back. It’s just that every month, and not have to worry about tongue, and it’s hysterical when you’re out I’ve been away for a bit longer this time. where the next job was going to come with him as a friend. If we’re out there It’s good for business, as well. I am from. For me, I was never searching for sitting on Old Compton Street, in a connected to Pineapple, and I love my job fame. Being a dancer had been wonderful. window at Bar Italia or Café Nero, and there. And you never know how long this And it has happened later on in life. And I we’re having a bitch about everyone who’s is going to last. That [Pineapple] is a really didn’t know what to expect. I have walking past, what they’re wearing, what permanent job. This… show business… been surrounded by lots of famous people, they look like… it’s great, you know. So I

often isn’t permanent. so I have seen how famous people can be. watch Jason and I see that side of it when PHOTO © NICKY JOHNSTON/ITV

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he says things. But a wider audience slightest; it’s who I am. I’ve never had a into it, their ignorance… they’re the kind of doesn’t know the other side of him, which problem with having a lisp. person who could contract something like is a gentle, kind, very loving person, and a Did you ever suffer any bullying when AIDS because they’re the type of person to very loyal friend. So, no job would ever younger? think that something like that couldn’t affect our friendship. Our friendship is for No. I was called a poof, all that sort of touch them. Because they’re so naïve and life. I’ve been in constant contact with him playground stuff, but I was brought up on narrow-minded, they don’t understand the over 14 years and something like this a council estate. My parents moved from way the world works, and the way people wouldn’t break up our friendship. Enfield to Essex when I was five, and there work, and the fact that they are as likely to Dancing On Ice is live. Is that nerve- were loads of young families that had come into contact with HIV as any gay racking? moved out there, so there was this big man, do you know what I mean? No. I think, for me, because I’ve done so community and we all grew up together. Do you ever pick up on any nasty much live work – such as West End shows Everyone knew me and how I was. I’ve comments from other gay men? and doing concerts, you know, so you’re always been camp. I mean, I’m not There was… about two years ago… what used to that sort of adrenaline rush. It’s constantly camp, but once I get going… I’d newspaper does The Pink List? exciting. Sometimes you can fluff what make people laugh, and people always It’s The Independent On Sunday. you’re saying. It doesn’t come out in the laughed, not at me, but with me. Well, Yes. There was something, and I didn’t way that you wanted to say it, but you sometimes they’d laugh at me, but usually even read it. It said something about me know what? Shit happens. That’s live TV. with me, and I think coming from a giving a bad name to gays or something for But no, it doesn’t bother me. community like that, all growing up being camp. Stephen Fry actually then said You spoken before about having speech together, as I say, people just knew me for ‘How dare you say this; I think he’s great a impediments – that’s why I asked about who I was. I had a wonderful upbringing. I person, etc’… the thing about that is, it’s whether doing live TV made you nervous? know that sounds wanky, but my parents one person, or ten people, making a Impediments? It’s impediment – just the never tried to say that I couldn’t dance, or judgment on me, and they don’t even know one, darling! No, I couldn’t put on the ballet tights, or I me. And the fact is, these people are it’s fine. I think, couldn’t do this or that... they didn’t try to supposed to be choosing gay people and that also, change me. They couldn’t give a shit as they’re being discriminatory towards through long as I was happy. I had three sisters. We someone who’s simply in the public eye Pineapple, were very much loved and we were very and being themselves. So, they are trying people much happy. We were a very open family to say ‘let’s celebrate gay people’, but then know me, and we talked about everything. I mean, they’re trying to say ‘right, you can’t be and they we didn’t talk about me being gay at a like that because you’re not really like take the young age, even though I knew. I mean, I that’, well I’m sorry but I am. I am really piss out knew when I was five. Literally. I fancied like this. What you see is a huge part of of it, and the ice cream man. I put in my who I am. Yes, I’m not sat here doing the it’s part of autobiography, I fancied Mr Whippy! I splits now, or doing back flips, or mincing who I am. mean, I didn’t know what it was, but every up and down, but that is a huge part of It doesn’t time that bell would ring, I’d have to run who I am, and how dare you actually tell bother me out and I would just stand there while me who I am, and how dare you say to in the people bought their ice creams. anyone out there, gay, straight or whatever You’ve commented before about reading but especially gay, that we need to homophobic Tweets. Does stuff like that conform. We will be who we want to be. ever get you down? We’ve fought for equality for years and People just want you to years and years, and yet, now you’re reply to their Tweets for a turning around and saying that I have to reaction. They’ll only have conform. Go fuck yourself, you fucking about three followers. I homophobic homosexual! Does it bother have over half a million me? No. This is actually the first time I’ve followers. People will spoken about it. I’ve never spoken about it write the most vile before. I go home to my wonderful things. Sometimes I husband. We love each other so much, and don’t even like to say have a wonderful relationship. I’ve got my to journalists, wonderful friends. That’s the sad aspect. because they will That’s someone who’s got something sensationalise it missing in their life. That’s how I feel and turn it into a about it. If this all ended tomorrow, my life headline, but no, was perfect and wonderful before this it doesn’t bother happened. me, and they These people... I don’t believe they have are very much what I have. If they had what I have, they in the wouldn’t have to go out there and say and minority. do the things they do. For gay people to Tweets like tell other gay people how they should be, ‘You gay and to try and make us conform, you motherfucker know… gay, bisexual, transgender, – I hope you whatever, that’s your life. If you’re happy die of AIDS’, and happy with who you are, don’t deny and all that, I yourself and don’t give a fuck what other just block and people say. delete. I actually feel sorry for those Dancing On Ice is on ITV on Sunday nights. Louie people because Spence’s autobiography, Still Got It, Never Lost It! is their ignorance is out now. just beyond belief. Getting a bit more

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COLUMNIST: PAUL BURSTON THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL… AUTHOR PAUL BURSTON IS STRUCK BY THE CULTURAL CONTRADICTIONS IN BRAZIL, HIS PARTNER’S HOMELAND…

By the time you read heart of London than you’ll homosexuality and was there the first time I visited, this, the Rio carnival find in the centre of Rio. repulsed at the sight of us ten years ago. Largely, it’s to do will be over and work showing affection to one with the booming economy. But Meanwhile, anti-gay another. there’s also the expectation will have commenced on attacks are reported to be on To make matters worse, surrounding the forthcoming the thousands of the increase. In the state of this man has a son whom he World Cup and the Olympics. costumes and floats Rio, there have been several strongly suspects may be gay. Mainly thanks to this the police required for next year’s high-profile murders of Reason enough, you’d think, for have stepped up their efforts to young gay men. An him to examine his prejudice. reduce crime in Rio, with an event. My husband was organisation has been set up to But no. On Christmas Day we increased presence on the born and raised in Rio, tackle the problem, fronted by discovered that he has been streets and visible checkpoints and danced in the proud mothers of gay children. busy teaching his son that in the ‘communities’ where carnival a few years ago, drug crime is rife. So where does this leave so I’ve had the privilege the gay community? Gay people of seeing the event up are certainly more visible now. close. Two things struck Brazilian soap operas often me. First, the sheer have gay characters. In Rio, it’s not unusual to see gay men scale of the event. holding hands in the street. Second, the celebration And many younger people are of transwomen, many of totally at ease with the idea of whom are employed as homosexuality. While we were visiting, my ten-year-old niece mascots. asked her 12-year-old sister: Brazil is a country of ‘Who is Paul?’ Her sister contradictions. We recently laughed and said: ‘He’s Paulo’s returned from a trip to visit my partner, of course!’ The ten- in-laws. The day we arrived, year-old was unfazed. ‘OK’, she the country overtook the UK as said, and changed the subject. a leading world economy. Yet, Legally too, there have been everywhere you look in Rio, huge advances. In May last there is abject poverty, notably year, the Supreme Court voted in the favelas, which are now to afford same-sex civil unions referred to as ‘communities’. the same rights and welfare Sex shops are full of DVDs benefits afforded to featuring ‘chicks with dicks’, heterosexuals. A month later, a and phone boxes have ads for judge in São Paulo converted prostitutes with names like the first same-sex civil union ‘Dani Travestie’. On the “My own civil partnership into a same-sex marriage. beaches and streets around Others have since followed Copacabana and Ipanema, carries more weight in Rio suit. In the state of Alagoas, heterosexual men flaunt their than it does in London” same-sex civil unions have perfectly gym-toned bodies like been replaced with same-sex so many gay men at circuit marriage, and marriages parties. But only in Rio have I And though it pains me to homosexuality is “disgusting”. performed there are recognised seen groups of straight men say it, we have even This is an educated man who throughout the entire country. gathered around the rainbow encountered homophobia was raised by liberal parents. Bearing in mind that the flags, relishing the attentions of within my partner’s family. Still he persists in the ignorant majority of Brazilians would gay men. When we got hitched in 2007, belief that being gay is a choice, describe themselves as Roman The gay beach at Ipanema one of his relatives came out as and that he can somehow Catholics, this is an is hugely popular, yet the local a rabid homophobe. This came “straighten out” his young son extraordinary development. In gay scene is remarkably small. as a total shock. Prior to our by putting the fear of God into fact, my own civil partnership The main club, Le Boy, is a civil partnership, he had him. carries more weight in Rio than suburban nightmare of naff travelled to London on it does in London, which is one Euro-disco and listless go-go business and was happy to Despite this, we had a more reason to spend more dancers, clearly aimed at take advantage of our wonderful trip. There has time there. unwitting tourists. There are hospitality. The day after our never been a better time to visit Now, if we can just sort out more gay bars filled with wedding party, he announced Brazil. There’s a confidence in that annoying relative… beautiful Brazilians in the that he didn’t accept the country now that wasn’t

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DIARY DATESDIARY CULTURE CALENDER: MARCH’S CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS INANDAROUNDLONDON such as chance toseesomeoftheprevious 12months’bestmovies, of thelate60sandearly70s(30March). There willalsobea Rome premiere of Vito African-French production Film Festival), whichisaired on28and29March, South For fulllistingsandticket details, check new documentaryaboutcultgay rock starJobriath. Smith onGlamRock (29March), following ascreening ofa all over theworld. Events willinclude alecture from Rupert www.bfi.org.uk/llgff film Belgian coast.Othernotablescreenings includeArgentinian agestorysetonthecoming-of- Texas closing nightgalais road tripwithadifference. The lesbian couplewhoembarkona and Brenda Fricker asan elderly winning actress OlympiaDukakis will feature Academy Award- screening of gala (23Mar) thisyear willbea special events. Theopeningnight screenings, Q&Asandother jam-packed scheduleof looking forward tostaginganother because ofbudgetcutsandare had torunatruncatedevent they received lastyear whenthey overwhelmed by theresponse March. Theorganisers were returns tothecapitalatendof and GayFilmFestival (LLGFF) The 26thannual 23 MAR-01APR:

, aboutVito Russo (24, 25 and28March), andtheworld Absent –afascinatinglookatlargely forgotten porn director (1April), abeautifully-shot Weekend (Winner oftheTeddy Award atthe2011Berlin Fragments: TheIncompleteFilmsofPeter De Cloudburst London Lesbian , plusarange ofpopularshortfilmsfrom North Sea , which Beauty

(25March) documentary MARCH 2012 Fragments: Peter deRome North Sea North Texas Absent Beauty 01-15 MAR: www.proud.co.uk by Epidermolysis Bullosa. individuals andfamilies affected charity working onbehalfof gig inaidof DebRA, anational to thestage for aone-off charity Adam Anthimself, whowilltake launched onTuesday 6March by run until29April.Itwillbe Farm Road, NW18AH),andwill Hospital, Stables Market, Chalk Proud Camden The show willtake placeat the originaldandyhighwayman. portraits spanningthe career of Underworld Adam Ant:Dandy InThe 07 MAR-39 APR: 01-31 MAR: details at interior space.More the library windows and of whichwilladorn art, specially created pieces andtheirartists London andBrighton thirteen exceptional exhibition willshowcase Women’s Day. The year’s International commemorate this exhibition runningto 13 Women Square) to checkout Library (Jubilee along to theJubilee recommended to get Anyone inBrighton is iloveartuk.com crisis of faith: what if flipside of thefamiliar writer’ explores the lefty metropolitan ‘thirtysomething, gay, finds theself-described documentary piecethat Head March include upcoming highlightsfor among others, from LaJohnJoseph, Following performances Only… continues withits The Oval HouseTheatre by ChrisGoode,a seriesof shows. www. –an isacollectionof God/ (the Horse

If www.ovalhouse.com Upstairs studio space. in theOvalhouse runs 13-31 March, again gorgeous complexity.” It love affair inallits the simplestory of a and loss…excavating extravaganza of love as “a queer Ben Webb, described written anddirected by and BadlyLoved followed by Upstairs. This is at theOvalhouse running until10 March after all?Catch it there really isagod www.melaniec.net Mel C Former Sporty Spice, THUR 01MAR: UK SeaLive tour. Islington, of aspart her at theO2Academy in another intimate show

( pictured WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 19 The Well ), plays , details at gallery space.Full perception of the disrupt theviewer’s seek to purposefully interventions, which trademark sculptural the latter known for his Gasimov andShanHur, Jaume Plensa,Khanlar include OlympiaScarry, willparticipating enlightenment.” Artists the search for true on thehumansouland exhibition that focuses describes as“an Bodhi group show entitled launch thespacewitha Mayfair. The gallery will on 39Dover Street, gallery space,located of itsfirst permanent announce theopening House venues, of London-based shows across avariety successful seriesof Following their 15 MAR-19 APR: 01 MAR: evening andQ&A Bloomsbury hostsan bookshop in Gay’s The Word gazelliarthouse.com , whichitscurator ispleasedto Gazelli Art www.

