Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 501 i GAY TIMES

First of all, thank you for purchasing Gay Times Magazine. You’ve shown your support of not only queer publishing and media, but the experiences of the wider LGBTQ community. If you’d like to continue reading Gay Times Magazine, the best value can be found in our varying subscription options. As a subscriber you’ll enjoy unparalleled access to the latest in queer culture, delivered to your door (before the shops) each and every month. You’ll also make great savings - up 42% per issue in fact! Best of all - if you purchase an annual subscription today, we’ll refund the cost of your last issue for you straight away! All you need to do is use the discount code: NOVEMBER 2019 at the checkout and you will only pay £30 for…

Just when you thought you were over that emotional final scene of Elio Perlman – played by Timothée Chalamet – intensely sobbing into the fire at the end of Call Me By Your Name, the book’s author André Aciman is back with a sequel to transport you back into their lives. Find Me jumps ahead 10, 15 and 20 years from the events of that fateful summer in 1983 to find our beloved characters Elio and Oliver in very different places in their lives. This follow-up is most likely not what fans of the first instalment are expecting, but André’s romantic and thoughtful writing style keeps those pages turning. Like its predecessor, we head back to Italy – as well as Paris and New York City – complete with references…

“I was a skinny, nerdy kid that took his hearing aids off after school in order to fit in and avoid being bullied,” explains openly gay model, Rayly Aquino. “As a kid, I remember having to take multiple routes to and from school in order to avoid getting jumped. While it certainly wasn’t easy, the hood has taught me a lot about myself and the things I could withstand. It made me strong, and as I got older, it also made me wise.” Born in the Dominican Republic and later moving to The Bronx, Rayly reveals that his life has been a series of hurdles that have found them fighting to be where he is today: Out, loud and visible. But no matter the challenge, he understood that his actions…

Following their launch, Gucci Beauty continues to add to their family of luscious lipsticks with the reveal of Rouge A Levres Lunaison, in cosmic shades 25* Goldie and 710 Fay Turquoise. Delivering a vibrant colour with one swipe, the glittery formula is coated with iridescent and sparkling pearls to create a shimmering finish. Alessandro Michele presents the collection as a celebration of self-expressive spirit with the sparkling and joyful energy of festivities. The descent into sparkle and shine continues with Anastasia Beverely Hills’ latest drop of collaborative palettes. Beauty goddesses Jackie Aina, Carli Bybel and Alyssa Edwards have headed into the labs to concoct the perfect harmony of shades that will undoubtedly be your Holy Grail for the holiday season.…

Every openly queer person has a coming out story – and every single one is different. During National Coming Out Day in October, social media was full of a diverse range of experiences, from the funny and the heart-warming to the challenging, emotional and heart-breaking. As a community, speaking about these experiences helps us unpack any trauma we suffered, as well as understand how our own journey is similar or vastly different to others. But often, the coming out experience is misunderstood. If you were to believe mainstream media – the many television shows and films with a young queer person sitting down with their closest ones telling them their biggest secret – the coming out experience is an emotional moment that hopefully results in a huge weight being lifted…

This year, Xean Peake landed their first film role in The Confirmation, a short Danish film following the life of a transgender teen, Mathias. In the film, which is under Oscar consideration for Best Live Action Short Film, Mathias struggles with his transition in a country that doesn’t allow people to legally change their gender, or have confirmation surgery until they are 18. Mathias also has to deal with the social pressures, from intrusive questions about his genitalia from peers, and a mother (Ellen Hillingsø) trying her best to support him, but in her own haphazard way. The film has a powerful message about acceptance and Xean tells us he hopes the film’s impact will be a positive one “because we are all humans and we should all treat each…

While Shura’s debut album was a collection of infectious synthpop anthems that reflected the singer’s crippling anxiety and lack of success in love, her sophomore effort - while still retaining her signature dream-pop sound - is the star at her most confident. Nothing’s Real was her interpretation of a John Waters-esque comedy-drama and Forevher is her version of iconic lesbian romance Blue is the Warmest Colour, basically. “When you do struggle with anxiety and write a record, you almost write a script for yourself,” she tells us. “You’re in this play, this film, this awkward kid no one speaks to in the corner. That doesn’t have to be true. The fact that I don’t like flying or that I overthink things doesn’t have to define my entire existence.” The maturity…

This October, actor Mars Rucker confirmed they’re making history as the first Black transenby/non-binary person to have a named role on Broadway. “I am so thankful that I can be a representation for the Black trans/transenby/non-binary community here on this platform and allow them to see that they can live their dreams as well,” Mars wrote on their Instagram page in late August. The post has since been commented on and reposted hundreds of times marking a moment in history. Explaining they didn’t open up about their transition until just before beginning rehearsals, the team behind the show – led by icon Tina Turner herself – have welcomed the progression shown by Mars in living their most authentic life, understanding that acceptance isn’t just about learning pronouns. “They had to…

