Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2022 i GAY TIMES

Is it just me or has summer absolutely flown by? It was always going to be a busy few months with the return of real-life Pride events across the world seeing our community come together once again for parades, protests and parties. But it also feels in general the world is moving at a faster pace. So much has happened; from a Tory leadership contest being ignited in the UK, to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the US, politics has continued to use marginalised communities as a tool to invigorate a far-right voter base. But we’ve seen some incredible LGBTQ+ moments across the spectrum too. The UK celebrated 50 years of Pride. There were glorious Trans+ Pride marches in both Brighton and London, with thousands lining the streets…

When Travis Alabanza speaks, it is with the calm composure of somebody who is done seeking approval. Despite the crackling connection of the Zoom call we are using, their voice is confident as they discuss their motivations behind their latest book, None of the Above: Reflections on Life Beyond the Binary. Since stepping into the limelight in 2018 after their debut show Burgerz ignited audiences internationally, Travis Alabanza has never shied away from creating art about their experiences in the world as a Black, mixed, non-binary person. Yet Alabanza’s work often flips the well thumbed script that casts oppressed people as lead in the tale of their mistreatment, boldly interrogating the faults of a society that allows such mistreatment to occur. None of the Above does just this; constructed around…

Estrid Razors From £7.95, www.estrid.com/uk This collection was Daniel Fletcher’s return to the catwalk after two years. The brand continued to flourish and grow during lockdown through virtual presentations and lookbooks, but it’s always gorgeous to see a queer brand storm fashion week. Both the collection and the decision to return to the runway were made in memoriam of Fletcher’s late father, Pete. The pieces within the collection were inspired by his father and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, an ode to Fletcher’s first concert in 2001, chaperoned by his father. The stunning reimagined basics are so chic yet wearable, with a 70s rock and roll twist that puts this collection miles ahead of others. The classic Fletcher touches such as the cool toned colour palettes of blues, greys and…

“I’ve been to LGBTQ+ events and I’ve been discriminated against. I’ve been ignored and dismissed simply because I’m Black and they’re white,” says Koi Buckley, a 20 year old content creator from Birmingham. This is exactly why UK Black Pride exists, to give queer people of colour a place to express themselves free of racism and after a two year break from in-person celebrations, UK Black Pride is back. On 14 August, Europe’s biggest Pride celebration for queer people of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American and Caribbean heritage returns, in the new location of Queen Elizabeth Park, Stratford. The tireless work of LGBTQ+ rights activists over the past 50 years has meant that Pride celebrations have broken into the mainstream and many towns and cities across the UK now…

Tom Daley may have taken a year-long break from diving, but that doesn’t mean he’s slowed down. If anything, the Olympic gold medallist is busier than ever. “Sorry I’m late,” he says as he joins our Zoom call, fixing his hair and catching his breath. He’s just been out for a walk with his husband Lance to get his laptop fixed. “Long story short, Robbie knocked over a margarita on it,” he explains, clearly still enjoying the joys of fatherhood despite flying cocktails causing tech carnage. When we speak it’s been four days since Tom ran into the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games 2022 Opening Ceremony, contributing to the final steps of the Queen’s Baton Relay. Behind him were four flag bearers making history. In their hands…