ADAM ANT, 1980 © DENIS O’REGAN CULTURE CALENDER: MARCH 2012

secure a place as space is limited (or RSVP on the Gay’s The Word Facebook page). SAT 03 MAR: Top boy band The Wanted highlight their current peak in popularity with a headline gig at the O2 Florence and the Arena in Greenwich. Machine, descends www.thewantedmusic.com upon Alexandra Palace in North London for three nights of gigs. Support comes from The Horrors. http://florenceand themachine.net SAT 10 MAR: SUN 04 MAR: Iconic singer Sinead O’Connor, who this The brilliant Rufus MON 19 MAR: month releases her ninth studio album, Wainwright returns to How About I Be Me (And You Be You), these shores for an Auction house Christie’s hosts the hits the road for a UK tour. Catch her in exclusive and special annual Lighthouse Gala Auction on London when she performs at the South show at the Barbican. Monday 19 March, raising funds for the Bank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. The As part of the Cultural Terrence Higgins Trust. Among the lots release marks the 25th anniversary since Olympiad and BBC’s on offer this year is the opportunity to the release of her debut album, The Lion live music weekend 08 MAR-07 spend a day sea fishing with Dermot and the Cobra. festival, he will be APR: O’Leary (pictured above), before www.sineadoconnor.com performing The Arts Theatre on cooking up the catch of the day together Shakespearean sonnets Great Newport Street in his Brighton restaurant Fishy Fishy. in this unique, one-off presents a new ‘state of Other ‘money can’t buy’ experiences session with Donald a time when they were performance. www. the nation’ comedy by will include dinner at The Goring with West, a psychiatrist considered social rufuswainwright.com the BAFTA-winning Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes and criminologist who, pariahs. Now open Emmerdale writer Karin and a black cab tour of Fleet Street with in 1995, published a about his own 08-10 MAR: Young this month. The Janet Street-Porter. Items up for grabs seminal piece of work sexuality, West will Following the Awkward Squad takes will include artwork from Tracey Emin, entitled discuss his career, worldwide success of “a sideways look at the Antony Gormley, Alison Jackson, Homosexuality, which research and writings. her second album, last unexpected challenges Michael Craig Martin, and Rachel argued for tolerance Doors open at 6.55pm. year’s Ceremonials, faced by modern Whiteread. towards gay people at Call 020 7278 7654 to Florence Welch, aka women of all ages”, and www.tht.org.uk is centred upon matriarch Lorna (Barbara Marten), may well want to book top-five album, Heaven. whose quiet weekend is a ticket for Move It – www.rebeccaofficial.com disrupted when both the UK’s biggest dance her daughters and her event. It will be taking granddaughter descend place at Olympia in on her with their own Earls Court, and will problems. Lorna has feature 60 main stage spent three decades performances, 200 working for everyone exhibitors and 100 else through the taster classes for miners’ strikes, dozens of different community milk dance styles. If you’ve schemes and library got a passion to learn 17 MAR-30 SEPT: closures and is about the Tango or to swish to receive an honorary around a ballroom, this FRI 16 MAR: Transformation And Revelation: Gormley To Gaga is the name of PhD. Her is the place to dip your Indie folksters Noah a major new exhibition coming to the V&A his month. Exploring granddaughter, on the toes. Sequins optional. and The Whale cement the theme of transformation, this display will offer contemporary other hand, thinks a www.moveitdance.co.uk their growing popularity designs for performance from over 30 British Theatre Designers. book job is more with a headline gig at It aims to provide an insight into the designers’ creative process important. www. TUE 13 MAR: the Royal Albert Hall and will include costumes, set models, photographs, drawings, artstheatrewestend.co.uk Former X Factor singer on 16 March, followed sound productions and lighting designs. Designs will include Sutra Rebecca Ferguson by a considerably more by Antony Gormley, War Horse by Rae Smith and Lady Gaga’s 09-11 MAR: headlines at the intimate outing at the Monster Ball Tour (pictured above) by Es Devlin. Are you a fan of dance? Theatre Royal on Drury O2 Shepherd’s Bush www.vam.ac.uk Getting fit? TV talent Lane – part of her UK Empire on the following dance shows? If so, you tour to promote her evening (17 March).

20 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 21 MUSIC: INTERVIEW BACK FROM NOWHERE THE TING TINGS ARE BACK! HAVING LABOURED AWAY ON THAT DIFFICULT SECOND ALBUM, THEY TALK TO COLIN GENTRY ABOUT THEIR SUDDEN SUCCESS, SEARCHING TO REDISCOVER THEIR MUSE, AND NEW ALBUM, SOUNDS FROM NOWHERESVILLE…

Having stormed to success in 2008 with their double-platinum-selling debut album We Started Nothing, Katie White and Jules De Martino aka the Ting Tings – found themselves hitting the road for almost two years, performing to adoring fans all over the world. By the time the promotion finished, they found themselves in a spin and disoriented: a world away from their Salford roots. Looking back, they concede that they struggled to adapt to their sudden success. “We just worked,” says Katie. “It’s weird, because as soon as things went well in the UK, we went to America where we weren’t known and spent two months there until we were known, then moved again. We constantly felt unsuccessful because we were always starting again. It’s quite humbling and I think that did us good. When we stopped touring in January [2010], it hit us, and it was this weird feeling of elation and depression because our whole life had changed.” “There are highs and lows,” adds Jules, when asked whether fame is how they imagined. “The highs are really high and the lows are really low. It’s hard to explain that because we’re really privileged and we The band moved to Berlin to record “We’re just two random people on don’t want to sit around and be like, ‘oh their second album. When their record stage. I think our fans will accept that we’re knackered’. A lot of people won’t label heard a version of their song ‘Hands’ it’s going down lots of different swallow that because we’re very lucky. remixed by Calvin Harris, they felt sure it avenues.” We’re only human though and on tour and had the potential to be a hit and released In the digital age, people are more on buses and on planes with the same it. It failed to set the charts alight, likely to pick and mix tracks, and Jules people, and, as much as we love each other, coinciding with Jules and Katie’s own feels this is the way in which music is there are times when you want space. That disillusionment with what they had moving. “You pick up someone’s iPod sounds really trivial, but as a human being produced in Berlin (‘It was grim’, says and someone’s playlist and nick three it really starts to bother you: that cagey Katie now of the recording process). tracks from different artists. Personally, feeling and thinking ‘I cannot do this They decided to scrap the album and there are very few bands that I can put anymore.’ It’s hard work. You have to learn start again, relocating to Murcia in my headphones on and listen to the to not wind each other up and not act like southern Spain in early 2011 to tap in to whole album.” divas. It’s finding that happy medium an entirely different vibe and set aside The new album is something they without offending people and not acting commercial considerations to produce a are both hugely proud of producing, like divas, because we’re not.” more eclectic piece of work of which they and has invigorated their commitment In the immediate aftermath of their felt truly proud. to their craft. So what’s the best thing success, Katie and Jules found their work “Everything before then had been a about being in The Ting Tings? Jules is to be all-consuming – to the detriment of struggle,” says Jules. “Suddenly it wasn’t. quick to answer: those around them. So, does being a Ting Every time Katie went up to the booth she “The best thing is that we, thankfully, Ting affect their personal relationships? was nailing it. The lyrics were happening. came from a broken band that didn’t “Work is our personal relationship,” The whole weight off our shoulders was work, learnt loads and put our own says Katie. “You constantly feel guilty that lifted. This was enjoyable again. It was records out. To a degree, we’re in control you’re the worst friend. It’s so hard. It puts being dictated by its own energy again.” of our own destiny. We have our hands on you in a really weird place. I’m so glad that The resulting piece of work is difficult everything we do and our lives changed like this – but you kind to categorise, boasting a range of that makes me want to of get a bit disconnected from the lives of influences, with each song sounding be in this band more people you know. You try to be subtle with different to the last. than anything.” the success because you don’t want to rub “A lot of bands can’t get away with people’s faces in it. It’s really hard. How do that, but I think we can because we’re not The album, Songs From you balance it?” a conventional band anyway,” says Katie. Nowheresville, is out now.

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FILM: REVIEWS This CONTRABAND Month’s REFORMED SMUGGLER MARK WAHLBERG IS FORCED TO UNDERTAKE ONE LAST ASSIGNMENT... DVDs...

CONTAGION

Director Steven Soderbergh ensured star billing for Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, among others for this big-budget exploration of what happens when a killer flu pandemic sweeps the globe. The docu-drama-style film remains an enjoyable, morbidly engaging piece of work – even if it will prompt you to reach for your gloves before you next board a bus. Out: 5 March WEEKEND

Director Andrew Haigh’s award- winning Weekend was acclaimed by many as 2011’s finest gay movie – although to pigeonhole it probably CONTRABAND does it a disservice. Tom Cullen and Chris New play Russell and Glen, who A hit in Iceland but comparatively overlooked by foreign audiences was the 2008 thriller meet in a club (as one does) and Reykjavik-Rotterdam. Now, with the backing of Hollywood money, that film’s producer, spend most of the ensuing weekend Baltasar Kormákur (responsible for directing Iceland’s biggest films of recent years – Jar together. Russell has hang-ups while City and 101 Ryekjavik), has directed a US-remake. Unlike David Fincher’s stylish take on Glen is about to relocate to the US for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, Contraband benefits from its source material being a college course. Not the best relatively unknown, ensuring most audiences will come to it afresh. It stars Mark weekend for either to fall in love… Wahlberg as Chris Farraday, a reformed smuggler in New Orleans, who has turned his Out: 19 March back on his past and is building a legitimate business installing security systems. When his teenage brother-in-law gets into trouble with local mobsters for throwing away THE EROTIC FILMS OF a precious cargo of drugs to avoid his own arrest – said mobsters come looking for PETER DE ROME payment of their lost profits and Farraday finds himself embarking on one last smuggling assignment to help his brother-in-law. Despite misgivings from his wife (Kate Beckinsale), Dubbed ‘the grandfather of gay porn’ he assembles a team of former cohorts and sets off to Panama posing as cargo crew, intent British-born Peter de Rome shot on bringing counterfeit dollars back to the US. erotic films for his own amusement in Though Contraband is stuffed with two-dimensional bad guys, Kormákur manages to the late 60s and early 70s – often just maintain the pace, efficiently racking up the tension when Walhberg and his team picking up men on the street in his (including Lukas Haas – former child star of Witness) arrive in Panama and their plans go adopted New York home and taking dangerously awry. Muscular support comes from Giovanni Ribsi and Ben Foster as weasly, them back to his apartment. For the tattooed scumsters. first time, the BFI have collected a Predictable? Yes, but there’s just enough bravado and suspense to ensure Contraband selection of his shorts, together with succeeds as a big screen guilty pleasure. DH fascinating documentary looking back Out: 16 March on his life. Out: 26 March SAFE HOUSE THE AWAKENING

Ryan Reynolds plays Matt Weston, a lowly CIA operative who looks after a safe house – If you’re a fan of ghost stories, you’ll where terror suspects are detained or witnesses protected – in Cape Town, South Africa. find plenty to enjoy in Brit-flick The Matt’s life is usually quiet but it perks up considerably when a wanted, former CIA agent, Awakening. Set in 1921, Rebecca Hall Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), arrives. He’s barely been there five minutes when a plays hoax-buster Florence Cathcart, gang of heavily-armed thugs storm the place. Matt makes the snap decision to go on the who travels to a remote boarding run with his prisoner – fleeing the bad guys, attempting to keep a hostile Frost under school to investigate ghostly lock and key, and receiving confusing messages from his superiors as to what he should sightings. Predictably, Florence’s do. Thereon, this fast-paced thriller is one long chase movie, replete with squealing logical explanations begin to unravel. wheels, barking bullets, blood-spilling and face-punching aplenty. The filmmakers make There’s little originality here, but full use of the beautiful South African backdrop, but with a formulaic plot, Safe House is enough creepy moments to ensure the type of movie that you’ll probably forget as soon as you leave the cinema. DH you’ll stick with it to the end.