Remember when pop music used to be fun? There was a time when balls-to-the-wall bangers and boundary-pushing statements reigned supreme, when big-budget music videos were defining moments in pop culture and tuning into the Video Music Awards each year meant you were guaranteed iconic performances and red carpet looks you’d be talking about for years to come. Queer people, especially, have historically been drawn in by more escapist forms of pop, which is why you’ll often find gay men longing for the days of Bad Romance, Rude Boy and California Gurls – and still dressing up as their favourite noughties singers for Halloween. Fortunately, there’s an artist on a mission to make unashamed pop music great again: Dorian Electra. The gender-fluid American singer-songwriter recently dropped their long-awaited debut album Flamboyant,…

In January 2020, Transparent actor Alexandra Billings will make history as the first openly trans actor to star in Wicked. She will play Madame Morrible, a leading role in the Stephen Schwartz’s musical that transports audiences to the world of Oz and asks them to rediscover the story of The Wizard of Oz. Speaking to GAY TIMES as the news of her historic casting is announced, Alexandra revealed that this tale has been part of her life since she was a kid – making it quite the full circle moment. “I saw The Wizard of Oz and my life did change because it’s about the everyman’s journey,” she explains. “It’s about owning your own power and chosen family. It’s about traversing the dark into the light and knowing there are…

Drag queen Courtney Act is behind us climbing into a leather suit with matching elbow-length gloves while a photographer shouts directions at them for backstage photos. Queer Eye’s grooming expert Jonathan Van Ness just called so we ended up sending him a selfie after hanging up. For us, it’s a manic 45 minutes backstage at a fashion show, but for model Tess Holliday it’s a pretty normal day at the office. With an entourage of 10 people helping them get ready for their apperance at London Queer Fashion Show 2019, this gig means more than walking another runway. It’s personal. “I talked about being queer in September of last year and nobody really cared or noticed,” explains Tess. “It’s the first time celebrating it all which is why I don’t…

In just a few years, Torraine Futurum has walked for the likes of Vaquera and Gogo Graham at New York Fashion Week, graced the pages of Vogue Russia and Candy Magazine, and fulfilled a queer fantasy by appearing in a Carly Rae Jepsen music video (it was Boy Problems, FYI). She’s even released her own debut album. But she’s not content yet. “I envision more success actually,” she states with confidence. “I feel very blessed for the fact that I’ve been in four beauty campaigns, seven fashion campaigns, a bunch of magazines – including two covers – and my music is starting to take off. I feel good. But I know I have a lot more to do in this life so I gotta get this work done.” As she…

This year is significant for Tegan and Sara for three important reasons: it marks their 20th year in the industry – a remarkable feat for any act – and it sees the release of their long-awaited ninth studio album, Hey I’m Just Like You, and joint memoir. “We realised how significant our story was and how little we hear women’s stories, especially queer women’s stories, and creative women’s stories,” says Tegan. “We’re constantly celebrating men’s creative genius but we rarely do that for women.” Titled High School, the memoir chronicles the Canadian pop duo’s journey towards self-acceptance and bout with drugs and alcohol during their adolescent years; a significant period in their lives because it’s “where we had our first deep love, where we learned how to be artists, where…

Northumberland. Tucked away in the playful Kielder Water and Forest Park, right before the winter cold sets in. The tranquillity of Northumberland’s woods is only momentarily animated by the activity-filled resorts, luring families with the promise of archery or mini golf, to name a few. Traditional luxury will mark your Northern English holiday, as you achieve ultimate serenity fuelled by waterside hot tubs and indoor pools in a week-long opportunity to spoil the entire household. This late year adventure promises smoked marshmallows and bonfire vibes, set against the backdrop of a woodland lodge. Willow Platinum BBQ gives visitors the opportunity to gather round the fire pit for some quality family time, with the waterside just a stone’s throw away. Regardless of age, the unusual cabin amps us the cosiness and…

From enrolling at Central Saint Martins and discovering their queer voice through the art of fashion and personal style, Ms Carrie Stacks has become a formidable creative force – now rightfully synonymous with the London fashion and nightlife scene. She’s also one of the co-founders of East London’s notorious party PDA, a space for the queer/non-binary PoC community to come together as one and showcase their true creativity and freedom. A place that champions the importance of the individual – something Carrie applies to her fashion, however challenging at times. “I’ve never really been into labels. Now I’m starting to see it for what it really is, the industry is a business, and the business side of it is not about creativity, the business side isn’t life, it’s not love,…

Here at the GAY TIMES beauty desk, we love a romantic narrative, and that’s exactly what Tiffany & Co is serving up with their next chapter in perfumery, Tiffany & Love. Honouring the brands legacy of celebrating togetherness, commitment, and the power of love in all its forms, the complementary duo scents provide a sensual and balanced finish once worn. For Him, bursts open with a citrusy aromatic fragrance with a wood-infused base, while For Her boasts a modern woody floral scent. Whether worn separately or layered beautifully together, the scents will surely leave a lasting impression on anybody lucky enough to cross your path.…