Out: Now Out: 26 March HUDSON DAVID REVIEWS:

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FILM: REVIEWS

DECOY BRIDE

Like this month’s other Brit-flick (see Hunky Dory), homegrown rom-com Decoy Bride offers a promising gambit. Top Hollywood star Lara Tyler (Alice Eve) is set to marry English author James Arber (David Tennant), but – infuriated by the constant hounding of the paparazzi – the duo decide to get hitched on the tiny Hebridean island of Hegg: the setting of Arber’s debut best-selling novel. Even here, they are duly HUNKY DORY pursued by scoop-hungry photographers, and in an attempt to shrug them off the scent, Tyler’s PA, Steve For viewers of a certain age, Hunky Dory offers a nostalgic premise. Set in south Wales in (Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie) hatches a plan to stage a the sweltering hot summer of 1976, it centres on the efforts of drama teacher Viv (Minnie wedding between Arber and a heavily-veiled decoy Driver) – a free-spirited educator stuck in a comprehensive school seemingly frozen in the bride – local girl Katie (Kelly Macdonald) – before he 1950s. She is mounting a production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, but it’s one that can actually go ahead with marrying Tyler as planned. features the music of chart acts of the time, such as David Bowie, Electric Light Orchestra What’s unplanned is the fact that Arber should be and Nick Drake. Most of the kids are enthused to take part, but many of her older quite so taken by the humble and unassuming Katie. colleagues view the production with suspicion. Around this central plot, the kids in Viv’s From a story by Sally Phillips (Smack The Pony) – cast fall in and out of love, explore their sexuality, and make that awkward, gawky who is cast as Urie’s assistant – Decoy Bride is transition from childhood to adult life. In short, it’s Grange Hill meets Glee, with a dash of basically an attempt to mash up Four Weddings And A Grease and the Old Grey Whistle Test. Funeral with Notting Hill (its premise is weddings and Unfortunately, if those are its main ingredients, the resulting creation is a a fictional, A-list movie star involved with an disappointedly deflated cinematic soufflé. Director and writer Marc Evans (My Little Eye) Englishman). Unfortunately, that’s where the similarity has made a film that’s nicely evocative of its era, from the dusty, beige atmosphere of the ends, as it’s neither romantic nor funny, save for its school gymnasium in which the kids rehearse to the sun-dappled country lanes of south laughable plotline, which goes beyond ‘madcap’ and Wales. However, dialogue is flat and the predicaments predictable… with characters settles firmly into ‘ludicrous’ territory. In short, most of stumbling from one orchestrated conflict to the next. The normally engaging Driver the characters, and the situations in which they find sleepwalks through the role of Viv, inexplicably raging against colleagues one minute and themselves, are unconvincing and embarrassingly then kissing a pupil the next, while plot turns are thrown into the mix for no apparent contrived. Both Macdonald and Tennant work hard to reason. The focus ricochets between too many of the younger characters, and by the end of inject some authenticity into their characters but even the film you’ll find yourself struggling to remember names. they cannot compete against a script that shouldn’t “I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew,” says Viv at one point, contemplating the have made it to the small screen, let alone the cinema. scope her ambitious school production. The same criticism could be levelled at the makers Tellingly, it’s released to cinema on 9 March, before of Hunky Dory. DH being released to DVD just three days later. DH Out: 2 March Out: 9 March

THIS MEANS WAR

Don’t be fooled by the title – This Means War is not an action movie. With its A-list love triangle, it’s a romcom to its back teeth, even if it does contain the odd, expensive-looking explosion. The premise is simple. Undercover agents Foster (Chris Pine) and Tuck (Tom Hardy) are ‘grounded’ after a disastrous mission gets the attention of the national media. Desk-bound and bored, they take it upon themselves to fight (quite literally) over bubblegum bombshell Reese Witherspoon, whose job is to unwittingly choose a victor. Meanwhile, a terrorist B-plot – barely even worth mentioning for all the weight it carries – plays second fiddle to the romantic shenanigans, and merely functions to provide intermittent pyrotechnics. The real fireworks, though, are to be found between Hardy and Pine, who share a sizzling chemistry that borders on the homoerotic. No surprise that This Means War was co-scripted by Simon Kinberg, who also penned Robert Downey Jr.’s first Sherlock Holmes outing. The same bubbly bromantic banter is evident in War, and is the film’s main strong point. What is surprising is how flat the action scenes are. Director McG previously helmed both Charlie’s Angels films and Terminator Salvation, which means he knows a thing or two about action flicks, yet the handful of combat sequences are War’s limpest – in particular the opening high-rise segment, which feels like a deleted scene from a really bad Bond film. Happily, McG keeps the fisticuffs to a minimum, allowing the spotlight to shine firmly on Pine and Hardy. With these two firing off razor-sharp one-liners, This Means War takes a sitcom premise – what if Bond and Bourne were dating the same girl? – and turns it into a smorgasbord of blokey one-upmanship. JW

Out: 2 March HUDSON DAVID AND WINNING REVIEWS: JOSH

26 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 27 THEATRE: REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS ROYAL RETURN Book STEVEN SPARLING REVIEWS THE MADNESS OF your KING GEORGE III tickets

ABIGAIL RETURNS

Abigail’s Party – the much-loved play by Mike Leigh – makes a welcome return to London with a new production coming to the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark. The production will feature Jill Halfpenny (pictured) as the monstrous suburban hostess Beverley, with Joe Absolom as Tony, Natalie Casey as Angela, Susannah Harker as Susan and Andy Nyman as Laurence. Written in 1977, the play takes place at a drinks party that Beverley and husband Laurence throw for their neightbours. As the alcohol flows, tempers fray and resentments surface! Catch this classic show from 2 March until 21 April. Tickets cost £29.50 (with meal deals from £37). www. menierchocolatefactory.com In this Jubilee year, it’s worth taking a winks to the audience from the playwright moment to consider what a steady rock distract from the story being told. BLOOD SUCKERS Queen Elizabeth II has been: sixty years There is nothing distracting about the of rude health and a firm, guiding hand on gorgeous set by Janet Bird – all pale wood Fans of surreal and dark comedy will the nation’s rudder are rightly being and picture frames, which ‘frames’ the action be interested to hear about the latest celebrated. This is even more remarkable an on stage. A series of flying panels and doors production coming to the intimate achievement when you take a moment to ably suggest the various palace rooms and Barons Court Theatre. The fringe consider her gene pool. corridors. venue continues its ‘Goths, Ghosts Last year’s Oscar-winning film, The King’s The music/soundscape by Malcolm McKee and Ghouls’ season with Vampire, a Speech, gave us an insight into stammering and Mic Pool that punctuates the scene spoof nightmare written by Snoo Bertie, her father. Likewise, the Madness of changes and act finales is practically another Wilson. However, don’t expect fanged King George III, written by Alan Bennett character in the drama, with an especially monsters in dark cloaks, as this (Apollo Theatre until 31 March) shows that moving use of Handel’s Zadok the Priest for unashamedly camp production seeks her third great grandfather was a reasonable the close of Act One. to explore the notion of social King whose reason left him for some time, as The supporting characters are ably and vampires and the way in which they he was afflicted with what is now believed to luxuriously cast. Standouts include impinge upon our lives. It runs from have been porphyria. Christopher Keegan as the fat, pushy Prince Tuesday 6 March until Sunday 11 David Haig has waited a lifetime for a role Regent; Beatie Edney as George’s loyal wife March, with tickets costing £12 or £8 such as King George: one that allows him to (referred to as Mrs King), who keeps her concessions. explore every physical, vocal and mental tic regal head high while her heart sinks to the Box office 020 8932 4747. of the illness. A truly demanding role, his ground; Nicholas Rowe as a quietly physical and emotional state runs the full determined Prime Minister Pitt; and Clive ON THE BALL gamut, and Haig unleashes profound distress Francis as the compassionate doctor Willis – particularly when the quack treatments of who brings about a change in the King’s A new production of Stephen

the royal physicians are more unpleasant condition (“I can cure him. I’m just not sure KENTON TRISTRAM © Sondheim’s acclaimed musical than the symptoms they are meant to cure what from”). Sweeney Todd comes to the Adelphi (“Cure? You couldn’t cure a gammon ham!”). This Royal Theatre Bath production has been Theatre this month – running for six Haig makes the most of both the dignity of polished throughout the summer run and months from 20 March until 22 being King and the scenery-chewing autumn tour before rightfully taking up September. If you only know the potential of his ‘madness’. residence in the West End. The attention to production from Tim Burton’s film Whirling around him are the sub-plots of a detail is to be admired and proves the then you may be surprised to find Prince Regent eager to take on a more active efficacy of working out the kinks before Johnny Depp swapped for an almost role (“Wait? Wait? My life has been presenting in the West End. It has arrived in unrecognizable Michael Ball as the waiting!”), and a Tory government under sterling condition. It’s a touching tale of infamous and murderous barber, with William Pitt, desperately clinging to power misunderstood illness against a backdrop of Imelda Staunton playing pie-maker after a failure to secure the American political machinations. You’d be bonkers to Mrs Lovett. Check out full details and colonies. Playwright Alan Bennett delights in miss it. ticket information at www. some playfully postmodern quips about sweeneytoddwestend.com America, but while bringing laughter, these

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OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS MARCH 2012 A

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

DJ Uto Karem

MARCHA 2012 ACCESS ALL AREAS OUR GUIDE MASKED WIG OUT! IMAGE © CHRIS JEPSON TO EVENTS Organisers of the Wig Party – London’s annual, lavish and decadent fundraiser for the National AIDS Trust (NAT) – have announced that they are throwing a Wig Party Masked Ball on Sunday 18 March at the Café De Paris from 6.30pm till 1am. Unlike at the Wig Party, those attending Masked Ball will not be expected to go to IN AND so much trouble with their attire, but all will be asked to wear masks. Admission will be £10. Deborah Jack, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), said, “We are delighted to be working with the Wig Party team once again. The Masked Ball is an affordable event with all the glamour that people have come to expect AROUND from Wig Party! It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and vital funds for NAT. We rely on people’s support and all money raised will help fund NAT’s policy work for people living with HIV – changing attitudes, TOWN challenging injustice, and changing lives.” Early-bird tickets are now on sale online from www.clubtickets. com or more info at www.wigparty.org. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for £30.

ROYAL REVOLUTION EASTERN PARADISE TONKER TURNS NINE

We’ve been a big fan of DJ Rich B since his Paradise 45 – our favourite East End, underground Happy returns to Tim Jones and the crew down at legendary sets at Love Muscle. He’s now about to disco session – returns this month with its first-ever Tonker (The Eagle, 349 Kennington Lane, SE11). The release a re-worked track from his archives. party at the fabulous East Bloc (217 City Road, E1). club celebrates its ninth birthday this month with a ‘Revolution’ was a club hit ten years ago, but Rich The night takes its inspiration from some of the party on Friday 23 March. Pop along any Friday in has re-recorded the track with Marcella Puppini, of dance scene’s most subliminal clubs: Paradise March for the chance to receive VIP invites (given to the Puppini Sisters fame. The thumping floor-filler Garage to the Hacienda to the Paradise Factory. But a few lucky customers), or just turn up on the night. is already going down a storm with the capital’s it’s not an exercise in retro nostalgia: organisers Guest DJs include Vinny (pictured) from New York more discerning DJs, and has earned itself a place promise a Balaeric, acid house party that isn’t stuck City and Rick Parker from Manchester. Ab Fab on Gaydar Radio’s A-list. Rich will hold a launch in the past. Spinning the sounds: Mr Terry Farley, dragsters will dish out the Bolly; models from party on Friday 16 March at the Royal Vauxhall Dave Kendrick (pictured) and for the first time AlphaMale Media will flex their muscles and hand Tavern. Doors from 9pm till 5am, and besides an together, The Shack – otherwise known as Guy and out shots. A VIP pre-party from 9pm-11pm includes exclusive P.A from Marcella Puppini (pictured above Dan Williams. In the smaller second room, you’ll bubbly/buffet at the VIP Bar Area, normal entrance with Rich), you can enjoy sets from Simon Le Vans find DRamirez. It all takes place on Saturday 24 is from 9.30pm-3am. Limited £8 VIP ticket in (9-11pm), Phil Marriott (11pm-1am), Rich B (1-3am) March. Advance tickets cost £5 from Resident advance, £5 advance ticket for general admission. and Sean Sirrs (3-5am). Advisor, or £8 before midnight and £10 after. £6 on the night. www.tonker.co.uk

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

Ku Bar’s Gary Henshaw and bar staff

KU BAR KU BAR CELEBRATED FIVE YEARS ON LISLE STREET ON VALENTINE’S DAY…

Another birthday for the award-winning Ku Bar? Yes, like all clever queens, the Ku team on Lisle Street celebrate at least a couple of birthdays a year. Firstly, there’s the annual anniversary of the brand, celebrated each December (2011 marked 16 years since the Ku’s launch on Charing Cross Road). Then, each February, guv’nor Gary Henshaw and his team celebrate the anniversary of their move from Charing Cross Road to bigger premises on Lisle Street. Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, this year’s party marked their fifth anniversary in Chinatown, and they pushed the boat out with a loved-up celebration presided over by resident dragster Vicki Vivacious and the outrageously buff Ku Bar boys! The party kicked off at 7pm with free Champagne for invited guests, plus free, hot, finger-food at the bar and then a mountain of cute little Ku birthday cakes. Considering it was a Tuesday night, the bar was packed with well- wishers, with many of the girls heading downstairs later for the weekly Ruby Tuesday party, while lads headed up to sister venue Candy Bar on Carlisle Street for the weekly Candy Boys session. “I never believed how far we would come in five years,” guv’nor Gary Henshaw said. “Now, we’ve three venues and over 60 amazing staff. And what’s really great is the fact that we are still at the top of our game, proved when the wonderful readers of Out In The City recently voted Ku their Bar of the Year!”

Ku Bar, 30 Lisle Street, WC2. www.ku-bar.co.uk PHOTOS © JOEL RYDER

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34 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK A OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS MARCH2012 unforgettable eveningattheArcadia arches. poignant edgeto anotherawesomeand and ‘It’s NotRight, ButIt’s OK’, lendinga tough remix ofMsHouston’s ‘Million DollarBill’ floor-fillers. Inresponse, Christian Mspuna responsibleHouston for –anartist many XXL spread abouttheuntimely deathofWhitney sadness. after Shortly 1am, newsbeganto The eveningwas, ofcourse, tingedwith Valentine’s Day itself! seeking somelast-minute romance before remained busy throughout thenightwithguys through to themodern day, whileplay areas selection, samplingeverythingfrom the70s treated thecrowd to histypically eclectic All Your Lovin’. Inthefourth arch, DJ with repeated snippets ofMadonna’s ‘Gimme down by shaking theirbootiesto thesoundtrack laid surprise whenyou’ve gotseveral hundred hunks action beneaththearches soonheated up–no Despite sub-zero temperatures outside, the ribbons inhonourofSt Valentine! Styrofoam hearts, cupidsandswathesofred in mid-February wefound itawashwith month. Therefore, whenwepaidtheclubavisit award inourannualReaders’ Awards last promoters scoopedthecoveted ‘Best Club’ party. It’s justoneofthereasons why the The team at FOR VALENTINE’S… EYES MISTY A FEW CUPIDSHEARTS, AND WITH AWASH WAS XXL XXL Christian M XXL needslittleexcuse to throw a , whoteased thecrowd Joe Egg

PHOTOS © CHRIS JEPSON, WWW.CHRISJEPSON.COM OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS MARCH 2012 A

BOOK AHEAD!

Looking for a different sort of night out on the scene? One that CLUB NEWS doesn’t involved pumping house music and fl ashing lights? Can we suggest an evening at Polari? The regular event has been described as London’s “peerless gay literary salon”. Presided over by writer Paul Burston (pictured), the get-together features book readings, Q&A sessions with writers, and the opportunity to purchase new reading material. The next Polari is set to take place on Tuesday 20 March at 7.45pm at the Southbank Centre (Level 5 Function Room, RFH, Southbank Centre, SE1). Authors participating in March include Patrick Gale, Sophia Blackwell, Will Davis, Nick Field, Deborah Levy and Justin Torres. Tickets cost £5, but the event often sells out, so advance booking is recommended. For more details, check www.southbankcentre.co.uk or the Polari ‘group’ page on Facebook. EASTERN PROMISE

East Bloc on Old Street has another packed calendar of events for March, with the monthly run-down looking like this: Songs Of Praise returns on Saturday 3 March, with the Sugarlow Boys, David Oh, Neil Prince and Jamie Bull spinning the eclectic mix of pop classics and hits of the future. Super Electro Party Machine is on Friday 9, 17 and 25 March, with the brilliant DJ Larry Tee (pictured) QUEENS OF THE NIGHT and his guests, with Dish on Saturday 10 March featuring Tom Stephan, Borja One of the highlights at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern this month is the Peña, Kartel Brown and Scott Webster eagerly-awaited return of Burger Queen. Launched last year by spinning the sounds. SOS is on Saturday performance artist Scottee (pictured), it’s a series of beauty contests for 18 March, and Guy Williams’ Balearic-infused Paradise 45 night is on larger-than-life contestants, highlighting the fact that beauty comes in Saturday 24 March ( see page 31 for more details). all shapes and sizes. Scottee has had a great response to his call for Finally, every Sunday you can catch weekly session The Bloc Party, with larger lovlies, and the show – complete with celebrity judging panel and Jeffrey Hinton, Kingsley and Sam Lemans spinning the r&b, hip hop, performance entertainment – will run for four heats from Thursday 1 bashment and moombahton (a new genre for us!). March, with a grand fi nal on Thursday 29 March. More details at www. Check out East Bloc at 217 City Road, EC1. www.eastbloc.co.uk burger-queen.info Wednesday at the venue brings the return of drag nun whirlwind Sister Mary McArthur, who will be sweeping in on the 7 and 14 March for EAST END PARADISE ‘Sister Mary’s “On Ya Knees!”’ Expect celebrity confessions as Sister Mary grills special guests on their deadliest sins and trangressions. Almost everything that the lovely Stewart Guests will include some of her ‘best friends’ including comedienne and Who? (pictured) lends his name to is pretty actress Hattie Hayridge (Red Dwarf), famous weather girl and presenter fabulous, and that includes Disco Paradiso – Wincey Willis (TV AM), and Helen Lederer (Ab Fab), among others. Dr the underground Wednesday night hit that’s Sketchy is back for more burlesque and avant garde life-drawing running each week at the Joiners Arms in classes on Wednesday 21 March, and Myra Dubois will also be back for Shoreditch. The night has been running for her new last-Wednesday-of-the-month residency (28 March), Sing Out the past six months, and Stewart and Jo Louise! Following its launch last month, expect another “trawl through Public alternate weekly at the decks. It the bowels of musical theatre” with plenty of “cheap laughs and naff attracts a complete mix of Shoreditch show tunes.” Entry is reduced for anyone with an Equity Card, and all fashionistas, Dalston dandies, rockers, old attending will get a podcast of the night to take away with them. timers and midweek ravers, with Stewart Fridays at the club offers Wotever World on 9 March, Rich B’s one-off and Jo promising an escapist mix of “’80s soul, rare groove, classic Revolution night on 16 March, and the return of Boogaloo Stu’s Pop disco, jaunty folk, happy hip-hop, ‘70s funk, rockin’ reggae, Motown Kraft on 23 March. Regular dates include Timberlina’s bingo each stompers, Northern Soul, indie disco and rock ‘n’ roll.” Anything Monday, Bar Wotever on Tuesdays, Duckie on Saturdays and S.L.A.G.S/ except bangin’ house music, basically. Chill-out each Sunday. You’ll fi nd the Joiners Arms at 116-118 Hackney Road, London, and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY. Disco Paradiso runs Wednesday nights from 11pm till 2am. www.rvt.org.uk

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 35 OUT IN THE CITY: ACCESS ALL AREAS A MARCH 2012

STRAIGHT TALK RICHARD TONKS WALKS THE STRAIGHT BUT NOT NECESSARILY ALL THAT NARROW...

There is no denying that my success rate in attracting men has risen since the advent of the Olympic year. And it’s been troubling me to put my finger on quite exactly why. I haven’t implemented any kind of fitness regime that has suddenly transformed me into some sort of Adonis. Nor have I changed my perfume or undergone any kind of personality-trait lobotomy. If anything, I have resolutely failed to shift this year’s Christmas podge.

That said, the increased carnal attraction towards me has come with a curious caveat: I have almost exclusively started to attract men “I HAVE EFFECTIVELY CUT OUT THE who identify themselves, primarily, as ‘straight’. This pattern is more curious because I have MIDDLE MEN CALLED ‘FRIENDS’ AND recently moved within spitting distance of ‘SOCIALISING’ AND GOT STRAIGHT Vauxhall. And to think I was worried it was going to be too gay around these parts! I deliberately DOWN TO ORDERING SOME SORT OF moved into a house frequented by homosexuals TAKEAWAY CARNAL SNACK…” in order to enhance and extend my gay networks, but, if anything – I have noticed that my gay networks have depleted and this particular cohabiting with a long-term female friend. My pattern of straight-attraction seems to be liaisons back then had an air of conquest about To celebrate the latest getting worse. them: the thrill of the hunt; the danger that at issue of Meat, the any moment the seduction could go horribly GETTING ‘gayzine’ which Times are hard for many of us and I certainly do wrong. But the affairs abruptly ended when my ON THE showcases ‘smutty not recommend moving house and job hunting flatmate rightly pointed out that there were more GUEST LIST portraits of guys like during the month of January – particularly given ‘straight’ men hanging around our flat than at you and the guys you the fact that our beloved capital is creaking Piccadilly Circus. The final straw came when a like’ the proprietors under the pressure of an acute housing crisis pizza delivery boy from Tadjikistan woke her from will be bringing the and greedy landlords. My entire house-moving her slumbers at 2am (while I was out romping The WE Party crew pages of the journal to adventure to the capital’s south-central nether around Dalston) with a “rose for Reeeechard” return to the capital on life at Dalston’s trendy regions left me feeling exhausted, irritable, and stolen from our front garden. Saturday 3 March with Vogue Fabrics. On the rather poor. an exciting journey to decks: Meat DJs FSG, In my current state, nestled between boxes and Now I hurtle into my mid-thirties and a new the ancient civilisation Eliot Nash and Wes db contingency cutlery, I have not had the time, cast of characters are gently knocking on my of Egypt. Expect DJs playing disco, electro inclination or stable bank account to head out window at the dead of night. Female friends are Carlos Gallardo, Paul and house. Meat and and party and get my typical weekend fix of boys. beginning to make terribly adult decisions Heron, Gonzalo Rivas the official Meat T-shirt Lugging around furniture, refitting lampshades around ‘babymaking’ and ‘mortgage brokering’. I and Jamie Head spin the will be priced low; first and repainting your skirting boards can really begin to wonder if there isn’t some ‘social beats to make you move 25 through doors get a take it out of a gay boy who hasn’t had to application’ that is effectively leading their long- your feet. The We Party complimentary signed hammer a nail into a wall over the last five years. term partners into the jaws of appreciative gay London: We Pharoah is copy before it even hits men like me. at The Coronet, 28 New the shops. To get my sexual kicks, I have relied on the Kent Road, Elephant and Meat is at Vogue speed and ease of the internet. I have effectively It’s time to put those boys-who-do-girls back Castle on Saturday 3 Fabrics, 66 Stoke cut out the middle men called ‘friends’ and where you found them, Richard… back in the March. Limited advance Newington Road on ‘socialising’ and got straight down to ordering convenient anonymity of the Grindrosphere… £10 tickets are available Friday 2 March. Doors some sort of take away carnal snack, served just It’s time to be a man about relationships. Now get from Soho outlets and are open from 11pm till the way I like it. So why has this increased my on with those lampshades! online at www. 4am and entry is £5. strike rate with the ‘straight’ boys? wepartylondon.com www.meatzine.com Dabbling into the sexual world of the male ‘hetero’ started a few years ago when I was

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

Stewart Who? takes the stage

Wayne G and friend

ANTHEM THE ROYAL VAUXHALL TAVERN HOSTED ANOTHER OF ITS POPULAR OLD SKOOL REUNIONS IN MID FEBRUARY… There are plenty of club nights straining themselves to offer something more supposedly cutting- edge than their competitors, but – quite frankly – sometimes there’s nothing better than losing oneself in some classic tunes from yesteryear. That’s exactly what’s on offer at Anthem – the occasional ‘Old Skool Reunion’ that takes place at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Tapping in to the same vibe as the Sunday S.L.A.G.S/Chill-Out session, but offering tunes for those that have fond memories of The Fridge and other 90s hotspots, the night is presided over by Andy Almighty. We went along for the February session to find the place rocking to the sounds from DJs Porl Young and Steve B, while the very special guest of honour was the legendary Wayne G, famed for his long- running residencies at such clubs as Heaven. Wayne is now continuously busy with international bookings, but despite playing to huge clubs all over the globe, he still loves spinning a set to his faithful fans at the RVT. He was joined on the evening by his partner in crime Stewart Who?, who took to the stage to perform his collaborations with the DJ: ‘Bitch’ and ‘Twisted Sucker’ – a remix of their classic underground hit ‘Twisted’. Stewart has been poorly recently after an operation on his hip, but he didn’t let that stop him – he simply took to the stage in a wheelchair and bandages! There’s no date set yet for the next Anthem, but it’s likely to be in the early summer – we’ll bring you

details as soon as we receive them. PHOTOS © CHRIS JEPSON, WWW.CHRISJEPSON.COM

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 37 COMMUNITY HOME SWEET HOME? Charitable housing association Stonewall Housing is aiming to address the specific needs of the older LGBT community…

Like it or not, we’re all getting older, and although it might not be an issue that younger LGBT people wish to dwell upon, some older LGBT people face specific housing issues: from BRIGHTON having to move into sheltered accommodation, where they don’t feel they can be open about their sexuality, to confusion over the different housing options that may be open to them. In an increasingly ageing population, it may seem strange that EQUALITY WALK there is little provision, or research of the housing needs of older LGBT people. With this in mind, and with Register now to take part in Stonewall’s the help of Comic Relief, the charitable housing association Brighton Equality Walk – taking place Stonewall Housing has recently announced the over the May Bank Holiday weekend… appointment of a dedicated LGBT Older Person Co- Brighton… whether it’s the seaside setting, the vibrant club ordinator: Tina and bar scene or the lure of the North Laine, there’s something Wathern. Her for everyone in this favoured gay hotspot. On Bank Holiday first task will Sunday 6 May the annual Stonewall Brighton Equality Walk hits be to create the city once again. Supported by American Express, and media and develop partner Square Peg Media – publisher of Out in the City and g3 a project magazine – the 2011 Walk tempted over 500 lesbian, gay and that will bisexual people to take part in the 10k event. enable older This year, the Walk has celebrity hosts including The Only Way LGBT people Is Essex star Harry Derbidge and Jane Hazlegrove from Casualty. to share their Walkers will also be competing for the Top Fundraiser and Top experiences of Team prizes; with the Top Fundraiser winning a luxury weekend current housing, care and support services, and to access advice for two in Paris, including Eurostar travel. and support, among other objectives. The project will also seek to influence what services will be Now in its ninth year, the Equality Walk has become a firm developed in the future (e.g. a new co-housing project for older favourite in Brighton’s gay calendar. Walkers gather at the LGBT people or LGBT people of various ages). It will also look at Brighton Pavilion for a pre-walk picnic, and then walk a route developing best practice guidelines and a charter mark for designed by BLAGGSS, the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports providers of services which will improve housing, care and support Society. At the end of the route, walkers can celebrate with a glass services offered to LGBT people. of bubbly at the post-walk reception, where the Top Fundraiser Stonewall Housing is made up of a variety of members and Top Fundraising Team are crowned. All walkers receive a including individual community members, representatives from medal to mark their achievement as well as a unique T-shirt. Housing Associations and community groups. The housing group is This year, the Brighton Equality Walk supports Stonewall’s in the process of setting up a number of working groups around Education For All programme, which tackles homophobic bullying campaigning, research, housing options and the development of a and is helping to make school an inclusive environment for charter mark. children from all families. YouGov polling for the Stonewall found Tina told Out In The City, “This is a funded project specifically that nine in ten secondary school teachers say children and young set up to involve the older LGBT communities in the wider debate people, regardless of their sexual orientation, currently experience on housing for older people. I am extremely excited to be involved homophobic bullying, name-calling or harassment in their schools. in such an innovative project: one that could affect the shape of “No child deserves to be bullied at school – and our Education Housing for years to come.” For All programme plays a vital role in stamping out anti-gay The project has received initial funding for three years. If you bullying,” says Catherine Bosworth, Stonewall Director of would like to join one of the working groups, join the mailing list Fundraising. “The Brighton Equality Walk is a great opportunity to or be a member of the main housing group, Tina can be contacted relax with your friends and family during the bank holiday. Every by e-mail: tina@stonewall housing.org or by phone on 0207 359 year, we get lots of groups walking together, from friends and 6242. families to employee network groups from large employers. There’s a real party atmosphere, and you can stay on into the night to make Stonewall Housing provides supported housing, advice and advocacy for the the most of the bank holiday weekend.” lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in London. It is the only specialist housing support provider in England wholly dedicated to serving the It costs just £10 to register for the Walk, and under-12s walk free. For more LGBT communities. You’ll find more details at www.stonewallhousing.org or call information visit www.equalitywalk.org.uk or call 020 7593 1875. 020 7359 5767 for advice.

38 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 39 NEWS IN THE NEWS... Gay stories from the UK and farther afield...

THE STAG TO CLOSE It has finally been confirmed that The Stag in Victoria is to close down due to the redevelopment of the area. The land on which the pub stands is to become the site office for Land Securities development at Victoria. The Above The Stag Theatre, which has been running above the pub for the last three years, will be homeless from the end of March. The Stag is London’s only theatre with a core programme of gay-themed and gay-interest work. Peter Bull, the theatre’s artistic director and producer, says: “We are commited to continuing Above The Stag’s success, and we urgently need a new home. We L-R: Paul Oxley (RVT co-owner), Paul O’Grady, Jason Dickie (bar manager) and Robert Taylor would love to hear from property MIKEKEAR.COM IMAGE: developers, pubs with unused function spaces, or any other GARDENS property owner who would welcome a where he used to perform as his residents through the Friends resident theatre. We bring a well- RENOVATED Lily Savage alter-ego in the of Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, respected programme, up-to-date 1980s – to celebrate a major working with Lambeth sound and lighting equipment, and a Paul O’Grady was one of the renovation of the neighbouring Council and architects loyal audience. special guests who helped Spring Gardens (formerly DSDHA, in association with “What we have achieved over the past Vauxhall locals to celebrate Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens). the artist Martin Richman. three years is too valuable to lose, but the completion of a project to These include the addition of a O’Grady was joined by the we need all the help we can get to renovate one of London’s most landmark new entrance leader of Lambeth Council, find a new home. We want everyone historic public spaces. On introduced on Kennington Lane, Cllr Steve Reed, local MP to email us via the website or pop in Thursday 16 February, the framed by two monumental Kate Hoey and Chair of the to the pub on Thursday 8 March comedian and former Vauxhall columns. The park’s most recent Friends of Vauxhall Pleasure between 6.30pm and 9pm when we’re resident joined locals and renovations have cost Gardens, Eamonn McMahon, saying thank you and goodbye to councillors at the Royal approximately £200,000, with in cutting a ribbon to mark everyone who has attended or been in Vauxhall Tavern – the pub work being led by local the restoration. our shows.” ANTI-GAY DERBY MEN CANADIAN HIV SENT TO PRISON Three Muslim men from Derby have VACCINE GOES received jail sentences for distributing ON TRIAL leaflets intended to stir up hatred against gay people. Ihjaz Ali, 42, Kabir Ahmed, 28 and Razwan Javed, 27 – Researchers in Canada have were found guilty of a gay hate crime announced that they have after handing out leaflets calling for received permission to start homosexual people to be given the human trials of a potential new death sentence. It’s the first HIV vaccine, dubbed SAV001. prosecution of its kind since new laws Researchers from the University came into force in 2010. Ali was jailed of Western Ontario say they for two years, and Ahmed and Javed have developed an HIV vaccine for 15 months. The sentences were that uses the whole HIV virus, welcomed by both gay campaigners unlike other vaccine attempts and Muslim groups. Farooq Murad, that have used only certain genes Secretary General of the Muslim or proteins from the virus. positive results, the vaccine will undergo a mass Council of Britain said: “It is completely However, the virus they are using has been trial using around 6,000 people believed to be at unacceptable that in a diverse and genetically engineered to be “non-pathogenic,” so high risk of HIV infection. Half will receive the vibrant society such as ours any that it does not actually cause HIV in recipients. vaccine and half will receive a placebo. However, it minority group should fear for their own The vaccine’s safety will first be tested in people could take several years for trials to be completed safety. Unfortunately, the leaflets these already infected with HIV. The next phase of and results known. In the absence of a vaccine, young men were handing out promoted testing will be on a group of HIV-negative people safer sex practices and condoms remain the best such fear and division.” to test their immune response. If both trials yield defence against the spread of infection.

40 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK “The law stops at the door of the temple as far as I’m concerned. Once you start to provide public services that have to be run under public rules, for example child protection, then you have to go with public law. You can’t say ‘because we decide we’re different then we need a different set of laws’.” Trevor Phillips, Chair of the UK’s Equality and Human Rights Commission, speaks out against religious organisations that request exemption from equality laws.

AND FINALLY... WORLD NEWS LONDON CABARET AWARDS 2012 The inaugural London Cabaret Awards took place in London in mid-February. Voting was held online, with an awards ceremony CHARTER LAUNCHED FOR MUSIC INDUSTRY taking place at the Battersea Barge on Thursday 16 February. Among the The UK music industry has launched an Equality & Diversity Charter to ST PETERSBURG winners were Jonny Woo, voted ‘Best encourage organisations, businesses and individuals to commit to help A controversial bill banning the Drag Act’, Dicke Beau as ‘Best improve equality and diversity in the industry. Representatives from the music “promotion of homosexuality” has Alternative Peformer’, the Royal industry (above) gathered at London’s Commonwealth Club on 8 February to passed its second reading in the Vauxhall Tavern as the ‘Best Venue’, launch the charter, which is asking that organisations recruit from a wide Russian city of St Petersburg, to Dusty Limits (above) as ‘Best Host’ talent pool; improve equality and diversity at senior decision making levels; the worldwide dismay of LGBT and long-running Saturday-nighter participate in or run activities that promote equality and diversity in the rights campaigners. If it is signed Duckie receiving an ‘Outstanding music industry; and to share methods of increasing equality and diversity. in to law by St. Petersburg’s Mayor, Achievement Award’. www. The founding members of UK Music have agreed to champion the initiative the bill could theoretically londoncabaretawards.co.uk and to aim, in 2012, to secure 100 signatories and commitments to action. criminalise reading, writing, Jo Dipple, Chief Executive UK Music said: “Diversity is a massive asset for the speaking or reporting on anything GOODING SNR QUIZZES UK music industry. Our creative talent and the audience who enjoy our music related to gay, lesbian bi or trans TOM CRUISE is, without doubt, diversity personified. Promoting that key strength to the people, and will make illegal In an interview on The companies and organisations in between can only be good for our business.” almost all activity related to Graham Norton Show, defending or promoting LGBT actor Cuba Gooding equality. Those found guilty of Jnr said that his breaking the law could be father visited him punished by fines of up to during the filming of 500,000 roubles (approximately the Oscar-winning £10,500). For information on how 1996 movie Jerry Maguire. But when to help LGBT campaigners in the actor introduced his dad to Tom Russia, see www.AllOut.org Cruise, his father “gave Tom Cruise a hug and said, ‘I love you man. Now NORTHERN CYPRUS seriously, are you gay or not?’ I A legal challenge has been lodged almost fainted and thought, please at the European Court of Human Lord, let me disappear... Tom just L-R: Terry Reed (GIRES), Susie Green (Mermaids) and Jay Stewart Rights (ECtHR) to decriminalise laughed and said ‘no’.” (Gendered Intelligence) at the 2012 Schools Out Conference IMAGE: HUW WILLIAMS HUW IMAGE: homosexuality in Northern Cyprus – the last place in the Council of ELTON FEARS FOR CLASSROOM HOMOPHOBIA TACKLED Europe where being gay is a SON’S STIGMATISATION The annual Schools Out conference took place in London on Saturday 4 criminal offence. Cyprus was Elton John and February. Schools Out is the organisation that that campaigns for equality for required by the ECtHR to David Furnish lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people in education. Among the decriminalise consensual sex fear son discussions and workshops that took place on the day, representatives from between consenting adults in Zachary may the organisation announced the success of its recently launched ‘The 1993, but Cyprus’ division has experience Classroom’ web pages – an online resource for those in education to refer to meant many of the island’s social stigma. In an interview with if wanting to address or raise LGBT issues – including homophobic bullying – inherited British criminal laws – Attitude magazine, Furnish said “He’s in the classroom. including the ban on going to be potentially doubly Since being launched three months ago, the Classroom pages have been homosexuality – remain in force in stigmatised, because one of his viewed by over 4,000 visitors, suggesting a demand for LGBT-related the North. The legal challenge has parents is extremely famous and resources. Elly Barnes, who is the Schools Representative for Schools Out been brought against Turkey, which because he comes from two dads. said, “This is a very positive response – teachers everywhere want to tackle oversees the Turkish Republic of We’ve taken advice from counsellors homophobia in their classrooms and realise the importance of achieving this Northern Cyprus (TRNC). See and put a scrapbook together about through the curriculum. Now teachers at all key stages in all subject areas www.humandignitytrust.org his creation: those involved and the have access to effective tried and tested resources for teachers.” fact that it was all about love.”

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BARCLAYS RATED TOP Following the release of this year’s Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI) – the LGB charity’s list of top LGB-friendly employers – Stonewall Scotland has released details of the top employers in Scotland. Barclays, which came in at number three on the WEI, has been named as Top Employer in Scotland for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. The second- best placed Scottish employer is Lloyds Banking Group and the Royal Bank of Scotland comes third. Mark McLane, Managing Director, Head of Global Diversity and Inclusion, Barclays, said: “This recognition continues to affirm Members of Ernst & Young’s Recruitment team and Barclays commitment to diversity Diversity and Inclusiveness team with their Out In The City award and inclusion. Our partnership with Stonewall has been a vital enabler for our Spectrum Diversity Network OUT IN THE CITY AWARD WINNERS in providing the resources essential in positioning Barclays as an employer of choice for the lesbian, Congratulations once again to the winners of our inaugural Out In The City Readers’ Awards. We gay, bisexual and ally community.” revealed our winners last month (see below), and have now dispatched our lovely glass awards to their deserving recipients. Pictured here are Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow of the British MEN HAVING BABIES Surrogacy Centre, who jointly won the ‘Campaigner of the year’ award; Representatives from the Gay men exploring the idea of Terrence Higgins Trust, who won the ‘Charity of the year’ award, and representatives from Ernst surrogacy as a way to start a family & Young, who scooped the ‘Recruiter of the year’ award. may be interested to hear that an American expert, Dr. Gad Lavy, is The full list of winners: heading to Europe soon to discuss the topic of egg donation and HOUSING PROVIDER OF THE YEAR gestational surrogacy. WINNER – NEWLON Dr. Lavy, an internationally- acclaimed reproductive physician HOLIDAY DESTINATION OF THE YEAR and the medical director of New WINNER – ISRAEL England Fertility, will be speaking at three European conferences RECRUITER OF THE YEAR occurring in March and April of WINNER – ERNST & YOUNG 2012, addressing gestational surrogacy and egg donation. He will DATING SITE OF THE YEAR also be providing complimentary WINNER – GAYDAR consultations for anyone who is GAY FAMILY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR L-R: Tony and Barrie Drewitt-Barlow with pursuing international third-party their ‘Campaigners of the year’ award reproductive treatments – including WINNER – BSC same-sex couples. The first seminar and series of FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR consultations will take place in WINNER – PRIDE LONDON March in London (16-17 March). Dr Lavy will be holding a group meeting BRAND OF THE YEAR on Friday 16 March at the Charlotte WINNER – APPLE Street Hotel, from 6.30-8.30pm. Following his London visit, Dr Lavy CHARITY OF THE YEAR will be speaking and meeting with WINNER – TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST prospective patients in Ireland. The final conference and consultations CAMPAIGNER OF THE YEAR will be at the Network of European WINNER – BARRIE & TONY DREWITT-BARLOW LGBT Family Associations (NELFA) from 28-30 April 2012 in Barcelona. GAY ICON OF THE YEAR A full-day seminar titled Men Having WINNER – LADY GAGA Babies will be taking place on 29 April, where Dr Lavy will be hosting a BAR OF THE YEAR speaker’s panel and complimentary WINNER – KU BAR consultations. For information or to reserve a CLUB OF THE YEAR consultation with Dr Lavy contact WINNER – XXL Marion Welch at mwelch@nefertility. The Terrence Higgins Trust - Charity of the year com/001 203-321-6384, ext 329.

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CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS SET SAIL TOGETHER Planning a summer civil partnership? Have you ever thought about getting hitched by the Thames? Check out some of our suggestions below for top venues on or near the river…

RUNNYMEDE-ON- utterly unique venue on the contemporary, and outside, beautiful, contemporary suites THAMES banks of the River Thames,” says beside the sparkling river, it’s are perfect for the exchange of a spokesperson for the hotel. picture-perfect for photos and your vows and offer natural Windsor Road, Egham, Surrey, “The views are simply stunning; bubbles. Thanks to our superb daylight with balconies or TW20 0AG the food, wine and facilities are service, you can trust that your riverside terraces and gardens www.therunnymede.co.uk all fabulous… it’s a wonderful time here will go swimmingly for drinks and canapé place to start your life together well. receptions. There are also This beautiful, 4-star hotel lies and we’ll make sure your dream “The dreamy setting is reflected numerous beautiful spots for on the banks of the River day is absolutely perfect, right in every aspect of our photos beside the river and in Thames in Egham, Surrey. It’s down to the last exquisite detail. surroundings, from the our orchard.” situated near Windsor and not “You’ll sweep up the driveway panoramic views to tiny design far from Heathrow Airport. and walk up your red carpet – or details echoing the natural For more details, call 01784 “It’s the most special day of your perhaps you’d prefer to arrive by theme. The Grand Union and The 220981 or go to www. life and every moment will feel boat? All your surroundings Riverside suites are licensed for therunnymede.co.uk even more romantic in our inside will look gorgeous and civil ceremonies. Both of these

R.S. HISPANIOLA available for couples can also hire the venue for civil hire on partnership ceremonies. Weddings and If you want to get married on the actual Saturdays, and civil partnerships can be held in either the River Thames rather than just beside it, you can seat up to balcony room (from 70-120 guests) or could always opt for R. S. Hispaniola – a 130 people larger Underglobe space (up to 450). tastefully furnished, fully air-conditioned, across the www.loveswan.co.uk permanently-moored ship offering high- venue (or 74 in quality private event facilities close to the the main TOWER BRIDGE West End. It’s been licensed to host civil dining room ceremonies since 2006. alone). If you want just a small affair, the River If you’re looking for an iconic venue to Information: 020 7839 3011 Room and Red Room can seat between 16-18 host your nuptials, you don’t get much www.hispaniola.co.uk people each. more so than Tower Bridge! The Bridge The Gun, 27 Coldharbour, London, E14 9NS. Master’s Dining Room and the North Tower THE GUN 020 7242 9122. www.thegundocklands.com Lounge at Tower Bridge are both licensed venues for weddings and civil partnership Home to an award-winning bar and THE GLOBE THEATRE ceremonies. The Dining Room can restaurant, two private dining rooms as well accommodate up to 40 guests for the as a riverside terrace and large sundeck, Another venue in the heart of London, ceremony whilst the North Tower Lounge The Gun is a stylish civil partnership venue Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, played host to can seat up to 50 guests. which overlooks the Millennium Dome from the wedding of actor David Tennant and Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP. the north bank of the river. The venue is Georgia Moffat in December 2011. Same-sex 020 7940 3968. www.towerbridge.org.uk

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LEGAL FORCED MARRIAGE: FORGOTTEN VICTIMS Colin Rogerson and Olivia Piercy solicitors at Dawson Cornwell, examine the incidence of forced marriage in the LGBT community.

isolation than in other forced marriage cases. Coming forward to seek assistance is incredibly difficult, because not only victims’ family members, but also their wider community take a judgmental view of their sexuality. In order to stay safe and live a normal life they will have to move completely away and start a new life. The issue of forced marriage and honour-based violence is an important issue for the LGBT community and specialists in this field agree that a vast number of cases go unreported and unresolved.”

The reasons behind forced marriage are complex. Sometimes it is as blunt as an immigration advantage, but often it is simply a means of control. The pressures and obstacles can feel insurmountable and giving up one’s basic rights and freedoms seems the only option, but help is at hand. If you are, or someone you know is at risk of such abuse you should take immediate “I was so frightened and my spirit was The families have agreed, the bride advice from a specialist lawyer or an broken. I entered a marriage against seems willing and the shame and experienced organisation, such as the my wishes – what if it is a marriage disappointment of his refusal will be Albert Kennedy Trust (if you are for life?” too much to bear. Stranded in a foreign between 16 and 25): www.akt.org.uk The Forced Marriage Unit (part of country a nightmare ensues. The “force” Assistance is also available from the the Foreign and Commonwealth he is subjected to may or may not Forced Marriage Unit of the Foreign and Office / Home Office) dealt with 1,468 involve violence or threats to kill; it Commonwealth Office: www.fco.gov. cases concerning actual or possible almost always involves emotional uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/ instances of forced marriage in 2011. blackmail and the pressure to give way when-things-go-wrong/forced- Of those cases, only ten involved victims to feelings of guilt. Family honour is all. marriage/) who identified themselves as being gay, Another common scenario is that of lesbian, bisexual or transgender. In the parents who believe that their child Dawson Cornwell is a niche family law firm in reality, experts believe there are untold can be “cured” of his homosexuality. London, acting for clients across the country numbers of forgotten, marginalised and They send him to stay with relatives and abroad. The firm also provides advice silenced victims of honour-based abroad. Once there, he is subjected to to LGBT clients on prenuptial agreements, violence and forced marriage within the violence and abuse from his relatives. dissolution of civil partnerships and financial reaches of the LGBT community. Isolated in a country where settlements. It has a world-renowned children The usual scenario is something like homosexuality is quite likely to be department specialising in international child this: a vulnerable young adult has been criminalised, he has nowhere to turn. disputes including abduction, forced marriage, confronted with the prospect of His only way out is to go along with the international arrangements, adoption and marriage before and has, for the time marriage that his family has arranged preconception contracts. The firm has a Diversity being, side-stepped or deferred his for him, to avoid embarrassment within Aware Charter Mark, and in February 2012, parents’ cajoling and petitioning. Then, the wider community. Anne-Marie received an “Albert” on behalf of a family holiday is proposed – ‘your Dawson Cornwell from the Albert Kennedy Trust grandmother’s sick, your cousin’s Over the years, Anne-Marie in recognition of the firm’s work in defending getting married, wouldn’t it be lovely to Hutchinson OBE, partner at Dawson the human rights of young LGBT people on an get away?’. Upon arrival, our vulnerable Cornwell, has secured the return of international level. young victim finds to his dismay that more than 60 victims of forced For further information please contact www. his passport is taken from him and he is marriage to the UK. She says, “the dawsoncornwell.com or Anne-Marie Hutchinson introduced to a complete stranger obstacles and hurdles that LGBT OBE, Partner and Head of International Children whom he is told he is going to marry. It victims have to overcome are more Department on [email protected] or has all been arranged, at great expense. severe in terms of consequences and 020 7242 2556.

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PARENTING SETTING THE SURROGACY STANDARD The trailblazing British Surogacy Centre celebrates its fi rst birthday this month...

Out in The City Campaigners of the we coordinate home visits Year, Barrie and Tony Drewitt-Barlow with social workers.” have become infamous in the public Perhaps surprisingly, consciousness as the UK’s first ‘gay Barrie says that none of the dads’. The pioneering couple, who women the BSC use are inflamed mainstream debate, has just recruited through celebrated a one-year anniversary. advertising. “They Twelve months ago, the Drewitt– come to us out of a Barlows decided to use their experience desire to help people and proven business acumen to set up who cannot have an agency to provide surrogacy children of their own, solutions for those wishing to start a for whatever reason. family and the British Surrogacy That said, the BSC Centre was born. A year later, and with doesn’t take on a team that includes social workers, anyone. We turn down physicians and legal experts, the BSC is more than we accept. We changing the face of family life in the have very high standards.” twenty-first century. The British And anyone who thinks they can just Daily Mail if we got it wrong?” he Surrogacy Centre is the first centre of come in and pay for a baby is very much chuckles. “They would be saying ‘Look its kind in Europe. It provides a mistaken; just like the surrogates, all of at what those gay dads are doing now!’” complete service for people wanting to the intended parents are rigorously It’s little surprise that he has put use surrogacy as a way to start their checked beforehand. together a fully-serviced operation that own biological family. “We take criminal records checks, allows little room for error. “Surrogacy isn’t illegal in the UK,” psychological testing… they meet with Barrie and Tony first came to says Barrie, “but it is not regulated social workers and are thoroughly prominence when they started their properly, so what we want to do is set checked over by the doctors,” says Barrie. own family by using a surrogate mother. the standard.” He is keen to make sure that the BSC They were trailblazers, opening a door “We can find the client an egg donor is setting the standard when it comes to through which others – such as Elton if they don’t have one and we provide arranging surrogacy, and not because it John and partner David Furnish – have them with a surrogate to carry the would result in a mountain of bad press followed. Barrie is typically modest child. The women all undergo health if they got it wrong. about their influence: “I wasn’t thinking checks and psychological testing, and “Can you imagine the front of the about that when we did it; all I cared about was the fact I wanted to have a baby with Tony. I wasn’t thinking about TEN STEPS TO BECOMING A DADDY WITH THE BRITISH anyone else, just us starting our family.” SURROGACY CENTRE It’s the joy of creating his own family that has led Barrie to set up the 1. Have an introductory consultation at the BSC’s UK or US offi ces. BSC, in order to help others. 2. Sign contracts and retainer agreement: as soon as you have decided surrogacy with the BSC is “I have helped so many people who for you, the team will set about fi nding your surrogate and/or egg donor. just came to me for advice; there are 3. Testing with the clinician: the BSC team will arrange to test and freeze your sperm. hundreds of babies out there due to the 4. The BSC will create a profi le, which will include photos of yourself and your partner (if you have fact I have been able to give people the one – although BSC will also consider single applicants). These will be shown to the surrogate and benefit of our experience – and that’s the egg donor. why we decided to create a proper 5. At this stage, if you so wish, you can arrange to meet the surrogate/egg donor. service where people can get everything 6. Contracts with the surrogate and egg donor are drawn up and legal agreements set in place. they need.” 7. Physician process: your surrogate and donor are monitored over the next few weeks to maximise optimum egg retrieval/embryo transfer. If you want to contact the BSC for an informal chat 8. Pregnancy. or advice, go to the website or see the details 9. Parental Rights: our qualifi ed social work team aim to establish your Parental Rights during the below: fi rst trimester of pregnancy. This means you are the recognised parent(s) of the baby while it is in The British Surrogacy Centre (UK), Harbour House, the uterus. It also means you will be on the baby’s birth certifi cate once the child is born. 23 Chandlers Quay, Maldon, Essex CM9 4LF. Tel: 10. Birth: your baby is born… congratulations! You will be expected to look after the baby from the 01621 878650 moment it is delivered. www.thebritishsurrogacycentre.com TEXT: DANIELLE CARTER – STUDENT SOCIAL WORKER, BRITISH SURROGACY CENTRE.

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PARENTING GIVE LIFE Ms Toyin Jegede, Donor Recruitment and Campaign Officer for the London Sperm Bank, asks whether you’ve ever thought about donating sperm, and reports on the increased expenses compensation for those who wish to donate…

“If a woman donates an egg, she’s a heroine. If a man donates sperm, he’s the butt of jokes. Yet it’s a vital way for some people to have a family. The image of sperm donation does need humanising and should be viewed the same as blood donation. I’ve got a medical background so I see science as a force for good.” London Sperm Bank Donor, aged 25.

If you agree with the principles of sperm donation but are worried about any implications of donating on your future life, you can rest easy. Though the law passed in 2005 means that sperm donors are identifiable to resulting offspring once the children reach 18, you are not recognised as the legal parent, and thus have no parental or financial obligations to any resulting offspring if you donate your sperm through a licensed clinic. This means that by making the decision to help women through a licensed clinic (such as The London If you were thinking of willing to commit to up to Our donors come from all Sperm Bank) your gesture is becoming a donor but 25 regular donations. walks of life and have completely altruistic and haven’t got round to It’s definitely worth different reasons for the only life-long visiting a sperm bank, now coming in to see whether donating: commitment is the is a good time to bring you are eligible because, if “The fact is that IVF knowledge that out of your attention back to the nothing else, by the end of exists; you can’t un-invent millions who didn’t, you subject. the screening process, you it. Women in heterosexual or made the decision to make a From 1 April 2012, sperm will have found out a great lesbian relationships and difference in someone else’s donors in the UK will be deal of information that you single women need donors. I life and had the high- eligible to claim a flat fee of are likely not to have trust the Bank not to give my quality sperm to up to £35 per visit – an previously known about sperm to someone incapable successfully do so. improvement on the yourself. of bringing up a child. The previous, capped expenses Potential donors have a alternative is women using system, and one which gives semen, blood and urine companies selling live sperm The first step to becoming a a fairer reflection on the analysis (to determine their – that’s disgusting. They go donor at The London Sperm Bank out-of-pocket expenses that sexual health status), through the internet but the is simple: either call our donor could result from donating. genetic analysis and a sperm hasn’t been tested for bank on 020 7563 4305 or fill out At the London Sperm consultation with a medical disease. Donating through a an enquiry form on our website: Bank, we are interested in doctor. They will then know licensed clinic is a rigorous www.londonspermbank.com hearing from men of all if they are one of the few and safe process.” A member of staff will then invite backgrounds who are aged elite men who have super London Sperm Bank you to the clinic for an initial 18-45, fit and healthy and sperm suitable for freezing. Donor, aged 32. screening appointment.

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HOMES

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01. Lladró figurines 02. Edge Coffee Table 03. Swallow pouffé Porcelain figurines conjures If you’re looking for furniture Do you have a pouffé in your We Want up naff images of Regency that makes a statement, then house? OK… no sniggering at women and shepherdesses the Edge Coffee Table from the back please! We felt THIS MONTH’S HOT but Spanish-based porcelain Liquidesign more than fits moved to ask after resting company Ladró has teamed the bill. Designed by father our feet upon this delightful PRODUCTS FOR THE HOME up with three contemporary and son duo Cameron and piece of design by Eleanor artists – Jaime Hayton, Tim Martin Fry, it was young Young. This colourful Biskup and Devil Robots – to Cameron who designed the geometric pouffé features an produce a range of limited- table as part of his final origami-inspired patchwork editions. However, you’ll not degree project, and who cover of a swallow on a grey want any kids to be playing chose an original design from background. It’s available with them at these prices! his father – a graphic artist – from the equally interesting RRP £1,600 (large) or to add the finishing touch. . www.howkapow.com website. £450 (small) RRP £360 RRP £120 www.lladro.com www.bouf.com www.howkapow.com

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04. Beacon Lounge Chair 05.Godmorgon Washstand 06. Brooklyn Oak Coffee Table 07. Wine tea towels 08. Paulistano Chair There’s something fresh and Looking to revamp your Furniture Plaza is an online What a simple idea… why Originally designed in 1957 zesty about the design of this bathroom? Although it sadly stockist that specialises in didn’t someone think of this by Paulo Mendes da Rocha, simple chair from Cornwall- doesn’t sell baths or WCs, high-quality wood and leather before? If you’re a lover of the Paulistano chair was based furniture designer- IKEA pretty much covers all furniture that has been good food and wine, you may created for the Athletic Club makers Bark. It comes from other bathroom fi xtures and ethically sourced. Typical of appreciate this informative ‘A of São Paulo. BODIE and FOU its Spring 2012 Beacon fi ttings. Typical of its stylish its large range – which takes Guide To Pairing Wine With now offer an updated version. Collection. Crafted from solid but simple range is this in everything from hallway Food’ tea towel – available in The frame is made from a ash, and adorned with the washstand (Godmorgon) and shelving to bathroom vanity red and white wine versions. continuous 17-foot single- company’s new signature basin (Odensvik), which units – is this Brooklyn They feature over 68 popular bend steel bar, which has motif fabric, the chair is features two large drawers. reclaimed-oak coffee table. It wines, with each one rated been wrapped in a special complemented in the range Available in various sizes, it measures 100cm x 100cm, against 56 different food mesh cover. For by a desk chair, coffee table can be wall-mounted or stood and offers a sturdy focal entries – that’s 3,808 traditionalists, a leather and sofa. on legs (sold separately). point to any living room. possible combos! version is also available. RRP £1,255 RRP £205 RRP £299 RRP £10 RRP £1,420 www.barkfurniture.com www.ikea.com www.furnitureplaza.co.uk www.culturelabel.com www.bodieandfou.com

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ADVERTORIAL MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE The competition this year for the First Time Buyer Readers’ Awards was very high but two particular entries that have been short-listed in both the best small development and most eco-aware project categories really stood out – the St John’s development built by LHA-ASRA Group certainly ticks all the boxes for its cutting edge eco-friendly technology, impressive design, and its situation in beautiful leafy, tranquil and safe surroundings.

STOP PRESS!

LHA-ASRA Group has been shortlisted in the First Time Buyer Readers’ Award categories, Best Small Development and Best Eco-Aware Project. To find out more go to ftbawards.com

purchase as little as a 25% share in the costs of the vicarage and the community OFF THE BEATEN TRACK property and pay the rest in the form of centre. Not only will the vicar benefit, the subsidised rent. As time goes by, buyers can 20 homes on the site have also achieved a It’s a case of the best of both worlds when purchase more shares if they wish, so that Level 4, and they benefit from heat-saving it comes to the St John’s development in they can eventually own 100% of the technology. This will reduce carbon Wembley, which is tucked away in a lovely property and have a home for life. Buying footprints and save on energy bills, which leafy setting but is so near to London’s city more shares is known as staircasing. The is so important in today’s economic centre. The scheme includes 12 apartments full market value for a one bedroom climate. Not only will the residents take and eight houses which have been cleverly apartment is £180,000 and a two bedroom advantage of living in such eco-friendly designed to fit in well with the local apartment costs £235,000. homes they will also benefit from being architecture. Using traditional materials, surrounded by a ready-made community, including reconstituted stone and flint BRITAIN’S GREENEST VICARAGE which is most unusual considering its close cladding, the development blends in proximity to central London. Living so perfectly with the St Gilbert Scott Grade II Following the Church of England pledge near to the church means it’s the perfect listed Church and the new Community that all new vicarages built in London safe location with many different family Hall that LHA-ASRA Group have also built should be carbon neutral, LHA-ASRA groups right on the doorstep, creating the on the site. The hall will be widely used for Group pulled out all the stops when they ideal neighbourhood in which to live the local community, including a mum and built St John’s church and vicarage, to an happily and securely. Situated in the heart toddler club, information technology suite, impressive Level 6 of the government’s of Wembley, the area is set to receive heavy youth café and centre, an over 50s lunch rigorous code for sustainable homes. The investment and redevelopment over the club, plus meeting rooms for community modest vicarage offers very high next 10 years. It is definitely an up-and- groups and local businesses. The shared sustainability credentials, making it coming hotspot, with an array of amenities ownership (part buy, part rent) homes are extremely ‘green’. It includes solar panels, and an excellent choice of transport very affordable for anyone who wants to controlled water usage, rainwater facilities right on the doorstep – it’s get a foot on the property ladder. Shared harvesting, and reinvestment from the Fee certainly set to become an important place ownership gives buyers the chance to In Tariff, which will help with the running on the map.

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TRAVEL TERRIFIC TOKYO Far from being devastated by last year’s earthquake and tsunami, Martyn Dunn finds the Japanese capital to be full of life and perseverance.

In 2011, most headlines featuring the simple ‘konichiwa’ or ‘arigato’, they will It would be more accurate to describe them word ‘Tokyo’ concerned the challenges definitely be grateful for the attempt. as “overlooked”. Japanese culture places the city was facing – like the Tōhoku One thing Tokyo is not, however, is a enormous emphasis on traditional roles, so earthquake in March, one of the five shopping destination. There are certainly as long as a man fulfils his place in business most powerful in history, which led shops galore, such as the enormous 16- and family (and often even with his wife), directly to tsunamis reaching over 130 floor Tobu department store in the then what he does at night is of little feet and resulting in more than 15,000 Ikebukuro district, which includes concern. deaths. That in turn led to meltdowns at everything from Hermes and Cartier The Shinjuku Ni-chōme neighbourhood the Fukushima Nuclear Plant, explosions at outlets to five whole floors of restaurants, (literally, “Shinjuku part two”) features the oil refineries, and infrastructure and even one floor dedicated to nothing highest concentration of gay-interest breakdowns and power losses across the but cream cakes! But it is an extremely businesses in the world – reputedly more country. News stories claiming that simply expensive city, as any megalopolis this size than 200 in the space of a few blocks. walking around Tokyo was the equivalent tends to be. A simple beer can be anything Again, foreigners – or gaijin – are seen as of getting an X-ray in terms of radiation up to ¥1,000 (roughly equal to £10). ‘Happy exotic and appealing, and numerous gay exposure led many to think the city was a hours’ and market areas do exist, but bars specifically target British or American no-go zone. they’re off the beaten track. Lunchtime ex-pats and tourists. On the other hand, ) ©YASUFUMI NISHI ©JNTO ) ©YASUFUMI But walk around the Japanese capital menus are cheaper than dinner, so you will many locations are so small, serving barely today, less than a year later, and you’d be see people stocking up in the middle of the a dozen customers at once, that they tend forgiven for thinking there had never been day and just nibbling later. And never leave to develop a very specific and loyal TOP IMAGE a problem. It’s not that the 30 million+ a tip – they’d consider it almost an insult. clientele, and any stranger is viewed with citizens of this massive mega-city don’t suspicion. Advocates Café (1F, Dai-7 Tenka care – it’s just that they’re used to handling Tokyo is a gigantic place. It’s possible to Building, Shinjuku 2-18-1, Shinjuku-ku) is things like this. Japan has faced more than drive through it for a good hour without one of the most foreigner-friendly, with a its fair share of earthquakes and disasters – any sign of it ending, and there is large outdoor patio often overflowing with even counting Godzilla – and always certainly no single definable natives flirting with visitors. survived. “downtown” area. Yet getting around it is

surprisingly smooth and tourist-friendly. Contrary to the fear-mongers, now is © JNTO • GOTOKUJI TEMPLE ( CAT Japan has existed as an imperial state All the signs are in both Japanese and actually the perfect time to visit Tokyo. since 1868, but its culture can be traced English script. The Yamanote line, on the Even though the country has rebounded back almost 14,000 years. Tokyo itself Japan Rail system, covers all the major financially from its recent problems much began life as a small fishing village named central districts in a big circle, and will quicker than anyone expected, tourism Edo in the 15th century, gradually growing easily take you anywhere you want to go. there has still taken a beating, so flight into the largest city on the planet. It didn’t Tokyo is so well behaved that the police tickets and hotel rooms are at lower prices become the capital until Emperor Meiji have little else to do but give directions to now than they might otherwise be. And the relocated his Imperial Palace there from tourists, so they’ll be happy to help you city certainly provides plenty of Kyoto in 1869. In fact, Tokyo’s status as the find your way. experiences you can’t find anywhere else. capital has never been made official by law, One of the areas you’ll definitely want to but is certainly assumed so in practice. see is the Shinjuku district which, with its The Palace, which sits in the Chiyoda towering neon screens and imposingly tall LINKS district in over seven square kilometres of skyscrapers, was reputed to be the n Apply to visit the Imperial Palace: exquisite grounds, was heavily damaged in inspiration for the imagery of iconic sci-fi sankan.kunaicho.go.jp World War II, and was subsequently movie Blade Runner. And yet in the midst n Gay bar, restaurant and hotel listings: rebuilt in a modern, Japanese style. But of all that colour and chaos are the large tokyo.gaycities.com some parts of the Palace, including the and peaceful Shinjuku Gyoen Park and n Tokyo travellers and tourists guide: eight gates that surround the complex, the Tenryu-ji Temple. In April, the park is www.tokyoessentials.com have withstood everything from bombs to filled with Hanami – a centuries old n Tokyo events calendar: earthquakes, and are still standing now as traditional picnic celebrating the spring tokyoevents.infogami.com they did in the shōgun era. It is possible to cherry blossom season. In November, the tour the grounds for free, although you Tori-no-Ichi open-air food festival crams ACCOMMODATION must apply in advance and submit to a the narrow alleyways around the n Metropolitan Hotel, 1-6-1 Nishi- security check. It’s a magnificent sight Hanazono Jinja Shrine, with hundreds of Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, 171-8505, www. that’s definitely worth your time. stalls selling everything from basic noodles metropolitan.jp. Luxury hotel, rooftop to candyfloss to squid-on-a-stick. The restaurant, rooms from ¥24,000 (~ £200). Japanese culture has the image of being sights and smells are incomparable, and n Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule ultra-polite, and visitors to Tokyo will the festival is hugely popular with both Hotel, 1-2-5 Kabuki-cho Toyo Bldg 3F, find that largely to be true. Foreigners locals and tourists. Shinjuku-ku. Men-only micro-hotel: are guests in their country and are allowed closet-sized ‘rooms’, from ¥3,500 (~ £30). liberties native Japanese would never get Shinjuku is also a required destination n Olympic Inn Shibuya, 2-22-6 Ohashi, away with. But courtesy is still appreciated. for LGBT visitors. Gay life in Tokyo, like Meguro-ku, 153-0044, www.olympic-inn. A simple bow works as ‘hello’, ‘goodbye’, in all of Japan, is a curious mix by co.jp. 70s-style hotel, near trendy ‘please’ or ‘thank you’. And language-wise, Western standards. Gay relationships are Harajuku area, rooms ¥10,000 (~ £85). even if you can’t manage more than a not recognised, but neither are they illegal. SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL GARDEN • HAGOITAICHI NISHI ©JNTO MARKET ©YASUFUMI • SHINJUKU NISHI ©JNTO ©YASUFUMI EAST SIDE ©Y.SHIMIZU

58 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK Pictured: 1. Tokyo Shibuya 2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 3. Hagoitachi Market 4. Shinjuku East Side 5. Imperial Palace

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to project positive qualities into someone you do not know very well. We project what we would like to see and usually, this is based on what we feel we do not have enough of in our own lives.

I doubt that your best friend’s boyfriend is perfect. It is likely that you would like him to be perfect because you are craving the qualities you see in their developing relationship for yourself. Maybe that is why you are feeling so intensely jealous. It is not uncommon that people who experience very powerful crushes have an underlying belief that finding such a good relationship is very rare. Of course, it does not HEALTH happen every day, but if it is rare in PAGE 64 your head… it is going to be rare in your life. It could also be that you are frightened that you are going to lose your best friend. You may be envious. You do not need to see this as a negative. Maybe it is time for you to Help me Out! develop some other friendships or in fact look for a relationship for Soren Stauffer-Kruse offers words yourself. Envy is a destructive emotion when you act on it. If you are of advice and guidance… able to feel it and contain it, it can lead to personal growth, because it GREEN-EYED MONSTER Dear Daniel, helps you understand what it is that There is something very powerful you feel is lacking from it. Dear Out, about having such a strong crush on I’ve developed a ridiculous, all-consuming someone you hardly know. It can There is no perfect man. There is, crush on my best mate’s new boyfriend. intensify feelings. When you add a bit however, the perfect situation in which They’ve been dating for the past three of alcohol it can also lead to two people meet and have an months and now always hang out embarrassing situations, which do not opportunity to spend time, share together. He is my absolutely perfect lead to the outcome you want. There experiences and grow together. Work on BODY TALK man, and I fi nd that I can’t stop thinking is no point feeling guilty about what fi nding your own perfect situation. about him. I am so jealous. I even fi nd happened. There is no right answer as As for the drunken incident, it is PAGE 66 myself hoping that they might split up – to whether you bring this up with your certainly appropriate for you to which I know is wrong. I’ve managed to best friend or not. But maybe apologise if he brings it up. Without not let my best mate know about any of distance would help until you have knowing more about your friendship, it’s this, but last week I was out with them worked out what is going on for you. diffi cult for me to say whether you both and we all got very drunk. When my It could be that you feel a pure should mention it fi rst, but I would be best mate went to the toilet, I drunkenly physical lust for this man, and wary of doing so if your primary motive tried to kiss his fella, who immediately re- feelings like that can be difficult to is to ease your own feelings of guilt. buffed me. I assume he never told my manage. If you are the kind of person mate about the incident as he hasn’t said who operates strongly on this anything, but I feel really guilty for primeval level of attraction, you may GET IN TOUCH behaving so badly. Should I tell my mate need to think about how you manage Soren Stauffer-Kruse is a and apologise? His boyfriend has been a your urges and express your Chartered Counselling Psychologist bit distant towards me since then, and attraction in a way that doesn’t cause and an expert in gay relationship and I’m wondering if it wouldn’t be best if I the other person to be frightened or sexual issues. If you have a problem perhaps just stop hanging out with alarmed. There are a number of and are seeking advice, email them or keep a bit more distance psychological reasons for being [email protected] myself? attracted to someone in this way. The We regret that Soren cannot enter Daniel most important one is the tendency into personal correspondence.

WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 63 HEALTH A NEW HEALTH CHALLENGE You may think you have your HIV under control through medication, but things can go seriously awry if you pick up a second infection. Charli Scouller, of the National AIDS Trust (NAT), looks at the danger posed by the hepatitis C virus to those who are HIV positive…

Most gay men understand from their system in the first the HIV risks that have few months after infection. For affected the community the other 75%, hepatitis C since the start of the becomes a long-term chronic epidemic but, more recently, condition and without a new health challenge for treatment, about a third of this gay men has become group will develop serious apparent: co-infection of liver disease such as chronic HIV and hepatitis C. liver inflammation, liver Such co-infection has cirrhosis or liver cancer. affected injecting drug users Treatment is available which we are underestimating the role other serious viral and from the early days of the can clear the virus from the that drug use is playing in bacterial infections. There are epidemic, as sharing needles is body, but it can have serious transmitting hepatitis C worrying accounts of men a particularly efficient way for side-effects including hair loss, amongst gay men, both injecting relying on partners’ disclosure blood-borne viruses such as nausea and depression, and it drugs but also sharing snorting of hepatitis C status – which HIV and hepatitis C to be is only effective in between equipment (straws, etc). we know is a method that transmitted. But it is now clear 40% to 80% of cases. doesn’t work, because many that hep C can be passed on To have HIV and hep C is Worryingly, research has are undiagnosed and many through sexual contact, which not only worrying because it shown that a significant others are afraid to disclose is driving up infection rates means having two serious proportion of gay men co- because of stigma. among HIV-positive gay men. conditions at the same time, infected with HIV and And that is a wider issue It is striking that it only but also because they can hepatitis C who are then we must also face – the stigma seems to be HIV-positive gay complicate each other. successfully treated for hep within the gay community men – rather than the gay Treatment success rates, for C are re-infected within a around hepatitis C. One gay community at large – who are example, for hepatitis C short period. This clearly man who participated in a particularly affected by hep C, amongst those co-infected are shows that prevention needs research study spoke with 7% of HIV-positive gay much lower than for those for many co-infected gay men powerfully about it: “Hep C is men in the UK co-infected infected with hep C alone, and are not being met. not yet owned by the gay with hepatitis C. This as a result of co-infection, liver It is important for us to community like HIV, and if it proportion may not sound that disease is now emerging as a focus on some key risky isn’t owned, then it is outside high, but in absolute significant cause of death behaviours – sex involving the and more stigmatised … even numbers it is a amongst people with HIV. possibility of trauma or blood- within the gay community, and worrying statistic to-blood contact (fisting for the HIV community too, it has and needs One key issue is that it is example) carries significant created a ‘them’ and ‘us’ addressing. This is not even entirely clear how risk as does group sex, situation”. The gay community why NAT (National hepatitis C is sexually especially if you either do not needs to challenge hepatitis C AIDS Trust) has transmitted. Unprotected use condoms or fail to change stigma just as it challenges recently published a anal sex, fisting, group sex and condoms between partners. HIV stigma. new report, ‘HIV and the sharing of sex toys are all There may also be risk from Gay men living with HIV Hepatitis C Co-infection’, thought to carry hep C risk trauma caused by extended should test for hepatitis C at which looks at this issue for HIV-positive gay sessions of unprotected sex, least annually, and every six in detail. men. But we need to facilitated by drug use. months is there is an determine which of For HIV-positive gay men identifiable risk of hep C. So what exactly is these carry the most who are ‘sero-sorting’ (having Treatment is much more hepatitis C? It is a significant risks. For unprotected sex with other effective is hep C is caught blood-borne virus that example, fisting seems to positive men) we need to make early. affects the liver, for which be most frequently mentioned clear the ongoing risk of there is no vaccine and no PEP. as an associated behaviour by hepatitis C and the NAT’s report ‘HIV and Hepatitis C About 25% of people who get co-infected gay men. effectiveness of condoms in Co-infection’ can be downloaded hepatitis C naturally clear it It may also be the case that continuing to protect against from www.NAT.org.uk

64 WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK WWW.OUTMAG.CO.UK 65 FITNESS My body Colin Gentry personal trainer

WHEN DID YOU START QWORKING OUT? I was the skinny boy in school who was always picked last in P.E. and I always wanted to have a more muscular physique, GET A BODY especially when I first saw the LIKE COLIN muscle boys on the gay scene getting all the attention. I hired a personal trainer to show me the 1. Different protein ropes and give me a decent supplements can foundation of knowledge. That differ greatly in price, was definitely the right thing to but all you need to do. It got me hooked on fitness, check is how much not just on the results, but also the protein each delivers. science behind them. It really Expensive brands does help to have a basic that add numerous understanding of your physiology vitamins and amino and how muscles grow. Now it’s acids are rarely part of my life. worth the extra expense. WHAT’S YOUR TYPICAL GYM QROUTINE? 2. Don’t just train I work out five days a week, your chest and arms, focusing on a different muscle even if that’s what group each day. I also do spinning, you want to abs and yoga classes. I find concentrate on spinning is a particularly great growing. You’ll want cardio exercise as it really does your body to look in burn fat off, which is great for proportion, and even keeping my six-pack in check. squats can help train

Beyond that, I try not to have a PHOTO © ADRIAN LOURIE – WWW.ADRIANLOURIE.CO.UK/ muscles other than ‘typical’ gym routine for too long. the ones in your legs. The body likes an easy life and of the body and to stay in with massive guns, pumped-up learns to adapt so it doesn’t have proportion – good advice! chests and then a flat bum and 3. Drink lots of water. to work as hard. I like to keep tiny legs. It just looks wrong, and If your body becomes myself on my toes, and mentally DO YOU TAKE ANY the body is totally out of balance. dehydrated by even stimulated, by throwing in new QNUTRITIONAL A legs workout can be demanding, 2% when you’re exercises. SUPPLEMENTS? but the gains are worth it. Not working out, your The one thing that does stay Protein shakes are a key part of only will you get a bum like a performance can consistent in my workouts is the my diet. They give my body what peach, but exercises like squats drop by 10%. inclusion of the exercises that it needs before and after a and dead lifts shock the body and really are the basic lynchpins: workout. I’ve tried numerous cause muscle gain not just in the bench press, dead lifts and squats. types of protein shakes from quads and hamstrings but also in various brands over the years, and the chest and back, and will WHAT SORT OF WEIGHTS DO I can honestly say I’ve never seen strengthen your core. QYOU LIFT NOW? one give better results than Eat. I always ask my clients what When I first started working out, I another. I’m always on my feet they have eaten that day. If you go remember being self-conscious training myself or my clients so, to into a workout on an empty about using the lightest weights in keep my energy levels up, I use stomach, where is your energy the rack. Even now when I use USN Vooma Gel, Energiplex and going to come from? The average weights from the other end of the Vitamin B every day. I also buy egg man needs 2,500 calories a day to scale, I feel I’ve come a long way whites for a quick shot of protein, function. If you want to gain and achieved something simply and have bags of beef jerky and muscle, you need to consume through hard work and dedication. chicken pieces for times when I’m more than this amount and be in I’m aware of maintaining strength on the run. excess. in all the muscle groups. If you can barbell curl 40kg but can DO YOU HAVE ANY Q @colingentry barely squat with 10kg, something PERSONAL WORKOUT For personal training, visit www. isn’t right. I was taught by my ADVICE OR TIPS? colin-gentry.com/personal-trainer personal trainer to train all parts Train your legs. I see so many guys

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